burn them in the same Fire Nevertheless seeing that this cruel sentance had been already many dayes delay'd and that the other was no longer in his Countrey he resolv'd to put it in Execution against the Queen But she offered to prove her innocence by a Knight who should fight Maudan For so was her Accuser nam'd To which the King would in no wise have given Ear had not we who are his Uncles and many other princes of his Blood mov'd with Compassion perswaded him to grant it Which being come to Maudans knowledge he came with a great Bravado to remonstrate that he would not only defend his Assertion but would bring a Coufin of his that should maintain it to the Death and that they two together would enter the Field against two others such as the Queen could find And having so said he threw down his pledge but tho' the Queen has many great kindred yet none advanc'd to take it up not for any doubt of her Innocence but for the great Prowess that is said to be in the two Assailants Then was Prince Fulurtin so sorry that he took up the pledge and Offered himself alone to fight in person for the Justification of his Mother Which they refus'd saying that they would never put hand to Sword against the only Son of their Soveraign Lord. Thus was the good Lady distitute in a manner of all Remedy imploring with join'd hands the Kings Mercy with six months time to seek some stranger that would defend her since there was not any one in Saba and Morana that offer'd himself And tho' Magadan at first seem'd deaf yet importurn'd by us two he in fine granted her Request on condition we should accompany her whither she would have us and at six months end on pain of Death bring her back again Which we solemnly sware to do Then we caus'd this Ship to be equipp'd and from the Nile entred into this Sea where we have been already above these twelve weeks enquiring with great Diligence for the Knight of the burning Sword in whom lies all the Queens hopes Because he alone knows better how this Affair goes than all other men besides And this good Lady well knowing his great Courage makes no doubt but assoon as he shall have News of it he will leave all things to defend this Quarrel Now have you at length understood the Occasion of our Voyage therefore we affectionately desire you if you know any Remedy to teach it us Otherwise if the gods provide not for it this good Lady is in very great danger both of her Honor and Life During the Discourse the Queen so wept and lamented that the hardest Heart in the world would have been touch'd with Compassion and it fell into King Amadis 's Mind that she was really innocent Which made him suddenly think that he had a very good occasion to requite the Knight of the burning Sword for the Assistance he had receiv'd of him in the great Siclades and for this cause he said to the old Man If the Queen will swear to me on her soul that she is falsly accus'd by Maudan I will go with you and fight him For perhaps you will not in ten years find him whom you seek and in the mean time her Affairs would go very ill Ah! ah Sir Knight answer'd the Queen I swear to you by the high Name of Iupiter that we never so much as thought of the Disloyalty with which we are charg'd Madam said Amadis I believe your Word have therefore good hopes in GOD For he is just and will do you Justice if you are just Then were the two old Knights very joyful for having thus shortned their Iourney and so fitly found a Knight that would fight Maudan and maintain the Queens Right who very affectionatly thanking him as did also her two Vncles besought him to come into their Ship I will do it answer'd he on the Protestation you all three make me that the Accusers Quarrel is false 't is also very requisit that you have more hopes in your good Right than in my strength Otherwise thinking to preserve you Madam said he to the Queen I should ruin you and my self also Alas Sir Knight said she I beseech you to believe that knowing the good Will you have to defend me if my Cause were in the least dubious I would not hazard your life for the Preservation of mine own which is already so troublesome to me that I esteem it less than nothing And in this belief answer'd Amadis I will take the Charge of it And desire you not to wonder at what I have remonstrated to you seeing every Knight who enters into the Field of Battle greatly fails if he goes not with assurance that the Right is on his side That I swear to you again said the Queen 'T is sufficient answer'd Amadis let us go when you please Then he went into the Ship and discharging his Bark chang'd his Name causing himself to be call'd the Vermilion Knight because his Arms were all red being those which Alquif sent him when he embarkt after his Disenchantment to go to the Siege of Constantinople Thus those of Saba return'd back discoursing together of the most agreeable Matters they could till they entred into the Mouth of the Nile along which they sail'd and went ashore at Terrodin where the Queen said to Amadis Good Vermilion Knight we are now in the Country where I hope in our gods in you and in the good Right I have that you will make the wicked who accuse me acknowledge their Treason For 't is not above a dayes Journey from hence to Saba where we shall find the Court. So much the better Madam answer'd he Now the Citizens were incontinently advertiz'd of their Princess Return and the Aid she brought with her Wherefore they went to receive her and do her Honor For she was greatly lov'd of them all for her Vertues And for this Cause they presented her Horses and what was necessary for her going to the King Before whom assoon as they were come into Saba his two old Vncles presented Buruca and the strange Knight Magadan the Lords of his Court wondring at the Queens so sudden Return and yet more at him who would fight the two Knights that accus'd her began to cast their Eyes on Maudan to see what Countenance he kept when Buruca brake forth into this following Discourse to the King Sir to shew you that the Traytor whom I see here present has unjustly falsly and disloyally accus'd me of Adultery I present you this Knight who if iâ— pleases our gods will so perform his Duâ—y that my innocency shall be verify'd and the wicked Accuser punisht according to his Desert Madam answer'd the King if your Knight does so much for you you will be exceedingly oblig'd to him Let him come forward then and declare with his own Mouth what he has undertaken King Magadan said Amadis then because I have
I have no power over this Knight to pray him or command him considering the State we are in wherefore I am of opinion that you your self speak to him and know what he thinks of it It shall not stick there said the Damsel Then turning her Face towards him in the white Arms she said to him Knight the Old Man who found you in the Forrest after you had deliver'd King Magadan desires you for a reason to fight no more against him to whom I have addrest my self but to remember the Discourse you had with him when you said that Vertue was never lost in what place soever it were exercis'd Damsel answer'd he I am so much bound to the old man that I will believe his Counsel and would gladly be in place where I may do him Service as I desire Now he had taken notice of the Honour she did the black Knight which made him conjecture that he was some King or other great Personage wherefore he said to him My Lord pardon me I beseech you if in my Behaviour and Words I have not been so courteous to you as I ought and do me the Favour to tell me who you are that I may hereafter better know by name him in whom there is so much Goodness and Prowess Knight answer'd he your so glorious Discretion makes me entirely lose the ill will I have hitherto born you and summons me to leave you the Place since our dispute can take no other course Yet I will first satisfy your Request and tell you who I am on condition that afterwards neither you nor any other shall hinder my Departure Of that you may be sure said the white Knight and I promise you it upon my Honour Understand then said he that you may now see Esplandian Emperor of Constantinople who came hither hoping alone to recover what your self have gain'd from me and mine but finding what is in you and knowing the Strength of the Place I make no farther acccount of getting any thing what Power soever I can bring O Iupiter cry'd out the Knight of the Burning Sword is it possible that the Prince whose Renown is the greatest and most glorious of any in the whole world has done me this Honour On my faith I may at present well stile my self the happiest man on earth having had the Means to prove my self against the best Knight living Ah! Ah! most Excellent Emperor You are such that the Praises which are given you are far short of what is due to your Merits And would to our Gods the Law you hold were conformable to their Honour that you might in time see with what affection I would do you Service instead of the Displeasure you have receiv'd thro' my ignorance for which I entreat you and this Damsel to excuse me Now he believ'd her to be still behind him but she was already departed which he perceiv'd as he thought to give her thanks wherefore with much discontent he chang'd his discourse and askt what way she had taken My Lord said one from within She is gone forth and we saw her descend strait to the Sea Ah! said the Knight she does me wrong Now he thought to know of her where he might find the good old Alquif by whom he hop'd to come to the Knowledge of his Parents And for this cause leaving the Emperor he went hastily out of the Castle running after her and the farther he went the more he said within himself By my Head I have no wound that shall hinder me from following you and if once I catch you you shall tell me where your Father is But notwithstanding his Diligence Fortune guided him far another way as you shall hereafter be inform'd CHAP. XIII How the twenty Turks which Yneril had brought from Natolia for the Relief of the Defended Mountain set themselves to kill the Emperor Esplandian and of that which hapned FRandalo who was come down out of the Galleries to listen to the Damsels discourse having heard from the Emperor Esplandians own mouth that it was he who had fought with the Knight of the Burning Sword presently kneel'd down to kiss his Hands the King of Jerusalem also making him a very great Reverence The Emperor receiv'd them very kindly and embracing the King said to him In good faith Brother your Liberty is I believe more happy than you expected being deliver'd and freed out of Prison by the best Knight I ever saw in my life Ah Sir said Frandalo your Presence gives me an incomparable Joy and a Regret even to Death My good Friend said the Emperor you have always be esteem'd so discreet that you need not any Comfort but what you can give your self But they had not long continu'd this Discourse when the twenty Turks lately arriv'd for Defence of the Place calling out to Arms ran upon the Emperor who more astonisht than before and that not without cause said to the King of Jerusalem whom he suspected to be the Head of this Treason How Brother Dare you indeed do an Act so injurious to your Honour and the Right of Chivalry On my faith you not only wrong your own Person but all others who bear the Title of Gentlemen for you cannot be ignorant that I entred into this place with Security from him who had power to give me it The King of Jerusalem very sorry for this assault took suddenly his Sword in hand and severely menac'd these Rascals who to shew how little they would do for him began in such manner to let fly their Arrows that they seem'd like Hail pouring down from Heaven This so chaf'd the Emperor that without any farther delay he cover'd himself with his Shield and with Sword in hand entred pell mell amongst them striking so on the right and left that he gave the first he met with such a blow that he never spake after and following the rest brought three of them with their Noses to the ground Nevertheless this could not have preserv'd him without Frandalo who weak and feeble as he was got hold of a Battle ax and follow'd by two of his Squires so well seconded the Emperor that whether the others would or no they were forc'd to give back to their great shame and loss And as we often see a campany of Pies persue an Hawk that taking his flight from off his Masters hand pearches upon some Tree at his departure from which being provok'd by their beating and pecking at him he not only seizes upon one two or three of them but furiously scatters the Remainder in the like manner these Rascals having done their endeavour against the Emperor betook themselves to flight some falling dead and others putting all their hopes in the entrance of a stair case whether they retir'd for their Defence But this weak Resistance lasted scarce a moment the Emperor and Frandalo following them so close that there did not one of them escape The King of Jerusalem was then in very great
the Emperor has written you word after the Damsel Alquifa and we never knew what became of him He will be found again some other time said the King and went immediately to visit the Knight of the Kay into whose Tent he had scarce set foot when there entred a Damsel Sister to Farineus of Carsantum who having left her Brother in the Chirurgeons hands came to give the King notice she had met the Knight of the Burning Sword for she knew by Report that he had conquer'd the Defended Mountain And for this cause as soon as she saw Amadis she fell down on her knees and said to him Sir the Knight who as they say fought Frandalo and his People is to my certain knowledge in this Country Is he so said the King and have you seen him Yes Sir answer'd the Damsel Then she related to the King how she met him in the Forrest as she was carrying her Brother And for the greater certainty said she he had yet his Shield with the Burning sword and was accompany'd by another in the richest Armor I ever saw in my Life Never trust me answer'd the King if it were not he that thus severely treated our Knight having chang'd his Arms the better to conceal himself But had I known him I would have given him the Honour and good Entertainment he merits Yet he spake against his own Conscience for he would have undoubtedly put him to death not being able to forget the Childs Threatning which I just now mentioned for which cause he would have sent after him had he not remembred the Request the Damsel made him to return to his Ship Now there were many good Knights who knowing that the Knight of the Burning Sword was thus escap'd without being any farther try d in Great Britain were very much displeas'd for they would willingly have combated him to know by experience whether what Fame reported of him were true And he of the Kay promis d himself that after he had recover'd his Health and acquitted himself of his Oath to the Dutchess he would not stay in any place till he had found him and fought him again Nor was it long ere he was strong enough to bear Arms which being come to the knowledge of King Amadis he told Orizenes and Bâ—avartus that he would on the mâ—rrow give them the Order for which cause they kept the watch and in the morning were made Knights the Queen her self girding on their Swords And to the end she and the other Ladies might thenceforth better and with more ease see the Iusts and Combats which should be perform'd at the Kay the King commanded a Seaffold to be erected on which they continu'd not long idle before they perceiv'd six Knights come out of the Forrest marching leisucely towards them The Dutchess seeing this sent her Messenger to acquaint them with the usual Covenants whom they answer'd that they would for this reason pass the Kay Then they made themselves ready to fight as did also the Dutchesses Knight who so furiously encountred the first that he threw him to the ground But he soon got up again and putting his hand to his Sword had the Knight of the Kay alight or he would kill his horse for he would essay whether Fortune would not be more favourable to him on Foot than on Horse-back This the Dutchesses Friend would noâ— contest with him but leapt down on the ground and there began between them a Combat fierce enough at first but with this end that the Stranger was forc'd to leave his Name and Shield accoâ—ding to the Agreement And to the end I may not hold you any longer in suspence who it was he was call'd Atalio Son to Oliâ—as and the others that accompany'd him were Garimont Son to the King of North-Wales Brucellis Son of Brandoivas Ysany Yrguian Son of Count Gandalin and Brianses his Brother all which were in such manner receiv'd by the Knight of the Kay that they had no cause to brag of their Entertainment Nevertheless making the best of their Iâ—â—-Fortune theâ— came and paid their Reverence to tâ—e King and the Ladies converting their Disgrace into pleasant and delightful Discourses which lasted not only that day but even to the third day following when eight other Knight thinking to revenge this injury fell into the like Mishap for they left there their Names Reputations and Shields At which King Amadis amaz'd and in a mâ—nner jealous deliberated from that time to know by Name the Dutchesses Knight very much importuning her to tell him it but she refus'd it with so good a Grace that he was contented to expect still that he might see whether his Fortune would continue as it was begun CHAP. XVIII How the Knight of the Kay vanquisht Orizenes and Bravartus who came to assault him in disguise and of that which hapned THe Overthrow of the six foregoing Knights gave such an Example to light Vndertakers that for four days after not one presented himself to hazard his Reputation against him whom they nam'd The Wont to overcome Nevertheless before the Week was out as King Amadis newly risen from Table was walking along a Gallery he descry'd far enough off two Knights advantageously arm'd and mounted To whom the Dutchess according to the Custom sent her Damsel Messenger to acquaint them with the Place by which they were to pass and the Conditions to which they were oblig'd She who was no Apprentice in such Ambassades did what she was commanded but the Knights answer'd her that they came for no other purpose wherefore she return'd Soon after the Dutchesses Knight took one of the biggest Lances he could find and setting Spurs to his Horse ran so vigorously against him who presented himself that their Shields were pierc't and their Staves broken to the very Gantlet disjointing their Armors even to the Flesh without receiving any other hurt as they well gave to understand for at the end of their Career they turn'd about and putting their hands to their Swords began to treat one another not as in a Tourney for Pleasure but as if they had fought for some Quarrel which they were obliged to maintain with their Lives Nor was it a little Honour that the Knight of the Forrest gain'd there for during the Space of a long hour and above he behav'd himself so valiantly that the Dutchesses Knight knew not where he was Wherefore irritated with extream Choler he lift up his Sword and thinking to beat down the other rusht upon him with all his force but he wâ—th his Shield warded off the blow which was so violent that making way through all oâ—position it fell upon the Horses head who immediately dropt down dead carrying his Master along with him and so disadvantageously that he was not able to get up again the Beast lay so heavy on his Right Leg. And as the Knight of the Kay was alighting to make him swear the Performance of the usual Covenants the other cry'd
Certainly said the Queen I did not think he would ever have done me so great a Favour In good faith Madam answered Alquifa he is so vertuous and so good conditioned that nothing but happiness is to be expected from him And will he not come to see us said the Queen No Madam answer'd Alquifa for he was separated from us by a strange Adventure Ah GOD replyed the Queen how am I displeas'd at it For though at first he gave us much trouble yet will I not fail to honour him since he has done what you assure us Madam said Alquifa you will as I think soon have the others here among whom is the King of Sicilys daughter who is the fairest and discreetest Princess you ever saw and by whom these Enchantments were in part brought to an End Madam said King Arban it is then my opinion that I go if you please to them to morrow and intreat them in your Name to come to London for I am sure the King would be much displeased if the Emperor and the King of Sicily should not be received as the greatness of their Quality deserves I beseech you do so answer'd the Queen and take with you such persons from hence as you shall think good Tell them from me that the Kings Absence shall not hinder me from giving them the best Reception I can and recommend me affectionately to their good Graces especially to the Queen of Sicily and the Infanta her Daughter Tell my Children also that they by no means delay to come and see me and bring all the rest with them King Arban then parted the next day and with a good Company of Knights and Esquires went to the Kay where he found the Emperor with the rest hearing Mass to whom he related the Queens Message inviting and requesting them in the best manner he could Certainly said the Emperor we would in no wise fail so good a Princess but I doubt our Sick Men will not be able to remove they are so exceedingly wounded but let us go see them and we shall know their Opinion Then they went into the Pavilion where Perion and Florelus were Perion who presently knew King Arban stretching forth his Arms embrac'd him and ask'd him whether the King and Queen were in good Health My Lord answered he I can give you no account of the King who is absent but the Queen desires you and Lisvart to come and see her as soon as possible you can and to bring with you these Lords and Ladies To day said Perion it cannot be but to morrow it may and in the mean time I will cause a Litter to be made to carry this wounded Knight and me You will therefore return to her with our Excuses and Recommendations to her good Grace Therefore King Arban after he had discours'd some time with him and taking leave of the Emperor return'd back to London where he acquainted the Queen with the Answer of these Lords that they would be with her the next day at Dinner And for this cause she commanded her richest Hangings to be put up and her Palace to be adorn'd in the most Magnificent manner possible CHAP. XLII How the Emperor of Trebisond and his Company came to London to visit Queen Oriana and of the Discourse they had together AFter King Arban had left the Emperor and the rest at the Kay the Dutchess of Savoy knowing that they were all to part for London gave Order for the making a Litter to carry Florelus and Perion So they pass'd the Remainder of that day in all pleasure and the next day every one of them took Horse except the two wounded Men who were carry'd in Mens Arms that they might not be too much shockt by the way And behind them came the Dutchess of Savoy in a great Chariot cover'd with Cloth of Gold At her Neck hung the rich Sword and Shield and round about her were the Shields of the vanquisht Knights and their Names underneath for a Testimony of Florelus's Victory and Triumph which so pleased Perion that he sent her his praying her to put it in the rank with the others or else he should be displeased She who durst not refuse it took it and said to the Esquire that brought it My Friend tell my Lord Perion that I will obey him since 't is his pleasure but I will put it in the place it deserves Then she askt for a Lance to the Head of which she caus'd the Shield to be fastned and raised it up to the top of the Chariot sending her own rich one with the Sword to hang at Perions Litter who would not at first permit it and in such Equipage they entred into the City of London there going forth to meet them King â—rban Angriote d' Estravaux with several Dukes Earls Barens Knights and Esquires Great was the Reception they gave each other and the Honour that was done them at their Entrance into the Town The Emperor led the Queen of Sicily Olorius of Spain the Infanta Lucella and Lisvart Gradafilea with which she was more content than if Great Britain it self had faln to her by Succession Balan entertain'd the Dutchess of Austria but he was so melancholly that he thought on nothing but having his leave to go and fight King Gandalfe and in such order they alighted at the Palace where the King of Sicily took the Dutchess of Savoy under the Arms for the sake of Florelus whom he lov'd and greatly esteem'd from the day they try'd themselves together every one of the others led his as you have been told Then came the Queen Oriana clad in black Cloth for the Absence of King Amadis and at the Entrance of the Hall gave them a very great and sumptuous Reception With her were so many fair Ladies and Damsels and so richly adorn'd that they seemed rather Goddesses descended on the Earth than Mortal Women The Reverences then Welcoms Kisses and Embraces on the one side and the other being thus begun and ended Queen Oriana addressed her self to the Infanta Lucella and said to her Madam as I have been given to understand I have at this day by your Means my two Sons You are more than welcome Madam answer'd she your Majesty is to give thanks only to one who is at this time absent from this Company Seeing the Goodness and high Prowess that is in him was the Cause of their being disenchanted GOD said the Queen grant me the Favor that I may one day see him in the Presence of the King For I am sure he will honor him as he deserves And as for me I shall all my Life be thankful to you both for what you have done During this Discourse Oriana took such Delight in beholding the very great beauty of Lucella that she could not take her Eye from off her when Lisvart came to pay her his Respects presenting to her Gradafilea whom she had formerly seen at Constantinople 'T would be little to the
Because they had nâ—t fought long before he struck Azaruc on the Top of his Helmet which with great foâ—ce he foâ—â—atter'd into â—is Brains that he fell dead in the Place That Maudan thâ—n wisâ—t himself far from thence I can assure you in his behalf For his Heart began to fail him so that he visibly lost all Countenance wherefore Amadis cry'd to him Now Traytor shall thy Baseness be manifested and thou shalt receive the Reward of the Affronts thou didst me in the Kings Presence Maudan more amaz'd than can he imagin'd answer'd not a word and without either defending himself or resisting did nothing but fly to and fro But Amadis taking him by the Straps of his Shield pluckt him so roughly that he brought him with his Nose to the Ground and fell to caressing him so tenderly with the Pommel of his Sword that Maudans Helmet coming off from his Head the Vermilion Knight immediatly sat his Foot on his Throat and lifting up his Arm made an Offer to kill him when Maudâ—n cry'd out Ah ah Vermilion Knight have pity on me and spare my Life Rascal answer'd he if there were any hopes of Amendment in thee I would do it But thou being a Traitor as thou art 't would be a wrong to shew thee Compassion Nevertheless if thou wilt confess to me before the King and the Princess of his Court the Truth of the matter I will pass no further Maudan fearful of Death and regardless of Honor promis'd to do it And for this Cause Amadis call'd the Iudges to whom he declar'd what you have heard desiring them to send for the King and the other Lords of Saba Which they went immediatly to tell Magadan who came down from his Theatre attended by Fulurtin and many gallant Men before whom the Queen being present Maudan fell on his knees begging Mercy with lifted up hands and to obtain it address'd his Discourse to the King saying to him Sir you may see in me how Fortune triumphs over such wicked persons as I am Nor has it indeed been ever known but one sin draws on another and a second many more till at length they so blind those who commit them that thinking to go the high way they fall into the Ditch which themselves have digg'd whence they cannot afterwards get out This is at present manifest in me who envying the Honor you did the Knight of the Burning Sword invented what I told you of him and the Queen to drive him from your Court and get into his Place Then he related all the Particulars of his Treason not omitting the least Circumstance after which he thus went on Now I have been the Cause of much Mischief and well know that I deserve to be exemplarily punisht Nevertheless I beseech Your Majesty that preferring Pity and Mercy before the Rigour of your Justice You will be pleas'd to pardon me letting every one thereby know that if my Sin is heinous your Clemency and Goodness is no less extraordinary Which as it will greatly redound to Your Majesty's Honor so also shall I and mine ever remain more bound to serve you than any other of your Subjects you having thus pardon'd and remitted my most grievous Offence Whilst the Traytor was making this fair Harangue the King of Saba was so perplext that he could not utter a word considering the wrong and Injury he had done the Queen thro his over Lightness in believing for which he should be eternally blam'd Nevertheless before he retir'd â—e counnanted the Traytor to be thrown into the Fire and by a perpetual Edict vanishâ—t all hiâ— Kindred who for this cause departed the very same day Then the King return'd into his Place whither Queen Buruca was brought with as great Triumph as if she had made a Second Entry And being come before the King she threw her self at his Feét sayiâ—g to him Sir since my Innocence iâ— manifested I beseech you to receive me into your Favor as before and remember another time not to bâ—lieve so easily nor to use your Power over the Accus'd till his Defence has first been heard Considering how you have proceeded rigorously not only against my Chastity but also against my Honor and that of the House from which I am descended The King who was then besieg'd with a great Remorse of Conscience rais'd her up kissing her with Tears in his Eyes answered her Madam I well know that I cannot indeed excuse my Offence for which I beseech you to pardon me and to forget it swearing to you by my Crown that I will satisfy you and yours for it as you shall think fit Ah ah Sir said she had it not been for the good Vermilion Knight my Affairs had gone ill For GOD's sake honor him and let this if you please be the first satisfaction you shall make me And as she finisht this Discourse her two Vncles brought Amadis who entring into the Hall Magadan and Buruca went to receive him and embracing him the Queen said to him Certainly good Knight I know not how I shall ever be able to acknowledge what you have done for me having giving me both Life and Honor. Madam answer'd he the good Right you have appears manifestly For GOD who is just never permits injustice without Vengeance tho' it be sometimes long in coming Thus you being innocent had not I undertaken the Combat against the Traytors some other would have come and done what I have perform'd My great Friend said the King had I known you as well yesterday as I do at present I should have given you more Respect But the Trouble I was in at the wicked Words I heard spoken of the Queen made me forget all Courtesy and even my own natural Disposition which is to receive graciously all strangers that come to my Court. Therefore I beseech you not to take in ill part this my Fault but to excuse it on Condition I shall hence forth endeavor to amend it Ah Sir answer'd Amadis You do me Wrong I am a simple Knight who should think himself happy if he were able to do any Service to so great a King as you are No no said Magadan if you will stay with me there is not any thing in my Power that shall be refus'd you King Amadis very humbly thankt him And because the King thought he was much wounded he gave his Son Fulurtin to bear him Company and conduct him into one of the best Chambers of the Palace where he disarm'd himself And altho ' he was old as you may well believe yet did the Water with which Urganda washt him in the Castle of Apolidon keep him so fresh that he seem'd not to be above fourty And he so much resembled the Knight of the burning Sword that Fulurtin could not forbear having his Eye on him who was so like the Person whose Absence he hourly more and more regretted Amadis then being disarm'd without any wound constraining him to keep his Chamber
return'd into the Hall with the Kings Son And because the Table was cover'd for Dinner Magadan made him wash with him and sit down by the Queen who very instantly pray'd him to tell what he knew of the Knight of the burning Sword Which he obey'd And all those who heard his great Prowess exceedingly wondered so that Fulurtin took a Resolution to go and seek him Then Dinner being over Amadis who thought it long till he saw Queen Oriana knowing the Trouble she was in for his Absence resolv'd to request the King to give him a Vessel fit for his Return to the Place where Queen Buruca had found him And tho' he with great Earnestness urg'd his Dismission yet could he not obtain it till four dayes after during which he was greatly feasted And in the mean time a Ship was equipp'd for him in which Fulurtin thought also to embark and go seek his Companion but the King would not at that time permit him And for this cause he besought Amadis to leave him his red Armor which he would wear for his sake and in remembrance of the best Knight in the World Amadis refus'd him not and Fulurtin gave him another Suit all white and much richer Then with his leave he put forth into the Nile and from thence into the Mediterranean Sea by a Wind fit for his Return into the West whence he came GOD then be his Guide And to embellish our History and give it some Variety you shall understand how in the mean time went the Affairs of the Emperor Arquisil of whom there is so much Mention in the Book of Amadis of Gaul CHAP. XLVII How the Emperor Arquisil being in the City of Mentz there arriv'd at the Court Acayus Son to the King of Thessaly whom Manasses Son to the Duke of Buillon slew thro' his Jealousy of the Infanta Esclariana ARquisil Emperor of Rome sojourning in his good City of Mentz with the Empress Leonorina Dinerpious and his wife Brisenna Daughter of King Amadis thinking on nothing but Feasting and rejoycing in the best manner they could the Court being then fill'd with Princes as well Natives Forreigners the most part of which were come expresly to see Esclariana Daughter to Prince Denerpius and Brisena the Fame of whose Beauty and Gracefulness flew into all Countreys wholly in a manner resembling the Excellence that was heretofore in her Grandmother Queen Oriana Which coming to the Ears of Acayus Prince of Thessaly he would be of the Party hoping to ask her of the Emperor for his Wife And for this cause he parted from his Country with a fair and great Train came to Mentz Where Arquisil receiv'd him courteously and honorably as well for the sake of his Father the King of Thessaly as because he was a fair young and good-condition'd Prince Acayus was greatly pleas'd with it and much more when he had seen and discoursed with Esclariana Whom he found means to acquaint with the occasion of his Arrival at Court promising her if she thought good to request the Emperor's and the King of Thessaly's Consent to the Marriage of him and her The Infanta not us'd to such Discourses blusht at first thanking him nevertheless for the Honor he did her and as a discreet and well advis'd Lady excus'd her self from making any further Answer Now there hapned to be present when Acayus and Esclariana were discoursing together another young Prince nam'd Manasses Son to the Duke of Buillon who pretending to the same Happiness Acayus did felt in his Soul a great Disturbance at the good looks they gave each other and thence entred into such a Iealousy that it produc'd afterwards a great deal of Mischief as you shall understand This Son to the Duke of Buillon was a young lusty and good Knight as one shall see but Esclariana knowing that he came from a Race of Traytors made no Account of him what Love and Service soever he offered her or she took notice of So that she would not to be Empress of the whole world have had him for her Husband And what incensed him more was that he had found Means to understand part of the Offers which Acayus had made the Princess at which he was so inflam'd that he resolv'd to be revenged of his Corrival and by killing him to get wholly rid of him And what much contributed thereto Vnderstand that the Emperor had on occasion of so great a Court caus'd Lists to be set up for turneying and Scaffolds round about Wherefore Acayus put himself in the best Equipage he could hoping in savour of his Mistress to Do feats of Arms and shew himself such as he was And to the end she might the better know him one day amongst others he came to the Palace where the Tables were cover'd for Dinner Great and sumptuous was the Service during which Acayus could not be satisfyed with having his Eye continually on her whom he loved with all his heart And tho' she minded it not as being young and not infected with the like Distemper yet was Manasses strangely uneasy and at every turn gnawed his Nails till the Tables were taken away and the Knights and Ladies went into the Court where they found their Horses ready to go see who could ride best that Afternoon Now Acayus stirred not from Esclariana but took the Reins of her Horse and led her discoursing her as those are wont to do who desire their Mistresses Favors At which Manasses grew more enraged but not being able at that time to remedy it he considered to prejudice them both to put himself by their side and hear them or keep them from speaking privatly to one another And nevertheless Acayus who doubted nothing ceased not to prosecute his Affair so that he said to the Infants Madam if you be pleased so far to favor me as to give me some Sleeve and command me to wear it to morrow at the Furney methinks no ill could befal me and my Forces would on your occasion be redoubled Sir said she You are so good a Knight that your Devoir would not cease to be done without any Sleeve or other Token that you can have from me Manasses who heard him could no longer hold but spake thus to Acayus Prince you might well have forborn making this Discourse to my Lady Since if she would so far extend her Liberality she might do it to another who can better serve her than you And to vaunt your self thus you should not have left the King your Fathers Countrey and come hither where is the flower of all Chivalry Truly Knight answer'd Acayus it may well be that another should serve her but not better than I or with more occasion of Right or Merit And therefore methinks you would have done much for your self to have spoken more courteously and not with such Audaciousness For if I am come from my Countrey I hold my Journey well employed were it only in having seen my Ladies great
will swear it by the living Gods for I saw it with my own eyes Ah Ah! said the King fetching a deep sigh Since the Traytor has so far forgotten himself as I heretofore prefer'd him before all that were in this Kingdom so will I now cause him and the Strumpet his Companion to be put to the cruelst Death that ever wretched Creatures suffer'd Then the King commanding Maudan to keep secret what he had told him retir'd to his Chamber as full of discontent as the Villian was of joy for having so well accomplisht his design As the Love of a Father to his Son is incomparably greater than common Amities so the hate of the one to the other when it grows vigorous is undoubtedly more extream than can be exprest In like manner the King who was so affectionated to the Knight of the burning sword that he had almost equall'd him with Fulurtin having heard the discourse of this Whisperer grew so disturb'd that he had much ado so to govern his Passion as to forbear sending him at that very moment to receive his last Punishment which yet tho' not without putting a gâ—eat constraint upon himself he for a while suspended hoping to surprize him in the Fact Now such is commonly the Nature of Sin that 't is no sooner brought into the Woâ—ld but 't is attended by Repentance which was the cause that Maudan mixing water with his wine began immediately to know his offence insomuch that considering the many Pleasures and Courtesies he had receiv'd from the Knight he had accus'd he wisht he had never spoken ill of him but when the Steed is stoln 't is too late to shut the Stable door Yet did remorse of Conscience conducted by Reason gain so much upon him that he purpos'd at least to save his life by giving him notice tâ—at the King sâ—ake of doing him a displeasure and advising him therefore to absent himself from his Fury This thought he put in Execution A thing probably proceeding from GOD not for the sake of so wretehed a Person as Maudan but for the preservation of the Innocent for which cause we sometimes see the Wicked contrary to his Nature to leave Evil and give way to Good The Sun was already retir'd behind the Mountains and the Night approacht when the Traytor found out the Knight of the Burnâ—ng Sword to whom concealing from him the Poison which lay hid in his heart he thus spake My dear Friend so much do I desire your Good that there cannot any inconvenience befall you at which I should not be as much troubled as if it hapned to my self 'T is therefore necessary you retire with all possible speed for I certainly know that the King is resolv'd to put you to death for which purpose you will be Arrested at your Entrance into the Palace The particular cause indeed I cannot learn but some story has been told him for which he hates you to extremity The Knight of the burning sword as you will easily believe was not a little astonisht at this Advertisement the truth of which as not having any way offended he would soon have question'd had not Maudan always pretended a particular kindness for him He gave therefore so much credit to this Traytor 's words that he immediately commanded Yneril his Esquire to bring his Arms and taking Horse went secretly forth of the Town without any other Attendance Riding all Night in marvellous discontent Thus Maudan wove the Web which afterward cost him his life as shall be declared to you In the mean time the better still to cover his design he went very late in the Evening to the King to whom he said Sir I doubt Yneril may have over heard some part of the discourse I had with Your Majesty about his Master for I am certainly inform'd he was listning under the window Which may be the more easily credited for that I have not since seen the Knight of the burning sword whom I believe you will find to be fled That would be ill reply'd the King therefore pray know the certainty of it and that without delay At these words Maudan went strait out of the Palace to the Knight's Lodgings returning soon after as in amaze to tell the King he was gone Magadan hearing this sent hastily to apprehend the Queen Buruca swearing he would have her burnt alive at which the poor Lady who knew not for what occasion was very much troubled and casting her self at the Kings feet besought him with hands held up to tell her the cause of his displeasure Wicked woman answer'd he you shall know too soon to your cost Then commanding her to be lock'd up he set Guards upon her charging them on peril of their lives to keep her safe After this he sent forth men on all sides to look for the Knight of the burning sword and bring him either alive or dead For said the King he has acted against me the greatest Treason in the world Fulurtin wondering at this so suddain change found means to know the cause â—f it which the King would not conceal from him that he might irritate him the more against the Knight who had done him so many Services not letting him however know from whom he had receiv'd his Information But the Young Prince being well advis'd endeavour'd what he could to pacify all and disswade Magadan from believing any such thing which 't was impossible for him to do Not long after those who had been in quest of the Knight of the Burning Sword return'd without hearing any news of him at which the King was so enrag'd that he wanted lâ—ttle of putting the Queen to death But by the Advice of his most intimate Counsellors he delay'd it till such time as he recover'd the Knight At that very instant there Arriv'd a Courier bringing him News of the Spoil the Enemies made in his Realm into which they were entred This made Magadan whose Army was now ready march forth to meet them and give them Battle the Man being led by Fulurtin and the rest of his Forces by the King himself whose Army was divided only into two Squadrons The Kings of Tharsus and Arabia advertis'd of Magadans approach drew up their men in a Pâ—sture to receive him After a long and fierce Fight Magadan and his Son were in fine taken Prisoners and their whole Army discomfited the greatest part e caping to the Neighbouring Towns and the rest being put to the Sword These Kings having thus gotten the victory consulted betwixt themselves to send Magadan and Fulurtin where they might be safely kept Of this the King of Tharsus would take the Charge attended only by ten chosen Knights not being willing to trust such a Prey with any other Person but himself and in the mean time the King of Arabia advanc'd to Besiege Saba CHAP. IV. How the Knight of the Burning Sword found a Moorish Hermit and of the discourse they had together SO long travell'd the
worse Go said the Knight thou shalt know when thou com'st back Then they withdrew into the privat'st part of the Forrest where the Knight disarming himself gave his Armor to Yneril who rode strait with it to the Town where having found at an Armorers what he desir'd he return'd to his Master who having Arm'd himself and mounted his Steed said to Yneril Pray stay for me at the Town and come every Evening to this place to see whether I am returned or not For I must help the King and Fulurtin else the Nourishment they have given me would be very ill bestow'd if in a time of such necessity I should not hazard my Person to preserve them How Sir answer'd the Esquire will you put your self in such danger to preserve his life who seeks to deprive you of yours He shall not know me reply'd the Knight and besides I have always heard it Averr'd to do Good for Evil is double Merit And therefore since the Gods give me this good will I will employ it and my Person also in doing Service to the King to whom I am oblig'd Yneril seeing him so resolv'd durst not contradict him wherefore recommending him to the Protection of his Gods he took one way and the Knight another following the course he had seen kept by the Horseman he met the day before Now he had not rid far ere he met a Courier coming full speed whom he askt what News he brought Sir Knight answer'd he rejoice our Prince the King of Tharsus has defeated the Army of King Magadan and taken him and his Son Prisoners bringing them along himself with a Guard only of ten Knights which are not far behind me and for this cause I am going to Advertise those of the Town that they may come forth to receive them Then he pass'd on and the Knight of the Burning Sword still keeping his way said within himself God never prosper me if I don't deliver them or dye in the attempt And that he might not tire his Horse he rode leisurely on till he came to the top of an Hill whence he might easily see those that conducted the King and his Son who were set upon two little Nags having each of them an Esquire behind him which for greater security held them about the middle The Knight was so mov'd at this spectacle that without any farther delay he let down the Visor of his Helmet and seeing his opportunity rusht in amongst them crying with a loud voice Stay Traytors stay the Injury you do such Noble Princes shall cost you dear The King of Tharsus and his Brother who rode foremost seeing themselves assail'd thus on the sudden put themselves in a posture of Defence breaking their staves on him that ran against them but with so much force did the Knight hit the King that piercing with his Launce both his Shield and Breast-plate he threw him out of the Saddle his Arm in the fall breaking short in two Then passing farther he entred pell mell amongst the seven others who environ'd him on every side For of the ten two were retir'd aside with Magadan and Fulurtin Now the Knight of the Burning Sword was not at all dismay'd but striking on the right hand and the left gave not any home blow but what Death follow'd Which when the King of Saba and his Son saw they greatly wondred not being able to imagine who it should be that perform'd so high an Enterprâ—ze but saying within themselves that they had never seen so much Prowess acted by one sole man And with good reason might they say it for this Dispute continued above the space of four hours during which the seven assaulted Knights were so ill treated that the King of Tharsus's Brother lost his life there and three others with him The rest turning their backs fled through the Wood whether the Knight of the Burning Sword car'd not much to follow them but turn'd his Bridle doubting lest those who guarded Magadan and Fulurtin might kill them but they had seen their Fellows so well rubb'd that to avoid falling into the same danger they made use of their Horses heels Thus were the Prisoners left without any Guard to whom the Knight of the Burning Sword turning himself cut the Cords with which they were bound saying to the King Sir may it please you now to give me leave for as far as I can see you have no longer need of my assistance Ah! good Knight answer'd the King I beseech you tell us who you are to the end we may bear you good Will all our lives for the favour and succour we have receiv'd of you Sir reply'd the Knight I am one that ow you far greater service than this and I hope the time will come when you will by experience know the great Respect I have for you and yours In the mean time be pleas'd not to trouble your self any farther with enquiring what I am but cause the King of Tharsus who lies wounded to be set on Horseback and sent into one of your nearest Towns for as for me I must get my wouâ—ds lookt after The King perceiving he would not reveal himself importun'd him no farther but very affectionately thanking him committed him to the Protection of his Gods as the Knight also did him hasting without any stay through the Woods Then the King and Fulurtin made a sâ—ift to catch two of the Steeâ—s which were loose and having arm'd themselves wâ—th the best Arms theâ— could find tâ—ey went to the King of Tharsus and seeing that he was not dead bound up his wou ds and ha ing set him upon one of their little Nags conducted him thence to the Town of Teâ—rina where being arriv'd and understanding that the King of Arabia had planted h s Camp near Saba Magadan sent him word by a Trumpet that if he did not retreat he would strike off the Head of his Prisoner the King of Tharsâ—s The King of Arabia hearing this and being inform'd how all had pass d rais'd his Siege and without any longer stay return'd into Arabia as Magadan did to Saba attended by a great Troop of Knights and taking along with him the King his Prisoner of whom he had afterwards not only Peace but also a great Tribute and Ransome CHAP. VI. How after the Knight of the Burning Sword had Resâ—u'd the King of Saba and his Son he entered into the thickest of the Forrest where he met with an Old Man and of the Discourse they had together THe Knight of the Burning Sword having as you were told deliver'd Magadan and Fulurtin turn'd back the way he came and tho' he was cruelly wounded yet did not this so much trouble him as that he did not know the place where he was and less how to find any help for the Neighbouring Country appertain'd to the King of Tharsus whom he had defeated which made him greatly fear being known by them that fled wherefore he kept himself as close within
this so unhappy Custom has been ordain'd I shall willingly do it reply'd the Old Man for the pity I have of you Understand then that this Countrey is the Isle of Argenes and this Effigie's the Representation of Zirfea Lady of it but at present absent as she has long been nor is it well known where one might have News of her if any one should desire to find her True it is that she has left in her place a Daughter of hers nam'd Axiana the fairest I think in the World and with her seven Knights esteem'd amongst the best of Asia of which four are Giants and every one of the seven has the keeping of one of these Towers with express command from the Queen that no Knight arrive in this Countrey but that he be kill'd or taken Now I am come to acquaint the Guards that Axiana will within two days return from Hunting where she has been all this last week But doubt not that I will say any thing to them of you for I would rather divert them from doing you hurt Then bidding them good night he spur'd towards the Castle leaving them in great doubt and ready to take another way if they could tell how but the Knight of the burning Sword stopt them telling the King that since there was but one Guard in each Tower they ought to try their Fortune For I hope said he that with the help of our gods we shall defeat them and have the Place at our Command before Axiana returns And should it not be so you know Sir the little means there is to save us this Countrey being encompast with the Sea and we without Ship or Boat So that it were much better to dye speedily than to languish longer One thing there is which exceedingly comforts me to wit a firm Belief that what ever has hitherto befaln us is some fatal Destiny the Issue of which will perhaps be better and more honourable than we expected and therefore I beseech you not to be troubled but to recomfort these Ladies whom the seeing you so perplext has very much discontented And to say Truth they wept like Persons in despair which gave the King better occasion to believe the Knight recommending their Foâ—tune to his Pâ—owess and for this cause the King told him that he believ'd him and that as soon as it was day they two would take Horse to go and fight the Guards whilst the Ladies repos'd themselves But this the Queen would not hearken to saying that she would be present at the Good or Evil that might befall them At which the Knight of the burning sword receiv'd great Pleasure hoping to do such Feats of Arms before Lucella as should make her love him the more CHAP. XXIII How the Knight of the burning Sword conquer'd the Castle of the Isle of Argenes and of the Combats he fought there THus they pass'd a great part of the Night till such time as the day began to appear Then they all took Horse and the Knights making themselves ready for the Comâ—at marcht on to the first Tower and as they went the Knight of the burning sword besought the King that since they were to fight the Guards one after another he would be pleas'd not to enter into fight as long as himself should have Ability to resist them which the King willingly granted him Whilst they were discoursing thus they came to a very deep River over which was a Bridge of Wood whereby they were to pass into the first Tower Then they presently heard an Hoâ—n sound and perceiv'd a Knight of immense Bigness come forth mounted on a marvellous strong Steed who from the Entrance of the Bridge call'd out to him of thâ— burning Sword for he march'd before the King saying Sir Knight leave your Arms and come without constraint into my Prison else I will make both you and your Companion lose your Heads But he answer'd not a word to all these Threats so that running one against another they met with so much violence on the Bridge that their Staves breaking the Knight of the Tower and his Steed were tumbled into the River whence the Horse at last got out leaving his Master in the bottom who never in the least complain'd of it And the Knight of the burning Sword marching on the Watch who had sounded the Horn made a great cry and went off Then the King and the Ladies which accompany'd the Knight of the burning Sword drew near and pass'd the Tower together at coming out of which they heard another Horn sound from the next Fortress This they rightly thought to be the calling forth of the Guard to the Combat wherefore the Knight of the burning Sword went to meet him and when they were within a Career of one another the Knight of the Tower riding on a great black Horse cry'd out as loud as he could Yield your self poor Wretch and resolve to suffer perpetual imprisonment and Hunger for by you has my Companion lost his Life as we have understood by the cry of the Watch. Now the Knight of the burning sword had gotten the King's Lance wherefore holdâ—ng himself more secure he thus answer'd the other By my Head Sir Knight iâ— your Companion be dead so much the worse for him and because He who thinks to revenge anothers Disgrace very often increases his own I am of opinion that you should forbear any farther Threats and think of defending your self against me Then they Spur'd one against the other and their meeting was such that the Guard break his Spear on his Enemies Shield who having better taken his Aim pierc'd him quite thro' the Body so that he fell dead on the Grass Which the second Watch seeing made the like Cry with the former and then disappear'd whilst the King and the Ladies approacht the Tower which they found shut but the Keys hanging in an Iron Chain by the Gate they open'd it They were scarce entred when the third Watch sounding as the two former had done call'd them forth to meet the next Guard who was ready for the Combat Wherefore the Knight of the burning Sword advancing so coming from far a great Giant arm'd in very strong Armor having two Steel Maces one upon his Shoulder and the other at his Saddle-Bow who before they met speak thus to the Knight of the burning Sword Knight the Combat between thee and me is according to the Custom of this Tower to be perform'd with Maces wherefore take which of these two thou wilt and think of doing thy Devoir nevertheless if thou wilt yield to my Will I shall perhaps have mercy on thy Person which is in so great Danger Certainly reply'd the Knight of the burning sword I will first see how thou canst strike for I never had a Desire or Thought to receive Mercy of such Personages as thou art Well choose then Said the Gyant presenting him the two Maces of which the Knight took that he lik't best and
without Delay into this Ship since 't is requisit you be henceforth seen by those who have desir'd you and are in very great Pain for your Absence Therefore consider if you will believe their Counsel for they love you and desire your profit as you have often enough experimented The Emperor who had been of Opinion he should never see the Day or Means to return into Trebisond considering that Alquif and Urganda sent them not such a Message without occasion answer'd before them all My great Friend I think that none of us would disobey Persons to whom we are so much bound As for me I am ready without returning to the Place from whence we departed this Morning As much said the others Now Lucencio very well remembred the Promise he had made to the wild woman whom he found in the Forrest when he was hunting as you were told in the beginning of this Volume nevertheless he would not at that time speak of it to Lisvart or Perion hoping that the Queen of Argenes being retunr'd he should get from her and go to find them in Trebisond whence he would bring them to her who askt so much after them And on this Point the Emperor and the other Knights Ladies and Gentlewomen took leave of Axiana offering her whatsoever was in their Power For which she heartily thank'd them and she recommending them to the Protection of her Gods they entred into Alquifa's Vessel which a little after put off from Land the Emperor thinking to go strait to Trebisond But he was for this time mistaken as you shall understand in the persuit of our History CHAP. XXXIV How Malfadea Daughter to the Giant of the great Siclades came to ask help of King Amadis who went with her to revenge her of the Giant Masearon IN the beginning of this History you have been told how King Amadis took a singular Delight in seeing the Feats of Arms every day perform'd by the Dutchess of Savoys Knight who kept the Kay whether he had caus'd his Tents and Pavilions to be brought so that he stay'd there four whole Months during which 't is incredible what a Number of Shields were lost by several gallant Men according to the Custom establisht at the Passage At which the King conceived such a Love for the Knight that to draw him to his Service and continual Residence about his Person he shew'd him great Honour and Sign of Love Now it hapned one day amongst others that his Huntsmen brought him Word of a great Wild Boar which they had found in a Thicket near the Sea-side The King who lov'd Hunting commanded presently the Toils to be spread and with his Grey-hounds Hounds and other great Dogs brought him to a Bay and at last kill'd him with a Bore-Spear And because he found himself weary he went to refresh himself on the Sand where he had not been long when he saw a Boat brought to the Shore by two Mariners and with them a Damsel carrying on her Shoulders two Giants Heads one a Mans the other a Womans She of whom I speak to you shew'd so much sorrow that a pityless heart would have been mov'd to compassion The King and those who were with him drew near to hear the Cause of this Sorrow and what Adventure brought this Woman thither But she prevented them asking them with Tears in her Eyes if they could direct her to King Amadis the Rampart and Refuge of such desolate Persons as she was The King hearing that she desir'd to speak with him answer'd mildly Damsel I am he what would you have with me At this word the Giantess prostrated her self at his Feet and increasing her tears and sighs said to him Alas if in the time when you were a Knight Errant you sought strange Adventures to repair Wrongs and Outrages especially such as were done to Widows and Orphans now that you are King Reason obliges you not to leave this so good holy and just Custom For GOD bestows not his Favours and great Benefits on such as you are but for the Preservation of Justice and Assistance of the Poor who are all stript of Relief as I am My Friend answer'd the King you say true and certainly I will do so if I can whenever I shall have Opportunity Wherefore delay not to acquaint me with your Grief assuring you that I will remedy it as far as I am able O good Prince said she with this hope I am come to you and most humbly beseech you to grant me a gift which 't is necessary you should do if you intend to revenge me of the wrong that is done me I grant it you answer'd the King Understand Sir said she that the Gift you have given me is that you alone being Arm'd enter presently into my Boat to the end you may revenge me of the wicked Person that has slain my Father and Mother whose Heads these are and the Remainder Sir I will tell you at leisure as we are sailing In good faith answer'd the King it shall not be my fault if your Will is not executed for I will follow you where-ever you desire Certainly said the Damsel this Confidence I have always had in your Vertue and Goodness therefore send for your Arms and let us go The King call'd the Count Gandalin and commanded him to fetch them with out saying a word to the Queen or any other till such time as he was departed The Count obey'd his Command tho' very unwillingly but knowing his Masters disposition who would rather dye than break his word he went on Nor was it long e're he return'd and the King arm'd himself bidding King Arban acquaint the Queen with what he had seen and desire her in his Name not to be troubled for him Then he went into the Boat and without knowing whether he went began to Sail leaving his People in a wonderful fear of losing him And because you may Readers think it strange that this good King who was fourscore years old could yet undertake the Execution of such an Adventure you must understand that in his time the most magnanimous Knight and of the greatest Courage that could be found Nor were the days of Men so short then as they are now for they liv'd some Two Hundred nay some Three Hundred Years and longer And which is more the Vertue of the Water wherewith Urganda the Unknown washt him in the Palace of Apolidon when she enchanted him was very Advantageous to him in this Affair But to return to our Story King Arban having follow'd King Amadis with his Eye till he was out of sight came to the Queen and acquainted her with the King's Command at which she became so troubled that fetching a deep sigh she began to say Good GOD the King 's great Heart is an Enemy to his Person and to me seeing the Dangers it exposes him to at every turn Alas is it not time for him now to rest and leave such youthful matters to be
Malfadea lookt so carefully to him that he bagan to amend and his wounds to close and consolidate so that within three Weeks he was wholly cured and ready to bear Arms and take his Iourney And he was in a Resolution to return when there Arrived in the Port a Ship in which there Sailed several Knights who accompanyed a young Giant a Valiant Man named Lerfan of the Rock so called for a strong Castle he held an Island scituated on the Top of an high Rock Now Lerfan had been advertised of the Treason committed by Mascaron and for the Love he bare Malfadea undertosk to revenge her injury and restore her to her Countrey and to do this he swore never to rest till he had defeated Mascaron and those that belong'd to him For the performance whereof having prepared himself he came into the great Siclades with a good Troop of young Knights and other Persons Which being come to the knowledge of King Amadis he sent one of Malfadeas People to see what he wanted And by this Lerfan of the Rock understood the Traytors Death which gave him no small Pleasure though his Ioy would yet have been greater had he himself Arrived time enough to execute this Revenge for her wherefore he gave the Messenger this Answer Friend recommend me affectionately to your Mistress and tell her that I parted from my Countrey to chastise Mascaron and nevertheless since another has prevented me request her that I may at least see her before my Removal which will partly he a satisfaction to me for the pains I have taken for her sake The Messenger returned and did as he was commanded at which Amadis and Malfadea were so pleased that they sent back to tell him he should be very welcome Then he set forth towards them in good Order and they gave him a suitable Reception Leâ—fan would gladly have known the Knight that fought Mascaron and therefore enquired of Malfadea whether he were still in the Countrey The King who was present answered that 't was he and desired to know why he askt for him Sir Knight said Lerfan for no other Reason but to serve and honour you for besides the favour you have done my Lady by undertaking so much in her Quarrel I have understood that you have restor'd into her hands this land which belongs to her for which I give you very great thanks and beseech you that for your sake and for the Love I have born her all my Life you will pray her to love me and receive me for her Husband Amadis not knowing the Damsels Mind and could not tell what to answer But she took up the Discourse saying Indeed my Lord Lerfan I have long known the Affection you bear me so that if the King commands me he and you shall be obey'd Since you both consent answer'd Amadis I will not contradict it let us go to dinner that we may have the better Courage to perfect and give an End to this Beginning Then were the Tables cover'd and they were serv'd with a Banquet of such Provisions as could be gotten during which the Discourse grew so hot that bâ—fore Night came on the Contract was finisht and they lay together to the great Contentment of them voth And the King staid there till the first day of the next Week when he embarkt taking leave of the new marry'd Couple who would have given him a great Train to conduct him But he refus'd all except the two Mariners with whom he set Sail laching forth into the Deep CHAP. XLV How King Amadis sailing thro' the Mediterranean Sea to enter into the Ocean met Queen Buruca Wife to Magadan King of Saba who was in quest of the Knight of the Burning Sword to defend her against the false Accusation which Maudan had made of their Loves KIng Amadis being parted from the Port of the gâ—eat Siclades in the Guidance of his two Mariners pass'd ineontinently the Aegean Sea at the going out of which there join'd them a light Ship wherein there was a Pavilion of Cloth of Gold and under it a very rich Field-bed on which repos'd a Morish Queen having a Crown on â—er head cloth'd besides only with course Freez and appearing excessively discontented At her feet set two Damless leaning their Heads on their left Arms like Women opprest with Grief And by her side were two black Knights so weak that they were even double with Age and notwithstanding arm'd with Arms of great Value The King was in some sort amaz'd yet he curteously saluted them and one of them returning his Salutation said to him Good Champion GOD give you a favourable Adventure Can you tell us any News of a Person nam'd the Knight of the Burning Sword The King in whom the Desire of knowing what they would have with hâ—m increas'd more aâ—d more answer'd My Lords he parted from me not many dayes since and 't would be difficult for me to tell you at this time where he is and more difficult as I believe for you to find him But forasmuch as I greatly love and esteem him if you please to acquaint me with the Business you have with him I will endeavor to tell you farther what I know of him And if I can there is nothing how grievous soever that I will not in his stead undertake to do him Pleasure and Service On this assurance answer'd the old man and also because you seem to me a valiant man I will satisfy you Understand Sir Knight that this Lady whom you see lying here is Queen of Saba Wife to King Magadan whose near Kinsmen we are This King taking Pleasure to make use of white Persons some of his gave him about ten or twelve years since a Child call'd the Gentleman of the burning Sword for the Representation of a Sword which he has naturally printed on his Stomach red as blood with certain white Characters which have not yet been understood by any one as we know of The King did him so much Honor as to breed him up with his Son Fulurtin and gave them both Order of Knighthood so that instead of Gentleman he is at this day nam'd the Knight of the Burning Sword We are now seeking him and to find him are parted from Saba in the Equipage you see And to the end you may the better understand the Affair this Knight of the burning Sword being yet in Saba a Gentleman Son to one of the greatest Princes of Morona acquainted the King that he of whom I speak committed Treason against his Majesty abusing the Queen Beruca who is here present at which the King exceedingly displeas'd thought to ascertain this unworthy Act by surprizing them together but he was deceiv'd For the Knight of the Burning Sword was advertiz'd of it and absented himself so that since we have had no News of him And for this cause the King commanded the Queen to be taken and kept strickly till such time as he had recover'd the Adulterer to
in a Forrest near the City into which about Evening they entred without being discovered The Empeâ—or who doubted not in the least of any Treason seeing the honest Message the Lord of Buillon had sent him by Madaran was in his Palace discoursing with the Empress and several Knights that accompanyed him when the Duke came in compleatly Armed and with him twenty or thirty more who putting their hands to their Swords ran on those they met At which the Emperor much affrighted endeavoured to get away but Madaran stept before him and striking him on the head said Stay Emperor stay and remember the Injury thou hast done the house of Buillon The blow was Mortal and the good Prince fell dead in the place Which Dinerpius seeing he entred into such Fury that disarmed as he was he flew at the Murtherer Arm'd striking him so firmly that he cleaved him to the very brains Then the bustle grew hot for many Gallant Men who were there present wrapt their Cloaks about their Arms and with their naked Swords a long time resisted the Traytors Now Dinerpius knew that he could not avoid present death wherefore he resolved to sell his Life dear so that he met not any Man but he fell without speaking a word more notwithstanding by misfortune one of the Traytors got behind him and wounded him through the body Ah! said Dinerpius Villain thou hast slain me And turning about separated his shoulder from the rest of his body Then they both sell at the Feet of the Duke who fearing lest Dinerpius should get up again cut off his head Thus the one Assailing and the others defending Brisenna and Esclariana who were in there Chambers heard the noise and sent suddainly a Damsel to know what the matter might be but as soon as she came into the Hall she perceived the Emperor dead and the Empress in a Swound on the body At which being greatly affrighted she returned to the Ladies to whom she said sighing and weeping Alas alas Ladies Would you know the matter The wicked Duke of Buillon has murdered the Emperor and all those that accompanyed him At this cry the Princess Brisenna found no better remedy than to take her Daughter and flying under the Vaults of the Palace came to a Sally-port on the side of the River where they perceived a Fisher-boat into which they entred and setting it a drift the Stream began to carry it down with so much swiftness that they came to the Sea before it was day In the mean time those who lay concealed in the Dukes House and who only waited for the Slaughter ran forth strait into the Market-place killing and wounding all they met There was a pittiful and horrid Spectacle for these wicked Men often spared not the poor Women who with their Hair about their Ears lamented one for her Husband another her Father or her Brother And nevertheless the Fury of the Traytors did not decrease till it was day and the Duke commanded every one should endeavour to find out the Princess Brisenna and her daughter Esclariana for he had the Empress and all her damsels in safe custody Then was search made in every place and nevertheless they could have no News of them At which the Duke being exceedingly vext caused it to be publisht by sound of Trumpet that they should be brought forth on pâ—in of death and that if they should be found after the Proclamation those that should have concealed them should be hanged But 't was in vain the Good Ladies were out of his power and of the Mercy of GOD and the Waves By means whereof the Traytor s ized on the Empire and sent to raise Soldiers on all sides to destroy who evâ—r should contradict him And for this cause there were assembled in a little time above twenty thousand men with whom he did innumerable Evils commanding before he went forth of Mentz that the Emperor and his Son should be Hanged in the same place where Mâ—nasses had been before And there they stayed many days as you shall hear about the end of this Book CHAP. XLIX How the Princess Bâ—iâ—ennâ— and her daughter Esclariana were lost at Sea and taken by Pirates VEry lamentable it is to describe the Fortune of Brisenna and her Daughter who being carried down the Stream of the Water in the little Vessel weeping and lamenting came into the deep Sea just as the dawning of the day began to appear and in less than a moment they were driven in such fort that they lost sight of Land But litâ—le did the two good Ladies care for they more dead than living and without thinking on the new Danger into which they were faln held each other embraced desiring for their better Comfort their approacâ—ing death And thus being driven too and fro as it pleaâ—ed the Wind and the Waves they remained two days and two nights without eating or drinking or any way minding themselves All they were meâ— by a â—hipâ— in which were two Hungarian Pirats who accompanyed by fifteen as honest Persons as themselves and whom they had in their pay Robbed and Pâ—llaged whoever fell into their lands They thâ—n wondring to see in this little Boat thefe two Ladies in so good Equipage and shedding so many tears immâ—diately thought that they should get a good Ransom for them and went therefâ—re to â—eâ—e them before they perceived it but being amazed at Esclarianas great Beauty they were moved to so much Compassion that they courteously saluted tâ—em Now the Princess Brisenna was still so disturbed that she certaâ—nly thought they were some of the Duke of Buillons Men wherefore exasperating her self against them she began to cry out saying Traytors Murderers disloyal to your Natural Lord what will you have with me or this poor Maiden who is Fatherless and depriv'd of all things Make an end Wretches of killing us and let your Rage be glutted with our blood for to live any longer is troublesome to us Then she held her peace and soon after began again her Lamentation more bitterly than before and with so many Complaints that the very Tyrants could not forbear weeping wondring nevertheless what caus'd in her such a Passion Wherefore they graciously answer'd her Lady there is none in this Company that will do you any displeasure nor have we ever as I believe seen you before and yet we should be glad to avenge you on those of whom you complain if we had an Opportunity wherefore tell us if you please who they are and the Occasion of your Discontent At this word Brisenna recoverâ—d a little her Spirits and knowing for certain that she was mistaken having taken them for the Duke's Soldiers earnestly desir'd them to excuse her thanking them heartily for the Offers they made her And think it not strange said she if my Sorrow is extream For I see my self at this day without help without wealth and wholly ruin'd nevertheless I hope that at length the Pleasure we shall receive
what Fortune had separated her from the Emperor Alas alas Sir answered she You may well name it Fortune the strangest and most wretched that ever befell poor desolate woman For she has thrown me from the high Estate in which you had placed me to the lowest she could leaving me without Husband Children or any VVealth whatever Alas the Traitorous Duke of Buillon has cruelly slain Arquisil and his Son and my daughter and I flying the Fury found means to steal away and get a little Boat into which we entred without any other guide but GOD's Mercy whom it pleased to try as I believe my Patience to let us fall into the Hands of these Tâ—â—evâ—sh Pirates who cunningly and without my perceiving it with so sound a sleep was I opprest have stoln away Esclariana and carried her I know not whither Alas was this alone left for my Comfort And it is Indeed a Wonder I have been able to live all this time For the Villains were calling Lots to dishonour 〈…〉 Course 〈◊〉 arriâ—ed with his Company who vigâ—rously 〈…〉 them 〈◊〉 Nevertheless I douâ—t they would have had enough to do with 〈◊〉 your happy Arrival And this Sir is the Condition in which you find your daughter full of aâ—l Soâ—row and Discontent Thâ—â— she begin to shed Tears and sigh so bitterly that she would have 〈◊〉 the 〈◊〉 heart in â—â—e World to pitty 〈◊〉 the 〈…〉 againâ—◠〈◊〉 King knowing 't was not then 〈…〉 what he 〈◊〉 fall 〈◊〉 her Daughter You have Reason to grieve tho' you cannot by your Tears recall what is done On â—â—â—lly Point is now lâ—â—t you that is the Punishment of the Traitor which cannot be so grievous but his Treasâ—n has been greater Nevertheless will thâ— suâ—h manner set my self about it that it shall be remembred whilst the World shall last And as for your Daughter I hope in our Lord that he will not forsake her no more than he has done you and that you shall one day see her in good Health without having suffered Shame or Outrage Comfort your self therefore and take to you a Man's Heâ—rt tho' you are but a Woman shewing the House of which you are descended being Daughter to a King of Gaul which is indeed the most constant and generous Nation at this day on the Earth So many other Reasons did Amadis alledge that she was in some measure comforted And the King disarming himself turned to Gandalin for whom that he might change the Discourse complaining of the great Blow with the Sword he had received he said in sport How Count Do you thus Caress your Friends In good faith I could never have thought that you would in such earnest have tried the Goodness of my Armor nevertheless I heartily pardon you On my Soul Sir answered he shaking his head if all your Servants received the Marks of your Favour in such Money as you lately chang'd with me you would find but a few that would long keep you Company and you have Reason to pardon me for 't is thus that the Beaten makes the satisfaction Now it was already latâ— and they had not eaten all day Wherefore the Cloth was laid and as they were Dining and Discoursing the King askt in what Sea they then were Sir answered the Marriners We are not far from Sicily So much the better said he Then he commanded to go ashore at Naples and send from thence into Spain to King Brian and his other Friends and Allies to ask Assistance for the revenging his Daughters Injury For he was resolved not to return into Great Britain till he had performed it And for this cause having taken Port at Salern where King Adariel honourably received him he dispatched Messengers into all Parts And he Writ at length to Queen Oriana acquainting her with the Seate of his Health and Cause of his Stay Whilâ—â— he was thus preparing for War against the Duke of Buillon he one day enquired of Gandalin what had passed in his Countrey during his Absence who told him the occasion for which the Queen had sent him withall that he knew of the Knight of the Burning Sword who had sent to London Gandalfes head of which the King was very Glad for the sake of Galeotes and Madasima And I am sorry said he that I was not there to entertain the Emperor of Trebisond and the King of Sicily but it shall be for another time So it is that I esteem my Journey well employed for I have restored a poor Damsel to her Countrey that was taken from her and saved the Queen of Saba's Honour who was Accused of Adultery Then he related particularly to him all the Traverses he had made and the Fruit that was come of them CHAP. LII How the Emperor of Trebisond the King of Sicily and others who expected the Return of King Amadis to London seeing his Stay took leave of the Queen and departed YOu have been told in the foregoing Chapters that the Emperor of Trebisond and the King of Sicily promised Queen Oriana to stay two whole months for King Amadis But at the end of that time seeing that he did not return they resolved to depart to wit the Emperor into Trebisond and King Alpatracy into Gaul hoping to recover his Kingdom of Metz Wherefore the Queen knowing that she should do them wrong to stay them any longer would no farther importune them save that for desired the King of Sicily to leave with her whilst his War lasted the Queen and her Daughter which he liked very well as did the Ladies also For this Request came in part from them And of this Lucella had been the Mover that she might stay for the Knight of the Burning Sword as she had sent him word by Macetta These Princes then being upon their Embarkment Lisvart and â—â—â—ion who thought long till they saw their Mistresses would 〈…〉 â—he Emperor and Olorius would willingly have born them 〈…〉 he had promised the King of Sicily to help him during his Affairs 〈◊〉 likewise had Florelus putting off his Marriage with the Dutchess 〈…〉 oâ— till his Return Now Gradafilea had long desired to know the Princess Onoloria for the sake of Lisvart And for this cause she so importun'd him that he yielded to take her with him into Trebisond of which nevertheless he would willingly have excused himself if he could And thus they entred into Alquifa's Ship who with her Damsels which she had brought into the Isle of Argenes undertook to Conduct them into Asia So after many thâ—nks on all sides and leave taken they set Sail. And the King of Sicily did the same on the other side They were no sooner removed but two young Princesses arrived at London to be bred up with the Queen The one Daughter to King Galaor named Galercia and the other to Dom Bruneo called Altimonea both fair in perfection and who took so great Lode to the Infanta Lucella that they could not be one without the other At which
Queen Oriana was well pleased passing with them part of the melancholy she was in for not having News of the King In expectation of whom she determined to go to Mirefleur and take them with her Now she had not been long there before the Gentleman sent from Naples by Amadis arrived furnisht with Letters and Words of Credence which when he had declared to her it rendred her exceeding sad understanding the Misfortune befaln the Emperor Arquisil and his And for this Cause she sent immediately for King Arban and Angriote d' Estravaux who being come to her he communicated to them the Kings Message desiring them to give oâ—der with all Diligence for the 〈◊〉 an Army to the end their Masters Intention might have its effect For which they provided so well that in a few days there were found above Ten Thousand good Knights ready to embark And there were given them for Leaders and Captains Giontes Duke of Cornwal Guillan Duke of Bristow Angriote d' Estravaux and Ambor of Gandal his Son But as for King Arban he stayed behind as being he who in the King's Absence and under the Queens Authority wholly governed the Realm Now all the others set to Sea taking their Course for Naples Of whom nevertheless we shall at present say no more but return to the Knight of the Burning Sword and Gradamart CHAP. LIII How after the Knight of the Burning Sword was cured of the Wounds he had received in fighting against Gandalfe he embarkt with Gradamart and of a Wonderful Adventure they met at Sea BAlan setting Sail for the Island not the Vermiliâ—n Tower to his Father Gaâ—â—oâ—eâ— had the Wind 〈◊〉 little commodious that he arrived now therâ— till eight days after the Knight of the burning Sword had taken his leave of those whom he had restored to their Estate Now Balan was much troubled at his not finding them For he determined to make but little stay there but to go with them into Gaul to the King of Sicily and help him in his Affairs The Knight of the burning Sword and Gradamart Sailing in full Sea sometimes with fair Weather and very often with Storms there came upon the Knight of the burning Sword a Remembrance of the Fair Lucella which disquieted him Night and Day so that he became wholly Solitary taking pleasure in nothing but being alone and musing saying sometimes to himself Ah! ah poor Wretch had it not been better thou hadst remained for ever Enchanted and pierced with the Sword which Gradasilea thrust into thy Stomach near the Chamber of Treasure Alas She wounded thee but that Wound was not mortal as this is which I now suffer thro' Excess of Love Ah! Lucella how is it possible that you being a simple Damsel simple I say not for the Rank you hold but for the Courteous Simplicity that is in you have been able to reduce to so extream Submissiveness such a Knight as him of the Burning Sword who having his Shield in his hard never feared any Danger that offered it self before his eyes And nevertheless your charming look has so intimidated him that he is become your Slave and Prisoner noâ— being able to endeavour the doing or desiring any thing but what it pleases you to ask him which is the Complement of his Unhappiness Ah ah poor Wretch knowing thy little merit and her Highness the greatest Benefit that can befall thee is to dye speedily for 't were not reasonable that so great a Lady as she is should abase herself to regard the Good or Evil that is Destined to thee And moreover if she should endeavour to cure thee 't is certain that her Reputation would be lessened Thus instead of receiving Service by thâ—e or from thee she would have Dammage And since thou callest thy self Servant the good Servant ought rather to seek the Honour of his Lord than his own Life since in case of necessity he ought to sacrifice himself for him whose he is nay to dye more than once if it were possible Then he fell into a Fit of Despair and Discontent that he was almost giving up the Ghost and the more he thought to extinguish or lessen his flame the more did he resemble him that throws a little Water on a burning Furn ce Which Gradamart perceiving used all possible Endeavours to divert his Thoughts Whence it happened one night that as they were discoursing together instead of sleeping they heard the sound of an Harp joyn'd with the Voice of a Gentleman which together made a wonderful sweet Harmony They both rose up and perceived a Fleet of Ships in one of which were twelve Flambeaus lighted under a Canopy of Cloth of Gold where lay a young and handsome Knight who Sung and Play'd on that Instrument He of whom I speak had his Armor on his back but his head and hands bare and at his Beds-head was set a Perron of Alabaster very well wrought and on it the Statue of a Lady divinely fair and so exquisitely carv'd that it wanted nothing but Speech In her right hand she had a Chain of Gold which in the form of a Coslar went about the Knights Neck and on her Head a Crown with a Writing containing these words Onoria of Apolonia Princess of Beauty In her left hand she had three other little Chains with which were fastned by the Neck three Statues of Damsels crown'd with Royal Cronws sitting at her Feet and having each of them her Writing of which the first was Luciana the second Imperia Princess of Bohemia and the third Alegria Infanta of Macedonia And a little aside behind the Perron hung a great Shield of the brightest Steel without any painting with the Knights Helmet and Sword At his Feet were also two other Knights lying on a Carpet compleatly armed except Helmets and Gantlets Gradamart and the Knight of the burning Sword wondring at that Adventure caused their Vessel to approach that in which the Torches were At that very time the Knight who had been singing break forth in these Words Ah Lucella Princess of Sicily how great Misfortune is befaln me by having heard so great Commendations of you and your Beauty For from the day that my heart and mind have had a Testimony of your perfections I have neither Rest nor Ease Then he held his Peace without ceasing to sigh The Knight of the Burning Sword who felt himself stung by these Affections became so melancholly and pensive that he was even ready to Dye when he heard him name her whose passionaâ—e Servant he was and said to Gradamart Brother do you perceive the Arrogance of this Fool who aspires to that which he is not able so much as to look at Before he gets from me I will make him change his Opinion if I can or it shall cost one of us his Life In good faith answered Gradamart you will not do wisely For neither he nor any other can do you any injury by loving where he shall think good Since if
second called Birmartes is he of whom we now intend to speak who was so accomplisht both in Beauty of Countenance Pâ—rfection of Members and all other things requisit to render a Man excellent that there could hardly be found any one that exceeded him This Birmartes was Six Years younger than his Brother Olorius when he was Enchanted And afterwards his Age encreasing there encreased in him also the desire to follow Arms. To which he was farther moved by the Report of the great Gâ—fts wherewith Nature had endow'd Lucella Daughter to the King of Sicily with whom he fell in Love through Opinion only without having ever seen her So that he resolved to go to Alpatracys Court and do him so much Service that he should willingly give her to him for Wife And in this Intention finding one day a fit opportunity he humbly besought his Father to give him the Order of Knighthood Which he refused him not but Armed him and the Solemnity of it was very great through all Spain But the same day as they arose from Table he put himself on his knees before the King and with a very Good Grace asked him a Gift Don Brian who loved him as himself was Liberal in promising Sir said he you will permit me then to make a Journey into Sicily to see the Infan a Lucella who is at this day esteemed the most perfectly fair and best behaved Lady in Europe And if it is so I will endeavour so to serve the King her Father that he shall give her to me afterwards for Wife if I ask her or him Don Brian glad to see his Son in this Resolution commended him and was content he should take such Knights of his Court as he would choose with Money and Equipage necessary for so high an Enterprise For which the Young Prince most humbly thanked him And then having caused a great Frigat to be made ready chose to accompany him amongst other Knights the Duke of Biscay's two Sons of which the Eldest was named Esquinel and the other Meander of Spain And these were the two who separated him at the perswasion of Gradamart as he was fighting against the Knight of the burning Sword They then being Embarkt in very good Order Sailed along the Coast of Africk and leaving Sardinia on the right hand Arrived at Messina where they had News of the Rape not long before committed by Frandalon Cyclops and his Son on the Queen of Sicily and Lucella And for this cause Bâ—râ—artes commanded his Marriners to take their Course to Silanchy throughly resolved to Fight them whatever should come of it But his Labour was in vain because he found there no body but the Governour whom Alpatracy had left by whom he was acquainted with what was passed Which wonderfully displeased him and he cursed his Fortune for having deprived him of so fair an Occasion by which he might have gained what he much doubted to lose Then he returned again into his Ship and taking leave of the Governor went back towards Sicily where he thought to find what he lookt for And some days after he met a Giant that was carrying away several Christians Prisoners with whom Birmartes had a fight and finally vanquisht him The Duke of Biscays two Sons defeated also six of his Knights freeing all the Slaves who were then in the Pirates Ship and giving them Liberty to go whither they pleased And thus following their way to take Harbor in Sicily the Sea grew so tempestuous that they were by Fortune even against their wills driven to the Kingdom of Apolonia where they went ashore And to refresh themselves being weary of the Sea they design'd to spend a Month in Visiting the Country And for this cause commanding their Marriners not to depart from the Port all the Knights mounted their Horses taking their Way strait to the great City of Apolonia And as they travell'd they learnt how Branzahar Duke of Clarence guarded in a Tower Onoria Princess of Apolonia who was reputed to be one of the fairâ—st Ladies on the Earth And that you may understand the manner and Reason of this Guarding you will know that this Duke of Clarence was a very powerful Knight but hard favoured deform'd Ill-behav'd and besides descended of a Giantly Lineage Now the great Beauty of Onoria had been so advantageously related to him that his Heart was smitten with the Report And to see her he came to the King her Fathers Court accompany'd by two Giants his Cosins But the Ladies Presence so depriv'd him of his Liberty that he thought he should dye if he had her not for Wife Wherefore with great Earnestness and Importunity he requested her of the King who knowing him to be such an one that is Daughter would never consent to it excus'd himself by pretending that she had no Inclination to marry The Duke much astonisht at this News was ready then to dispair Nevertheless for the last Remedy he said to the King that since Fortune had been so unkind to him in denying him the thing he most lov'd in this world he should never have any Ioy in his Heart yet in recompence of the Pains he had taken to come to his Court he desired him that he would be pleased to grant him a Gift Which the King would not deny him provided his Daughters Honour were not offended by it That certainly Sir said he it shall not be For I would sooner consent to my own Ruin But since she will spend her Life without an Husband and that her Beauty puts those who see her in an unparallel'd Torment 't is reasonable for the avoiding so much Mischief that she be henceforth shut up in a Tower where she shall be seen by none but you the Queen and those that shall be ordained to serve her And I and these two Giants will keep the three first Entrances so that none shall pass them unless it be by force of Arms. And moreover he must for her Service accomplish the Conditions which I shall cause to be written and hung upon certain stones that shall be erected in this Tower by which said he shall be known the greatness of your Daughters Beauty and how much I suffer and will suffer for her sake Then was the King displeased at his having so lightly promised what he could not with his Honour revoke and would gladly have found an Excuse that might have contented the Prince of Clarence but the stone being thrown and out of his hand could not be recalled wherefore he resolved to bow down his Head and permit his Daughter to be shut up as he had been desired And to do this Bâ—anzahar sent for VVork-men from all parts who in a few days built in the Tower a square Chamber to serve as a Prison for the Princess I may call it a Prison because it was Scituated in the midst of a great Hall and inclosed round about with great Bars of Gold through which and no otherways might be
for which you will not be sorry In the mean time consider if you please to command me in any thing for I will obey you in all In good Faith Damsel answer'd the Knight of the Burning Sword you make me wonder at the News As for me I have nothing to do at Rome and I think it best that we should go straight to King Amadis for it seems already long to me till I see the Present display'd and know who does me this Favour Let us go said she I pray you Then they both went on together but they had not been two days in Company when they entred into a long Forrest where they met Five Knights compleatly Arm'd who addressing themselves to him of the Burning Sword cry'd to him Stay Knight stay You must tell us whom you will Assist whether the Emperor of Rome or his Adversary I will help answer'd he those in whom Treason has no Part and will be against the Duke who has so basely Murther'd his Lord. This reply'd they is the Way you should take to a speedy Death Having said this they all couch'd their Lances and ran upon him with such violence that they wanted but little of throwing him out of his Saddle yet he kept firm and gave one of them such a Blow that he never Spake more Then he drew his Spear out of the Dead-Mans Body and Charging the Four others Kill'd the Second on the Field his Staff breaking to Shivers Then he suddenly put hand to his Sword and there began between them a wonderful Fight which yet soon came to an End for the Three that remain'd could not bear the Fury of him who in such manner Assaulted them that the Third had his Head Cleft asunder which the Two last seeing turn'd their Backs and Fled away full Speed But the Knight of the Burning Sword let them go and without pursuing them any farther follow'd his way with the Damsel who much wondred at his great Prowess and high Chivalry Now these Rascals were Allies of the Duke who lying in Ambush in the Forrest watcht such Knights as were ill Accompany'd and fell upon them when they understood them to be of the Deceas'd Emperor's Party so that many Worthy Men had already in this manner lost their Lives when they met with the Knight of the Burning Sword who Chastis'd them as you have heard And for this cause we will leave him to Travel with the Damsel and change our Discourse CHAP. LVIII How the King of Sicily and his Fleet had News of the Emperor Arquisils and his Sons Death and of their Arrival at Naples OVR History has before acquainted you how the King of Sicily Olorius and Don Florelus Embarkt in Great Britain with a good Number of other Knights and set Sail for France Now they had not Sail'd Eight whole Days when they met some Vessels Commanded by the Count of Armignac a Kinsman to the King of Metz for whose sake they were Cruising along the Coasts to hinder the Sicilians or any other of their Party from taking Port in Sicily Now the Count immediatly knew by the Banners and Colors that the King of Sicily was in the Fleet wherefore he commanded his People to assault it on all sides hoping to take him Prisoner Then the two Fleets joyn'd and with Hooks and Grapling Irons coupled their Vessels so that the Fight was Fierce and Bloody but at length the Armignacians had the worst being all either Slain or Vanquisht and the others remain'd Victorious by means whereof they understood from the Prisoners how the Emperor Arquisil and his Son Dinerpius were Slain and that King Amadis was Arriv'd at Naples where he was gathering People from all Parts to Revenge their Deaths as also that the King of Metz was Raising a great Army to Succor the new Emperor This being heard by the King of Sicily a thought came suddenly into his Mind that since his Enemy was taking that way he should never find a better Opportunity to Recover his Kingdom than whilst his Adversary was absent and for this cause he order'd his Pilots and Mariners to make all the speed they could but as it often happens that Man proposes otherwise than GOD has dispos'd the Night following there arose such a Tempest that being carry'd along by the Violence of it they found themselves the Sixth Day after in the Spanish Sea and were whether they would or no forc't to pass Hercules's Pillars and enter into the Mediterranean Wherefore they wholly chang'd their Design and the King of Sicily was of Opinion to go and find King Amadis that they might together Fight the Vsurper of the Empire and his Ally since they were joyn'd Thus they took their way to Naples where they arriv'd almost at the same time as did Don Florestan King of Sardinia who was come thither with a great Fleet and the Duke of Calabria who being in Love with the Fair Jufaliana Daughter to the King of Naples had brought a great Army by Land They were all very honourably Receiv'd principally by King Amadis wâ—o was but a little before also by Adariel Prince Elinius Suycius of Ireland Abies and several other Renowned Knights who were all come to this War Now they being all Assembled in Council it was resolv'd they should expect the Army of Don Brian King of Spain and that which King Amadis had sâ—nt for out of Great Britain and that in the mean time word should be sent to the Princes of the Empire who were of their Party to keep themselves in a Readiness to move when Notice should be given them Thus they all staying in the great City of Naples visited every Day the Queen and the Ladies the King keeping so Noble and Magnificient a Court that they all wondred at it CHAP. LIX How Dirmartes arriv'd at the Court of Naples where he defy'd all the Knights who were there concerning their Mistrâ—sses Beauties and the Wonders he did THese Kings and great Lords being one Day sat at Dinner there entred into the Hall a Tall and Comely Knight compleatly Arm'd in a Rich White Armor In his Hands he bore the Effigies of a Lady at whose side were certain little Chains of Gold to which were fastned thrée Images that were supported by two Knights He who Marcht first was Birmartes the Amorous of whom our History has formerly spoken at large who without doing any Act of Reverence askt a loud if the King of Naples was there and was answer'd that he was and was shewn him Then did he address himself first to the King and afterwards to all the other Knights saying Most Mighty Kings and Lords think it not strange that presenting my self before you I have not shewn that Submission which your Excellencies deserve the Reason of which is that I bear in my Arms this Image which is the Representation of a Princesâ— whose Greatness is such that She ows no Respect to any King or Emperor how powerful soever And this I say
sent them what secur'd thâ—m for 't is certain that had it not been for the goodness of their Harness they had been â—oth slain But they could not draw any blood but only bruise one another by tâ—e Blows they mutually interchang'd To return then to our Knights Birmartes hearing with whom he had to do his heart so swell'd that he thus answer'd the Knight of the Burning Sword by my head 't is a great Pleasure to me to know who thou art that I may have more occasion to abate thy Arrogance nor do thou think that thou hast any Advantage over me For before the Game is ended thou shalt find that I am better able to revenge my self than thou to threaten Having said this word he rusht upon the other and struck him so fiercely on the top of his Helmet that he constrain'd him to put his knee to the ground but he soon got up again and in revenge gave his Adversary such a blow in the same place that his two hands serv'd him for a support on the Grass tho' he made there no long stay but resettling his Helmet they began again better than before not but there was always discern'd some little Advantage on the side of the Knight of the burning sword And indeed he was descended of the most illustrious and glorious blood at that day on the Earth having to his great Grand father King Amadis who considering that if he let them Fight any longer the Death of the other was near said to the three Kings which were sitting by him that 't was better to go and pray them to part seeing the great Loss there would be in losing them Which they approv'd and going down from their Scaffolds went to the two Knights who at their coming drew back and King Amadis and the King of Sicily address'd themselves to the Knight of the burning sword to whom they said Knight be pleas'd to do so much for our sakes as to proceed no farther in this Combat for 't is not reasonable that two such gallant men as you are should dye on so small an occasion He who presently thought that by refusing so courteous a Request made him by such Persons as they were particularly by the Father of her whom he lov'd better than his own soul he might be blam'd thus answered them For certain my Lords 't is grievous for me to retire thus nevertheless desiring to obey you in all things let us know what mine Enemy thinks of it against whom I am the most unfortunate Knight that ever was for this is now the second time that he has escap'd from me with more honour than I desire I assure you said King Amadis that he will do what he shall be requested to by the Kings of Naples and Sardinia Who in the mean time was perswading Birmartes to consent to the same To which he willingly gave ear knowing he had the worst altho' he bravely conceal'd what he thought of it And for this Cause he said to them My Lords the Quarrel beâ—ween this Knight and me is such that I should rather choose to lose my Life than leave this Combat but for your sake whom I desire to please I will obey your Command So they led him into his Pavilion leaving the King of great Britain and Alpatracy with the other whom Amadis indeed thought to be the Knight of the Burning Sword and had already acquainted the King of Sicily with his Suspicion of which that he might know the Truth he made Alpatracy a sign with his Eye to ask him who therefore thus spake to the Knight I desire you Sir of Courtesy to tell me your Name For I suspect you to be a Gentleman whom I greatly love and esteem And if you are the same you would be to â—â—ame to conceal your self especially from King Amadis who has done that in Saba for him whom I take you to be that he will be for ever oblig'd to him This he said to draw the sooner from the Knight of the burning Sword what he desir'd who was at first so astonisht at this News that he was a long time without answering and would willingly have discover'd himself had it not been for the Desire he had to be reveng'd of Birmartes whereever he could find him thinking that he lov'd Lucella Wherefore he thus answered the King Sir I know not what Love you bear me nor whom you think me to be but if you wish me any Good 't is not altogether without Reason since I have all my Life desired to do Service to You and such as You are You will therefore be pleas'd to name to me him for whom you take me that I may better know who he is In good faith said the King he is nam'd the Knight of the burning Sword and I well believe that you are none of he For he would never concel himself from me Certainly Sir answer'd he 't is not long since I left him and I am so much his Friend that I desire you for his sake to tell me what it is that King Amadis has done for him in Saba to the end that if I find him again he may have News of it Then Alpatracy related to him at large how Queen Buruca had been accus'd and what became of it Ah! said the Knight of the burning Sword in the mean time within himself Traytor Maudan the Gods have had too much pity of you for without toiling such a Prince you deserv'd an Halter Nevertheless he gave no knowledge of this Fault and less of his Person but thus answer'd King Alpatracy Sir I am very glad for the sake of the Knight of the burning Sword of such good News with which I will assuredly acquaint him and that before it is long Wherefore your Majesty will be pleas'd to give me leave assuring you if I can meet him that we will bear you Company in the VVar you undertake whether against the Emperor or the King of Metz. In the mean time be pleas'd to pardon me if I conceal from you at present who I am For I resolve not to discover my self before I have put an End to an Affair which highly concerns my Honor. In this manner did he stop the Mouths of these two Princes who afterward importun'd him no farther tho' they had still a Fancy that 't was he himself Nevertheless not willing to constrain him any farther they thank'd him however for the Succor he promis'd them And forasmuch as it began apace to grow dark and Night was driving away the Day they seeing the Kings of Saâ—dinia and Naples return from Birmartes's Pavilion gave him the good night to go and join themselves with the two others And they four together took their Way to the Town and the Knight of the burning Sword went to the Place whence he parted in the Morning CHAP. LXI How the Knight of the Burning Sword arriv'd in his Tent where he had left Alquif's Damsel by whom he sent a Letter
Parts of Gaul by whom eight or ten dayes after the Fight between the two good Knights Birmartes and Amadis of Greece surnamed formerly the Knight of the burning Sword he was advertiz'd that the Vsurper of the Empire with his Forces was to come and joyn the King of Metz in the plain of Verona and there to expect King Amadis and his Army Now the Duke of Lorrain was ally'd to King Amadis and with all his might supported the Party of the Empress his Daughter so that with six thousand fighting Men he hindred as much as possibly he could the King of Metz who intended to pass thro' the Marches of Suitzerland from executing his Designs For he always coasted him often constraining him to stay longer in a place than he desired This was in part the Cause that the Army of these Kings assembled at Naples went to look for them in Germany and there to give them Battle For which purpose 't was proclaim'd in their Camp that every one should make himself ready to remove the eighth day following During this Time there arriv'd from Spain seven thousand good Souldiers and Knights which King Brian sent by the Duke of Merida to their Assistance of whom Olorius had the Command They then being assembled Amadis seeing he had no News of the Army he had sent to raise in Great Britain resolved notwithstanding to march with his Forces strait to Aquileja and thence to Marcadi Ancona coasting always the Venetian Sea for the greater Convenience in having Provisions till he came to Verona where he had Advice that the King of Metz was marching into Germany for to get into Lombardy and would there entrench himself expecting the Emperors Forces Then these Lords assembled in Counsel and resolved to go and meet him before the Emperor was got to him Wherefore they remov'd on the morrow by break of day and made such hast that they got into the Mountains before the King of Metz was aware of it and surpriz'd him so short that they presented him the Battle as it were on the sudden Now he had with him a good Body of Horse and a great Number of Foot which the Count of Armignac and the Dukes of Normandy and Brabant had brought thither with some Germans out of Order The Skirmish was on both sides very fair and the Fight at last so fierce that by the help of Birmartes Florelus and Amadis of Greece who came thither unknown the King of Metz was discomfited himself and the Ea l Armignac slain together with the Duke of Savona and his Son So that had it not been for the favor of the Night which separated them the Duke of Normandy and the rest flying into the thickest part of a great Forest there had not a Man of them escap'd Then were Amadis's People constrain'd to retire for the Darkness and lodg'd in their Enemies Camp keeping a good Watch for they were told that the Duke of Normandy was rallying to come and find them again the next day Neverthelâ—ss it hapned otherwise For the Duke who was a discreet and prudent â—rince considering the Wrong which the deceased King had done the King of Sicily in Vsurping the Countrey that belong'd to Queen Miramynia his Wife call'd the other Princes and Captains who were retir'd with him and remonstrated to them that 't would be best for them to send to Alpatracy and beseech him that forgetting the Injury they had done him he would be pleas'd to receive them into his Favor And doing this those of the Kingdom of Metz would take an Oath of Fidelity to him remaining for ever his humble and obedient Subjects and Vassals And I said he and my Companions will be Friends Allies and Confederates serving and favoring him against all especially against the Emperor who seeing the Treason he has committed against his rightful Prince and Lord cannot continue long without falling to ruine There was not any one in the Company who did not willingly give Ear to this Counsel and the Duke himself was chosen by all to go to the King of Sicilies Camp and carry him this Message By Means whereof assoon as the Dawning of the Day began to appear he took Horse and accompany'd by the Principal Persons of the Kingdom of Metz came to the Kings Tent whither they were conducted by those of the Watch who found him as he was arming himself And already were the Souldiers putting themselves in Battalla to go and prosecute their foregoing Victory But all was stay'd vy the coming of this new Ambassy which being heard by Alpatracy and the other Princes and Lords of the Army the Offers they presented were accepted the Accord concluded and Peace secur'd And before Dinner Alpatracy was thro' all the Army proclaim'd King of Metz and Sicily The Emperor who was that day come to the City of Constance with his Army was soon advertiz'd of this wherefore he made hast to hinder the Enemy from passing any farther But they met the eighth day after in the Evening and the Skirmish began in a Village where each of the two Armies design'd to take up their Quarters There many good Knights on both sides ended their dayes and had not the Night at that time favor'd the King of Sicilies Party the Germans had gotten the Victory But fortune turn'd the next day For Birmartes Amadis of Greece Olorious Don Florelus Orizenes and Bravatus Sons to the Queens Calafia and Pintequinestra drew up and being accompany'd with many good Knights and Souldiers assoon as they could see whom to strike fiercely set upon their Enemies Now whilst they were in the Head of the Fight there came an Express to the Emperour which brought him News that the City of Mentz was taken by assault the Garrison put to the Sword and the Widow of the deceas'd Emperor taken out of the Prison to which she had been confin'd And believe it Sir said the Messenger that all this has been done by the Earl of Flanders For I saw him there accompany'd by above two thousand Knights This News indeed did not much please the Emperor nor those that heard it and the Rumor of it ran so thro' all the Camp that many even the most part loâ—t their hearts and without being pursu'd fled strait to the City of Constance Nevertheless the Emperor ceas'd not to make head against King Amadis and the Fight on both sides was so fierce that the Emperor himself was slain on the Place together with the Duke of Saxony the Earl of Merida his Son and several Lords and Princes with so many other People of all sorts that the Horses were in blood above the Pasters But the Emperors Death struck such a Terror into his Army that they were immediatly discomfited and turning their backs fled with all speed towards Constance where they inclos'd themselves leaving behind them above ten thousand dead in the Field And that very night was the City besieg'd which being briskly assaulted the next day and