King of Denmark assailed to do it but what strength so ever he used it was impossible for him the like did Gandalin and Enil but they sped no better then the King whereat Esplandian began to laugh and taking it by the two ends lifted it up so easily as if it had béen a piece of dry wood yet was it a piece of Christal of thrée fingers thick and about ten or twelve foot long under it they found an azure stone the fairest and most orient colour that ever was séen that covered a Ceder chest which smelt as swéet as any Balm the Chest being shut with a lock of Emerald-stone having a key of Diamonds that hung by it at a Chain of fine Gold all most artificially composed the stone taken up and the Chest opened they found the Image of Jupiter lying therein all of massy Gold garnished with many Pearls Rubies and other inestimable rich Iewels especially a Crown that he ware on his head about the which were placed certain Carbuncles in form of Gréek Letters with these words Jupiter is great God of all Gods and in his right hand he bare a Table containing this prophesie When time shall come that my art and knowledge shall faile the heart of the hand inclosed herein and life restored by them that were the cause of death the Grecian sheep long time nourished in pleasant pastures shall be constrained to feed on a herb bitterer then Gaul by meanes of the extremity the hungry Sea-Wolves shall put them unto whose number shall be so great that they shall cover the Sea in divers places in such wise that the poor sheep inclosed in their great Forrest and divers of their lambs being dead and torn in pieces their shepheard having in a manner lost all hope of restoring them again with anguish of heart and mind in abundance of tears shall lament their great misfortune Then shall come the brave Lions whelp by whose means the great troop of wolves shall be driven away and destroyed Nevertheless he shall take from the shepheard his great power and the best beloved of his sheep whereupon he shall seize in such sort that his strong teeth and sharp clawes shall enter into her heart and the entrailes of her body the rest of the flock resting in the power and government of him and his fierce company whereby not long after it shall come to pass that the great deceitful Serpent the Inchanted Sword and this high Rock shall sink into the bottom of the Sea and shall never after be seen again of any man But although Esplandian understood the Gréek tongue yet could he not give any interpretation or exposition to this prophesie no more could any of his company wherefore they determined not to stay long about the same but were more busied to behold the stones and great riches they saw within the tomb which they determined to take with them and return unto their ships without staying any longer for their victuals began to fail wherefore Esplandian willed Carmelle to take the Lion he and the king of Denmark took the plate of Christal Gandalin and Enil the azure stone and the Squires the Ceder Chest with the Image of Jupiter And in that sort they issued out of the pallace descending down the rock till about evening they came unto the hermitage where they stayed all night the next day they went on till they found their ship wherein about Sunsetting they imbarqued themselves and because Esplandian would not be séen in Constantinople without the great Serpent he commanded the master of the Ship to direct his course to the castle called the defended mountain whith he did But having sailed about two days and more as the King of Denmark sat talking with Esplandian about the Letter that was sent unto him he asked him if he thought not good that he should make a voyage unto the Princess Leonorine to understand the truth of her affection towards him For said he it may be Gastilles hath mistaken her words or the Emperor himself hath commanded him to write unto you in such sort that thereby you should make the more haste to go thither at the least I should know of her what her pleasure is and how you shall govern your self in respect of her Ha my good friend said Esplandian you have toucht me now even at the quick if you would do me so much favor you shall bind me for ever unto you mean time I will stay for you in the gulf where I found you with Frandalo when we raised the siege of the castle the defended mountain Assure your self said the King I will do my good will There was belonging to their ship a little Pinnace which the master took with him besides the boat to save himself and his people if any tempest should happen wherein the King with certain marriners to guide him entred and taking their leave of Esplandian sailed forwards with so good a winde that in short space they lost the fight of the great ship But the next night following there happened such a tempest that at the break of day their Pilot knew not where he was and without knowledge of the place he was constrained to abandon the Pinnace unto the mercy of the waves which continued for the space of forty days together in which time they indured so many fortunes that it would be over-tedious to recount them and we should likewise digress from the matter whereunto we are entered to bring our History unto an end Let it therefore suffice you to know that their victuals being spent they chanced to arrive in the Island of the Giant Drapheon where the King of Denmark and his squire lost their wits and became mad by force of a water that they drunk out of a fountain called the fountain of Forgetfulness that sprang in that Isle where they were taken and kept in a cruel prison from whence in short time after they were delivered by the meanes of a Gentlewoman that fell in love with the King and caused him to recover his health armes horse and a ship with all things necessary for himself and his Squire and having done she with them put to Sea and coasting the country of Trevisane they came unto an Island where the people of the countrey would have burnt a Gentlewoman because she could not finde a Knight for to maintain her quarrel but the King fought for her and overcame him that accused her and taking the Gentlewoman with him put to Sea again and sailing six days together along the coast he perceived a maid out of a tower wherein the Lord of that countrey kept her prisoner for the cause which she declared to the King out of a window that looked into the Sea for whose sake the king took land to fight with the Lord till he delivered the poor Gentlewoman out of prison such were the adventures of the King of Denmark which are rehearsed at large in the great Chronicles that master
Son it is now twenty years past sithence I left the pleasures of this world and forsook my native soyl to obtain the grace of God and that which most abasheth me is that since the time whereof I speak I never found man that as yet saluted me in this manner and I think verily you are a stranger in these countries or else your spéech and apparel disguiseth you much Father said the Knight true it is I am a stranger brought hither by such means that I neither know the country where I am nor any man or woman inhabiting therein for you are the first creature that I met since I arrived here of whom I might enquire assuring you that when I perceived this cross it rejoyced my heart for it is the arms of the Master that I serve What sayed the Hermit do you then know the vertue thereof I answered the Knight that I do being well assured that upon the like cross our Redéemer whereof I speak suffered death and passion Alas said the holy man you say true praised be his holy name that once before I die hath given me the grace to let me see a man of this side the Sea that beliveth in him assuring you sir Knight that you and I are onely the two creatures in this country that are christians for all the rest are Pagans and Idolaters And as he would have proceeded further his speech failed him doubting that he to whom he spake was but a fantasie or shadow of a man but at the last he waxt bolder in manner of conjuration asked him if he were a mortal man or not Mortal answered the Knight that I am for certain and withal a sinner which displeaseth me much and if it abasheth you at this present to sée me here I am my self no less abashed to see you for without doubt the manner of my arrival in this country hath been such and so strange that I can render you no reason thereof but if you know the country wherein we are I beseech you good Father tell it me to put me out of doubt Gladly said the Hermit and with that he took him by the hand and led him to his Hermitage and there sitting down together upon a log of wood the old man began to speak in this manner and said Now sir Knight tell me I pray you what country man you are Father said he Great Britain is the country where in my youth I was born bred I know not if ever you were acquainted therewith How long is it said the Hermit since you came from thence It is fiftéen days and more since I was there said the Knight Did you never know King Lisuart said the Hermit that in my time raigned therein Yes truly said the Knight for I have seen him many times how did he when you came from thence said the Hermit That can I not certainly shew said the Knight for he was lost and led away from thence but by whom or in what manner no man can tell notwithstanding the great pain and diligence divers of his Knights have used to finde him out When the Hermit heard that he seemed very pensive which the Knight perceiving thought in his mind that he could tell him some news whereupon he began to behold him well in the face to see if he changed colour with that the Hermit that well perceived the Knights meaning said unto him Truly Sir Knight not without cause have I enquired so much touching King Lisuart but before I will shew you my reason why you shall understand that I am of great Britain as well as you where as yet the greatest part of my kindred are living whom I forsook at the same time that a Giant Lord of this country married with a Lady who as then I served and with her passed the Sea not onely hoping to reap some reward of my former service but as yong men are moved with a great desire to sée strange countries but it fortuned that my Mistriss being forsaken of God as soon as she arrived in this country left his holy law to receive the law of her husband wherefore considering with my self that by reason as well of my natural weakness as by often frequenting the company of these country men I might fall into some error I determined to withdraw my self into this place wherein I have endured much pain misery to the great danger of my life by reason of the controversie betwéen the law of Iesus Christ which I hold and the law of the Pagans that séek daily to destroy it that without the favor of my mistriss that would not suffer them to displease me I had not lived so long as I have done among them but when it pleaseth God I wil depart hence and return again into mine own country now you have heard how I have hitherto lived I pray you sir Knight said he shew me your adventures and who hath brought you into this place from whence very hardly you will ever be able to return again but rather are in danger of most cruel death or to indure the most horrible imprisonment that ever was heard of which would grief me much not onely for the great beauty and young years that I perceive to be in you but for that you are my native countryman Father answered the Knight you have done me great pleasure to shew me the manner of your life and bringing up nevertheless before I satisfie your request tell me if it pleaseth you wherefore when you spake of King Lisuart you seemed so sad which made me conjecture that you know something touching him Son said the Hermit you shall understand that a daughter of mine servant to the Lady whereof I spake not long since came hither to sée me and told me that her mistriss returning from great Britain whither she went to deliver a brother of hers out of prison brought with her very secretly a Knight of great estimation as she said nevertheless I cannot assure you who it is but as I have learned since they say the two Giants sons were much pleased therewith which maketh me doubt considering the news you have shewed me touching King Luisart that he is most likely to be the man for she is so well séen in the art of Nigromancy and Magick that oftentimes she procureth mischief unto those that never offended her And in what country are we now said the Knight You are between the Marches of Turky and Greece said the Hermit for this mountain parteth both the countries but it is so strong not onely by nature but by art that neither of the two Princes of those countries what force soever they brought hither could never win it And now a Giant son unto my Lady and mistriss and one of the most strongest and puissant Knights in the East parts as many of his neighbors whose goods he hath by force usurped and that in despight of the Emperor or any other contradicting the same
thee therefore I am content to do thy will but we have no light to see Care you not for that said he for I will provide you light and with that he pulled of the taffata that covered the scabberd of his Sword whereby there was so great a brightness in the place as if the Sun had shone therein Then they descended into a Cave where the Knight perceived King Lisuart lie upon a couch of straw with a great collar of Iron about his neck and fetters on his legs whereby he indured no little pain whereat he was so grieved that for sorrow the tears ran down his eyes yet would he not disclose himself unto him neither once utter what he thought but without making himself known said unto him Noble King you have been overlong within this filthy place rise up I pray you and follow me When the King heard him speak in that manner he made no other account but to end his days at that time wherewith he could not refrain to weep and speaking unto the old Lady asked her if she knew him For said he since I entred into this place I never saw any Knight nor any one that spake unto me but that little sustenance I had was let down at a hole from the top of this dungeon Then she answered him and in great despite said Thou accursed King if I had not known thee I would never have taken pains to fetch thee so far from hence as I have done cursed be the time when first I took it upon me for thou onely art the cause of my great sorrow and the sole instrument of my bereaved joys In faith Lady said the King I know not what you mean am very sorry for your heaviness for I never sought but to do honor and pleasure unto all Ladies and Gentlewomen that desired the same and for them have I oftentimes enterprised many dangerous adventures to the great peril and hazard of my life and if it hath happened otherwise unto you it is altogether unknown to me and wholly against my will wherefore I beseech you be not offended with me but tell me where I am and in whose power I now remain a prisoner in so great misery for by my soul I know it not neither can I so much as conceive which way I came into this place onely I remember that to second a Gentlewoman that a villain would have forced I entered into a tent but what happened unto me after that I know not but that now I finde my self lying on straw like a thief with Irons on my legs King said she the short time of thy continuance in this darkness hath not satisfied as I well hoped it would the great mischief I do wish thée and that for good cause séeing that by thée onely I have indured so much sorrow that if the heart and bowels were taken out of my body they would be found as burning hot as flaming fire and especially for the new displeasure I have now conceived to sée thée so soon delivered out of my hands being in good hope by thy long imprisonment to satisfie my losses past but yet I am deceived for that fortune hath now made me pay the usury of my forepassed joys having given thée into my hands from wheâ—ce by the exquisite force of this devil incarnate thou arâ— now delivered who having put to death the Guardians of this Castle and slain mine own Son hath constrained me to bring him unto thée which I never thought he could have done much less that ever I should have yielded unto his request knowing the wrath of a woman not to have any bridle or means of mittigation until her desired revenge hath wrought the effect and so had it happened unto thée without the force of this my enemy but in despight both of him and thée with mine own hands I will slay my self if my accursed fortune bereave me not the sooner of my wretched days Cursed be both thou and thy King thou now hast found said she unto the Knight Now take him and do thy pleasure with him I pray you then Lady said he unlose his Irons and help me to lead him up with that she took the keys out of her pocket and opened the locks of his chains whereby the King rose up upon his féet and embracing the Knight said unto him What great good or pleasure sir Knight did I ever do you whereby you should purchase this liberty unto me By my soul I swear that besides the honor you have obtained in this place you have so much bound me unto you that during my life I shall never forget your courtesie wherefore if you love me let me know your name Noble King said the Knight whosoever I am I account my self happy if in any sort I may be able to do you service as for the rest pardon me if it pleaseth you and let us go out of this Cave thanking God that oftentimes sendeth scourges unto those he loveth as in his heavenly wisdom he thinketh convenient thereby to kéep them in obedience unto him The King perceiving well by the Knights words that he desired not to be known and for the same cause kept his Helmit on his head therefore he determined not to move him any more but with that they went all thrée out of the Cave and came into a goodly hall when the Sun began to go down CHAP. V. How that after King Luisart was delivered out of prison Matroco Frerions elder brother with his Ships arrived at the foot of the Rock called The Defended Rock and of the Battel between the said Matroco and the black Knight KIng Luisart the black Knight and the Lady being entred into the hall as they looked out at the windows into the Sea there entred a Gentlewoman and doing reverence unto the Lady she said Madam your Son Matroco with his Ships is even now arrived at the foot of the Kock and with him great numbers of other vessels that he hath taken upon the Seas What is your pleasure to say unto him When the Lady heard her she waxed pale and with tears in her eyes answered her and said I would to God he were as far from hence as he is néer for my heart giveth me he will spéed in the like manner that others have done before him And as she spake King Luisart and the Knight looked into the sea and perceiving the Giants Fléet surging on the shoar out of wind and weather among the which they knew Elizabeth Libee his nephew and divers others that were bound in Chains making great sorrow but none of Mattocos men durst set foot on land having already béen advertised by some of the Castle of the great misfortune happened therein and for the same cause stayed so long without till the Giant espyed at the windows the Knight and the King looking upon them wherewith in a great rage he cryed unto the black Knight whom he perceived all armed and said
her which was either to return again to do her service or to send one of his linage thither in his place Nevertheless considering with my self his great valor and prowess and the great beauty that is reported to be in her which my small desert in reward of him that gave me the commandment I am afraid to undertake the same Notwithstanding it hath pleased her by master Elizabeth to put me in minde thereof although while breath is in my body I will never fail to be her Knight And to the end she may give credit to your message you shall present this ring unto her which she knoweth well as being the same she gave unto my father to put him in remembrance of his promise My Lord said she I will fulfil your commandment but if you go so far from hence where shall I finde you when I come back again In this place said Esplandian whither I will return as soon as I have â—rought the King into great Brittain Then calling Libee he â—ommanded him that presently after he had set sayl he should cause a ship to be prepared for Carmelle to go on message where he should send her that done he went to finde the king and master Elizabeth that stayed for him in the Serpent the which presently upon his entring therein of her self began to set forwards with such spéed that in short space they left the coast of Turky and the twentieth day after they discovered the Ferm Isle where she stayed which those of the country perceiving advertised Amadis and the rest of the company who in great haste ran unto the Haven but they were no sooner come thither when they espyed the King Esplandian master Elizabeth and Sergil landing out of a little boat Wherewith being all abashed but much more pleased stepped forwards to receive them after many imbracings and salutations on either part Amadis presented the Giant Balan to the King whom as yet he had never séen and therewith set forward towards the pallace of Apolidon whereâ—f Oriane and the rest of the Ladies having intelligence the great sorrow that so long time they had used for his absence was converted into joy which much more increased when the king in presence of them all rehearsed the manner how Esplandian delivered him out of Arcabonnes hands and the great prowess he shewed against Matroco Frerion and Arcalaus their uncle Oriane knew well the great desire and much grief the Quéen had because she heard no news of the King wherefore the same day she sent her Danish Gentlewoman to advertise her of his arrival who made such haste that within six days after she arrived at London at such time the Quéen sat down to dinner CHAP. XIIII How King Luisart departed from the Ferm Isle accompanied of divers Knights Ladies and Gentlewomen and being neer London in a forest they met four Knights that sent to ask four courses with their launces against Esplandian THrée days King Luisart continued in the Ferm Isle and the fourth day he determinded to go sée the Quéen and to the same end with all that company of Knights Ladies Gentlewomen he set forwards towards London and travelled so fast that they were within a days journey of the City And as they entred into a forrest where they used commonly to chase the Hart they saw in the high way four knights well mounted armed at all points each his Squire by his side bearing their shield and launces for they had their helmets on their heads And with that they perceived a Gentlewoman coming towards them riding on a palfrey and being néer them speaking to Esplandian she said Sir knight with the white arms those four knights you sée in the high way before you send you word by me that they would gladly know the cause why you bear the device of crowns wherein if you satisfie their desire in such sort that their honors be not stained they will from henceforth refrain to inquire the same any more otherwise they give you by me to understand it were best for you to leave them or else that you defend them well as being the most honorable devise that is in all the world When Esplandian heard her speak in that manner in courteous sort he answered her and said Gentlewoman to satisfie their request I pray you tell them that the devise and the arms I bear was given me by Urganda but for what cause I know not nevertheless I bear them for the love of her as also that they like me wel and if this content them not tell them me thinketh the occasion of combate betwéen me and them is so small that for this time I would desire them to forbear the same In good faith said she smiling you speak with reason for they are Knights that séem to have much néed of your councel but notwithstanding good sir I pray you be not unprovided for your excuses will not be received Gentlewoman said Esplandian if they assayl me it shall be against my will Truly said she as far as I perceive the great beauty that is in you together with the rich arms and goodly horse you ride upon are worse bestowed then ever was any when you are not ashamed to make an answer so little to your credit Nevertheless either you must forsake the way to London and this good company or defend â—he brave devise you bear as they have sent you word The way said Esplandian is common to all men and out of it for them I will not gâ— wherefâ—re if they assayl me I must of force defend my self And because the Gentlewoman was not known among them they all mused who she might be as also who the four Knights were that sent her to whom she returned again Mean time Esplandian laceâ— on his Helmet taking his Launce in his hand ready to fight if occasion served Wherewith Amadis and the rest of the company were excéeding glad doubting lest the King had spoken in favor of him when he thewed what he had done but they had not ridden long but one of the four Knights came riding softly towards them and about a careers length from them calling to Esplandian and said You sir Knight that would not satisfie our desires defend your self from me Wherewith he set spurs to his horse and Esplandian likewise who at the first encounter cast him so strongly out of his saddle that in long time after he could not rise again therewith his launce brake with that the second Knight came forwards willing Esplandian to take another launce for he meant to revenge his companion Which Amadis hearing sent him his launce that he willingly received and being in a rage to sée himself assayled without cause he ran against the knight brake him so surely on the breast that he overthrew him both horse and man Well said the king to the standers by judge you if it be possible to do better My Lord said Agraies I never saw two
the principal place of all the City where the people might repair And as he and the Quéen both apparrelled in their royal Robes each set in a chair of Estate Amadis sitting somewhat lower on his right hand Oriane on the left were come thither a Herauld crying thrice that all the people should kéep silence the King with a stately countenance and Princely magnanimity turning to the people said unto them My good friends and loyal subjects before I begin to shew you the cause why I have made you to repair unto this place I will put you in mind of part of the dangers and great hazards wherein I have often fallen since the death of my brother of famous memory king Falangris when it pleased God to call me unto the government of this land and as I think there are yet many of you living that can wel remember the danger wherein both I and my country thought to fall when by the means and subtilty of Arcalaus the inchanter I was delivered into their hands that long time before had conspired my death from whence my son Amadis delivered me Yet not long after by evil counsel I made war against him which ended as all men know fortune envious of my felicity afterward prepared me such a banket that without his help I had been prisoner with king Aravigâ—e and utterly overthrown And that which hath yet more astonished me was that when I thought my self sure and cut of danger of all mishaps a worse than all the former suddenly chanced unto me the which considering the place wherein I was I thought verily to have bin the end and consummation of my days Nevertheless the Lord God regarding me in pity sent my yong son Esplandian to my sorrowful prison from whence he hath delivered me as no doubt you have heard Now my good subjects you all sée me to be very old and white haired having already attained to the thréescore and tenth year of my age which maketh me think it time now to forget all worldly pleasures and to serve God to whom I am so much bound And for this cause I have determined from henceforth to forsake all royal dignity and leave you my son Amadis for your King to whom at this time I yield both my Crown Scepter and all the right I have unto the Government of this Land praying you all as much as possibly I may that hereafter you will be faithful and true subjects unto him as you have always bin to me And although he be but my son in law if I knew him unworthy of the place believe me my good friends I would sooner chuse a néer stranger for my sâ—ccessor than I would do him but there is not one among you but knoweth well his great deserts and of what Race he commeth that at this day may well be called one of the most noble and happiest Linages in all the world as being descended from the valiant Trojans whereof the memory shall endure for ever He is a Kings son heir unto the Crown of France and now your Prince and Governor and so I leave him unto you with my Daughter your Queen and lawful Princess holding to my self onely the Castle of Mirefleur where with Gods help the Quéen and I will end our days religiously serving God as we are bound to do Then calling Amadis giving him his Royal Mantle he willed him presently to put it on the like did the Queen to Oriane Mean time the silence was so great that nothing could be heard among the people but cries and lamentations moved with pity and compassion to sée the determination of their Prince who being apparrelled in a simple robe of black cloth took his son and the Queen his daughter set them in their Regal Seats and in presence of all the people set each of them a crown of Gold upon their heads causing them to be proclaimed by the Heralds King and Quéen of great Britain That done every man departed some wéeping and others glad for the advancement they hoped from the new king who from thenceforth began so wisely to govern his country that never was any prince better beloved nor obeyed of his subjects King Luisart within short time after accompanied of the Quéen and Grumedan went unto Mirefleur as he had determined to do where they lived so austerely helping and being present at every hour when service was to be said as readily as the poorest of the old men that remained there for the administration and service to the religious women in the Monaster of the devâ—ut Abbesse Adalasta But when king Amadis perceived his means to recompence those of whom in his yong years he had received great pleasure and service he began to exalt Arban de Norgalles giving him one of the fairest Islands in his country to Gandales the lands of the Duke of Bristow to Gandalin as then absent he gave the lands of Arcalaus the inchanter he made Angriotte d'estrauaulx great master of his horse Guilan de Pensife high-steward of his house Ardan le nain his chief carver and married the Gentlewâ—man of Denmark very richly Not long after the Quéen was brought to bed of a goodly Son and a fair Daughter both at one birth the Son named Perion and the Daughter Brisenne At whose nativity great joy was made throughout all the country especially at London where the same day one of Norandels Squires arrived that told king Amadis how Esplandian and his master met together in Almaigne where the day before he had slain two Giants and deliver â—o Gandalin with divers other Knights Squires Ladies and Gentlewomen out of prison Knowest thou said the King what way they took afterward My lord said the Squire they made account to go unto the castle called the defended Mountain to help them that are therein being in great necessity which the King understanding sent presently for all the Pilots that might be found and in all haste caused to rig and arm the greatest ship he had to sayl into the East to his son who in the mean time moved thereunto by Frandalo departed from the castle of Matroco with the Emperors army to invade the Turks country as in the next chapter you shall hear CHAP. XXIX How the Town of Alfarin in Turky being assaulted was taken by Esplandian and the rest of his company NOt long after the Siege of the defended Mountain was raised and Gastilles arrived at the Castle as you heard before Frandalo had advise by Belleris his Nephew that returned out of Turky where he had béen to sée what news in the Countrey that Alfâ—rax Son to King Armato and Governour of the great City of Tesifant understanding the imprisonment of his Father with the overthrow of the Turkish Army was departed from the town of Alfarin where he had left the beautiful Princess Heliaxa his wife daughter to Amphirion King of Medea to go with all dilligence to set order in his own government and raise more men
Isle of Calafre that by force would have taken two Gentlewomen from him And although Garlante be estéemed a hardy and valiant knight yet did the king bring him in such case that unless he had craved mercy the king would have stricken off his head which he spared upon condition that during his life he should never after injure any knight which Garlante sware and vowed in my presence for that by chance arriving there during their combate I heard what passed betwéen them And because I perceived the King to be in danger of his person by reason of the great number of wounds he had upon his body I would not leave him but caused him to enter into my ship and layed him in the best bed where now he is almoâ—â— healed Ha said Esplandian what good news are these of my faith I thought verily he had bin dead wherefore madam I pray you for Gods cause let me crave the means to sée him with that Urganda led him where he lay but when they saw each other Esplandian could not refrain wéeping with the great pleasure he took to sée the King Nevertheless for the time they had no great spéech together neither would Urganda permit them to do it doubting lest the King being yet out weak and feable might thereby be hindered of his health Wherefore she caused Espâ—andian to go forth and entring with her into the boaâ— they rowed to the shoar from whence they led Urganda 〈◊〉 best lodging in the town with as much honor as they câ—uld have done to the Quéens Brisenne or Oriane if any of them had bin there in presence The next day Esplandian pitying the great number of women and little children that had bin kept within the town from the time that it was taken said to his companions that it would be better to give them leave to depart from thence then to hold them still for that the longer they continued in the town the more charge they put them to and to kéep them prisoners said he or in longer servitude God may possible be offended with us Wherefore if you will believe me using rather mercy then rigour towards them I am of opinion that we send them al to Tesifant to the Princess Heliaxe who wil thank us for it and so shall we be rid of so much charge To this all the knights agréed Carmelle was appointed to execute the message and he that had séen the great number of people that were about her especially women weeping most bitterly to behold themselves banished driven from their own houses surely he could not chuse unless he were hard-hearted but have pittied their estate But let them go let us hear what danger fell unto Urganda that next day after who being welcome to the knights took great pleasure to hear them shew of the adventures they had found in the Turkish country since the taking of Alfarin And each man after the other discoursing what they knew Esplandian remembred the old woman they saw among the rocks where she continued wherat he could not chuse but smile which Urganda espying sked him the cause Madam said he I thought upon the beauty of a yong maid that I some of our company chanced to sée not far hence being the best furnished of all things for to beautifie her that might be found and the better to describe her unto you I can assure you upon Belleris word that it is at the least eight or nine score years since she first could go and speak yet hath she so fresh and gallant a colour that to behold her well I cannot compare her better then unto the bark of those great Elms we commonly find along the high ways as we ride in great Brittain her hair is as white as Snow and for want of combing all knotted together which setteth her out so well that to behold it spread abroad upon a bears skin which she weareth for a gown there is not any man living that would not be surprised with a sudden and vehement love in the beholding of her Urganda that had heard of her before and above all things was much desirous to sée her because of her great skill said unto Esplandian In good faith I know her better then you think I do and am well assured that in her yong years she hath bin one of the goodliest Ladies that ever you saw For she is both daughter sister and aunt unto a King and is called Melie who for to learn the perfect art and science of Nigromancy hath so much condemned the world that for her inheritance she hath chosen a Rock wherein she hath caused a cave to be digged where she now remaineth and liveth in great misery and I swear unto you of my faith that it is above twenty years and more since I determined to come and sée her but other affairs that touched me néerer have still hindered my desire Madam said Esplandian séeing you are so néer you may do it now and all we will be your guides I pray you let it be so said she and let us go as soon as we have dined which done and the tables uncovered every man made preparation to go with Urganda to behold that sight but Esplandian would have but threescore with him who being well horsed and armed at all points issued out of Galatia Urganda on her palfrey riding among them Belleris was their guide and when they came neer unto the cave where they had found Melie they espyed her set cross legged upon the point of a Rock with that Urganda prayed them to stay that she alone might speak secretly unto her which the Knights agreed unto Wherewith she rode forwards and being neer unto her she said Madam I pray youâ—ve not offended that I come to see you and offer you my service Who are you said she I am said she Urganda le Discogneve that have always had a great desire to see you Ha Urganda the wisest Lady among all others said Melie your coming hither pleaseth me right well light down I pray you that you and I may talk of such things as we have taken great pains to learn and understand for although you have been the onely occasion of the Christians arrival here whereby our poor country indureth so much woe yet I cannot but excuse you knowing the faith duty you are bound to shew to your religion Wherefore I pray you come neer and sit down by me Urganda perceivrng her to be old and feeble did as she required hoping by force to stay her there whether she would or no till her company were come thither minding to give her unto them to bring her to Galatia but she met with as crafty a mate as her self for the old woman perceiving Urganda to be neer her went unto the mouth of her Cave and said unto her Urganda It would grief me that these Knights should hear our talk wherefore let us go in Whereat
go with him My Lord said he to morrow I will send to all my Ports and Havens that all the Ships of War that can be found may be in a readiness mean time I will in all parts assemble men to do as my Nephew Esplandian hath required My Lord said Enil my Lord Esplandian hath written by Gandalin to king Amadis and other of his friends whom he hath desired to joyn with you so that I hope about one time all your Armies will be ready and that without long staying for each other you will assemble all together Truly said king Florestan it was well devised With that divers captains were dispatched into sundry places to give order for their men and to ballast rigge and prepare Vessels for their Voyage into the East Gandalin on the other side coasting the Isles of Majorque and Minorque leaving Guinea and Barbarie passed the straits of Gibraltar and had so good a wind that in few days without staying in Spain he arrived in Great Brittain with King Amadis who as then continued in London and presented him with the Letter that Esplandian sent shewing him likewise his charge by word of mouth the good and evil adventures that he had since he departed from Mirefleur and among the rest the overthrow of the Turkish army on the Sea the taking of King Aâ—mato the occasion why the siege rose up before the Castle of the defended mountain the arrival of Gastilles the taking of Alfarin and of the captain of Tesifant the surprising of Galatia the loss oâ— Urganda and lastly all what you have read at large in the chapters going before And to the end my lord said he that order may be had to prevent the inconvenience he foreséeth to be prepared against all Christendom if it be not succored he hath expresly willed me to shew you that he hath had certain intelligence that all the Kings of the East parts have sworn and promised together to over-run all Christendom which is very likely considering the great preparations assembly of men they have already made in the Isle of Tenedos which is such that as our spies report they are at least six hundred sail of Ships and about four or five hundred thousand men God will help us if it pleased him said the King Amadis for my part I will do what possible I may and will likewise advertise King Perion my father and my brother Galaor My Lord said Gandalin I have also charge to travel unto them and likewise unto Gasquillan Don Brunean Quedragant and others to whom Esplandian hath written in like sort as he hath done to you and hath expresly given me in charge to sée King Luisart and do his humble commendations unto him It is great reason said the king nevertheless I am of this opinion that before my mother the Queen you do not once declare the occasion of your coming but give her to understand that all is well but not unto the king if you find him alone for he is a man as every one well knoweth to take all things with patience as they shall fall out and because my Sons affairs require no delay I pray you Gandalin after you have refreshed your self a day or two go on your journey as you have in charge So Gandalin that day remained there during which time Quéen Oriane talked long with him the next day he departed to sée King Luisart and Quéen Brisanne at Mirefleur who knowing he came of message from Esplandian were excéeding glad the Quéen although she were wise and very aged yet could not change her womans nature but before the king spake any word asked him for her son but Gandalin accustomed readily to devise excuses as he had béen instructed by King Amadis told her that he had left him in the firm Isle not well at ease by reason of his long travel but not so ill said he as that he could not have taken pain to come hither and sée you but he feared lest his sickness would encrease where he thought it better for him to kéep his chamber a while than to entertain a long and envious ague for a long space which the Quéen easily believed and for the hope she had shortly to sée him she made no account thereof nevertheless the same evening Gandalin told King Luisart all that you heard before wisely excusing himself of the spéech he used before him unto the Quéen as King Amadis had given him charge wherein king Luisart commended him for the rest he promised to think thereon while he travelled unto those with whom he had to do In this sort Gandalin being dispatched returned to king Amadis who in the mean time perswaded by Quéen Oriane wrought a marriage for him as you shall hear You have read in the beginning of our history of the services the gentlewoman of Denmark did for them and the things wherein she Gandalin had béen exercised wherefore it was reason that having béen partakers of their youthful toys she should also taste some of their prosperous fortunes Wherefore Quéen Oriane moved king Amadis to make a marriage betwéen them two but he thought the match unfit because the gentlewoman was already aged Gandalin being yong lusty nevertheless as all women that are wise and of a quick conceit can bring their enterprises to effect the Quéen found means to get the kings consent wherby Gandalin was no sooner come from Mirefleur but he took him aside said unto him Gandalin the quéen is desirous to have you stay with us not only for the love she knoweth I bear unto you but also for the good she wisheth you And for this cause she would have you marry with the gentlewoman of Denmark whom she loveth and will do much both for her and you if you consent thereto you know her long time since both to be wise good vertuous and for my part I pray you and counsel you thereunto Gandalin would gladly have excused himself and to say the truth he was too yong for so old a match nevertheless having from his infancy learned to confirm his will to that of Amadis he was content to do as pleased him in such sort that in less than three days after the marriage was celebrated and ended Mean time king Amadis took the letters and instructions that Gandalin should carry to Gasquillan and king Brunean and sent them by a gentleman of his named Handro cousin german to the Countess of Flanders desiring them as much as possible they might to aid his son in his so good a cause but the next week following Gandalin more affected to the service of Esplandian than to court his wife departed from thence to travel into France unto king Perion and from him to Sobradise to Galaor Mean time king Amadis sent for all the Pilots masters and marriners of his country that he could find commending King Arban of Norgales to take care for all things requisite for the enterprise and
and so hardly handled that the force you shall from henceforth use against them shall more be holden for a kinde of cruelty than any chivalry Nevertheless if my request may take no place with you do as you think good Souldan said Norandel if they acknowledge it at our hands and ask us mercy they shall not fail to have it for it was never our custom to use force to such as could not stand against us Content your selves said he that I that am their Lord yield you the victory and I pray you therefore shew mercy unto them swearing unto you by my crown if you do them so much good that while I live I will not be unmindful of the same With that the ten Christian Knights went out of the field and mounon their horses took their way unto the City where the Emperor stayed for them for he had séen the issue of the combate and now they returned victors but he heard not what words had past betwéen them till they being lighted off their horses told him what was done for the which he praised God estéeming more of them for their courtesie they had shewen unto the enemy CHAP. L. How Queen Calafre came to aid the Pagans and of the marvellous assault that she gave to the City of Constantinople THe renown of this War undertaken by the Kings Taborlans Souldans Califfes and Princes dwelling in Tartaria India Arabia and other countries in the East against the Emperor and his Empire of Constantinople was spread so far abroad that it was known to the puisant Quéen Calafre reigning in Califorine a most fertile and pleasant country confining on the head of the river Borisleness hard by the foot of the Riffee mountains This country whereof I speak was sometimes peopled with good Knights and men of all quarters but the women upon malice devised a means to kill them all establishing a law among themselves that from that time forwards they would acknowledge for Lady and Quéen one of their own country wâ—men governing themselves as the Amazons used to do Whereby it was not lawful for any of them to use the company of men above once or twice a year upon the days and times by them appâ—inted when they went of their own country and used their neighbors help with whom God knoweth if they found not means to make them pay the usury of the time lost in such sort that most of them returned home with childe but the bringing up of their children was far different for the maiden children were kept alive burning their right paps but not the men children for as soon as they were born they put them to death having agréed not to suffer one alive or else so few that they very easily might overcome them For this cause oftentimes they warred against the Tartarians bâ—rdering on their country putting them to great trouble by divers and continual invasions as well by sea as by land In their laws and customes they observed so great rigour as that if any man by casualty or otherwise fell into their hands he proved for food unto a great number of grissons nourished among them when they were yong being so tame and gentle that never any hauk knew better the Faulkoners lure then those gentle birds knew the voice of her that ordinarily fed them To come unto the point this quéen of Califorine being a woman of great spirit valiant hardy yong fair and of good behavior hearing of the wars undertaken against the Christians was desirous to be there not for any ill she wished them but onely for to know them and to sée their country that bare so great renown And for that cause she assembled great numbers of the principal Ladies of her country shewing them what honor they might obtain in that voyage which may peradventure be such said she that by our force and great prowess we may greatly augment our Empire being feared and redoubted of each man and not continue always buried among these mountains as they in times past did of whom at this present we now possess and injoy the place The Quéen in this sort could so well perswade them that they moved with a marvellous desire to go with her presently prepared their ships and set sail for Thracia with so good and prosperous a winde that the tenth day after the assaults of Constantinople they arrived in the army of Armato where they were honorably received and after divers spéeches used by the Souldan of Liquy and other Princes of the camp unto the Quéen of Califorine specially touching their determination concerning that great enterprise she being sorry they had done so little against the town desired them that she might once have leave to try her fortune against it by means that she would use And the better to induce them thereunto she told them she had fifty Griffons that would not fail being let out of their cages to seize upon the Christians without hurting of her women because they knew them and had béen nourished with them And while they take their flight said she I will give such an assault against the town that without doubt we will inforce the same for if the Emperors souldiers appear but to defend the walls my Griffons shall be ready to carry them clean away as the Merlin doth the Lard But to the end said she your men receive no hurt let them abide within their tents till they be shut into their cages When King Armato and the Souldan of Liquie heard the great zeal and affection she shewed to imploy her forces as also the invention that she had they all agréed that the next day after she should do what liked her Whereupon she sent presently to her that kept the Griffons that she should give them nothing for to eat of all that day that when they meant to use them at the assault they might gréedier and further sent word by sound of drum that all her companies should be ready the next day early in the morning to give assault unto the City Quéen Calafre having in this manner provided for her enterprise at the time appointed all her women armed according to their manner the most part of them bearing bows ran with great fury unto the walls and with their ladders began to mount up with that the alarm went about the city all men running to defend the same and as they were some upon the walls and other places of defence the Quéen made sign to let the Griffons loose which being hungry and flying over the town seized upon such as they could find abroad wherewith the Emperors souldiers were in so great fear that most part of them that fought forsook the walls to hide themselves Alas what pity was it to sée soldiers citizens knights and others yea women and little children and all whatsoever they could get into their claws taken up into the air and sometimes having taken them up they let them fall upon the stones whereby
ships flying towards Tartaria in all the haste they could whereof the Emperor of Constantinople being advertised sent Frandalo and divers Gallies with him to follow them but all in vain in the mean time the hurt Knights and soldiers were brought into the City and the dead buried each according to his degree wherein the Emperor shewed great affection especially as touching the burial of the Kings Perion and Luisart for whom Esplandian coming to the Empire and those that succeeded after him caused two Pyramides to be made not any thing inferior to those which sometime were erected in the City of Memphis as well for the Kings Miris Chemnis as others and hard by them they buried the bodies of the valiant knights Balan Helian Polimner Enil Grumedan the good old man and divers other knights that died in that battel fighting in the defence of the faith of Iesus Christ with whom their blessed souls do now remain in joy And because no mention hath béen made of Quéen Calafre since her captivity neither of the aid that she had brought unto the Pagan kings it séemeth th◠reason that I should declare the occasion why her women fought not with the rest you must understand that the Quéen perceiving her in one day to be taken not onely with the love of the knight Esplandian but by the force of his father king Amadis not long after she had béen in the company of the Princess Leonorine to whom Gandalin brought her she sent unto her Sister Lyote to will her with her women to return to sea keeping a part from all the Pagans without once stirring from thence for any thing whatsoever should fall till she received further news from her which was partly the cause of the enemies overthrow for they doubting some treason being separated in that sort from that time forward were in some fear and in greater suspition than before and not without cause for that if Lyote had aided king Armato both by sea and land as she might have done if her sister had not forbidden her it is likely her esquadron of women being twenty thousand strong and somewhat more had done great mischief to the Christians but God of his goodness provided better for them CHAP. LIIII How after the Pagans were driven out of Thrace the Emperor of Constantinople renouncing his Empire invested Esplandian therewith marrying him to his daughter the princess Leonorine THe Obsequies and Funerals of the Kings Princes Lords and others that died in the battel being finished the wounded cured and all things set at rest the Emperor of Constantinople knowing that Amadis and those that were come with him from the Western parts would return again into their countries desired them to assemble shewing them that his meaning was to let them know what he determined to do before they went from thence The next day in the morning they all met in the Emperors great hall and he standing in the middest spake unto them and said My brethren Lords and good friends the bond wherein I stand bounden unto you is so great that although it hath pleased God to make me Emperor of all Grecia yet I am well assured it is far beyond my poor ability to satisfie you for the same estéeming the honor and riches that I now have next under God be it little or much to procéed from you I am now thréescore years of age wholly aged and decrepit by reason of the pains that in my youthful years I have continually taken in following arms so it is I have but one child which is a Daughter the onely staff and hope of my old years whom I have determined if you think good to give in marriage unto the valiant Knight Esplandian and with her likewise to invest him with the Empire and Government of all my Countreys And the better to live solitarily and to separate my self from worldly company I have determined to go with the Emperess my Wife into the Monastery that I caused to be made there to live religiously calling upon God and doing pennance for the evils I have committed heretofore Wherefore my good Lord and friends I pray you if this my determination like you well let every man give consent and you first said he unto king Amadis to whom the matter toucheth nearer than to any of the rest as being father and son My Lord said he my son shall do as you command him I will tell you said the Emperor I remember that among other Prophecies which ought to happen in this our time there is one that maketh me as I think agrée with you in one consent Esplandian hath on his body as I have understood certain characters which shew his name and others that in no wise can be read but only by the woman that is ordained to be his wife let us now sée if it be my daughter or not with that he sent for the Princess Leonorine who being brought thither by the Emperess and divers other Ladies the Emperor desired Esplandian to open his doublet and shew them the letters he had born upon his body from his mothers womb which he refused not but before them all shewed them openly where every man might easily perceive the white characters containing this word Esplandian but they could not know the red wherefore the Emperor caused his Daughter to come néer asking her what she could do therein My Lord said she not long before Melie betrayed Urganda she and I being alone in my chamber she sent to fetch one of the books that had bin taken from her covered with gold whereon the Enchantress was engraven and I remember that I saw therein the like characters that Esplandian beareth on his body and over them their signification which is nothing else but his name and mine Daughter said the Emperor if you have the book still cause it to be brought hither whereunto she obeyed The book being brought she shewed him the place that Melie had read unto her containing that which followeth The happy knight that shal conquer the sword and the great treasure inchanted by me shall from his mothers womb bear his name in white characters and the name of her that shal be his wife in red characters upon his body which red characters shal be so difficult to understand that no man living in that time how wise or learned soever he be shall express the same without he see this book which will teach him what the seven characters do signifie representing the seven words that follow Leonorine Daughter of the Emperor of Greece In good faith said the Emperor here is a strange case and sheweth well that the Enchantress Lady had more knowledge in art magick then any that lived in her time séeing my daughter hath so well divined I am determined that you said he to the Archbishop of Thrace do grant unto Esplandian that which nature before his birth had promised to him which is my daughter Leonorine By which means
few days after went to Tesifant to Armato where she declared at large the effect of her embassage which heard by king Armato and considring with himself that for Urganda he might recover one of his greatest friends and thereby cause the Christian Princes for a time to refrain the overrunning of his country sent presently for Melie desiring her in all affection for his sake to grant to his desire and the pleasure of the Christians considring the offer made by them was both advantage unto him and his Melie desirous to please Armato brake her inchantments and without delay Urganda was delivered unto Carmelle upon condition that she being arrived in the city of Constantinople should likewise set the Souldan of Liquie at liberty which she swore and promised to do which done taking their leave of Armato they travelled so long that they came unto the castle the defended mountain where Urganda caused them to leave Carmelles ship to enter into the great serpent that as yet she found there which presently of it self began to sail as it had always done before Urganda was in prison in such manner that without impeachment they arrived in the Haven of Constantinople where the Princes and lords being on shoar descended to the water side to receive Urganda And thinking to bring her to the palace she desired them to stay there till a prophesie were accomplished that should be done before the sun went down which they agréed unto not onely to please her mind but likewise desiring to sée what it should be With that they were abashed that the great serpent began to leap and labor in the water as if it had bin in the greatest storm that ever was although the sea was very calm but only about the serpent where it raged in most horrible maner but that which most abashed the beholders was that the vessel cast forth such horrible cries that not one among them but his hair stood upright upon his head for fear And having continued in the maner about half an hour more the serpent thrust his head into the water wherewith it sunk and never was séen again And with that they perceived a far off a great rock which being driven by the waves came within half a bow shot néer unto the shore on the top whereof stood a woman bareheaded and câ—vered only with a linen cloth to hide her privities being invironned by more then a thousand serpents as well great as small which stung her in such sort that she wept lamented in most pittiful maner wherat the knights of great Brittain had so much compassion that they thought to enter into the ships to go help her which Urganda forbad them For said she besides the dangers that may happen you shall lose your labors because she whom you behold which is the inchantress lady hath ordained it to be sâ— With that the rock sunk into the water the gentlewoman vanished out of sight but not long after she appeared again upon the waves flying from the fury of a monster of the sea that with his throat open followed after ready to devour her in such manner that she came right unâ—o the haven crying with a loud voice unto Esplandian Gentle Emperor I pray you help me for none but you can do it wherewith Esplandian stepped forward and holding the sword he conquered in the old pallace of the inchanted Râ—ck in his hand ran unto her and thinking to go neer the Monster the Gentlewoman that fled from it caught hold of his sword and whether he would or not took it away wherewith she threw her self into the sea and the monster after her Whereat every man began to laugh saying to the Emperor that if a gentlewoman had predestinated the same unto him and kept it long time another gentlewomen or she her self upon a sudden had taken it from him again With that Urganda was led unto the palace accompanied by the Emperor with all the kings and knights where not long after the Souldan of Liquie was delivered and sent to Tesifant and about the beginning of the next wéek after the western pinces took shipping and being imbarqued with Urganda recommending the Emperor to God sailed forwards till at the last every man arrived at his desired haven namely king Amadis that found Oriane very sad for the death of her mother newly deceased which much more increased when she knew her father king Luisart was dead But in the end time made her to forget her sorrow but not so soon as Amadis could have wished CHAP. LV. How the Emperor Esplandian sent Norandel to take possession of the country he had given him and of the taking of Tesifant NOt long after the western princes were departed into their countries the Emperor Esplandian would that Norandel should go unto the Castle of the defended mountain and other towns that he had given him to make war against king Armato for which cause he gave him a great number of soldiers with the which to make short he assailed the king of Turky and had battel together wherein many a valiant knight lost their lives nevertheless the victory fell on Norandels side whereby he caused Armato to fly away retiring to his city of Tesifant which being known unto the Emperor he departed from Constantinople and with a great army going into Turky joyned with Norandels power and besieged Tesifant but fear seized so wel upon Armato that he found means to flie away and leave the town which not long after was taken and the Princess Heliaxe brought unto the emperor who used her courteously and sent her again unto her fathr Ampheon king of Medea giving her divers rich Presents News being spread throughout the country of Turky of the fight of king Armato as also of the taking of Tesifant divers towns and cities yielded to Esplandian that gave them likewise to Norandel because winter came on he returned into Thrace where two of his nephews sons of Galaor came to visit him and to receive the order of knighthood which he gave unto them with both armor horses minding to request them to travel to Tesifant unto Norandel there to begin their first intrance into arms but they desired rather to take the way to Californie where Manley and Talanque had great war against their neighbors which the Emperor perceiving caused all things necessary for so long a voyage to be given them with so good Pilots that in the end they arrived at their desired Haven where they attained to great honor and estimation among the best Knights But not to enter further to discourse of them we will for this present let them rest And let it suffice you to know how that as time passed Perion succéeded in his fathers seat and Garinter married in the east parts with Heletria quéen of Citharee and was the best knight in all the world And because it is declared at large in the sixth and seventh books of this our Histdry we will pass it over at this time CHAP. LVI How Vrganda sent to desire king Amadis the Emperor Esplandian Don Galaor king of Sobradise and others to come unto the Firm Isle and of the marvellous inchantments that she made over them URganda being in her Isle not as yet discovered taking great pleasure to read Melies Books knew by her art death to be near unto the Kings and Princes whom she most loved and haing great sorrow that worms should consume the flesh of so valiant Knights devised to prevent the same which to do she took sea accompanied of her two cousins Juliande and Solisde with divers other Gentlewomen and went unto the Firm Isle where being arrived she sent to the Emperor Esplandian Amadis Galaor Florestan Agraies and Gransador praying them most earnestly to come unto her to the palace of Apolidon for matter that touched them most near otherwise she sent them word if they did it not that before long time past evil would happen unto them and that master Elizabeth should bring with him the book that he made of the Adventures of the knights living in his time as also that they should the space of thrée quarters of an hour those whom she had caused to sit down as you heard before remained in a trance without all knowledge as if they had béen dead and with that there appeared a cloud so obscure and thick which invironed the place that never after it could be séen till Luisart of Greece son to Esplandian brought that inchantment to an end by means of a sword which he conquered as it shall be declared to you in the sixt Book wherein is described one of the most pleasant and delectable Histories that ever was read At which time all the Princes and the rest were revived again and not before The Emperor Esplandian at that time had a son after his grandfathers name called Luisart as then about the age of eight years King Amadis a son and a daughter the son named Perion and the daughter Brisene that married the eldest son of the Emperor of Rome King Galaor two sons the one named Perion and other Garinter of whom I have shewed you before Florestan the King of Sardaigne two sons the one named Florestan after his father that raigned after him and the other Palmindan of Almain after his grandfather Agrayes Earl of Salandry two sons the one called Languines the other Galmenes King Brewneo one son named Vallade and a daughter named Helisenne that married Quedragants son and bare his fathers name King Childadan two sons the eldest called Abies of Ireland after his grandfather whom Amadis slew the first day he entred into Knighthood And although these princes left such heirs as you heard before yet would they not during their fathers absence take on them the names or titles of Kings hâ—ping by Gods help that they should once return as well as ever they were For the which cause they having attained to the age and strength to bear arms passed into Ireland there to be made Knights bâ— King Childadan being as then very weak and withered with age which done they followed strange adventures doing many valiant feats of Arms which are at large declared in the Book that follow which in time may come unto your hands when it pleaseth God FINIS
have proved is Lord thereof Where dwelleth be said the Knight Above upon the Rock said the Hermit in a Castle which he hath most strongly fortified and is kept with all diligence and care by a Giant one of his brethren with others of as good condition as themselves and which is more it is not possible to come neer the Castle but by a little path-way whereon the Sea continually beateth at the end whereof there is a pair of stairs cut out of the Rock whereby you mount up till you come to an Iron-gate where a villain in whom the Lord of the Castle putteth his trust watcheth continually for there is no other enterance but onely the great gate that is defended with strong Platforms and great Towers in the middle whereof there is a door so straight that a man on horseback can hardly enter therein and that way most commonly those of the Castle do issue forth Before it be night said the Knight I mean to see what manner of place it is and if I can I will know who it is that was so lately brought thither God keep you from thence said the Hermit for thereby you will either procure your own death or at the least perpetual imprisonment Happen what may said the Knight I will prove what fortune it shall please God to send me That were but ill done of you said the Hermit for that men are bound to imploy their forces onely in things that stand for reason and possibility thereby to reap a benefit by their labors otherwise they are to be esteemed desperate fools and not valiant and hardy Knights adventuring without due respect not onely their bodies but their souls which are of greater price and Christ himself hath by example plainly shewed it unto us for when the devil came and tempted him bidding him do certain things which indeed as he was Christ were possible but as he was man were impossible to do he answered him that he should not tempt the Lord his God So my good Son said he I would advise you to desist from so unreasonable an enterprise You may preach what you will to perswade me to the contrary said the Knight but I must do that whereunto I am called which is to prove my self in those adventures that in mans judgement seem impossible otherwise those that have foreshewed of me should not onely have travelled in vain but be esteemed liars and fools If then these sayings be true what greater honor can I obtain then bringing most wonderful adventures to an end I may from henceforth thereby restrain the rage and fury of such men as hurt and do injury unto others contrary to the Laws of God and man And if they be found liars I had rather they should be reproved for their want of knowledge then I accused of any point of cowardise And if the worst fall out I will imploy my force against such accursed people members and ministers of the devil whom by the help of God I shall overcome and I believe and am certainly perswaded that if I die in those adventures he will receive my soul into his heavenly joy The Hermit marvelled much to hear the Black Knight speak so wisely and with so great a courage nevertheless the great beauty and yong years he perceived him to have moved him to so great compassion that the tears ran down his eyes and therewith he said Ha good Knight he in whom thou trustest preserve thee and send thee long life and seeing thou art resolutely determined to pass forward I pray thee defer the time for this night for it is already so late that although thou shouldest have time enough to get unto the gate before the Sun goeth down yet shalt thou finde it shut as it is accustomed to be whereupon the Knight kept the Hermit company till the next day in the morning CHAP. IIII. How the black Knight went up the Rock where by force of Arms he slew three Giants and delivered King Luisart out of prison AT the Hermits request the Knight stayed and bare him company all night who entertained him in the best manner he could where after they had supped they layed them down upon a little straw till day began to appear when they rose up and the Knight having said his prayers in the Chappel being Armed at all points took his leave of the Hermit that brought him a great part of his way and had gone further but he feared the Giants Wherefore committing him to God he took his leave and returned Being gone the Knight travelled so fast that having coasted along the Sea-shore and passed the side of a great and thick forrest be descended into the goodliest meddow that ever was séen from whence he perceived the Castle scituated upon the top of a high Rock and making towards it he came to a long bridge finding no other way unto it at the end whereof was a broad causie paved with stone and the Sea beating continually against the Towers out of the windows he espyed two Knights one as he thought was a Giant the Ladies Son Notwithstanding he stayed not but took his way on the left band and mounting up the steps came to a Marble-gate kept by a Knight all armed that before he came to him cryed as loud as he could saying Thou accursed wretch the colour of thy armor foresheweth not so much sorrow and grief as here thou shalt receive confusion What devil was he that sent thée hither being so young Mean time the Knight by little and little got up the Hill making as if he heard him not for he had work enough to look to himself the way was strait and uneasie to pass and therefore he bare his Helmet under his arm But when he approached the Gate and heard the other continue in his bravery he answered him and said He that is afraid commonly threatneth a far off as thou doest me but if thou destrest to know the cause of my coming open me the Gate and thou shalt see if I can satisfie thy desire With that the Porter came down and while the Knight put on his Helmet he opened the Gate and looking out cryed with a loud voice come in unhappy creature to the place where yet never any stranger had good entertainment Then the black knight went in and entred into a vault mean time the gate was shut whereby the place seemed very dark for there entred no light but onely by a little hole that came through the Rock and as he passed forward the Porter that was behind staying him said unto him Villain leave thy armor here and I will bring thee where the Lords of the Castle shall reward thee according to thy deserts It were better said the knight without so much trouble to bring me thither e'n as I am and I will follow thee But I will not said he lest I lose too much by thee for then my companion will have thy Armor which by right is
me think you that for fear of death I will refuse to do that whereunto by Knighthood I am bound No no likewise what reason or what excuse should move me being as I am both fresh and well disposed to refuse the Combate alone against one simple Knight I deny not Madam but confess that affection causeth you to use these words and shew the nature of a woman but you must conceive and think with your felf that I answer you as it becometh me prefeirving mine honor before your tears wherefore I beseech you suffer me to take the small vengeance I can upon the villain that hath so much offended me Matroco said the Knight thou reckonest before thine host I would not for al the gold in the world lose such an occasion offered as I now have both for mine honor and advantage Believe me that neither thy mothers tears nor the duty thou owest unto her as being her childe can by any means prolong the end of thee or me if without dissimulation thou dost not by oath promise and assure me to live in as good sort from this time forwards as in times past thou hast lived wickedly Wherefore it were better for thée to make me know by effect the Prowess thou vauntest thy self to have and for me to let thée sée the courtesie which it may be thou shalt finde at my hands if I overcome thée When the Lady perceived that her prayers could take no place she left them and the two Knights began to run one upon the other so bravely and with such fury that King Luisart beholding them thought he never saw so cruel a battel and the which abashed him more was that he could not presume how or in what manner the black Knight had found him in so strange a place and yet he knew him not sometime he thought him to be Amadis but when he remembred the love he bare unto the Lady Oriana that he had newly married he was otherwise perswaded and likewise he remembred very well the Combates he had séen Amadis De Gaule make at Windsore against Dardan le Superbe and after that with Ardan Canile wherein he used all his forces yet were they not comparable to those of the black Knights who as then found himself as fresh and well disposed to fight as if he had not fought all the day before Again when he thought it to be his nephew Esplandian for that Urganda had foreshewed many wonderful things of him he was soon disswaded from that opinion by reason be left him with the Queen his Mother not once séeking to receive the order of Knighthood and although that since his departure out of Britain he might have obtained that honor yet did he estéem it impossble for Esplandian to do so valiantly at the first Further Urganda had always prophesied of him that the first valiant acts he should atchieve should be renowned and spoken of by his strange and fearful navigation in the great Serpent wherein he should be imbarqued and for the black knight he knew he arrived there in a little Barque unfurnished whereby he esteemed it unlikely to be his nephew Esplandian But he thought he never had séen so valiant and and hardy a Knight for the longer he fought the more he wearied and labored Matroco Nevertheless he continued fighting for the space of two hours together before it could be judged who should have the victory but in the end the Giant feeling himself wounded in so many places his armor altogether broken and his shield half cloven in two began to mistrust his own force Wherefore stepping back he stayed his hand and said Knight I pray thee let us breath our selves a while and hear what I will offer thee which cannot be other then to thy honor and advantage With that the Knight stood still and Matroco began to speak saying I wonder sir Knight what moved thee to venture in this manner upon this Rock wherein never any but thy self durst enterprise to come during my Fathers life neither yet sithence that by his death I have been Lord thereof and besides this thy enterprise wherein thou hast done the thing that all others feared to do before thee thou hast also slain three of my friends whereof two of them as I think were the best Knights in their time living on the earth whereby I have just cause to hate thee more then any man living But when I call to minde that thou hast done therein like a valiant and hardy Knight I have some reason to pardon thee and to esteem thee for one of the valiantest Champions that ever I saw in all my life although I have both proved and vanquished many others longer practised in arms and stronger then thy self Wherefore if the onely cause of thy arrival in this place was to deliver the King that looketh on us I am content thou take and lead him hence in safety and for the same cause likewise I quit thee of the combate upon condition that without longer sojourning here thou shalt presently depart out of this castle that belongeth unto me When the black Knight had â—eard him be answered him and said Giant as far as I perceive thou esteemest it a great enterprise that I have done to come hither and finde thee here within thy Castle where by me those that thou so much lamentest have been slain but if thou knowest the master that I serve to whom as duty bindeth me I am obedient thou shouldst presently perceive and plainly see this enterprise by thee estéemed much to be nothing in comparison of that he is able to do and bring to pass for that from him onely and none other procéedeth all whatsoever I have done whereby of good right the glory belongeth unto him and to the contrary you that are idolaters serve thâ—se that are accustomed to rock and lull you asléep in all kind of vices cruelties outrages thefts murthers and infinite other wickedness which for a time do prosper with you whereby you live in honor riches and all worldly pleasures and so are nusted in all filthiness but surely such manner of life may well be compared to buildings erected upon the sands that cannot continue long but are most sure to have an evil end even then when they are esteemed to be at the top of all their worldly felicity like as it happened unto Lucifer and his fellows whereof it may be thou hast heard spoken Nevertheless if thou wilt acknowledge thy former life and of a wicked wretch as thou hast always lived become a vertuous Knight and as thou hast béen most cruel and inhumane become courteous and pitiful forsaking thy vain and foolish faith to believe in my God who is the most true and mighty Lord of all Lords I will not onely pardon thée the Combate whereof thou hast the worst but will leave thée thy castle frée unto thy self so wil be thy friend upon condition nevertheless that from hence forth both thou
equal whereby I perceive my self unworthy either to be wife or companion unto him I have somewhat moderated my first deliberation in such manner that I will hold my self more then satisfied if it please him I may only continue with him to serve at his commandment during my life which in reason he cannot well deny me for let him do what he will so long as life is in my body I will never forsake him if I be not constrained thereunto Wherefore my Lord for the honor of God I beséech your Grace to finde the means my poor request may once be granted and you Gentlemen said she to Ambor and Talanque I pray you put to your helps that by your favors the life of me poor lover not beloved may be prolonged The King hearing the Gentlewoman that while she spake sometime blushed and other whiles waxed pale make this discourse could hardly abstain to laugh thinking how inconsiderately she had fallen into so great extremity whereby he feared if he should make an answer other then pleased her she would kill her self but with courteous spéech he said unto her Gentlewoman your request is so reasonable that I am of opinion he will not deny it and for my part I will intreat him as much as possible I can My Lord said Esplandian I will do what your Grace commandeth Grant her then I pray you said the King what she craveth at your hands that from henceforth she may be called your faithful servant her honor always saved as in the Knighthood you are bound I will do it answered Esplandian and thereof I assure you saith he speaking to Carmelle who knéeling on the ground kissed his féet and thanked the King and him most heartily reputing her self most happy in obtaining so great favor CHAP. XI How Talanque and Ambor shewed the King what adventure they had found seeking for Esplandian their companion after they had received the order of Knighthood YOu heard before in what sort King Luisart was delivered cut of prison by his nephew Esplandian but as yet he knew not the manner how he received the order of Knighthood Wherefore as they rose from dinner the King desired him to tel him how he was made Knight as also what happened unto him since that time to the end said he that Talanque and Ambor may do the like Then Esplandian told how Urganda came unto the Ferm Island in the great Serpent what spéech she had with Amadis De Gaule and others that were with him the order she used to dub him Knight together with Talanque Ambor Manely and the King of Denmark The sléep wherein they fell and that when he awaked he found himself at the foot of the Rock of the Enchantress in company of Sergil his Squire and two dumb men also how he conquered the Sword with his arrival at the mountain where he found the Hermit that disswaded him from fighting with the Giants By my head said the King I never heard stranger things And now Ambor said he what became of you My Lord said Ambor my companion and I were likewise asléep and when we awaked we found our selves in a little Barque with our two horses in a Haven of the Sea called Armata in the Countrey of Norway as then unknown to us where we landed before a Town not onely to know in what countrey we were but also to séek for victuals And as we went towards it the watch of the town by reason of certain dissension not long before moved betwéen them and their neighbors sent to know what we would have Wherewith we made them answer we were Knights adventurous that came from the Ferm Isle cast upon that shore by tempest of weather In good truth said he that spake unto us our king hath so great cause to use your helps that if you go unto him I am well assured he will bid you welcome We asked him the Kings name and what Countrey we were in My Lords said he the Countrey is called Norway whereof Adroni father in law to Agraies son to the King of Scots one of the best Knights in the world is our King I know not whether you know him And what cause said we hath your King to use our help I will tell you said he he is so old that one of his nephews his Sisters son procured thereto by evil counsel is risen in Arms against him séeking to have the Government of the Countrey in respect as he saith his Vncle is no more able to rule the same And under that pretence hath already usurped a great part thereof and now lieth in Camp before one of the best Cities in this Land which the King by no means can relieve by reason that most of his trustiest friends have forsaken him and hold with the young presumptuous fool that winneth them by fair promises a thing that oftentimes happeneth unto such as fortune favoreth not and when men are fallen they are not onely abandoned of strangers but by their own kindred and friends that properly may be tearmed friends for the present time In good faith said we if the Town will give us victuals and one to guide us we will gladly go and present our service unto him not only for the love of Agraies to whom we are companions but for the right he hath as you have told us That shall be done said he and therewith desired us to stay till he came again from the City where he stayed not long but he brought what we desired and a guide that conducted us so well that the next day about dinner time we arrived where the king lay Who being advertised of our coming and that we were of Agraies companions entertained us most courteously commanding one of his Gentlemen to unarm us in one of his best chambers whither he came and after he had bidden us welcome began in the same manner to shew us all what the watch had before declared unto us and what an unnatural part his Nephew shewed unto him procured thereunto by two Knights in whom onely he putteth his whole trust because said he they are well assured that not any of my Knights dareth enter into combate with them they are estéemed so valiant and hardy But who hath moved them and your cousin said we to undertake so foul an action Because said the King I have no issue male and my cousin alledgeth I am over old to govern the country saying it is fitter for him then for me to do it but if I can I will hold him from it and kéep it for my daughter Olâ—nde and Agraies her husband By my soul said I I am of this opinion that séeing this war is begun onely to try the title you both pretend in one thing it were good your quarrel should be ended by the Combate of two Knights of both parts without the death and destruction of so many poor innocent people as daily perish by the same means remitting the issue thereof to those
fairer strokes given with a launce the rest I will leave to consider of till I know those that ran against him Let us sée the end said the king and calling a Squire he sent his launce unto Esplandian for as then the third kinght prepared himself to run and spurring their horses set forwards so fiercely that breaking their launces they met so strongly body and shields and heads together that Esplandian had much ado to sit upon his horse and the other had such a fall that he lay still upon the ground Whereat the fourth knight being abashed said unto himself Truly both the king and Urganda have good reason as they do to assure the valor and prowess of this knight séeing it it much more then they warrant it to be Nevertheless I must of force try him otherwise I should do both my self and him wrong And with that he called Esplandian and said Knight although I well know the small courtesie that I and my companions have shewed unto you yet I must not refuse to do the same that they have done before me wherefore I pray you send to some of your company for another launce that we may sée who shall bear the honor of this enterprise I will do it said he séeing you constrain me thereunto upon condition that if I can I will serve you in the like sort I have done your companions With that Gransador that heard them speak gave him his launce which he presently charging they met together with such force that their launces brake close unto their hands neither of them removing out his saddle wherefore the Knight of the forrest turned to Esplandian and said Sir Knight let us yet try one blow more and I will quire you for this time You might content your self said he with that is done but séeing you are so void of reason I am content to try it with you till one of us be beaten off his horse Then he sent Sergil to fetch another launce and he brought him one somewhat bigger and shorter then those he had before wherewith he stroke the Knight of the forrest so valiantly that he overthrew him himself being constrained to imbrace his horse about the neck or else he had fallen as the other did that lay on the ground yet he rose before Esplandian had run out his course and as he returned back he stayed him by the armor and said unto him Before God sir Knight you have sufficiently shewed that in valor and prowess you are second to none but to your self but he answered not a word but holding down his head ashamed of that had happened unto him passed forth With that the King came thither to know what Knights they were that had béen overthrown amongt the which he knew Galaor for he had put off his Helmet to do him honor when he saw him come whereat the King was so well pleased that he alighted off his horse and ran to imbrace him the like did Amadis saâ—ing unto him with a smiling countenance How now brother Galaor how long have you used to be a kéeper of the high ways You sée said he that I and my companions have sought to try whether this Knight be of such force as we have found him and what hath happened you may well judge When Esplandian understood his uncle Galador fearing to have offended he lighted off his horse and knéeling down before him asked pardon for his fault Nephew said he it is I that have done the wrong and therefore I told the king that you are a better knight then I and marvel not if I sought to prove it because I thought to do it with mine honor but I found the contrary which from henceforth shall make me think the things foreshewed of you will be accomplished so well that the glory of your father and the reputation by many knights in times past obtained shall from henceforth be extinguished you having so easily overthrown thrée of the best knights in Great Brittain and my self the fourth What are they said the king My Lord said Galaor the first that ran was Sendale of Gonaste the second Galuanes the third Angriote d'estrauaulx and my self hath done worse then they Whereat the king and all the company began to laugh and embracing them caused them to mount on horseback riding towards London where in the way the king prayed them to tell him how this enterprize was devised My Lord said Galaor having understood by the Danish Gentlewoman that my Lady Oriane not long since sent unto the Queen to bring her news of your return and what had happened unto you during your imprisonment the valiant acts by you declared of my Nephew Esplandain we conceived such a jealousie against him estéeming the honor you did him thereby to procéed rather of fatherly love then otherwise that we determined secretly to depart ouâ— of London to prove his force as now you have well séen and to move him thereunto we sent the Gentlewoman with the message you have heard Of my faith said the king the device was good and hath fallen out well In this maner devising of sundry things he came to Mirefleur where the Quéen met him praising God for his unexpected return and considering his trouble past with the grief she had for his long absence séeing him there safe and in good health she thought her self well recompenced with his presence The next day in the morning they set forwards towards London where the people wept for joy to sée him for there was never Prince better loved of his subjects than he Being there Esplandian began to be weary of the place longing to hear news of Carmelle that he had sent to Constantinople as you have heard before And therefore every day he devised means to get licence to depart from thence pretending a cause of returning to the Castle called the defended mountain shewing the king what promise he had made to his Companions which if he did not perform they should have cause to complain of him but the king would not in any sort grant to his request yet in the end overcome with much importunity he was content wherewith he took his leave of all the Court and upon a munday in the morning taking horse accompanied onely of master Elizabeth and Sergil his Squire he took his way towards the Ferme Isle hoping to finde the great Serpent there wherein they might imbarque themselves CHAP. XV. How Esplandian riding towards the Ferm Isle was assayled by a strange Knight that watched him in the Forrest ESplandian departed from the King and having taken his leave of all the Court as you heard before took the crookeddest way he could through woods and forrests towards the Ferm Isle thinking not to be perceived of any that might hinder his enterprize And having ridden thrée miles he entred into a Forrest which having almost passed he came unto a great river whereupon the king had built a house called Bellerose where
submit your self unto her mercy In faith said Gandalin my companion and I were determined not to leave your company so soon but séeing it is your pleasure we are content to do it You and he said Esplandian shall kéep me company till you mean to travel further the rest shall do as I required them Sir Knight said he that shewed him the prison they shall finde within the house all the furnitures and other things that were taken from them shew them where they be said Esplandian Whereunto he willingly obeyed which done they all left the Giants house the prisoners taking the way towards Constantinople and Esplandian with Gandalin and Lazinde armed at all points went towards master Elizabeth that stayed for them in the great Serpent and as they were about half a mile from the Giants house they met a knight all armed with two squires attending on him who in courteous manner saluting Esplandian and his company asking them what country men they were Sir knight said Esplandian we are all of great Britain Alas said he can you tell me any news touching a thing that hath grieved me full sore What is that said Esplandian can you tell me said he what is become of King Luisart For I have bin certified of a truth that he is lost not knowing where how nor for what cause And for my part I swear unto yâ—u I have already sought for him in divers countries and can hear no news at all and I am determined never so leave travelling before he be found again if it be pâ—ssible for mortal man to do it You are bound thereunto said Esplandian séeing he deserveth it as you know right well Nevertheless if it pleaseth you to put off your Helmet and make you known unto us that have bin bred and nourished in his house I assure you we will satisfie your mind so well as touching him that we cannot chuse but like it My Lords said he putting off his helmet I am Norandel his son When Esplandian and the rest perceived that they made themselves known unto him imbracing each other most courteously Ha my lord said Norandel I pray you for Gods cause if you know any thing touching the king hide it not from me Vncle said Esplandian about a moneth hence I left him at Mirefleur in good health God be thanked making good chear shewing him in what maner he had delivered him out of prison with all that passed touching the same I marvel then â—aid Norandel what adventure brought you hither By my soul said Esplandian that can I not well tell onely that I was brought hither by the great Serpent which I left at the Sea-side wherein master Elizabeth stayeth for me Then he shewed him how he departed from the Court his arrival in the Ferm Isle his imbarquing to take Sea and what time they were at sea before they discovered any land till in the end said he we espyed this country where Sergil and I took land in good time for Grandalin and Lazinde as hereafter they may shew you But you said he to Norandel tel me of your faith how was it your chance in so good time to méet with us In truth said Norandel the peace made betwéen Amadis and the king I departed from the Court to séek some strange adventures that commonly are found in this country of Almaigne where I had no sooner arrived but I had certain news of my fathers absence whereat I was so grieved that to find him out I have travelled the countries of Denmark Poland Russia Swethland Hungary and all this country even unto this place where it is said there dwells two Giants who as they are all of one nature exercise innumerable cruelties against those they méet the yonger of them waiting continually about this place for such as pass this way And therefore when I saw you first I thought one of you thrée to be the Giant thinking to fight with him or lose my life therefore which I wil yet do if you let me pass By God said Gandalin you lost your labor séeking for the King so shall you likewise do if you take this enterprise in hand Wherefore said Norandel Because said he you sée him here in presence that easeth you of that burthen With that he shewed him in what manner Esplandian had fought with the Giants and how he Lazinde and diverse others were prisoners in their house from whence Esplandian had delivered them Before God said Norandel the news liketh me well for I never thought in long time any such adventure would have happened unto him not knowing he had received the order of Knighthood You sée it so said Esplandian and master Elizabeth can tell you more if it pleaseth you to go with us Let us go then said Norandel for I would gladly sée him With that they rode towards the Sea till they espied the great Serpent wherein they imbarqued themselves where Norandel Grandalin and Lazinde understood by master Elizabeth what had happened to Esplandian from the day he received the order of knighthood And although Norandel determined with all spéed to return into great Britain yet he changed his mind when he heard so strange and marvellous news of his Nephew Esplandian to whom he said My Lord séeing fortune hath brought us so well together I pray you let me not leave your company till some occasion be ministred unto us Vncle said Esplandian I am content and I pray you let it be so In that manner they passed the rest of the day in the great Serpent minding the next day because she stirred not to take land again to sée if they could find any more adventures And they had scarce fallen asléep but the Serpent began of it self to sayl forward so swiftly that by sun rising they had lost the sight of any land not ceasing for to sayl six days together before they espyed land the seventh day when the Sun began to shine it stayed at the Isle Saint Mary which master Elizabeth presently knew having bin there before with Amadis de Gaule when he fought with Landriaque wherefore he said unto the Knights In good faith I remember that once as I travelled on the Sea with my lord Amadis we were cast upon this Island by so great a tempest that we thought verily to have béen drowned And if then at sea we had great fear of death being landed our fear did more increase and that with so good cause that I cannot chuse but tremble to remember it What said Esplandian Can a danger so long time past bréed so great a fear as you séem to have Sir said master Elizabeth some men to hide the truth make a great matter of a small but if you had séen as much as I then saw and that which as yet you may behold if it pleaseth you to go where I was once you shall find that I have no less occasion and there is Grandalin that can witness it as well as I. I
great alarum for Norandel and his company had issued out of the castle with white scarffes about their heads for to be known and had so well surprised the watch about the base court that they had slain them all whereof Armato had intelligence as also that the enemies had gotten the issue of the Portal wherewith he was so moved that in a great rage with very small company he went thither himself Esplandian Frandalo following after as if they had béen of his company But before their arrival Norandel had recovered the pallasadoes of the fortress and there sustained the whole Turkish forces staying Gandalins coming Now the entry of the Court was so narrow that more then thrée men could not pass through it at once whereby those of the castle had in manner as much advantage as their enemies Which Ambor Talanque Gandalin and Libee made them well féel coming likewise upon them for as the king arrived they thrust them clean out of the place whereby they fled in great haste till the Turk himself caused them to stay and séeing him they took courage turning their faces whereby the Skirmish began much hotter then before Armato himself shewing great prowess when Esplandian that was still behind him took him by the middle and in despight of them all carryed him unto the walls of the Castle crying with a loud voice Be of good chear my companions we have taken the King At the which cry the Turkes set so fiercely on them that had it not bin for Frandalo who as yet had not shewed himself they had recovered him again but he jâ—yned himself with Manley Norandel and the rest that sustained the force of all the enemies so valiantly that Esplandian had means to put Armato in sure kéeping and to return again unto the battel before it was ended But it continued not long after for that news was presently carryed to the Camp that the king was prisoner with two of his chief captains taken by Grandalin and the King of Denmark wherewith they were so much abashed that by little and little they began to retire the like did they of the Castle contenting themselves with the booty they had gotten CHAP. XXVII How Armato King of Turky was committed unto the custody of Gandalin and what conference he had with Frandalo THose of the Castle retired as you heard before Esplandian called Gandalin and Libee praying them to look unto King Armato as also to the two Turkish captains and appointing the watch as time required went and laid him down upon his bed not ceasing all the night to think on the spéech Carmelle used him touching the Princess Leonorine whereby he could not fléep till day began to appear when Frandalo and the rest of his Knights entred into his chamber to talk with him not onely as touching the intertainment of their prisoners but of other things that much imported them And as they were in counsel together Grandalin came unto them shewing them that King Armato desired for to speak with them whereupon they went out of the chamber to hear what he would say Frandalo could speak the Arabian tongue better then the rest for that he had served the King of Turks and he knew him very well wherefore Esplandian destred him to speak for all the rest And entring into the Chamber Frandalo went first who knéeling on the ground kissed the Kings hand With that Armato thinking he had béen prisoner asked him where he was taken My Lord said he I am now become a Christian and a Knight of Iesus Christ that hath done me so much grace not long time since to call me to be one of his A Christian said the King is that possible By my soul it maketh me more abashed then the cruel fortune that is now happened unto me for that all Knights following arms ought patiently to bear those hazards that they fall into using necessity as a vertue But thou unhappy wretch that through fear and want of courage haste forsaken our just and holy law wherefore takest thou not a râ—pe and hangest thy self as unworthy to go upon the earth My Lord said he you may say what pleaseth you as being priviledged for the greatness of your estate yet I can assure you I never had so cowardly a heart as you estéem I have but rather account my self happy to have done that I have done Yet will I not refuse to do you service my honor still reserved in any thing I can With that Armato remembred himself and thought he did him wrong wherefore moderating his choler he said unto him Friend Frandalo If it grieveth me to have lost you let it not séem strange unto you séeing now I had greater hope then ever I have had to be served by your means But séeing it is so you know how I have used you heretofore now I pray you if you may do any thing for me to finde the means with your companions that I may be delivered from hence by some reasonable composition My Lord said Frandalo pointing to Esplandian This is he that hath all power and authority in this place both over you and me With that Armato looked upon him and perceiving him so young without a beard thought Frandalo said it to excuse himself wherefore he asked if he mocked him God forbid I should do so my Lord said Frandalo but I pray you believe me for it is true that my Lord Esplandian standing here before you is be and none other that slew Matroco Frerion Arcalaus the inchanter Argantes the Porter of the castle which he conquered as you have béen advertised By my head said the king I would hardly have estéemed him for so brave a man but séeing it is so I pray thée do somewhat with him touching the thing I told you of even now Believe me my lord said Frandalo there shall want no good will in me and with that he had him God morrow and leaving him with his guard they went into the Hall where they found the table ready covered for dinner for it was about noon time But as Esplandian rested ill that night so be made but a mean dinner not being able to withdraw his mind from thinking on the princess Leonorine which was the cause that the Tables being uncovered he went in his chamber without any company onely the king of Denmark whom he loved as himself where being together he began to shew him the cause why be sent Carmelle to Constantinople as also what affection he bare to the Princess Leonorine And to the end said he you be participant of my joy I pray you let us have her here that she may shew us what she learned in her voyage My lord said the king of Denmark if you saw her apparrelled in the gown the Princess gave her I am assured you will scarse know her at the first Will you that I send her word to bring it hither It is well said said Esplandian with that he
Elizabeth wrote not long after the Coronation of Esplandian wherein the prowess and adventures of the Brittish Knights and others remaining at Alfarin are likewise registred and orderly set down For this time content your selves to understand the manner how and in what sort Esplandian and the Princess Leonorine saw each other how afterward Urganda came to Constantinople of the armies both by Land and Sea of the cruel battel betwéen the Turks and Christians which ended our History likewise shall be finished but having many things to describe before I come to that point we will return to Esplandian that was not smally abashed at the long absence of the King expecting from day to day some news of him that had left his company onely for the cause you heard before CHAP. XXXV How Esplandian having stayed Garinter King of Denmarks return about two weeks space and perceiving no news of him determined by the counsel of Carmelle to go in person to the City of Constantinople AFter that Garinter King of Denmark had set saile towards Constantinople as it is said before Esplandians ship arrived at the gulf where he promised to stay they lay at anker for the space of two wéekes not hearing any news of his desired message wherewith he doubted either that the King of Denmark should be drowned or that forturne had carried his vessel some other way wherefore he thought to send one of his marriners to enquire of him But before he did it he determined first to speak with Carmelle and taking her aside said unto her My great friend you know for what cause the King of Denmark left us and the reason of his voyage as also the promise he made unto me to return again with all spéed but we can hear no news of him at all which maketh me assuredly believe either he is dead or that the storm he was in hath cast him in some countrey so far off that he cannot by any means do as he hath promised wherefore I pray you give me your advice what I were best to do for those that are in the like mind that I am although in some things they have their understandings whole and perfect yet are they commonly to séek in that which concerneth them as touching those points My lord said she séeing it is your pleasure to use my counsel I wil tel you truly what I think therein and so much I can assure you that if you should search throughout the world you shall hardly find one that can come néer me in judging the passion wherewith you are molested for the same is in me that is in you and I féel it as well as you do and it may be more but the ease and great contentment I receive by your presence hath given me so many remedies that I delight in my grief and live not but only to cause my sorrow to indure To tell you truth at such time as you began to use spéeches unto me of the king of Denmark I thought upon his long absence and me thinketh it were best we sailed unto Constantinople assuring you that I have devised a means to bring you unto the Princess Leonorine whereby you may both sée and speak with her without being known of any other then her self if you think it good And to bring it to pass we being arrived there it shall be necessary that all those of our ship be advertised if any man asketh for you to say that you stayed in the castle the defended mountain mean time you shall lie in the bottom of the ship and I with Gandalin and Enil will go unto the Emperor to whom I will say that you sent me to the Princess Leonorine to present unto her in your behalf that which you have conquered in the Rock of the Enchantress and for the rest let me alone When Esplandian heard her speak in that manner he beheld her for a while and at last said unto her My good friend I fear not death neither can it be more bitter or sharper unto me then the life I now indure but I fear the dishonor of my Lady and the injury that thereby I might do unto the Emperor who by his courtesie hath so much bound my father unto him as if I should wrong him it would be a blemish to my honor while I live Nevertheless I am content to hazard my self in all the dangers you shall think convenient that is sufifcient said Carmelle I pray you then be merry and make good chear for if ever woman accomplished the thing she took in hand I will bring this to pass Wherewith leaving Esplandian she called the Patron and willed him to set sayl for Constantinople whereunto he obeyed and had so good a winde that within thrée days after they entered into the haven where being arrived Esplandian told his men what by the counsel of Carmelle he had determined to do commanding them expresly not to make it known to any man of his being there but that they should say they left him in the castle the defended mountain For said he I am not now in such estate as I would be to present my self before so great a Prince as the Emperor is And to the end you be not found liars I will stay in the bottom of the ship till you return again then he Carmelle Gandalin and Enil spake together where the gentlewoman shewed them at large how she meant to bring her enterprise to pass I will presently said she cause the tomb we brought from the Rock of the Enchantress to be set up in the same sort we found it upon the hatches of the ship then will I go tell the Emperor that I have one of the singularest things abord that ship that ever was séen and we finde means to bring him hither where I will shew him the Lion with Jupiter and all the rest of the furniture which having séen and perused I will tell him that you send it to the Princess Leonorine He being gone unto his palace you shall go into the Cedar Chest and so will I cause you to be carryed into the princess chamber lying in the same whereof I will secretly advertise her and by this means she may speak to you and you to her what you think good I but said Esplandian â—ell me how I shall come out again I will desire her said she to give me the Cedar Chest therein to bury the body of Matroco that died a Christian wherein you shall be inclosed and to morrow in the morning I will cause you to be brought hither again By God said Gandalin it is the prettiest devise that ever I heard now I confess that I was never but a fool in regard of Câ—rmelle Meddle you not with any thing said she but rest content let me alone to work my will and to the same end let us presently begin then Esplandian went down into the bottom of the ship and the gentlewoman prepared the tomb as
be once perceived chiefly for the great good I wish unto him Madam said Gandalin I am well assured he will receive an extream pleasure to hear these news and that he wil leave all things to come hither if you think it good That is my desire said she and I pray him so to do you to perswade him thereunto While they were devising Tartary the Admiral so called of the place of his birth entred into the garden being a man issued of a mean house but advanced unto great authority by his great with valiant courage so that he commanded over all the Grecian seas The Emperor and he talked long time touching Gandalins message concerning aid to be sent unto Galatia and in the end he willed in all haste to prepare thirty gallies Foists with two thousand of the best souldiers he could find to man the same The Admiral Tartary according to his charge executed his Commission in such sort that within six days after he was ready with his navy to set sayl and depart from thence CHAP. XXXIX How Vrganda arrived at Galatia and of the danger wherein she was by the subtilty of Melie the Enchantress THe Admiral Tartary and Gandalin having taken their leaves of the Emperor set sayl and passed the straights of Constantinople and without any adventures arrived at Galatia within one wéek after their departure if they were well received by the Christian Knights it is not to be doubted for their number was so small and so dispersed that they were in doubt to be able to kéep that Town with Alfarin and the Castle the defended mountain But when they saw such aid they were in better hope and having received the Admiral they divided their two thousand men as néed required Mean time Esplandian had no small desire to know of Gandalin if he had spoken with the Princess Leonorine and how she did for the which cause being in his chamber he sent for him Where talking together Gandalin shewed him from point to point what spéeches had passed betwéen the Princess and him not onely before the Emperor but also in the garden And of my faith sir said he you do her wrong considering the good meanes you have both to satisfie her and your self for what excuse soever you can make you are not so sore charged on this side that you may not spare some time to go and sée her which she craveth at your hands That I will do said Esplandian but I must find the means take you care for that said Gandalin and let me go sléep for I never had more néed Go said Esplandian be here again betimes in the morning Wherewith Gandalin took his leave leaving Esplandian alone in great care how he might find some convenient excuse to leave his companions in the extreamity but God provided for him fâ—r the same night about an hour before day as he began to slumber he heard a most pleasant sound of musick which you must understand came out of the great Serpent that he left in the Castle the defended mountain which at that time was arrived before the town of Galatia but little did he think of any such thing or that Urganda had bin therein because he thought her to be in great Britain This mellody continued for the space of half an hour and more which done he heard such a noise of Trumpets Clarigals Phifes and Tabers that sounded so high that the sentinels of the town thought verily the enemies navy had bin arrived before the same to lay siege unto it whereupon they caused an Alarum in the town each man running to the walls being all of that mind till day when they might behold the great Serpent wherein Urganda was all hung with long pennons and streamers whereat Esplandian was so glad that going down unto the Haven he presently entered into a boat with Talanque Manley and diverse other of the principal captains to sée who might be there And rowing néer unto it they knew Urganda that stayed for them on the hatches and stretching forth her arms spake unto them and said My good friends you are most heartily welcome I pray you come up into my ship that I may imbrace you With that Esplandian entred and as he meant to salute Urganda she knéeled on the ground to kiss his féet whereat he being ashamed took her up and said unto her Madam I never thought you would have taken pleasure to mock with me séeing I account my self much more bound to you then to any creature living in the world And therefore for Gods cause if at any time I chance to offend you punish me I pray you in some sort or other Most happy Knight said she The aid I hope for at your hands before many days shall pass moved me to do as I have done wherfore I beséech you take it in good part And with that she embraced him and after him Talanque Manley and all the rest every man doing her great honor desiring her to shew them the cause of her so sudden coming thither My good friends said she you â—â—all know it at some other time when better leisure serveth mean while I am to tell you that it is necessary for you shortly to go unto the City of Constantinople where you shall enter all armed and apparrelled in the same armor I have brought hither for you and thus must I tell you that if you should defer it till another time it would be prejudicial to you all Wherefore I counsel you to do it upon the first day of the next wéek assuring you to be as well received of the Emperor as ever were any knights which your ease and pleasure in his company shall continue until the rolling whéel of fortune turning about shall bring with it many travels passions adventures which shall cause many griefs and sorrows both to you and others And the better to make you believe that al I say is true I tell you that I my self shall fall into two of the greatest dangers of my self that ever I had whether it be here or in another place I know not And which is worse I cannot by any means avoid the same not knowing any cause how nor wherefore it should be so although it be in a manner ready to fall upon me Madam said Esplandian before you shall receive any hurt in our presence we will all lose our lives to succor you My good child said she mans destiny of force must be accomplished But I pray you let us enter into some other talk for this maketh me melancholy Madam said Manley Is it not your pleasure to go into the Town I said she I pray you send for Norandel who at this present I know is at Alfarin and I will give you as great cause to rejoyce as ever you had for that within my ship I have brought the King of Denmark wounded in a combate that he fought against Garlante Lord of the
the great Serpent were among them Wherefore said Norandel I bring him said she a letter from the chief and most courteous knight in all Asia Norandel desirous to understand the contents of the letter said he was the man Then look upon it said she at your leisure And if you think it good return an answer with that she turned her horse and rid the same way that she came Which done Norandel opened the letter the contents whereof are these ROdrigue Great Souldan of Liquie Friend to the gods and Enemy to their Enemies Defender of the Pagan Law To thee that callest thy self Knight of the Great Serpent greeting Know thou that the cause of our long Voyage by Sea to enter into these Countries hath been in hope to be revenged of the Outrages that my Uncle Armato King of Turky hath received at the hands of thee and thy companions not having once offended thee and although we are most sure of the destruction of the wicked Emperor that favoureth thee in thy so wicked and damnable enterprizes and that before long time be past both he and his shall end their lives by our hands yet should I be much grieved that this misfortune should happen unto thee before I have proved my body against thine because of the renown that is spread of thee throughout the world Wherefore chuse whether thou wilt accept of the Combate between us two alone of ten to ten a hundred to a hundred or of greater number as thou thinkest good Swearing unto thee by all our gods that those thou shalt bring with thee for that cause shall receive no more displeasure than thy self unless it be by such as are ordained to fight with them according to the Agreement we shall make Wherefore make me an answer worthy such a Knight that thereby thy honor be not stained Norandel having read this Letter shewed it to his friends who were all of advice to grant the Souldan his request But Norandel would determine nothing before he made the Emperor acquainted under whose conduct during the siege he had submitted himself whereupon he went to speak with him and having shewed him the Contents of the Letter he had received in Esplandians name and the counsel of his companions the Emperor asked him what he thought therein My Lord said he if it pleaseth you that I and nine others which I will chuse shall undertake this combate you shall do us much favor My good friend said the Emperor you sée the estate wherein I am and the time wherein I ought to kéep not onely you and others wherein I put my whole affiance but the meanest souldier in this City Nevertheless I wil so much agrée unto your will that if you and your companions think it good I am content you do it My Lord said Norandel both I and they most humbly crave it of your Grace Well then said the Emperor if it pleaseth God you shall win honor thereby as you have done before in many as perillous adventures as this is Norandel thanked the Emperor and the same day caused his Knights of Great Brittain to be assembled together by whose advice there was an Answer framed to the Souldans Letter the contents whereof do follow THe Knights that are servants to Jesus Christ being at this time with the Emperor of Constantinople for the defence and augmentation of the Christians name to thee Rodrigue Souldan of Liquy like greeting thou hast sent unto the Knight of the great Serpent A Gentlewoman that saith she belongeth unto thee that hath given us a Letter directed unto him the contents whereof are in two points In the first thou complainest of the enterprises he hath made against thine uncle King Armato in the other thou shewest a desire thou hast to prove thy person against his or a greater number against a greater as he shall think it good But for that the Knight thou writest unto at this present is not here nor in place whereas he can return thee answer we thought it convenient in his behalf to satisfie thy request and to accept the offers thou hast made unto him assuring thee that here is the son of a King and nine other Knights with him that will fight with thee and as many more of thine if thou be content therewith Advise thy self then herein and having received thy answer with safe conduct safely to go and come we will not fail to be in the place where you shall appoint This Letter sealed up Norandel gave it to one of his squires to bear it to the Souldan who made him answer that he desired onely to prove his body against the Knight of the great Serpent and no other But said he if those that sent you hither have any desire to fight against ten of my Knights they shall finde them ready being as great gentlemen and of as high a linage as they are And as touching their safe conduct I will so well provide for it that they shall have occasion to think well of me wherefore return thou unto them and let me know their answer With that the Squire having his dispatch went and came so often betwéen them that in the end the combate of ten to ten was fully agréed upon and the Lists appointed hard before the Town whither the next morning the ten Knights went whose names were as followeth Norandel Garvate of the dreadful Dale Talanque Manley Ambor de Galdel Elian le Delibere Bravor son of Balan Trion cousin german to Quéen Briolany Imosil de Burgoigne and Listoran of the silver bridge CHAP. XLIX How the ten Christian Knights entred into the Lists and of the Combate between them and ten Pagan knights that belonged to the Souldan of Liquie ALl that night the ten Knights watched in the principallest Church of Constantinople confessing themselves and praying unto God as if they should presently die The next day as the Sun began to appear the Emperor accompanied of divers Noblemen the Emperess the Princess Leonorine Quéen Minoresse with divers other Ladies and Gentlewomen came unto them where they heard Masse devoutly that done they returned unto the Pallace where Norandel and his nine companions armed themselves the Ladies serving them for squires in such sort as Norandel received such favor at Quéen Minoresses hands that she sound means to help to buckle on every piece of his Armor one after the other As she was busie about him he found means to say unto her Madam the honor that you do me maketh me so couragious that this day I hope to make it known to those that shall behold us fight how much my strength is now increased by your means But if it pleaseth you to bestow some favor upon me that I might bear the same about my Armor I should account my self for one of the most happy Knights living on the earth My good friend said she the most precious Iewel that I can give unto you is my heart that shall accâ—mpany yours to
in the army Whereof the Souldan and Quéen Calafie being advertised determined together to write unto them the contents whereof do follow Rodrigue Souldan of Liquie mortal enemy to the enemies of our gods and Calafre Queen of Califorine a country most rich and abundant in Gold and precious Stones give you Amadis de Gaule King of Great Brittain and your son Knight of the great Serpent to understand that the occasion of our arrival in these countries hath been for these two causes The one in hope to destroy all Christendom and the other to prove if we may 〈◊〉 from you the renown that is spread abroad of you to be the two best Knights living in the world for we account our selves for such as that if you will accept the combate of your persons against ours we will evidently make it known that our valor is no less then yours And to the end the glory of the victors may be known the vanquished shall remain in their powers to dispose of them as they shall think convenient Advise your selves therefore to answer us herein by this our messenger to whom we have given charge to declare unto you if you refuse this combate that from henceforth we shall have just occasion to attribute to our selves the advantage of the praises and endless glories that fortune heretofore hath given you and to esteem of you as meanly in time to come as you have been highly renowned heretofore This Letter given to the Gentlewoman that bare the first to Norandel she went unto the Christians camp and being advertised which was Amadis tent entered therein as he sat talking with king Luisart Esplandian and other good knights Where knéeling on the ground she asked which of them was the knight of the great Serpent and his father Amadis spake unto her and said Gentlewoman I am the one and this is my Son Is it your pleasure to speak with us The gentle woman casting her eye upon Esplandian marvelling at his great beauty spake said In good faith king Amadis I verily believe that this is he for I have heard him in divers places esteemed for the same that now I do behold in him Gentlewoman said Amadis if you came into our camp onely to sée him you now have your desire That hath not bin only the cause said she but to bring this letter which the Souldan of Liquie and quéen Calafre send unto you both wherefore having read it I pray you return an answer With that Amadis having taken it in his hand the Gentlewoman departed out of the rent attending their resolution King Amadis having read it shewed it to King Luisart and the rest that were in presence wherewith there a rose great controversie among them concerning the refusal or acceptation of the combate for that the most part of them were of advise it should not be accepted shewing divers great and evident reasons to confirm the same as the greater number of enemies they had before them ready to give them battel and if it happen said they that fortune should be contrary to King Amadis and Esplandian in whom partly consisteth our hope such hard chance would bréed great fear in divers men that are now very willing and ready to do the best they can Others held the contrary saying that it would be shame unto them all for that refusal onely would much incourage the enemy but they were of this opinion that it might well be required that the number of the combatants might be greater In good truth said Amadis be it of two against two twenty against twenty or of greater number the victory is in the hands of God Wherefore in refusing thereof I should do my self wrong and cause a great blemish to all Christendom that would not be defaced in long time after Besides I have great hope of Gods help herein for whose faith and honor I have undertaken this voyage When Esplandian heard his fathers mind he spake boldier and said That he would take that combate upon himself alone not onely against the Souldan and the Quéen but against two others more with them rather then it so should be refused whereupon it was concluded that Amadis and he would fight and sending for the messenger into the tent Amadis said unto her Gentlewoman you shall tell the Souldan and the Quéen that I and my son are content to do as they require wherefore set them chuse what arms they will and for the place it shall be betwéen their camp and ours assuring them on the faith of a King that not one of our soldiers shall once remove how soever we spéed which we desire likewise at their hands and if it be their desire to have the combate fought this day we are content to do it With that the Gentlewoman returned and coming to the Souldans tent she declared her message unto them being such as you have heard whereof the Souldan was glad but especially the Quéen for the great desire she had to sée Esplandian whereof she asked the Gentlewomen what she thought of him Madam said she I have in my life time seen many men and women that nature had indued with great beauty but by the gods I confess it is all but painting in regard of that I have found in him for he is so fair and beautiful that the more I think thereon so much the more it maketh me conceive such beauty to be rather divine them humane That is much said the Queen I know not said the Gentlewoman what you mean by that word Much but I am well assured if you had seen him as I did that you would say as much as I do and it may be more Truly said the Queen before I enter in combate with him I will first see him unarmed and speak with him not as an enemy to an enemy but as friends commonly do one unto the other Madam said the Souldan seeing it is your desire it were good our Gentlewoman went again unto them to desire them to give you leave to come and visit them in their camp not to procure them any cause of envy but to do them honor and for that cause to desire their safe conduct This counsel seemed good unto the Queen and without longer staying she sent the Gentlewoman back again unto Amadis and Esplandian whom she found yet in the Tent whereas she left them With that she told them what her message was and the great desire the Queen had to see them before they entred into combate King Amadis could not refrain laughing to hear the Gentlewoman express the affection her mistress had asking king Luisart what he thought therein Son said he deny not her request for I assure you since our coming hither I have heard the Queen to be esteemed a wise and beautiful Princess You hear our answer said Amadis to the Gentlewoman let the Queen come hither when she thinketh good for she shall be heartily welcome With that the Gentlewoman returned to the
Queen who being greatly pleased with that answer determined the next day to go unto them But she knew not well what manner of apparrel she were best to wear sometimes she thought it fit to go as she used when she went to battel and then presently changed opinion thinking a womans apparrel would be more seemly and convenient seeing she went not to try their forces but onely to win the love and favor of Esplandian if she might procure the same And thinking on it all night long in the morning when she meant to apparrel her self she was resolved to dress her as women use to do thinking she had means enough afterward to shew her self in habit of a Knight whereby she might be seen both in the one and the other sort Whereupon she caused her most precious Robes to be brought unto her and apparrelling her self forgot not any thing that might once beautifie or adorn her person or that in her opinion would deck her well the better to be liked And to bear her company she took twelve of her own gentlewomen so well furnished and set forth with Stones and Pearls that the like was never séen That done she sent unto her ships for a most strange and monstrous beast whereupon sometimes she used to ride in great pomp It was as big as a great Dromadary the hair long and somewhat yellow black spots his two ears hanging down unto his knées having but one eye shining brighter then a burning glass and stood right in the midst of his forehead out of his mouth there issued two great teeth like horns and although his feet were cloven like an ox yet was there no Hart in all the world that could outrun him were it in plain way or over rocks In that manner she entered into the Christans camp of whom she was not a little wondred at before she came to King Luisarts tent where Amadis and in a manner all the principal captains of the army stayed for her praying Quedragant to go out to welcome her which he did with great courtesie for he had no sooner espied her but he stepped forward and doing her great reverence holp her to descend and taking her by the arm led her into the tent where the Lords were all assembled of whom she was most honorably received But when she beheld Esplandians beauty she was so much surprised with the love of him that she repented her coming thither not so much for the small hope she had to win him being divers in religion but doubting that the fantasie newly entred into her mind would so much estrange her force by overmuch thinking upon him when she went to fight that thereby she should be in danger to lose the honor and reputation she had gotten in arms among the best Knights in all the world which to prevent she determined to stay the less time there knowing the nature of love to be such that it can steal the hearts of all persons and commonly maketh himself possessor of it before he that hath it in possession can perceive it And as the Princes entertained her with divers swéet and pleasant speeches she returned to Esplandian and said Sir Knight for two most excellent graces that are in you I have taken the pains to come and visit you The first is the gift of beauty which is such in you as I could never have imagined the same The other is the force of your body and magnanimity of your courage whereby you are accounted altogether invincible The one I have séen wich mine eyes to be so perfect that I never hope to see the like again although I lived a thousand years and more the other the combate you shall have against the most puissant Souldan of Liquie will be a witness unto us and had it not bin that he requested me to fight against King Amadis because his onely desire is to prove his body against yours I would have tryed it my self Of one thing can I well assure you that if the honor remain to us and life to you I will afterward tell you a thing that much importeth me and which I greatly desire to let you know before I sail into my country Now for this time I have satisfied my desire wherefore my Lords said she unto all the Princes I beseech you pardon me in not using longer speeches for I know full well that my long staying with you thinking to finde that I hoped for might possibly cause me to lose my self wherewith I should be overmuch displeased for that before sunsetting I hope to be in place where I will shew such valour in arms that he which never could be vanquished by man as it is reported shall now receive an overthrow at a simple womans hand Madam said King Perion fortune can do much when it pleaseth her if you do as you say truly you shall do more then we can well believe but commonly the workman is known by his work and because the issue of the combate is the glory of him or you til then we wil defer our judgements And although Amadis perceived himself much outraged by the queen yet he made no sign thereof but taking her by the arm led her where her company stayed and as she mounted to return with a smiling countenance he spake unto her and said Madam when we come to dealing of blows I beseech you shew me not the greatest extremity you can because I was always a friend to women and ever will be during my life whereunto the queen answered not a word but rode unto the Pagans camp to arm her self Mean time Brian de Moniaste arrived in the Christians camp who having bin sent by the King of Spain his father with a great power of men into Africa to besiege the town of Cesonie after called Centie was advertised by a pirate of the christians enterprise and how their army great fléet had passed the cape of Finis terre presently sent unto his father to desire him to give him leave to go that voyage whereunto by much importunity he granted For which cause Brian brake up his siege of Cenite and entring again into his ships sailed to Cicile and from thence to Galipoli and so to Constantinople where he joyned with the Christian princes that received him most gladly CHAP. LIII How king Amadis Esplandian his son fought against the Souldan of Liquie and Queen Calafre and of the battel fought the same day both by sea and land between the Christians the Pagans QVéen Calafre returned to the Pagans camp as you heard before presently armed her self and the Souldan likewise and stayed not long before they came unto the place where the combate was assigned where not long after they found Amadis and Esplandian and because the camps were not well assured of each other notwithstanding the oaths and promises on both sides made they set themselves in order of battel not stirring one foot King Perion sending word to Quedragant