face to Lazanor loaded him with such mighty strokes as if hee had not caught fast hold on the maine of his horse hee had falne to the earth But as he lay thus bowing the Greeke seized on his body and by meere strength of arme tearing the Shield from about his necke hee threw him against the ground Neuerthelesse quickly he receiued footing and went to helpe vp his brother In this time the Greeke was dismounted from his horse which he feared to loose because he ran about the fielde but minding more his present busines hee ranne pell mell vpon his enemies laying so stearnely about him on euery side as they were no way able to endure him Now gaue he good testimony of his valour and that hee was no learner in such extremities but as one of the Romanes was running about the Perrou and the other following speedily after him onely to auoide the Greekes keene edged Sword hee gaue Lazanor such a stroake on the right leg as it was well neere cut in twaine so that meere paine and anguish made him fall downe and piteously he craued mercy But the Greeke Knight pretending that either he heard or vnderstood him not he set his foot on his brest and so left him stretcht out along on the ground returning to Gradamor who fled to the king for warrantie of his life All which would not serue his turne for with his Sword he did beat him backe againe to the Perrou where being quite out of breath he fell downe all along where the Greeke setting foote on him smote so many blowes on his Helmet that it fell off from his head which hauing now at so apt aduantage he purposed to smite from his shoulders but that the other cryed out to him Ah gentle knight for Gods sake mercy I am ready to doe whatsoeuer you shall command me Remoouing his foote from off him he suddenly looked back and espied Lazanor creeping on his knees to steale away but he quickly caught hold on his arme and dragd him along to the Perrou laying him close by his brother Gradamor which made euery one imagine that there he would smite off their heads together Whereupon Don Grumedan who hated them to the death spake out so loud as euery man might easily heare him Mee thinkes the Greeke hath so well reuenged the wrong done to his Shield as Gradamor hath good cause to remember it while heâ— liues As he spake these words Esplandian came to him and the Greeke demaunded what hee would haue Sir answered Esplandian I beseech you for my sake spare the liues of these two Knights seeing they yeeld themselues as vanquished But he feigned as if hee vnderstood him not wherfore Esplandian prayed Count Argamont to interprete for him which he did Truely Sir quoth the Greeke I will gladly bestow their liues on this sweet youth prouided that you will tell mee of whence and what he is Beleeue me Sir replyed the Count I know not any man in this Court that heerein can resolue you for he was brought hither almost by miracle Then briefly he reported how and in what manner the aged Hermite found him I haue often heard of him said the Greeke in Romania and that he is named Esplandian by reason of certaine naturall letters or carracters vnder his brests You say true answered the Count and you shall see them presently if you please So he commanded Esplandian to shew his brests as accordingly he did whereat the Knight not a little meruayling said Faire youth I pray God to blesse thee and send thee good fortune in the highest degree So mounting on horse-backe againe he left the Romaines with young Esplandian and returned to Grasinda saying Beleeue me Madame I haue beene ouer-troublesome to you but I was compelled thereto as your selfe hath seene and could make no speedier dispatch Vpon my faith answered she you can neuer doe any thing but I shall very thankfully accept it let vs now then goe on-ward if you please So getting forth of the crowd they tooke the way to their Shippes in so high content on all sides as possibly could be Being come aboord they commanded the Mariners to set saile for the Enclosed Isle But because the Greeke Knight had some suspition that Don Grumedan would stand in need of Knights helpe to maintaine the Combat which he had vndertaken if so be it should go forward he desired Angriote and Bruneo to stay behind succor him in the meane while to vnderstand some tydings of Oriana if any way they could attaine thereto CHAP. XVII How King Lisuart sent for his Daughter Oriana to the Court that he might deliuer her to the Romanes And of that which happened to a Knight of the Enclosed Isle But more especially of the Combat which Don Grumedan had against them that defied him ALready hath beene declared to you that the Princesse Oriana being at Mirefleure the Queene Sardamira by the consent of King Lisuart went thither to see her and to acquaint her with the Emperours affection towards her as also with what magnificence she should be wel-comed to Rome Now in the prosecution of our History you must vnderstand that after full conclusion was past with the Romanes concerning her the King would haue her come to the Court commanding his Nephew Giontes to take two Knights more with him bring her thence away with all conuenient speed But he gaue him charge vpon perill of his life that none but they of her owne company should haue any conference with her For execution of the Kings command Giontes tooke Sadoce and Lazanor with him who being come to Mirefleure after they had acquainted her with her fathers purpose they made ready a Litter for her because otherwise shee was vnable to trauaile she was so weake and sickly by reason of her continual mourning yet on she needes must accompanied with the Queene Sardamira and other Ladies Betweene Mirefleure and Tagades where the King soiourned approaching nere to a goodly Fountaine enuironed with diuers young spreading trees they espyed in a little groue a Knight ready prepared for Combate bearing a Shield of Sinople and a Launce with a Banderole or Pennon of the same colour who calling to one of his Squires said Goe and tell them that guard Madame Oriana that in courtesie I entreate them to let me speake a word with her else I will striue to doe it whether they will or no. The Squire going to Giontes told him as his Master had commanded him whereat he beganne to laugh hartily that he being alone should send them such a threatning braue wherefore hee gaue them this answere Friend returne to the Knight and tell him that he cannot at this time speake with Madame Oriana moreouer that if hee contend violently to doe it he will not find it easie for him When Oriana heard these words she tooke them very vnkindly and said to Giontes Fair Sir why should you be offended at any mans speaking with
being faire and the Sea calme our Greeke Knight and his company coasting along the Mariners had descryed the mountaine whereof the Towne Tagades tooke his name and where King Lisuart as then resided as formerly hath bin related Some of them also went to Grasinda and assured her that if the winde chaunged not they would land her in the Hauen within an houre or lesse and our Knights walking aloft on the Deck of the Shippe declared them-selues thankfull to our Lord for escaping such infinite perils and ship-wrackes as euery minute was incident to them But whosoeuer had the greatest cause of contentment was farre inferiour in ioy to our Greek Knight who since hee set eye on the Country wherein liued all his hope happinesse and support of life was so delighted in his soule as no mans felicity could be answerable to his neither had he power to looke off that long-wished land Notwithstāding fearing left his folly should be too plainly perceiued he went downe into the Ship and going to Grasinda said Madame wee are now as your selfe may see at the place which you so much desired and where I hope by the perfection of beautie abyding in you to attaine the full issue of mine enterprise so that you shall safely returne home into your Country with such honour as is iustly due to you For right and reason being both on my side God who is a most vpright Iudge will wholly maintaine the cause for you and me Now albeit Grasinda stood in some doubt of her successe yet perceiuing shee was come so neere to the point where shee must either winne or lose what she much coueted shee made a manifest shew of a resolued assurance answering the Knight in this manner Beleeue me Sir my hope and perswasion is greater in your manhood and good fortune then all the beautie remayning in me But one thing let mee most humbly entreate you that when you are in the chiefest heate of your busines you would fixe before your eyes that you neuer attempted any conquest but you brought it to a full and finall effect In so doing your renowne will highly enlarge it selfe and my ioy likewise whereby I may the more iustly stile my selfe the only happy Lady now liuing It is very expedient replied our Greeke Knight that we now consider what is to be done You haue a Gentle-woman attending on you who hath a quicke and apprehensiue spirit being named Gonisesa and she speakes French very perfectly we will deliuer her a Letter which shee shall present to King Lisuart and his Queene Brisena who doe both of them well vnderstand and speake that language Expresse charge must bee giuen to the Gentlewoman that she make no answer to any question demaunded of her but in French onely After she hath concluded with them hee shall returne hither againe to vs because we purpose to stay in this place for her comming backe Grasinda liked this motion exceeding well wherefore without any longer delay the Gentlewoman was called and the Letter giuen her then shee entred into a small Barke with her father and two other Knights that were her brethren Not much differing from the same instant the Greeke knight gaue order to Lasinde Bruneoes Squire to follow after her without her knowledge thereof for a more certaine obseruation of her entertainment in the Court and what speeches should bee vsed to her after her leaue taken of the King And the better to colour his presence there hee had expresse command to pretend a diligent inquisition for his Master saying to such as demaunded any newes concerning him that he saw him not since hee left him sicke in Gaule when he vnder-tooke the quest of Amadis meaning to returne to him againe so soone as he could So departed Lasinde hoping right well to accomplish his enterprise Soone after the Gentle-woman arriued at the Town where she was heedfully obserued by euery one as well in regard of her beautie as for her commendable manner of attendance Passing from streete to streete enquiring where shee might finde the King shee chanced to meete Esplandian with two Merlinson his fist which he was going to flye in the field He perceiuing the Gentle-woman making towards him went and met her demaunding if shee would command him any seruice Faire youth quoth she I seeke for the Kings lodging whither I pray you to be my guide That will I Lady quoth he and gladly shall I shew it you if you do not know it A thousand thankes sweete youth answered the Gentle-woman Then Esplandian tooke hold on the reines of her Palfray and serued her as a Squire leading her Palfray to the Palace where after she was dismounted hee conducted her to the King whom they found walking in a Gallerie with the chiefest Ambassadours of Rome according for the marriage of his Daughter to the Emperour The Gentle-woman falling on her knees before him humbly saluted him with these words Sir if it might so please you that the Queen and all her Ladies were here in presence I should then deliuer a message to you from her that hath sent me hither to you And if it so fall out that any of them doe finde her selfe interessed by such matter as I am to let them all vnderstand she must essay if she thinke good to finde out one to defend her against a good knight who purposeth to be heere very speedily prouided that your Maiesty do graunt him safe conduct Truely Damosell answered the King wee will not hinder you in your charge Whereupon immediatly he sent Count Argamont his Vnkle and Arban king of North-wales for the Queene who stayed not long but came thither with her Ladies Then the strange Gentle-woman kissing her hand and making a low obeysance spake thus Madame if that which I haue in charge to deliuer from her who hath sent me hither shall seeme any way straunge to you you haue the lesse reason for it considering that this Court is renowned all the world ouer for the very greatest m◅a is and rarietie of aduentures heere happening which my selfe also haue knowen for truth and that neuer any knight Lady or Damosel returned hence discontented And thereby I am resolutely perswaded that I shall finde no lesse fauour heere then others formerly haue done wherefore receiue this Letter and if you please to allow of the contents therein set downe you shall soone see the most gentle Greeke knight and the fairest Princesse in the world of whom hee hath charge Then the King commanded the Letter to be publikely read that euery one might heare what it contained The Letter sent from Grasinda to the Potent King Lisuart MOST high and magnanimous Prince I Grasinda fairest of all the choycest beauties in Romania doe giue you to vnderstand that I am newly arriued in your land vnder the guard and conduct of a Greek Knight onely vpon this occasion that as I haue already bin precisely iudged and confessed for the fairest woman of al them in
the ancient Adage Grumedan answered king Lisuart smiling I know very wel that whosoeuer contests with you in matters concerning the honour of Amadis shall finde worke enough to doe but much more to defende himselfe if extreamity should question the case by weapons Sir said Amadis Lord Grumedan hath reason to wish mee well for he hath neither friend or kinsman that oweth him more dutie and obedient seruice then I doe and for such a one I am certaine he will acknowledge and esteeme me By this time king Perion drew nearer and nearer and thereupon king Lisuart made forth to meete him whereof Amadis aduertised him by Durin wherefore he commanded his men to march a slowe pace and taking Gastiles Grassandor Brian de Moniaste and Tiron with him left Agraies to conduct the troupes because king Perion wel knew the ill-will he bare to king Lisuart and feared least discourteous language might passe between them at their meeting whereby the purposed peace should bee quite made frustrate So the two Kings went to meete each other giuing the spurre to their horses and embraced together very louingly king Perion speaking thus to king Lisuart My Lord and brother me thinkes your Armour is much impaired since you departed from the camp albeit I am well assured it lay not rusting in your Armourie while the fight lasted betweene your men and mine And for ought I haue heard they that brought it thus out of fashion haue receiued a payment beyond their expectation and little to their liking So they haue answered king Lisuart thankes be giuen therefore to God and the good helpe that you Amadis and these other Knights brought mee in so vrgent a necessitie as I am sure you haue heard already In good faith said king Perion I haue all my lifetime desired that my children might bee yours in peace and true amity I hope replied king Lisuart that so they shall be before wee parte and our kindnesse neuer to faile especially on my behalfe But seeing Prince Agraies not to be one among them hee enquired expresly for him hauing vnderstood his hatred towards him and desirous to reconcile him and make him his friend if possible it might be Whereupon king Perion made answere that hee stayed behinde as a conduct to the rest of the Armie which followed I pray you Sir said king Lisuart that hee may bee sent for because I purpose not to parte from this place before I haue both seene and embraced him My Lord answered Amadis then I my selfe will goe for him It is well aduised quoth king Lisuart because hee will doe more for you then any other whatsoeuer So Amadis rode directly to Agraies whom hee met not farre off and tolde him what you haue heard already earnestly entreating him that forgetting all discontentment hee would goe with him and giue king Lisuart so good lookes as could be My Lord and Cosen said Agraies you know that my liking or disliking lasteth vpon your pleasure and I heartily desire that the succour which you haue giuen him of whom you speake may be better acknowledged then all the better acknowledged then all the former haue been And further I assure you I am content to requit all the wrongs done to you mee and many more meerely offered in despite of you and without any occasion at all Then they rode on together to King Lisuart who so soone as he saw Agraies left all the rest going to embrace him saying Cosen doe you thinke this embracing as dangerous to me as that was which you gaue mee on the day of our last being together Before God Sir replied Agraies I hope to find this much better then the other for I was neuer to my knowledge in the like danger We will talke therof said the King at better leasure But now you see the king my brother tarries for vs let vs goe conduct him to Lubania where I will make you all the best entertainement I can So they returnd to king Perion and tooke the way towards the Citie King Lisuart had receiued diuers wounds in his bodie but the Chirurgions hauing seene them gaue him hope of speedy recouery yet hee kept his bed ten daies together beeing often visited by the Princes and Lords of his owne country as also the other who to delight him had almost no other talke but of the tricks and stratagems of Archalauâ— by meanes whereof hee compassed his purposes especially when hee carried the Princesse Oriana away prisoner and after-warde King Perion Amadis and Florestan by the subtiltie of Dinarda also in what sorte hee escaped from Galaor and Norandell faining himselfe to bee Branfiles Cosen-germaine to Grumedan But most of all his proiect plotted by the helpe of Arauigne against them all which surely had preuailed but that Amadis was the onely hinderance Such accidents answered king Lisuart doe often come to passe by such wicked wretches as hee is who dare endanger themselues in doing euill and therein make their most delight finding the entrance sweete and easie onely by the instigation of the Diuell who depriues them of all apprehension concerning what dishonour may happen to them beside misery of life which makes death much more welcome to them then life can be As Arauigue himselfe hath now some cause to confesse being in the power of his chiefest enemies and may well serue as an example to all other that are to be taxed with the like vice As hee ended these wordes the good olde Hermite Nascian came to them who had softly followed after king Perion and finding the Princes in such peaceable quietnesse praised God for it and the good aduice of young Esplandian causing Amadis to depart so speedily when hee came to the rescue of king Lisuart as king Perion made knowen before them all In troth saide king Lisuart I would gladly know who gaue the youth so good counsell Sir replied Esplandian my father Nascian sent mee to you to tell you what hee had concluded with king Perion but I could not finde you in the Campe wherfore Sergill I passing on further discouered the Armie of king Arauigne as they descended downe the mountaine Then I called to mind what I heard the Queene my Mistresse say at my parting from her that hee was your enemy and fearing what afterwards happened to you I made haste to aduertise Lord Amadis to the end hee might giue you succour as he did Before God sweet youth saide king Lisuart I shall not while I liue forgette so great a blessing happening to mee And folding Esplandian in his arms sweetly kissed him on the cheeke At that time king Gasquilan was brought thither in a Litter hauing softly followed as beeing vnable to sit on horsebacke by reason of the shrewd fall hee had when he would needes trie his manhood against Amadis on the first day when the two battailes met Into a reserued chamber hee was conducted by some of the chiefe in the companie especially Amadis who came saluted him saying
the victory hee would write to them concerning his owne good health and their other friends Wisely did the Squires fulfill the charge committed to their trust so that on the third day following the first returned to them and reported that the Army of the seauen Kings was very great and strong by reason of infinit numbers of strangers who were lately there arriued and that they layed sharpe siege to a Castell which was said to belong to certain Ladies And albeit it was very strong and almost impregnable by power of Armes yet they were in great danger of yeelding it because food and sustenance greatly fayled therein And further quoth the Squire as I crossed thorow the Campe I heard Archalaus the Enchanter conferre with two of the Kings saying as hee walked along with them that within sixe dayes they would bid theÌ„ battel because no further order should bee taken for bringing them in any victuals by Sea and that their munition began to fayle them also Yet all goes well answered Amadis in the meane while we shall haue good leisure to refresh and recreate our selues The very same day the other Squire sent to the Campe of King Lisuart returned likewise who declared that he met with Galaor and what countenance hee shewed in reading the Letter And trust mee quoth he very hardly could he refraine from teares when he vnderstood that you were all three in Gaule for he made a setled assurance of the victory if the King could haue enioyed yee in his company Moreouer he sends ye word by me that if hee escape with life from the field he wil forthwith make haste to see ye But what quoth Amadis is thine opinion of their Army Trust me my Lord answered the Squire so few fighting men as they be yet are they al marshalled in exceeding good order and diuers worthy knights are said to be among them but they are all ouer few in regard of the others mighty multitude Notwithstanding King Lisuart is not daunted a iote but intendeth as I heard it credibly reported within two dayes to meete them or else the Castell of Ladies will be constrayned to yeeld it selfe hauing no supply of men nor meate Well said Amadis we shall see what will ensue on this busines Thus they continued in the Forrest vntill such time as they had intelligence that the two Armies prepared to ioyne whereupon they dislodged and drew neerer to the Campe of King Lisuart which was seated on the ridge of an hill and so neere to the enemy that but a little Riuer diuided them running thorow the plaine where King Aranigne earnestly desirous of fight had passed his men This King last mentioned to ye was chosen the chïefe and Coronall of the whole Army belonging to the seauen Kings and to him all the principall Captaines of the band had made solemne oath and promise the day before to obey him without any contradiction For he desired nothing else as he said neither could haue any iote more but onely the honour of the enterprise referring all the spoyle and booty to his companions the common Souldiers And that he might the better accoÌ„plish his intent he ordained nine battalions in each of which hee appointed twelue thousand knights reseruing to his owne charge fifteen hundred and more commaunding on the morrow by breake of day the Trumpets Clarions to giue summons for all to set themselues in order and bee in readinesse Before he would dislodge seeing his men forward to their deuoire for their encouragement he thus spake What need it Gentlemen that I should vse any great perswasion for your bold fighting considering you are the only authors of this war and wherein you haue elected mee for your chiefe conducter And that is the only reasoÌ„ mouing me to speak to the end you may the more heedfully fixe before your eyes the cause why you are assembled in so great a multitude Resolue your selus that it is not to defend your Country your liberty your wiues children nor your goods But it is to conquer and subdue a nation the most proud and arrogant people this day liuing who make of vs dwelling somewhat farre from them so small esteeme as of nothing lesse Neuerthelesse as neere as they are I hardly thinke that they dare abide vs for though they carry a kinde of fury in their marching yet if you note well their lookes there appeares an apparant testimony of doubt and difficulty in dealing with vs which may moue giue ye more heart to fight then all the words of â—â—â—ng men can do yea althougâ— ye were then ill ordered hâ—lâ—e tired We are heere the very stoure ful strength of most part of the Ocean Islands in such a gallant number that it were almost a sin to make any doubt of our certain victore And for our further assurance let vs remember that wee are in a strange Country a large long distance from our own not among our louers and friends but euen in the very midst of our enemies that euery houre expect our ruine death A matter which we cannot auoid if we be once broken disseuered For they haue worthy horse-men by whom we are certain to be pursued without any meanes oâ—retâ—â—ing to our ships wherefore we must resolue to conquer or dye because the necessity wherein wee are is much rather to be feared then their power Let each man therfore do his duty and I make no doubt but before darke night do check our forwardnesse we shall be Lords and Maisters of the whole Country and thereby be held dreadfull in other parts of the world King Aranigne hauing thus encouraged his Souldiers hee caused them to march in good order toward their enemies who likewise marched in maine battell on the hill top making such a glittering radiance with their Armes that it was a most goodly sight to behold And they were diuided into fiue squadrons the first being guided by Brian de Moniaste with a thousand knights of Spaine The second by King Cildadan with the like number of knights The third by Galuanes The fourth by Giontes And the 〈◊〉 by King Lisuart accompanied with Galaor and two thousand 〈◊〉 knights who seeing so great a 〈◊〉 titude come marching against him began to be very doubtful of the victory Neuerthelesse like a pâ—…nt and magnanimious Prince he went from battation to battalion to perswade his Cheualiers to fight brauely And for their better encitation thereto be gaue them to vnderstand that with great shame he was thus assayled by these enemies without any quarrell at all against them but onely through the perswasion and procurement of Archalaus the most disloyall traytour and villaine that euer liued they were thus entred his Country with an absolute hope of conquest And therfore my louing friends quoth he right being on our side God who is most iust in whose hand are all victories wil vndoubtedly assist vs. If they say that they war thus vpon
wherein they lay was fixed on a screw or giuing vise which easily and without the least noyse conueyed them aboue twenty fathome in depth they being in a sound sleepe dreading no harme at all Full well knew Gandalin and the other that these knights were their Maisters thus betrayed notwithstanding they made no outward apparance thereof but as if they had neuer seene or knowne them Gandalin thus answered For ought I can perceiue most vnhappily came we hither where such worthy men are so cruelly handled of whom we haue heard much fame and faire report But is there no way or means whereby to succourand helpe them I am vndoubtedly perswaded that if they were deliuered our abiding heere would not be long Let mee tel ye answered the ancient knight the maine butte or end of the vice which supporteth the bed wherein they lye is vnder the plancher of this Chamber and heere you may behold it If all our strength labor will serue to turne it about and remount the bed vp againe to his former place they may easily get forth because the doore is neuer shut and moreouer the Guardes or Keepers of the Castell are now all in their deadest sleepe Let vs try quoth Gandalin what we can do so euery one set to their hand Such was their painfull labour endeauour that the screw of the vice turning by little and little the bed beganne to rise and King Perion being then not able to sleepe felt how it mooued wherefore awaking Amadis and Florestan hee said vnto them Doe not you feele that we are remounting vp aloft Assure your selues the villaine Archalaus will keepe promise with vs for doubtlesse wee are discouered to him I know not said Amadis what may be his meaning but hee that first layes hold on me to do me out-rage shall pay the reckoning for all the rest While thus they conferred by little and little the bedde drew vp neere to the plancher and attained to fixing in his first place Then our knights leaping lightly on their feete drew forth their Swords looking all about them to see who had thus raised them again But they could not see any body to their no little maruaile and they found their Armes in the same place where they had lefte them before they went to rest wherewith they armed themselues immediatly Afterward they issued forth so secretly that seazing the Guards they hewed and sliced them in pieces before any ey could take notice thereof vntill such time as by the great noise they made in breaking the bolts and barres of the gates and sharpe assayling such as they met withall Archalaus awaked and heard Amadis cry with a loude voyce For Gaule for Gaule this Castell is ours In great affrightment he rose and hauing no leysure to arme himselfe he ran into a strong Tower mounting to the top thereof and drawing vp the Ladder after him where seeing himselfe in safety putting his head out ata window he called to his people so loud as he could In the meane while our three knights had made way to Gandalin and the rest freeing them from the slauery of Archalaus whom they espied bawling aloft on the Tower with some other for their better safety And because they could by no possible meanes come at them they made a great fire and smoakt them in such sort as they were glad to descend into-he lowest vaults where they were likewise almost smothred with smoke At length the knights seeing the Castell all engirt with fire commanded their horses to bee led forth where mounting on them they coÌ„mended Archalaus to all his deuils and the Dwarfe cryed out Archalaus Archalaus remember how kindly thou didst vse me when thou tiedst me fast by the feete in the Castel of Valderin where I was as well perfum'd as thou art now The dwarfe deliuered these words so angerly with such a strange gesture as made them all to laugh hartily And when they were somewhat further off they looked behind them and beheld the Castell flaming gallantly perswading themselues that they were sufficiently reuenged on Archalaus and that he could no way escape with life By this time bright day appeared and they arriued at the place where they left their Ship there the Gentlewoman that had bin deliuered with the rest remembring the words of Amadis in the Castell when he cryed For Gaule for Gaule desired to know of Gandalin which of them was the man Gandalin pointing her to Amadis shee went and fell at his feete desiring pardon of him For quoth shee I am Darioletta that committed your life to the mercy of the Sea euen the very same day that you were borne But beleeue me my Lord I did it to saue the honour of the Qaeen your Mother who otherwise had bin put to death for no one did know but my selfe onely that the King your Father who is heere present with yee was as then married to her Amadis was much amazed heereat for he had neuer heard the cause wherefore he was left in such sorsaken manner so taking Darioletta by the hand he said vnto her Faire Friend I pardon ye perceiuing it was done vpon so iust an occasion and heretofore Galuanes hath often told me that he found me floating on the Sea but till this instant I was vtterly ignorant how it came to passe Then she related all from point to point without omitting any thing euen from the beginning of King Perions loue to his Queene Elisena and the successe of euery accident wherein the king tooke no little delight and often entreated Darioletta to repeat the sweet pleasures of his youth But while this company were thus in quiet and contentment the case of Archaiaus carried no correspondencie therewith for hee and hir remained inthe deep vault vnder his sower where he was as well fauouredly smoakt and perfumed as euer Rainard the Foxe was in his vnderground kennel And if his Niece Dinarda and some others had not succoured him hee had there miserably ended his dayes But they came to him so soone as the knights were gone finding him so suffocated and ouercome as he was not able to stirre either hand or foote Taking him forth of that smothering vault they threw vineger and cold water in his face so that soon after he began to breathe and opening his eyes beheld his Castell all on a sâ—â—me Then heauily sighing euen as if his heart would haue split in sunder he said Vile traytour Aâ—… how many iniuries hast thou 〈…〉 since thy birth Be well asâ—… therefore that if I can catch thâ—â— I wil be reuenged to mine own hearts contentment In the despight of thee I will neuer keep any knight falling into my power aboue one night but he shall dye the death to make him sure for scaping from me as â—ow much against my minde thouhâ—st done So calling for his Litter he wold presently bee thence conuayed to Mount Aldan For quoth he it vexetl my very soul to behold
them that if euer they should happen into his hands he might be the better reuenged on them And my good Lords quoth he command me what seruice shall like you best for I confesse my life to be onely yours assuring ye on my faith that if you at any time come where I may entertaine ye you shall effectually finde what loue I beare ye Friend Branfiles answered Galaor good successe attend ye but if you please we will ride along with ye for your better security I hartily thanke ye replyed Archalaus but this day I shall neede no further defence I am so neere to a Castell where I am assured of kind welcome So he departed from them not a little glad that he was so well rid of them for if they had knowen him he had not easily escaped from them wherefore he commaunded him that guided the Litter to make all the haste he possibly might and to take the most vnfrequēted waies lest they should pursue and recouer him again By this time it waxed so late that the Moon shone brightly wherefore Galaor seeing no other helpe concluded on their byding that night by the Fountain whereto Norandel was as willing as he As they disarmed themselues one of their Squires told them that they should haue better cheare then they expected How shall we haue it quoth Galaor It is ready enough for ye answered the Squire for while you were fighting with the 5. knights they that remained with Branfiles forsook him also and left a horse loden with victuals whereof I took the charge while the 2 damosels which accōpanied the litter entred among yonder old ruines of houses from whence as yet they are not gone because I haue obserued them warily So much the better answered Norandel conduct me where they are that they may haue part in this booty Galaor went with him and the Squire who shewed the place where they had hid themselues which was an old Caue in regard whereof the Damosels had falne so deepely into it as they could not by any meanes get out againe Now because the Squire knew not certainly whether any knights were in their company or no the entrance of the Caue being so vnaccustomed and neither Galaor or Norandel had their Armes about them hee would proceede no further but with a loud voyce called vnto them saying Come foorth Ladies come foorth and giue mee not occasion to fetch ye foorth lest perhaps you repent it Twise or thrise he thus called to them and they appeared not to heare him when Norandel growing offended thereat aduised Galaor that fire should be made at the caues mouth and so to smoake them forth whether they would or no. Dinarda hearing these wordes waxed very fearefull and cryed out aloud saying Alas Gentlemen take pitty vpon vs and we will presently come forth vnto ye Dispatch then said Galaor and come away quickly for we may not attend your leysure Beleeue it Gentle-men quoth shee vnfaynedly that wee are not able to come vnto yee without your helpe we are falne so deepe vnder the ground and further perhaps then you will beleeue Heereupon Norandel went in him-selfe and holpe them out each after other when perceiuing them to be such beautifull creatures I know not which of them was the forwardest to entertaine a faire friend so that Galaor pleaded possession of Dinarda and Norandel of the other Then sending the Squire to prepare their Supper meane while they wandred somewhat further into the wood where you may well conceiue that hauing a place so conuenient and being furnished with such prouision as such yong yeares and wanton desires could wish for neither of the knights was so dull spirited but knew well enough how to entertain his amorous Mistresse Which dalliances being ended the knights conducted them to the Fountaine where they friendly supt together with such food as the men of Archalaus had left behind them vsing such conference all the time of Supper as doubtlesse was not any way displeasing By meanes whereof the Damosels who at the first encountring seemed strange and halfe angry were now become so gentle milde and tractable that Supper was no sooner ended but they went into the wood againe with the knights as familiar in their kisses and kinde embraces as formerly they had beene to Galaor and Norandel In which pleasures they continued til the break of day when Norandels Lady thus spake vnto him In good sadnesse Sir I feare lest Madame Dinarda will be offended with me because I haue absented my selfe so long time from her Neuer thinke you so quoth he for she needes none of your presence being so well accompanied as shee is And I dare make it good that she is as willing to be alone as you are or can be But resolue me in one thing I pray ye is not this Dinarda the daughter to Ardan Canile who not long since came into this Country to aske the counsel of Archalaus how she might be reuenged on Amadis de Gaule and compasse his death I am not acquainted said she with the cause of her comming hither but well I wot shee is the daughter to Ardan Canile and in my poore opinion he that hath beene pleased with her company this night past may well boast of his happines good fortune for he hath wonne that which many great persōs could neuer gaine so much as a sight of Heere let me tell ye as heereto-fore I haue done that this Dinarda was both cunning and malicious expressing to Galaor such an outward shew of loue and intire affection as if her soule and behauiour truely consented together And so farre was his beliefe abused by her that notwithstanding his aduertising by Norandel what speech had past betweene him and his nightcommodity yet hee made no account at all thereof but declared as faire friendship to her as before not wanting in his very best curtesies to her But at length he demaunded of her if she knew the knight that was carried in the Litter Full well quoth she and did not you know him to be Archalaus the Enchanter Archalaus answered Galaor Had I but knowne so much before hee should haue felt the keene edge of my Sword Is he not dead replyed Dinarda No quoth Galaor my ignorance for this once hath priuiledged his life but if euer hereafter we chaunce to meet againe he shall well finde that a debt delayed is not payed another day will serue the turne Right glad was Dinarda to heare that her Vncle had escaped with life notwithstanding wisely shee dissembled her contentment and returned this answere Trust me Sir it is no long while since I hazarded my life for the safety of his but now finding my selfe so farre interrested in your faire affection assure your selfe it is one of my greatest grieuances that you did not kill him for there is not a heauier enemy in the world to the life of you and your brother Amadis I know it too well replied Galaor and so long
your gracious fauours towards mee and I desire pardon for your greeuous feare which this rude encounter could not but put vpon you I heard none at all said shee I was so ouercome with extreame melancholy if Mabila had not told me of it I had bin as vtterly ignorant of any fight as they that dwell in Great Brittaine But tell me I pray you whether are you minded to cary mee Let mee coniure you deare sweet by all the loue you haue euer borne mee that seeing wee are now met together and in so good company you would speake nothing to me in any place that may returne to our preiudice but when you are willing to command any thing your Cousine Mabila may easilie enterpret betweene vs. My further intent is to be conuayed to the Enclosed Isle where I would gladly be till heauen afford more fauour for mee and my Father may vnderstand what wrong he hath done me Let me liue no longer Madame answered Amadis then to doe you my vttermost seruice wherefore you may well perswade your selfe that your will shall any way be accomplished And I hold it very expedient that you should make your mind known to Agraies Quedragant and Florestan who couet nothing more then to please you with their vttermost paines Well quoth Oriana when you meete in counsell together I will send your Cousin to them to know how they wil dispose of me So Amadis departed from her and called all the Knights of the Enclosed Isle in counsell to vnderstand which way they would take Many contrary opinions passed among them some thought it meet that Oriana should be conueyed to the Enclosed Isle others would haue her into Gaule to king Perion but the most part agreed for SCOTLAND till Mabila comming to them said My Lords Madame Oriana entreates you that she may bee conducted to the Enclosed Isle vntill her reconciliation with her father King Lisuart And seeing you haue already so well begunne this busines that proceeding on from good to better you would still stand fast for her as alwayes you haue done for distressed Ladies and Damosels requiring your help with due consideration had to the quality of her person Madame answered Quedragant I am sure that my Lord Amadis and al we of his company are determinately resolued to serue her till death without spare of coyne friendes or any thing else remayning in our power yea were it against the King her father the Emperour or any other that dare offend her not doubting but by the helpe of God and the iustice of our cause in doing her seruice we may lawfully make resistance against them Considering also that there is not a man among vs but hath solemnely sworne neuer to depart from this association vntill she be at perfect liberty And so you may safely assure her from vs concerning all which hath bin said as not to be denyed by any one in this company Mabila thanking them most affectionatly departed from them and comming to Oriana declared what the Knight had said vnto her wherof she was not a litle ioyful instantly all betook themselues to their seueral Ships And according to their former conclusion they set saile for the Enclosed Isle where in their voyage we wil leaue them to make an end of this Third Booke The end of the Third Booke A Table of all the Chapters contained in this Third Booke of Amadis de Gaule Chapter 1. OF the discords and warres which befell in Great Brittaine and thereabout occasioned by the bad counsell which King Lisuart receiued from Gandandell Brocadan against Amadis and his followers whereby many good Knights afterward on either side cruelly concluded their liues Fol. 2. Chapter 2 How Amadis being in the Enclosed Island enquired of Gandales tydings concerning the Court of King Lisuart determining to passe into Gaule with Bruneo to shake off his melancholy And of those aduentures which happened to him by a tempest that threw him vppon the Sad Island Fol. 12. Chapter 3. How King Cildadan and Galaor in trauailing towards the Court of King Lisuart met with twelue Knights and a Lady whâ— conducted a young Gentleman that entreated the King to make him Knight Fol. 21. Chapter 4. How King Lisuart fought a Battaile against the Knights of the Enclosed Island whom he vanquished And of the great liberalitie bee vsed towards Galuanes in restoring him to all the lands and Seigneuries belonging to Madasima Fol. 34. Chapter 5. How Amadis being with his Father King Perion found himselfe subiect to ouer-much melancholy to be so farre sundred from his Oriana And contrarywise Bruneo 〈◊〉 highly contented hauing so apt occasion to see and conferre with his Melicia at what time him-selfe pleased And of their seuerall enterprises to satisfie their owne humors Fol. 41. Chapter 6. How the three Knights of the Serpents returning 〈◊〉 ward into Gaule were by contray fortune cast on the place where Archalaus the Enchanter dwelt who resolued on their death and what afterward befell them Fol. 53. Chapter 7. How Esplandian was nourished by the olde Heâ—â—iâ—e Naâ—…n And what aduenture happened to Amâ—… 〈◊〉 the â—…ne â—…ile changing his knowne â—…e and câ—…g himselfe the Knight with the Greene Sword Fol. 69. Chapter 8. How King Lisuart hunting in the Forrest where he had left the Ladies accidentally met with a young Damosell who shewed him the way to the Hermitage where the good Hermite Naâ—cian made his abiding And how the Infant long time after was knoweâ— to be the Some of Amadis and Oriana Fol. 83. Chapter 9. How the Knight of the Greene Sword being departed from King Tafinor of Bohemia came into the marches of Romania where hee met with Grasinda 〈◊〉 the fieldes accompanied with many Gentlemen Ladies and Damosels Especially with a Knight named Brandasidell who would compell him by force of Armes to come speake with â—he Lady Grasinda and of the Combate they fought together Fol. 87. Chapter 10. How within short while after the Knight of the Greene Sword had hoysed saile into the maine Sea and had quite left the Islands of Romania By hard fortune hee was cast vpon the Deuils Island where he fought with a Monster named Endriagus Fol. 97. Chapter 11. How the Knight of the Greene Sword made knowen to the Emperour of Constantinople to whom the Island appertained where he slew the Endriagus the great fortune and victory he there obtained And of matters happening to him afterward Fol. 105. Chapter 12. How the Knight of the Green Sword departed from Constantinople to satisfie the promise which he had made to the faire Grasinda And of that which afterward happened to him Fol. 117. Chapter 13. How the Queene Sardamira with the other Ambassadors from the Emperour Patin arriued at the Court of King Lisuart hoping at their returne to beare thence the Princesse Oriana with them And of that which happened to certaine Romaine Knights offering iniurie to a Knight errant Fol. 129. Chapter 14. How the
answered Darioletta you haue but one only meanes whereby to relieue mee in this vrgent extremitie and that is instantly to goe with mee whether I shall conduct you Amadis pausing hereon a while suddenly replied how Lady I haue no armes to fight withall but my Sword only and this bugle about my neck this hound in my leash I hope you will allow me some better fournishing then they are As for Armes replied Darioletta deferre no further dallying but vnâ—ase this dead Knight and put them on for if you stand on any trifling it redounds not only to my death but also such another as you loue as well if not more deerely then you doe me Speaking these words she drowned her faire cheekes in teares and held Amadis fast about the legs not suffering him to stirre from her whereby hee became so moued to pitty that he yeelded to her request Foreseeing very well that if hee returned back to Oriana hardly hee should gaine leaue to goe along with the Lady and as their necessity vrgently required Whereupon arming himselfe with the Armes of the dead knight and taking vp his Shield he entred into the barke As they were puting off from the shoare one of the huntsemen came to whom Amadis called saying friend goe seeke Lord Grasandor and tell him that I am constrained in meere pittie to goe with this Lady whom I met on the Sea-sands but ere while euen in such mournefull manner as thou beholdest her Pray him to pardon me and to intreate as much for me of Oriana not to be offended with my suddaine departure but rather to allow thereof because I could no way excuse it but to my great reproach and dishonour For thy selfe I pray thee giue buriall to that dead knights body in recompence of his Armes which I haue taken from him Scarcely had he ended these words but a lustie gale of winde filled the Sailes and in a moment they were so farre off from Land as Amadis could not heare the huntsmans answere As they sayled on Amadis seeing the Ladie to take no truce with her teares earnestly entreated her to relate whither she intended to conduct him and also the occasion of her mourning whereto gladly she yeelded beginning in this manner Vnderstand Lord Amadis that at such time as the Queen your mother departed from Gaule trauailing towardes the Enclosed Isle according as the King your father had sent for her she sent a Lackey to my husband in little Brittaine where hee was gouernour of your lands willing him that both he and I should meete her at the Pallace of Apolidon where the marriages of you my Lords your brethren were to be solemnised My husband ioying not a little hereat and my selfe much more suddenly prouided a good Ship wherein wee imbarqued our selues with my sonne whom you sawe dead on the sands and also my daughter hoping to bestowe her on Madame Melicia your sister But night comming on vs the waues and windes were suddenly tempestuously mooued so that by their extreame violence the sailes rudder and tacklings of our Shippe were all split in sunder Our Pilot also was so distracted in minde as all knowledge of his Compasse or Quadrant vtterly forsook him wherby it came to passe that our Ship remayning at mercie of the waues and weather we were driuen vpon the Red Island vtterly vnknowne to any of vs where the Giant Balan abydeth of whom you haue heretofore heard there we landed At that very instant we were enclosed seazed on by the Guards of the Port and forcibly brought before the Giant who presently demanded of vs if wee had euer a Knight in our companie My husband made answere that both hee and his sonne had long since vndergone that order It behooueth then saide the Giant that according to the custome of this countrie you fight with mee one after an other and if you can holde out but an houre only you and yours shall goe free but otherwise you must remaine my prisoners and therfore make choyce of which you thinke fittest for you And one thing I will acquaint you withall before hand that performing your manhoode as true Knights ought to doe you shall finde so much the more loue courtesie in me but if through faintnesse of courage you faile in any the least point whereto the honour of Chiualrie bindeth you I will vse yee like villaines and cowards and lay you where neither Sunne or Moone can be seene and so you shall remaine ten yeares together My husband hearing these threatnings and obseruing the high stature of the Giant could warrant no assurance of himselfe Neuerthelesse knowing what it was to faile any way forgetting all feare hee replied Basely are they bred quoth he and ill is Armes bestowed on them that through dread of danger shall refuse to fight for their owne liberty Nowitstanding what assurance shall we haue of your promise if wee maintaine an houres fight against you according as you haue proposed Nothing else said the Giant but my worde onely which neuer was or euer shall bee broken for any good or ill that can befall mee For rather will I consent not onely to mine owne death but likewise to my sonnes and kinred and seruants beside as alreadie I haue made them to swear and promise Before God answered my husband cause our horses to bee restored vs and the Armes belonging to my sonne and mee and then begin the combate when thou pleasest The Giant commanded them to be deliuered But my sonne too rash and ill aduised desired of his father that he might begin the first fight which being granted him he was so ill intreated by the Giant that euen in the first encounter he ouerthrew him so mainely and his horse vpon him that both their neckes were broken in the fall Whereat my husband beeing offended thinking to reuenge the losse of his sonne ran against Balan and brake his Lance manfully on his Shield yet the Giant stirred no more at the shock then if his bodie had beene a huge and strong Tower But as my husband perfected his carrire hee tooke him by the arme and in despight of all hee could doe to the contrarie lifted him out of his saddle and carried him into his Castle without any more harme done to him but shutting him vp in a chamber and I and my daughter with him Pondering there on our great misfortune hauing lost the life of my sonne my husband daughter and my selfe imprisoned and our seruants no way able now to sted vs I fell into sad complaints and spake so loude as it seemed that the Giant heard me All good king Perion said I if thou or any of thy sonnes were heere I am sure our wrongs would bee quickly reuenged but I knowe you are all too farre hence When the Giant had heard my wordes and the Kings name hee demanded of me what knowledge I had of him and whether he was the father to one named Amadis de
into the Pallace and being dismounted from horse-backe they conducted her to the chamber of the Princesse who so soone as shee sawe her caâ—e and fell at her feet and weeping incessantly said Alas madame you that knowe future accidents as well as them present why did you not take order for the King my fathers mis-fortune hee beeing your so dearely esteemed friend I may well assure my selfe that when you fayle him his case is vtterly voide of any remedie Madame answered Vrganda I pray you doe not thus discomfort your selfe Know you not that the more men are mounted to high degrees the more subject they are to as great tribulations Although wee are all made of one and the same substance all obliged to vices and passions yea equall alike to death yet the omnipotent Lord of all hath made vs diuerse in enioying the goods of this world To some hee giues authority others are subiect to seruility and vassalage Some are made poore and very miserable others enioy aboundance and prosperity and all according to his owne good pleasure So worthy Madame comparing the great blessing you now enioy with such sorrowes and vexations as you haue sustained put all your present afâ—ictions into one seale and your passed fortunes into another and they will no way be answerable in weight As for the King your father I knewe long agoe this which hath happened to him and yet notwithstanding I could not help it For so it was appointed by diuine pre-science who in time will also permit that he shall returne home againe into his owne countrey with as much contentment as euer heretofore hee enioyed Then conuerting her speeches to Amadis others there present thus shee proceeded When I departed last from his companie I did then assure yee that at such time as Esplandian should receiue his order of Knight-hood I would meete you againe in this place for this cause to keepe promise both with you and him and to discharge you of a labour you are entring into I am come hither as you see And this I tell you that if all the men this day liuing and so many more as shall come hereafter doe attempt the quest of king Lisuart and to deliuer him out of the place where hee is they loose all their paines Therefore let mee aduise you to desist from the promise you haue made each to other Requesting you beside that you will all be my guests in the great Serpent with Esplandian Telanque Manelie the King of Dacia and Ambor Sonne to Angriote presently giuing order for your Horses for the houre now inuites vs. They not daring to denie her did as shee commanded and giuing good rest to Oriana accompanied her to the Sea side where they found a Barque ready which conueied them to the place where the great Serpent lay Entring thereinto they left their horses in the great Hall where taking Esplandian and his companions with her shee led them into a Chappell to performe their watch and prayer according to the ancient custome before any man might be made a Knight Afterward she returned againe to the rest and bad them sit downe to supper which they found ready prepared for them and in most royall manner The tables being with-drawne she sent them to keep company with them that watched in the Chappell Then shee and her two kinsewomen Solisa and her Sister followed them Vrganda carrying a Habbit or Coate of Male very black Salisa an Helmet of the same colour and the third a shield answerable thereto Now albeit at the beginning all other Knightes were armed with white Armour yet would shee needs haue him to differ from them in this manner So soone as shee was entred the Chappell shee called Esplandian to her saying Most happy yong Gentleman see what accoutraments I haue brought for you as testimonies of the power wherewith your heart will hereafter bee enueloped partaking in some measure with the naturall disposition of the king your grand-father Moreouer it is to put you in minde that as other when they are made Knights receiue this honor with white Armour and brightly polished in signe of ioy and cheerefulnesse so these thus black and vnsightly are bestowed on you by destinie to remember you many times of those sorrows and tribulations wherein all your friends are at this present So they three armed him from head to foote only his Sword excepted and demanded of Amadis his opinion therein By my faith Madam quoth he if he had a Sword hee were in case me thinkes both to defend himselfe and to assayle any other You know answered Vrganda as well or better then any other in this troup where one hath been kept for him aboue two hundred years past and you haue seene it in the Rock of the Damosell Enchauntresse who left it there by apointment of the fates only for him And therefore hee must needes goe thither to conquer it for I dare assure you hee will performe such actions of arms as shall eclipse the bright fames of many that haue shined most cleerely in all partes of the worlde As shee spake these wordes foure other Damosells came in each one bringing furniture for a horse and an Armour as white as snow hauing a blacke crosse in the midst thereof and these foure other Damosells armed him therewith All this while was Esplandian on his knees before the Altar deuoutly imploring the assistance of heauen to giue him grace and meanes wherby to accomplish those things destined to him as well for the deliuerance of King Lisuart as any other enterprise whatsoeuer wherein hee coueted not his owne priuate glory Thus remained the Knights all night in prayer euen vntill the next morning when a mishapen ill fauoured Dwarffe beeing mounted on the very height of the serpent winding a Cornet with such loudnes as the whole Island returned the Eccho therof from all parts the Ladies ranne vp to the Towers in the Pallace of Apolidon to see and obserue whence this noyse came Then went Vrganda from the Chapell with them that had watched all night whom she conducted vp near to the Dwarffe And inwardly came sixe other Damosels attired all in blacke each bearing a Trumpet of golde in her hand and Vrganda calling Balan to her saide Friend Balan euen as nature hath preferred you before all other of your linage making you an enemy to vice to follow reason and vertue so will I aduaunce you for the loue I know Amadis beares you and euery other Knight in this company and doe you such an honour this day as all that haue beene before you or are liuing at this present could not nor can attaine to the like And this it is that Esplandian who shall be esteemed the best Knight in the worlde must haue his order of Knighthood from your hand Balan fearing to displease Amadis and the rest excused himselfe very honourably but they all preuailing with him hee tooke Esplandian by the hand and asked