with gracious behauiour as they might be termed Lords both in heart and hand the only meane that made them be serued with fedelity Therefore my good friends I desire you all euen in the most intire affection I can vse that you assist me to your vttermost in recouery of good Knights either of our owne or strangers promising you by the faith and word of a king so honorably to entreate and esteeme of them as both they and you shall remaine contented Nor are you ignorant my nobleÌ„ friends that the better we bee accompanied the more we shall be feared of our enemies our state in greater safety and your selues more securely defended and loued If then any vertue at all abide in vs you may easily iudge how new friends cannot make vs forgetfull of our olde let none then differ from the request I haue made but rather yeelde and consent thereto Againe I entreat ye and expressely command that each of you presently name such to me as you know happely they being yet vnknowne to me to the end if any be in this Court they may receiue such fauour of vs as the absent may bee the better affected to our seruice likewise we entreat them not to depart our company without giuing vs some aduertisement All which was presently done many openly called and their names set downe but because the tables were couered for dinner the King arose from his chaire withdrawing him-selfe into the appointed Hall where many Tables were prouided which he commanded to bee well furnished with Knights You may easily coniecture that during the seruice they diuersly communed together some on the kings deliberation and other of his magnificence vntill the Tables were with-drawne againe when the King caused them all to be called and thus spake You see my good friends how earnestly I loue and desire your company wherefore you must grant me one request not to depart this Court without my leaue for I would particularly know the seruice you haue done me and you â—ast such reward of my treasure as may continue your loue to me Hereupon they were seuerally called by name againe and euery one confirmed the kings request except Amadis because he was the Queenes knight and al this while was she present at these matters wherefore after the noise was somewhat appeased she framed her speeches to the King in this manner My Lord seeing it hath pleased you so to fauour and honour your Knights me thinks it were reasonable that I should doe the like to the Ladies and Gentle-women of what part soeuer they be Wherefore I humbly desire one boone with assurance likewise if you consent these Gentle-men after you shall not deny mee considering that in semblable company good things deserue to bee demanded and granted Then the King looked on all the assistants saying What answer my friends shall we make the Queene shall we agree to her demand Yea Sir if it be your pleasure answered they What said Galaor were it possible to deny a princesse so vertuous Seeing you are all so well content quoth the King she shall obtaine whatsoeuer she asketh At these words the Queene arose and thanking her Lord said Seeing it pleaseth you to giue place and fauour to my request I desire hence-forth you would doe such honour to Ladies and Gentlewomen as to take them into your protection and defence maintayning their quarrells against all such as would molest them any manner of way Beside if you haue made promise of some suite to a man and the like to any Lady or Gentlewoman you first shall accomplish the womans request as being the weakest person and who hath most neede to be holpen This granted hereafter they shall be better fauoured and defended then euer they were for villaynes that are wont to do them iniurie meeting them in the fields and knowing they haue such knights as you are for their protect ours dare no way wrong them In sooth Madame said the King your request is reasonable and I thinke none will gaine-say it wee will haue it therefore registred and set downe as a law inuiolable CHAP. XXXIIII How while this great and loyfull assembly endured a Damosell came to the Court cloathed in mourning requesting ayde of King Lisuart in a cause whereby she had beene wronged MEane while this honorable company thus continued free from all danger and mis-hap thinking on nothing but pleasure and delights there entred a Damosell clad in mourning who falling on her knees before the King thus spake My Lord ech one is merry but my poore selfe who am so crossed with griefe and sorrow as death were the best friend could come to me yet would your Maiestie take compassion on me I easily might recouer my ioy againe These wordes were dipt in such aboundance of teares as the King being moued therewith to pittie thus answered Lady I would be very glad to relieue your sadnesse but tell me who is the cause thereof Dread Lord quoth she my Father and Vncle are detained prisoners by a Lady who hath vowed neuer to release them vntill they deliuer her two so good knights as one was whom they killed in fight On what occasion did they kill him said the King Because he vanted replied the Damosel that he alone would combat with them and so proud he grew in speeches as at length he defied them Not long after they meeting one day together the knight vsed such reproouing tearmes of cowardise as my Father and vncle could not indure the iniurie but falling to the combat the knight was slaine in the presence of a Lady named Galdenda who as she said procured his comming to maintain a difference which she had with a neighbour of hers being her great enemy wherfore seeing him dead she caused the conquerors to be taken put them into the most miserable prison in the world albeit my father and vncle often told her that they would performe for her what the knight should haue done But she answered how shee well knew they were not sufficient for the cause therefore should neuer be released vntill they deliuered her two knights of like account each of them valuing him in strength whoÌ„ they had slaine to finish the attempt himselfe was able to doe Know you not Damosell said the King against whom they shoulde combat or the place where it is appointed No truely Sir answered the Damosell but I haue seene my father and vncle cruelly put in prison where their friends caÌ„ compas no meanes to see them Herewith she began again to weep that euery one pittied to behold her which made the king aske her if the place were far off In fiue daies my Lord quoth she it may easily be gone returned Now trust me said the king you shall not want your ioy for two knights wherefore looke among al these gallants and chuse such as you best fancy My Lord replied the Damosell I am a stranger and know not any one in this Court But
on the helmet as hee was astonied therewith and redoubling his blowe cut his right arme quite from his shoulder when Barsinan feeling himself so wounded would haue retyred backe to saue himselfe by the speed of his horse but hee fell to the ground as depriued of his sences Wherefore Amadis left him and set vpon the rest who beeing vnable to endure these hotte assaults likewise beholding their Lord dismounted took theÌ„selues to flight for safety of their liues yet were they so closely followed as the most part of them were slain in the field and some few of them escaped into the Tower causing the bridge to be quickly drawen vp after them Hereupon Amadis returned where he left Barsinan because he was not yet dead commanded he should be carried to the Queenes lodging there to bee kept till the Kings returne and as hee would haue put vp his sword hee sawe it soyled with blood wherefore in wiping it hee saide Thou trustie sworde in a happy houre was the knight born to whom thou belongest and as thou art one of the best in the world so is thy Master the most vertuous Prince liuing He vsed these words because it appertained to King Lisuart and was sent him from the Queene by Gandalin as you heard before but now returnes hee with king Arban to the Queenes lodging to comfort her with newes of happie victory All this while the King is hasting toward London giuing order to returne all the knights hee met by the way among whom were Agraies Galuanes Soliuan Galdaâ— Dinadaâ—s and Bernas all which were highly in the Kings fauour as men of vertue and no small deseruing and his Maiesty hauing imbraced them said My noble good friends you had almost lost mee but God bee thanked you haue recouered mee againe by the helpe of these three worthy knights Galaor Guilan and Ladasin In sooth my Lord answered Dinadaâ—s so soon as your mishap was knowen in the Citie each one prepared to bring you succour I knowe my good Nephew quoth the king that I am greatly beholding to you all but I pray you take good store of these knights and post with speed to assist the Queene for I doubt she is in no little danger This Dinadaâ—s was one of the best knights of the kings linage and well esteemed among men of account as well in respect of his vertues as also his braue behauiour in chiualry so according to the kings command he rode away presently very brauely accompanied The king likewise followed an indifferent pace left his Nephew should stand in need of helpe and by the way he ouertooke Don Grumedan with his daughter Oriana How ioyfull this meeting was you may easily conceiue that the separation was not so grieuous but this was as gladsome Grumedan told his Maiesty how Amadis left the Princesse with him while hee rode before to assist the Queene thus with repetition of many matters they beguiled the time till they arriued at London where hee vnderstoode the successe of Barsinans enterprise and how valiantly King Arban had resisted him not forgetting the worthy behauiour of Amadis in taking him prisoner and discomfiting his men except a few that saued themselues in the Tower Here would it aske a worlde of time to report the ioy pleasure and contentment betweene the King and Queen at their meeting likewise the mothers comfort hauing recouered her daughter againe but as your iudgements can better conceiue then I set downe matter aboue the reach of common capacity so doe I leaue it to you and proceed to the King Who to terrifie the traytours thus gotten into holde besieged them seuerally and to dishearten them the more brought Barsinan Arcalaus Nephew before the walles where before all the people they confessed their treason Which being done a great fire was made wherein they were aliue consumed but when they in the Tower beheld this spectacle and that they were in great want of victals they yeelded themselues to the Kings mercy the most part of theÌ„ being for examples sake hanged on the battlements and the rest set at liberty vpon humble submission Yet this matter bred very great trouble afterward betweene them of Great Brittaine Sansuegua for the sonne of Barsinan being a good knight vexed king Lisuart with contagious warre as in the History hereafter at large is mentioned After the King had escaped these misfortunes the former ioyes and pastimes beganne againe during which time the Lady and her two sonnes the messengers of Madasima who were witnesses when Galaor and Amadis promised to forsake king Lisuarts seruice arriued at the Court. When the two Princes were aduertised thereof they went and friendly entertained her shee saying Gentlemen you know the cause of my comming are you determined to keepe your promise We are quoth they and will not breake our couenant with Madasima but presently will performe it before the King Entring the great Hall the Lady fell on her knees before his Maiesty deliuering these speeches My Lord I am come to your Court to see if these two knights will obserue a couenant which in my presence they made to a Lady What was it answered the King A matter that will scant like you quoth the Lady or any such as beare you affection and thereto shee added the whole circumstance Wherat the King waxing somewhat offended told Galaor that hee had very much wronged him My Lord replyed Galaor it was better to do so then be trecherously slaine for had wee beene knowne neither you nor all the world could haue saued our liues but let not your Maiesty be offended for the remedy shall be more ready then you expect In accomplishing my promise to Madasima of Gantasi my Lord I take my leaue of you departing altogether from your seruice certifying you that it is her will to doe you this displeasure and worse if she should compasse it for the extreame mallice she beareth to you Amadis affirmed what his brother had done then Galaor turning to the Lady her two sonnes sayd Haue we not now accomplish our promise Yes truely quoth the Lady wee must needs auouch so much You may then returne when you please answered Galaor but tell Madasima she did not so much as she weened as you may perceiue by the present effect Now my Lord quoth he to the King we haue fulfilled our promise to Madasima and because in graunting her earnest desire the time was not limited how long we should leaue your seruice we may enter thereinto againe when you please to command so that we are yours as faithfull as before When the King and all that were present heard what had past they reioyced exceedingly esteeming Galaor Amadis well aduised herein where-upon the King thus spake to the Lady According to her great treason vnder shaddowe of good meaning they are bound to no more then they haue accomplished for to deceiue the deceiuer is no deceit And say to Madasima seeing she hateth me so
in this distresse especially the three Ladyes of whom we spake so lately whose cheekes were bedewed with whole fountaines of teares and wofull Oliuia seemed rather dead then liuing But had he long continued in this extreamity her latest houer must needes haue ensued yet at length he recouered him-selfe charging the Duke and his Nephewes with such puissant strokes as well declared his hardy courage Oliuas all this while was in such case by reason of the sore wound the Duke gaue him that he could hardly defend himselfe which the Duke perceiuing hee left his Nephew with Agraies and assailing Oliuas very roughly made him fall downe in a great astonishment But as he would haue slaine him Agraies stepped betweene thē hauing dispatched his enemie of his head and hindred the Duke from his determination wounding him in many places on his body that he could scant tel which way to turne him Don Galuanes likewise hauing slaine the other Nephew came to assist Agraies against the Duke who seeing his life at the latest exigent turned his horse to escape away but Agraies gaue him such a stroke on the helmet as hee fell beside his saddle with one of his feete hanging in the stirrop when the horse being at libertie feeling his burthen hang on the one side ranne flinging vp and downe none being able to reskew the Duke till his necke was broken with dragging along Hereupon Agraies left him returning to his vncle to know how he fared Very well I thanke God answered Galuanes but it grieueth mee that Oliuas is dead for hee lieth still and moueth not Right sorry likewise was Agraies to heare these words wherefore commanding the Duke and his Nephewes bodyes to be throwne foorth of the field they came both to Oliuas and finding him aliue as also his wounds not to be mortall they bound them vp so well as they could saying Friend Oliuas be of good cheere for though you haue lost very much blood yet doubt wee not of your health because wee finde little danger in your hurts Alas my Lords quoth Oliuas my heart fainteth and albeit I haue beene heeretofore wounded yet neuer was I in such debilitie Then the King desired to knowe whether hee were dead or no and when it was tolde him how hee wanted nothing but speedy cure hee commanded him to bee honourably caryed into the Citie and his own cirurgions to attend on his health euen as it were his owne person which he did promising to deliuer him well againe within few daies Thus euery one returned disputing diuersly on the end of the Combat and according to their particular affections so that soone after the Queene who was one of the best Ladies in the world was aduised to send for the wife to the deceased Duke that in the Court shee might weare away the cause of her melancholly and to dispatch this businesse shee sent Don Grumedan to her requesting she would bring her Neece Aldena with her whereof Galuanes was not a little glad especially Don Guilan who was the friend and beloued of the Dutchesse Not long after she and her Neece arriued at the Court where they were right nobly feasted and entertayned Thus the King spent the time in the Citty of London accompanied with many great Lords knights and Ladies because the fame was blazed throught the world of his honourable courtesie to strange Knights which drew an exceeding number to his court whom he rewarded very bountifully hoping by their meanes not onely to confirme his Realme in peace but likewise to conquere other which some-time had beene subiect and tributary to his Crown yet through the pusillanimity and negligence of the Kinges his predecessors were lost and discontinued their former obedience CHAP. XLI How Amadis determined to goe combat with Abiseos and his two Sonnes to reuenge the Kings death who was Father to the fayre Briolania and of that which followed HEretofore it hath beene declared how Amadis being with Briolania promised to reuenge the King her Fathers death against Abiseos and his two Sonnes which in one year after he should performe being accompanied with two other Knights Also how when he tooke his leaue of her shee gaue him a Sword because his owne was broken desiring him to weare it for her sake which Sword was afterward broken at the Ladies Castle who was the beloued of Angrioted Estrauaus when he combatted with Gasinan and commanded Gandalin to bring away the peeces thereof which occasioned great harme not long after not by any fault of him but by the indiscretion of Dardan the Dwarffe who imagined his master loued the faire Briolania in respect he offered himselfe to be her Knight One day therefore Amadis being with King Lisuart euermore delighting with his Lady Oriana to the no little contentation of thē both Loue who often-times prouoketh his Subiects would no longer continue them in so great ease but rayse some cinders of diuision wherby they might receiue discontentment For this cause he made Amadis remember his promise to Briolania that he should combat Abiseos within one yeare the end whereof was now at hand and being loth to faile therein he sought all conuenient meanes to take his leaue of the Princesse Oriana determining to acquaint her with the whole cause in what sort Briolania was disinherited of her fathers kingdom such were his discourses on her behalf that although Oriana was loth to grant what hee demanded or to permit his absence from her yet being ouercome with compassion she restrained her will and in middest of her sorrow said Deere friend I know well that your speeches are reasonable but the wrong you do me aloweth no excuse Yet in respect I loue ye as you are well assured it is conuenient I should preferre your honor before mine own pleasure You haue promised as you tell me to succour a disinherited Lady I am content seeing there is no other remedy though my consent be with greater griefe then you weene for my minde is perswaded some mischiefe will happen to me by this voyage Madam answered Amadis vnwilling am I to giue you any occasion of dislike or to attempt any thing against your minde rather could I wish neuer to haue beene borne Let Briolania then pardon my tarrying for I hold my selfe sufficiently excused seeing my departure is not agreeable to you Not so sweete friend replyed Oriana I am willing you shall go but make a speedy returne I pray you With twenty kisses was this separation sealed and shee desired him to acquaint the Queene there with that this iourney might be shaddowed vnder her commandement which he did and on the morrow departed with Galaor and Agraies when they had not ridden past halfe a Mile but he asked Gandalin if hee had brought with him the peeces of the Sword that Briolania gaue him when hee left her No my Lord answered Gandalin Returne then quoth Amadis to the Dwarffe and when thou hast them make what speede thou canst to ouertake
and well entertained Fol. 24. Chap. 6. How Vrganda the Vnknowne brought a Launce to the Gentleman of the Sea Fol. 33. Chap. 7. How the Gentleman of the Sea combatted with the guarders of Galpans Castle and after-ward with his Brethren and in the end with Galpan himselfe Fol. 39. Chap. 8. How the third day after the Gentleman of the Sea departed from King Languines the three Knights came to the court bringing with them the wounded Knight in a Litter and his disloyall wife Fol. 43. Chap. 9. How King Lisuart sent for his Daughter the Princesse Oriana for that long before he had left her in the Court of King Languines who sent her accompanied with the Princesse Mabila his onely daughter as also a noble traine of Knights Ladies and Gentlewomen Fol. 46. Chap. 10. How the Gentleman of the Sea fought the combat with King Abies on difference of the warre he made in Gaule Fol. 55. Chap. 11. How the Gentleman of the Sea was knowne by King Perion his Father and by the Queene Elisen a his Mother Fol. 60. Chap. 12. How the Giant bringing Galaor to King Lisuart that he might dub himknight met with his brother Ama. by whose hāa he would be knighted and by no other Fol. 66. Chap. 13. How Galaor vanquished the Giant at the Rock of Galteres Fol. 76. Chap. 14. How after Amadis departed from Vrganda the Vnknowne he arriued at a Castle where it chanced to him as you shall reade in the discourse Fol. 81. Chap. 15. How King Lisuart caused a sepulchre to be made for Dardan and his friend with an Epitaph in remembrance of their death and the honor he did to Amadis after he was found and knowne Fol. 91. Chap. 16. How Amadis made himselfe knowne to King Lisuart as also the Princes and Lords of his Court of whom he was honorably receiued and feasted Fol. 100. Chap. 17. What were the aduentures of the Prince Agraies since his returne from Gaule where he left Amadis Fol. 108 Chap. 18. How Amadis tarrying with his good will in the Court of King Lisuart heard tidings of his brother Galaor Fol. 206. Chap. 19. How Amadis combatted against Angriote and his brother who guarded the passage of the valley against such as would not confesse that their Ladies were inferior in beauty to Angriotes choyce F. 122 Chap. 20. How Amadis was inchanted by Arcalaus when he would haue deliuered the Lady Grindaloya and other from prison and how after-ward he escaped the inchauntments by the ayde of Vrganda Fol. 131 Chap. 21. How Arcalaus brought news to the Court of King Lisuart that Amadis was dead which caused his friends to make manifold lamentations and regrets especially the Princesse Oriana Fol. 136. Chap. 22. How Galaor came very sore wounded to a Monastery where he soiourned fiue dayes attending his health and at his departure thence what happened to him F. 141 Chap. 23. How Amadis departed from the Ladies Castle and of the matters which were occurrent to him by the way Fol. 150. Chap. 24. How King Lisuart being in the chase saw a farre off three knights armed comming toward him and what followed thereupon F. 154. Chap. 25 How Amadis Galaor and Balays determined to trauaile to King Lisuart and what aduentures happened by the way betweene them Fol. 159. Chap. 26. How Galaor reuenged the death of the Knight whom hee found slaine on the bed vnder the Tree Fol. 164. Chap. 27 How Amadis pursuing the Knight that misused the Damosell met another knight with whom he combatted and what happened to him afterward Fol. 168 Chap. 28. How Amadis combatted with the Knight that did steale the Damosell from him when he slept and vanquished him Fol. 174. Chap 29. How Balays behaued himselfe in his enterprise pursuing the Knight that made Galaor loose his Horse Fol. 176. Chap. 30. How King Lisuart held open Court most royally and of that which happened in the meane time Fol. 179. Chap. 31. How Amadis Galaor and Balays arriued at the Court of King Lisuart and what happened to them afterward Fol. 182 Chap. 32. How King Lisuart departed from Windsore to the good Citty of London there to hold open and royall Court Fol. 185. Chap. 33. How King Lisuare would haue the aduise of his Princes and Lords as concerning his former determination for the high exalting and entertaining of Chiualrie F. 191 Chap. 34. How while this great and ioyfull assembly endured a Damosell came to Court cloathed in mourning requesting ayde of King Lisuart in a cause whereby shee had beene wronged Fol. 195. Chap. 35. How King Lisuart was in danger of his person and his state by the vnlawfull promises he made too rash and vnaduisedly Fol. 201. Chap. 36. How Amadis and Galaor vnderstood that King Lisuart and his Daughter were carried away prisoners wherefore they made hast to giue them succour Fol. 209. Chap. 37. How Galaor rescued King Lisuart from the ten Knights that led him to prison Fol. 216. Chap. 38. How news came to the Queene that the King was taken and how Barsinan laboured to vsurpe the Citty of London many dayes in which time sundry great personages were there feasted the greater part whereof remained long time after-ward Fol. 227. Ch. 41. How Amadis determined to goe combat with Abiseos and his two Sons to reuenge the kings death who was father to the faire Briolania and of that which followed Fol. 230. Chap. 42. How Galaor went with the Damosell after the Knight that dismounted him and his companions in the Forrest whom when hee found they combatted together and afterward in the sharpest point of their combat they knew each other Fol. 235 Chap. 43. How Don Florestan was begotten by King Petion on the faire Daughter to the County of Zealand Fol. 240. Chap. 44. How Galaor and Florestan riding towards the Realme of Sobradisa met with three Damosels at the Fountaine of Oliues Fol. 248. FINIS THE SECOND BOOKE Of Amadis de Gaule CONTAINING THE DESCRIPtion Wonders and Conquests of the Inclosed or Firme-Island As also the triumphes and troubles of Amadis in the pursuit of his fayrest Fortunes Moreouer the manifold Victories hee obtained and admirable seruices by him performed for King Lisuart And his notorious ingratitude towards him which was the first occasion of the broyles and fatall warres that no small time continued betweene him and Amadis Translated out of French by A. M. LONDON Printed by NICHOLAS OKES dwelling in Foster-lane 1619. TO THE RIGHT HONORAble Sir Phillip Herbert Earle of Mountgomerie And Knight of the most noble Order of the Garter AMadis in his first Booke kissing your noble hand the second followeth to finde the like fauour encouraged thereto by your euer knowne most honourable nature and affable graces affoorded to the very meanest deseruers The third and fourth Bookes successiuely ensue to make vp the first volume of so famous an history till foure more may in the like manner be finished to present themselues to you their
Durin I see my misfortune so strange and my sorrow so intollerable as of force I must die which God grant it may be without delay for death onely will giue rest and ease to this torture which vexeth mee Salute from me the Princesse Mabila and thy good sister the Damosell of Denmarke vnto whom thou mayst declare my cruel death which I suffer with as great wrōg as euer any knight suffered Before the which I would to God I had the meanes to doe them any seruice in recompence of the duty I doe owe them for all the good they haue done and the fauours they haue purchased for mee Then hee beganne his moane weeping so bitterly as Durin therewith had his heart so stopped with woe that hee was not able to answer one word Wherfore Amadis embraced him and committed him to God At that instant began the day to appeare when Amadis perceiuing that Gandalin followed him hee sayd vnto him if thou determinest to come with me take heede vpon thy life that thou turne me not from any thing which I shall say or doe otherwise I pray thee forthwith to turne another way that I may see thee no more Beleeue me Sir sayd Gandalin I wil do whatsoeuer shal please you Then Amadis deliuered him his armor to bear cōmanding him to pul the sword forth of his shield to cary it to the amorous knight CHAP. V. Who was the Knight vanquished by Amadis and what happened vnto him before he fought with him SEeing that it falleth out so fit I will declare vnto you before I passe any further the estate of the amorous Knight of whom wee spake euen now You must knowe that hee was called Patin brother to Don Sidon the Emperor of Rome and hee was the best knight that was to be found in all Romania By meanes whereof he was feared and famous through all the Empire chiefly because hee was to succeed in his brothers dignitie for there was none more neare the same then hee and the Emperour was already so olde that hee neuer hoped to haue any heire Now this Patin was one day talking with the Queene of Sardinia named Sardamira one of the fairest Ladies in the world whom hee loued extreamely And as hee gaue her to vnderstand what feruency and torment hee endured in ouer-louing her she answered him My Lord I assuredly beleeue that which you tell mee and the better to witnesse the same I let you know that there is no prince liuing for whō I would do more then for you nor whom I would more willingly take for husband because I know your good parts and the high knight-hood where withall you are so famoused These speeches bred so great presumption in the heart of Patin as besides that hee was by nature one of the proudest Gentlemen in the world hee entred into such glory that he answered her Madame I haue heard that King Lisuart hath a daughter esteemed the fairest Princesse in the worlde but for the loue of you I will goe into Great Brittaine there to mainteine against all men that her beauty is not cōparable to yours the which I alone will prooue in combate against two of the best knights that dare say the contrary whom if I cannot ouercome I will that King Lisuart doe cause my head to bee cut off In good faith my Lord answered the Queene I am of a contrary opinion for if the Princesse haue any beauty in her it nothing impaireth that which God hath bestowed vpon mee if any beauty there bee and me thinks that you haue other means more fit to make known your prowesse in all places Hap what may hap answered hee I will doe it for your loue to the end that euery one may knowe that as you are the fairest Lady in the world so you are beloued of the valiantest Knight aliue Hereupon continuing in this minde within a while after hee tooke leaue of the Queene and passed into Great Brittaine accompanied onely with two Esquires Then hee enquired where he might find King Lisuart vnto whose Court he shortly after came and because hee was more richly armed then wandering knights were accustomed to bee the King thought him to be some great personage For this cause hee receiued him most honourably appointing him into a chamber to shift himselfe When he was vnarmed hee returned to the King who stayed for him marching with such grauity as those that beheld seeing his comely stature iudged him to bee of great courage But the King tooke him by the hand and conferring together hee sayde vnto him gentle friend I pray you thinke it not strange if I desire to know who you are because I may the more honor you in my Court It may please your Maiesty answered Patin I am not come into this countrey to hide mee but rather to make my selfe knowne as well vnto your Highnesse as vnto all others I am that Patin brother to the Emperour which humbly beseecheth you to enquire no further of my affaire vntill I haue seen my Lady Oriana your daughter When the King heard that he embraced him and in excusing his ignorance he sayd to him My good Cosen I am maruailous glad of the honour that you haue done me In cōming thus to visit me in my owne countrey assuring you that since you are desirous to see my daughter she shall not onely be shewed vnto you but likewise the Queene and all her trayne And so long they continued their talke vntill they had couered for supper Then the King caused him to sit next vnto him where hee found himselfe compassed with so great a number of knights as hee much marualled thereat and began to despise the Court of the Emperour his brother as also of all other Princes in respect of this which hee saw After the tables were taken vp it being time to goe to rest the King cōmanded Don Grumedan to bring Patin to his lodging and to shew him all the honor and good entertainment hee could So for that night they departed vntill the next morning that hee came and found the King hearing diuine seruice after the which hee was conducted to the Ladies who receiued him curteously for at his comming the Queen took him by the hand praying him to sit betweene her her daughter Oriana whom at that instant he beheld with such an eye as the loue which before he did beare vnto the Queene Sardamira was wholly changed vnto her beeing captiuated with her excellent beauty and goodly grace You may iudge then how he would haue esteemed her if he had seene her in the time of her perfect health which was now much decaied by reason of this new iealousie which she had conceiued against Amadis which made her looke leane pale and wan but these defaults could nothing quench the heate of the fire already kindled in the heart of Patin who was so far beside him-selfe that hee determined to beseech the king to bestow her vpon him in
deale but I beleeue thou shalt proue thy selfe a lier and so saying hâ—e strooke at him Then there began between them a sharpe and cruell Combat For withoot any breathing they laid at each other so fiercely that Ladasin and his esquires who were present did not thinke that any of them could escape the death Neuerthelesse they behaued themselues so valiantly that one could not iudge who had the best for they were expert knights hardy and exercised in armes so that knowing how to defend themselues few blowes could hurt them to the quicke Now when their battaile was at the hottest they heard the winding of a horne from the top of the tower wherewithall Guillan was abashed thinking it to be some new supply come to his enemy and on the other side Gandalod suspected it to bee some reuolt of the captiues which he had in his prisons And therefore either of them did their best to vanquish his enemy before the succours should come so that suddainnly Gandalod rushed vpon Guillan thinking to vnhorse him but Guillan embraced him so hard that they both fell to the ground tumbling one ouer another yet holding their swords fast in their hands but it happened so well for Guillan that he had his enemy vnder him By meanes whereof before the other could rise hee gaue him fiue or six great blowes with his sword which in such sort amazed him that from thenceforth he waxed more feeble Notwithstanding getting vp vpon his feet hee both well defended himselfe and better assailed his aduersary giuing sufficient knowledge of the little good will he wished vnto his enemy who so sorely oppressed vpon him that hee was constrained to recoile and turne his back Therefore Guillan marking where he was worst armed did hit him such a blow with his sword vpon the arme that hee quite parted it from his shoulder So as with the extreame griefe thereof he cast forth a loude crie flying towards the tower but Guillan ouertooke him and laide so fast holde vpon his helmet that hee pulled it from his head Then setting his sword to his throat hee saide vnto him Beleeue mee Sir you shall now goe to the king to present him with other heads then you determined but if you will not obey me your owne shall satisfie me Alas answered Gandalod I had rather yeelde my selfe to the mercy of the King then to die presently Whereupon after hee had giuen his faith vnto Guillan they mounted on horseback and Ladasin with them At that instant they heard a great tumult within the tower and beheld one of the warders running away whome they staied to know what the matter was who told them that the prisoners had found the meanes to vnbinde themselues and to come forth of the dungeon wherein they were kept afterwards how they were armed and had already slaine the most part of his fellowes Hee had no sooner ended his speech when hee behelde some of those which he spake of ouer the gate of the tower and three or foure others which pursued a knight and seuen halberders that fled towards a wood hard by and when those which had gained their liberty perceiued Guillan and Ladasin they cryed vnto them that they should kill those tratours that had scaped froÌ„ them Wherefore Guillan his cosin ran before and slew foure of them the rest saued theÌ„selues with their lightnes excepting onely the knight who was taken Then came the prisoners to salute Guillan whom they all knew after some talke which they had together Guillan said vnto them my Lords I cannot tarry long with you for I am constrained to goe forthwith to King Lisuart but my cosin Ladasin shal bear you company vntill you haue refreshed you and afterwards I pray you to come vnto the Court to bring with you these two knights whom I deliuer into your keeping vntill king Lisuart haue taken such order for them as to his Maiestie shall seeme best and let one of you remaine here for the guard of this place vntil I haue otherwise prouided for it The which they promised him to performe thus taking leaue of them hee tooke his shield from his neck and gaue it vnto his esquires and taking the shield of Amadis as he was accustomed the teares stood in his eyes Where-withal the others being much abashed demanded of him what mooued him thus to take his shield froÌ„ his neck and place another in steed thereof with so great sorrow Ah answered he this shield belongeth to the best knight in the world theÌ„ he rehersed vnto them the manner how hee had found it with the rest of the armor of Amadis whom he had since searched for through all the countrey without hearing any newes of him wherewithall euery one of them were very sorry fearing least some great mis-fortune had happened him Thus Guillan followed on his way and rode so long that without any further trouble hee ariued in the Court of king Lisuart where it was already known how Amadis had ended the aduentures of the Firme-Island gained the signorie thereof in like sorte how hee was departed from thence secretly in great anguish Neuerthelesse they knew nothing of the cause thereof except those whom I before haue tolde you of Thus Guillan entred into the hall hauing about his neck the shield of Amadis who was presently known of all the assembly wherefore they flocked about him to heare what he would say but the king was for-most who demanded what newes hee had of Amadis It may please your maiestie answered Guillan I knowe none neuerthelesse if it please you I will before the Queen recite how I did finde his armour sword and his shield which heere you may see Truely said the king I am very well pleased for since hee was her knight it is reason that she first know what is become of him Saying so hee tooke Guillan by the hand led him where the Queen was Then Guillan kneeling down said vnto her weeping Madame not many daies since I found al the armour of Amadis with his shield left all alone hard by a fountaine which is called the fountain of the plaine fielde wherewithall I was so sorrowful that euen at the same instant I fastned the shield vpon a tree leauing in it the keeping of two Gentlewomen that were in my company vntil that I had gone through the countrey to enquire where hee was become But I was neither so fortunate to finde him nor so happy to heare any newes of him wherefore knowing the disert of so good a knight who had neuer any desire but to imploy himselfe to doe you seruice I determined seeing I could not bring him to you to bring you his armes as witnesse of the duty which I doe owe both to your Maiestie and also to him the which you may command if you please to bee set in an open place where euery one may see them as well to heare news of him by such strangers as ordinarily
pleasure that wee might heare such speedy newes from him as might giue vs cause to reioyce And as they talked together Gandalin cast his eye vpon Florestan who was talking with Corisanda whome Gandalin knew not but hee thought her to be one of the fairest Ladies that euer he had seene therefore hee beseeched the Queen to tell him who shee was the which shee did and the occasion wherefore shee was come into great Brittaine as also the loue which she did beare vnto Florestan for whose sake she staied at the Court if she doe loue him said Gandalin shee may well vaunt that her loue is imployed vpon him in whome all bounty remaineth and he is such a one that hardly may his equal be found in all the world and moreouer Madame I assure you that if your grace did know him so well as I you would not esteeme any knight more then he for he is of a most valiant heart and high resolution He seemeth to be such a one answered the Queen further-more hee is of so good a grace and alied to so many good knights that it is impossible but that hee should bee such a gentle knight as thou hast reported him to be In the meane season Florestan entertained his Lady and Mistris whom he loued most feruently not without a cause for shee was passing faire a rich Lady and alied to the noblest houses in all great Brittaine Who hauing remained yet some few dayes in the Court after his returne shee determined to depart and taking her leaue of the king and Queene she took her iourney toward her own countrey Two whole daies together did Florestan accompany her who promised her that so soone as he heard any newes of Amadis and that the battaile was past betwixt the two Kings Lisuart and Cildadan if he remained aliue hee would come vnto her to tarry with her a long time then taking his leaue of her hee returned vnto the Court But you must vnderstand that Oriana who had not forgotten her determination of going to Mirefleur departed the next morning with her traine where shee had not long remained but that she perceiued the amendment of her health and with the same her hope increased to see him whom shee so greatly desired And because that the king had appointed that during her aboade in that place of Mirefleur the gate should continually bee kept and that no body should enter thereinn Oriana foreseeing for the great desire shee had that it should be so the comming of Amadis shee sent to tell the Abbesse that shee should send vnto her the keyes of the Nunnerie gardens to walke thither sometimes for her recreation the which shee accomplished which were hard adioyning to the Castle but yet inclosed with very high walles And one day as Oriana walked there accompanied onely with Mabila seeing the place fauourable and fit for her purpose as if Amadis were returned she began to thinke of him in such sort and vpon the pleasure she should receiue by his presence that in speaking to herselfe she sayd Ah my onely hope my sollace and my intire refuge wherefore art thou not beere with mee seeing at this present I haue the meanes both to giue vnto thee and also to receiue of thee such case and contentment as we haue so oftentimes desired to receiue one of another At the least I wil not depart from hence vntil I haue wholy satisfied the hurt which by my ouer-great folly I haue procured vnto you but I will here attend your comming And if Fates or fortune doe permit mee to beholde you here shortly I promise you sweete loue to giue you the sure contentment that your seruent loue hath promised vnto you a long time but if my misfortune shall bee an hinderance vnto your speedy returne your only absence shall bee the meanes to hasten my end wherefore I beseech you to take pitty on this my weakenesse and to succour mee for I liue and yet languish in extreame bitternesse And seeing that euer hitherto you haue beene obedient vnto mee without contradicting me in any sort now the necessity beeing such I pray you by that power which you haue giuen mee ouer you that you would come to deliuer mee from death which I feele to approach and tarry not otherwise your delay will cause you ouer late to repent my vnhappy end In this sort did she speak as if Amadis had beene present when Mabila brake off her thought and Oriana changing her talke sayd to her Cosen seeing that wee haue the keyes of this place it were best that Gandalin should make some other like vnto them to the ende that your Cosen beeing returned may goe and come hither when as often as hee shall please It is wel aduised answered Mabila And as they were consulting there was one of the Porters sayd to Mabila Madam Gandalin is without who desireth to speake with you Let him come in answered Oriana for he hath beene brought vp with vs a long time and also he is foster brother vnto Amadis whom God preserue God so doe sayde the Porter it were a great damage that so good vertuous a knight should sustaine any hurt Then went he forth to goe seeke Gandalin and in the meane time Oriana said vnto Mabila I pray you see how your Cosen is beloued and esteemed of all men yea euen of the basest sort of people that are in a manner voyde of all vertue it is true answered Mabila Then Oriana sayde what would you haue mee doe but die hauing beene the onely cause of the ruine of him who is more worth then all the men in the world and who did better loue me then his owne selfe Ah accursed be the houre wherein I was borne seeing that by my folly and light suspition I haue done vnto him so great and so much wrong Madame answered Mabila I pray you forget these imaginations and onely arme you with hope for all this which you both say and doe serueth in no sort to ease your dolour Herewithall Gandalin entred in whom Oriana caused to sit downe by her and after some conference which they had together she recited how she had sent the Damosell of Denmark to seeke Amadis vnto whom shee had written a Letter containing that which you haue heard and what words also she had giuen her in charge to say vnto him therefore said the Princesse in thy opinion doest thou thinke that he will pardon me Madame answered Gandalin Me thinks you are little acquainted with his heart for I am sure for the least word that is in the letter hee will teare himselfe into an hundreth peeces for you if you do but onely command him by more likelyhood may you imagin whether he will be glad to come see you yea or no. And be you assured that seeing the Damosel of Denmarke hath vndertaken the charge to finde him that she will sooner accomplish the same then all the persons in the world
and wealthy full of faire women store of forrests and many riuers fit for hauking furthermore diuers as well of our acquaintance as of strangers wil come and visit vs besides in our neede if we shall want any aide and that king Lisuart will attempt any enterprise against vs we shall bee supported by my father from the Countrey of little Brittaine and from Scotland especially from the Realm of Sobradisa the which the Queene Briolania will wholly yeelde into our hands at all times when wee shall please Seeing that you are in these tearmes answered Quedragant now may you know those which do loue your coÌ„pany from those which doe not By my faith said Amadis I am of the opinion if any loue his owne particular profit that hee should not forsake so good a Master yet those which will follow mee shall neither fare better nor worse then mine owne selfe And as they thus consulted in the meddow the king happened to come by them accompanied with Gandandell and many other knights and seeing them together he did passe on making as though he saw them not Then caused he a cast of Iackes or Hobbies to be let flie at a Larke and after hee had a while solaced himselfe with this pastime hee returned backe vnto the Citty without speaking eyther to Amedis or any other in his companie CHAP. XXI How Amadis with many others his confederats for sooke the seruice of King Lisuart and went as well to proue the aduentures of the Arch of loyall Louers as also of the forbidden chamber WHen Amadis did see that the king perseuered still in the euill opinion which he had conceiued against him and his according to his former determination at his coming forth of the meddow he went vnto the court and he found the king ready to sit downe to dinner Then approching vnto him he said may it please your Maiesty if in any thing I haue offended your grace God and your selfe can witnesse assuring you that although the seruices which I haue done vnto you haue beene very small yet the will which I haue had to acknowledge the benefits and honour which it hath pleased you to bestow vpon mee hath beene exceeding great You tell me that I should seeke abroad for one that would better requite me then you giuing me therby to vnderstand the small desire you haue that I should obey you not that I will depart from you as my liege Lord and Soueraign for I was neuer subiect to you nor any other Prince God only excepted but I take leaue of you as of him who hath done me great good and honour and vnto whom I doe be are affectionate loue and desire of seruice Scant had hee spoke this word when suddenly these in like sort did take their leaues viz. Galuanes Agraies Dragonis Palomir Bruneo de Bon'Mer Branfill his brother Angriotta d'Estrauaux Grindonan his brother Pinores his Cosin and Don Quedragant who stepped before all the rest saying vnto the King Your Maiesty knoweth that I neuer had come nor remayned in your Court but at the instance and request of Amadis willing and desirous to bee his friend for euer and seeing that by his occasion I became yours by the like reason will I now leaue your seruice and hereafter forsake you for what hope may I haue that my small seruices shall bee regarded when his being so many and great are so badly requited without remembrance how greately you are indebted vnto him in deliuering you from the handes of Mandafabull and for the victory also which you haue obtained of king Cildadan with the price of his blood and other of his kindred I could well remember you of the good turne which he did vnto you when hee deliuered you and your daughter Oriana as I haue many times heard it said from the hands of Arcalaâ—s and now of late my Lady Leonor whom Famangomad and Basigant his sonne the crullest giants in the world had taken prisoner with intent to put her to death for which cause the ingratitude which now you shew vnto him is so great that it quite depriueth you from all knowledge of the truth And therefore he ought to make no lesse account of this his short farewell then of the slow reward hee hath receiued for the seruices past As for me I am determined to follow him and to forsake your court togither with him Whereunto the king replied Don Quedragant your tongue doth well declare the little loue you beare vnto me yet notwithstanding mee thinks you are not so tied nor alied vnto Amadis as in accusing me you should excuse him as you do but your thought is otherwise you say more then you thinke Your Maiesty may speake what you please said Quedragant like a mighty Lord as you are neuerthelesse you much mistake mee in thinking me to be a dissembler or a counterfeiter of leasings as a number of others about you are by whom I am sure that in the end you shall finde your selfe but badly serued Moreouer before many dayes be past you shall perceiue who are the friends of Amadis Which said hee retired and Landin stepped forth saying to the king may it please your Maiestie I haue not found one in all your court that was able to giue any ayde or comfort to my wrongs but onely my Lord Amadis whom I now do see ready to depart from your seruice for the wrong that you haue done vnto him for which cause not desiring to forsake him nor my Vncle Don Quedragant also I do take my leaue of you Truly Landin answered the king so far as I perceiue wee are assured that henceforth you haue no desire to remaine with vs. Beleeue mee if it like your Maiesty said he looke what they are so will I bee for during my life will I obey them At that instant there stood in a corner of the hall whispering together Don Brian of Moniasta a most renowned knight sonne to King Ladasan and to one of the sisters to king Perion of Gaule Vrlandin son to the Earle of Orlanda Grandores and Madansill of Pont d'argent Listoran of the white Tower Ledaâ— of Fryarqua Tantilies the haughty and Don Grauat de Val Craintif All these came vnto the king and said Your Maiesty may be pleased to vnderstand that the occasion of our comming hither was to see Amadis and his brethren and to be their friends if it were possible And euen as they were cause of the seruice that you haue receiued of vs they also shall bee the meanes that we will forsake you and we do take leaue of your grace to keepe them company When the king perceiued that hee was so suddenely forsaken of such a great number of good knights hee was highly displeas'd for very spight he would not permit Amadis to goe take his leaue of the Queene who as much as in her lay did wholy oppose her selfe against the counsell of Gandandell and his companion And therefore Amadis intreated
the sooner Darioletta who knew thorowly the mind of the Princesse hearing what the King had saide returned him this answer My Lord if you will assure me by the faith of a King which before all other things ought to be kept as a person most bounden to vertue and as a loyall Knight who ought as is saide to suffer much for maintenance of right and equitie that you will take to wife my Lady Elisena when time shall serue right soone will I bring ye to the place where not only your hart shal be satisfied but hers likewise who it may be is in as much or more thought and dolour then you are by reason of the new anguish that toucheth her thorow the selfe same meanes But if you do not my Lord what I haue said you shall not there recouer her nor shall I haue other cause then to thinke that your words proceeded from no loyall hart nor to credit any thing you say hereafter The King whome loue had already depriued of liberty to vnite him selfe with Elisena to the end that hee might be adorned with the great gratious fruite which afterwarde happened as shal be recited vnto ye tooke his Swoord and setting his right hand on the Crosse there-of saide these wordes I sweare by this Crosse and on this Sword wherewith I receiued the order of Knighthood to do what you faire Damosell shall commaund mee at all times and when soeuer your mistresse Elisena shal be thereto aduised Be you then frollicke merrye answered Darioletta for I shall likewise accomplish what I haue promised And at that instant shee returned to the Princesse declaring to her what shee had concluded with king Perion wherewith the amorous Lady was so pleased as she had vtterly lost her former countenance and incessantly embracing Darioletta thus demaunded My deere friend when will the hower come that I shall holde betweene mine armes my Lord whom thou hast giuen me I shall tel ye answered the Damosell you know that in the Chamber where King Perion lodgeth there is a doore on the Garden side which your father sundry times vsed for his recreatiō which at this present is couered with the cloth of Arras but I haue the key thereof wherfore at night when euery one is at rest we may easily there enter vnseene of any and when needfull time of returne cometh my selfe will call ye When Elisena heard this deuice she was highly contented therewith yet breathing forth a sighe she said Alas my faithfull friend how shall we bring this to passe seeing my father is determined to lodge with King Perion if he perceiue vs we shal be both in very great danger Refer that doubt to me answered Darioletta I shal easily prouide for this matter wherupon for this time they brake off conference because the tabels were couered for Supper And in like manner as the feasting began in the morning so now it continued till the tables beeing voyded each one prepared himself to rest Now a little before Darioletta went to King Perions Squire thus saide to him Gentle Squire my friend I pray ye tel me in good faith whether you be a Gentleman or no why aske ye answered the Squire For the desire I haue said the Damosell to know one thing of you which I entreat ye by the faith you owe to God and to the King your Maister not to hide from me By Saint Mary quoth he I will tell you what you please to aske prouided that it be not to the domage of my Lord. Herein saide the Damosell will I consent with ye for I would not demaund any thing of you that should giue him displeasure nor were it reasonable that you should acquaint me with any such matter but I desire to know who is the Lady he loueth most perfectly The king my Maister quoth the Squire loueth all ingenerall and I assure ye that I know no one to whom he beareth such affection as you speake of While they were thus talking the King Garinter came who seeing Darioletta conferring with King Perions Squire demanded what shee had to do with the Gentleman In sooth my Lord quoth she he telles me that the King his Maister is wont to lye alone and therefore I thinke he loueth not to haue any company When Garinter vnderstood that he went presently to King Perion saying My noble Brother there are certaine affaires suddenly befallen me and likewise I must rise somewhat early in the morning which hath made me thinke that not to trouble you the best way is that I breake company from lodging with ye My Lord answered king Perion do as shall seeme best to your liking this answer appeared to king Garinter conformable with that the Damosell had said wherefore right soone he commaunded his bed to be fetcht from king Perions Chamber When Darioletta heard there-of shee imagined their affaires would fall out the better and therefore returned to Elisena acquainting her with all that had passed betweene the two kinges In good faith quoth she I now beleeue that seeing God hath granted so good a beginning our enterprise which at this present seemeth a great sin wil hereafter redound to his seruice but tell me what wee shall do for the great ioy which I haue hath taken from me the most healthfull parte of my iudgement Madam said Darioletta this night will wee execute what we haue determined seeing the doore whereof you knowe is certainly open To my selfe I keep it answered Elisena to you only I commit the charge to prouide when the hower shall permit and so they remained attending for the fauourable time CHAP. II. How the Princesse Elisena and her Damosell Darioletta went to the Chamber where King Perion was lodged THe time being com when each one most commonly betake themselues to rest Darioletta who for the contentment of her Mistresse had vsed extreame diligence came and tolde her Madame now is the time to finish our enterprise then let vs go if you please When Elisena heard what she saide you must thinke she gaue no occasion to be reproued with slothfulnes but hastily arose without tarrying casting only a mantle about her shoulders went forward and afterward they both entred the Garden The time was then calme gratious the Moone faire and splendant giuing cleere light to the two Ladyes but surely the one had more cause of content then the other who gladly would haue tasted this good hap or such an other for her selfe if she could any way haue compast the meane so much she gaue in outward apearance as Elisena perceiued well that she wanted but the executor to performe the same for Darioletta feeling in her spirit the case at hand which shee should receiue whom shee conducted could not but very plesantly iest dally with her Mistresse breaking many a bitter sigh among as though she were to participate in Elisenaes future good fortune to whom she saide Alas Madame how happy
to whom he seemed no lesse beautyfull then he did to the Queene wherefore he commanded Gandales to fetch him for when I goe hence quoth he I will take him with me and haue him brought vp with mine one Son In sooth my Lord answered Gandales he is yet to yong to leaue his Mother but hauing brought him presented him to the King who said Faire Child will ye go with me to the Court My Lord answered the Childe I will goe whether you please if my brother shall goe with me And I quoth Gandalin will not tarry here without him I perceiue my Lord said Gandales that if you take the one you must needes haue the other for they will not be seperated I am the better pleased answered the King then calling Agraies to him said My Son I will that you loue these two Gentlemen as I do their Father When Gandales saw that the King would haue them away in good earnest with the teares in his eyes he thus spake in his hart My childe that so soone beginnest to proue fortunate now I see thee in the seruice of them who one day may happily serue thee if it please God to guide and protect thee as I shall humbly pray for suffer that the words of Vrganda the vnknowne spoken to me may proue true making me so happy as to liue to see the time of those great meruailes promised thee in Armes The King who noted Gandales seeing that his eyes were filled with teares came to comfort him saying Beleeue me I neuer thought you had bene such a foole as to weepe for a Childe Ah my Lord answered Gandales it may be vpon greater occasion then you thinke for and if it please you to know the truth I will presently tell ye heere before your Queene So he tolde the whole discourse how he found the Gentleman of the sea and in what equipage and he had proceeded with that which Vrganda foretold him but that he remembred the oath he tooke Now my Lord said Gandales deale for him as you shall please for so God helpe me according to his beginning I thinke him to be issued of great linage Whē the King heard this he esteemed much the better of him that he had so carefully nourished the child he found and thus answered It is great reason seeing god hath done so much for him as to preserue him frō so great a danger that now we be diligent in his education and endowe him with habilities when time shall serue In good faith my Lord said the Queene so please you he shal be mine during his young yeeres and when he comes to mans estate I will deliuer him to serue you Well Madame quoth the King I giue him you Now early on the next morning the King would set forward wherefore the Queene not hauing forgot the gift of her Lord tooke with her Gandalin and the yong Gentleman of the sea whom she commanded to be so carefully attended as her owne Sonne for she tooke such pleasure in beholding him that dayly she would haue him neere her owne person because he had such a cheerefull spirit and so well gouerned withall as he was well liked of euery ore so that whatsoeuer he did passed with generall allowance no other pastime had he but in shooting and cherishing dogges for the chase Now doth the Authour leaue this matter returning to that which happened to King Perion his new freind Elisena King Perion as you haue already heard being in Gaule where he vnderstood by his Philosphers the exposition of his dreame as also what the Damosell had told him That when he recouered his losse the Kingdome of Ireland should loose her flower he became more pensiue then before yet could he vnderstand nothing thereof As he thus sadly spent his dayes it chanced that another Damosell entred his Pallace who brought him a letter from Elisena whereby she gaue him to know that King Garinter her Father was dead and she remained alone and for this cause he should pitty her in that the King of Scots would take her Kingdome from her For the death of King Garinter was Perion somewhat sorrowfull but yet he comforted himselfe by thinking he should goe to see his friend towards whom he had not diminished one iot of his affection wherefore he quickly dispatched the Damosell saying to her Returne and say to your Mistresse that without staying one whole day I shall be in short time with her The Damosell well pleased with this answere returned and after the King had set his affaires in order he parted in good equipage to see his Elisena and iournied so speedily as he ariued in little Brittaine where he heard newes that king Languines had already gotten all the cheefe of the Country except those Cities which Garinter gaue to Elisena who now abode as he vnderstood at a place named Arcate whether he addressed himselfe If he were there well receiued I leaue to your iudgments and she likewise of him whom she loued so much After the welcomming feasting of one another the King told her that he would now marry her and for that cause she aduertised her kindred and Subiects which she did with all diligence could be deuised as also with so great contentation as her heart might desire for herein only consisted the summe of her affections Which being heard by the King of Scots and how to accomplish this King Perion was already arriued with his Sister he sent immediatly for all the noble men of his Realme to beare him company in doing honor and wel-come to the King his brother At his comming he was gratiously receiued by King Perion and after by embracings they had saluted each other and the nuptials likewise thorowly ended the kings determined to returne home into their owne Countryes King Perion trauailing toward Gaule with his Queene Elisena somewhat weary with tediousnesse of the way he would refresh himselfe along by a Riuer side while the tentes were erecting he rode softly alone by the waterbancke imagining how he might know the truth whether Elisena had a child aaccording as his Philosophertold him in expounding his dreame But so long continued he in this thought that riding on without any regarde he came to an Hermitage which was neere at hand wherefore finding him-selfe at a place of deuotion he alighted tying his Horse to a tree that he might goe in to say his prayers And entring the Church he found there a very antient religious man who comming to meete him said Knight is it true that king Perion is marryed to our kings daughter yea verily answered the king Praised be God said the good Hermit for I know certainly that she loueth him with all her hart How can you tell that replied the king Euen from her owne mouth said the good olde man The king then hoping he shoud heare of him the thing which he most desired to know said I pray ye Father tell me what
thou see quoth she At what time the two braâ—ches of one tree shall be ioyned which at this instant are seuered then did she tell me where I should find him of whome she spake and this is he I giue you in guard euen as you loue me By these meanes remained little Calaor in the holy mans charge and there he staied so long till he was of yeeres to receiue the order of Knight-hood as hereafter shal be recited to you At this time reigned in great Brittaine a king named Falangris who dying without children left one of his bretheren his heire no lesse prudent in all affaires then prompt at armes and Knightly chiualry being called Lisuart who maried not long before with Brisana daughter to the king of Denmarke the fairest Lady that then was to be found in all the North parts And albeit she had bene requested in mariage by great Princes of the country notwithstanding for feare of some the father durst not consent to the other for which he would prouide by choosing one himselfe and so maried her to the yong Prince Lisuart who for loue serued him nor was he ignorant of the vertues harbouring in hiâ— geâ—tâ—e hart Now after the death of Falangris the Princes of great Brittaine knowing the right of Lisuart sent for him to succeed in the Realme for he being in a strange country whereby his hauty deeds and chiualry he was maried in so good a place therefore they pispatched their Ambasladours to him intreating him to accept the Realme and subiects of great Brittaine and to come to inuest himselfe therein CHAP. V. How King Lisuart sayling by sea landed in Scotland where he was greatly honoured and well entertained PRince Lisuart vnderstanding his Subiects desire for his short returne prouided his equipage by Sea being aided and assisted by the king of Denmarke his father in law and afterward set saile toward great Brittaine And because he coasted along Scotland he tooke landing there whereof Languines being aduertised came and receiued him very royally Now was this new king of great Brittaine accompanied with the Queene his wife and a faire Princesse their daughter aged as is thought about ten yeeres named Oriana one of the fairest creatures that euer was seene and therefore during the time of her aboad in Denmarke she was commonly called The only because her paragon was not to be found in beauty This yong Lady Oriana being not vsed to trauaile on the sea found her selfe somewhat weary and her father fearing a worse mis-hap intreated the king of Scotland she might stay with him till he sent for her Right gladly did king Languines and his Queene accept this charge wherefore king Lisuart without longer stay in Scotland went to sea where weighing Anckers and hoising sailes in short time landed in his owne Country where being arriued before he could abide in quiet as in such occasions it often falleth out certaine rebels were found whom in time he ouer-maistred which was the cause he could not so speedily send for his daughter that he left in Scotland In this place the author leaueth the new King peaceably ruling in great Brittaine and returneth to the Gentleman of the sea who by this time hath attained the age of twelue yeeres albeit in stature he seemed past fifteene and for his good grace both of the Queene and the other Ladies was loued and esteemed more then any other Now according as hath beene already declared the yong Princesse Oriana daughter to King Lisuart was left with the Queene of Scots to refresh her selfe till the King her father should send for her and to her did the Queene vse all the gracious curtesies could be deuised saying to her withall Faire Madame henceforth so please you shall the Gentleman of the sea serue you and be yours Which the Princesse Oriana willingly accepted wherefore the yong Prince made such an impression of this kindnsse in his spirite as during life he ment to serue nor loue any other and therefore for euer bequeathed to her his heart but so well it came to passe that this loue was mutuall and equall betweene them both Notwithstanding the Prince for a while hauing no knowledge thereof thought him-selfe vnworthy so great good reputing it a very bold enterprise to thinke thereon which was the cause he durst not speake but shew his good will in outward semblance The yong Princesse who was of the fame minde and also in like paine forbare to talke more with him then any other thereby to auoyde all suspition but the eyes of the two louers doing their deuoire and office entercoursed the thing which most they esteemed and thus couertly they liued without acquainting each other with this amorous affectioÌ„ Soone after this yong vnknowne Prince seeing that to attaine the good grace of the Lady he loued it was necessary he should take Armes receiue the order of Knighthood he said to himselfe If once I were a Knight I would do such exployts as should deserue the fauour of my Lady or die in the attempt And in this destre one day finding king Languines at leysure for his request and comming to him in the garden where he walked he fell on his knee vsing these speeches My Lord might it stand with your pleasure I gladly would receiue my Knight-hood When the King heard him seeing his yong yeeres he was greatly abashed and thus answered How now Gentleman of the sea Do you thinke your selfe already strong enough for such a weightie charge In sooth it is an easie thing to receine honor but to maintaine it as behooueth 〈◊〉 may be is more hard then you esteeme so that oftentimes a right good hart is troubled therewith For if through feare or cowardise he forsake what he ought to doe more better is death to him then a shamefull life therefore by mine aduise I would haâ—e you yet a while to forbeare The Prince not contented with this answere replied I will not forgoe honor my Lord through any such feare as it pleaseth you to alleadge for if I had not the desire to doe all that appertaineth to Chiualrie I would not haue beene so bold to make this request but seeing by your gracious fauour I haue beene hitherto nourished most humbly I beseech ye to grant me this petition that I may receiue no occasion of loosing your seruice to seeke else where for obtaining my suite The king highly esteemed the courage of the youth and doubting least he would depart indeed answered Assure your selfe Gentle-man that I wil do it wheÌ„ I see it necessary for ye in meane while prouide your Armes and what else belongeth Yet tell me faire Sir to whome if I resused would you go for your order To King Perion said the Prince who is reputed a good and hardie Knight for he hath maried the Sister to your Queene who maketh me beleeue that he will not denie me when I shall let him vnderstand how shee hath nourished me and that I
Knight suffer ye so to do Yea mary Sir replied the Prince he is now become more patient for hee hath endured the losse of his head When the Knight heard of Galpans death he presently alighted from his Horse and ran to kisse the Princes feete but he would not suffer him yet could he not hold him from embracing his Sheeld saying Ah Gentle Knight how highly am I indebted to you you are to this place the most wellcome man in the world for by your meanes haue I thorowly recouered mine honor Leaue wee this talke said the Prince say where I may quickly finde some remedy for my wounds In my house answered the knight abideth a Neece of mine who shal heale your hurts better then any other So riding on they arriued at the castle where being dismounted they walked into the great hall the Knight reporting by the way how Galpan had kept him from bearing Armes one whole yeere and a halfe compelling him to change his name and sweare to call himselfe while he liued the conquered by Galpan but now quoth he seeing he is dead mine honor is restored me againe Afterwarde he caused the Prince to be vnarmed and laid in a sumptuous bed where his wounds were dilligently attended by the Lady who assur ed him in short timeto make him well againe if he would be aduised by her councell which he promised faithfully to do CHAP. VIII How the third day after the Gentleman of the sea departed from king Languines the three Knights came to the Court bringing with them the wounded Knight in a Litter and his disloyall wife ON the third day after the Prince left the Court of King Languines where hee receiued the order of Knight-hood the three Knights came thither with their wounded brother and his trothlesse wife of whom the discourse hath beene already recited At their arriuall they presented him before the King letting him vnderstand the cause of their comming and deliuering their prisoner on the new Knights behalfe to deale with her as he should thinke conuenient Greatly did the King meruaile at the womans disloyaltie not imagining such wickednes could haue harboured in her notwithstanding he thanked the Knight that had sent them to his Courte yet could he not guesse who it was for he nor any body else knew that the Gentlman of the sea was Knighted but the Princesse Oriana and the Ladies which accompanied her in the Chappell Full soone was hee aduertised of his absence from the Courte but he thought hee was gone to visite his father Gandales thē the King turning to the knight in the Litter said Me thinkes that a woman so vnfaithful as your wife hath beene deserueth not to liue My Lord quoth the Knight doe therein as it shal like your maistey as for me I will neuer consent that the thing I most loue should die This said the Knights tooke their leaue of the King carying backe againe with thē their brother in the Litter leauing their sister to receiue iustice by the Kings appointmēt who after their departure called for her said Womā thy malice hath bene too great in respect of thy husbands kindnes but thou shalt be made an example to all other that they heereafter offend not in the like and so he commanded her to be burned aliue The execution being doone the King was in greater pensiuenesse then before because he knew not who the new knight should be that parting so suddenly from his Court but the Squire standing by which lodged the Gentleman of the sea afterward conducted him to the Castell where he deliuered King Perion from death began to imagine that it was his guest wherefore he said to the King It may be my Lord a yong Knight with whom the Damosell of Denmarke and my selfe were certaine daies and then we left him when wee came thither Knowest thou his name quoth the King No my Lord quoth the Squire but hee is both yong and very beautyfull beside I saw him do such rare deeds of Chiualrie in so little time as in mine opinion if I liue he will proue one of the best Knights in the world Then discoursed he at large euery action as also how hee deliuered King Perion in the time of great danger When the King had noted well his taile his desire to know him increased now more and more My Lord quoth the Squire the Damosell that came hether with me happily can tel ye more tydings of him for it was my chance to meet them together Of what Damosell speakest thou said the King Of her answered the Squire that lately came from great Brittaine to Madame Oriana Presently was she sent for and hee demanded what the Knight was of whom there went such reporte Whereupon she declared so much as she knew cheefely the occasion wherefore she rode with him and in what manner the Launce was giuen him by Vrganda as to the onely Knight in the world but in sooth quoth shee I know not his name for neuer could I learne it of him Ah God said the King how may it be Now was Oriana voyde of all doubting for shee well knew it was her Gentleman of the sea but shee was so grieued with the news which the Damosell of Denmarke had brought her as shee well knew not whom she might cōplaine to for the king her father sent her word how she should prepare her self in readinesse to come to him so soon as his Ambassadours should bee sent for her into Scotland But much more willingly could she affoord to stay in that Country then there whether she should now goe against her mind not onely in respect of her gentle vsage there but because she imagined by being far thence she should be further from him that had the prime of her affection beside she might there hardly afterward heare any newes of him but continuing in Scotland she could easily compasse it In these melancholly thoughts was the amourous Princesse and the King on the other side in dayly musing what he might be that sent the foure Knights with the wicked woman whom the fire had consumed But fiue or sixe dayes after these matters were thus passed as the King was conferring with his Sonne Agraies who now stood vpon departing toward Gaule to succour the king his Vnccle there entred a Damosell who falling on her knee before all the assembly framed her speeches to Agraies in this manner May it please ye my Lord that in the presence of his highnes and this assembly I deliuer a message of importance to ye then taking the Helmet from her Squire she thus proceeded This Helmet thus broken and battered as ye see I present ye in place of Galpans head as a token to you from a new Knight to whom in my iudgment it better belongeth to beare Armes then any other and the cause why hee sends it you is for that Galpan vilainously abused a Damosell that came to you on vrgent affaires What quoth the King
Gentleman of the Sea was knowne by King Perion his Father and by the Queene Elisena his Mother IN the beginning of this Historie it hath beene recited how King Perion gaue his Queene Elisena being then in little Brittaine a Ring like another that commonly hee wore and these two Rings were of such an vniforme as there was no difference to bee discerned betweene them Likewise ye haue vnderstood how when the yong Prince was put vpon the water this Ring was fastened about his necke which Gandales kept till time he sent it by the Damosell a little before he was knighted with the Sword and the waxe Now had the King sundry times demaunded of the Queene for the Ring who made him diuers doubtfull answers and in the end sayd she had lost it But it came to passe that as the Prince walked with Orianaes Damosell which commonly he was wont to do yong Melicia daughter to king Perion passed by him weeping when the Prince staied her saying Faire friend why weepe ye Ah my Lord quoth the Princesse I haue euen now lost a Ring which the King my Father gaue me to keepe while he slept Weepe not so faire Virgin answered the Prince you shall haue another of me to giue him So taking his owne Ring from his finger he gaue it her When she beheld it thinking it was the same she had lost she said Ah my Lord haue you found it wherewith I am not a little glad for I haue all this while sought it What nowe quoth the Prince this is not your Ring In mine opinion it is answered Melicia or the onely thing of the world that most resembles it So much the better said the Prince for more easily will it be iudged the same you lost Herewith went Melicia to the Kings Chamber and finding him awake he asked her for his Ring then gaue she him the same she had of the Prince which the King put on his finger thinking it was his owne But soone after as he walked through the Gallary he espied in a corner lying the other Ring which he gaue his daughter before to keepe and taking it vp he compared them together where-upon he remembred that one of these two was the same he sometime gaue the Queene so he asked of Melicia where she had the Ring The yong Princesse affraid of beating durst not lye but thus answered My Lord and Father your Ring I lost and as I searched for it I met with the Gentleman of the sea who because he saw me weepe gaue me one of his which I deliuered you in stead of your owne and if that be not it I know not where it is When the King heard this he presently conceiued suspition betweene his Queene and the Prince imagining in respect of his beauty how she was fallen into some dishonest liking of him and therefore had giuen that token Hereupon he went to the Chamber where she was and shutting the dore sate downe by her not speaking one word a good space but silently fixed his eyes on the ground then breathing forth a passionate sigh he said I will not maruaile any longer Madame why you would neuer make me any certaine answer when I demanded for the Ring Igaue ye in little Britaine you haue lost it in such a place where you would be loath I should know of it but hardly can you conceale affection when it proceedeth to such effects The Gentleman of the sea inconsideratly gaue it to Melicia little thinking that it came at the first from me and thereby do I know what he suspecteth not and your selfe would I should not vnderstand When the Queene who already by his countenance saw he was troubled heard what he had said she now determined not to dissemble with him in any thing but summarily made a true discourse of her child-birth And not without teares she recounted to him how standing in feare of the king her father as also the seuere law vsed in his Kingdome she was constrained to commit her sonne to the mercy of the sea and in his cradle coffin put with him both the Ring sword what else hath bene already declared Confounded was the king with maruaile when he heard the whole truth and presently imagined the Prince might bee his first sonne whom God had so miraculously preserued wherefore he said to the Queene According to your circumstances reuealed it may be that he who is vnknowne to vs is our sonne and the rather I coniecture so by the name he beareth of the sea Ah God said the Queen may it fall out so haply I beseech ye my Lord send presently for him and we will desire him to tell vs of whence he is Let vs go then quoth the King to seeke him So went they to his Chamber where they found him sleeping wherefore without making any noyse he approched nere the bed espied his Sword which he tooke and after he had well viewed it knew it to be the same he esteemed so much and wherewith he had finished many famous aduentures whereupon he said to the Qeuene On my faith this is the sword I left in the Chamber of the King your Father the first night we were acquainted together and now do I the better beleeue what you haue said vnto me Ah God said the Queene let vs suffer him sleepe no longer for my hart cannot endure this weighty burden herewith she tooke him by the hand and awaked him saying My Lord sleepe no more at this time for other accasions calleth you Easily was the Prince raised from sleepe but whē he beheld the Queene weeping as one amazed thereat he said Madame from what occasion proceede these teares is there any thing I may do ye seruice in to remedy them Noble friend quoth the Queene you onely may quallifie my griefe by your words in telling me whose sonneyou are So God helpe me Madame answered the Prince I know not for by strange aduenture was I found in the sea The good Lady was then so ouercome with ioy as not onely speech but vitall sence was taken from her and she fell downe in a swoune which the Prince perceiuing quickly ranne to recouer her saying What aile ye Madame further could he not imagine on the cause of this alteration Ah my sonne quoth she now know I better then thy selfe who thou art The King likewise was so caried away with ioy and admiration as he stood not able to speake a word now was it hard to iudge which of these three felt greatest contentation but the mother throwing her armes about the Princes neck said Now may I boldly dare to kisse in safetie hauing beene so long depriued of thysight and knowledge highly am I beholding to the deuine bounty who hath fauoured the offence I committed through feare which was in deliuering thee to the courtisie of the waters and see heere thy Kingly father that begot thee With these words the Prince fell at their feete extreame ioy reducing the
deale of trauaile to king Lisuart to whom I am going for the same cause My friend replied the knight you shall do your selfe ouer-much wrong to leaue so good an occasion by the best king in the world for so poore a knight errand as I am My Lord quoth Galaor the great state of the king can put no such strenght into me as I haue seene performed by you in the late Combats therefore so please it you accomplish in me my earnest desire I can be much better content answered the knight to grant any other thing you will demand for such authority appertaineth not to me nor to you likewise is it so honorable As thus they stood on these tearmes Vrganda vnlooked for came to thē where-with the knight of the Lions was very glad and she hauing as yet not heard any of their talke thus spake to her champion What is your opinion of this Gentleman Me thinks quoth he a brauer person was neuer seene but he requireth such a thing of me as is neither in him or me conuenient What is it said Vrganda That I quoth he should giue him the order of knight-hood and yet he is now in trauaile with determination to request the same of the famous king Lisuart Certainly answered Vrganda to make him stay will be a greater cause of euill to him then good and I will councel him not to desist from his former motion for you ought nor to deny him seeing I can assure ye that honor will be better imployed by him then any other in all the Isles of the sea except one Seeing it is so replied the knight in the name of God let it be done goe we then to some Church to performe the vigill It shall be needlesse quoth Galaor to stand about such matters now in that I come not vnprouided of them already It suffiseth then answered the Knight so put he on his right spurre and embracing him said You are now a knight wherefore take the honor of the sword by whom you shall thinke it more conuenient Do you then giue it me said Galaor if you please for by no other will I receiue it with my will Then he called a Squire that held a sword ready but Vrganda stepped before saying No no you shall haue a better take that which hangeth on yonder tree and you shall finde it farre more faire and good Heere-with they looked vpon the tree yet saw it not wherefore they all began to smile and she doing the like said to them In sooth it is almost ten yeeres since it first was hanged there yet no passenger by euer saw it looke better about the tree for sure you cannot but easily behold it Now did they all perceiue it tied to a branch of the tree euen as though it had but euen then beene hanged there and by it was a Scabberd couered with gold shewing most fine and curious Worke-manship on it The Knight of the Lyons tooke it downe and afterward girded it about Galaor saying So faire a Sword beseemeth a knight so formall and thinke shee hated you not who of so long time hath kept it for you Most cheerefully did Galaor giue her thankes and the knight likewise thus speaking to them I beseech ye to hold me excused for I am constrained presently to depart from ye and were it not I must goe where I am attended no companie in the world would I desire more then yours therefore I desire ye Sir to tell me where I may find ye at my returne In the Court of king Lisuart answerd the knight where I shal be very glad to see you and because it is no long time since I was knighted I am the more desirous of some abode there to attaine honour as you cannot chuse but doe the like if you come hither Certes said Galaor to that place will I shortly follow ye and Madame quoth he to Vrganda you haue so strictly bound me to your seruice as may it please you to account me your knight I am readie wheresoeuer you shall command mee So departed he from them returning to the Gyant who stayed for him by the Riuer side where hee had hid himselfe least he should bee seene But now you must here obserue that as Galaor thus deuised with Vrganda and the Knight one of the Damosels that was in Galaors company had conference with her that attended on Vrganda of whō at large shee vnderstood how the knight of the Lyons was Amadis Son to king Perion of Gaule whose cōming thither Vrganda had caused to deliuer by force of Armes her friend that there was kept prisoner for by inchantmēt she could not compasse it by reason the Ladie of the Castle was too cunning in that Arte and there had first enchanted him in despight of her fearing no way to loose him againe but by knightly chiualrie On this occasion the custome there was appointed which Amadis ended and restored as you haue heard the man for whom they came thither and hee by the Damosell Neece to the Ladie of the Castle that in enchaunted furie would haue leapt into the Riuer was conducted to this place So soone as Galaor had left Vrganda shee demaunded of Amadis if he knew the man to whom hee gaue the Order of Knight-hood No truely Madame quoth he In sooth answered Vrganda it is great reason you should knowe what he is for he beareth so braue a minde that if you both should meet without further knowledge there might happen betweene yee great inconuenience Therefore I giue ye to vnderstand how he is your owne brother both by father and mother and the very same whom the Gyant caryed away being then but two yeeres old and a halfe now he is of so goodly stature as you haue seene for whose sake and yours likewise I haue a long time kept the Sword where-with I assure ye he shall do more in exploits of Armes then euer any knight did in Great Brittaine Amadis concieued hereat such inward ioy as the teares trickled downe his cheekes wherefore he said to Vrganda I beseech ye Madame tell mee where I may finde him It is not necessarie quoth she that as yet you should seeke him Why said Amadis is he then constrained to accomplish some predestinate matter before I may finde him Yea verily answered Vrganda and it is not so easie to know as you may imagine Long time thus continued their conference till Vrganda would depart alone with her friend so she commended Amadis to God who presently tooke his way toward Windsore where at this time King Lisuart soiourned Our Historie at this time pauseth of him continuing what hapned to Galaor the new Knight who beeing arriued where the Gyant stayed for him thus spake Father I am now thanks bee to God and him you sent me to a confirmed knight My sonne quoth the Gyant I am not a little glad thereof and seeing it is so well effected will yee graunt mee one request
happened to the Prince Agraies since his returne frō the warres in Gaule CHAP. XVII What were the aduenturs of the Prince Agraies since his returne from Gaule where he left Amadis AGraies returned from his enterprise in Gaule after Amadis had vanquished king Abies of Ireland and was knowne to his father and mother as you haue heard addressed his iourney toward Norway where be hoped to finde his Lady Oliuia Riding one day along somewhat neere the sea side on a sudden hee had a Hart in chase which when he had some prittie while pursued he gained at length the top of a mountaine from whence he might easily deserne the raging bellowes of the sea Suddenly arose an exceeding great tempest which with mighty windes so troubled the water and the thunder ratled with such violence as if heauen and the neather religion would haue met together At length he espied a ship tossed in the tempest vnterly destitute of any safety and which was worse subiect to the mercy of a darke comfertlesse night insuing wherewith he being moued to pittie commanded his Squires as a signall to make certaine blazes of fire that they in the ship might chuse their best lading place without perishing in the darke him-selfe minding to stay to see the end which happened so well by the helpe of God and dilligence of the mariners as the ship tooke safe harbour nere where Agraies was when they landed certaine Ladies who were greatly affrighted with the maruailous tempast thinking they could not haue escaped so long Agraies being one of the most courteous Princes in the world seeing them so well landed and free from danger sent one of his Squires to will them come and refresh themselues in his pauillion which gentlenes they refused not and because he was loth to be troublesome to them knowing they had now neede of nothing more then rest he concluded this night not to see them keeping himselfe close in his chāber The Ladyes being seperated to their owne cōtentmēt the mariners made great fiers on the shoare to dry their garmēts and afterward fell to sleeping that they wakened not till next morning Agraies desirous to see strange women yet more to serue and honor them then to remoue his affection from where it was setled priuily pried in to behold their countenances they being round set about a fiere reciting to each other pleasantly their passed danger As thus he listened their discourses among the rest he knew the Princesse Oliuia toward whom he was trauailing by vertue of her message and you must imagine him so intirely addicted to her seruice as also she in affectiō to him that they might well be tearmed happy in their loue No sooner had Agraies espied her but he was so ouercome therewith as being no longer able to dissemble hauing before his eyes her so late perill of ship-wracke he breathed forth a vehement sigh saying Ah diuine comfort helpe me When the Ladies heard this cry especially Oliuia thinking some one of their company was not well commanded her women to open the dore which presently they did when Agraies told one of thē who he was that shee might secretly imparte the same to her mistresse the news whereof were so welcome to her as immediatly she commanded him to enter Then were embracings kissings freely entercoursed with al other gracious fauours so kind louers could deuise euen the very point wherein loue triumpheth so that the faire Princesse lost the name of a maiden with like conte◅ as other who haue assaied and can more then imagine what I meane So pleasing was this happy meeting as they soiourned there six dayes together beguiling the tune with reciptocall courtesies yet so secretly as none in the company except her Damosels perceiued Meane while the sea became nauigable the weather faire and the waters calm which made the Princesse determine to goe aboord her ship that she might passe into great Brittaine whither the King her father had sent her to be nourished by the Queene Brisena Which being vnderstood by Agraies after he had acquainted her with the cause of his iourney hee gaue her assurāce that very shortly he would come to her as well to shew her his faithfull seruice as also to seeke his cosin Amadis in king Lisuarts Court according as hee made him promise wherewith she was not a little contented desiring him earnestly not to tary long frō her Thus courteously taking leaue of each other the Princesse Oliuia departed vnder sayle and in fewe dayes after they landed in great Brittaine when comming to Windsore where King Lisuart kept his Court both by him the Queene Oriana and all the other Ladyes was the Princesse and her trayne graciously welcommed as well to honor the King her father as also in respect of her excellent beauty Now remained Agraies on the sea shore giuing many a long look after the ship which caried away the iewell of his heart and hauing lost the sight of it he tooke his way to Briantes a right good towne in Scotland where the King his father soiourned and his Vncle Gaiuanes Without land in whose company he intended shortly to visit King Lisuarts Court For there quoth hee to Galuanes shall we finde more good Knights then in any other Court of King Christian there likewise may we gaine honor and renowne better then in Scotland where we haue none to trye our selues against vnlesse some fewe that slenderly follow Armes This Galuanes was of gentle heart and a good Knight desirous among other to reach the top of honor yet of simple habilitie as you haue heard before now the enterprise of these twaine thus concluded after they had obtained licence of the King they went on boord with their horse armour ech one likewise a Squire attēding on him Hauing wind at wil in short time they landed at Bristow where they made no long aboad but riding through a Forrest they met a Damosell who demāded of them if that way would conduct her to the Rock of Galteres No quoth they but tell vs Damosell why you trauaile thither To see if I can finde the good Knight sayd shee who knoweth how to remedy a griefe I endure at this presēt You abuse your selfe Damosell answered Agraies for at the Rock you demanded you shal finde no other Knight then the great Gyant Albadan to whom if you bring any cause of sorow he wil quickly double it on your own head If you knew so much as I doe quoth the Damosell you would not imagine me to be abused because the Knight I aske for hath vanquished the Gyant and killed him in battaile hand to hand Beleeue me virgin replied Galuanes you tell vs matter of great maruaile in respect neuer any Knight dealt alone with a Gyant vnlesse it was King Abies of Ireland who combated with one himselfe being armed and the Giant naked which was the cause of his death and yet this attempt of the King is thought the greatest stratageme that
vnreasonably she once had thē in her power who might haue grieued me all my life time but God hauing in other places deliuer'd me frō many perils wil not suffer me to perish by so bad woman as she is I desire yee my Lord quoth she to tell mee their names The one is Amadis answered the King and the other his brother Galaor May it be possible sayde the Lady that Madasima had Amadis in her power Credit me quoth the King I haue tolde yee truth Their fortune was good replyed the Lady for they might not haue escaped if she had known them and in sooth the deede might bee reckoned ominous if two such worthy persons had perished Yet when she shall knowe hereof sayd the King I thinke she will forbeare to wrong me any further With that the Lady tooke her leaue shaping her course the same way she came CHAP. XL. How King Lisuart held open Court in the Cittie of London many dayes in which time sundry great personages were there feasted the greater part whereof remayned there long time afterward TWelue dayes together after these mishaps did King Lisuart continue his Court in all magnificence many noble personages being there assembled as wel strāgers as others hoping now to make little stay but to return home to their owne houses yet the greater part of them aboad with the King in like manner did sundry worthy Ladies accompany the Queene Among other knights attending on the King were Don Guilan the pensiue and his Cosen Ladasin who as I haue sayde were very good knights but Guilan was the better of the twaine for very fewe were found in the Realme of Great Brittaine that carried more account for deeds of Armes and all other graces beseeming a knight setting aside his musing and melancholy By meanes whereof fewe or none could bee pleasant with him or haue any words from him in company but loue procured these extreames busying his thoughts in such sort with his Lady as hee had minde of none but her And shee of whom wee speake was endued with singular beauty being named Brandalisia sister to the Kings wife of Sobradisa and ioyned in marriage with the Duke of Bristoya who now was arriued at the Court to answere the accusation Oliuas laide against him The King gaue him very gentle welcome and beeing in the presence of many great Lords the Duke beganne in this manner Sir you haue commanded my appearance here this day to iustifie my selfe before your Maiesty concerning a crime Oliuas chargeth mee withall whereof I hope sufficiently to cleare my selfe by the rightfull iudgement your selfe shall giue and hee rest condemned like a varlet as hee is for here am I ready to approue against him or any other hee shall bring that I neuer committed treason or so foule a deed At these wordes Oliuas arose and with him a great nūber of knights errant all resolued to maintayne this quarrell against the Duke when the King beheld them in such a mutiny hee maruelled whence the cause should proceede when Grumedan speaking for all the rest sayd My Lord because the Duke of Bristoia hath threatened and defied all knights errant we are ready to answere his challenge In good faith answered the King if it bee so hee hath attempted an ouer fond warre for I thinke there is no knight in the worlde so puissant that will bee induced to such an entetprise But forbeare at this time and offer him no iniury because he is heere to receiue iustice which shall be done according to the counsell of the Princes and Lords present without fauouring any one Then Oliuas falling on his knee before the King beganne in this manner My Lord the Duke who standeth before your Maiesty hath slaine a Cosen germaine of mine hee neuer giuing him occasion of offence wherefore I will iustifie him to bee a villaine and a traytour and will make him confesse it with his owne mouth else shall I kill him and cast him forth of the field The Duke tolde him hee lyed and hee was ready to accomplish what the King and his Court should ordaine wherupon it was determined that this emulation should bee decided by combate which the Duke accepted desiring the King to permit him his two Nephewes in this cause against Oliuas and two other knights This being granted the Duke was very glad thereof for he made such account of his kinsmen as hee thought Oliuas could not bring the like notwithstanding all was deferred till the morrowe following In meane while Don Galuanes asked his Nephew Agraies if hee wold assist Oliuas against the Duke and hee consenting thereto Galuanes came to Oliuas saying Sir Oliuas seeing the Duke is desirous to fight three against three my nephew and I are determined to take your part which when the Duke heard hee remembred that he had defied them in his owne house when Agraies combated with the Dwarffes champion at what time the Damosell should haue beene burned wherefore hee became very pensiue in respect though he esteemed his Nephewes approued good knights yet he repented his wilfull offer gladly would haue excused the matter if hee could being so well acquainted with the behauiour of Galuanes Agraies But considering his promise past before the King and so many noble personages there present hee must of necessity stand thereto wherefore the next morning hee entered the Listes with his Nephewes and Oliuas on the contrarie with his copartners Now were the Ladies standing at the windowes to beholde the issue of this quarrell and among the rest stood Oliuia the faire friend to Agraies who seeing him ready to enter such perill was so dismayed as she could scant tell what countenance to vse By her stood Mabila shee being in no lesse griefe for her Vncle and brother together likewise the Princesse Oriana louing them both in respect of the reasons heretofore declared accompanied the two Ladies in sorrowe fearing their danger but the knights being ready to the combate the King by a Herald commanded the Champions to doe their deuoyre Heereupon with a braue carreer they encountred together Agraies and Galuanes vnhorsing the two Nephewes and albeit Oliuas receiued a wound on the stomacke yet had not the Duke caught hold about his horse neck his fortune had proued as had as his Nephewes Thē drawing their swords they smote so violently against ech other as the standers by wondered at their fiercenes beholding their shields defaced their armour battred coullered with their blood that the victorie hung a long time in suspence For Agrates horse being slaine vnder him brought his life in maruailous hazard because the Duke and one of his Nephews stroue to keep him downe seeking to thrust their swords into his belly or else to smite his head from his shoulders but he was so well armed and of such courage withall as hee held them both play though with exceeding perill Well may you thinke that his friends grieued to see him
returne to Amadis and Agraies who staied with faire Briolania fiue daies together preparing their armour and euery thing in order which being done they set forward on their way accompanied with Briolania her Aunt certaine waiting Gentlewomen and squires to doe them seruice by the way When they drew neere the Realme of Sobradisa they came to the Castle of an ancient Lady named Galumba who sometime liued in Briolanias fathers Court and there they were welcomed very honouarbly yet whether Briolania trauailed thus accompanied the olde Lady Galumba could not chuse but maruaile which made her request to be satisfied therein Briolanias Aunt tolde her how Amadis was one of the best knights in the world and had promised to reuenge the murthered kings death likewise how hee discomfited them that guarded the Chariot and after-ward ouercame the rest in the Castle at what time the Lions escaped as you haue heard Galumba wondering at such singuler prowesse answered If he be such a one as you make report his companion must needes be of some estimation and well may they bring your enterprise to end considering the truth and iustice of the cause but take heede least the traiterous king worke some treason against them That is the chcefest pointe of my fear ianswered Briolania wherfore wee came to craue your aduise herein Heereupon shee wrote a letter and sealed it with the Princesses seale at Armes then caling a Damosell after shee had giuen her instructions she bad her make hast in deliuering the letter Presently went the Damosell to horse-back and trauailed so speedily that she arriued at the great Cittie of Sobradisa which the whole Realme tooke this name by There was Abiseos and his Sonnes Darison and Dramis and these three must the Combat be waged withall for Abiseos slew the Father of Briolania by couetous desire he had to the Crowne which he euer since vsurped and held more by tyranny then any consent in the Subiects The Damosell entred the Palace on hors-back when diuerse knights came to her requesting her to alight but she made answere she would not til she saw the king and that hee commanded her to leaue her Palfrey Soone after came the king accompanied with his two Sonnes and many great Lords and after shee had saluted him hee boldly bad her say what she would My Lord quoth she I shall fulfill your command on condition I may abide in your protection and receiue no iniurie for any thing I say By my Crowne said the king I warrant your safety whereupon the Damosell thus began Sir my Lady and Mistresse Briolania disinherited by you greetes you with this letter which may openly bee read before this royall company and I afterward receiue answere for my discharge whē the king heard openly the nāe of Briolania remorse of conscience touched him with the wrong hee did her yet was the letter openly read which was to giue credit to the Damosells words The most of the Lords there present who sometime were subiects to the slaughtered king seeing the messenger of their lawfull Queene indeede pittyed she was so vniustly disinherited and in their hearts desired of God to plague the treason done to her Father Proceede Damosell quoth the king and let vs heare your message My Lord said she by treason you murdred my Ladies Father and vniustly keepe her from her inheritance wherefore according to your former promise which you haue not once but often times made that you with your two Sons would maintaine by Armes the right you pretend to haue in this Realme shee sends you word by me if still you stand vpon such triall shee will bring two knights hither who shal in combat maintaine her cause making you know your disloyalty and treason committed Darison eldest Sonne to the king hearing his Father menaced in this sort grew into great choller and as one moued with despight he arose when without the kings consent hee thus spake Damosell if your Mistresse Briolania haue two knights with her men resolued to sight on her behalfe here do I accept the combat for my father and Brother and if I faile I promise in the presence of all these Lords to send her my head in requitall of her fathers whose death was not accomplished without great reason In sooth Sir Darison answered the Damosell you speake as a knight of haughtie mind yet may I doubt these words to proceed from choller because I discerne an alteration in your countenance but if you will request the king to confirme your speeches I shall thinke your proffer came from a heart of courage This answere Damosell quoth he may you boldly make her that sent you hither Cause then his Maiesty said the Damosell to giue my Ladies knights assurance that for any mishap you may receiue in the Combat they shall sustaine no iniurie nor be medled withall but by you three And if you purchase them such a safe conduct they shall bee here within three dayes at the vttermost Darison falling on his knee before the King said You heare my Lord the Damosells demaund and the promise I haue made before your Maiesty in the presence of all these great Princes and Lords humbly therefore I beseech you seeing my honor is yours that both you and all the rest will confirme her request otherwise to our great disaduantage the presuming knights who dare aduenture in the cause of foolish Briolania will imagine themselues conquerors and vs dismaide faint-hearted Cowards hauing openly published that if any one will touch your illustrious renowne for matters past by the combat of vs three you intend to be purged And albe it you would make them no such promise yet ought not we to refuse them for as I vnderstand they be some foolish knights of King Lisuarts Court who by their ouer-weening and aspiring thoughts make high acompt of their owne deedes in the contempt of others The King who loued Darison as himselfe though the death of his brother condemned him culpable and thereby made him feare the combat granted them safe conduit according as the Damosell requested for the two knights and such as came in their company Here is to be considered that the period of this traitours Fortune was now limited and the iust auenger of all wrongs pointed out rewarde for the treason of him acd his Sonnes as in this discourse may bee euidently seene The Damosel seeing her message had taken such effect as shee desired said vnto them Make your selues ready for to morrow without fayle shall this difference bee desided So mounting on her Palfrey she returned to the Castle of Galumba where being arriued before the knights and Ladies she reported her answere but when she told them that Darison reputed them foolish knights of king Lisuarts Court they were so offended as Amadis entred into these speeches By God there are such in company of that good king as can easily abate the pride of Darison and humble his head so low as they list but I
come neere vnto vs that I may more plainely beholde him for I haue beene tolde that hee is the knight that doth most resemble your brother Amadis Whereupon Galaor called him and he came saluted Oriana who tooke him by the hand they three sate downe together Then the Princesse imagined that she did verily beholde him who beeing absent from her shee had day and night before her eyes and therefore shee began to blush and change her colour Now had Mabila in like fort withdrawn her selfe together with Olinda to giue a better occasion vnto her brother Agraies more priuately to speake vnto her and there withall hee seeing them in a place so conuenient came and saluted them then at their request he sate downe betweene them in taking Olinda secretly by the hand And she who did languish for his loue was the gladdest that might be being sure of his constancy by the proofe which he had made passing vnder the arch of loyall louers in the Firme-Island in recompence whereof she would willingly haue giuen him better intertainement if she durst But the presence of so many witnesses took from them not oâ—… the 〈◊〉 which otherwise they would hâ—â—e gâ—… the one to the other but allâ— the facility and liberty of speech so that their eyes onely serued to supply this default which â—hey imploied therein according to the affections of their passioned harts And as they were in these pleasant tearms there was heard from the chamber as if it had been the voyce of some oppressed with grief wherfore the king would needs know who it was It may please your Maiesty answered an Esquire it is Gandalin the Dwarffe who no sooner beheld the shield and armour of Amadis but they made and yet continue the strangest lamentation that possibly may be What sayde the King is Gandalin here He is if it like your Maiesty answered Florestan It is very neere two monethes since I did finde him at the foot of the hill of Sangâ—in as hee was seeking his Maister and because I did tell him that I had already sought him in euery place hee was content to come with me In good faith said the King I haue alwaies esteemed Gandalin for such a one as now he sheweth himselfe to be for I did neuer see any Esquire to loue his Master better then hee doth When Oriana heard these words especially how that Gandalin was returned without Amadis she was in such a perplexity that shee was likely to haue swouned betweene Florestâ—â— his armes who not knowing the cause of her sudden passion and fearing to affright the King and the company called Mabila who forthwith doubted such a mischance Wherefore leauing Agraies alone with Olinda shee came vnto Oriana and caused her secretly to depart into her chamber and to lie downe vpon her bed where shee remained not loâ—g but that rising vp as it were almost beside her selfe shee sayd vnto Mâ—bila Cosen you knowe that since our comming to this Cittie there hath passed neuer a day wherein wee haue not receiued â—ore displeasure Therefore I am determined to withdrawe my selfe for a certaine time vnto my Castle of Mirefleur for my heart telleth me that in changing the ayre I shall also change my afflictions and that my troubled spirit shall there finde rest Madame answered Mabila I am of the same opinion to the end that when the Damosell of Denmarke doth returne you may more priuately speake with her and pleasure him that shee I hope shall bring with her the which would be very hard yea almost impossible to doe in this place As you loue mee then sayd Oriana let vs not tarry any longer for I am sure the King and Queene will very willingly giue vs leaue Now you must vnderstand that this place of Mirefleur was a little Castle most pleasantly seated two leagues from London built vpon the side of a hill and compassed vpon the one side with the Forrest and vpon the other with many Orchards full of all sorts of trees and pleasant flowers moreouer it was inuironed with many great Fountaines which watered it on all parts And because that once the King being there on hunting with the Queene seeing that his daughter tooke great pleasure in the place hee bestowed it vpon her and afterwards she caused a Nunnerie to bee builded within a bow shot thereof whereunto she sometimes went to recreate her selfe But that I may not degresse ouer farre from my first discourse Oriâ—â—a according as she had determined came and demanded leaue of the King and Queene for her departure the which was easily granted vnto her and therefore shee purposed to depart the next day very earely in the morning And because that Galaor and his consorts would in like sort returne to make a new search for Amadis finding the King at leasure they sayd vnto him If it please your Maiesty wee were greatly to be blamed if wee should any longer deferre the seeking of Amadis because my fellowes and I haue sworne neuer to rest in any place before wee haue heard of him therefore it may please your grace to giue vs leaue to depart to morrowe to doe our endeauours My friends answered the King I pray you deferre your departure yet a fewe daies longer in the meane season I will cause thirty knights to depart from hence who shall goe begin this voyage for I haue great neede of such knights as you are for an enterprise which is happened vnto me the which importeth me greatly both in goods and honour it is a battaile which I haue appointed against King Cildadan of Ireland who is a strong and mighty Prince And to let you vnderstand the cause of this warre Cildadan hath married one of the daughters of King Abies whom Amadis slew in Gaule And although time out of minde the realme of Ireland hath euer beene tributarie vnto the King of Great Brittaine neuerthelesse to haue an occasion of quarrell this Cildadan refuseth the payment thereof and sendeth me word that he will put one hundred of his knights in battaile against the like number of mine vpon this condition that if he be ouercome he will redouble the tribute which I doe demand of him otherwise he will hence-forth remaine free and acquitted the which I haue condiscended vnto So my friends I doe most earnestly entreat you euen as you loue mee not to forsake mee in this my greatest neede knowing assuredly that my enemies are strong and determined to worke my displeasure but by your good helpe and the right that we haue we shal easily ouercome them then shall you goe seeke out Amadis as you haue determined and you shall take as many of my knights with you as you please When they heard this request which the King did make vnto them there was not any amongst theÌ„ that was not content to obey him seeing his necessity so great although that thereby the quest of Amadis was delaied and at the same instant they
beside for I do not thinke seeing hee did hide himselfe from me that it is euer possible for any other but shee to finde him out For this cause Madam you ought henceforth to liue in good hope and to reioyce more then euer you did to the end that when he returneth he may not finde your beauty in such sort decayed What saist thou Gandalin answered she laughing doest thou thinke me now so vgly Nay rather Madame what do you thinke of your selfe that in this sort you doe hide you from the sight of all men I do it to this end said Oriana that when thy Master commeth if he would flie me for my deformity I might in this place stay him as my prisoner I would said he that he were here already and free from that other prison wherein hee remaineth for your loue Well said Oriana we haue now other matters in hand his Cosin and I haue done so much that wee haue gotten the keyes of these gardens by the which at his returne he may come in hither to see vs at al times and as often as he will and thou must do so much to cause two other keyes like these to bee made the which he shall keepe In good faith said Gandalin it is well and wisely aduised Then the Princesse deliuered him the keyes and without any longer staying in Mirefleur he returned to London where he executed his commission so diligently that the next morning he came vnto Mabila vnto whom he deliuered the counterfeit keyes who shewed them straight vnto Oriana saying vnto her behold already a good beginning for the recompencing of the hurt which you procured vnto your Amadis Mine answered Oriana I would to God he were here I then might well call him mine whether hee would or no Go to go to let vs not come out of Gods blessing into a warme Sun said Mabila but let vs see this night if Gandalin haue performed his taske well and whether the keyes will open the dores or not I pray you let vs said Oriana And for that present they made an end of their talke waiting a conuenient time to finish their enterprise and according to their appointment about mid-night when euery one were sound asleepe they secretly rose vp and came down into the Court it was then in the time of the moones waining and for that cause the darknes did beare the more sway wherefore Oriana began to bee afraid and said vnto Mabila I pray thee hold me by the hand for I am almost dead with feare No no I will defend you well enough answered shee am not I cosin to the most valiant knight in the world But although Oriana did tremble yet could shee not refraine from laughter said vnto her Let vs go then garded for I will henceforth thinke me safe being to be garded by you who are so valiant in deeds of armes Seeing that you knowe me so well answered Mabila let vs march on boldly and you shall see how I will finish this aduenture wherein if I faile I sweare that for one whole yeere I will neither hang shield about my necke nor strike one stroke with the Launce Heerewithall they began to laugh so loude that they might haue bin heard very easily and at the same instant they came vnto the dore where they tried the first key which they found maruailous fit and the second also wherefore they opened them without any difficultie and entered into the Orchard Then sayde Oriana vnto Mabila Cosin all that wee haue done is to no end except some-what more be done how may your cofin returne when wee once haue brought him into the place considering the height of the wals I haue already thought vpon that answered she it shall be very easie for him by the corner of this wall against the which wee will set by this peece of timber and with the same and our helpe together hee may easily mount vp to the top thereof but it behooueth that the chiefest helpe come from you for you onely reape the commoditie thereof Wee shall see what will happen sayde Oriana and therefore for this time let vs depart and goe to sleepe the which they did And as they laid them downe in their bed Mabila on bracing Oriana saide vnto her Madame I would that the knight for whome you attempt so many fair enterprises were now in my place vpon this condition that I did goe to sleepe else-where because I would heare none of your complaints for the harme that hee might doe vnto you Gentle cosin answerrd she if he were here I would endure very much before I would complaine of it And so long they continued this pleasant discourse that loue stinged them so vehemently as euery amorous Reader may easily imagine what they wanted to cause them sleep till the next morning that they went to hear diuine seruice and at their returne they found that Gandalin was already come from London whom they led with them into the garden where they told him how they had tryed the keyes and what words Mabila had vsed in the proouing of them By my faith Madame answered he you do now put me in minde of some iniurious speech that I vsed of you vnto my Lord thinking thereby to haue comforted him but therewithall he had thought to haue taken my head froÌ„ my shoulders and shortly after I did abide sore penance for thus leasing because that I fell asleepe and when I awaked I neyther found my bridle nor saddle for my Master rode away and had hidden them of purpose to stay me from following of him Wherefore seeing that he was lost and that he had left mee for the words that I had spoken of you I was driuen into such a Melancholy that I had slaine my selfe if I had had a sword to do it friend Gandalin answered Oriana thou needest not to excuse him I knâ—w that he loueth me without â—…lation therefore I pray thâ—â— put mee no more in remembrance of that mischiefe whereof I am the chiefe cause except thou wilt force my Soule and body to part asundet for thou knowest that I stand betweene life and death according to the newes that the Damosell of Denmarke shall report vnto mee CHAP. XII How King Lisuart being set at the Table there came before him a strange knight armed at all points who defied him the conference that Florestan â—ad with him and how Oriana was comforted with the good newes that she receiued from Amadis KIng Lisuart being ready to rise from dinner as Galaor and Dâ—â— Florestan were taking their leaue of him to conduct Corisanda onward of her iourney there entred into the hall a strange knight armd at al points except onely his head-peece and gauntlets Who kneeled before the King and deliuered vnto him a Letter sealed with fiue seales hee said vnto him It may please your Maiesty to command this Letter to be read that you may vnderstand the cause of my comming
with halfe of his face with the which he yeelded vp the ghost During all this combate the Princesse Leonor and all her company were deuoutly praying for the good successe of the Faire Forlorne who seeing that he was dispatched of Basigant turned vnto Famongâ—mad who had behelde the death of his sonne for whome hee made so great mone that he was likely to haue gone mad And although that hee was likewise at the point of death yet notwithstanding hee had throwne his helmet from his head holding both his hands before his wound to keepe in his blood that thereby he might prolong his life the more to blaspheme God and his saints not being sorry for his death as he said but because that he had not in his life time destroyed al the churches wherein he had neuer entred And he cryed as loud as he could Ah thou God of the christians it is thon alone that hast wrought the meanes that both I and my sonne who were mighty inough to ouer-throwe one hundred of the best knights in the world are slaine by the hand of a most wretched and feeble villaine And as hee would haue proceeded in his his blasphemy the Faire Forlorne stroke off his head from his shoulders saying Receiue thy reward for all thy cruelties which thou hast committed against a number of people And spurning him vpon the belly with his foote hee said Now get thee vnto all the Deuils who haue long expected thy comming Then he tooke vp Basigant his Helmet and threw downe his owne which was broken Enil in like sort brought vnto him Famongâ—mad his horse vpon the which he mounted and came both to vnbinde the prisoners and to doe his duty vnto the Princesse Leonor who gaue him great thankes for his good helpe In like sort so did all the rest of the company Now had the Giants tyed all their horses at the tayle of the Cart wherefore the faire Forlorne went to seeke out the Princesse her Palfrey the which he brought and mounted her vpon the same commanding all the rest to take euery one their owne horse and to get them to London and to carrie vnto king Lisuart the bodies of the two Giants and Basigant his horse which will serue him well in the battaile against king Cildadan But the Knights answered him sir who shall wee say hath done this good for vs you shall tell the king said he that it is a strange knight who is called the faire Forlorne and you may both declare vnto him at large the cause of the combat that I had with the Giants as also the great desire that I haue to doe his Maiesty all the seruice I may whether it be against king Cildadan or any other herewithall they layed both the bodies in the Cart but they were so great that their legs trayled along vpon the ground more then six foote and taking leaue of the faire Forlorne they went towardes London praising God and the good knight that preserued them from death But by the way Leonor and the yong Gentlewomen that were with her forgeting their passed perill made them garlands of flours which they set vpon their heads in entring into the Citty theÌ„ the people wondring to see the Giants followed the Cart euen vnto the castle to vnderstand who had done such valiant deedes of armes The king did already know that his daughter was arriued and how shee brought with her two dead Giants wherefore he went downe into the Court with the Queen and many knights Ladies and Gentlewomen with them to see what the matter was the which the Princesse Leonor recited vnto him together with all that you haue already heard whereat euery one wondred And euen as shee had ended her discourse in came Don Quedragans who yeelded him prisoner into the kings hands as being sent thither by the faire Forlorne the which increased in all the assistants farther desire to know him that lately had done so many knightly deeds And the king said in good faith I doe greatly meruaile what he may be but is there none of you that doe know him And it was answered him no saying that Corisanda Lady and friend to Don Florestan had found in the poore Rock as heretofore she had declared vnto many a sick knight that was named the faire Forlorne I would said the king that he were in this company beleeue mee that he should not depart from vs for any thing that hee would demand of me CHAP. XIIII How that after the Faire Forlorne had ended his aduenture hee went vnto the Fountaine of the three Chanels from thence he tooke his way to Mirefleur where he found Oriana with whom hee remained eight daies together and at the same time there arriued in the Court of King Lisuart an ancient Gentleman bringing with him two lewels of singular vertue whereby the faithfull louer from the fayned might be tried the which Amadis and Oriana determined to make proofe of in such secret manner that they would neyther be knowne of the king nor any other AFter that the Princesse Leonor and her trayne had taken their leaue of the Faire Forlorne he returned towards the Gentlewomen whom hee had found hard by the fountaine who hauing seene the victory which hee had atchieued had already forsaken the bushes came to meete him Then he commanded Enil to get him to London vnto Gandalin and that during his abode there he should cause such another armor as that of his owne was to be made for him because they were all to broken and battered with the blowes that he had receiued in the former combats moreouer that he should not faile to returne vnto the fountaine of the three chanels vpon the eight day following Thus Enil departed from him and on the other side the Faire Forlorne hauing taken his leaue of the GentlewomeÌ„ rode through the Forrest and they tooke their right way to Mireflure where being arriued they declared to Oriana and Mabila the dangerous combat and glorious victory that was performed in their presence by a knight called the Faire Forlorne When Oriana knew for truth that he was so neere vnto her castle ioy and extreame pleasure accompanied with a most feruent desire entred into her immagination in such sort that vntil she had him in her armes she neuer lost sight of the high way that led from the Forrest by the which he was to come By this time was the Faire Forlorne alighted from his horse hard by a little Riuer staying vntill it were night for he would not be seene by any at his entring into Mireflure Then hee put off his Helmet and laide him downe vpon the grasse and there-withall hee began to thinke vpon the instabilitie of Fortune and vpon the miserable despaire wherein not long before he remained when with his owne hands he was ready to haue effected his death and also how he was not only now restored to his former felicitie but also aduanced to greater honour glory
may dispose of me at your pleasure so as I doe more feare the danger whereinto these Gentlewomen may fall if wee should be discouered then any of our owne and me thinks it were good to heare what their opinion is before we vnder-take any thing Whatsoeuer shall please you Madam answered the faire Forlorne that do Then shee called Mabila and the Damosel of Denmarke who were talking with Gandalin vnto whom they declared all that you haue heard And although that vndoubtedly the danger was very great neuerthelesse the gentlewomen seeing that they whom it did neerest touch were as they thought most forward therein they would not speake that which they thought thereof and answered Oriana that in troth she should nener in all her life haue the like occasion to win the most pretious Iewell in the world Well said the Princesse vâ—to the faire Forlorne doe then what you thinke best I will tel you answered hee how wee may goe I will answered Enil who as yet doth not know what I am to tell the King that a strange Knight with his Lady will make triall of those Iewels if it so please his Maiesty to giue them safe conduct that nothing shal be said nor done vnto them against their wil which granted I will conduct my Lady disguised in strange apparell hauing a very fine laune or cipresse before her face thorow the which she may see euery one and yet shall not she bee knowne of any and I being wholy armed with my beuer downe will leade het By my faith said Mabila your enterprise is great but I haue a garment that my mother did lately send vnto me by the Damosell of Denmarke of the rarest fashion in the world which will be fit for this purpose and if it please my Lady wee will presently try it vpon her herewithal they went for it which being brought she and the Damosell of Denmarke apparelled her there-with after so strange a manner that they all began to laugh seeing the Princesse so disguised and whatsoeuer the faira Forlorne had before determined to doe they thought might now be very easily performed Whereupon they forth-with commanded Gandalin to go buy some faire Palfrey for Oriana and that hee should not faile to bring him to the end of the Castle wall of Mirefleur the night before the trial of these Iewels was to be performed and further that he should aduertise Durin to bring his horse the same euening into that place where hee first alighted when hee entred into the garden For I wil depart said he this night to goe vnto the Fountaine of the three channels where Enil is to meete mee whom I will forth-with send vnto the King to purchase out safe conduct Thus Gandalin departed who did effectually performe whatsoeuer was committed to his charge Therefore so soone as the euening was come the faire Forlorne tooke his leaue of the Ladies who brought him vnto the foote of the garden wall and sliding down on the other side he found where Durin held his horse vpon the which he mounted taking his way towards the Eorrest and about the breake of day he arriued at the fountaine where within a while after Eâ—il came bringing with him the Armor which he had caused to bee made with the which he armed himselfe and then demanded of him what newes there was in the Court My Lord answered hee euery man there speaketh of your prowesse and there is not any one but is very desirous to be acquainted with you Then falling from one speech to another hee began to tell him the newes of the old Gentleman who had brought the Sword and the Kerchiefe Trust me said the faire Fâ—â—â—orne it is now foure dayes ago since a Gentlewoman aduertised mee thereof vpon this condition that I should cary her to the court to make triall of this aduenture therefore I am constrayned to go thither neuerthelesse thou knowest how much I desire not to bee yet knowne of the King not of any other vntill my deedes do giue them further testimony of my valour then yet they haue For this cause thou must returne vnto London to tell the King that if it please him to giue security vnto a Gentlewoman and me that nothing shall be eyther said or done vnto vs against our wils we will come to make trial of the stranger his request but faile not in like sort to aduertise the Queene and her Ladies how the Gentlewoman constrayneth mee to conduct her thither according to the promise that I haue made vnto her and that otherwise I would not haue come there and after thou hast fulfilled my commandement faile not in any case to returne hither the night before these Iewels must be shewed In the meane season I will goe seeke the Gentlewoman who is somewhat far from hence and according to the answere that thou shalt bring vnto vs wee will eyther go forward or return back againe Then Enil departed and the faire Forlorne tooke the way to Mirefleur where hee arriued as soone as day was shut in and there he found Durin ready to receiue his horse By whose helpe hee got ouer the wall and entred into the garden where Oriana and the other gentlewomen were of whom he was most courteously entertained but when Mabila espied him comming she said vnto him what is the cause my good Cosin that you are more braue now then you were this last morning Haue you met with any good booty of late You know not the meaning there-of answered Oriana hee went of purpose for this faire Armour thinking to escape by force from this prison wherein we kepe him Is it true said Mabila if you determine to fight with vs see that you be well aduised first for you haue somewhat to do And in this sort iesting together they came vnto the Princesse her chamber where his supper was brought vnto him for all that day he neyther had eaten nor drunken fearing least hee should haue been discouered CHAP. XV. How the Damosell of Denmarke was sent vnto London to know what answere Enil had receiued from the King touching the safe conduct which was demanded by the faire Forlorne who did afterwards bring Oriana thither to proue the strange Iewels AS soone as the faire Forlorne was returned to Mirefleur he told Oriana how Enil was gone to the Court according to their determination concluded the day before Wherupon the Princesse desirous to know an answere and also to prouide all things necessary for their safety before hand shee sent the Damosell of Denmarke vnto the Queen to certify her Maiesty that because she found her selfe some-what ill at ease it would please her grace to hold her excused if shee could not as yet come and do her dutie vnto her Highnesse So the Damosell departed and returned not vntill it was very late for shee stayed the arriuall of the Queene Briolania to meet with whom the king himselfe did go and she came into the court with one hundred
the death You haue heard what Imosel and his fellowes haue saide vnto mee which I doe thinke to be good right wherefore it is time that you determine what to do For by the faith that I owe vnto God I will not permit that any other of my knights shall fight with them if you look not vnto it you shall bee answerable for all and the Damosels deliuered If it please your Maiesty answered they to morrow we will be ready to maintain what-soeuer we haue saide And for that time they departed to their lodging greatly troubled for that which they were to do Neuerthelesse seeing that now there was no remedy they determined to perseuer in their daurned opinion by argument of words onely without putting themselues or their children in danger knowing assuredly that they were not able to resist any of those that were come from the Firme-Island But it happened out so well for them as the very same night newes came vnto the King that Grumedaâ—a the olde Giantesse was dead and that a little before her death shee had yeelded vp her strong places into the hands of the kings people beseeching him to haue pitty vpon her daughter Madasima Whereupon the next morning at their returne from church hee caused the twelue knights of the Firme-Island to bee called vnto whom he said My friends you may carry away with you the Damosels which you demand when it shall please you for I set them at liberty because that this night the Earle Latin hath written vnto me that he hath the Isle of Mongaza in his hands and that the olde Giantesse is deceased If any were glad here-of you may beleeue that the two traitors Broquadan and Gandandel were nothing sorry for as much as they did perceiue that if this had not happened their treason had bid discouered TheÌ„ Imosel answered the king If your Maiestie doe but Madasima right shee must not remaine poor nor disinherited seeing your grace knoweth that children are bound to obey their parents as shee hath done more by feare then free will And so if it please your Maiesty vsing your accustomed liberality you should shewe her some grace and fauour shewing thereby an example to all other vertuous and couragious Princes to do the like Imosel sayde the king let it suffice you that the Damosels are at liberty for I cannot reuoke the gift which I haue made to my daughter Leonor of the land which you demand I most humbly beseech your Maiestie answered Galuanes to haue pitty vpon her and mee who at this preseÌ„t ought to hold the place descended froÌ„ her ancestors of whom shee is the lawfull inheretrix especially of the land which you doe take from her and if it please your highnesse in remembrance of the seruices which I haue done vnto you you may restore them vnto vs to hold them of your grace by fealty and homage I haue said enough my Lord Galuanes answered the king that which is done cannot be vndone Trust me answered he seeing I can neither haue right nor reason of you I will trie if I may get it some other way Doe what you can said the king I am in good hope seeing I haue won if froÌ„ greater then you to desend it against those that are lesse theÌ„ they Sir answered Galuanes he which got it for you hath bin very badly recoÌ„pensed therefore Care not you for that saide the King if he of whom you speake dare but aduenture to aide you I dare bee so bolde as to withstand him and to make him beshrew himselfe Agraies hearing these threats was exceeding angry and in great choller answered Sir although my Lord Amadis was neuer other theÌ„ a waÌ„dring knight yet did he that good for you which as yet you neuer recompensed for he hath many times defended you and deliuered you from death Florestan did well perceine that Agraies entred into farther tearmes then was fit hee should for which cause he a little pulled him back and said vnto the king Sir although you be a king and a great Lord yet it may be you shall finde somewhat to do to vse my Lord Amadis in such sort as you threaten him By my faith said Brian Amadis hath done you too many seruices to be thus badly requited especially he being sonne vnto a Prince as worthy as your selfe Soft and faire Don Brian saide the king we know wel enough that you are one of his friends I am and so ought to be said Brian for euery one knoweth that I am his cosin german and therefore it were a shame not to succour him in his neede Truely answered the King for the same cause doe I hold you excused And as they were in these tearmes Angriotta de Estrauaux Sarquiles his Nephew came before the King who beeing armed at all points did their duty vnto his Maiestie but when the knights of the Firme-Island did beholde them they greatly wondred for they knew nothing at al of this their enterprise Then Angriotta with a loud voice began his speech in this manner May it please your Maiestie my Nephew and I heere preseÌ„t do beseech your grace to cause two traitors that are in your Court Broquadan and Gandandel to appeare before your Maiestie vnto whom I will declare the treason which they haue done against you Much affrighted was Broquadan and his companion hearing Angriotta speake after this manner who continuing his speech saide If it like your highnesse these two wicked persons of whom I speake without respect or feare of God or men haue falsly accused my Lord Amadis other of a matter wherein they neuer so much as in thoght offended By means whereof I dare well say that you haue banished from you the best Knights that euer entered into Great Brittaine therefore if those traitours dare maintaine that they be not such as I tearme them I alone by the help of God and the edge of my sword will make them confesse it And if they ought to bee excused by reason of their age there is neither of them both which hath not a sonne of long time bearing armes and well enough esteemed of amongst the Knights of your court against whom I will fight if they will maintain the quarrell of their wicked fathers Most mighty soueraigne answered Gandandel doth not your grace see the boldnes of this proud iniurious fellow who is come into this countrey to no other end but onely to shame the Gentlemen of your court By my faith if your Maiestie would haue beleeued me long agoe so soone as hee had entred into your Realme hee should haue bin hanged vp vpon the first tree that he had come vnto but seeing that your grace doth suffer him you must not hereafter be abashed if Amadis in his owne person doe come euen hither to iniurie your owne selfe Notwithstanding thus much I protest that by the liuing God if I were as young now as when I began to enter into the seruice
perceiuing in laughter saide You shall not be such a glutton maister Lyon but you shall leaue vs parte of the game And herewith presently he alighted because his Horse would not come nere the beast so drawing his Swoord and clasping his sheeld on his arme not regarding the cryes of King Garinter who laboured to disswade him from the attempt he marched to the Lyon who for defence of his pray ran eagerly against the King and so betweene them began a new warre But the Lyon being quicke and nimble did so much as he got his enemy vnder him yet was the Kinges heart so good that albeit he was in very great perill of his person he was not abashed one iotte but turned himselfe in such sorte as he thrust his Swoord into the belly of the beast which at that instant fel downe dead before him The King seeing what had happened was so ouercome with meruailing at this deed as he said within him selfe In sooth it is no shame to renowne one of the best Knights in the worlde In this meane while the rest of the traine came thether who for to finde their king had searched long time vp and downe the Forrest Then was their pray and Venison laid on two horses and caryed to the Citie where the Queene was immediatly aduertised of king Perions arriuall and therefore made speedy prouision of all things necessarye to welcome and feaste so great a Prince At their coming they found Dinner ready and the tables couered wherfore after the welcomes and reuerences done on all sides the two kinges sat downe so did the Queene and faire Elisena her Daughter Now had loue secretly ambushed himselfe because he had long time assayled this yong Princesse without any power to ouercome her but now he saw her so vnprouided as at this instant hower he might touch her to the quick and thence forwarde hold a sure conquest of her The like in king Perion who thought of nothing but a friendly entertainment yet when he cast his eye on the Lady Elisena she in like sorte vpon him by vertue of this pearcing regarde her wonted chaste and holye life had no longer power to priuiledge this Princesse but she was wonderfully thralled in extreame loue to this yong king and he in selfe same manner to her albeit till that hower he had his hart francke and free without subiection in any other place In this sorte during dinner tyme they found themselues for each other in a strange opinion till the tables were with drawen whē the Queene would departe to her Chamber wherefore Elisena arose to follow her but as she stepped forward she let fall a Ring which she had put in her bosome when she washt her handes and so had forgot it by reason of this new loue that made her thinke on other matters Now was king Perion somewhat neer her and desirous to let her know how willingly he would be hers stooped downe as soone as she to take it vp and so right did their handes meete together as the king had the meane to close her fingers yet feigning to take vp her Ring Wherevpon this amourous Lady began to change collour and notwithstanding by a sweete regard humbly thanked him Ah Madame quoth he this shall not be the last seruice I hope to doe you for my whole life time shal be imployed to obey you Cōstrained was Elisena without answering him to follow the Queen her mother so surprized altered as very neere she had forgoten her selfe so that not able to endure this new fire of loue which so sudden vehemently had conquered her wonted chaste and choice determination with the teares in her eyes and her hart full of anguish shee went and discouered the same to a faithful Damoselof hers named Darioletta praying her most instantly to councel her how she might safely know if King Perion had not elsewhere placed his loue and whether the affectionate semblaunce he had showne her might proceed from force of that impression which had so lately seazed on her hart The Damosell meruailing at this so sudden mutatiō in a person thought so farre from any such matter taking neuerthelesse compassion on her piteous teares thus answered I see well Madame that according to the extreame passion wherewith the tirant Loue hath tormented ye he hath lest no place in your iudgement where counsell or reason may be entertained and therefore following not what I ought for your seruice but the will I haue to obey you I shall do what you haue commaunded me by the most honest meanes that my little discretiō and great desire I haue to please ye will permit me So without any more woords Darioletta went to the Chamber where King Perion was and at the doore she found his Squire who brought other garments for his Lord to weare which the Damosell tooke of him For quoth she it is necessary that I performe this seruice and you gentle Squire may goe if you please about your other affaires The Squire thinking it was the custome of the Country made no deniall but willingly suffered her to take the Garments whereupon she entred the Chamber where she found the King laid on his bed who seeing her enter and knowing well it was she whom he had seene to conferre with Elisena most priuatly in whom aboue al other she put chiefest trust he thought that she wold not come in that sort to him without bringing him some remedy for his mortall passions for which cause all in trembling he said Faire friend what demand ye If it may so like you my Lord quoth she I haue brought other garments for ye Much rather would I said the King that you had brought some comfort to my hart which at this present is left despoyled of all pleasure As how my good Lord answered the Damosell Thus quoth he When first I arriued in this country I was free from all passions and doubted nothing but of aduentures that might happen to Knights errand but now I know not in what sort entring this Court by some one of your Ladyes haue I receiued a deadly wound for which if you faire Damosell know how to giue me any remedy your recompence shall be so good as you shall repute your selfe beholding to me Certes quoth she I should imagine my selfe happy by doing seruice to so high a personage and so good a Knight as you are if I could tell wherein If you wil promise me said the King as you are a loyall Damosell not to discouer me but where it is requisite I shall tell ye Say boldly your pleasure answered Darioletta for by me without your liking it shall not be knowen to any Damosell and my friend quoth he I giue you to vnderstand that at what time I beheld the excellent beauty of Elisena your Mistresse I became extreamely tormented with her loue and in such sorte as I cannot excuse my selfe from death if I find not remedy for my greefe
is the Prince by whom this night you shall receiue such pleasure You say true answered Elisena but what thinke you not that fortune is as fauourable to me as to him for if I be faire is not he one of the most perfect men that hath beene heard of either in personage good grace or hardines assure thy selfe Darioletta my friend that I imagine myselfe so happy as I thinke it is impossible for me to be more therfore let vs make hast I praye thee These words she vttered with such affection that she trembled like the little leafe on the high tree and as she ended those speeches they arriued at the Chamber doore where King Perion was lodged who for the strangnes of this new amorous flame as also the hope he had in Darioletta had not as yet taken any rest Neuerthelesse beeing as then wearye with trauaile ouercome with sleepe began euen as they opened the doore to slumber and dreamed that one entred his chamber at a false dore without knowledge who it should be but he thought that he thrust his hands into his sides and rent forth his hart afterward he saw him throw it into the Riuer when the king saide Wherfore commit ye such cruelty This is nothing at all answered hee that did this outrage for with you shall remaine another hart which I must take from ye against my wil. In great feare he suddenly awaked making the signe of the Crosse commended himselfe to God Now had the Ladyes opened the dore entred the Chamber wherfore he hering the noyse suspected some treason especially by reason of his feareful dreame lifting vp his head beheld thorow the curtans the dore open wherof he knew nothing and afterward by the light of the Moone he saw the shadowe of the Ladyes that were entred For this cause in feare he started out of bed tooke his Sword and went to the place where he had seene them but when Darioletta saw him so affrighted she spake to him in this manner What shal be done here Do you draw armes against vs that come to you with so slender defence the king who quickly knew them especially Elisena whom hee so much desired threw his Sword to the ground and casting a mantle about him which lay neere at hand in great affection hee came to her whom he loued better then him-selfe kissing embracing shewing the best countenance could be deuised which Darioletta seeing as one iealous and enuious of such fauour said to Elisena Now are you somewhat better contented for in my iudgement although till this time you defended your selfe from many And he likewise hath withstood sundry assaultes notwithstanding at this present neither the one or orher of you hath force or meane which way any longer to warrant or defend your selues As thus she spake she looked where the king had throwen his Sword which she took vp as a witnesse of the oath and promise he made her concerning the future mariage of Elisena and himselfe then shutting the dore after her she went into the Garden and so the king remained alone with his faire freind whom after many amourous embracings infinite kissings and execution of delights he behelde verily perswading himselfe that all the beauty of the world was in her reputing himselfe much more then happy that the heauens had allowed him so good an aduenture See now how it chaunced to this Princesse that for so long time in the cheefest flower of her youth beeing requested by so many mighty Princes and great Lordes she had withstood all to remaine in the liberty of a Maiden now won in lesse space then one day and at such time as her fancie in her one thinking was farthest off from such matters Thus Loue breaking the strong bandes of her holye and chast life caused a sudden alteration of her purpose making her soone after of a faire virgen a faire woman seruing for example to many other who assaying to withdraw their thoughtes from worldly things despising the great beauty wherwith nature hath endowed them tender youth which maketh them ignorant of the plesures delights in their Fathers Courts whereof sometime they might haue tasted yeelde themselues for saluation of their soules in poore and religious houses thereto in offering their free will vowing themselues to the subiectiō of others hoping to passe their time without any renowne or glory of this world Certes such Ladyes ought with great sollicitude to stop their eares close their eyes and giue themselues to continuall deuoute contemplatiōs prayers accepting them as their true and singular pastimes as to such they are and aboue all they should exempt themselues from sight of Parents neighbours and freinds because oftentimes the talk and frequenting of such procureth achange of their holy chast will and not without cause haue I made this little discourse for it is to the end that it happen not to them as it did vnto the faire Princesse Elisena who so long labored in thought to preserue her selfe yet notwithstanding in one only moment seeing the beauty and good grace of King Perion changed her will in such sorte as without the aduise discretiō of Darioletta who would couer the honor of hir Mistresse vnder the mantle of mariage you may see she was at the poynt to fal into the very lowest parte of all dishonor As it hath happened to many other of whom hath commonly beene heard speech who not keeping them selues from what I haue saide before haue beene taken bad enough and taken will be if they admit no better foresight Now then are these two louers in their solace Elisena demanding of the king if his departure should be shortly or no. Wherfore Madame do you aske said king Perion Because quoth she this happy fortune that with so great delight hath giuen ease to our affectionate desires doth threaten me already with extreame anguish sorrow which by your absence I shall receiue and feare it will rather cause my sudden death then long life Haue no doubt thereof saide the king for although my body is seperated from your presence my hart for euer shal remain with ye which shall giue strength to vs both to you to suffer and to me by my speedye returne These two contented louers are thus deuising when she that had bin the cause of their meeting seeing it was time to call her mistresse who by this pleasure forgot her selfe in her louers armes entred the Chamber speaking somewhat loude saide Madme I know that heretofore you thought my company more agreeable then you doe at this present but it is needfull that you arise and let vs goe for the time calleth vs. When the King heard her knowing that perforce it must be so he played Darioletta to walke into the Garden and to bring him word in what corner the winde sat in meane while he tooke his amourous conge with such reciprocall pleasure as you that loue may easily iudge
then sweetly kissing her he saide I assure you Madame that for your sake I will stay longer in this Country then you imagine therefore I pray ye be not vnmindfull of this place So arose Elisena and went to her Chamber with Darioletta leauing the king alone not a little contented with his new acquaintance but dreading his dreame as you haue heard and willing to know what it might signifie he became desirous to returne to his owne Country where as then were good store of Philosophers that were well seene in those Sciences himselfe likewise in former times tooke great pleasure therein and vnderstood sundry rules thereof Neuerthelesse he soiourned ten dayes with king Garinter after his sporting with Elisena who neuer a night failed to visit her louely haunt The ten dayes being spent king Perion forcing his will and notwithstanding the teares and intreaties of Elisena which were excessiue resolued to depart and therefore tooke his leaue of the Court but as he wold haue mounted on horsebacke he perceiued that he wanted his good Sword whereat he became somewhat offended because it was one of the best and fairest in the world yet durst he not demand it fearing least the loue of him and Elisena should thereby be discouered or King Garinter angry with them that visited his Chamber In these thoughts accompanied with infinite regrets without longer stay he tooke his way toward Gaule albeit before his departure Darioletta came intreated him to be mindfull of the great griefe wherein he left his Elisena and of the solemne promise he had made her Alas my deere friend saide the King I pray ye to assure her on my parte that she shall haue no cause of offence and that right soone I meane to see her in meane while I commend her to you as mine owne proper hart Then taking from his finger a Ring semblable to an other that he had he sent it to the desolate louer intreating her earnestly for his sake to giue it her This present did no whit lessen her great greefe but encrease it so that if she had not beene comforted by Darioletta without doubt she had then finished her dayes but so well she perswaded her to take good hope that by the alligations she laid before her of dangerous occurrences she came somewhat better to her selfe and learned thence forward more smoothly to dissemble her sorrowe till she felte her selfe great with Childe by meanes whereof she not onely lost the taste of her food but also the pleasure of rest and the faire cullour of her countenance Now on the highest step of mis-hap was her sorrow set and not without cause for in that time was there an inuiolable lawe that any woman or maiden of what quality or estate soeuer offending in such sorte could no way excuse her selfe from death This sharpe and cruell custome endured til the comming of the vertuous King Arthur the best Prince that euer raigned in that Country which he reuoked at the time as be killed Floian in battaile before the Gates of Paris But many other Kinges were betweene him and Garinter who maintained that lawe and for this cause the sorrowfull Lady could not be absolued by ignoraunce thereof albeit that by the oathes and promises of King Perion on his Sword God would remit the offence yet knew she not how to excuse her faulte to the worlde because it was done so secretly as you haue heard See here the distresse wherein King Perion left his Elisena which gladly she wold giue him to vnderstand if possible she could but it might not be for she knew the prompritude of this yong Knng that tooke no rest in any place where he came nor was his hart satisfied except in this with following armes as also seeking strange and hazardous aduentures and therefore he was the harder to be found Thus dispairing of this succour she thought there was no remedy for her life for which she made not so much mone as the losse of the sight of her true friend and onely Lord. But at that instant the great and puissant maker of all thinges by whose permssion this act was appointed to his seruice inspired Darioletta with such councell as she onely should remedie these occurrances in such sort as you shall presently vnderstand In the pallace of King Garinter there was a Chamber-vault seperated from the rest neere to which was a riuer whereto one might easily discend by a little Iron dore this Chamber by the aduice of Darioletta did Elisena request of her father as well for her ease as to coÌ„tinue her accustomed solitary life and would haue none other companion then Darioletta who as you haue heard knew the occasion of her dollorous greefes This request she lightly obtained the King thinking his daughters intent to be as she feigned and heereupon was the keye of the Iron dore giuen to Darioletta to open when it pleased Elisena to recreate her selfe on the water By this meane had she a place proper to her affaires and so was in better rest assurance then before for well was she aduised that in this place more commodiously then any other might she prouide to escape without danger Wherefore beeing there one day alone with her Damosell they fell in conference she requited councell what should be done with the fruit that she trauailed withall What answered Darioletta Mary it must suffer to redeeme you Oh poore maidenly mother saide Elisena how can I coÌ„sent to the death of the creature begoten by the only man of the worlde whome most I loue offend not your selfe quoth Darioletta for if you should dye hardly would it be permitted after you to liue In sooth saide Elisena although I dye beeing culpable it were no reason the little innocent should suffer Leaue we this talke answered Darioletta seeing it were great folly to hazard the safety of that which hereafter may be the onely cause of your losse and your friend likewise for well you knowe that if you be discouered you shall dye and the infant shall not liue you dying no longer can he liue that so dâ—erâ—ly loueth you So shall you alone cause the death of all three where contrarywise if you escape the perill the time will come when you may haue together children enow which will make you forget the affection you bare to this first And as this Damosell was thus inspired so would she before hand seeke to preuent the inconuenience in this manner She got foure little boards of such largenes as was necessary to make a Chest wherein to put the infant with the clothes the Sword which she kept then did she giue them together in such sorte as the water should haue no place to enter This beeing done made fit she put it vnder the bed without declaring any thing there-of to Elisena vntil the time of child-birth approched and then Darioletta saide What thinke ye Madame this little Cofer is made for In good faith I know
am her seruant It is true quoth the King but for this present haue a little patience and when time serueth you shal be honorably knighted in meane while he gaue charg that all his needfull accouâ—rements for the cause should be prouided Now did the king aduertise Gandales heereof who was so contented therewith as he soone dispatched a Damosell toward the yong Prince by whome he sent the Sword the Ring and the letter couered with waxe which he found in the chest he tooke out of the sea Such speede made the Damosell as she came to the Prince at what time he was sporting with Oriana and the other Ladies while the Queene slept At that instant was he in such a sollemne thought of Oriana as not daring to lift vp His eyes to behold her said within himselfe Ah God why hast thou endued this Lady with such exellent beauty that vnhappy I should suffer so extreame passions by louing her Ah mine eyes too high did ye looke when ye beheld her of whome you are not worthy but if the worst happen death shall satisfie this timeritie whereto my hart for her is humbled In this thought he was like to fall downe so had he forgotten and ouergone himselfe when a page came to him saying Gentleman there is a strange Damosell attending without who hath brought you certaine presents and would speake with ye When she who loued him heard this message her hart began to tremble in such sorte as being not able to endure this new flame she called to the Prince saying I pray ye stay heere and let the Damosel come in that we may haue the sight of what shee hath brought which he did the Damosell being entred thus spake to him My Lord your good friend Gandales saluteth you as the man whom he onely loueth and hath sent ye this Ring this waxe this Sword which he desireth ye for his sake to keepe while you liue The Prince hauing receiued the presents laid the Ring and waxe aside to behold the Sword which being without a sheath was wrapped in a fine linnen cloth whereat he greatly meruailed and while he was musing thereon Oriana tooke the waxe thinking it to be some other thing and said Beleeue me Gentleman for my part I would haue this waxe You may haue it if you please Madame quoth he but me thinkes this faire Ring were better for ye I will haue nothing but this waxe said Oriana and so tooke it During these discourses the King came who said to the Prince What thinke ye of that Sword My Lord quoth he I find it a very faire one but I maruaile wherefore it hath no scabbard It is said the King very neer fifteene yeeres since it had one hauing so said he laid it aside proceeding thus You would be a Knight and know not whether you ought to be one or no therefore it is necessary that you vnderstand what you are and I to tell you so much as I know Heereupon he declared how he was found in a chest on the sea with the Sword the Ring as you haue already heard I beleeue my Lord quoth the Prince that for your pleasure you vse this inuention because the Damosell when she entred said that my good friend Gandales sent me these presents but I think she fayled in her words and would haue said my father Gandales Notwithstanding my Lord if it be so as you haue rehersed I am not displeased thereat except in not knowing of whence I am nor they me yet do I thinke my selfe a Gentleman for my hart perswades me of no lesse Now therefore it is more necessary that I be Knighted then before to the end I may labour to become such a one as may acquire honor and reputation seeing I haue no parents by whom I may be named not knowing what I am When the King heard him speake so vertuously he esteemed much better of him then before thinking him-selfe that he could not but be a man of calling and hardy As thus they were deuising a Gentleman came to the King and said My Lord King Perion your brother is come to the Court The King very glad thereof departed to receiue his brother embracing him thus spake I see my good brother you meant to take me vnprouided for little did I thinke of your so sudden arriual in this country Noble brother answered King Perion I come to request the ayd of my friends because I haue more neede of them at this time then euer I had for Abies King of Ireland threatneth me with strong warre and is with great puissance entred my Kingdome so that he and Dagauel his Cozin haue laid very seuere siedge to me And which is worst of all Fortune hath so hardly dealt with me that certaine whome I trusted haue forsaken me and the greatest part of my other friends are ouerthrown in the skirmishes we haue had together so that now I come to request your succour in this extreame needeâ— Truely brother answered Languines you may be sure thereof and your mis-fortune grieueth me not a little but I wil prouide therefore so well as I can Agraies who was newly knighted being hot and ready to Armes hauing heard the reâ—uest of his Vnckle and the grant the King his father had made him of assistance came and fell on his knee before him saying I beseech ye father let me obtaine one boone at your hands The King who loued him as himselfe answered Demand what thou wilt for it shall not be denied thee I desire your sufferance quoth Agraies that I may go to Gaule to aid the Queene my Aunte In good faith said the King well content am I 〈◊〉 in good equipage shalt thou goe and strongly accompanied When the Gentleman of the sea heard this determination he was more earnest to compasse his enterprise then before and seeing king Perion was present he could not glut his eyes with beholding him onely for the good reporte he had heard of him for he thought not then of any affinitie or parentage but would rather be Knighted by his hand then any other in respect of his high hautghy deedes of Armes And to attaine his purpose he thought best to entreat the Queene hoping that if she would doe so much for him as to moue the King her brother therein she shold not be gainlaid and for he saw her so sad that he durst not speake to her he boldly went to Ortana and setting his knee to the ground said I pray ye Madame tell me what causeth the Queene to be so pensiue Oriana beholding the man before her whom she loued in her very Soule albeit neither he or any other knew it was surprized whith such vehemency of loue as she could hardly tell how to dissemble it yet thus she answered Gentleman of the sea and my friend I will take paine to know then shall I tell ye with all my hart seeing it is the first request that euer ye
being in my charge In speaking these words he came to the chiefest of the sixe from whom right-soone he caught his hatchet and gaue him such a stroke therewith as he fell to the ground All the other together presently set vpon him but one of thē he sliced to the very teeth and sooner after another bare him company with the losse of his arme When the three that were left saw their companions so handled they tooke themselues to flight and the Prince followed them so neere as one of them left his legge behinde him the other twaine he let go returning where he left the Damosel to whom he said Now boldly go on and like euill fortune may they haue that encourage any villany to lay forsible hand on Lady or Damosell She being assured by these words went on with the Prince and his Squires but ere they had gone any thing far they heard a great noyse tumult within the Castell Me thinkes Sir said the Damosel I heare a meruailous murmuring within this Fortresse therefore I would aduise ye to take the rest of your armour Goe on quoth the Prince and feare not for where Ladies are euill entreated who ought euery where to goe in safety there hardly abideth any man of valew In sooth said she if you doe not what I haue desired I will not passe any further and so much shee perswaded him that at length he laced on his Helmet afterward he went into the Castell at the entrance whereof he met a squire weeping who said Ah God why will they murder without cause the best knight in the world alas they wold inforce him to promise what is impossible for him to accomplish These words of the Squire could not stay the Prince for he saw King Perion who had so lately Knighted him very hardly vsed by two Knights who with the helpe of ten armed Halberders had round beset him saying sweare if not thou diest Greatly did it grieue the Prince to see such out-rage offered to King Perion wherefore he thus called to them Traiterous villaines what moues you to misuse the best Knight in the world by heauen you shall all die for him At these words one of the Knights left the King and taking fiue Halberders with him came to the Prince saying It likewise behoueth you to sweare if not you can escape no better then an other What quoth he shal I then sweare against my will by Gods leaue it shall not be so Then they of the Castell cryed to the Porter that he should shut the gate wherefore the Prince now saw he must stand vpon his defence whereupon hee ran fiercely against the Knight charging him in such sorte as he fell downe dead ouer the crupper of his Horse for in the fall he brake his necke Which the Prince beholding not tarring any longer with the Halberders came to the other knight that combated with K. Perton piercing his Launce quite through his body so that he accompanied the first in fortune King Perion seeing himselfe thus succoured so cheered vp his hart as he did much better then before against his enemies causing them by sharpe strokes of his Sword to retire in meane while the Gentle-man of the sea being on Horse-backe ranne among them and scattered them tumbling one downe heere and another there so that at length by the aid of the king they were all slaine except certaine that fled away on the top of the walles But the Prince alighted and followed them whereat they were so affrighted as they cast themselues downe headlong frō the wals only two got them into a Chamber where they thought to remaine in safetie notwithstanding he pursued them so neer as he buckled pel mel with them But within the Chamber on a bed lay an ancient knight whose vnweldy age had taken from him the vse of his legges to them that came in he vsed these speeches Cowardly villaines frō whom run ye so shamefully From a knight answered one of them who hath plaide the Diuell in your Castell for he hath slaine your two Nephewes and all our companions As thus he spake the Prince caught him by the head saying Tell me villaine where is the Lord of this place o◠esse thou diest The poore man seeing himselfe in such perill shewed him the old knight lying on the bed but when the Prince saw him so old and decrepite he blamed him in this manner Thou wretched olde man hath death already seazed on thy bones and yet doost thou cause such a wicked custome to be maintained heere Well dooth thine age excuse thee from bearing Armes yet shall I giue thee thy desert belonging to such a villaine With these words he made offer to smite off his head Wherefore the affrighted olde man cried Alas my Lord for Gods sake mercy None at all quoth the Prince thou art dead if thou swearest not to me that while thou liuest such like treason shall be no more maintained in this place whereto the olde knight right gladly tooke his oath Now tell mee saide the Prince wherefore hast thou heeretofore kept this custome heere For the loue of King Abies of Ireland answered the Knight who is mine Nephew and because I cannot aid him with my person in his warre I was desirous to succour him with such Knights errand as passed this way False villaine answered the Prince what haue Knights errand to do with thy desire so spurning the bed with his foote threw it downe and the olde Knight vnderit where commending him to all the Diuels he left him and comming downe into the Court tooke a Horse which was one of the slaine Knights and bringing it to the King said Mount your selfe my Lord for it little likes me to stay any longer here where such bad people haue their habitation The king presently went to Horse-bake and so they rode together out of the Castell but the Prince fearing least the king should know him would by no meanes take off his Helmet notwithstanding as they rode along the king thus spake to him I pray ye Sir knight tell me of whence you are that haue succoured me when I was so neere my death warranting me also hereafter frō the enimies of this place shewing your selfe a good friend to Ladies and knights errand As for me I am the same man against whom they kept this straight passage importing the cruell oath for which you combated My Lord answered the Prince I am a knight desirous to do you any seruice Beleeue me quoth the king that haue I already well perceiued for hardly should I haue found so good a friend to helpe me yet will I not giue ouer till I know ye Alas my Lord said he that will little profit ye Notwithstanding quoth the King I pray ye take off your Helmet which he would not do but put downe his Beuer a little Whē the king saw that his intreatie would not preuaile he desired the Damosell to obtaine so much for him
whereto she condiscended tooke the Prince by the hand saying I beseechye Sir grant the king what he hath requested He seeing her importunate took off his Helmet when presently the king knew him that it was the same man he had knighted at the Ladies motion wherefore embracing him he said Right glad am I to know so deere a friend My Lord quoth the Prince I knew you so soone as I came to the Castell to be the man that gaue me mine order of knight-hood wherewith so please it God I meane to serue you while your warre continueth in Gaule willingly I would not be knowne by any one till your troubles be finished You ha ue already said the King done so much for me as I rest bounden to you while I liue allowing you to dispose of me and mine and if as you say you come into Gaule you shall augment with aduauntage the honor due to you then iustly may I tearme the hower happy that it was my fortune to make so good a Knight Such like words vsed King Perion litle thinking how neere they were allied together thus they rode deuising till at length they came to a double way when he demanded of the King which of those waies pleased him to take This on the left hand answered the King because it guideth directly to my Country God haue you then in his keeping said the Prince for I must needes ride this other way I pray ye quoth the King remember your comming into Gaule as you promised me for the hope I haue in you hath abridged part of my sorrow and giueth me assurance withall that by your meanes I shall recouer my losse So tooke they leaue of each other the king toward Gaule and the Prince in company with the Damosell and Gandalin but because she had now seene what she desired namely the proofe of the Launce which Vrganda gaue him she wold trauaile no further out of her way but turning to the Prince said I haue hetherto my Lord with right good will kept ye company because the Lady that gaue ye the Launce said she brought it to the best knight in the world and surely I haue seene so much as I stand in no doubt of her speeches wherefore I shall now shape my course to find her I am sent to as before I tolde ye I pray ye Lady quoth he tell me what she is It is said she the Princesse Oriana Daughter to king Lisuart of great Brittaine When he heard her named whom he loued so deerely his hart began to tremble in such sorte as he had fallen beside his Horse but that Gādalin staied him yet fetching a great sigh said Ah God my hart faileth me the Damosell thinking some sudden sicknes was the cause thereof would haue had him vnarmed but hee tolde her it was needlesse for he was oftentimes wont to feele such passions The Squire who all this while had beene their guide tooke leaue of the Prince as king the Damosell if her way lay toward the Courte of King Languines which she affirming he said he would accompany her thether because hee had busines of some importance there So hauing courteously saluted each other they returned the same way they came the Prince rode on with Gandalin to seeke aduentures Heere leaueth the Author to tel ye what happened to Galaor whom the Giant caried away and gaue in keeping to the aged Hermet as already you haue heard By this time had Galaor attained the age of sixteene yeeres meruailously encreasing in stature comely perfection hauing no other exercise then reading on a Booke which the olde man lent him discoursing the deeds of Armes of sundry ancient Knights Heerein he tooke so great pleasure as on this occasion as also by a naturall instinct he was desirous to be Knighted neuerthelesse he knew not whether by right such honor appertained to him Very earnestly he questioned thereon with the Hermet but the holy man who knew right well that so soone as he receiued the order he should combate against the Giant Albadan his eyes being filled with teares he thus answered My soone much better were it for you to labour in the safetie of your soule then to aduenture on the order of Knight-hood which is to be maintained with wonderous trauaile Father quoth Galaor very hardly shall I follow the calling which I take against my will but in that whereof my hart hath made choyse if God grant me good successe will I aduance his seruice for there-out may I not be during life The good Hermit who then well perceiued his grounded resolution replied Certes my Sonne seeing you are determined to follow Armes I can well assure ye that through fault of high linage you neede not dispaire of good hap in respect you are son to a King and Queene but keepe that to your selfe and let not the Giant know how I told ye so much When Galaor heard this he was exceedingly contented saying to the Hermit In sooth Father the care I haue had all my life time to be a Knight hath beene very great but now I thanke God and you I am rid thereof for by that you haue tolde me I cannot misse ofit The Hermit noting his earnest affection doubted least soone after he would be gone wherefore he gaue the Giant to know his Schollers forwardnes as also how his constitution did now very well serue him being wonderfull desirous of his knight-hood and therefore he should now deale in the cause as best himselfe pleased No sooner was the Giant enformed hereof but presently he got him to Horse-backe and rode to the Hermit with whom he found Galaor of more large stature then his yeeres expressed very comely and beautyfull in euery parte whereupon he thus spake to him I vnderstand Sonne that you would be a Knight to follow Armes truely you shall prepare your selfe to go with me when time serueth and your desire shal be honorably satisfied Father answered Galaor heerein consisteth the summe of mine affection so not long after the Giant departed from the Hermit taking Galaor with him who falling on his knee before the reuerent olde man desired that as he had fatherly nourshed him so still he would remember him in his deuout orisons The holy man with the teares tricling downe his cheekes kissed and blessed him then mounted Galaor on Hors-back and followed the Giant who brought him home to his Castell where for certaine time he practised to combate at Armes as also brauely to manage Horses hauing all things conuenient for the same and two maisters very expert therein When he had continued a yeere at these exercises the Giant seeing him worthy to receiue honor strong enough to endure chiualrie disposed thereon as you shall read hereafter Now againe doth the Author leaue him and discourseth of that which chanced to the Gentleman of the sea who after he departed from King Perion and the Damosell rod two daies together without any
is Galpan ouercome by the hand of one man beleeue me Damosell you tell vs meruailes Worthy Lord answered she he onely of whom I speake hath done him to death after hee had slaine all the other that resisted him in Galpans Castell and he thinking to reueng their foile himselfe combated hand to hand with the Knight but such was his bad successe as there with dishonor hee lost his head which I would gladly haue brought to this Court yet doubting the corrupt fauour thereof and being otherwise aduised by him that sent me to my Lord Agraies as testimony of his victory this Helmet may suffiise Vndoubtedly said the king to al there present it it the same Knight of whose name we are ignorant how say you Lady cannot you resolue vs My Lord quoth she I obtained it by exceeding importunity for otherwise he would neuer haue told me Say then good maiden replied the King to rid vs of all other doubtes He nameth himselfe said the Damosell the Gentleman of the sea When the King heard this he was greatly abashed and so were all the other likewise afterward he thus spake By my faith I am assuredly perswaded that whosoeuer Knighted him neede not be ashamed thereof seeing so long time he requested it of me and I deferred it for occasions which I needed not to haue done seeing Chiualry is in him already so well accomplished Then Araies taking occasion to speake demanded of the Damosell where he might meet with his gentle friend My Lord quoth she he humbly commendeth him-selfe to your good grace giuing you to vnderstand by me that you shall finde him at the warres in Gaule if you come thether Good newes faire Damosell said Agraies haue you brought me now am I more desirous to be gone then before I was and if I may find him there with my good will shall I neuer leaue his company You haue reason so to do answered the Damosel for he loueth you as becommeth a Gentleman Great was the ioy for these good newes of the Gentleman of the sea and if any one receiued displeasure you must thinke it was Oriana aboue all the rest yet was it handled so couertly as the watchfullest eye could not descerne it Now in meane while the king enquired by diuers meanes how and by whom the Prince was Knighted when at length he was aduertised that the Ladyes attending on the Queene could tell better then anybody els which with much a do he obtained of them Then may the Gentle-man of the sea quoth he vaunte that he hath found more curtisie in you then in me but the cause why I prolonged the time of his honor was that he seemed too yong for so great a charge In this time Agraies courteously wellcomed the Damosell who beside the Helmet deliuered him letters from a Lady that deerely loued him of whome the History hereafter maketh mention But now for this present occasion the Reader must imagine that Agraies without longer tarying in Scotland is departed with his Army trauailing toward Gaule to his Vnckle King Perion CHAP. IX How King Lisuart sent for his Daughter the Princesse Oriana for that long before he had left her in the Court of King Languines who sent her accompanied with the Princesse Mabila his onely daughter as also a noble traine of Knights Ladyes and Gentlewomen ABout ten daies after Agraies was departed the King his Fathers court with his troup three Ships of great Brittaine tooke port in Scotland wherein as cheefe was Galdar of Rascuit accompanied with an hundred knights of king Lisuarts as also many Ladyes and Gentlewomen that came for Oriana Being arriued at the Court of king Languines they were very graciously entertained especially Galdar for he was esteemed a wise and hardy knight After he had giuen his Maiesty to vnderstand his Ambassadge which was harty thanks froÌ„ king Lisuart his Maister for the gentle entreatance of the Princesse his daughter he requested now to haue her home Mabila his daughter with her to whom he would do all the honor could be deuised Right thankfully did king Languines accept this offer and was content that his daughter should go with Oriana thence-forward to be educated in the Court of King Lisuart Certaine dayes soiourned Galdar and his traine in Scotland during which time they were most honorably feasted and in this while the king prepared other Ships to accompany the voyage When Oriana saw that matters fell out in this sorte she knew well it was impossible longer to dissemble or tarry wherefore as she placed all her little trifles in order she found among her Iewels the waxe which she had taken from the Gentleman of the sea This gaue her such a remembrance of him as the teares entred her eyes and through vehement loue often wringed her hands so that the waxe which shee held in them suddenly brake she espied the letter enclosed therein which so soone as she vnfolded she found there writteÌ„ these words This is Amadis without time Sonne to a King At these newes shee conceiued such ioy as quickly she left her former countenance and not without cause for she was now assured that he who before was esteemed at the most but the son of a simple Gentleman or it might be of lesse because he was vnknowne both of name and parents the man whom she so faithfully loued was Sonne to a King and named Amadis therefore without longer deferring she called the Damosell of Denmarke to her on whom she intirely trusted thus spake My good friend I will declare one thing to ye which no other then mine owne hart and you shall know therefore regarde it as the secret of such a Princesse as I am and of the best Knight in the world beside On my faith Madam answered the Damosell seeing it pleaseth you to honor me so much more willingly shall I dye theÌ„ faile therein wel may you be assured that what-soeuer you disclose to mee shal be altogether kept secret executed to my power TheÌ„ so it is deere friend said Oriana that you must needs go seek the Gentle-man of the sea whom you shall find at the warres in Gaule and if you chance to come thither before him there must ye of necessitie stay for him but so soone as you see him giue him this letter saying he shall find his name therein wâ—â—tteÌ„ on the day that he was cast into the sea whereby I know him to be the son of a king which ought inspite him with higher courage hardines to encrease the same hee hath already so well begun You shall likewise tel him how the king my father sent for me and therefore I am gone toward great Brittaine which I was desirous to acquaint him withall and when hee returneth from the warre where he is he should immediatly come to the place of my aboad limitting al things in such sorte as he may liue in my fathers Court vntill he receiue other commandemeÌ„t of
and to say sooth hee was in his time a Knight of the comlyest grace that euer was seen where he stroue to hide himselfe he was soonest discouered by reason of his brauery in horseman-ship The two Knights ran together in full course against him breaking their Lances in pieces on his shield but the Prince meeting him that had the foile in the forrest threw him again frō his saddle so roughly as in the fall he brake his arme the grief whereof made him lie still as if he had bin dead When he perceiued he was so well rid of one hee drew his sword came to the other giuing him such a stroke on his Helmet as the Sword entring in hee puld it backe with such force that the laces brake wherby he broght it quite frō his head vpō his sword then he lifted vp his arme to haue smitten him but the knight quickly clapt his Shield before In mean while the Prince got his sword into his left hand which hee could doe very hardly and with his right hand tooke holde on his enemies shield renting it violently from about his necke and afterward gaue him such a blow on the head as in great amazement hee fell to the ground Thus did hee leaue him there with his companion and rod with the Damosell to the Tents of Agraies who hauing seen the conclusion of this quarrell meruailing what he was that had so soone ouer-come two knights therefore when he came towardes him hee went foorth to meete him and so soone as they knew each other you need not make no doubt of their kinde salutations Soone after the Prince alighted and by Agraies was conducted into his Tent to be vnarmed but first hee gaue commandement that the knights dismounted in the fielde should bee brought thither where they were no sooner ariued but Agrais thus spake to them Beleeue mee my friends you attempted great folly to meddle with this Knight You say true my Lord answered hee whose arme was broken yet once to day I saw him in such plight as I little thought of any such resistance Afterward he declared all that happened in the Forrest and the communication they had together yet he omitted the Princes complaints because hee stood in feare to displease him During the repitition of these matters the patience of the one and boldnesse of the other was entercoursed among them and all that day they soiourned there but on the morrow Morning they mounted on horse-backe shaping their course to Palingues a right good City on the frontires and the outmost part of Scotland where they found shipping and embarqued them-selues toward Gaule The winde seruing according to their desire in fewe dayes they landed in the Hauen of Galfrin and marching thence in seemely order without any hinderance they came to the Castle of Baldain where King Perion was besieged hauing already lost great number of his people When he was aduertised of this succour you must imagine him comforted thereby and their welcome to bee good and gracious chiefly by the Queene Elisena who hauing knowledge of their arriuall sent to entreat her Nephew Agraies to come visite her which he did being accompanied with the King and the Gentleman of the Sea and two other knights of good account But you must note that king Periō knew not the prince at the first sight yet at the length hé called him to remēbrance that it was the same man whom he had knighted and afterward saued his life at the Castle wherefore thus he spake My deare friend on my faith I had forgotten ye you are most welcome to this place for your presence giueth assurance that I neede feare this warre no further hauing the onely Knight of the world so neere mee Dread Lord answered the Prince God giue me grace to serue you accordingly for perswade your selfe that while these troubles endure I will make no spare of my person As thus they deuised they entred the Queenes Chamber when the King taking the Prince by the hand presented him to her saying Madame this is the good Knight of whom here-tofore I tolde ye he defēded me from the greatest danger that euer I was in and therefore I pray ye let no spare of curtisie be made to him here but giue him the best entertainment the time will affoord The Queene aduanced her selfe to embrace him but he fell on his knee with these wordes I am seruant Madame to the Queen your sister and frō her I come to serue you with like obedience as to her owne person Right graciously did the good Lady giue him thankes yet little thought she that he was her Sonne for she imagined the sea had deuoured him yet was the Princes presence at that very instant so pleasing to her as her eyes could not be satisfied with beholding him and through a secret mouing of nature she wished more good to him thē any in the troupe At this time likewise was her remembrance solicited with the former losse of her two Childrē whose yeeres she thought would haue equaled the Princes if God had preserued them these occasions vrged the teares in her eyes Thus wept she for him that nature touched her withall and yet vnknowen was in her presence but when the Prince beheld her so sorrowfull he reputed it to the reason of the warre begun wherefore hee said Madame I hope with the aide of God your King and the fresh supply we haue brought in shorte time to recouer your ioy and for mine owne part trust me I will make no spare Heauen prosper ye answered the Queene with happy successe for you are the Queene my sisters Knight I wil that ye prouide no other lodging but abide here with vs and all things shall be appointed for yee to your owne contentment Such was their conference together vntill Agraies would goe refresh himselfe wherfore taking leaue for that night he went to his lodging where it was prouided and gladly would the Prince haue followed him but the Queene with-held him by such importunity as he was cōstained now to remaine in his vnknowne mothers custody Right soone was the news of this fresh succour brought to K. Abies of Ireland Daganel his Cozin who made very small account thereof because in those times was King Abies accounted for one of the best Knights that euer was heard of and in respect of his hot desire to the fight determined seeing new aide was come to his enimy very quickly to bid him battaile and for this cause he said before all his people there present If King Perion were so gentle a cōpanion as to come see vs I had rather he would do it to day then to morrow Assure your selfe answered Daganel he is nothing so hasty as I thinke for hee feareth you to much albeit he maketh little shew thereof Know you said Galin Duke of Normandy by what means we may thereto constraine him First let vs make an ambush of the greater part of
deliuering our victorie for if they but onely behold your resolute countenances I am certaine they are not able to endure yee let vs then enter among them for God is our defender At these words the most disheartened tooke courage concluding to stay and fight manly with their enemies who soone after in great furie set vpon them Now did King Abies make knowne his magnanimitie and hardly could Prince Agraies men endure the assault nor the Squadron that King Perion brought for King Abies maimed some other he ouerthrew while his Launce held he dismounted euery knight that met with him Afterward he layd hand to Sword wherewith hee carried himselfe so valiantly as the hardyest were amazed thereat for he made way where euer he came so that king Perions men not able longer to hold out began to retyre so fast as they could toward the Citie Whē the Gentleman of the Sea saw that Fortune was so contrary to them in great spight he entered the throng and fought so fiercely as the most part of the Irish-men were glad to stay while the Gaules without disorder retyred toward the Castle then turning his horse he followed them To defend this brunt there was also king Perion and the Prince Agraies who deliuered testimonie to their enemies by the keen edge of their Swords how well they knew to gouerne themselues in such extremities notwithstanding the Irish-men seeing they had the better stil pursued them with eager courage driuing them confusedly into the Citie hoping that now would be the end of their warre Such was the retire of the Gaules still more and more pressed by their enemies as doubtlesse the Irish had entred the Citie after them but that they were hindred by king Perion Agraies and the Prince who wholly did repulse the throng till their people by them were gotten in But now was tydings brought to king Abies that his cousin Dagenel and Gallin Duke of Normandie were slaine whereat he waxed very displeasant and seeing King Perion with his people were inclosed in the Citie he resolued to take leysure for his reuenge wherein he was deceiued for soone after he was very strongly repulsed which made him almost mad with anger And as he thus raged vp downe one of his knights shewed him the Prince saying My Lord hee whom you see mounted on the white Horse is the man that slewe Prince Daganel and the Duke of Normandie with many other the best in our Armie When King Abies heard that he rode to the Prince with these words Knight thou hast slaine the man whom most I loued in the world but if thou wilt combate I hope to be reuenged so well as I shall haue cause to be quit with thee Your men answered the Prince are two little trauailed to meddle with ours notwithstanding if thou wilt as a Knight reuenge him thou louedst and declare the great hardinesse for which thou art renowned chuse of thy men such as thou shalt like and I if it please the King will doe as much of mine for being equall in number thou shalt gaine more honor then with so great an Armie which thou hast brought into this Countrey without iust occasion Beleeue me quoth the King thou talkest well go to chuse thou thy selfe the number of men how many or few thou thinkest good Seeing you leaue it in my choyse replied the Prince I will make another offer which it may be you will account more cōuenient You are mine enemy for that which I haue done and I yours for the wrong you haue done to this Realme so for our seuerall cause of anger it is not reasonable any other then our selues should suffer let then the battaile be betweene you and me onely and presently if you will without longer dallying yet shall you assure me from your men as I will do you from mine so that none shall moue whether the one or the other be vanquished Right well said King Abies do I allow of thy offer whereupon he chose ten Knights on his parte to garde the field And as the Prince laboured to gaine the like of the King with his consent hee found King Perion and Agraies somewhat loath to grant the Combate as well for the consequence that might ensue as also because the Prince was much wearyed and sore wounded beside wherefore they entreated him to déferre the matter till the day following But the desirous affection he had to be conquerour as also to make a finall conclusion of the warre that hee might returne vnder her obeysance from whom he came to serue king Perion would not suffer him to make any longer delay of the glory and honor which he saw so neere at hand For this cause he vsed so many perswasions to the king as in the end hee was granted the Combate and on his side likewise were tenne knights appointed for his guard and safetie in the field CHAP. X. How the Gentleman of the sea fought a Combate with King Abies on difference of the warre he made in Gaule YOu haue heard in what maner the combat was accorded betweene King Abies the Gentleman of the sea and now already is the greatest part of the day spent wherefore it was agreed by the Lords on either side very much against the wils of the two Combatants that all should be deferred till the morrow morning as well that they might refresh themselues and repaire their battered armour as also for regarding such wounds as they had receiued in the passed encounters Hereupon the two Kings withdrew themselues the one to his Campe and the other to his castle But such is the bruite spred through the Cittie what worthy exploits the Gentleman of the sea had done as he could not passe by them but thus they spake with generall voyce Ah famous Knight God giue thee grace to proceed as thou hast begun impossible is it to find a Gentleman so accomplished with beauty and Chiualrie as he is for our eyes are iudges of the one and our enemies full well haue felt the other But you must note that in the morning when they went to the field the King had giuen the Queene in charge that so soone as the Prince returned frō the warre she should send one of her Ladyes to him requesting him not to be vnarmed in any other place then in her chāber wherefore as he went neere the Kings lodging the Lady came vnto him saying Sir Knight the Queene desires you not to be elswhere vnarmed but in her Chamber where she stayeth your comming In sooth said the King you must needes grant this request and I desire it may be so The Prince condisending went where the Queene staied with her Ladies and no sooner was he entred but presently the Ladyes holpe to vn-arme him yet the Queene her selfe tooke the greatest paine of all and as shee had off his coate of Mayle shee perceiued he was sore wounded which she shewing to the King he said I maruaile Gentle-man seeing
teares into his eyes and altogether praised God for this good aduenture especially the Prince because he had beene preserued in so great danger and now at length to finde such honor and good hap as to meete with his Parents being all this while vnknowne to them As thus they deuised on the fortunes passed the Queene demanded of him if hee had no other name thē that which now he called himselfe by Yes Madame quoth he but it is not fully three daies past since I knew there-of for as I came from the Combat against King Abies a Damosell brought me a Letter which I haue and as she saith was fastened about my neck being wrapped in waxe when I was found in the sea wherein I finde that my name is Amadis and herewithall he shewed the letter to the Queene which she full well knew so soone as she saw it Beleeue me said the Queene this truely is the Letter that Darioletta wrote when she made the seperation betweene you and me thus though I was ere while in great griefe and sorrow yet now praised be God I feele as much ioy and pleasure Now seeing assuredly your name is Amadis it is needlesse you should beare any other contrary title so thence forward he was called no more the Gentleman of the sea but Amadis and sometime Amadis de Gaule It was not long before the bruite hereof was spread through the city that the good famous knight was sonne to King Perion and the Queen Elisena wherefore if euery one reioyced you must thinke the Prince Agrates was not sorry for they were found to bee Cozin germames Among the rest the Damosell of Deamarke had knowledge here-of wherefore considering what comfort this would bee to the Princesse Oriana she laboured so much as she could to return toward her knowing she would giue her friendly countenance bringing her so good Newes what gracious fortune had happened to him whom aboue all other she loued For this cause she intreated Amadis to dispatch her returne to her Mistresse In that I well perceiue quoth she you can not so speedily depart hence as you would nor were it reasonable but you should giue some contentation to them who for the loue of you haue shedde so many teares These wordes caused the teares to trickle downe his cheekes yet smothering his griefe so well as he could he made this answere to the Damosell Lady I will pray that the Heauens may safely conduct ye yet let mee entreat your friendly remembrance commanding the vttermost of my endeauours for without your gentle care my life cannot endure withall I finde my selfe so endebted to my gracious Mistresse as I dare not request any thing at her hand Neuerthelesse you may say to her that right soon shall I come to shew my obedience and in like Armor will I be clad as when you saw me combate with the King of Ireland because both she and you may the more easily know me if I cannot compasse the meane to speake with you in this manner departed the Damosel of Denmark On the other side Agrates seeing his Cozin Amadis was to remaine longer in Gaule determined to take his leaue and calling him aside sayd Faire Cozin for this time I must be enforced to leaue ye albeit your company is more pleasing to me then any other but my passionate heart will allow me no quiet vntill I be with her who both farre and neere hath power to command me It is Madame Oliuia daughter to the King Vanain of Norway who sent for me by the Damosell that brought me the Helmet of Galpan which you sent me in reuenge of the dishonour she receiued by him that I should come to her with all conuenient speed and therefore I neither may or dare faile which is the onely cause of my parting with you Now must you note heere-withall that at the time as Don Galuanes brother to the king of Scotland was in the Realme of Norway with Agraies his Cozin this yong Prince became so enamoured of the Lady Oliuia as he concluded neuer to loue any other then her and this made him the more earnest to depart by her commandement And to tel ye what this Galuanes was he had the name of Galuanes without lād because al the portiō his father left him was onely a poore Castle for the rest he had spent in following armes entertaining Gentle-men whereupon he had the Sirname of without land Such as you haue heard were the speeches Agrates had with Amadis of whō he requested to know where he should finde him at his returne from Norway Cozin qouth Amadis I hope at my departure hence to visite the Court of king Lasuart where I haue heard Chiualrie to be worthily maintained with greater libertie and honour then in the kingdome of any Emperour or King But seeing it liketh you to take another way I desire when you shall see the King your Father and the Queene to remember my bounden dutie to them both assuring them on my behalfe that they may command mein their seruice euē as your self or any other as well in respect of our alliance together as also for the gracious entertainment I had in my youth being by them most carefully educated and esteemed This done Agraies took his leaue beeing Honourably conducted through the Cittie by the King and all the Lords of his Court but so soone as the King entred the fields he saw a Damosell comming toward him who boldly laying hold on the raine of his Horse bridle thus spake Remember thy selfe King Perion what a Damosell some-time sayd vnto thee That when thou didst recouer thy losse the Kingdome of Ireland should loose her flower Thinke now I pray thee whether she sayd true or no thou hast recouered thy Sonne whom thou reputedst lost and euen by the death of valiant King Abies who was the Flower of Ireland and such a one as that Countrey shall neuer haue his like Vntill time the good brother of the Ladie must come who shall by force of Armes cause to be broght thither the tribute of other Countryes and he must die by the hand of him that shall accomplish for her the onely thing of the world which most he loueth And so it hap ned by Marlot of Ireland brother to the Queene of that Countrey whom Tristan of Leonnoys killed on the quarrell of tribute demanded of King Marke of Corne wall his Vncle which Tristan afterward dyed for the loue he bare to Queene Yseul being the onely thing of the world that hee most loued Now must thou be mindefull hereof sayd the Damsel to the King for Vrganda my Mistresse so cōmandeth thee When Amadis heard her speake of Vrganda he tooke occasion thus to answere Damosell and my friend I pray you say to her who sent you hither that the Knight to whom she gaue the Launce commendeth him-selfe to her good grace being now assured in the matter whereof then she spake how with that Launce
cause hee came knew his name he called and demanded of her the question Dread Lord answered the Ladie I neuer saw the man before nor doe I know what he is By this time was Amadis entred the field when doing reuerence to the king and the Ladyes without longer stay he came to Dardan demauuding if hee were the man that would maintaine the quarrell of her for whom the poore Ladie was put to such trouble because quoth hee I am come in her defence and also to keepe promise with thee What didst thou promise me replyed Dardan That I would see thee in the day-time said Amadis wettest thou when It was at such a time as thou being whitled with wine or glorie or else the trust thou hadst in thy strong Castle speakest so out-ragiously to me stāding without wearied both with trauaile hunger And therefore doe I make the lesse account of thee answered Dardan but cause her to come hither for whom thou wilt doe such a doubtie deed to know if she will accept thee as her Champion and afterward doe the vtter-most thou canst When the King saw they talked so long together he would haue heard what they said but the good Widdow came and to her Dardan thus spake Dame this Knight would maintaine thy right wilt thou submit all to what he can doe With all my heart quoth she seeing it pleaseth him to stand so much my Friend and God speed him no otherwise then my cause is iust Whē the two knights were at the very point to combate the King perceiued that Amadis Shield was bruised in two places both with strokes of the Sword and point of the Launce wherefore he sayd to such as stood neere him that if the Knight demanded another shield he would gladly giue him one but Amadis was so hot in desire to reuenge himselfe and the Ladie that he listened to nothing but the Combate Thus the Ladyes accord being receiued the two Champions tooke their carrire against each other so roughly as their Launces pierced their Armour and flew in pieces without any other harme as yet but when their bodies met Dardan was sent to the ground yet it happened so wel for him as holding fast the reines of his horse he recouered himselfe more nimbly and mounted againe as one both valiant and branely disposed boldly setting hand to his Sword Whē Amadis saw him so quickly vp againe in such readinesse for his owne defence hee approached to him when began such a battaile betweene thē as euery one present maruailed thereat On all sides were placed the inhabitants of the Towne and many other that came farre off as well on mightie Scaffolds in the fielde as also on the towers and walles of the Castle but aboue the rest the Queene was there present with her Ladies most desirous to behold who should beare away the honour of this cruell Combate for they seemed two so gallant companions as it was hard at first sight to iudge the better Such were the rigorous strokes deliuered on either side that sparkes of fire flew foorth of their Helmets and Armonr their Shields cut in pieces and their blood colouring the groūd which mooued exceeding compassion in the Regardants who seemed copartners in their danger according as ech one fauoured the wel-fare of his Friend but the two Champions gaue no respect there to because their desire was to make knowne both to the Ladyes and themselues the man deseruing highest account When King Lisuart saw them endure so long he sayd aloud that hee neuer beheld a more singular Combate pursured with greater courage and man-hood wherefore he determined not to depart vntill he had seene the finall issue thereof permitting them to proceed as themselues pleased And to the ende quoth hee that the Conquerour may bee dignified with more then accustomed honour I will cause his deserts to be liuely carued in Marble at the entrance of my Pallace to prouoke the like perfection in all other that are desirous to follow Armes In such manner as you haue heard continued the two Knights a lone time the standers by being not able to discerne who had the better for without taking breath or rest their fury continued as thogh their strength had more and more encreased But Amadis who by chance turning his head to the place where the Ladyes stood espyed his faire Mistresse louely Oriana whereby hee felt his vertue augmented in such sort that hee was as fresh and lustie as if but then he entred the field imagining he was become more then a man Now followed hee the fight with such cruell extreames as in short time he dissolued the doubt who should be superiour for Dardan not-withstanding all his defence was constrained to draw backe seeking how to escape the wreakefull strokes of his enemie which without ceasing wounded his bodie in many places his horse likewise no longer able to endure stumbled so often till at length he set both his knees to the ground which made Dardan thinke it better to fight on foot wherefore he sayd to Amadis Knight our horses are wearie and faile vs by reason we cannot doe as we would and if we were on foot me thinks in short time the doubt would be descided These wordes did Dardan speake so loud as the King and his Lords easily heard them wherat Amadis seemed ashamed thus answering Althought it be vnhonourable in a Knight to forsake his horse so long as he can keepe him yet since thou thinkest to combate better on foot then on horse-back we will a light and defend thy selfe well for thou shalt haue need Here with they dismounted assailing ech other so furiously as if but now they begun the Combat shewing more sharpe cruelty then before they had done yet Amadis euer-more kept the aduantage commonly deliuering two strokes for one which made Dardan doe nothing but defend his enemies blowes who compelled him to turne reqoile as himselfe pleased so that ech one accounted him very neere vanquished blaming him because hee kept not still on horse-back But as he turned here and there flying the slicing Sword of Amadis he was driuen vnder the Ladies Scaffold which made them cry Dardan can hold out no longer he is ouer-come if he enter the Combate againe Yet for all this Amadis would not leaue him but pressed him still with such pursuite as hee brought him hard by the Queens Scaffold when she and all the Ladies sayd Without question Dardan is dead At this clamour Amadis vnderstood the voyce of the Damosel of Denmarke and lifting vp his head espyed her standing by the Princesse Oriana by means wherof he became so farre beside him-selfe as hee set the point of his Sword to the ground forgetting not onely the daunger wherein he was but also stood amazed at the sight of his Mistres Which when Dardan beheld he tooke heart afresh and charged his enemie so brauely that if he had longer continued he would haue gone away Conquerour
falleth it out with â—ee by thy maister whom fortune hath euer kept mee furthest from but God knowes my good wil hath alway beene with him and gladly would I prouide for his griefs and mine owne if I were able to compasse the meanes Doe then Madame what you may answered Gandalin if you loue him as I am sure he doth you and begin at this instant to let him know how hee shall behaue him-selfe in this Countrey Oriana then shewed him a Garden which was vnder the window where they talked saying Returne to thy master and tell him that this night he must secertly come to the place thou seâ—st remember this withall how the chamber vnder where we stand is the same that Mabila and Hodge in and there is a crosse barred window neere the ground where-through we may easily discerne ech other and talk together for his Cozin is acquainted with mine affaires nor is it necessarie they should bee concealed from her Then taking a costly Ring off her finger shee thus proceeded Deliuer him this token from mee as the onely Iewell I most esteem and ere thou goest thou shalt see the Princesse Mabila who is so wise and discreet as she will easily vnderstand thee yet thou must say some-what loud to her that thou hast brought her tydings from her mother Here-upon Oriana called her to talke with the Squire whom the Queene of Scots her mother had sent to her but when she saw it was Gandalin she then suspected how matters went wherefore Oriana went to the Queene leauing them in deepe talke together In meane while the Queene demaunded of her daughter if the Gentleman were to returne shortly or no For quoth she I would send a token to the Queene of Scots by him Madame answered Oriana the chiefe cause of his comming into this Countrey was to seeke for the good Knight Amadis Son to the King of Gaule of whom you haue heard such famous report And where is he said the Queen The Squiâ—e saith quoth Oriana it is more then ten moneths since hee heard that he was heere and now he maruaileth to misse of him in this Court. Now trust me answered the Queene right glad would I be to see so good a Knight in the Kings company for it would be a great comfort to him many wayes hauing to deale with so many Countres wherefore I assure ye if he doe come hither hee shall finde here such honourable entertainment as he shal haue no cause to depart in haste Of his Prowesse Madame replyed Oriana I know little but what common bruite hath blazed abroad but heereof I am certaine how hee was one of the most braue yong Gentle-men that euer I saw when in the King of Scots Court he serued Mabila and me All this while Mabila continued with Gandalin enquiring if his master were as yet arriued Yea Madame answered Gandalin the same was he that vanquished Dardan and expresse charge hee gaue me to salue you on his behalfe The name of Heauen be for euer praysed quoth shee hauing preserued our Kins-man from such exceeding danger and now sent him hither so honourably Ah Madam said Gandalin hee were happy indeed if the force of loue made him not in worse case then dead for Gods sake therefore doe you assist him being thus fully perswaded that if he finde no ease to cure his afflictions you shall loose the best Knight in the world and the vpholder of your fathers fame He may be well assured answered Mabila how hee cannot with greater desire employ mee then I haue to doe him pleasure and will him not to faile in what the Princesse hath commanded him as for thy selfe being iudged to come from the Queene my mother thou mayest come and speak with vs at al times as need shall require Gandalin tooke his leaue for that time returning toward Amadis who attended the answere of life or death and into such debilitie was he brought by these extreams as hee had scant force enough to support himselfe for the short sight hee had of his Ladie at the Combate encreased such a desire in him to see her at more libertie as euery houre seemed to him longer then a yeare When hee saw that Gandalin was returned in hope of happy newes hee came and embraced him not daring to demaund any thing of him fearing least matters should not fall out to his contentation but Gandalin with a cheerfull couÌ„tenance told him that he brought no fadde tydings and rushing into the matter at first said My Lord God make yee as constant as you haue cause to be conteut for if you haue that vertue you are the most happy and accomplished Knight in the world Ouer-whelmed with ioy Amadis caught him in his armes demaunding what he had done seene and heard I haue seene and heard answered Gandalin the felicities of Paradise and know that they are prouided for you if you hinder it not your self Ah Gandalin quoth Amadis iest not with me but tell me the very trueth Then Gandalin declared word by word how euery thing happened first of the counterfeit Letter and next the appointed meeting at the window and by the way reported some part of his owne speeches moouing a change of conntenance in Oriana then her answere euen to the conclusion before rehearsed likewise how he talked with Mabila and how willing she was to assist him with her vttermost habilitie Amadis was so fed with content by these reports that hee made him rehearse one thing ten times and I cannot tell which of them was most affectionate either Gandalin in reporting or Amadis in hearing for both the one and the other seemed insatiable in the end Amadis thus spake My faithfull Companion I thought my self altogether indebted to thy Father who saued me from the daunger of drowning in the Sea but I confesse that duty belongs more necessarily to thee because by thy diligence and discretion thou hast giuen me a better life then he preferued But tell me now didst thou take good marke of the place to which she commuanded me Assure your selfe thereof quoth Gandalin for she her self shewed it me Ah God sayd Amadis how shall I deserue the great good she doth for me Away from me now all sorrowe and complaining Yet this is not all my Lord quoth Gandalin See here a token she hath sent ye as a testimonie of her honourable loue to you so he gaue him the Ring which came from Oriana and after he had long beheld it kissing it a thousand times put it on his finger saying Faire Ring that hast beene so happy as to be caried and accounted deere by the most accomplished creature in the world albeit thou be now in a place of much inferiour honor yet hast thou not changed thy mistresse for both thou and â—…re hers and she doth compasse my heart hith greater force theÌ„ thou canst possibly binde in my finger Let vs leaue this talk answered Gandalin and returne to the
giuen expresse charge to one of their Squires to haue a speciall care of the Damosels safety slyly left their ambush beholding the poore maiden readie for the fire when shee perceiuing her present daunger cryed to the Duke that she would tell what he desired onely to delay the time of her death The Duke beleeuing shee intended as she sayd came to her when suddenly he espied Agraies and Galuanes gallopping toward him calling so lowd that hee might easily heare them Duke now shalt thou be forced to deliuer the Damosel At these words were all the Dukes Knights greatly astonished yet prepared they for their owne defence where-upon began between them a fierce and cruel fight Now though Agraies and Galuanes were alone against so many yet did they so brauely behaue themselues as at the first on set they quailed the greater part of them before they could deuise which way to turne themselues whereaâ— the Duke was so amazed that fearing his owne death was neere at hand he with-drew himselfe behind his men yet Caluanes perceiued it wherefore he cryed to him Trayterous Duke This day thou beginnest to feele the warre thou didst enterprise against Knights errant then rushing through the preasse hee minded to charge the Duke but he retyred aside willing his Knights to kill their enemies horses which they on foote might easily compasse In briefe these two Champions shewed such chiualrie on their foot-men as they were vanquished and driuen to flight the most of them so cruelly wounded that they were scant able to keepe themselues on horse-backe in their escaping away and the Duke who was better mounted then any of them made such haste as hee brought the first newes hereof to the towne being eagerly pursued awhile by Galuanes but when hee saw it was in vaine he returned to the Forrest where hee found his Nephew and the Squires with the Damosell Such was the rescue of the poore mayden shamefull foyle of the Duke who being arriued at the Towne caused with all speed a great number to arme them-selues returning to the Forrest to reuenge their 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 thinking to finde the Knights there as yet but they were dislodged wherefore â—…ling of their purpose they dispersed themselues in seuerall troupes by fiue and fiue in a company to â—ecke them the Duke likewise being one in the search haiug foure of the best knights hee could make choyce off And as they rode along in a valley he espâ—ed the Knights conducting the Damosell wherefore hee sayd to his men Behold my Friends the Traytours wee haue to deale withall let vs set on them before they get leysure to escape for if they gaine but a sight of vs they will run away faster then euer wee did But Galuanes espyed them ere they came neere and shewed them to his Nephew Agraies who hee thought was ouer-wearyed with the last assault which made him say Wee already haue felt what these villaâ—â—es can doe but now must we warily defend our selues that we may be no more followed in this 〈◊〉 I know the Duke to be he comes â—…most if good hâ—p beâ—ail vs I hope he shall haue his payment first of all be now good Nephew mindfull of your wonted courage hauing passed through greater dangers then this can bee Why 〈◊〉 quoth Agraies in time of perill doe you thinke I wil forget my sâ—ite especially being in your companie Dreame of no such matter I pray yee but let vs serue these as we did their companions By time hee had thus spoken the Duke gaue the spurres to his horse and comming neere them sayd I am sorry villaines you should dye so honourably but afterward I meane to hang yee by the heeles on the toppes of these trees Galuanes and Agraies buckled close with them shewing how much they despised such shamefull buriall on the other side the Duke and his knights stucke to it closely especially himselfe to whom Agraies came and angerly reached him such a blow with his sword beneath the sight of his helmet as quite cut away the nostâ—â—ils from his face The Duke imagining himselfe wounded to the death turned his backe and fled Agraies following him but seeing he could not ouer-take him hee commended him to all the deuils returning to succour Galuanes whom the other foure had very sore laboured yet did he hold out so courageously as none of them durst come neere him for one was tumbled head-long from his horse not shewing any motion of life was left in him Agraies being now come from pursuing the Duke buckled so closely with the first he met as he fell downe depriued of life so that there remained but two who found themselues too weake to vphold the honour of the vanquished and therefore trusted to the speede of their horses following the first run-away toward the Forrest by which meanes they escaped the fury of Agraies and Galuanes they suffering them to enioy that benefit returned where the Damosell attended for them of whom they demanded if any Towne or place of lodging were neere Gentlemen quoth shee I know the dwelling of a Knight hard by named Oliuas who is a mortall enemie to the Duke by reason he slew a cosin of his which makes me thinke he will the better welcome vs. Be you our guide thither said Galuanes and so she was they being very kindly entertained there especially when he knew what had happened On the morrow they tooke their leaue of Oliuas but calling them aside he thus spake Gentlemen the Duke treacherously killed a cosin germaine of mine who was a good Knight wherefore I am determined to accuse and combate with him before King Lisuart Now since I vnderstand you are Knights errant and such as know how or else your selues can redresse the wrongs offered to the vnable yea by them who without care of God or their honor durst proceed so farre In sooth answered Galudnes you are deepely bound to prosecute the murder being committed in such shamefull manner we will assist ye in your quarrel on so iust a cause if the Duke wil bring any Knights to maintaine his wrong we will be for you for so little account makes he of vs that he hath openly giuen vs defiance Most heartliy I thank ye replied the Knight and for this cause I will goe with yee if you please Content quoth they Here-upon Oliuas armed himselfe and so they rode together to Windsore where they had good hope to find King Lisuart CHAP. XVIII How Amadis tarying with his good will in the Court of King Lisuart heard tâ—dings of his brother Galaor BY the discourse past you haue vnderstood how Amadis after he had in open field foyled ouer-come the audacious proud Dardan was stayed in King Lisuart Court by the Ladies request expressely to be the Queenes Knight his entertainment by the King fauour and manifolde other courtesies you haue likewise heard It now came so to passe that as he was one day among the Ladyes a Damosel entred
why he would know Because said the knight no friend of his shall passe here but I will kill him What is the occasion of your hatred replyed my husband I wish so much ill quoth the knight to that vngracious king as I would gladly haue him in my power to take vengeance on him at my pleasure and in despight of him heacefoorth shall I slay all such as are belonging to him Because he keepeth a knight that killed the valiant Daodan for whose sake I meane to deale in such sort as the king and his wel-willers shall receiue by me infinite displeasures and dishonours When my husband heard him as one agreeued at his villainous speeches he answered Know thou that I am one of his Court his vowed seruant who neither for thee or any other will deny him Highly displeased was the knight of the Bridge with this answere and without any more wordes charged my husband so that betweene them grew a cruell combate but in the end my Lord was brought into this hard extreamity and farre more worse in the knights opinion for hee reputed him to be slaine out-right coÌ„manding vs within three dayes to carry him before king Lisuart to despight him withall Lady quoth Amadis I pray you lend me one of your Squires who can shew me the knight when I come where he is for seeing your husband hath been so wronged for my sake it behoofeth me more then any other to reâ—enge the same What said the Lady are you hee for whose cause he so hateth the king Yea verily answered Amadis and if my hap prooue so good hee shall neuer heereafter abuse any other Ah gentle Knight quoth shee I will pray for your prosperous successe Afterward shee gaue him one of her Squires and committing him to GOD rode on with her husband and Amadis neuer stayed till hee came to the Bridge where hee sawe the knight playing at Tables with another but quickly leauing his pastime being ready armed hee mounted on horse backe calling for Amadis in this manner Holla holla Sirra I forbid ye to passe any further till yee haue swome What shall I sweare answered Amadis Whether thou be of king Lisuarts Court or no said the Knight for if thou belong to him heere must thou leaue thy head behinde thee It is a question quoth Amadis if thou canst doe so much but I assure thee I belong to the Queene his wife euer since not long agoe Since when replyed the knight since a disinherited Lady sayd Amadis came hither for her right But thou art not hee quoth the knight that foughtest the Combate for her I am the man answered Amadis who wonne her peace By my head said the knight now shalt thou loose thine if I can for thou didst kill the onely honour of my linage I killed him not said Amadis but made him discharge her of his outragious demand and afterward he became a murtherer of himselfe All this cannot profit thee quoth the knight for by thee and no other he dyed now for his sake shalt thou loose thy life Hereupon they gaue the spurres to their horses and breaking their Lances brauely met so furiously with their bodies as the knight of the Bridge was thrown to the ground whereof he was not a little ashamed but by reason the helmet of Amadis was vnlaced in the running while hee amended it the knight had leisure to mount him-selfe againe and to giue his enemie two or three strokes with the sword before he had time to draw out his All which afterward hee very well requited for striking full at his head hee brake away the skirts of his helmet and redoubling his blow meâ—â—e so directly with his necke as his head hung downe behinde his shoulders his soule passing to the Author of his pride and cruelty When his gardants of the bridge sawe him thus slaine they trusted to their heeles yet Amadis would not follow theÌ„ but returned to the Squire that coÌ„ducted him thither willing him to make haste to his Lady and let her vnderstand how he had reuenged her husbands iniurie which he immediately did not sparing the worthy attaints at Sword and Launce which he had seene Amadis bestow on the Knight of the bridge Amadis hauing there no more to do issuing forth of the Forrest entred on a large goodly plaine brauely beautified with violets sweete hearbs and all other deuises of natures tapistrie which presently prouoked the remembrance of his Oriana riding on in diuers amorous thoughts he saw come toward him an euill fauoured Dwarffe on a simple Palfrey whoÌ„ he called to know from whence he came My Lord quoth the dwarfe I come from the house of the couÌ„tie of Claire Hast thou not seene a young Knight sayd Amadis named Galaor No truely answered the Dwarffe but I know where within three dayes I can shew you the best Knight that euer bare Armes in these parts When Amadis heard this thinking hee had meant his brother he sayd I pray thee my friend conduct me to the place where I may see him With all my heart replied the Dwarffe on condition you will graunt me one request and goe with me whither I shall guide ye The great desire he had to finde his brother made him soone consent Come with me then quoth the Dwarffe and I will bring ye where you shall behold the good Knight So rode they on till darke night ouertooke them which the Dwarffe perceiuing he sayd to Amadis My Lord hard by is a Castle where we may lodge this night for there is a Lady who will friendly welcome vs. Thither they rode and had kinde entertainment when supper being ended Amadis was brought to lodge in a sumptuous bed but he could take no rest his thoughts so hammered on the perfection of his mistresse And taking leaue the next morning of their friendly hostesse continued on their iourney till about mid-day when they saw two Knights fighting against one then Amadis approching to them said Gentlemen may it please ye to pause a while and tell mee on what occasion your quarrell ariseth At these words they ceased one of the two thus replied It is because this Knight maintaineth that he alone is as able as we two together to bring a hauty enterprise to end In sooth sayd Amadis your difference is very slender for the bounty of the one diminisheth no iot of the other The Knights perceiuing he spake the truth ended their strife demanding of Amadis if hee knew the Knight in King Lisuarts Court who coÌ„bated for the iniured widdow whereby the good Knight Dardan was slaine Why aske ye quoth Amadis Because said the Knights we would gladly meete with him I know not answered Amadis whether your meaning be good or bad yet is it not long since I saw him in the Court of King Lisuart Hauing so sayd he rode on his way when the three Knights hauing conferred a little together they began to gallop after him he no sooner
we most desire yet when wisely and discreetely they resist our inordinate appetites keeping the thing without which they are worthy no praise they bee euen of our selues more reuerenced and commended This is the cause quoth she why I more esteeme your succour to mine honour then my life because the difference betweene the is farre incōparable Well said Balays what will you now I shall do for you Let vs leaue these dead carcasses replyed the Damosell and goe where wee may stay till day light I like your counsell answered Balays if I had another horse but being now destitute I know not what to doe We will ride on my horse saide the Damosell till wee finde further remedy so he mounting vp before the Damosell they rode till they came to a pleasant meddow where they rested themselues till Sunne rising and then they went to horse backe againe Now because Balays intended to seeke the knight who caused Galaors horse to escape away from him hee asked the Damosell what should become of her My Lord quoth shee not farre hence is a house whither when you haue brought mee you may depart to what place you please As thus they rode communing together he sawe a knight come towarde him carrying his legge on his horses necke but drawing neerer he put foote in stirrop couching his Launce against Balays and running at him threwe him and the Damosell both from the horse afterward he vsed these speeches In sooth Lady I am sorie for your fall but to amend the wrong I haue done ye I will bring yee where you shall be contented because he that hath the charge of you is vnworthy to haue so faire a creature in his custody Ere this had Balays recouered himselfe and knowing him to bee the knight he sought for hee drew his sworde saying By thee villaine haue I lost my horse and my companion thou hast in like sorte abused now finding mee vnprouided thou takest delight in offering me wrong but both for him and my selfe will I be reuenged on thee else let mee be thought vnworthy of my order What quoth the knight art thou one of them that mocked mee as I rid in the darke I hope now I haue put the mockerie on thee Heereupon they presently fell to combate and many sharpe blowes were giuen on either side till Balays at length fastning holde on his enemy got him vnder foot when renting his helmet from his head hee tooke his life as ransome for his villany and breaking his sword in peeces layd them by him then mounting on his horse and the Damosell on her owne they tooke their way toward the tree where he left Galaor But because their stomacks well serued them to meat they alighted at a little Lodge where dwelt two women of austere and holy life who bestowed on them such cheer as they had the Damosell acquainting them with all her mishap and how Balays deliuered her from the theeues at what time they intended to dishonor her hauing slaine her seruants and shee destitute of helpe whereof the holy women were very glad by reason those theeues did much harme in that countrey After they had refreshed themselues Balays and the Damosell took their leaue and comming to the tree met Amadis there newly returned from his enterprise wherefore they concluded no more to sunder themselues vntill they arriued at King Lisuarts Court By this time the night drew on apace whereupon the Damosell earnestly intreated them to lodge that night at her Fathers which was not farre off they liking well of her friendly offer wene with her beeing there entertayned and vsed very honourably Early in the morning arming thēselues they thanked their gentle host his daughter framing their course towarde Windsore but by the way you must note how Balays according to his promise presented his horse to Galaor which he won from the knight and he refused it because he had another so that Balays saued his oath thereby CHAP. XXX How King Lisuart held open Court most royally and of that which happened in the meane time I Haue heretofore declared the ioy and cōtent of good king Lisuart for the newes brought by the Dwarffe concerning the health of Amadis and Galaor but the more to shew his princely minde hee concluded at their comming to keepe a most royall and magnificient Court as all his ancestors in Great Brittaine neuer did the like Which Oliues perceiuing who came as you haue heard to make his complaint on the wrong done him by the duke of Bristoya in putting to death trayterously his Cosen germaine fell on his knee againe before the King desiring hee might haue iustice in the cause When the King had considered thereon with them of his blood as also diuers other knights and auncient Gentlemen he decreed that within one moneth all excuses set apart the Duke should come in person to answere Oliuas and if with two knights more beside himselfe hee would iustifie his cause Oliuas should likewise prepare two other knights Warning hereof was presently sent to the Duke and open Proclaymation made the same day that all Gentlemen following Armes should bee ready at the Citty of London on the day of our Lady following in September Like summons was sent abroade by the Queene to aduertise the Ladies and Gentlewomen of the countrey by which meanes great resorte came to the Court where all kindes of pastimes and sporres were inuented without respect of fortunes malice any way who commonly in great assemblie of states when least they thinke of her variable changings often telleth them that men purpose but she will dispose All this royall company being in ioy and pleasure a Damosell strangely attryred entered the Pallace and a Gentleman that bare her company demanding where the King was whereof being resolued by his Maiesty him-selfe the Damosell thus spake In sooth my Lord well do you seem a King by your porte and countenance yet may it bee doubted what your heart is Damosell quoth the King you must iudge of what you see and hereafter knowe the rest when you haue occasion to prooue Mee thinkes my Lord answered the Damosell you speake according to the magnanimitie of your minde and euen as I my selfe doe desire remember therefore what you haue spoken before so many great persons for seeing you make mee such a liberall offer I hope one day to try the matter I doubted Neuerthelesse I will deferre it till the feast of September because I heare you will then keepe Court at London where must bee assembled many valiant men who shll know by the promise you haue made me how worthy you are to gouerne such a noble Realme and how highly Chiualry is honoured by you Damosell sayde the King so much as effects may better my wordes so much the more will it glad me to see good store of hardy knights there present My Lord quoth shee if effects answere your wordes I shall haue great reason to bee contented So tooke shee
you grant me not a sudden and cruell death will take hold on me These words were accompanied with such aboundance of teares as was no small griefe to her to behold Alas my Lord quoth she forbeare these often repetitions of your death the thought thereof is insupportable to mee for should you die I were vnable to liue one houre after considering all the pleasure I haue in this world is in the ioy of your health and welfare Nor can I but be assured of your words by reason mine owne case is sufficient therein being copartner with you in euery torment but if yours seeme more violent this is the reason my will being equall with yours wanteth the strength you haue in suffering cannot effect the desire of our hearts which vrgeth loue and griefe more in you then me albeit my share is not one iote the lesse But this I promise you on my faith if fortune or our owne endeauour can compasse no meane to yeelde vs content my selfe will search some way whatsoeuer happen bee it hate of Father Mother Kinred Friends for we may not thus procrastinate our ioy and groane vnder the weighty burden of desire the flame whereof climeth so high as the martyrdome of our hearts may easily bee discouered No doubt these wordes were pleasing to Amadis and gaue such cheerefull life to his hope that hee was rauished with inwarde conceit thereof when shee seeing him mute trode vpon his foote saying Discomfort not your selfe my Lord for I will not fayle what I haue promised nor shall you depart till you perceiue it and shortly will the King hold open Court when both he and the Queen must depend on your assistance knowing well that your presence shall honour the company As they would haue continued in longer talke the Queene called Amadis causing him to sit downe by Galaor for the King was gone to his chamber Then began the Ladies to censure on the brethren but they resembled each other so like as little difference could bee discerned betweene them euery one being of the opinion that these twayne were the most perfect amongst all Knights both in beauty noblenesse bounty and good grace but Galaor was somewhat whiter in complexion and Amadis of bigger bone his locks more crispt and faire and hauing a little more red in his face then Galaor had Soone after the Queene willed Galaor to go see her daughter and the other Ladies when he regarding the excellent beaury of Oriana imagined such another was not to be found in the world and by her often sighing with alteration of colour he suspected her to be the onely cause that his brother liked so well to stay in King Lisuarts Court Right courteously was hee welcommed among the Ladies and diuerse familiar speeches passed betweene them till the King being set to meate sent for Amadis and Galaor to beare him company as also Agraies and his vnckle Galuanes CHAP. XXXII How King Lisuart departed from Windsore to the Cittie of London there to hold open and royall Court IN the beginning of this book it hath been declared how the diuine bountie calling Lisuart to the Realme of great Brittaine soone after of a disinherited Prince made him the peaceable King of such a Monarchy by the death of his elder brother Falaugris who dyed without any heire of his body begotten Likewise how he was reputed such a great Lord through the world as many Knights came from strange Countries to serue him not thinking themselues happy except they might bee named Knights of his Court But within a while after whether this fortunate king forgot the author of his good or else it happened by diuine permission this happy Realme fell into persecution and the illustrous state of King Lisuart was troubled and obscured that all men might know how he onely is Lord and King of all liuing creatures who exalteth and abaseth when him pleaseth according as you shall here vnderstand For King Lisuart hauing coÌ„cluded to hold the most royal and stately Court that euer king did in the Realme of great Brittayne commanded that on the 5. day following all the Lords of his Kingdom should appeare personally at London there to determine on matters of chiualâ—ie which he intended to maintaiue with all honour might be deuised But in the selfe-same place where he thought the greater part of the world should yelde him obeysance began the first mutabilities of Fortune bringing his estate and person in danger of vtter ruine according as you shall vnderstand at large King Lisuart departing with all his traine from Windsore to keepe his Court at the famous Cittie of London it was wonderfull to beholde the Lords Ladies and Gentlewomen that gaue their attendance especially so many young Gentlewomen beeing there present some to regard the magnificeuce of the Court other to do seruice to their louely mistresses and nothing now generally minded but pastime and pleasure The King likewist for greater maiestie of his Court ordained that none of this assembly should lodge in the Cittie but to erect their Pauillions in the fields and meddowes along the banckes that hemmed in the faire riuer of Thames least the extreame heate might be hurtfull to them all which being done according to appointment the fields seemed as a most royall Camp or as if the greater part of the world were there assembled But because the king arriued there two or three daies before the feast he went to his Pallace accompanied onely with his Queene Amadis Galaor Agraies Don Galuanes and certaine other his most fauoured the rest kept themselues in their tents according as the herbingers had in quarters limited them With sundry sorts of pastimes was the King entertained which continued till fortune enuying his felicitie changed them into griefe tears by the meanes of a Lord no subiect to the King but his nerrer neighbour then friend named Barsinan a man opulent in riches and endued with few vertues as may be gathered by the matter ensuing This Barsinan was Lord of a Countrey called Sansuegua and very familiar with Arcalans the enchanter who not long before came to him and conferred with him in this manner My Lord quoth hee the great desire I haue to doe you seruice hath made me inuent the meane if you like thereof to deliuer in short time the Realme of great Brittaine quietly into your hands without much hazarding your person or any great expence When Barsinan who was a very ambitious man heard the wordes of Asculaus who promised to make him King if he would he thus replied In good faith my deere friend Arcalaus if thou canst performe the thing thou vauntest of no feare shall hinder me to hazard my person much lesse will I reckon of expence if I see any likely-hood in the compassing It is a thing saide Arcalaus very easie to bee done and presently shall you vnderstand by what meanes prouided that you sweare to me after you are seated in the regiment to make me
if you please I will iâ—treate the Queene to doe me so much grace as to appoint me twaine after her owne minde Doe so said the King if you thinke good then came the Damosell and falling at the Queenes feete proceeded thus Madame you are sayde to bee one of the wisest and most vertuous dames in the world you vnderstand the cause of my mourning and the gracious offer the King hath made me most humbly I beseech ye theÌ„ for the honor of God to take coÌ„passion on a poore Gentlewoman and counsell me which two knights I shall chuse that are best able to support my want Beleeue me Damosell answered the Queen you demand a matter of great importance yet in such sort doe I pittie your cause as I am the more willing to giue you aduise albeit I would be loth to forgoe them twaine whome I could name in this company TheÌ„ shee shewed her Amadis saying This is my knight And pointing to Galaor sayde This other is the Kings yet be they both bretheren and the best Knights as I haue heard this day liuing I desire your Maiestie quoth the Damosell to tell me their names The one sayd the Queene is called Amadis and the other Galaor But by your fauour replied the Damosell is this Amadis the knight so much renowmed I am very certaine Madame so soone as hee and his brother shall arriue where I can bring them my cause will be sufficiently executed therefore I desire you to obtaine mee their company Hereupon the Queen called them saying I beseech yee both to succour this woman who standeth in neede of your assistance Amadis was somewhat slow in answering for he cast his eye on the Princesse Oriana to note if she would like of his departure and she who likewise pittied the womans cause let fall her gloues which was an appointed signall betweene them and thereby he was certified of her consent wherefore hee thus spake to the Queene I am at your disposition Madame to do whatsoeuer you shall command me Go then in Gods name quoth she and returne again with all possible speed without tarying for any thing that may happen Hereto they willingly condescended and taking leaue of her Amadis fained hee would speake to Mabila when comming neere her and Oriana hee sayde to his Goddesse Madame well may I say that the fairest Lady in the world sends mee to succour the most wofull woman I euer did beholde Sweete friend quoth Oriana I repeÌ„t that I gaue you so much libertie because my minde telleth me this attempt will proue some-what dangerous to you which I hope the heauens will powerfully defend I am perswaded Madame answered Amadis that as the wonderfull worke-man of the world hath enriched you with beauty beyond all other women he will not suffer you to feele displeasure by any mis-fortune happening to mee for being yours as I am I imagine my selfe so happy as I thinke no euill can chance to mee if I continue in your gracious fauour If it lay in my power replied Oriana I would reuoke your licence of departure but seeing it may not bee I will remaine in prayer for your prosperous successe So taking leaue of her hee and Galaor went to arme them-selue then doing their humble duty to the king they rode away in company of the Damosell As thus they trauailed about mid-day they entred the fortrest which commonly was called the vnfortunate Forrest because neuer any knight errant entred into it that could escape without some michiefe and so these two bretheren deerely experimented for such mishap befell them as they verily thought to lose their liues Still rode they on without any aduenture till the Mo one begaÌ„ to grace the euening yet would not the Damosell shew any signe of stay which made Amadis aske this question Gentlewoman shall we rest out selues here awhile Yea mary quoth shee here before wee shall finde tents ready prouided and people in them who expect your comming make then a little hast I pray you because I will goe before to aduertise them They were very well content therewith and so the Damo sell left them till soone after they espied the tents where they saw her among other Ladyes and knights who bad theÌ„ welcome at their arriuall and being alighted from their horses they were conducted into a Pauillion hauing seruants standing ready to take their armour which they had no sooner put off but was caryed by them into another roome where-upon Amadis demanded why they did so Because replied the Damosell you must lodge where they haue caryed your armour He imagining shee sayde true made no further enquirie but sate downe with his brother on stooles that stood ready for them attending the houre of supper Not long had they sitten there but fiue knights well armed entred furiously vpon them saying Yeelde your selues else you are slaine When Amadis heard and saw their bad behauiour he knew right well they were betraied and starting vp saide to Galaor By God brother wee are treacherously deceiued Theâ— finding no remedy but present death after they had strugled with the knights who eâ—â—ily might haue taken their liues Aâ—…dis thus spake Ah villaines you haue vs now at too much aduantage deliuer vs our armes and this quarrell shal be otherwise decided These wordes will little profit yee answered the Knights yeeld your selues our prisoners or we will kill ye So may you doe sayd Galaor like traitours as you are and I will maintaine my wordes against two or three of you if you dare deliuer me mine armes We need no such proofe replied the knights but if you contend in further speeches you shall deerely buy them with the losse of your liues Now trust me quoth Amades wee rather will dye then be prisoners to such villaines as you are Herewith one of the knights went foorth and comming to a Lady he said Madame they will not yeelde shall wee kill them Stay awhile quoth she and if they graunt not my will deale as you please with theÌ„ Then came the Lady who was mauaileous beautifull into the tent and shewing the countenance of a very angry woman thus spake to Amadis and Galaor Knights yeeld your selues my prisoners otherwise you must die Brother answerâ—d Galaor it may bee shee will pittie vs let vs yeelde our selues to her And Madame quoth hee wee beseech yee deliuer our horses and armour when if all your seruants can conquer vs wee will bee content to submit our selues but if you dâ—nie vs this reasonable request wee must esteeme the lesse of you and they that deale with vs so discourteously I willgiue no credence to you at this time replyed the Lady but would counsell ye to yeeld your selues to mee Whereto at length they accorded seeing they could no way else saue their liues yet knew she not their names for the Damosell that conducted them thither would not tell her because if her Mistresse vnderstood what they were she knew they might not
how she would prooue the vertue of his heart whereupon hee thus answered In good faith Damosel I haue now more neede of â—oy then euer I had notwithstanding I am readie to accomplish any thing I promised you It is the only thing my Lord quoth she of my returne to you being the most loyall King in the world wherefore humbly I intreate yee presently to reuenge my cause on a knight that passed through this Forrest who not long since slew my father by the most horrible treason that euer was heard of yet not content there-with the villaine violently tooke mee away and perforce made me yeeld to his vnlawfull will But in such sort is hee enchanted as hee cannot bee done to death except the most vertuous man in the Realme of Great Brittaine giue him a wound with this Launce and another with this sword both which he gaue in keeping to a Ladie of whom hee had good hope to be loued yet therein he was deceiued for shee hateth him aboue all others for which cause she gaue mee this sword and Lance whereby we might both be reuenged on him Nor can it bee done but by you onely who are the chiefe and most vertuous man in this countrey wherefore as you promised mee before so valiant men may it please ye to execute this iust action of vengeance And because I haue often tolde him that by this day I would bee prouided of a knight to combate with him he is come alone into this Forrest attending onely for my Champion It is likewise ordered how you must haue no company but my selfe for hee little thinketh that I haue the Sworde and Launce so hurtfull to him and this is our agreement together if hee remaine conquerour I must pardon him mine iniury but if he be vanquished hee must doe what I command him Presently the King sent a Gentleman for his Armour which when hee had put on he mounted on a braue Courser girding the Damosels sworde about him leaning his owne that was one of the best in the world then without any other company hee rode on with her shee carrying his helmet Not farre had they ridden but she caused him to forsake the high beaten way conducting him by a little path among the shrubs where not long before they had past that led away Oriana then the Damosell shewed him a huge knight armed mounted on a black Courser whereupon she sayde My Lord take your helmet for this is he you must deale withall which the King quickly did approaching neare the knight sayd Proud Traytour defend thy selfe and thy lawlesse lust So couching their Launces they encountred together when the King perceiued how his painted Launce brake like a stalke of hempe hauing no strength at all in it which made him drawe his sword to charge the knight but at the first strok the blade broke close to the hilt whereby hee imagined himself betraied for the knight did what he pleased to him But as hee would haue killed his horse the King being quick nimble caught holde by his gorget and in such sort they strugled together as they both fell to the ground the knight vnderneath and the King vpon him by meanes whereof hee got his sword from him and vnlacing his helmet to smite off his head the Damosell cryed out so loude as shee could Sir Arcalaus helpe your Cosen quickely or else hee dies When the King heard her name Arcalaus hee looked vp and sawe ten braue knights come running vnto him the one of them vsing these wordes King Lisuart spare the knight otherwise thou shalt not reigne one houre If I die answered the King so shall you all for mee like traytours as you are Then one of them gaue him such a blowe with his Launce as not onely sore hurt him but made him fall on his face to the ground yet did hee recouer himselfe very quickely like one resolued to defend his life albeit hee sawe death present before his eyes But being vnable to resist so many at length they got sure holde on him when renting off his helmet his shield they bound him fast with a double chaine Afterward they set him on a simple horse two knights still holding the ends of the chain and so leading him along sought where they might finde Arcalaus Oriana and the Damosell of Denmark but the knight against whom the King first fought rode before apace and wauing his gauntlet aloft to Arcalaus sayde Beholde Cosen kin Lisuart is ours A very good prize answered Arcalaus henceforth shall his enemies haue no cause to dread him Villaine quoth the King well know I thou wast neuer other then a traytour and though I am wounded yet will I maintayne my words if thou darest combate with me By God sayde Arcalaus neuer should I make reckoning of my selfe to vanquish such a Lord as thou art Thus contending as they rode they came to a double way where Arcalaus stayed thus speaking to his Page Sirra ride with all speed to London and say to Lord Barsinan that hee must execute what I willed him for I haue begunne indifferently if hée can make an end as well Gone is the Page toward the Citie in meane while Arcalaus deuised to send the King one way and Oriana another wherefore hee sayde to his Cosen Take tenne knights with you and conduct Lisuart to my prison at Daguanell these other foure shall keepe mee companie for I will leade Oriana to mount Aldin where I will shew her strange and wonderfull things This mount Aldin was the place of his most vsuall aboade beeing one of the strongest and fairest in the worlde thus the ten knights carryed away the King and Arcalaus with the rest had charge of the Princesse But certainely if heere wee consider the properties of fortune we may easily repute her as mutable or rather more towardes great Princes and Lords then the meaner sort as well shee witnessed by king Lisuart euen in the time when hee intended most honourably to bee twharted with such a contrary chance For at one instant hee sawe himselfe in the hands of his greatest enemies his Daughter and heire to his kingdome taken from him and all his estate in danger of ruine Hee that was wont to be honored of all was now iniuriously despised bound and led as a theefe by a villainous enchanter a meane Gentleman and out of any other hope then death Is not this then a faire example for such as at this day are called to the greatest honours in the world wherewith oftentimes they are so blinded that they forget both God and themselues King Lisuart was a right good vertuous and wise Prince yet the diuine ordenance suffred him to fall in these dangers to the end hee might remember how al creatures remaine at his heauenly disposition This lesson he taught him for in short time hee was brought so lowe as might be and afterwarde restored againe as you shall presently vnderstand CHAP. XXXVI How Amadis
and Galaor vnderstood that King Lisuart and his Daughter were carried away prisoners wherefore they made haste to giue them succour WE haue before declared by what meanes Amadis and Galaor escaped from Madasima the Lady of Gantasi who would haue put them to death if shee had knowne their names likewise how they tooke their way toward London as men right ioyful of their good successe But by the way they met Dardan the Dwarffe so fast as horse could gallop whereupon Amadis thus spake to Galaor Brother me thinks my seruant Dardan commeth toward vs and doubtlesse about some matter of importance for do you not see what speed he maketh By this time Dardan brake off their talke rehearsing euery thing that happened since their departure but when hee tolde how the Princesse Oriana was carried from the Court against her will and what sorowfull lamentations she made Amadis entered into a despairing fury demanding which way they went that had her in charge In sooth my Lord answered Dardan they rode thorough the Forrest which lieth on the otherside of the City Without more words Amadis gaue the spurres to his horse galloping amaine toward London so confounded with the terrour of these newes as he could not speake to his brother Galaor who left him not but followed at hand Thorow the City they ride not making any stay enquiring which way they took that led away the Princesse euery one shewed it him very readily As Gandalin came posting after his Lord it was his hap to passe by the Queenes lodging where shee standing at a window ouer-come with griefe espied Gandalin whom she called to her and asked where he left his Master Madame quoth he he is gone after thē that haue away the Princesse Stay a little I pray thee said the Queen thē sent she for the Kings sword which was accounted one of the best in the world saying I desire thee carrie this sword to Amadis and tell him the King forsooke it this morning he being gone with a Damosell to combate for her she hath giuen him another sword as yet we heare no tydings of him either when he wil returne or whither he is gone Gandalin hauing receiued the sword set away with speed after his maister whose impatience vrging him to more hast then care of his iourney made him ride so farre into a foule slough as he was faine to alight ere hee could get foorth againe And leading his horse by the bridle to escape the mire Galaor Gandalin ouer-took him acquainting him with the Queenes message and deliuering the sword she sent him When hee heard how the King was likewise gone his desire of speede encreased to giue him succour but his horse was so wearied with striuing in the bogge as hee was constrained to take Gandalins which trauailed much worse then his owne yet with the helpe of his spurres he made him goe At length they found the tracke of horses and by good hap met with certaine poore labouring men whom they asked if they met not any by the way Yes my Lord quoth one of them wee met certaine men leading a knight and two Ladyes albeit wee durst not shew our selues but kept vs hidden in the thickest of the wood for doubtlesse they besome bad people hereto they added such a description of the prisoners as they easily gathered them to be the King and Oriana betraied But tell me good friends saide Amadis know you none of the other for the prisoners are the King and his daughter In sooth replied the poore man wee are altogether ignorant what they are yet we heard one that led the horse of the fairer Lady often-times name Arcalaus Now trust mee quoth Amadis to his brother it is the villaine that enchanted me Oh that it might be my hap to finde him Gentle-men said the man ten of them went this way on the right hand with the Knight prisoner and fiue more this way on the left hand with the Ladyes Brother quoth Amadis to Galaor I beseech ye to follow the King least worse befall him then we can remedy and I will after the Princesse Oriana So shaking hands in equall resolution they parted the seuerall waies but Amadis found his horse so ouer labored as he was able tohold out no longer Being thus hindered by chance he looked aside and sawe where a Knight lay slaine with a Squire standing by holding his horse whereupon Amadis stepped to him demanding who committed that murther A traitour hath done it answered the Squire who is not yet gone very farre and leadeth with him the fairest Lady in the world no other reason had he for my maisters death but because he asked what the Lady was What wilt thou do sayd Amadis tarrying heere I stay Sir quoth he till some one come who may helpe me with my maisters body to some buriall and afterward I intend to seeke my fortune If thou answered Amadis wilt giue me the horse thou holdest I wil leaue thee mine and my Squire to helpe thee and one day will I giue thee two better beside The squire was cōtent whē Amadis mounting on the horse commanded Gandalin to help him bury his maisters body and after-ward to follow him the same way he rode Thus Amadis hies so fast as horse can run and espying an hermitage went to see if any body were within at his call the hermit came foorth of whom he asked if he saw not fiue Knights passe by leading two Ladyes No verily answered the olde father but do you not enquire for a Castle which is not far from this place Why aske yee such a question quoth Amadis Because a Nephew of mine tolde mee saide the Hermit how Arcalaus the enchanter is going thither and two Ladies with him whom hee carryeth perforce Ah Father replyed Amadis you name the traytour I looke for Trust me Sir quoth the Hermit hee hath done many mischieues in this countrey would God wee were either rid of him or else his life amended but haue you no bodie to helpe you No body but God and my selfe answered Amadis Why Sir sayd the Hermit you tell mee they bee fiue in company and you but one beside Arcalaus is counted one of the best knights in the world and with whom few or none dare meddle Whatsoeuer hee bee quoth Amadis I am certaine hee is a disloyall traytour and they no lesse that keep him company what lesse cause then haue I to feare him for God is iust in whom is onely my confidence I pray you Sir replyed the Hermite knowe you of whence the Ladies be One of them said Amadis is the Princesse Oriana daughter and heire to the vertuous king Lisuart the other is a Lady attending on her The God of heauen answered the Hermite further your intent that so good a Princesse may not be long in such a wretches custody If you haue any prouender Father quoth Amadis I desire you giue my horse a little The Hermit brought forth such as
of the day carryed so farre from remembrance of any thing else as they thought not on the time how day wasted night ensued whether Gandalin were returned or the Damosell awake all these things were now cast into obliuion They imagined to haue viands good store being thus delighted the one with the other which seemed more delicious to them then all the Nectar or Ambrofia of Iupiter Yet at length they remembred themselues somewhat better when hearing the Damosell and Gandalin so neare them their pastime ended and taking each other by the hand walked among the trees to take the ayre in the meane while Gandalin and the Damosell spread a cloath on the grasse and set thereon such victuals as they had Now though there wanted rich cup-boords of plan as were in the houses of King Lisuart and Perion as also the solemnity of great seruices yet the fortunate entertaynement at this time was held by them of higher estimation During their repast as they regarded the woods and fountaines they began to esteem it no strange matter why the Gods sometime forsooke the heauens to dwell in groues and delightful Forrests Iupiter they imagined wise when he followed Europa 10 and his other friends Beside Apollo had reason to become a Shepheard for the loue of Daphne and the daughter of Admetus They being willing to imitate their example wished continually to tarry there without returning to the Pallace and royall pompe reputing the Nymphes of the woods most happy Goddesses excelling such as remayned in the walled Cities Pitty were it to trouble these louers in their amorous deuises wherefore wee will leaue them and see what happened to Galaor following the search of King Lâ—suart CHAP. XXXVII How Galaor rescued King Lisuart from the ten Knights that led him to prison GAlaor parting from his brother Amadis in such sort as you heard followed the way whereby the King was led prisoner and making great haste in respect of his earnest desire to ouer-take him had minde of nothing else hee met by the way As thus hee continued gallopping hee saw a Knight well armed come riding towarde him who maruelling why the Prince vsed such extreame diligence when hee came neare him sayd Stay a while knight and tell mee what affaires cause you make such speed Forbeare Sir I pray yee answered Galaor for by my tarrying may happen too great an inconuenience By God sayde the knight you must not so escape for you shall tell mee whether you will or no. I may not triâ—le the time quoth Galaor and so rode on still without any â—ariance Nay Gallant replyed the knight I will bee resolued in my demaund though to your cost Hereupon hee posted after Galaor still exclaiming on him with hard words weening he fled away for feare of him and often times hee thought to smite him with his Launce but the Prince euermore escaped his attempt yet his horse beeing sore wearied hindered him very much when the knight ouer-taking him thus spake Infamous palliard and without heart of these three things chuse the best either to combate returne or answere my demaund Now trust me sayd Galaor the easiest of these three is hard to mee wherein you make no shew of curtesie for returne I may not and if I combate it must be against my will But if you desire to know the cause of my haste followe me and you shall see for I should tarry too long in telling it and happely you would scant beleeue mee so horrible and disloyall is the deed which compelleth me to this impatience Beleeue mee quoth the knight I will follow thee three whole dayes onely to see whether thou lyest or no. Thus Galaos held on his way the knight hasting after till hauing ridden the space of a mile wheÌ„ they espied two other knights the one being on foote running to catch his horse and the other gallopping away so fast as hee could Hee on foot was Cosen germaine to the knight that followed Galaor who in iousting with the other knight had beene dismounted knowing his kinsman acquainted him with the whole accident requesting his assistance in reuenge of his wrong It may not be now answered the other till I haue followed the knight you see before three dayes together hereto bee added all the speeches betweene Galaor and him In sooth replied his Cosen hee should seeme by your wordes the greatest coward in the world else mindeth he some enterprise of higher consequence therefore I will adiourne the reuenge of mine iniury and beare you company to the ende I may beholde the sum of your attempt While thus they talked Galaor had gotten very farre before which caused them make the more haste after him till at length the Prince espied the ten knights that conducted the King they riding vppe a narrow straite fiue before him fiue behinde Now did he fully resolue to die or purchase his deliuerance for hee was so offended to see the King bound with chaines as hee imagined himselfe able to conquer them all as many more if they had been there whereupon he thus cryed to them Traytours durst you vnreuerently lay hand on the best King in the world With these wordes he met one of them so directly as his Launce passing through his body hee fell downe dead beside his horse When the other foure saw their companion slaine they willed the for most fiue to guard the King for they would reuenge his death sufficiently but they found themselues very much deceiued for though the Princes horse by reason of his sore trauell often stumbled and thereby put him in danger of falling yet laide hee such loade vpon his enemies as two more of them accompanied the first and the other twaine were brought into hard extreamity Then came the other fiue with a fresh charge vpon him when Galaor perceiuing his owne danger intended to reuenge his death and the Kings together entring couragiously among the thickest shewing most rare and haughty chiualry When the two Cosens that followed him beheld his behauiour confounded with maruell the one sayd to the other By God we did him wrong to tearme him a coward for hee is the most hardy knight that euer I saw except the world shall twit vs with shame let vs not see him die in this extreamity leâ—t the beauty of chiualry bee gone for euer Resolued thus to succour him they valiantly thrust themselues into the skirmish deliuering such friendly blowes on euery side that Galaor soone felt himselfe well assisted because his enemies were somewhat more dispersed and hee had leasure to take a little breathing but wondering whence this aide should proceed hee fell to worke againe giuing them good cause to misdoubt their liues When the Cosen to Arcalaus sawe how his side decayed and his knights dishartened slaine and sore wounded hee purposed to kill the King who by this time found the meanes to vnbinde himselfe and alighting from his horse got one of the slaine knightes
hee to deuise how by faire speech and falshood he might take the king crauing a parle with him whereto king Arban willingly agreed and silence being made on both sides Barsinan began in this manner I euer thought til now my Lord that you were one of the best aduised knights in the world but by proofe I perceiue a man may finde the contrary yet this I think withall that what you doe is for the safetie of your honor Herein you appeare of simple iudgement considering in the end it will bee but the losse of you and your men in respect king Lisuart your late Lord is dead for proofe whereof euen he that slew him will ere long send me his head Sith fortune then hath dealt so hardly with him and I at this instant am the greatest Lord in this countrey dare you denie to make me king Alas you abuse your selfe the best will be for you to yeelde your selfe louingly and I shall entreate you so well as any Prince in my Realm suffering you still to enioy the countrey of Norwales and particularly beside will so honor you as you shall haue great reason to be content Auaunt villaine answered king Arban full wel doost thou manifest thy horrible treason for beside thy treacherie in compacting the death of my Lord thou wouldest haue mee become a traitour to his friends as thou thy selfe hast prooued Thou art deceiued doe the worst thou canst thy villainie onely will take vengeance on thee according to desert with such good helpe as we will put thereto What said Barsinan think'st thou to hinder me frō sitting as king in London Neuer shall traitour replied Arban bee king of London by Gods leaue while the most honourable king of the world liueth I called for thee quoth Barsinan in respect of thine owne good because I fauoured thee more then any other imagining thou wert of sound discretion but as I haue said I finde my selfe deceiued wherefore reason requireth that thy ouer-weening should fall and in despite of thee I will reigne king in great Brittain Assure thy selfe answered Arban I will keepe thee frō such climbing as if the king my maister were here personally present Then began the assault afresh king Arban with-drawing himselfe to harden his men being maruailously offended at Barsinans words Now though he were very sharpely assailed yet stood hee brauely on his defence many being slaine and sore wounded neuerthelesse he was euer-more formost in the fight and last in the retreits which was caused by the night ensuing Nor neede wee doubt considering the puissance of Barsinan and they fewe on the contrary side but king Arban would take his aduantage in resistance by compelling them to narrow streets where foure on a side could hardly deal together which turned to the great disaduantage of Barsinan because Arban well fortified euery place in good order and with resh supply still encouraged his men The retreit being founded and either side with-drawne King Arban seeing his souldiers sore wearied by the hotte skirmishes they had endured as is the office of a good Captaine indeede hee came and comforted them in this manner My louing companions and friends this day haue you worthily fought as none of you but deserueth estimation among the most forward men in the world and hauing begun so well I hope you will proceede better and better Remember the cause of your fight not onely to maintaine your good king but your owne liberty against a tirant traitour and what worse who would buy his vsurping in this Kingdome with the blood of you your wiues and children Saw y ou not how he vsed them hee tooke in the Tower Beholde you not the end of his purpose which is to ruinate this noble Realme that hath by diuine prouidence beene so long time preserued and euer-more continued in reputation flourishing with loyal subiects to their Prince Heard you not the flattering perswasions which the Rebell vsed before the assault thinking to cōquervs by his golden tongue In vaine is his labour I am right well assured that no one of you but will die a thousand deathes before he shall conceiue any other minde in you I see by your resolued countenances if I should thinke or say otherwise I were a monstrous offender for if he haue more men then wee wee haue more hearts of courage then he which forbiddeth all accasions of dismaying setting before your eyes the famous account you shal liue in hereafter By their looks you might diserne at their retire how vnwillingly they wil be to trie you againe and respect not the traiterous words of Barsinan our king liueth and will right speedily come to succout vs. In meane while I intreat as my friendly companions let nothing dismay your hope but continue as you haue begun with famous resolutiō that is more honourable to die for liberty then to enioy a life by thraldome and slauerie vnder a wicked iniurous and traiterous Prince When the king had ended his oration there was no one in the company how sore hurt soeuer he was but would couragiously encounter Barsinans power and bid him brauely good-morrow next day in the Tower wherewith the king not a little contented returned to the Queenes lodging his face couered with sweate and his armour all bloody by reason of fiue woundes he receiued in fight The Ladyes seeing him in such pittious plight were maruailously abashed especially the Queene who well neere dead with griefe and fear together then as a woman in middest of despaire she said Alas deer Nephew what shall wee doe wee are all but dead Madame answered king Arban all will go well if God be pleased in vaine doe you thus discomfort your selfe for I hope to heare good tydings of the King and his traytours that seeke to vsurpe the kingdome by your good and loyall subiects shall receiue deserued punishment God grant it quoth she but you are so wounded as I thinke it impossible for you to bee at the battell if Barsinan come to morrow againe nor can our men doe anything without you Be not you troubled therewith Madame replyed king Arban for while my soule sucks her spirit from the ayre I will not forsake my charge So bidding her good night hee went to haue his wounds dressed and afterward turned to his souldiers merrily passing the night among them Barsinan on the other side got into the Tower of London which he had wonne and numbring his men found that his power was greatly weakened yet would hee make no shew thereof for dismaying the rest but shewing a dissembling countenance thus spake to them My friends it sufficeth that I haue shewen mine enemies what you are and they if I think good to stand at my mercy wherfore I am determined without any further losse of you to rest our selues fiue or sixe dayes till Arcalaus send me the head of king Lisuart and then the sight therof wil make thē not dare to resist mee any longer but in hope of
in his armes the teares streaming from his eyes with ioy and greeuing to see him so sore wounded doubting least his life was in great danger but when the Lady saw them so good friends and the enmity conuerted into such Humility as one right glad thereof shee said to Galaor Worthy Sir though first you gaue me occasion of great heauinesse yet now with sufficient ioy you haue recompenced me So taking each of them by the hand she walked with them into the Castle where they being lodged in two sumptuous beds her selfe skilfull in Chirurgerie cured their wounds Thus remained the two brethren with the rich and beautifull Lady Corisanda who desired their health as her owne wel-fare CHAP. XLIII How Don Florestan was begotten by King Perion on the faire Daughter to the Countie of Zealand AT what time King Perion sought after strange Aduentures he ariued in the countrey of Almaigne where he soiourned the space of two yeares accomplishing many braue deedes of Armes the renowne whereof continueth to this day And as he returned toward Gaule hee lodged in the Counties house of Zealand where he was entertained very royally as well in respect of his owne reputation as also because the County himselfe had sometime beene a Knight errant which made him loue all such as followed Armes After supper the King was conducted to his Chamber where being in bed and somewhat wearie with trauaile he sell a sleepe soundly but to shake off this heauinesse he felt himselfe embraced and kissed he knew not by whom when starting vp to arise he was so held down that he could not Why Sir quoth she that thus mastred him take you no pleasure in me who am alone with you the king looking on her by meanes of the light which still burned in his Chamber he discerned her to be a most beautifull Lady wherefore he thus answered I pray you faire friend tell me what you are What soeuer Iam quoth she I loue you exceedingly as one that freely giues her selfe to you In sooth replyed the King I very gladly would know your name You trouble me said the Lady with this importunity yet can I vse no other continence thē you see but it were necessary quoth the king I should know your name if you meane to be my friend Seeing you constraine me thereto answered the Lady know that I am the Counties Daughter who hath so friendly entertained you Now trust me Madam replyed the King you must hold me excused for I had rather die then abuse the man I am so much beholding to Will you then refuse me quoth she well may you bee tearmed the worst nurtured Prince in the world in denying the conquest which all your life time you might haue fayled of You may speake your pleasure answered the King but I will do what is conuenient for your honour and mine and not offend in so foule a manner I shall quoth she cause my Father to thinke himselfe more iniuried by you then if you grant what I desire So starting from the bed she tooke the Kings Sword euen the same which was afterward found with Amadis when he was taken vp on the Sea and drawing it forth she set the point against her heart saying Now shall my Fathers life be shortned by my death whereof you are the onely cause As she vttered these words she offered to stab her selfe with the Sword when the king suddenly staying her hand and meruailing at her impatient loue thus replyed Hurt not your selfe Madam for I am content to satisfie your will Hereupon hee kindely embraced and kissed her passing the night with her in such sort as her hot desire was quallified and at that instant she conceiued with childe the King little thinking thereon for the next morning he tooke his leaue of her and the Countie returning with all speede he could into Gaule But the time of deliuerance drawing on and she desirous to couer her offence determined to goe visit an Aunt of hers whose dwelling was not past two or three miles off and many times she resorted thither for her pleasure So taking no other company with her but a Damosell as shee rode through the Forrest the payne of trauaile made her alight from her Palfrey she being soon after deliuered of a goodly Sonne The Damosell that was with her seeing what had happened bringing the childe to the mother said Madam as your heart serued you to commit the offence so must it now practise some pre-present remedy while I returne from your Aunt againe Then getting on horseback she rode apace to her Ladies Aunt and acquainted her with the whole matter which caused the old woman to be very sorrowfull yet she prouided succour for her Niece sending a Litter with all conuenient speede wherein the Lady and her childe were brought to her Castle secretly euery thing being so cunningly handled as the Countie neuer knew his Daughters fault After such time as these matters require the Lady returned home to her Father leauing her Sonne in her Aunts custody where he was nourished till the age of eighteene yeeres hauing Squires and Gentlemen attending on him who daily instructed him in managing Armes and all braue qualities beseeming a man of value He being growne of goodly stature the old Lady brought him one day to the Countie his Grand-father who gaue him his knight-hood not knowing what he was returning againe with his motherly Nurse by the way she brake with him in this manner My Sonne I am certaine you are ignorant of your parenatge but credit my words you are the son to King Perion of Gaule begotten on his daughtr that gaue you your order of knight-hood endeuour your selfe therefore to follow your fathers steps who is one of the most renowmed knights in the world Madam quoth Florestan oftentimes haue I heard great fame of King Perion but neuer imagined my selfe to be his son wherefore I vow to you being my long and carefull nurse that I will trauaile to fiude my father and not make my selfe known to any one till my deedes declare me worthy to be his son Not long after hee departed from the olde Ladie and accompanied with two squires iournied to Constantinople which at that time was greatly vexed with warre where he remained the space of foure yeeres performing such haughty deedes of Chiualrie as he was counted the best knight in all those parts When he perceiued himselfe in some account he intended to visit Gaule and make himselfe knowne to the king his father but comming into great Brittaine hee heard the fame of Amadis to be maruailous which was the cause of his stay there to win some report by armes as his bretheren had done whom he longed to acquaint himselfe withall At length he met with them both in the forrest as you heard and afterward combated with his brother Galaor which caused their aboad at the Castle of Corisanda vntill such time as their wounds were healed But now let vs
vnto her selfe and casting forth a sigh she saide with a feeble and low voice Ah wicked woman that I am whē with so great wrong I haue depriued him of life whom in this world I most loued And seeing it is out of my power now to reuoke that mischiefe whereof I am the repentant causer I beseech you friend to take my lament in satisfaction of the hurt which I haue purchased vnto you with the sacrifice which I shall make of mine owne life to follow you vnto the death so the ingratitude which I haue committed against your loyaltie shall bee manifested your selfe reuenged and I punished And as shee thought to haue proceeded further her speech failed her againe wherewith Mabila and the Gentle-woman were more abashed then before so that they called Durin to know what heauie newes hee had brought vnto Oriana who wholly declared it vnto them Let me alone the said Mabila for I know wel how to remedy this matter Hereupon they vnlaced her and bestirreth them so well that she brought her to life againe then Mabila demanded of her how she did Gentle friend answered she farre better then I desire So as I rather desire death then life for now I do nought else but languish Wherefore Madame said Mabila do you thinke my Cosin so inconstant that hee will not willingly excuse the iniurie that you haue done vnto him knowing that extreame loue rather then any other thing constrained you thereunto And if he be gone as Durin hath tolde you it is but to passe away part of his melancholy tarrying vntill his innocency bee knowne vnto you But I am certaine if it pleased you to call him back againe that he is as ready to obey you as euer he was And behold what you shall doe intreate him by a Letter that hee take no regard vnto that which you did command him by Durin and that which you did was suddenly after a false report made vnto you of him and therefore will him to come vnto you to Mireflure where you stay for him to amend your fault at his discretion Ah my Cosin answered Oriana do you think that he will euer vouchsafe either to respect me or make one steppe for me But do you thinke saide Mabila that the loue he beareth to you is of so little force that he will not bee farre more glad to recouer your good fauour then he hath beene sorry to be by you forsaken I am verily assured that to die he will not displease you And to accomplish this matter well it behoueth the Damosell of Denmarke to vndertake the charge to finde him out because he knoweth her and putteth his trust in her Well answered Oriana I am content to be aduised by you So shee tooke paper and inke and as they had determined she did write vnto Amadis afterwards the Letter was giuen to the Damosel of Denmark with expresse commandement to passe first into Scotland thinking that he might be there with Gandales rather thē in any other place And the better to colour their enterprise they aduised the Damosell to tell the Queene that Mabila sent her towards the Queene of Scotland her Mother to vnderstand some news from her With the which the Queen was well pleased and gaue her a Letter and tokens to present vnto her Thus was the Gentlewoman dispatched who departed with Durin her brother and Enil the Cosin of Gandales And so long they rode till they came vnto a port towne called Vegill which separateth great Brittaine from the Realme of Scotland There they tooke shipping and they had the winde so faire that the sixt day following they landed in the Citty of Poligez Then tooke they their way toward the Knight Gandales whom they met a hunting but when he beheld the Damosell of Denmarke knowing that she was a stranger he stayed enquiring of her what she did seek in that Countrey Your selfe answered she towards whom two Princesses your friends haue commanded me to come to present from them certain presents which I carry vnto the Queene of Scotland Gentlewomā said he may it please you to tell me their names yea willingly sir said she the one is my Lady Oriana daughter to the mighty king Lisuart the other the Princesse Mabila whom you know well enough Ha said Gandales you are most luckily here arriued and they haue reason to accompt me their most humble seruant for so I am I pray you most heartily to come and alight at my house then tomorrow we will go together to see the Queene in the meane while doe mee this pleasure as to tell me how Amadis doth The Gentle-woman was herewith much astonished seeing that she had missed of her purpose notwithstanding dissembling her sorrow she answered Gandales that he was not returned to the Court since he departed thence to reuenge Briolania and it is thought that he is come into these parts with his cosin Agraies to see the Scottish Queene his Aunt and you also for this cause the Queene and other Ladies of his kindred and deere friends gaue me in charge to deliuer him a Letter which will be very welcome vnto him I am sure And the Gentlewoman said thus much because she knew certainly that although Amadis would hide him frō knowing that she brought him news from Oriana others yet hee would change his minde to speake with her I would said Gandales that he were here for I haue a long time greatly desired to see him Thus talking together at the last they arriued at the Castle of Gandales where hee feasted the Gentlewoman three dayes and the fourth day following hee conducted her vnto the Court where she deliuered to the Scottish Queene the Letters and presents which the Queene Brisena had sent vnto her CHAP. VIII How Don Guillan the Pensiue did bring vnto the Court of King Lisuart the Shield Armour and Sword of Amadis which he had found lying by the Fountaine of the plaine field AFter that Don Guillan the Pensif was departed from the Fountaine where he found Amadis his Armour he rode six daies before he ariued in the Court of King Lisuart And he ordinarily carried the shield of Amadis about his necke and neuer tooke it off except when hee was constrained to fight then he tooke his owne fearing to deface the other And as he rode he met with two knights Cosins to Arcalaus who incontinently knew the shield of Amadis and they thought Guillan to be he Wherefore they who hated him to the death determined to assaile him and said one to another euen now will we carrie the head of this villaine vnto our vncle Arcalaus This they spake so lowd that Guillan heard it where-with being throughly chafed he answered them Palliards you reckon without your host for neuer did traitor affright me no more shall you seeing I know you for kinsemen to Arcalaus and as wicked as himself then pulled he downe the visor of his Helmet couched his launce and ran
repaire vnto his Court as also to encourage all such as follow armes to take example by him that was owner of them who by his high knight-hood hath gained the chiefest reputation amongst all those that euer buckled cuirasse on their backs When the Queene vnderstood such news of Amadis neuer was any Lady more sorrowful and answered Guillan It is great pitty for the losse of so good a Knight for I am sure that many at this day do liue which will be sorry for his losse and I giue you most hearty thankes for that which you haue done for him and me together assuring you that those which will put themselus forward to find him shall giue me and all other Ladies cause to wish them wel for his sake which was so much at their commandement But if the Queene for these newes was any whit sorry the king and those of his company were no lesse sad yet was it nothing to the griefe which Oriana sustained For if before she was vexed for the great fault which she had committed at that instant her paine redoubled with so great a melancholy that it was impossible for her to stay there any longer but she withdrew her selfe into her chamber And casting her downe vpon her bed she began to cry Ah wicked woman that I am I may now well say that all the felicity that euer I had is but a plaine dreame and my torment is a very certaine truth seeing that if I receiue any contentment It is onely by the dreames which do nightly solicit me for when I awake all froward Fortune afflicteth my poore spirit so as if the day be vnto me a grieuous martyrdome the darkenesse only bringeth me pleasure and comfort because in my sleepe I thinke that I am before my sweete friend but being awake and quite depriued of that great ioy maketh me too much to feele his absence Ah my eyes no more eies but floods of teares you are much abused seeing that being shut you onely behold him that contenteth you and no sooner opened but all the torment in the world commeth at once to blinde them at the least this death which I feele so neere at hand shall deliuer me from this care and you sweete friend shall be reuenged of the most ingratefull woman that euer was borne Then like a furious woman shee rose vp determining to throw her selfe headlong from the window downe to the ground but Mabila who had followed her preuenting such an inconuenience stayed her setting before her the infamy which she might get if it were but known that she were so minded and more-ouer she did assure her that Amadis would shortly returne saying vnto her How now Madam where is the constancy of a Kings daughter and that wisedome for which you are so much renowned Haue you already forgotten the mischiefe that was likely to haue happened vnto you by meanes of the false newes that Arcalaus brought vnto the Court this last yeare And now because Guillan hath found my Cosins armes is it therefore likely that he should be dead Beleeue me you shall see him againe shortly he wil come vnto you so soone as hee hath seene your Letters This Counsell was authorised with such perswasine reasons that Oriana apeased part of her tormēt But yet these newes so greately troubled her minde that had it not beene for the wisedome of Mabila who often times perswaded her to be quiet there had happened a merueilous incōnenience but in the end shee knew so well how to preuaile with her that she resolued vpon this that the Gentlewoman of Denmark would bring him againe And as they were in these tearmes one came to tell them that the knights and Gentle-women which Guillan had deliuered from prison were arriued wherefore Mabila seeking to with-draw Oriana from fancies brought her where the Queene was vnto whom the two Gentlewomen that had kept the shield of Amadis recited the lamentation which they had seene an Esquire make when he knew the Armour and Shielde that Guillan had found vpon the side of the Fountaine of the plaine field The King was likewise present in whose eyes stood a floud of Teares thinking assuredly that Amadis was dead Then Ladasin and his fellows were seene to come in who brought with them Gandalod prisoner together with the other knight whom they presented vnto the king on the behalfe of Guillan declaring vnto him both the manner of the Combat the talke that passed betweene Gandalod and Guillan and also how that during their incounter the knights that were in the deepe dungeon of his tower had found the meanes to deliuer themselues Is this true said he to Gandalod I caused not long since thy father to be burned in this citty for his great treason and thou shalt likewise be there hanged with thy companion because thou hadst conspired my death Then forthwith he commanded them to bee hanged ouer the Citty wales right ouer against the place where Barsinan was burned as it hath been recited vnto you CHAP. IX How the Faire Forlorne being in the poore Rocke with the Hermit there arriued a ship in the which was Corisanda who sought for her friend Florestan and of that which happened vnto them ONe day the Faire Forlorne being set hard by the Hermit neere vnto the dore of their little house the olde man said vnto him I pray you my son tel me the dream that you had when you awaked on a suddaine sleeping hard by me neere vnto the Fountaine of the plaine field Truely father answered he I will willingly tell it you and I most humbly beseech you likewise to let mee vnderstand be it for good or bad what you thinke thereof Afterwards hee recited the dreame in such sort as you haue heard keeping onely the names of the Gentlewomen secret Then the Hermet remained a good while pensiue when he beholding the Faire Forlorne he began to smile and said vnto him My child I assure you that you haue now more cause to reioyce then euer you had but yet I would haue you know how I vnderstand it The darke chamber in the which you thought your selfe to be out of which you were not able to comforth signifieth this great tribulation wherein you now are The Gentlewomen which afterwardes opened the doore vnto you are some of your friends that continually solicit your cause vnto the Lady whom you so feruently loue with whom they haue so much preuailed that they shall withdraw you from this place The Sunne-beame which went before them are Letters of reconciliation that she sendeth vnto you by meanes whereof you shall leaue me The fire that inuironed this lady sheweth the great loue together with the sad laments that she maketh for your absence as well as you doe for hers And by the faire garden whereunto you did beare her drawing her forth of the flame signifieth the great pleasure which you shall both haue at your meeting Truely my Son I know that seeing
Faire Forlorne I loue him intirely as well for his valour as also for that his father made me knight which maketh me the more bounden vnto his children and I am very sory for the newes that I haue hard of Amadis before I did come vnto this desert What are they sayd Corisanda Truely answered hee comming hither I met with a Gentlewoman at the entry of a Forrest which sung a pleasant song for the tune but very pittifull by reason of the matter that it contayned Then I enquired of her who made it and shee answered me that it was a knight vnto whoÌ„ God if it bee his pleasure send more ioy then hee had when hee made it for his song doth very wel witnesse that his griefe proceeded from too extreame loue And because I liked it wel I remained with the Gentlewoman so long vntill I had learned it moreouer she did assure me that Amadis did make it and that he did shew her the song at that time when by his melancholy hee was most maistered I pray you sayde Corisanda teach it vnto these two Gentlewomen for by that which you say loue held him then in as great bondage as he now holdeth me I will doe it answered hee both for the honour of him and also of you althought it be a thing farre vnseemely for me to do Herewithall he withdrew the Gentlewomen a part and taught them the song with the tune there-of wherein they tooke great pleasure because the Faire Forlorne did sing it with a lamentable and soft voyce which yeelded more harmony and aptnesse both to the tune and the matter then he could if hee had beene at more liberty in body and minde and the Gentle-women learned it so cunningly that many times after they did sing it before their Mistris who tarried foure dayes in the poore Rocke the fift shee embarqued But before she departed shee demanded of the Faire forlorne whether hee would remaine any long time in that place Madame answered he nothing but my death shall drawe me from hence I doe much maruaile sayde Corisanda what mooueth you to doe so yet seeing that you are in such a minde I will in no sorte disswade yon from it so saying she entred into her ship with her companie bidding the Hermit farewel Then setting saile the winde was so fauourable that in fewe dayes after they landed in Great Brittaine and arriued in the Citie of London where at that time King Lisuart remayned Who knowing of her arriuall hee together with his Queene receiued her royally The King to honour her the more caused her to bee lodged in his owne Pallace And some few dayes after as they were discoursing together the Queen sayd vnto her Good Cosen the King charged mee to tell you that hee tâ—…â—our comming hither to see â—im â—o thâ—nkefully that if you haue any thing to doe with him he will imploy his best meanes to pleasure you Madame answered Corisanda I giue the King most humble tâ—…kes and your grace also there is nothing that importuneth mee more then the absence of Don Florestan whom I thought to haue found in this Court Cosen sayde the Queene wee haue at this time no other newes of him but that hee is gone in search of his brother Amadis who of late is lost we not knowing the cause thereof Then shee tolde her how hee had wonne the Firme Island and that after-wardes hee departed secretly from his fellowes especially the manner how Don Guillan did finde his armour and what diligence hee had vsed to vnderstand what was become of him When Corisanda did see that shee was frustrate of her intention and vnderstood the losse of Amadis the teares stood in her eyes saying Alas what wil become of my Lord and friend Florestan I am sure considering the loue that he beareth vnto his brother that if hee cannot finde him he will lose himselfe so that I shall neuer while I liue see him any more the Queene comforted her so well that shee receiued some hope to heare news from him very shortly Now Oriana was by who had heard all this talke and the loue that Corisanda did beare vnto Don Florestan brother to Amadis for which cause shee had the more desire to doe her honour so as she and Mabila did ordinarily keepe her company taking great pleasure to heare her recite the loue that passed betwixt her and hee friend the cause of their parting and the trauell which afterwardes shee had endured in hope to finde him And as shee made this discourse she remembred her of the time when shee remayned in the poore Rocke where shee found a knight doing penance who during her abode there taught a song vnto her women which Amadis had made being in great melancholy as the companion of the Hermit had assured her Madame answered Mabila I pray you feeing your Gentlewomen haue learned it coÌ„maund them to sing it before my Lady Oriana for I shall bee very glad to heare it seeing it is made by Amadis who is mine owne Cosen Beleeue mee sayd Corisanda I am very well content assuring you that it caÌ„not better please you then it will delight me because of the neernesse of the linage that is betwixt my Lord Florestan him Then shee sent for the Gentlewomens Lutes who played and did sing the song of Amadis so sweetely that it ministred both mirth mone vnto the Ladies which vnto them listened ioy to the eare coÌ„tent for the melody and griefe to the minde in feeling his passion that was so grieuously pained But Oriana whom it most of all touched tooke more heede vnto the matter then the musicke knowing the mischiefe whereof she was cause and the great reason that Amadis had to complaine Where-upon shee was suddenly stricken wâ—… so great sorrow that she went into a wardroabe ashamed for the teâ—â—eâ— that had issued from her eyes iâ—… good a company from which she could not abstaâ— Notwithstanding as shee withdrew her selfe Mabila to couer this fault sayd vnto Corisanâ—a So farre aâ— I perceiue Oriana is not well wherefore I am coÌ„strained to leaue your company at this tâ—â—e and to goe helpe her neuerthelesse if it pleased you I would willingly knowe what was the behauior of him that taught your Gentlewomen the song and wherefore he remayned in the poore Rocke for no doubt hee did then knowe what was become of Amadis Then Corisanda rehearsed vnto her in what sorte they did finde him and the talke he had with her but sayd shee I did neuer see a man more pensiue not more faire considering the miseries he endured Mabila very suddenly began to suspect that it was Amadis himselfe who being so far from all hope had chosen such a solitary place because hee would not be seene of any liuing wight and at the same instant shee departed towardes Oriana whom shee found weeping bitterly Vnto whâ— with a smiling countenance shee sayd Madame in seeking after newes sometimes one learneth
vnto you Then the king tooke the Letter and read it and because it referred to the knights report he answered him thus Friend you may performe your charge when it shall please you Hereupon the knight rose vp and said aloude King Lisuart I defie thee and all thy allies in the behalfe of the mighty Princes Famangomad Giant of the burning Lake Cartadaque his Nephew Giant of the inuincible Mountaine Mandafabâ—ll his brother in Law Giant of the vermillian Tower Dâ—â— Qâ—… brother to the late deceassed King of Abies of Ireland and Arâ—… the enchâ—â—nter who doe all sâ—nd thee word by me that they haue sworne the death of thee and 〈◊〉 And the better to accomplish 〈◊〉 their enterprise they will all come in the aid of king Gildâ—… be of the number of his hundred knights who will assuredly destroy thee Notwithstanding if thou wilt giue thy daughter and heire Oriana vnto the â—â—ire Madasimâ— daughter to the most redoubted Faâ—… to serue her for her Gentlewoman they will let thee liâ—e in peâ—… and be thy friends for they will maâ—y her with the Prince Bâ—sigant who doth well deserue to be Lord 〈◊〉 of thy Land and Daughter also Therefore King Lisuart châ—se thee of these two conditions the best either peace which I aduise thee 〈◊〉 except or the most cruell â—â—rre that may happen vnto thâ—â— hauing to doe with such mighty and redoubted Princes When the King had long giuen eare vnto him to shew that he made small account of such threats he smiling thereat answered him Trust mee Knight they that gaue thee this commission doe thinke farre amisse of me for I haue all my life time thought a dangerous warre better then a shamefull peace because I were worthy of great reprehension both of God and man being King ouer such a mighty nation if I should now through base cowardise suffer them to bee afflicted with cruelty Wherefore returne and tell them that I had rather desire all the daies of my life that warre which they do threaten me withall and in the â—nd to diâ— in battaile then to â—â—cord vnto a peace so much to my dishonor And because that I desire to know their mind at large I will send a Knight of mine owne with you who shall in like sort declare vnto them my whole intention and yet I know not if by their lawes all Embassadors or messengers are aâ— free from danger with them as they are with Christian Princes If it please your Maiestie said the knight that he shal go with me I will bee his warrant and will coÌ„duct him vnto the burning lake which is in the Isle of Mongaza where they are assembled with the rest of the hundred to come and meet with you assuring you that wheresoeuer Don Qâ—edragant abideth ne will neuer suffer wrong to be done vnto any Truely answered the King hee sheweth himselfe therein to bee a noble Prince but tell mee if it please you what your name is Sir answered hee I am called Landin Nephew to Dâ—â— Qâ—…gant who am come with him to reuenge the death of King Abies of Ireland mine vnckle neuerthelesse wee could neuer yet meete with him that did slay him and further we doe not well know whether hee bee dead or not I beleeue you well answered the king and I would you did certainely know him to be liuing and that he were here for all the rest would go forward well enough I know well said Landin wherefore your grace saith so you esteeme him to be the best knight in the world neuethelesse I hope to bee in the battaile which is prepared for you and there to performe such worthy deedes of armes to your disaduantage that it may be you will change your opinion By our Lady answered the King I am sorry for that I had a great deale rather that you had a desire to remaine in my seruice notwithstanding this much I tell you that there you shall finde those that can tell how to answere you well enough And you sayde the Knight many other that will pursue you euen vnto shamefull death When Florestan heard him speake so boldly and to the preuidence of Amadis his coller was mooued therewithall and hee saide vnto Laâ—din Knight I am a stranger in this Countrey and none of the Kings subiects so that for any thing which you haue saide vnto him I haue no occasion to answer you chiefely because that here are present so many Knights my betters ouer whome I will not in any sort insult Neuerthelesse seeing that you cannot finde Amadis which is as I think for your great profit I am ready to fight with you and will in his stead defend the quarrel that you haue against him And to the end that you may the better know me I am his brother Florestan who doe offer vnto you the combat vpon this condition that if I can ouercome you shall be bound to giue ouer the quarrel that you haue against him and if you ouercome mee reuenge part of your anger on mee Yet thus much by the way you must not thinke it strange that I haue beene so forward in the matter for I haue no lesse cause to sustaine his quarrell against you he being absent then you haue to maintaine that of King Abies whose nephew you are being very well assured that my Lord Amadis is of power sufficient to reuenge me if Fortune permit you to haue the aduantage ouer me My Lord Florestan answered Landin so farre as I perceiue you haue a desire to fight but I cannot satisfie you at this time being in no sort at mine owne disposition as well for the aâ—…ires which by another I am appointed to discharge as also for that I did promise before my departure from those Lordes that haue called me into their company not to enterprize any matter before the Battaile that might hinder me to assist and do my best endeuour therein and therefore at this present hold me excused vntill the battaile be ended then I promise you to accept the combat which you demand and sooner I cannot intend it Beleeue me said Florestan you speake like a worthy Knight for those that haue the like charge that you now haue ought to forget and denie the fulfilling of their owne will to satisfie those from whom they are sent otherwise they might bee blamed seeing that although you should get the victory of this coâ—… our honour yet it miâ—… their affaires might be â—…slowed thorow your â—â—ay and hinderance because they doe all repose themselues vpon your charge therefore I am content to defer it vntill the time that you require and because you shall not afterwards faile behold here is my gage At the same instant he threw downe his gloue and Landin his Gauntlet Wherefore by their owne consent all was remitted vntill the thirtieth day after the battaile Then Landin tooke his leaue of the king who deliuered vnto him a Knight that was called Filipinel to goe with him to
the horse of Quedragant instead of his owne that was dead deliuered his shield vnto Enil and followed on his way vpon the which hee behelde foure young Gentlewomen that were flying with a Marlin who had both seene the Combate and heard all the talke of the two Knights and for the same cause they spake vnto the Faire Forlorne earnestly entreating to come and lodge in their Castle where hee should bee entertained with all the honor that might bee deuised for King Lisuart his sake vnto whose seruice hee had shewed himselfe so affectionate The which offer of theirs hee refused not for hee was weary with the great trauail he had sustained al the day And as soon as he was come into his lodging they themselues vnarmed him to see if hee were in any sort dangerously wounded but hee had no other hurt then that vpon his brest which was a matter of nothing Three whole daies together did the Faire Forlorne tarry there and then departed riding all day long without finding any aduenture and the night following he lodged in a little Inne that stood on the way from whence he departed the next morning very early and about mid-day hee came vnto the top of a small hill from whence he might behold the citty of London and the castle of Mirefleur where his Lady Oriana remained Heere withall he was surprised with exceeding ioy neuerthelesse hee fained as though he knew not the Countrey where hee remained and demanded of Enil if he did know it Yea very well my Lord answered Enil beholde yonder is the citie of London where King Lisuart at this present remaineth In faith saide the Faire Forlorne I would be very sorry that either he or any other should know mee vntill my deedes deserue it and that by my deedes of Armes I might be thought worthy to be in such an assembly Therefore goe thou to see the Esquire Gandalin from whom Durin did of late bring the commendations and see that thou doest wisely enquire what euery one saith of me as lso when the battaile of King Cildadan shall be performed What answered Enil shall I leaue you all alone Care not thou for that sayd he I haue beene many times accustomed to go in that sort yet before that thou doest depart let vs espy together a fit place where thou maist find meat thy returne Then they rode on a little further when vpon a sudden they beheld close by the side of a riuer two pauillions armed in the midst of them a most faire tent Before the which were many knights Ladies sporting and ten other knights armed for their guard and there was neuer a pauillion that had not fiue shields hanged vp and as many Lances standing before it Here-withall the Faire Forlorne fearing to bee disturbed of his enterprise would auoid the combate took his way vpon the left hand The which the knights perceiuing called vnto him saying that he must needes giue one stroke with the Launce for the loue of the Ladies But he answered them that at that instant hee had no desire thereunto For sayd he you are fresh and many and I alone and very wearie Beleeue me sayd one of them I thinke rather that you feare to lose your horse And why should I lose him sayd the Faire Forlorne Because sayd the knight hee must haue him that doth throwe you downe I am sure that your losse were more certaine then the gaine that you should get vpon vs. Seeing it is so answered hee I had rather depart then come into any such danger which said he passed on Truly sayd the knights in our iudgements your armes are defended more with faire wordes then valiant deeds so that they may euer bee sound enough to place ouer your Tombe when you are dead yea although you should liue one hundred yeares and more You may thinke of mee what you please answered the Faire Forlorne yet cannot that in any sort deminish my reputation I would it were your pleasure sayd one that stepped somewhat before his fellowes that you would breake onely one staffe with mee I would be accounted a traytor or not in one whole yeare to mount vpon a horse if you departed not by and by to seeke your lodging without yours Sir answered hee it is that which I doe feare and which caused mee to turue out of the high way At this they all began to laugh and to scoffe him saying behold the valiant champion that spareth himselfe against a battaile yet for all this the Faire Forlorne made no account but followed on his way vntill he came vnto a riuer side but as hee would haue passed ouer he heard a voyce that cryed stay knight stay Then he turned his head and looked backe to 〈◊〉 who it was and perceiued aâ—…tlewoman in very goodâ—… mouÌ„ted vpon a Palfrey coâ—… towardes him who at her arriâ—… said vnto him Leonor daughter to King Lisuart together with her Gentlewómen doe all desire you to maintain the Iousts against these knights and to shew that you will doe something for the loue of Ladies How answered hee the daughter of the King is she there I truely answered the Gentlewoman Beleeue me sayde the Faire Forlorne I should be very sory to haue a quarrell with any of her knights for sooner would I doe them seruice for the honour of so faire a Lady Notwithstanding seeing that it is her pleasure that I should otherwise do I am coÌ„tent vpon this condition that they require no more then the Ioust only Hereupon he tooke his shield and Lance and rode straight vnto the should finde him at his returne from London And as they were in this sorte discoursing together they perceiued vpon the same way a cart which was drawne with twelue horses and guided by two Dwarffes within the which were many armed knights inchained their shields were hanged all along the sides thereof and amongst them were Ladies Gentlewomen that cryed out wept most pitifully before whom marched a Gyant armed with plates of fine steele hauing vpon his head a marueilous bright shining helme But hee seemed to bee so great that it would haue feared any man to behold him he rode vpoÌ„ a mighty black horse holding in his right hand a Bore-speare the head whereof was more then a cubit in length and there followed behinde the cart another Gyant farre more monstrous then the first of whom the Damosels of the fountaine were so much afraid as they fled to hide them amongst the bushes At the same instant the Gyant which marched before seeing how the Ladies that were in the cart did teare the hairs from their heads for it seemed by their furious behauiours that they very willingly would haue procured their owne death sayde vnto the Dwarffes If you cause not these girles to hold their peace by loue you villaines I will make a thousand peeces of your entrails for I would haue them charily kept to sacrifice them vnto the God that
they did first sow in the Forrest at such time as Gandalin was gone to seeke for some victuals for them as you haue heard in the first booke And although that Oriana made refusal thereof at the first yet Amadis vsed her so courteously that before they departed from the place they determined to continue their sport whilst they had so good oportunity and from thenceforth not to bee in any doubt eyther of Mabila or the Damosell of Denmarke Eight whole dayes did Amadis remaine at Mirefleur with Oriana leading a life as pleasantly as they could wish during all the which time he was not seene of any except of those that were the meanes of his bringing thither as it hath beene tolde you for all the day long hee was close with the Ladies in the chamber and when the euening approched they came forth into the garden where often times after many amorous discourses Amadis alayed the heate of his fire by the sweete embracings of Oriana at the musick of the birds who chanting out their pleasant notes were witnesses of the pleasure that these two louers receiued vnder the shade of the little young Trees wherewith this place was sufficiently stored Now did Gandalin euery day go and come from London to Mireflure to bring newes from the Court so that one time amongst others hee told Amadis that the Armour which by Enil he had caused to bee made for him would bee very shortly finished Moreouer hee told him that the King was in great doubt for the battaile which he had enterprised against king Cildadan for the most part of those that hee had to deale withall were cruell Giants and without reason and therefore hee had stayed Galaor Florestan Agraies and Don Galuanes to assist him in that encounter Who said Gandalin are so angry for the famous report that is spread abroad of the Faire Forlorne to the disprayse of Amadis as if they had not already passed their promise to the king seeking not to enterprise any combat or voyage before the battaile they had beene already vpon their way to haue sought him out to fight with him and they secretly giue it out that if they doe escape aliue they will not rest vntil they haue both found him and fought with him In good faith answered Amadis they shall see me the sooner if God please but it shal be after another manner then they hope for wherefore do thou returne to the Court and I arne if any thing hath since happened Herewithall Gandalin departed who went directly to London where hee found the king ready to sit downe to dinner and euen as they were taking vp the Table there entred in a very antient Gentleman attended vpon with two Esquires apparrelled both in one liuery This old mans beard was shauen and the hayre of his head was white with age who came and kneeled before the king and saluting him in the Greeke tongue in which countrie he was borne hee said vnto him It may please your Maiesty the high renowne that is spread in all parts of the world of the knights Ladies and Gentle-women that are in your Court hath beene the only cause that enforced me to addresse my iourney hither to see if in the same I may finde that which this threescore yeeres I haue sought in diuerse countries farre and neere to small purpose Therefore most renowned Prince I beseech your Maiesty to be pleased that to finish my trauaile I may make a proofe of the knights Ladies and Gentle-women in this assembly the which as I thinke will neyther be hurtfull nor displeasing eyther to your Maiesty or to any other Then all the Lords that were present desired to see a thing so rare intreating the king to grant his request the which he easily condiscended vnto therewithall the ancient Gentleman tooke from one of his Esquires a little cofer of Iasper which he did carrie which was in length about three cubits and in breadth a shaftmont and it was garnished with Gold and the most curious damaske worke in the World this little cofer he opened afterward he tooke out of it a Sword so strange as the like was neuer seene the scabberd therof was made of two bright shining bones and as greene as any fine Emeraud so as the blade was to be seene through it not after the manner of other blades for the one halfe of it shewed meruailous bright and the other seemed as if it burned being as red as fire and it hanged in a Belt of the same stuffe as the scabberd was of so cunningly made that any man might easily gird it about him This Sword the Gentleman did hang about his necke that hee might likewise take out of the cofer a kercheif the one halfe where-of was be set with floures as fresh and greene as if they had beene euen then newly gathered and the other halfe was couered with other violets as withered and dry as if they had beene ten yeeres in the Sun neuerthelesse both the one the other seemed to spring from one and the selfe same roote wherewithal the king being abashed demanded of him how these things might bee If it like your maiesty answered the old man this sword cannot bee drawne forth of the scabbard but onely by that knight that amongst all louers is the most constant and that doth best loue his Lady and as soone as hee shall haue it in his hands that part which burneth shall become as cleere and bright as the rest so as the blade shall bee all of one colour In like sort if this kerchiefe bestrewed with so many flowers be set vpon the head of such a Ladie or Gentlewoman that doth loue her husband or friend with the like constantnesse the withered and drie floures shall appeare againe of a most fresh and liuely colour and your Maiesty may be pleased to know that I cannot be made a Knight but by the hands of this perfect louer that shall draw forth this Sword neyther may I take armes but of her that shall deserue this pretious kercheife For this cause haue I these threescore yeeres continually sought in many strange Countries for those by whom I ought to receiue knight-hood but yet hitherto I haue trauailed in vaine now prosecuting my voyage in a manner for my last refuge I am come into your Court imagining that euen as it farre exceedeth the Courts of all other Emperors and kings so I might in like sort in the same find that which in all others I haue failed of I pray you saide the king let mee know the reason why the fire that remaines in the one halfe of this blade doth not burne the scabbard It may please your Maiesty answered the olde man betwixt Tartaria and India there is an arme of the Sea which is so hot that the water thereof beeing meruailous greene boiles as if it were vpon the fire and in the same there is brought forth a kinde of Serpents more great then Crocodiles
knights ready to begin the search of Amadis according to the appointment of Galaor and Florestan and therefore she was determined not to depart from Queene Brisena vntil they were returned again neyther would she nor her women bee apparrelled with other Garments then of black cloth vntill he were found for such weeds did she weare at such time as hee did make her Queene and now would shee neuer change her manner of life if he were lost In your iudgment said Oriana is she so faire as the report goeth of her So helpe me God answered the Damosell except your grace she is the fairest woman and of the best behauiour that euer I did see shee was very sorry when she heard of your sicknesse and shee sendeth you word by me that she will come and doe her dutie vnto you so soone as you shall thinke conuenient Truely said Oriana I am more desirous to see her then any other that I doe know Madam answered the faire Forlorne beleeu me she well deserueth that you should shew her all the honour you may although heretofore you haue wrongfully sustayned some griefe for her sake gentle loue said the Princesse for Gods sake let vs speake no more of passed melancholies for I am assured that I did thinke amisse You shall yet be better assured answered he by the testimony that you shall receiue of those Iewels which we shall gaine the which will henceforth quite extinguish all those vnhappy fancies that you haue conceiued against me if they should chance to returne againe into your thought increasing in you the opinion of that zeale and dutie which I doe owe and beare vnto you My Lord said Oriana I am well assured that the kerchiefe shall make you beleeue that what wrong soeuer you receiued of me proceeded of no other cause but by the extreame loue which I did beare vnto you we shall see shortly said the Damosell of Denmarke what will happen For the king hath granted your request by Enil In this sort did Oriana and the test of her company passe away the time vntill the day came wherein they must depart to make triall of that which you haue heard which caused her to rise about midnight attiring her as the faire Forlorne had deuised and hee likewise was armed at all points that done they passed through the garden and came to the place where Gandalin held their horses in readines Then mounted they vpon them taking their way toward the Forrest right vnto the Fountaine of the three channels But there Oriana thinking vpon the enterprise which she went about foreseeing the inconuenience and danger thereof not onely if she were disclosed but also how if she failed in gaining the kerchiefe Amadis might haue iust cause to suspect her and by that meanes she might loose that good reputation which shee had gotten with him Herewithall she began to repent her forwardnesse and to tremble so extreamly that the faire Forlorne perceiued it who said vnto her Madam had I thought you would haue been so ill at ease with this voyage I sweare vnto you that I would rather haue died then haue brought you out of doores therefore if it please you let vs returne againe to Mirefleur So saying he turned his horse head neuerthelesse Oriana considering that by her an aduenture so recommendable should bee deferred changed her minde and answered him I beseech you sweete loue not to take any heede vnto the feare that a timerous woman may haue in the middest of this great wood but vnto the vertue and valor that remaineth in you Very sorry was the faire Forlorne because hee had spoken in such sort vnto her doubting lest he had offended her and he said vnto her Madam seeing that your discretion hath surmouted my â—olly I beseech you to pardon me for I assure you my meaning was not to speake any thing that should be offensiue vnto you As they had ended their conference they came vnto the fountaine being yet an houre from day where they had not long stayed before Enil came vnto them whereat they were very ioyfull Then the faire Forlorne saide vnto Oriana Madame behold the Esquire which I promised you to send vnto king Lisuart by whose answere we may determin what to do In faith my Lord answered Enil he sendeth you by me all the assurance that you demand and further he aduertiseth you that the triall of the aduenture beginneth this day after his Maiesties comming from the Chappell All the better said the faire Forlorne wee shall then haue no great cause of stay Hereupon hee gaue him his shield and launce and without putting off his Helmet at all they tooke the right way to London the people had already heard that the knight which did ouercome the Giants should come vnto the kings lodging they said one to another Heauens shield the faire Forlorne from all mischiefe for he is worthy of great praise and most happy may that Lady thinke her selfe to whom he remaineth a seruant These words might Oriana vnderstand very well wherewith she was not a little ioyfull knowing that she was Lady Mistris of him whom so many people did both loue honor afterward they came and alighted at the Palace where they found the king Queen Ladies and a great number of knights already assembled all together in a great hal to make trial who should gaine the old mans Iewels And as soon as they knew of the arriuall of the Faire Forlorne the King rose vp with his traine to receiue them wherefore the Faire Forlorne kneeling down would haue kissed his hands but the K. lifted him vp saying vnto him My good friend you are most hartily welcome hither where you shall be as free as you would wish for you haue done as much seruice for me in so small a time as euer any knight performed either for King or Prince The Faire Forlorne answered not one word but onely bowed himselfe to his maiestie in signe of thankes and without stepping one foote from Oriana whom he held by the hand they came towards the Ladies who did all salute them very courteously You may imagine if the young Princesse were not now in some feare to be discouered being in such an assembly for the Queene her mother stepped vnto her looking her stedfastly in the face although it was couered with a laune and she said vnto her Gentlewoman I do not know who you are for to my knowledge I did neuer see you neuerthelesse for the loue of this knight in whose custody you are that hath done the king so great sernice assure you that in this place shal be shewed vnto you all the honour and seruice that possibly may bee For the which the Faire Forlorne humbly thanked her Maiestie but Oriana without speaking one word held her head down continually Therewithall the king and all his knights withdrew them to one side and the Queene and her Ladies to the other And in the meane time the Faire
this battaile for because I would be partaker of all the good honor or hurt that may happen vnto those which shall accōpany me Greatly did Galaor like of the kings magnanimous determinations and answered him beleeue me it is not for nothing that your Maiesty is estemed the most vertuous and valiantest Prince of the world and if all kings could as well represse the counsell of those who disswade them from their haughtie enterprises none durst be once so bold as to say any thing vnto them but that which should bee for their honour and glory but now your Maiesty may bee pleased to see what Vrganda hath written vnto me Herewithall he began to reade his Letter wherein was contained this which ensueth Vnto you Don Galaor of Gaule most valiant and hardie Knight I Vrganda the Vnknowne doe send all hearty salutations as she who both loueth and esteemeth you I will that you should vnderstand that which must happen vnto you in this cruell battell betweene the two kings Lisuart and Cildadan If you be there be you sure that in the end thereof your large and strong members shall want power to assist your inuincible heart at the departure from the Combat your head shall bee in his power who with the three blowes that he shall strike shall remaine conqueror In faith said the king if the contents of the Letter be true and that you bee in this conflict you see your death prepared which should bee a great losse considering your valiant beginning in deeds of armes therefore I shall so order the matter as at this time you shall be excused from thence It may please your Maiesty answered Galaor I now do very wel perceiue that the counsell which euen now I deliuered vnto you hath displeased your Maiesty when seeing mee sound and able of body you would perswade me to a matter so greatly to my dishonour God forbid that I should herein obey you Gentle friend said the king you speake both vertuously and valiantly for the which I thanke you and for this time let vs leaue off this talke and my aduice is that none do see our Letters for it may bee they may cause some feare astonishment euen in the hearts of those that doe thinke themselues to bee most hardy and valiant By this time they were come so neere vnto the Citty that they entred vnder the gate thereof as the king looked behinde he beheld two knights armed at all points whose horses were ouer-trauelled weary and their armour all to broken in such sort that it was very easy to be perceiued that they had been at some bickering One was Brunco de Bon ' Mer and the other Branfil his brother who came of purpose vnto king Lisuart to be of the number of those hundred knights which should bee in the battaile if it pleased him to accept of them But by the way Brunco had beene aduertised how the aduenture of the Sword was atchieued where-with he was meruailous displeased that he came no sooner because hee would haue tried his fortune therein as he had done vnder the Arch of loyall louers the which he had passed and for the firm and constant loue that he did beare vnto Melicia sister vnto Amadis hee did verily beleeue that no such like aduenture might escape him these two knights being come neer did their dutie vnto the king who receiued thē very courteously Then said Brunco it may please your Maiesty we haue beene aduertised of a battell which you haue agreed to be executed by a few knights so much the rather ought they to be selected and chosen men For this cause if it would please your highnesse to doe vs this honor that we might be of the same number your Maiesty may bee assured that wee would bee very desirous to serue you The King who had many times beene aduertised of the prowesse of these twaine especially of the valour of Don Brunco who for a yong knight was as much esteemed as any other that might be found accepted of them very willingly and thanked them for their good will Now did not Brunco as yet know Galaor but at the same instant they entred into such acquaintance and familiarity together that vntill the Battell was finished they parted not asunder And as the king entred into his lodging Enil came before him with the head of Lindoraq which did hang by the hayre at the paitrill of his horse and he had in his hand the shield and fingers of Arcalaus the Enchanter by meanes whereof before he was come neer the Palace a great number of people did follow him to know what newes he did bring Afterwards being come into the kinges presence hee declared vnto him the message that the faire Forlorne had sent by him wherewith he was no lesse glad then amased at so many good and blessed chanses that euery day happened and proceeded from this strange knight and hee remained a great while praising extolling him without ceasing In like sort Filipinel who had been to giue defiance vnto the Giants at the same instant approched he recited the names and sirnames of those which were appointed to be in the battell of king Cildadan amongst whom there were found many strong Giants and other knights of great worth who were all embarked already and how before that foure dayes were past they would all take landing in the bay of Vega where the battell was to be foughten then hee told the king how he had found at the burning Lake which stands in the Isle of Mongasa king Arban of North Wales and Angriotta d'Estrauaux prisoners vnto Grumadaca wife vnto Famongomad who caused them to suffer infinit miseries and calamities whipping them euery day most cruelly so that their bodies were wounded all ouer and they wrote a letter vnto the king which Filipinel deliuered vnto him the tenure whereof ensueth Vnto the most high and mighty Prince Lisuart king of great Brittaine and to all our Friends and Allies within his Dominions We Arban once king of North wales and Angriotta d'Estrauaux now detained in dolorous prison doe let you know that our misfortune more cruell then death it selfe hath brought vs into the power of the most pittilesse Grumadaca wife to Famongomad who in reuenge of the death of her Husband and Sonne doth daily cause vs to bee tortured with so many and strange torments that it is impossible to bee imagined so as euery houre wee desire the abridging of our daies that thereby we might bee released of our dolors But this mischieuous womā the more to lengthen our paine deferreth our death as much as she may the which with our owne hands we had effected but that the feare of the losse of our soules withheld vs. And for as much as we are at this present so extreamely wounded that wee are no longer able to resist our deaths we send you this Letter written with our blood by the which wee beseech
The King saluted them but they answered not the gentlewoman lifted vp the couering that he had vpon and looking vpon his wounds she dressed theÌ„ afterwards she gaue him somewhat to eate returned both she and the knights the same way they came not once speaking vnto him When the king beheld their maner of behauiour he beleeued that he was in the prison of such a one where his life was in no great safety neuertheles he took as good comfort vnto him as he could not being able otherwise to remedy his mishap But the gentlewoman that looked vnto Galaor seeing that it was time to dresse him went vnto him and asked him how he fared Passing wel answered Galaor I hope seeing the good beginning of my amendmen that I may be healed within the time that you haue promised There is no doubt thereof said she therefore I will that you promise me as you are a loyall knight not to depart from hence without my leaue otherwise your life may bee in perill of death Galaor did sweare vnto her so to doe beseeching her most instantly to tell him how she was called But she answered him How now Galaor doe you not yet know my name Truely now I am greatly deceiued considering the seruices that heeretofore I haue done for you when you are so forgetfull of me I am called The wise among the wisest saying so shee went forth of the chamber fayning to bee very angry and pulled the dore rudely after her Wherewith Galaor remained more pensiue then before and hee remembred him of the faire sword that Vrganda had giuen vnto him when his brother Amadis made him knight whereby hee suspected that it was she her selfe neuerthelesse hee was in some doubt because that when he saw her first she seemed to bee olde and crooked and this was young faire and in good liking And as he was in this study not being able to sleepe hee turned his head toward the place where the young Gentlewomen were accustomed to sit in keeping him company but in stead of them he perceiued Gasauel his esquire and Ardan the Dwarffe of Amadis at which he was no lesse abashed then ioyfull and he called them because that they slept Who at their awaking seeing their Maister they became no lesse amased then he and they rose vp doing their duty vnto him and hee demanded how they were come thither who answered that Amadis Florestan and Agrates had commanded them to follow him They further declared vnto him in what estate the Damosels tooke him vp for which cause Amadis seeing in what extremity you remained permitted them to carry you away together with King Cildadan What do you say sayd Galaor was Amadis in this assembly My Lord sayd Gasanel it was hee that was called the Faire Forlorne by whose strength and courage the battaile was gayned Then he recited vnto him the manner how he deliuered the King and killed Mandafabull and that then he made himselfe knowne crying Gaul with a loude voyce Thou â—…lest me wonders sayde Galaor but by my faith he was too blame to hide himselfe from mee This was the estate wherein Galaor and Cildadan remained who in few dayes felt so great ease of their wounds that they began to walke about the chamber Wherefore Vrganda in whose power they remained in her vnknowne Island made her selfe knowne vnto them saying vnto them That the feare wherein shee had put them had beene the meanes to effect their health the sooner otherwise they had beene in danger of their liues Afterwards she commanded her two Nieces to be fetched to keepe them company which were daughters vnto King Falangris brother vnto King Lisuart who had begotten vpon them the sister of Vrganda one of them was called Iâ—lianda whome Galaor did shortly after beget with childe of a son that was named Talanqua and afterwards proued a valiant Knight and the other was called Solisa who also had by King Cildadan Manely the Discreete And these two Knights staied with these two Damosels till Vrganda set them at liberty as hereafter it shall be declared vnto you In the meane time King Lisuart Amadis and the other Knights staied at Gonata and after they were healed of their wounds they determined to goe visit the Ladyes which staied for them in the Cirtie of Fenusa of whom they were receiued with great ioy But during their aboad there as Amadis talked with Queen Briolania in the company of Oriana she sayd vnto him My Lord I assure you I was so sorrowfull when it was told mee that you were lost that I can in no sort expresse vnto you the displeasure that I receiued therewith and at the last seeing that you staied so long before you returned I determined to come vnto this Court with a hundred of my Knights to cause the search of you to begin according to the appointment of my Lords your bretheren Neuerthelesse by meanes of the battaile which the King had appointed with King Cildadan my enterprise was stored and that in a good houre seeing that it pleased God so soon to bring you home againe Therefore aduise you now if it please you what you will that I shall doe for you for I will obey you all my life long Madame answered Amadis if you were in any perplexity for mee you had great reason for I am well assured that there is no knight in the world more ready to do you seruice then is Amadis of Gaul But seeing that it pleaseth you to refer all your affaires vpon me I pray you to tarry yet in this Court eight or tenne daies longer vntill we may heare some newes from my brother Galaor in the meane time you shall haue the pastime of a Combate which my brother Florestan must performe against Laudin and afterwards I will conduct you home into your Countrey and from thence I will take my way vnto the Firme-Island where I must needs be I will do saide Briolania what-soeuer it shall please you prouided that you doe tell vnto vs the wonders and nouelties that you haue there seene And as he would haue excused him Oriana tooke him by the hand and saide vnto him My Lord Amadis you haue some-what to doe for we will not leaue you in peace before you haue tolde vs something In faith my Ladies answered hee although I take in hand to reâ—…e the particularities of the whole yet do I finde it impossible neuerthelesse I may truely tell you that the forbidden chamber is the most faire richest in all the world and if it bee not gained by one of you two I verily beleeue that so long as we liue neuer may any other set footing therein Briolania remained a while without answering him in the end she said vnto Amadis truly I doe not thinke that I may deserue to finish such an aduenture yet notwithstanding such as I am if it were not to bee reputed a folly in me I would willingly make proofe thereof Madame answered
beene ouerwearied and shortly after they rose vp but when the Damosell of Denmarke perceiued that shee was laied in such sort naked in the middest of the chamber there was neuer woman more amased then she the which when Oriana perceiued shee demanded smiling to her selfe if shee were come thither to seeke fresh aire By my faith Madame answered she I know neither who brought me hither nor can I remember how I came hither Whereat they all began to laugh and after they were ready they went vnto the Kings lodging whome they fouÌ„d together with the Queen in the church and so soone as seruice was ended the King came vnto Vrganda and bid her good morrow and shee after her duty done vnto his Maiestie saide that if it were his pleasure to cause the Knights and Ladies in his Court to assemble together that before her departure which should bee very shortly shee would declare something before them that shold happen vnto him heereupon the King appointed a large hall to bee made ready in the which the next morning a great number of Lords and Ladies were come Then Vrganda beeing in the midst of them all addressing her speech vnto the King shee saide vnto him Seeing that your Maiestie hath kept the letters which I did write vnto you and Galaor presently after the Fair Forlorne had obtained the burning sword and the Damosell the kercheife with flowres it may please you now to cause them to be read that euery one may plainely know that I am not ignorant of things before they happen Heereupon hee sent for them and they were read before al the assistance whereby it plainely appeared that shee had wholly foretold the manner of the battaile euen as it happened out and they all greatly wondred thereat especially at the stout hears of the King that would be in a battaile so dangerous when hee was before hand threatned so rigorously by his better In like sort was it certainly known that the Faire Forlorne had been the cause of the victory by the three blowes that hee gaue The first when he cast King Cildadan at Galaors feet the second in killing Sarmadan the Leonnois and the third when hee succoured the king whom the stout Mandafabul of the virmillion tower did carry vnto his ships whose arme hee cut off close by the elbow which was the cause of his present death And in like sort that which she had said of Galaor was come to passe for his head was certainly at the mercy of the Faire Forlorne at that time when the Damosels demanded to carry him away But now said Vrganda I will tell you in order that which must happen great contention shall arise between the mighty serpent the strong Lion which shall be aided by many cruell beasts they shall come with such fury that a great numder of them shall suffer most cruel death The subtill Roman foxe shall bee wounded with the clawes of the strong Lyon and his skin shall be cruelly torne wherewith the mighty serpent shall bee brought into wonderfull perplexitie In this time the meâ—ke sheepe couered with blacke wooll shall come into the midst of them who by his great humilitie and pittifull bleatings shal pacific the pride and fiercenesse of their courages causing them to depart one from the other but presently the starued wolues shall discend from the steepe mountaines against the mighty serpent who being by them put to fight with a great part of his traine shall bee closed vp in one of his dens The tender licorne putting his mouth to the eare of the fierce Lion shall awake him out of his sound sleepe with his loud crye making him afterwards to take part of his beasts with the which hee shall speedily goe to the succour of the mighty serpent whom they shall finde so bitten and wounded by these starued wolues that his blood shall bee aboundantly shed vpon the earth at the same time shall he be deliuered from the teeth of the wolues and they be cut in pieces Then the life of the mighty serpent being restored leauing within his den all the poyson of his entrails he shall bee contented to put him-selfe betweene the clawes of the strong Lyon and the white hind who in the dreadfull Forrest did lift vp her greeues to Heauen shall bee taken from thence and called home againe Wherefore noble King may it please your Maiestie to cause this to bee written which before all this company I haue vttered for there is no doubt but all this shall come to passe I will so doe answered hee seeing it pleaseth you but I beleeue there is not any of vs that at the present vnderstands this prophesie Assure you saide shee that a time will come when it shall be manifested vnto all of you So saying she cast her eies vpon Amadis whom she perceiued to be maruailous pensiue and said vnto him My Lord Amadis you muse vpon that which cannot auaile you wherefore expel this fancy from your minde and harken vnto a match that you shall make wherein you shall get little gaine At such time as you shal be wounded to death in the defence of anothers life the smart being yours and the profit his the recompence that you shall reape thereby shall be a wonderfull discontent and a banishment from that whereunto you shall most desire to approach Then shall your good rich and sharpe Sword so bruise your bones and in so many places wound your flesh that with the losse of your blood you shall become very feeble and moreouer you shall bee so sharpely pursued that if halfe the world were yours you would giue it that your sword were cast into the bottom of some deepe lake from whence it could neuer be taken forth againe therefore bethinke you of your destiny which shall be such as I haue foretold you Amadis seeing that euery one had their eyes fixed vpon him looked vp with a smiling countenance and answered Vrganda Madame by the things that are already come to passe wherof you foretold vs we may wel credit and beleeue that which now you tell vs and knowing that I am mortal I am very sure that my life shall not be prolonged one minute longer then it pleaseth God and therfore whilst I may I will endeauour to gaine some reputation rather then seeke to conserue my life Notwithstanding if any perill were to be doubted I should haue more occasion to feare those that doe hourely happen vnto mee then such as are hidden yet to come I know well said Vrganda that it is more easie to draw the Sea drie then afright your vndaunted and magnanimious courage with any further dread of danger And because if it please your Maiesty said shee to the king that I must presently take my leaue of you remember I beseech you what I haue aduertised you of before this great and honourable company as shee that desireth the honour and profit of your Maiesty and stop your eares henceforth
from those whose words you shall know to be vniust and peruerse Herewithall she arose from her place and al the company in like fort and shortly after she tooke leaue of the King and of the rest of his court which done she returned into her galley accompanied onely with the foure knights that had conducted her to the Court who hauing seene her embarked returned backe to the Citty but they had no sooner turned their backs when a thicke and great Cloude so ouershaddowed the ship that presently they lost the sight thereof CHAP. XIX How after the departure of Vrganda the king being ready to mount on horse back to execute the enterprise which he had determined to make vpon the burning lake there came before him a Damosell Giantesse to vnderstand whether his Maiesty would be pleased to referre the quarrell that he pretended in this voyage vpon the combat betwixt Ardan Canila and Amadis of Gaule with such conditions as shall bee declared vnto you SOme few dayes after the departure of Vrganda king Lisuart walking vpon the sea sand consulting with his knights about the voiage which hee determined to make vnto the Isle of Mongaza to set at liberty king Arban and Angriotta they beheld a shippe making towards the shoare which cast anchor hard by them Whereupon they all approched to know who or what newes it had brought when suddainely they perceiued two Esquires waiting vpon a Damosell comming forth thereof who was no sooner landed but shee demanded for the king Those vnto whom she spake answered that he was there but they did all wonder at her greatnesse for there was not a man in all the Court whom she exceeded not in height a hand breadth for the rest shee was indifferent faire and well apparrelled Then she approched neer vnto the king to whom she said if it please your Maiesty I am hither come to let you vnderstand that which I am commanded to declare vnto you in the behalfe of some great personages but if it pleased your highnesse I would haue the Queene present Here-withall the king tooke her by the hand and brought her to the Pallace and afterward he sent for the Queene and her Ladies that they might heare what the Damosell would say they being all come the Damosell enquired if Amadis of Gaule lately called the Faire Forlorne were in this company or no. And Amadis vnto whom by chāce she spake answered her that hee was the man ready to doe her any pleasure if she would imploy him notwithstanding for all his courteous speech the Damosell looking vpon him with a sterne countenance began to raile at him saying the lesse do I esteeme thee for thou wast neuer ought worth not neuer shall be and by the effect of this my message all this company may know whether there bee any heart or courage at all in thee then she tooke forth two Letters of credit sealed each of them with a seale of Gold the one of them she presented to the king the other to the Queene But so soone as the king had red his letter he commanded her to declare whatsoeuer she pleased Wherefore shee spake aloude and said It may please your Maiesty Grumadaca the giant of the burning lake and the faire Madasima with the most redoubted Ardan Canila who is at this present with them to protect and defend them against you haue knowne for certaine that you determine to passe into their country to assaile them and because the same cannot bee done without the losse of many worthy men on eyther side they haue deuised a meanes if your maiesty think good to auoid the effusion of blood the losse of diuers valiant knights which is this that the combat of two persons onely shall determine the quarrell betweene you and them vpon the victory of him that shall win the field the one is the valiant and famous Ardan Canila the other Amadis of Gaule here present vpon this condition that if Amadis bee ouercome Ardan may freely cut off his head and carry it with him to the burning lake vnto Madasima and also if fortune proue contrary to the said Ardan that Amadis remaine conqueror the land the countrie that you intend to conquer shal without contradiction be yeelded vp into your hands And moreouer my Lady shall in like sort presently set at liberty king Arban of North Wales and Angriotta d'Estrauaux who hath beene a long time her prisoners as you know Therefore if Amadis do loue them as they thinke and doe imagaine he doth let him presently condiscend vnto this Combat for the liberty of two such great friends of his otherwise he may be assured that Ardan to despight him the more will send their heads vnto him for a present very shortly Damosell answered Amadis if I agree to this combat what security shall the king haue for the performance of this your promise I will tell you said she The faire Madasima accompanied with twelue Gentlewomen of great birth shall bee sent as hostages and become the Queenes prisoners vnder this condition that if this which I haue said be not wholly accomplished the king may cause them all to die in what sort hee pleaseth and as touching you I demand no other assurance then this that if you be vanquished Madasima may afterward haue your head without contradiction And to let you know that they from whom I bring this message will not gaine-say that which I haue promised I will yet further cause Andaugel the old giant with his two sons and nine of the chiefest knights of the countrie to enter into the king his prison as pledges for the performance of the former couenāts Truly answered Amadis if the king and Queene haue these persons which you speake of in their power the security is sufficient but yet you shall haue no answere of me vnlesse you first grant to dine with me in my lodging with these two Esquires that attend vpon you I do greatly wonder said shee what moueth thee so instantly to intreate and inuite me to dine in thy company seeing that I hate thee more then any man that I know I am sorry for that said he for I loue you and will willingly doe you all the honour and seruice that I am able but if you will haue an answere grant mee that which I demand of you I do grant it said the Damosell more to take away all occasion from thee to deferre the combat then for any desire that I haue to remaine in thy company I thanke you answered Amadis and because it is reason that I aduentur my person not onely to saue two of my best companions friends from death but also doe my best for the enlarging of the limits and authority of the king and his Realme I accept the combat against Ardan and let the hostages come when it shall please you because for my part so glorious an enterprise shall not be foreslowed Certainly said the Damosell thou hast
breadth And as hee striued to pull it forth Amadis thrust the head of the truncheon through his arme wherewith hee felt such extreme grief that he forsooke the sword which hee held on the which Amadis presently fastened his hand pulled it forth thanking God for ading him in his greatest need When Mabila beheld the case thus altered shee called Oriana who hauing seen her friend in such extreamity was newly layd downe vpon a bed studying with her selfe what death she might chuse for the speediest if Amadis were vanquished And Mabila sayd vnto her Madame come see how God hath holpeÌ„ vs Ardan without doubt is ouer-come The great ioy which Oriana receiued at these newes made her suddenly to start vp and looking out of the window shee perceiued how Amadis had stroken his enemy 〈◊〉 mighty a blow vpon the shâ—…der that hee separated it from 〈◊〉 necke wherewith he felt sucâ—…guish that hee turned his bâ—… but hee ran not farre before â—…dis stroke him againe and he pursued him so sharpely as that hee made him recoyle backe euen to the top of a Rocke against the which the Sea did beat so that he could goe no farther Then was Ardan Canila brought between two extreamities for on the one side the deepe and vnmericifull waues set before his eyes his vnhappy end on the other side hee perceiued the sharpe sword of his enemy which did no lesse terrifie him Who pursued him so close that he pulled his helmet from his head and lifting vp his arme hee wounded him most cruelly so that hee fell from the top of the Rocke downe into the Sea and was neuer after seene For the which many praised God especiall king Arban of Northwales and Angriotta de Estrauaux because they had seen Amadis in such daunger that they greatly stood in feare of his safety Heerewithall Amadis wiping his sword did put it vp into his scabbard and came whereas the King and the other knights were who in great triumph brought him into his lodging and the more to honour him hee was led between those whom hee had deliuered froÌ„ cruell prison that is to say by Arban King of Northwales and Angriotta de Estrauaux And because they were leane pale and almost spent as well with the euill vsage which they had receiued during their imprisonement as also with the griefe and melancholly that they had taken Amadis was desirous that they should lodge in his chamber where they were so well tended and dyeted by the aid of expert Physitions and cunning Surgeons that they did shortly after recouer their health as by the sequell of our History you may vnderstand CHAP. XX. How Bruneo de Bonne Mer did fight with Madamaine the ambitious brother to the Damosell iniurious and of the accusations that were made by some of the enemies of Amadis vnto the King for which cause hee and many others that were desirous to follow him departed from the Court. THe next day after the combate was ended between Amadis and Ardan as hath beene related heretofore the iniurious Damosell came and presented herselfe before the king beseeching his Maiesty to send him that should fight with her brother whom according vnto promise shee had caused to come thither For sayd the Damosell although my brother be conquerour and cannot take that reuenge of his enemies as the friends of Ardan may rest satisfied for his death yet will it bee some small comforth vnto them notwithstanding Now Brunco was there present who without making stay answered to the resh speeches of the foolish woman said vnto the the King If it like your Maiesty I am the man she speaketh of and seeing that her brother is come hither as shee saith if it be your pleasure and his will wee shall quickly know if hee be such a gallant as hee vaunteth Vnto the which the King condiscended Wherefore they both went immediatly to arme them and anon after they entred into the field whither they were accompanied with certaine knights their friends They beeing then in the place assigned for that purpose the Trumpets sounded to warne them to begin the combate Forthwith they charged their Launces and setting spurres to their horses they ranne the one against the other such force that their Launces flew into shiuers encountring each other with their shieldes and bodies Madamain lost his stirrops and was vnhorsed Bruneo wounded in the left side Notwithstanding so soone as hee had finished his carreer hee turned himselfe to his enemy and saw that he had already recouered his feet and held his sword in his hand in a readines to defend himselfe but as Bruneo drew neere to charge him he sayd to him Sir knight alight or else assure you that I will kill your horse Truely sayd Bruneo at your choyce bee it for it is all one to me to ouercome you on foote or on horsebacke When Madamain saw that his wish came to a good end being as he thouhgt stronger then his enemy who was but little and himselfe in a manner a Gyant he was most glad thereof and sayd to Bruneo It were better for you to alight and then you should soon make profe whether you were able to effect that which you make brags of well quoth Brunco so withdrawing himselfe he alighted left his horse then he tooke his shield set hand to his sword approaching vnto Madamain who like a valiant stout knight receiued him coragiously They began to lay on load the one at the other both of theÌ„ pretending to get the victory which was the cause that neither shield nor armour of how good temper soeuer was able to withstand their blowes for they hacked them to peeces so that the field in many places was couered with peeces of their shields Now if the knights did assaile one another with great hardinesse their horses did no lesse for they set vppon one another and with their feete and teeth fighting together they did ioyne in such sort that the most part of the lookers on were more intentiue to the combate of the beasts then the fight of the knights Notwithstanding Madamain his horse in the ende had the worse being constrained to leape ouer the barriers and to run away This gaue a great presumption to euery man to imagine that Bruneo should obtaine the victory and so it fell out for hee pursued Madamain so neere and brought him to that extreamity that being almost out of breath he sayd vnto Bruneo I doe beleeue considering the rage thou art in that thou imaginest the day will not bee long enough to end our quarrell Howbeit if thou doest consider that thy armour is almost vnriuited thou shalt finde that it were better for thee to rest thy selfe then to assaile mee so vndiscreetly as thou doest and therefore I being vnwilling to vse thee so rigourously as thou deseruest I am content to giue thee leaue to take breath that we may afterwards begin the fight more hotly then before
but so soone as the King beheld him hee turned his head from him his fellowes not vouchsafing so much as once to looke vpon them Then Gandandel who was hard by them seeing the Kings countenance came to embrace Amadis saying vnto him that hee was glad of his recouery But by my faith sayd he I am very sory that the king vseth you no better notwithstanding now you may know whether the aduertisements that I gaue you were false or not Amadis answered him not one word but came vnto Angriota Bruneo who thinking that hee had not marked the couÌ„tenance which the King shewed vnto them aduertised him thereof There is no cause answered Amadis that you should take it in ill part seeing that very often a man is intentiue vnto some thing whereon his minde is set that hee taketh no heed vnto that which others doe it may be that the king mused vppon some other matter when wee saluted him therefore let vs returne and speake vnto his Maiesty for that which Galuanes entreated vs. Herewithall they approached vnto him and Amadis sayde vnto the King Although if it please your Maiestie that I haue not here-tofore done you that seruice that I desire yet haue I presumed trusting in your good bounty to request one gift of your highnesse which can not but turne greatly to your honour moreouer you shall binde those vnto your Maiestie whom you may pleasnte with your gacious grant At this time was Gandandel present who playing the hypocrite as he was accustomed very malapertly took vpon him to speake and answered Amadis Truly if it bee so as you say the King ought not to denie your suâ—e If it like your highnesse saide Amadis the gift which I and my fellowes here present do besech your high-to grant vnto vs is that it would please you to bestow vpon the Lord Galuanes the Isle of Mongaza for the which he shall yeeld you fealty and homage in marying with Madasima by the which fauour your grace shall both aduance a poore Prince and extend your pitty vnto one of the fairest Gentle-women in the world When Brocadan and Gandandel heard this demand they looked vpon the King making a signe vnto him that hee should not grant it to them Yet neuerthelesse it was a great while before hee spake considering the deserts of Don Galuanes and the seruices which hee had receiued of him in many places especially how that Amadis had conquered with the price of his blood the land which he required for another neuerthelesle hee gaue no eare vnto him although by verture hee was bounden to condiscend vnto a request so resonable yet hee thus answered Amadis That man is ill aduised who requesteth a thing that cannot bee granted I speake this because of you my Lord Amadis who doe entreate mee for that which within these fiue dayes I haue bestowed as a gift vpon my youngest daughter Leonor This excuse had the King fayned of set purpose to refuse Galuanes whereupon Amadis who was greatly discontented with the slender entertainment that he shewed vnto them knowing that this was but an excuse hee could not so much command him-selfe as to hold his peace but that he said vnto the King Your Maiestie doth very well manifest that the seruices which for you we haue done haâ—e beene little pleasing vnto you and lesse profitable for vs. And therefore if these my companions will bee ruled by me wee will hence-forth bethinke vs what to doe Beleeue me my Nephew answered Galuanes you say true and those seruices are very ill imployed which are done vnto those that haue no desire to acknowledge them and therefore euery man of courage ought to beware for whom he aduenture him-selfe My Lords answered Amadis blame not the King for not granting that which hee hath promised vnto another and let vs onely entreat him that he will be pleased to permit that Galuanes may marry with Madasima And if he grant this fauour I will giue vnto him the Firme-Island Madasima answered the King is my prisoner and if she deliuer not vnto mee the land which she hath promised me shee shall lose her head before the moneth be past By my faith saide Amadis had your Maiestie answered vs more kindly you had done vs no wrong at all if at the least you had a desire in any sort to thinke well of vs. If my entertainement like you not answered the King the world is large enough to finde out some other that may vse you better Truely this word hardly digested turned afterward into a greater consequence then the King thought it would who perceiued shortly after by Brocadan and his companion how hurtfull a thing hatefull and vncourteous speech is as the forgetting of good and his honour is oftentimes the ouerthrow both of a king and realm Amadis was so displeased with this farewell that he said vnto the king If it like your Maiesty I haue hitherto thought that there was neither King nor Prince in the world more indued with vertuous and honourable qualities then you neuerthelesse we now by proofe perceiue the contrary Therefore seeing you haue changed your ancient good custome by the aduise of some latter bad counsell wee will goe seeke out another manner of life Do answered the king what you will for you know my minde Saying so hee rose vp in a great rage and went vnto the Queene vnto whom he imparted the whole discourse that he had with Amadis and his companions and how hee was dispatched of them where-with hee was very glad I am in great doubt said the Queene least this your pleasure doe not hereafter turne you to displeasure for you are not ignorant from the first day that Amadis and his confederats entred into your seruice how your affaires haue alwaies prospered better and better so as if you consider that which they haue done for you you shall finde that they haue deserued no such answere as you haue made vnto them Besides when it shall bee manifest vnto others what they both haue done and can doe and the little account you doe make of them for their deserts they may hereafter hope for no better at your handes and therefore will they desist to employ themselues for you reputing them fooles that shall do but the least seruice for so vngratefull a man Tell mee no more of it said the king for it is done but if they make their complaint vnto you tel them that long since I haue giuen that land which they required of me to our daughter Leonor as I did tell them I will doe it answered the Queene seeing it is your pleasure and God grant that all may turne to the best But you must vnderstand that after Amadis and those in his company had seene in what sort the King had left them they went forth of the Palace and as they went to their lodging they concluded to say nothing thereof vnto their friends vntill the next morning against which time
the auncient knight Don Grumedan to make his excuse vnto her Maiesty Afterwards taking his leaue of the king with great reuerence he retired vnto his lodging with his friends and companions where they found their dinner ready and as soone as the Table was taken vp euery one went to arme him and they trouped altogether in a place where Oriana might behold them and their number was so great as they were thought to be fiue hundred knights and more the most part of them being Sons vnto kings dukes or earles Afterwards in very good order they all passed along hard by the Queenes lodging Then Mabila being in one of the windows called Oriana who was laid vpon her bed as melancholy as might be saying vnto her Madame I pray you forget your heauinesse and come see how many knights you haue at your commandement All the while my cosin was in the seruice of the king your father he was accounted but as a simple wandring knight but no sooner is he departed from him when hee sheweth that hee is a Prince and mighty Lord as you may now behold and if you haue power ouer him by greater reason haue you power ouer all his troope of whom hee is the chiefe and principall Leader Oriana was so greatly comforted with this sight that euer after she was more merry and at better hearts ease In this sort did Amadis and his followers passe through the Citty and there accompanied them king Arban of North Wales Grumedan a knight of honour belonging to the Queene Brandoinas Queuorant Giontes Nephew to the King and Listoran the good iouster All these were very sorry for the departure of so many good knights especially for Amadis who prayed them that in any matter wherein his honour might bee blemished they would shew themselues to be such friends for him as hee esteemed them And although the king without any occasion had conceiued a hate against him yet they should not cease for all that to be his friends without forsaking the seruice of so good a prince and they answered him that excepting their seruice and loyalty in the which they were by duty bounde vnto the king they would bee ready to pleasure him at all times and places when and where he would employ them for the which hee heartilie thanked them Afterwards hee saide vnto them If you finde the king fit to be spoken vnto you may aduertise him that which Vrganda declared to mee in his presence is now accomplished for shee told mee that the recompence which I should haue in gayning Dominions for another should be hate anger and banishment from that place where most I desired to remaine I haue conquered as euery one knoweth with the edg of my sword and the losse of my blood the Isle of Mongaza thereby enlarging the limits of the realme of great Brittaine and notwithstanding al this the king without cause at all hath requited mee with hate but God is iust and will recompence euery one according to his deserts By my faith answered Grumedan I will not faile to let the King know as much as you haue sayde And cursed be Vrganda for prophesing so right which saide they embraced one another and tooke their leaue but Guillan the pensil whose eyes were full of teares said vnto Amadis My Lord you know my occasion and how I cannot of my selfe doe any thing being subiect so the will of another for whose sake I suffer and endure strange greefes and anguishes which is the cause that I cannot follow you for which I am very sorry and ashamed so great a desire haue I to acknowledge the fauour and honour that I haue receiued of you being in your company beseeching you most humbly at this time to holde me excused Now did Amadis vnderstand in what subiection loue did holde him and hee knew very well by himselfe what paine hee might suffer by meanes whereof he answered him My Lord Guillan God forbid that by my occasion you should commit any offence vnto the Lady whom you loue so constantly but I rather counsell you to be obedient vnto her and to serue her as hitherto you haue done and the King likewise being sure that your honour saued you wil be vnto me in all places a faithfull friend and louing companion Heere withall he embraced him taking his leaue Guillan and his fellowes returned vnto the Cittie and Amadis and his followed on their way to the Firme-Island vntill at the last they arriued along by a riuer vpon the side whereof Amadis had sent before to cause his Tents and Pauillions to be armed and set vp There they lodged for that night praising God in that they had so happily been warned of the Kings ingratitude with whom if they had remained any longer space they had but lost their time But Amadis was so heauie for his banishment from Oriana ignorant when he should see her again that he knew not in what sort to dissemble his malancholie and thus they passed away the night vntill the next morning that they had rode forward on their way In the meane time King Lisuart was in his Pallace who after the departure of so great a number of Knights perceiued that he now was but meanly accompanied Then he began to acknowledge the fault which he had committed and to repent him greatly for the words which he said vnto Amadis At the very selfe same time Gandandel and Brocadan were aduertised what Angriotta had said of them whereat they were maruailously abashed fearing least the King and the rest should dislike of the bad counsell which they had giued vnto him neuerthelesse since there was no remedy they determined to passe it ouer and to worke such meanes that neuer any of those Knights who were departed should enter into the King his fauour againe And the better to bring it to passe they both came vnto him saying Your Maiestie ought greatly to praise God that you are so honestly rid of those men who might haue wrought you much mischiefe for your highnesse knoweth there is nothing more dangerous then a secret enemy Wherefore you haue now no other thing to trouble you neither neede you take any care for your affaires because that wee two will take order and warily prouide for any perill that may happen to this Realme When the king heard them speake so audaciously hee looked vpon them with a sowre countenance and answered them I do much meruaile how you dare bee so presumptuous to perswade me that I should leaue vnto you the gouernment not onely of my house but also of my whole realm knowing that you are nothing fit not sufficient for such a charge Doe you imagine that the Princes and Lords of this monarchie will obay you knowing the place from whence you are descended And if you thinke to play the good husbands desiring to enrich mee by sparing of my treasure vpon whom doe you thinke that I may better imploy it then vpon such Gentle-men
or shee that loueth as constantly as Grimanesa and Apolidon that made this enchantment And they must of necessity enter in both together for the first time otherwise let them be assured to die most cruelly and this enchauntment shall last and all the rest of this Island vntill that the knight Lady who do surpasse in loyalty those that made the defences of the forbidden Chamber bee entred in and there haue taken their pleasure Hereupon my Lady caused Isania to be called and tolde him she was glad that she had seen these wonders but shee would yet see the Arch of loyall Louers and the chamber so renowned and in the meane season she desired him to tell her what was meant by the Hart Serpent Dogs and Lions Madame answered Isania I know no other thing thereof but that euery day at those houres and places that you did see them the combats of the beasts are made and the Hart doth alwaies leape downe from the window and the Dogs after who pursue him into a Lake not far from hence where they are hidden and seene no more vntill the next day and houre that the chase beginneth againe as you haue seene it this night past But thus much you shall know that if you were one whole yeere in this Island yet should you not haue time enough to see all the wonderfull things which there are For this cause my Lady and her company mounted on horseback and we came vnto the Palace of Apolidon to see the arch of loyall Louers and the forbidden Chamber Whereunto my Lady was no sooner come but she alighted and approched vnto the Image of copper as she that had neuer falsified her loue and passing vnder there was heard the most sweete and melodious tune in all the world and the Queene passed through euen vnto the place where the portraitures of Apolidon and Grimanesi were which seemed vnto her as though they had been aliue And from thence shee came vnto the piller of Iasper where she saw written these wordes Briolania the daughter to Tagadan king of Sobradisa is the third Damosell that did euerenter into this place But seruice all vpon one occasion and therefore it is reason that all of vs should succor him that hath most need of helpe And although wee had no desire to aide Don Galuanes heere present yet are wee bound to fauour Ladies in all that we can and amongst other Madasima and hers assuring you that through my fault they shall neither haue hurt nor displeasure By my faith said Quedragant you speak vertuously and according to good reason for doing otherwise we should be vnworthy of the name of knights and although I were my selfe alone yet would I seeke aide to execute that which you haue determined knowing that the poore Madasima forsaken of euery one hath freely yeelded her selfe into the King his prisons not by her owne will but by the dutifull obedience which shee desired to shew vnto her mother For which cause if the king pretend any right vnto the lands of the Isle of Mongaza I say hee doth wrong My Lords answered Amadis those things which are debated by sound deliberation doe assuredly come vnto good end you need not doubt that enterprising this which you determine you shall performe it vnto your honour yea although it were more dangerous and difficult then it is neuerthelesse if it please you I will declare what I thinke thereof You doe all conclude so farre as I see to set at liberty the twelue Damosels now prisoners with king Lisuart Therefore I am of the opinion that twelue of you without any more should vndertake this enterprise so euery one of you shall haue one of them and the twelue gentlewomen shall bee particularly bound vnto twelue knights and the rest of this company shall spare themselues and tarry heere to preuent such inconueniencies as may happen Mee thinkes that Galuanes vnto whom this matter doth chiefly appertaine deserueth well to be the first man that shall be named next Agrates his nephewe Florestan my brother Palomir Dragonis Brian Nicoran Orlandid Garnat Imosil brother to the Duke of Burgoine Madansil and Eaderin You twelue are such valiant knights as you may answere twelue others whatsoeuer they bee and King Lisuart cannot deny the combate although it should bee against the chiefest of his Realme considering the houses from which you are descended This counsaile was so well allowed of all that about mid-night following the twelue knights mounted on horse-backe taking their way vnto the Citie of Thassillana in the which the King soiourned CHAP. XXII How Oriana remayned in great perplexity not onely for the departure of Amadis but also because she felt her selfe great with childe and of that which happened to the twelue Knights that were departed from the Firme-Island to deliuer Madasima and her Damosels A Little before it hath beene tolde vnto you how Amadis remained eight daies in Mirefleur with Oriana contenting their affections and desires to the full in such sort as two moneths after or there about the Princesse doubted that she was with childe neuerthelesse for the little experience that she had in such matters she made no account thereof vntill after the departure of Amadis whē the liuely coulour in her face beganne to fade and decay and her stomack waxed very bad and weake so that this doubt was turned into a certaintie wherefore shee determined to acquaint Mabila and the Damosell of Denmarke therewith as vnto those whom she esteemed the true treasurers of her secrets For which cause beeing one day withdrawne into her closet hauing her eyes full of teares and her heart oppressed with griefe shee sayd vnto them Alas my deare friends and louing counsellors I do now well perceiue that Fortune wil wholy work my ruine and ouerthrowe You haue seene what inconuenience hath happened of late vnto the person whom I doe most loue in the world and now that which is worst of all the thing which I haue most feared and doubted is lighted vpon mee For certainely I am with child and I know not what I shall doe that I be not discouered and vndone Much abashed were these two Damosels at this neuerthelesse as those which were wise well aduised they dissembled that which they thought thereof And Mabila answered Oriana Take no care Madame God shall prouide well enough for you if it please him but by my faith said shee in smiling I alwaies doubted that vnto such a Saint such an offering would be brought Oriana smiled to see with what a prettie grace Mabila deliuered this pleasant speech answered her For the honour of God doe you both aduise to giue mee some remedy and then you shall see if I cannot requite your frumps As for mee I thinke it best that wee find the meanes to retyre vnto Mirefleur or elsewhere frō the Court staying the time vntill it shall please God to regard me in pitty for I feele my belly to rise
and I see my face already waxen leane Madame sayde the Damosell of Denmarke it is an easie matter to preuent an inconuenience when it is foreseene before it happen I will tell you answered the Princesse whereupon I haue bethought mee It is necessarie that you Damosell doe hazard your life for the sauing of my honour You see that I doe put more trust in you then in any other person that liueth Madame sayde shee you knowe or at the least you should know mee so well that I haue neither life nor honour named Sarquiles Cosen vnto Angrietta de Estranaux being in louâ— with one of the Neeces of Broquadan was by chance hidden behind the Tapestrie of the same chamber staying for some signe or watch word which was to be giuen vnto him by his louing Mistresse hee I say heard all their counsaile whereat hee was wonderfull abashed For which cause incontinently after the traytours were departed hee came foorth from his place where hee had almost all that day beene hidden and the next morning hee armed him and as if he had beene come some farre iourney he entred into the Pallace where the king was vnto whom he came and sayd If it may please your Maiesty I am none of your subiect nor liege man but in requitall of the bringing vp and education that I haue had in your Court I am bound to preserue and defend the honoâ—â— of your Maiesty Wherefore your highnesse may be pleased to bee aduertised that within these three dayes I was in such a place where I heard that Broquadan and Gandandel did not only then conspire but already had committed against God and your grace the greatest treason that might be imagined It is sure that they determined to counsell perswade you to put Madasima and her gentlewomen to death and for the rest I hope if it like your Maiesty before ten dayes be past that their wickednes shal be wholy laid open proued vnto you And because that in maintayning such traitors you haue of late banished my Lord Amadis and many other good knights from your coÌ„pany I am not determined to stay any longer with you and therefore I take my leaue of your grace to goe seeke out my Vncle Angriotta whom if God please you shall see in these parts and I with him determined to auouch by force of armes against these two traytors their vniust conspiracies God be with you answered the king seeing that you haue so great haste Herewithall Sarquiles rose vp leauing the king alone very pensiue for the wordes which hee had said vnto him and some few dayes after he arriued in the Firme-Island as Amadis Angriotta Bruneo and others were walking by the Sea side causing certaine ships to be prepared and rigged to passe into Gaule where king Perion had sent vnto Amadis that he should come for certaine affaires which were lately happened vnto him When Angriotta beheld his Nephew Sarquiles he wondred thereat inquiring of him why hee had left king Lisuart My Lord answered Sarquiles it is for a matter whereat you all this coÌ„panie wil greatly admire Hereupon hee recited vnto them the whole discourse of the practises and counsailes that Broquadan and Gandandel had held vpon the accusation of Amadis his companions Well answered Angriotta I did alwaies thinke so of them And you my Lord said hee vnto Amadis doe now finde that to be true which I haue here-tofore told you But seeing it is so I protest they shall repent their treacherie for I will depart hence tomorrowe morning to goe and fight with them and make them acknowledge their villany Gentle friend answered Amadis the matter being so certaine as it is you haue no reason to deferre the execution of your enterprise and if you had any sooner performed that which you now determine it had beene perchance with lesse assurance then you now haue And after many other discourses they went vnto their lodging vntill the next morning that Angriotta took his leaue of Amadis and accompanied with his Nephew Sarquiles tooke the right way towards great Brittaine where within few dayes after he arriued Now you must vnderstand that euer since the departure of Amadis king Lisuart was so melancholly as no man could be more and hee spent all the day long in studying with himselfe whereof one time aboue all the rest Broquadan and Gandandel seeing him alone very pensiue came vnto him and sayd May it please your Maiesty it seemeth vnto vs that the ouer great care which you take in these your affaires depriueth you of your wonted manner of life and you take matters more to heart then you neede It may wel be answered the king but what meane you to tell me so Is it if it like your Maiesty sayd they for doubt of those that come from the Firme-Island in the defence of Madasima and her Damosels by the faith wee owe vnto God if it please your grace to credit our counsell you and your estate shall be henceforth in greater security then euer yet it hath beene And to bring that to passe commaund the heades of those pledges which you haue this day to bee smitten off Then afterwardes send vnto Galuanes and the rest of his compapanie your enemies that vpon their liues they be not once so hardy as to enter into your countries and if by chance they be already arriued command them foorth-with to depart or otherwise you will cause them to bee cut in peeces When the King heard this wicked speech and vngodly counsaile of theirs hee remembred that which Sarquiles had tolde vnto him therwithall he knew that without doubt these two traytors did with wrong procure the death of these Damosels notwithstanding because he would not at that time amase them hee onely answered this You counsaile mee to things farre vnfitting my estate the one that I should without processe or order of Iustice put Madasima and her Damosels to death and the other that I should forbid froÌ„ my Court those knights that are minded to come thither But if I should doe this which you say I might bee grieuously reproued for it before God who hath by his great bounty and mercy instituted mee King to administer Iustice vnto euery one alike therefore the counsell which you doe giue vnto mee is wicked and vnworthy to be receiued Let it suffice you therefore that I haue already listned vnto you in the accusation which you haue contriued against Amadis whereof I doe greatly repent mee for I neuer receiued of him nor any of his but all honor pleasure seruice wherefore I charge you vpon your liues that you mooue me no more thereof Saying so he rose vp shewing by his countenance that hee was very angry whereat Gandandel and Broquadan were greatly abashed and they were constrained to departe vnto their lodging to determine what was best for theÌ„ to be done seeing that already fortune had maruailously crossed them they came not in the
himselfe so well but that hee felt some part of the strokes for he was sore wounded in many places yet was it nothing in respect of the others In the meane time Sarquiles whom Damas had in hand began to be ashamed with the ouer great resistance that his enemy made vnto him and for the same cause setting spurs vnto his horse he found the meanes to buckle with his enemy and as they were strugling together and striuing who should fall first Angriotta doubting that his Nephew would haue the worst drew towards him but before hee came neer vnto him Sarquiles and Damas fell down one vpoÌ„ another By this means was their incounter re-enforced because that Angriotta endeauoured to succour his Nephew the others to relieue their kinsman Who being vnder Sarquiles could by no meanes rise vp for Sarquiles held him so short that pulling off his helmet hee thrust his sword into his throat then seeing his enemy dead hee left him there came running vpon Tarin and his companion who were in a manner out of breath ready to yeeld or to aske mercy The which the King Broquadan Gandandel perceiuing they were so sory that they departed Notwithstanding although they were displeased with this sight yet all the rest of the Court there present tooke pleasure to behold it for the loue which they did beare vnto Amadis his friends And more gladder yet were they when they saw them brought to the extreamity of their vnhappy end For scant had the King turned his head froÌ„ the window but that Angriotta did hit Corian so forcible a blow that hee quite cut off all his right shoulder with the extreame griefe whereof giuing a signe of his death he fell downe kissing the ground with his nose after whom Tarin staied not long before he did as much Thus were the sons of these traitors slaine for the which Madasima Oriana and many others did greatly reioyce Then Angriotta his Nephewes tooke the bodies of the vanquished and dragged them forth of the fields afterwards they demaunded of the ludges if they had performed as much as was requisite who answered that they had Whereupon they both retyred in great triumph accompanied with their friends they came vnto the tents of their fellowes coÌ„ducting with them Madasima and her women because they knew assuredly that King Lisuart was very angry for the good fortune which had hapned vnto theÌ„ so much hurt did he wish vnto Amadis notwithstaÌ„ding that he wel perceiued how his affairs prospered very badly euer since he had driuen him away the FreÌ„ch knights of his coÌ„pany The end of the Second Booke A Table of the Chapters contained in this Second Booke CHAPTER I. THe description of the Firme-Island who made the inchantments and placed those great riches which were sound in the same Fol. I. Chap. 2. How Amadis Galaor Florestan and Agraies hauing taken leaue of the faire Briolania to returne vnto King Lisuart were carried into the Firme-Island to prooue the arch of Loyall louers and the other aduentures in the same Fol. 6. Chap. 3. How Durin departed to goe towards Amadis vnto whom he deliuered the Letters from Oriana and what hurt hapned thereby F. 14. Chap. 4. How Gandalin and Durin followed the same way that Amadis had taken brought the rest of his armour which hee had left behinde then found him sleeping and how he fought against a Knight whoÌ„ hee did ouer come Fol. 18. Chap. 5. Who was the Knight vanquishea by Amadis and what happened vnto him before he fought with him Fol. 23. Chap. 6. How Don Galaor Florestan and Agraies vndertooke the search of Amadis who hauing left his armour changed his name and withdrew himselfe to an Hermitage in the company of a very olde Hermite There to liue solitary F. 27. Chap. 7. How Durin returned vnto the Princesse Oriana vnto whom hee declared the sorrowfull newes of Amadis and of the great sorrow which she made after she vnderstood of his dispaire Fol. 35. Chap. 8. How Don Guillan the Pensiue did bring vnto the Court of King Lisuart the shield armour and sword of Amadis which hee had found lying by the fountaine of the plaine field Fol. 39. Chap. 9. How the Faire Forlorne beeing in the Rocke with the Hermite there arriued a ship in the which was Corisanda who sought for her friend Florestan and of that which happened vnto them Fol. 46. Chap. 10. How the Gentlewoman of Denmarke going in search of Amanis after long trauaile coasting along many strange Islands by chance she arriued in the poore Rocke where Amadis was who was called the Faire Forlorne whom she knew how they returned together towards Oriana Fol. 53. Chap. 11. How Galaor Florestan and Agraies departed from the Firme-Island to goe seeke Amadis of whom they could heare no tydings at all wherupon they alreturned vnto the Court of King Lisuart Fol. 60. Chap. 12. How King Lisuart being set at the Table there came before him a strange Knight armed at all points who defied him The conference that Florestan had with him and how Oriana was comforted with the good news that she receiued from Amadis Fol. 71. Chap. 13. How the Faire Forlorne sent Enil his Esquire vnto London to cause a new armour to be made for him what aduenture chanced vnto him in going to Mireflour Fol. 78. Chap. 14. How that after the Faire Forlorne had ended his aduenture be went vnto the fountaine of the three Channels from thence he tooke his way to Mireflcur where he found Oriana with whom he remained eight dayes together and at the same â—â—me there arriued in the Court of King Lisuart an auncient Gentlemen bringing with him two Iewels of singular vertue whereby the faithfull louer from the fained might be tryed the which Amadis Oriana determine to make proofe of in such secret manner that they would neither be knowne of the King nor any other Fol. 90. Chap. 15. How the Damosell of Denmarke was sent vnto London to know what answer Enil had receiued from the King touching the safe conduct which was demanded by the Faire Forlorne who did afterwards bring Oriana thither to proue the strange Iewels Fol. 99. Chap. 16. How after the Faire Forlorne had brought Oriana backe againe to Mirefluer he departed that he might be in the battell with King Lisuart and what happened vnto him Fol. 110. Chap. 17. How King Cildadan and Galaor were vnawares to them-selues carried away by twelue Damosels and one of them was put into a strong Tower enuironed with the Sea and the other in a Garden enclosed with high walles where they thought they had beene in prison of that which happened there vnto them Fol. 120. Chap. 18 How the euening ensuing the King being risen from the Table walking about the galleries of his Pallace he behâ—ld two great fires vpon the Sea that came directly towards the Citie Fol. 130. Chap. 19. How after the departure of Vrganda the King beeing readie to mount on horsebacke to execute the enterprise which he had determined to make vpon the burning Lake there came before him a Damsel Gyantesse to vnderstand whether his Maiesty would bee pleased to referre the quarrell that hee pretended in his voyage vpon the combate betwixt Ardan Canila and amadis of Gaule with such conditions as shall be declared vnto you Fol. 137. Chap. 20. How Bruneo de bonne Mer did fight with Madamine the ambitious brother to the Damosel iniurious and of the accusations that were made by some of the enemies of Amadis vnto the King for which cause he and many others that were desirous to follow him aâ— parted from the Couâ—t Fol. 151. Chap. 21. How Amadis with many others his confederâ—tes forsook the seruice of King Lisuart and went as well to proue the aduentures of the Arch of loyall louers as also of the forbidden chambâ—r Fol. 163. Chap. 22. How Oriana remained in great perplexitie not onely for the departure of Amadis but also because she â—â—lt herselfe great with childe and of that which happened to the twelue Knights that were departed from the Firme-Island to deliuer Madasima and her Damosels Fol. 173. FINIS
passe I pray thee let assurance be giuen to my Souldiours that without iniury they may carry me into my Country and dying like a Christian I may pay my debt both to God men Faine would I haue councel for my ouer burdened Soule then afterward shall I render to King Perion what I vsurped from him And as for thee who hast vanquished me I despise not to dye by the valiance of so gentle a Knight as thou art but withall my hart pardon thee my death wishing thou mayest continue honorable and yet hereafter to remember me When the Prince saw him in such debilitie he was exceeding sorowfull for his death although he knew assuredly that if he had woon the glory of the combate he would haue dealt much worse with him During these speeches the Knights appointed on each side came to them wherefore King Abies commanded his Captaines to render King Perion what he had conquered in Gaule which was accomplished and by these meanes the Irish-men had assurance to carry home their King who dyed soone after order was gifor their affaires These matters thus ended King Perion Agraies and all the Lords of Gaule came to the Prince accompanying him with great ioy from the fielde into the Citie euen with such triumphant glory as to Conquerours is accustomed who by their prowesse not onely ouercome their enemies but restore the Country that is well neere ruinated Now must ye vnderstand that a little before the beginning of the Combate the Damosell of Denmarke who came from faire Oriana to the Prince was arriued at king Perions Courte and before shee would make her selfe knowne she desired to behold the issue of the fight Afterward seeing him returne with so honorable a victory she shewed her selfe and taking him aside said Knight may it please you to heare a word in secret of such matter as doth verie neere concerne ye Euen what you will answered the Prince with which words he tooke her by the hand and keeping her from the throng she thus spake The Princesse Oriana who is onely yours hath sent me to you and this Letter withall wherein you shall finde your name written When he heard her named by the remembrance of whom only he liued he was so perplexed that without vnderstanding what else the Damosel said hauing taken the Letter he let it fall being readie himselfe to beare it companie which the Damosell seeing shee tooke vp the Letter and came to him againe Euery one that beheld him in these passions meruayled what newes she brought to procure this alteration but she puld him by the arme so roughly as made him forget his former Traunce thus speaking What now my Lord Take you the Message in so ill part that comes from the onely Lady in the world and who aboue all other loueth you for whose sake likewise I haue taken so great paine to find you Ah Ladie quoth he on my faith I knew not what you sayd to me for euen as you began to speak I felt the paine to renewe in mee which heretofore you haue seene me endure It is true said the Damosell but now it is needlesse for ye to conceale your selfe any longer from me for I know more of your affayres and my Ladies then you imagine because her selfe hath bewrayed them to me And if you beare her affection you neede not be ashamed thereof in that she loueth you beyond all other in respect whereof she telleth you by me that she must goe to the King her father requesting after your departure from this warre you would come see her in great Brittaine appointing all things in such order as at your arriual you may remaine there in the Court vntill more amply you vnderstand her mind Beside she gaue me charge to tell ye how she certainly knowes you are Sonne to a King wherewith she is no lesse pleased then shee thinkes you will be and seeing being ignorant of your Linage you haue proued so good a Knight now vnderstanding your Nobilitie you should labour to increase your Fame if you can And then againe shee gaue him the Letter saying Take here the Letter wherein your Name is written and which you had hanging about your necke at such time as you were found in the Sea The Prince tooke the Letter and when he looked on it remembring to what good purpose his Lady had taken it from him fetching a vehement sigh somewhat softly he thus spake Ah happy Letter most diuinely wast thou found in respect thou hast beene kept by her who hath my heart in her custodie and for whom I haue so often assayed to die yet cannot For thinking on her perfection I seeke to augment it by strength and commendation but of so slender value is my puissance found that striuing thereby to gaine her fauor the least paine I feele surpasseth a thousand deaths which neuerthelesse are now recompenced by this present benefite O highest God when shall I see the time wherein I may giue her to vnderstand how great my deuotion is to obey her by some agreeable seruice Hauing finished these words he opened the Letter and saw his Name written therein which was Amadis then thus spake the Damosell againe to him I was charged Sir when I had done my Message to returne with all speed to her that sent me to you therefore be thinke your selfe if you will command me any thing You shall not depart so please you in such haste answered the Prince but stay with mee two or three dayes during which time for what occasion so euer it be you shall not forsake me and then will I conduct you whither you please In obeying-you sayd the Damosell I trust I doe seruice to my Ladie Oriana Their talke thus breaking off he returued to the King and Agraies who stayed for him him at the entrance of the Citie where the people were wonderfully assembled in the streetes Then came the Queene with her Ladyes Gentle-women to vnarme him and the Chirurgions to visite his wounds which when they had regarded albeit they were many and yrkesom to behold yet were they to bee healed without any great daunger of his person For this night the king desired that he and Agraies would supp with him but the Prince making his excuse by his wounds went to his Chamber willing to haue no other company then the Damosel to whom he did all the honour that could be deuised hoping through her to finde remedie for part of his griefes This Damosell soiourned with him certaine time and in respect of the good Newes shee brought him no wound could hinder him from visiting the great Hall there walking and conferring with euety one but most with her whom he caused to stay attending his dispositiō till he might beare Armes And betweene them happened a strange occasion which was cause of his longer abode in Gaule then hee expected so that the Damosell returned to Oriana without him as you hereafter shall vnderstand CHAP. XI How the
fell downe ouer ouer so that the truncheon in his body passed further into him with the extreame paine whereof hee gaue vp the Ghost Arcalaus who had seen his Nephew throwne downe did suddenly put his staffe in his rest to reuenge him and running against the faire Forlorne he had surely hit him if hee had not turned some-what out of the way but hee stepped on the one side letting Arcalaus passe by and in his passing he strooke him such a blow ouer the left hand that hee cut off foure of his fingers leauing him no more then his thumbe to hold his shield which he was forced to let fall the great paine whereof enforced him to fly as fast as his horse could run without so much as once looking behind him and the faire Forlorne after him who made all the hast he could to ouertake him Notwithstanding Arcalaus was so wel moūted that in lesse then an houre hee had so far gotten the start that the Faire Forlorne wishing all the diuells in hell to follow him returned againe to Oriana and therewithall hee forthwith commanded Enil to carry the head of Lindoraque and the peece of Arcalaus his hand vnto the king and that he should recite vnto him at large vpon what occasion he was in such sort assailed So Euil departed leauing Amadis and Oriana together who shortly after arriued at Mireflour where they found Gandalin and Durin staying without the garden walls to take their horses when they should come they came to helpe the Princesse down and they told her that Mabila and the Demosell of Denmarke were on the other side of the wall in the Orchard Here-upon they raysed vp a Luther and Oriana mounted vpon it whom the faire Forlorne led by the hand when they were at the top of the wall they beheld Mabila and the Damosell of Denmarke lying fast asleepe vpon the grasse very heauy with the feare that they had endured all the day least matters should not sort to so good effect as they wished Then Oriana called them shewing vnto them the Kerchief which she had gotten which so soone as they beheld they presently ran to helpe her downe and when shee was come into the Orchard Mabila said vnto her Madame I neuer had greater dsire to see you returne then I haue had euer since your departure from hence For if you had beene discouered the Damosell I had been but in a bad taking neuerthelesse we determined to arme vs withpatience My good Cosin answered she thankes be to God all goeth well I haue the kerchiefe and your Cosin hath the sword I but thanke our Teares said Mabila by the which they were chiefely gotten My Cosin said the faire Forlorne I will not stick to shedde for you as much blood as you haue for mee done teares whensoeuer you haue neede of me but I pray if you haue any thing to eate bring it into my Ladies chamber for we haue gotten vs good stomacks Herewithal he led Oriana by the hand into the castle Now because wee will not digresse ouer far from that which happened to king Lasuart we will leaue Oriana and her company at Mirefleur to tell you what happened vnto his Maiesty and Galaor as they returned from the faire Forlorne before they came back vnto the citty For a yong Damosell did meete them who deliuered vnto each one of them a letter sent from Vrganda the Vnknowne and without saying any other thing vnto them she turned her horse toward that way from whence shee came Wherefore the king opened his Letter which contayned this that ensueth Vnto you Lisuart king of great Brittaine such health happinesse as beseemeth your Royall Maiesty I Vrganda the Vnknowne your humble seruant doe certifie you that the battell which is appointed betwixt you and king Cildadan shal be one of the most dangerous and cruellest that euer was seene in the which the faire Forlorne who hath newly giuen such great hope vnto your Maiesty shal lose his name by one blow that he shall giue all his valiant deedes shall be quite forgotten and then shall you bee in the greatest extremity that euer you were for many good knights shall lose their liues and you your selfe shal fall into the like danger at that same instant when the faire Forlorne shall draw blood from you neuerthelesse by three blowes which hee shall giue those on his side shall remaine conquerors And be your Maiesty assured that without doubt all this shal happen therfore prouide for al your affairs with good aduise After that the king had read this letter although that he was a stout prince valiant and of a couragious heart yet knowing Vrganda worthie to bee beleeued in all her prophesies he was afraid doubting least the faire Forlorne in whom he most trusted would reuolt vnto the side of the Ireland king and knowing also what danger was likely to ensue hee neuerthelesse dissembled the matter whatsoeuer he though therof And after hee had a long while mused thereupon he declared the whole circumstance of it vnto Galaor saying vnto him My faithfull friend I doe wholly determine to impart this secret vnto you and to none other that I may vnderstand what is your aduise therein Beleeue me if it like your Maiesty answered he considering what Vrganda hath written vnto me I haue more neede of counsell my selfe then to counsell another and if it were possible to conclude a peace betwixt you and the king of Irelana prouided that your honour were not thereby to be impared me thinks it should be for the best or at least if that cannot be it were good that you should not bee present in the battaile For I do see in this Letter two strange accidents likely to fall out the one is that the faire Forlorne shal wound you so cruelly that he shall shed your blood vpon the ground and the other that by three blowes which he shall giue those on his side shal remaine conquerors and by this aduertisement it seemeth that hee shall be against you Truely said the king I am so throughly assured of your good will that I know you doe faithfully and louingly aduise me so as if my trust were not in God who hitherto hath bestowed innumerable fauours vpon me as in chusing mee king ouer his people or if I did not stedfastly belieue that no liuing man is able to with-stand his diuine determination I should haue great reason to bee in doubt but you know that the hearts discretion of kings ought to bee answerable vnto the greatnesse of their estate and calling endeauouring as well to preserue their subiects in safety as to prouide for their owne security And therefore I determine to remit all into the hands of my God and patiently to endure whatsoeuer danger he shal lay vpon me for in him only remaineth the disposition of things to come for which cause my good friend I assure you that I will bee present in
the Faire Forlorne seeing that his blow had so well profited as that therewithall hee had slaine such a Gyant and deliuered the King in like sort hee began to cry aloud Gaule Gaule here is Amadis who is yet aliue So saying hee entred amongst the thickest of his enemies who had in a manner lost their hearts by seeing two of the principallest of their army in that sort to be slaine especially knowing that Amadis whom they long before thought to bee dead was present to their confusion And had not Gandaturiell one of the strongest Gyants in their troupe encouraged them againe they had then surely turned their backs but hee valiantly made head against his enemies which being perceiued by Amadis who was desirous to reuenge his brother Galaor whom hee imagined to bee dead he thrust himselfe amongst his enemies and entred into the thickest of the presse so farre that there he had remained without the ayd which King Lisuart brought vnto him who had recouered his horse and there were in his companie Bruneo Florestan Guillan Laâ—asin Galuanes Olinas and Don Grumedan who carryed his standard which was cut asunder betweene his armes All those seeing Amadis in so great danger although the most part of them were very sorely wounded had such exceeding ioy when they knewe that it was hee that they bestirred them in such sort as notwithstanding all the resistance that these Irishmen could make they gaue ayde vnto Amadis and passing on further they found Agraies Palomir Branfil and Dragonis manfully fighting on foote against those that had throwne them downe Yet they were so neerely driuen that they could not any longer withstand the force of their enemies although they had already slaine more then sixe as well Gyants as Irishmen which would haue ouer-runne them and without doubt they had beene so handled had not these succours come vnto them So that they which would haue forced them had enough to doe to defend themselues because that Amadis in spight of them made them to recoyle backe and that in such sort as with the ayde of his troupe hee was the meane that his Cosen Agraies and his fellowes did remount their horses Then the forces of King Lisuart encreased and the Irish troupes decreased who dispairing of all helpe had recourse vnto their vessels which were afloate hard by the shoare to saue their booty if Fortune had not contradicted them but Amadis pursuing the victory chased them with such fury that the most part of the vanquished desired rather to be buried amidst the waues of the Sea then on the shoare which was so died and watered with their blood The which Gandaturiell perceiuing being esteemed amongst all the Gyants one of the stoutest without any feare at all of his death which hee saw ready prepared for him desiring before the end of his dayes to bee reuenged bearing his head somewhat lowe and holding his sharp sword in his hand he would haue stroken at king Lisuart but Florestan stepped before him who hit him so sound a knock with his sword vpon the Helmet that hee made it flie from his head and the King who was hard at hand seeing him bare diuided his pate into two parts Then was there a great slaughter of the Irishmen for they were all now ouerthrowne by Amadis Florestan and Agraies who persued them euen into the Sea where they were swallowed vp with waues wherewith king Lisuart and his people retyred And because that Amadis had marked the place where hee had seene Galaor stroken downe hee prayed his Cosen Agraies others that they would helpe him to finde him amongst the dead Neuerthelesse they had not found him without the helpe of Florestan who knew him by a greene sleeue which hee did weare wrought full of white flowers but hee was so couered with blood dust that they could scant knowe him And I doe not knowe so hard a heart which had then seene the mone that Amadis did make for him that would not haue burst forth into teares for he beholding him in this estate fell down all along vpon him Whereby his wounds did open against which the congealed blood was already setled and I thinke that Amadis had died vpon him if twelue Damosels had not by chaunce come thither suddenly who were very richly attyred and had caused a rich bed to bee brought by their Esquires these finding Amadis so desperate sayde vnto him My Lord wee are come hither to seeke your brother Galaor and if you will euer see him aliue suffer vs to carry him presently away otherwise there is no Chyrurgion in all Great Brittaine that is able to heale him Herewithall Amadis was greatly ashamed because the Damosels had found him in that order and although that hee knew them not yet hearing them speak of his brothers health hee determined seeing the extreame perill wherein he was not to refuse their request though it was to his extreame griefe And therefore he answered them my faire gentlewomen may in please you to tell vs whither you will carry him Not now said they but if you will desire to haue him liue giue him vnto vs without any longer delay otherwise wee will be gone Alas answered he I pray let mee followe you You may not and yet for your sake wee are coÌ„tent that Ardan the Dwarffe and his Esquire shall accompanie him Then they layd him vpon the bed all armed as hee was they caused him forthwith to be carried into the ship from whence they were come which was yet close to the shoare Afterwards they returned againe vnto king Lisuart to entreate him that hee would giue them king Cildadan who lay among the dead and to induce him thereunto they shewed vnto him that although Fortune had fauoured him in this exployt yet hee should not exteÌ„d his cruelty vpon his enemy The which the King considering permitted them to carry him away dead or aliue wherefore the Damosels took him vp and carried him away with Galaor and so soone as they came into the ship they set sayle hauing the winde so faire that suddenly they were out of all mens sight Thus king Lisuart remayned coÌ„querour ouer his enemies going quite through the field to find out as well such of his owne people as those of his enemies that were not yet thoroughly dead to cause them carefully to bee looked vnto by skilfull Surgeons And as hee went from one place to another hee met with Amadis whose face was all to be blubbered with tears vnto whom he had not as yet spoken since his returne and seeing him so heauy after he had knowne the cause of his mone hee shewed an euident signe of the sorrow that he sustayned for Galaors sake whoÌ„ hee loued as dearely as himselfe not without cause for from the first day that hee receiued him for one of his knights he alwaies serued him faithfully neuer forsaking him for any warre or debate that happened betweene his maiesty Amadis as hereafter
shall bee rehearsed vnto you But the King desirous to manifest the force of his vertue the better to comfort his knights all wounded as hee was lighted from his horse to imbrace Amadis who kneeled down to shew his duty vnto his Maiesty My deere friend sayd king Lisuart you are most happily met I know now very well that without your ayde the realme of Great Brittaine had beene in no small danger and I pray you be not so heauy for the losse of your brother seeing that the Damosels haue assured you of his health In this sorte want king Lisuart comforting of Amadis whom hee caused to mount on horse-backe and afterwards hee brought him into his tent where there was brought somewhat for them to eat because he would depart the next day he appointed ouer night that the dead should bee buried in a Monestarie hard by the place where the battaile was giuen vppon the which place hee had bestowed great riches to cause them to pray for him In like sort hee dispatched a knight to goe in haste to aduertise the Queene of the victory that hee gad gotten ouer his enemies and the next morning he tooke his way toward the Citty of Gonata which was about foure leagues off where hee remayned vntill he and his people were healed While these things were in doing the Queene Brialania got leaue of Queene Brisena that she might goe to Mirefleur to visit Oriana hauing a great desire to see her because she was renowmed through all the world for her most excellent beauty Of whose comming Oriana being aduertised she caused the place to bee decked vp as well as possibly it might be and she receiued her most honorably but when she beheld her to bee so faire the suspition that shee had conceiued against Amadis was not so thoroughly mortified but that it somewhat reuiued againe in her notwithstanding all the proof that she had had of him eyther by his passing thorough the Arch of loyall louers or by his winning of the olde mans sworde beleeuing assuredly that ' it was a thing impossible that any man could be so constant as hee might forbeare from louing a creature so beautifull as Briolania was On the other side Briolania verily thought that the often sighes of Amadis in her presence proceeded of no other cause but the affection which hee did beare vnto Oriana for shee was the most rare Princesse and of the sweetest grace that euer shee had seene Thus were these two Ladies suspitious one of another and they remayned together discoursing of diuerse matters agreeable to their affections especially of the vertues and perfections of Amadis But Oriana the better to diue into the thought of Briolania sayde vnto her I doe much maruaile gentle Cosen considering the bond wherein you are tyed vnto Amadis as also seeing that hee is decsended from Emperours and the sonne vnto the king of Gaule that you haue not chosen him for your husband Madame answered Briolania beleeue me I should haue thought my self most happy if the same might haue beene brought to passe but yet of one thing I can assure you the which I pray you to keepe as secret as it deserueth Many times did I motion such a matter vnto him but his continuall sighes did presently yeelde me an answere in his behalfe yet could I neuer vnderstand in what place his loue was so setled so couert and secret is hee in all his affections neuerthelesse let him be whatsoeuer hee will be he shall dispose of me and all that mine is foreuer as he shall thinke good Exceeding glad was Oriana to vnderstand these newes by the which shee appeaâ—ed her new conceiued iealousie against Amadis and sayd vnto Briolania I doe greatly maruaile what shee is whom hee loueth as you say and there is no doubt but that he is one of the number of these louers by the testimony which the image of the enchanted Arch hath declared of him for according vnto that which hath been recited vnto me it shewed more for him then euer it did for any that there before had passed He loueth without doubt answered Briolania but it is so secret that non may knowe what or where she is In this sort did the two Princesses passe away their time still talking of Amadis during their aboad in the Castle of Mirefleur from whence within a fewe dayes after they departed to go towards Fenusa to see the Queene Brisena where she stayed for King Lisuart who was very glad to see her daugter returne in so good health There they had newes of the victory that the King had against the Prince of Ireland wherewith their ioy redoubled and God was highly praised but when Queen Briolania knew that he which was called the Faire Forlorne was Amadis of Gaul neuer was there woman more ioyful then she And although that Oriana and Mabila knew the cause thereof very well as you haue heard yet did they dissemble the matter and seemed to wonder thereat no lesse then the rest by meanes whereof Briolania did often times say thus vnto them would you euer haue suspected that Amadis would haue thus disguised himselfe taken a strange name amongst his deerest friends desiring thereby to extinguish his owne renowne by the great proâ—esse that hee performed vnder the title of a stranger By my faith answered Oriana if hee returne with the King wee must know of him wherefore hee did it and also what shee was that gained the kerchiefe with him I assure you said Briolania that we will not sticke to demand it of him and I beleeue he will willingly tell vs. CHAP. XVII How King Cildadan and Galaor were vnawares to themselues carried away by twelue Damosels and one of them was put into a strong Tower inuironed with the Sea and the other in a garden inclosed with high wals where they thought they had beene in prison and of that which happened there vnto them NOw wee will rehearse vnto you the enteâ—taynement that was made vnto King Cildadan and Galaor whom the Gentlewomen had put into the ship and they were carried and so well looked vnto that the third day following they began to amend for vntill then they had lost all manner of feeling and remembrance And Galaor found himselfe to bee layd in a chamber within a garden furnished in the most sumptuous order that euer he had seene the which was supported vp with foure Marble pillers inuironed notwithstanding with great gates of iron through the which he might easily see from his bed where hee lay all the circuit of the garden the which was closed about with high walles not hauing any entrance into it but one little dore couered ouer with plates of iron whereby he thought that hee was in prison Then did he begin to feele such great griefe in his wounds that hee hoped for nothing but death Then did hee remember that hee had beene in the battaile but he knew not who had either brought him away
the earth and the Queene also who is one of the wisest Ladies that liueth Then shee called Amadis saying vnto him My Lord Amadis come neer and I will tell you to ease you of the trauaile that you should haue in seeking of Galaor that your brother is well and so throughly healed that you shall see him heere very shortly therefore leaue off your determined search of him for hee is in such a place as all the men in the world can neuer finde him Madame answered Amadis when hee was demanded of me by the Damosels that carried him away I imagined that he should be saued by you and that no other but Vrganda would haue vndertaken such an enterprise which hath euer since put mee in good hope without the which I thinke I had beene dead For this one thing I am sure of that there is no knight in the world more bound to Lady or gentlewoman then I am to you for the which I am not able to yeeld you such condigne thanks as I doe owe and you deserue but you know very well that Amadis his life shall neuer be spared to do you seruice Madame said the king will it please you to come and rest you in my Pallace Your Maiesty answered Vrganda shall pardon me for I will remayne this night in my galley and to morrow I wil doe whatsoeuer it shal please you but Amadis Agraies Bruneo and Guillan shall keepe mee companie because I knowe they are as amorous as my selfe and their companie will be a meanes to driue away all melanchollie Doe what you will said the King for you shall be obeyed Then he caused the people to returne vnto the Citty and he himself bidding Vrganda good night departed leauing for her guard a number of archers vpon the sands the next morning the Queene sent vnto Vrganda twelue of her owne hacknies richly trapped vpon the which shee and her women entred into the Cittie and Vrganda rode in the midst of the foure knights which she had ouernigh detained to keep her companie They intertained her with diuerse discourses by the way wherein she tooke so great pleasure that shee said vnto them Beleeue meâ— it would bee a long time before should be wearie of so good companie as this of yours is for I assure you that I finde you all foure so agreeable to my nature that you are particularly euen all one with my selfe for if I bee in loue you are no lesse holding Ladies in most great estimation And this saide Vrganda because that shee languished with extreame loue which shee did beare vnto the faire Knight of whom in our first booke wee haue mentioned vnto you Their conference was no sooner ended when they approached neere vnto the Pallace but the King who there had staied came forth to meete them and as hee embraced Vrganda bidding her heartily welcome she looked round about her vpon the companie and beheld a great number of knights in each place Whereuppon she sayd me thinks your Maiesty is now royally accompanied not onely for the multitude of great personages that are with you but especially for the loue which I am sure they do beare vnto you for which you ought greatly to praise God For the Prince that is beloued of his subiects may be sure to maintaine his estate in great safety therefore your Maiesty must endeauour to entertaine and vse them Kingly that your fortune which hitherto hath fauoured you do not forsake you if you doe otherwise and aboue all things take heede of false reports seeing that it is the very poyson and ruine of such Princes as giue credit vnto them And as the King would haue brought her to her chamber she said vnto him may it please your Maiesty that I may first goe and doe my duty to the Queene I with all my heart gentle Lady answered hee I am sure that shee will be most glad to see you as shee that hath greatly desired to honour and please you Herewithall hee conducted her where the Ladies were and so soone as the Queene did see her she rose vp and kissed her saying that she was exceeding welcome then shee made her sit downe betweene Oriana Briolania whom Vrganda had neuer yet seene and shee found that Briolania was the fairest Lady in they world if Oriana by her excellency had not blemished her beauty and to speake truth there was great difference betweene them two Then Vrganda sayde vnto the Queene Madame I doe now finde that true which I haue euer heard reported Which is that the King was more accompanied with worthy knights then any other Christian Prince and you also attended vpon by the fairest Ladies on the earth for hee which conquered the Firm-Island being a better knight then Apolidon the famous victory which so lately hath beene obtayned against King Cildadan by the effusion of the blood of so many Gyants as there dyed are sufficient witnesses of the one and I am sure to proue the other it will easily be granted vnto me that vnder the firmament it is not possible to finde fairer Ladies then these two heere pointing to Oriana and Briolania but if your Court hath this preheminence it is yet honoured for one thing and farre more recommendable which is the loyalty wherein loue is there maintayned as well to be seene by the proofe of the burning sword and the kerchiefe beset with flowers which aduenture was performed in your presence When Oriana heard her goe so farre in her talke her heart beganne to tremble and she became sorry and pensiue fearing least Vrganda would speake more in disclosing the secresie betweene Amadis and her But Amadis who was present knowing the wisedome of her that knew all things and the doubt of Oriana hee approached vnto her whispering thus in her eare I assure you Madame that Vrganda is ouer discreete to speake any thing foolishly or vnaduisedly And therewithall hee turned vnto the Queene saying vnto her Madame your grace may demaund if it please you of Vrganda what she was that gained the kerchiefe I pray you sayd the Queene tell vs that By my faith answered Vrganda there is great cause why Amadis should know better what shee was then I for shee followed him and after-ward hee deliuered her from the hands of Arcalaus the enchanter and from Lindoraq his Nephew not without great daunger of his person Madame sayd Amadis it was impossible that I should either know her of my selfe better then you did seeing that you knowe that shee desiring to remaine vnknowne would neuer vncouer her face before me yet from you nothing may bee so well concealed that is not at your pleasure reuealed Truely answered Vrganda for your sake I will presently declare vnto you as much as I know The Dâ—…ell whose loyalty is so knowne is no maide for shee is a faire 〈◊〉 aboue all others most excellent and for the same cause did shee conquer the kerchiefe so renowined especially through
the constant loue which she did beare vnto her Lord. She is by birth of the Kings countrey by her Mother an Alien and her continuall abiding is in this Realme where shee liueth so aboundantly that if she wanteth any thing it is onely because shee cannot at all times when shee pleaseth enioy him whom shee loueth better then her selfe further shall you not knowe what she is by me Oriana who feeling he 〈◊〉 touched by Vrganda was not wel contented doubting least shee should haue proceeded further vntill shee held her peace and that the Queen answered truly gentle Ladie you haue so cunningly deciphered her vnto vs that there is not any heere in my opinion the better for her knowledge sauing onely that wee did thinke her a maide and you assure vs that shee is a wife A time will come said she that you shal know her better Herewithall the King who was minded to feast Vrganda came to seeke her that hee might lead her to dinner hee made her sit close beside him afterwards they spent the rest of the day in spotting making good cheare vntill it was time to goe to rest Then Viganda came vnto the Queene to entreate her that shee would be pleased to 〈◊〉 her to lie in Oriana her chaÌ„ber the which shee willingly did grant vnto her Neuerthelesse sayd the Queene I feare that her youthfull behauiour will somewhat disquiet you In faith Madame answered shee her beauty shall be more hurtful vnto many good knights whose prowesse cannot be so great as that it may defend them from sundry perils which they are likely to fall into for her loue for that their deaths will hardly be eschewed if they do not wisely preuent it The Queene could not refraine from laughter and saide vnto Vrganda Hitherto she may be pardoned for any such danger that shee hath as yet brought those vnto of whom you speake and therefore for this time I bid you good night Here-upon the Queene departed and Vrganda was brought vnto the Princesse her lodging where shee found the Queene Briolania and Mabila that kept her companie with whoâ— she discoursed so long of diuerse pleasant matters vntill ouercome of sleep they were constrained to lay them downe Now they were all foure lodged in one chamber together notwithstanding Vrganda perceiuing Briolania and Mabila to be fast asleepe and Oriana awake shee sayd vnto her Madame if you now doe not take your rest for thinking vpon him that day and night doth wake for your loue your quiet and his are both alike I knowe not what you meane answered Oriana but sure I am that loue neuer hindered me from sleepe Vrganda knew very well that she made her this answer because shee would not that Briolania should vnderstand the loue betwixt her and Amadis wherefore she sayd vnto her assure you that I am so carefull that your secrets be not disclosed as I will not offend you with any thing that I speak for I know what is needfull for you better then your selfe Madame answered Oriana you may waken the Gentlewomen that are in this chamber Let me alone for that sayd Vrganda I will rid you straight of this feare Therewithall shee tooke forth a booke which was so little one might haue couered it with his hand and after she had read therein a little while she sayd vnto Oriana let this suffice you that now wee may speake in safety for what noyse soeuer we make they shall not stirre vntill I awake them and if any doe enter into this chamber they shall fall downe vpon the sloute in as sound a sleepe as they and harke how they snort already Heereat Oriana began to laugh and rising forth of her bed shee came vnto Mabila and Briolania whose armes she pulled very rudely but for all that euer she could doe they stirred no more then a stone will you yet see sayd Vrganda the pastime of those that shall come ouer the threshold of your chamber doore call the Damosell of Denmarke who is in this wardrobe which Oriana did And as the Damosell had set her foote in the chamber she fell downe vpon the floure beganne to sleepe and snort more soundly then either Mabila or Briolania Wherefore Oriana went layd her downe by Vrganda and sayde vnto her Madame seeing that you know so much of my affaires I beseech you to tell mee what must happen vnto me How answered VrgaÌ„da do you think the sooner to escape that which is predestined vnto you by being aduertised thereof aforehand You may beleeue that it is not in the power of any mortall man to alter that which God hath appointed vnto him bee it good or bad vnlesse it be by his free will and grace neuerthelesse since you so greatly desie to know your fortune I am content afterwards make your profit thereof as you can Harken now then at such time as your heauinesse shall bee at the highest many good knightsÌ„ shall perish for your loue Then the sâ—…g Lion accompanied with his beast shall come forth of his denne with his loud roaring cries shal in such sort astonish those that shall haue you in keeping that mauger all their force you shall remaine in the pawes of that royall beast who shall throwe from your head the rich crowne that shall no more bee yours Afterwardes this famished beast hauing your body in his power shal beare you into his caue where hee shall feede in such sort as his extreame hunger shall be slaked Therefore my daughter take heed what you do for this which I haue foretold you shall without doubt come to passe By my faith answered Oriana I could haue beene well content to haue forborne this curiosity for the sorrowfull end that is prepared for mee doth trouble all my spirits Faire Lady saide Vrganda another time bee lesse curious to vnderstand that which is beyond your capasitie neuerthelesse oftentimes such things as are misticall and fearefull doe for the most part turne into ioy pleasure and profit therefore be not you discomforted in any sort seeing that you are daughter vnto the best king most vertuous Queene that liueth vpon the earth beeing endued with such excellent beauty that your renowne is spreade ouer all countreies and more-ouer you are beloued of him who is honoured and esteemed more then any other Knight You know as well as I that hee loueth you by the experience not onely of that which hath beene tolde you and you haue made knowne vnto him but also by the aduentures which hee hath brought to passe in your presence therefore you ought to thinke your selfe happy aboue all those that are best beloued being mistresse of him that deserueth by his chiualrie to be Lord of all the world Now it is time to wake the Ladies end our discourse Here-withall shee began to read againe in her booke and at that instant the Ladies that were asleepe began to breath as if they had
it which deceiueth you for if they had heretofore offended you you would haue beene ware of them as of your enemies but they can wisely cloake their pretended treason colouring it with an humble speech accompanied with some small seruices wherein they haue employed themselues watching a time of more fit opertunity The King turned his head on the one side without answering any farther because there came some Gentlemen vnto him neuerthelesse Gandandel being as yet ignorant how the King had taken his aduertisement he practised with Brocadan and drew him vnto his league declaring vnto him the whole discourse which he had with the King assuring him that if they might banish Amadis and his alies that from thenceforth they two alone should gouerne the king and his Realme peacebly Brocadan receiuing this counsell for good did afterwards imprint in the King his minde so great iealosie and suspition against Amadis and his fellowes as from that day hee hated them in so strange a sort that hee could not in a manner abide to see them forgetting the great seruices performed by them as well when he and Oriana were deliuered from the hands of Arcalaus as afterwards in the battaile against King Cildadan and in many other places heretofore recited Truely if this King had well remembred the counsell and aduise which hee had receiued of Vrganda hee had not so farre digressed from the bounds of reason although that the like malady doth often haunt al Princes when they take not heed of falling into the like accidents and danger as King Lisuart did Who giuing credit to the deceitfull words of these traitors did neuer afterwards visit as hee was accustomed Amadis and the others that were wounded whereat they were not a little abashed but to doe them the more dispite he sent for Madasima and other pledges vnto whom he sayde that if within eight dayes the Isle of Mongaza were not yeelded vnto him according to their promise that then hee would suddainly cause their heads to be smitten off When Madasima heard this rigorous constraint neuer was woman more afraid considering that in performing the will of the King shee should remaine poore and vtterly dishereted and on the other side denying to satisfie his behest shee did see her death prepared so that she was in such perplexitie as not being able to answere him she had recourse vnto her teares Wherefore Andaugell the old Gyant answered the King saying If it please your Maiestie I will go with those whom you shall appoint to send vnto the mother of Madasima and I will deale with her in that sort as shee shall accomplish your will yeelding the Countrey and places which you demand otherwise your Maiestie may doe your pleasure with vs. This the King liked well of and euen that day he sent him with the Eearle Latin and caused Madasima and her women to bee carryed back to their accustomed prison whether they were brought by diuers Gentlemen Whom she moued greatly to pittie her estate by the complaints and sorrowfull lamentation that she made vnto them praying euery one of them particularly to labour in her behalfe vnto the King so that there was not one amongst them all who promised not to doe for her as much as possibly they could especially Don Galuanes who at that time held her by the arme beholding her with such an eye as hee became of her enamoured and said vnto her Madame I am sure that if it would please you to accept mee for your husband the King would freely bestow vpon vs all the right that he pretendeth in your Countrey I beeleeue also that you are not ignorant of my nobility being brother to the King of Scotland and that by me your authoritie shall not be deminished For the rest assure your selfe that I will vse you as you are worthy Now Madasima had known him of long time she was assured that he was one of the best Knights in the world Wherefore accepting the offers of Galuanes shee fell downe at his feete most humbly thanking him for the good and honour which he did offer vnto her and euen then was the marriage betweene them agreed vpon the which afterward Galuanes laboured to effect to his vttermost power And the better to accomplish it some few dayes after he came vnto Amadis and Agraies making them acquainted with that which you haue heard and Agraies said vnto him Vnkle I know very well that loue hath no respect of persons sparing neither young nor olde and seeing that you are become one of his subiects we will beseech the King so much in your behalfe that you shall enioy your desired loue therefore determine to behaue your selfe like a lusty champion for Madasima is a woman not likely to bee pleased with a kisse onely By my faith answered Amadis my Lord Galuanes the King in my opinion will not refuse vs and I promise you that so soone as I am able to walke your Nephew and I will goe vnto his Maiesty to entreat that which you demand But you must vnderstand that whilest these things were in doing Gādandell the better to couer dissemble the treason which he had conspired did goe oftentimes to see and visit Amadis so that one time amongst the rest hee sayd to him my Lord it is long since you saw the King What is the cause there-of answered Amadis Because saide Gandandel by his countenance it seemeth hee beareth you no great good will I know not answered Amadis yet to my knowledge I neuer offended him For this time they passed no farther vntill at another instant this traytour came againe to see him shewing vnto him a better countenance then he was accustomed saying my Lord I told you the other day that I thought by the speeches which I heard the King speake of you that his friendship was not so firme vnto you as it was wont to be and because that I and mine are so greatly bound vnto you for the pleasures which you haue done vnto vs I will truly let you vnderstand how the King hath a very bad opinion of you and therefore looke vnto it So many times did hee repeat this and the like matter vnto Amadis that hee began to suspect least hee had layd some snare to entrap him in whereby the King might conceiue some euill opinion of him And therefore one day when Gandandel perseuered in his aduertisements Amadis being very angry answered him My Lord Gandandel I doe greatly wonder what mooueth you to vse this speech so often vnto me seeing that I did neuer thinke vpon any thing but onely wherein I might doe the King seruice And I cannot beleeue that a Prince so vertuous as hee is would euer suspect mee for a thing which I neuer committed Wherefore neuer breake my head more with such follies for I take no pleasure therein For this cause Gandandel durst neuer after that speake any more thereof vnto him vntill that Amadis beeing healed went vnto the Court