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
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
her self to the Queen saying You Madam and this excellent Company having so far honour'd Axiana 't is reasonable she should endeavour in some sort to acknowledge it by giving you the Pleasure of certain singularities which are here and which several have sometimes thought to be strange Will it please you therefore to see them Yes indeed answer'd the Queen 't is what we request of you Then they arofe from their Places and not to tire themselâ—es over much sent for their Horses on which being mounted they entred first into a great Park part of which was curiously planted with Rows of Orange-trees Lemon-trees Myrcles Pomegranates Cypres Lawrels Lentisk Pines Fir-tres Palm-trees Olive-trees and several others wonderfully pleasant A little higher on a small rising was a Thicket of Codars Plain-trees whither repair'd all sorts of Animals wild and tame And at the foot ran a Rivulet proceeding from many pleasant Fountains which water'd the Place where 't was convenient in the midst of which there was an high Pillar of Amber that cast forth such abundance of Water as made a spacious Lake Then going on the left hand they entred into a long Walk set on each side with Elms Lime-trees and Sycomores which so shaded it that the Sun in the height of Summer could not have offended the Eye of any one and to rest ones self there were on the Sides of it Arbors of Woodbines and Box entermix'd with Laurels and Laylacks And in the midst was a Round of an hundred yards over where were Pallas Juno and Venus of white Marble who look on Paris sleeping on a Rock of Chrystal whence issu'd another Fountain in which they all took so much Pleasure that they had not any thoughts of Returning when there arose so obscure dark cloud a Cloud that they all lost sight of each other and suddenly heard a serpent hiss and beat his Wings so that the whole Park resounded the Noise Alas poor Ladies were you not then afraid Yes certainly were you and in such manner that you thought immediately to dye For the last mention'd Fountain was chang'd into so great a Fire that the Flames seem'd by little and little to have seiz'd on the whole Park those who beheld this wonder expecting nothing but a miserable and desperate end and cursing Axiana who had so subtilly bâ—ought them thither to take as they thought vengeance for the Displeasure she had receiv'd of them And the more to encrease their Fear they heard on the gâ—eat Lake such a Noise Thunder that they thought Heaven and Earth â—ould came together when they perceiv'd making from thence towards them a great and terrible Serpent casting Fire and Flame thro' his Eyes Nostrils and Thâ—oat And upon him the Infanta Axiana holding in her hand a naked Sword with which she gave the Beast such a Blow between his Ears that thro' the Greatness of the Pain he leapt into the Basin of the Fountain where he began so to bestir himself that the Knights Ladies and Gentlewoman were washt with the Water which spurted up and fell from their Horses to the Ground yet without receiving any farther Hurt Then the Darkness vanishing and the Heavens becoming clear and bright they all found themselves in the midst of the Wood and Axiana amongst them having Lisvarts Sword and without any more seeing any thing that might trouble them Wherefore the Knights knowing their Illusion and past Fear fell a laughing so did not the Ladies but trembled like the Leaves on the Tree what fair Words soever Axiana gave them who would have brought them farther But Lucella very farely told her she would not for any thing in the world go on unless she promis'd to free her from these Plantasms She was indeed more like one dead than living and utter'd these Words with such a Grace as encreas'd the Laughter Wherefore Axiana gave her Lisvart Sword saying to her Madam the better to secure you take this Staff which has such Vertue that no Enchantment can hurt the Person who bears it And for this cause did I request the Lord whose it is to lend it me at our entrance into this Park Which he did and I deliver it to you to defend yourself the rest if you are assaulted with the like fear as you have been Certainly answer'd Lisvart I should willingly choose such Defence from her and so that I am ready to confess that she and such like have more Power over me thaâ— any one who should be arm'd and in a will to sight me Well then said Lucella on this word I receive it and will defend you if Occasion offers They thus jesting one at the other the Knight of the burning Sword who thought that Lisvart spake thro' Affection and that he was in love with Lucella entred into so strong a Iealousy that he would gladly have found a Pretence to have â—ought him presently But neither Place nor Opportunity being dispos'd for it he kept in his heart this ill Will to make him sometime repent it tho' this Suspicion was very unjustly conceiv'd For all the good Entertainment he made this Lady was only in remembrance of the fair Onoloria whom she resembled and for whom he dy'd day and night CHAP. XXXIII How Alquifa arriv'd in the Isle of Argenes And of the Departure of the Emperor and the others to return into their Countrey EVery one being as you have heard recover'd of their Fright they all took horse again to visit the Remainder of the Park going on till they came to the Sea-Shore by which it was on that side enclos'd where they discover'd a far off a great Ship making towards them with wonderful Swiftness Wherefore they stay'd expecting to know who was in it And when the Vessel was within two Bow-shoot of the Shore they that were in it put forth a Boat which two Mariners began to row bâ—inging with them nine Damsells holding each of them an Harp the Sound of which eccho'd â—y the water was wonderfully sweet A little after they came ashoâ—e and Alquâ—fa who was one of the nine was known by almost all the Knights even by him of the Burning Sword for he remembred it was she whâ—â—â—sir'd him to leave off the Combat against Esplandian in the Defended Mountain For this cause every one was pleas'd to see her and the Emperoâ—â—â—â—â—aâ—'d her as did also the Knight of the Burning Sword who said to her My great Friend give me leave to kiss you She who well enough understood what he asm'd at humbly saluted him answer'd Sir Knight you know the great Desire I have to do you service and how much I am yours Lisvart and Perion wondering at this Acquaintance knew not what to think of it Nevertheless they took at that time no notice but after they had receiv'd her as she deserv'd she said to them My Lords my Father and Vrganda salute you in all humility and send you word by me that for your Good you enter
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
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
him such a blow with his Staff between his two ears that he fell dead to the ground This gave me such Content that I determin'd in my self from that very hour to love him as he deserv'd and not without cause considering his Civility the Pains he had taken in coming from a far Countrey to see and serve me and the Danger to which he expos'd himself for to save My Life shewing himself tho' naked and unarm'd more couragious than those two who turn'd their backs with their Lances and Shields Wherefore I began from that time forward to treat him with more intimacy than I had done offering him my Estate and what ever a Woman of my quality can honestly offer Which gave him so much content that after a thousand thanks he said to me Madam tho' it will be impossible for me as long as I live to acknowledge the Favour and Honour you have been pleas'd and are pleas'd to do me I being such as I am and you so great a Lady and Princess yet will I with Protestation not to offend you take the boldness to make you a farther Request which I most humbly desire you to grant me hoping that the Effect will redound to your Glory and my Honour 'T is that you will be pleas'd to give me leave to go into Great Britain to King Amadis that I may of him at your request receive the Order of Knighthood This done forasmuch as that Countrey is said to be frequented with adventurous Knights than any other I will for Love of you and under the Favor of your Presence keep and defend a Passage during the Space of six Months against all those that shall attempt to pass it on condition that if I be vanquisht within the said time the Conqueror shall receive of you a Jewel of such value as you shall think fit to give him but if Fortune give me the Honour to get the better he or they that shall yield shall be constrain'd to leave their Shields in your Pavilion with their Names in writing for an assurance that they will come and serve you when you shall require them And if it happen that in this Enterprise I do any thing worthy your Love it will please you then to grant it me and not sooner for GOD for bid that a Princess of your high quality should have any Friend but such as she merits nor would it be Reason that I or any other having done so little for you should attain so great Happiness as by your Authority to call himself Yours This Request Sir I so willingly granted him that a few days after we set forth on our journey and for the Jewel he speak to me of I caus'd to be brought with me this Sword and Shield which you see with an Helmet which for its Goodness Beauty and Richness is not to be valu'd But by misfortune said she shewing one of her Women this Gentlewoman in whose custody it was staying behind us this morning was met by a Knight who askt her for whom she kept it She answer'd him for the best Knight in the world Then he more discourteous than Gentility desires took it from her by force saying that since it was dedicated to the best Knight in the world it belong'd to none but him And having gotten it from her against her will he fled thro' the wood so that she lost sight of him at which being greatly discontented she came to us weeping for the Outrage which she related to us These Knights who accompany me hearing it ran to overtake him but seeing they lost their Labor in searching for him being advertiz'd that you made your Abode in this your City we resolv'd to come and pay you our Respects and know whether you would please to command us any thing to King Amadis with whom we had long since been had not Fortune driven us into these Coasts This said she held her peace Madam answer'd the Emperor You have done me both an Honour and a Pleasure by this friendly Visit for which I heartily thank you and this Gentleman also to whom Our Lord if he please grant the Grace to accomplish so noble an Enterprise And as to the Villian who has done you the Injury about your Helmet believe me I am very much displeas'd at it as well that so base an Act should be done in my Countreys as that it should be committed against a Lady of your Rank During this Discourse Lucencio thought in himself that he would go to Revenge the Damsel and recover what she had lost Wherefore without any farther delay he kneel'd down and besought the Emperor that he would give him leave so to do which he readily granted him Then addressing himself to the Dutchess he said to her Madam I have all my life heard that Knighthood was principally ordain'd to preserve Ladies and Gentlewomen from Injury I entreat you therefore command her whom the Knight has thus wrong'd to conduct me till such time as we have found him and I promise you by the Faith I ow the Emperor to revenge her and you also or to dy in the attempt Truly Knight answer'd the Dutchess I very heartily thank you and immediately commanded the Damsel to accompany him saying to her And as soon as you shall have recover'd the Helmet fail not to come into Great Britain Then Lucencio having eaten something took horse and accompany'd only by Florindo who serv'd him for an Esquire and the Damsel departed out of the City in which the Dutchess made afterward but a very short stay for having thankt the Emperor for her good Reception and taken her leave of Him the Lords and Ladies she embarkt steering towards Hercules's Pillars for to enter into the Ocean Sea Now there were many upon the Shore looking after her at her departure when a Knight compleatly arm'd except his Head and his Hands entred the Palace and saluting the Emperor was known to be Sergil Esplandian heartily welcom'd him asking him how King Norandel did Sir answer'd he He humbly recommends himself to your good Grace and has sent me expresly to acquaint you that one sole Knight has valiantly conquer'd the Defended Mountain fought with and vanquisht Belleris Frandalon and Frandalo so that he and the King of Ierusalem are become Masters of the Fortress as we are certainly inform'd by two Souldiers of the Garrison who have made their Escape to Tesifanto May it please you therefore Sir to advise how you will have King Norandel govern himself in this Affair and to consider the importance of the Place easy to be regain'd before the Turks send Succour thither if you prevent them How reply'd the Emperor Is it possible that one only Knight has done so many Feats of Arms as you say And are my People all dead No Sir said he But never Knights better did their Devoir tho' they were in fine vanquisht and left without means to defend themseves GOD be prais'd for all answer'd the
was the Helmet that the other carry'd away But when he was got up spying the dead Knights Steed pass by he found means to seise of him and getting on his back posted after him that was fled Then Florindo and the Damsel who had kept themselves conceal'd within the Forrest seeing him thus speed away came out of their ambush to follow him but they lost sight of him and it was almost Night when they saw him again on the top of an Hill whence he discover'd his Man making such hast down that his Horse being tir'd and out of breath he took so great a Leap along the Valley that he roll'd above a Stones cast before he stopt in such manner that Lucencio could not forbear laughing for he thought the Horse had broken his own Neck and his Masters too Nevertheless they both got up again and in the mean time Lucencio approacht crying out a loud By my Faith Sir Knight you shall now leave the Helmet which is none of yours and your Head likewise The other seeing him so close at his heels thought no way better to secure his life than to throw down what he had hoping that Lucencio instead of pursuing him would amuse himself in taking it up But he not regarding it pass'd on wâ—th such speed that he overtook him near a great Wood and gave him such a blow on the bare head as cleft it down to his teeth Then he turn'd back to the Place where he saw the Knight throw down the Helmet but he found it not there Wherefore he thought that Florindo and the Damsel had taken it up And for this cause he lookt round about to see whether he could espy them but it was in vain At which being much troubled he return'd to the top of the Hill and entring thence into the Forrest resolv'd to stay there till morning for the Darkness was by this time so great that he could not see which way to go By and by he heard an horse neigh and thinking it might be those he lookt for he rode thither where by the light of a great Fire he perceiv'd a very fair and young Lady washing her hands in a Fountain which sprang forth of an hollow Rock close by Se was attended by six others having each of them on their Heads Garlands and Chaplets of very odoriferous Flowers two of which joyning their Voices to the Sound of the Lutes which they sweetly toucht made the Air sound with such a Harmony that Lucencio became wholly astonisht surpris d nevertheless with some Ardor of Love which so enflam'd his heart that he approacht them and saluting the Company addrest himself to the fairest of them to whom he said Madam I beseech you to excuse my Presumption towaâ—ds you assuring you that my Coming to this Place is not to disturb you but rather to serve you if you please to command me any thing At this Discourse she who thought only of refreshing her self lifted up her head and seeing him all Arm'd except his Helmet which he carry'd at his Saddle-Bow was at first amaz'd but his Demeanor appear'd so gentle that she reassur'd her self ing him what he sought Madam answer'd he I was looking for an Esquire of mine and a Damsel whom he accompanys but Love I think has directed me to the Light of this Fire to make me experiment the heat of a severer with which I already feel my self inflam'd yet your great Beauty and Excellence which have kindled it in my heart have also the means to moderate it if you please to take pity of me who never offended you as I know of The Lady hearing him speak with such affection could not forbear smiling and feigning not to understand this Language of Love turn'd the Cart against the horse saying to him And how did your People lose you thus Madam answer'd Lucencio as I was going after a Knight who had forcibly taken an Helmet from the Damsel I speak of my Esquire and she who follow'd me at a Distance were surpriz'd by the night and I expected to meet with them in this wood but I find my self much mistaken for thinking to recover another I have lost my self by the Extremity of that Divine Beauty with which you are endued Then he related to her from point to point all that you have heard of the Helmet anâ— what had befaln since Knight said she I have seen part of what you tell me concerning him that fled your Esquire and the Damsel I know nothing of but of the Helmet I will give you a good account if you will promise me a Gift such as I shall ask of you Madam said Lucencio the Charms of your Beauty have made me so much yours that you may command me in what-ever you please and I shall be yet more inclin'd to serve you if by your means I may recover the Helmet which I am obliged to restore to her that follows me Then she lifted up the border of a Sattin Mantle on which she sat and shew'd it him saying Is not this what you look for One of my VVomen took it up a little after the Knight you pursu'd had thrown it down Come then alight and rest your self a little with us for I believe you have need enough of Repose He who desir'd no better Occasion of discoursing with her readily obey'd her and when he was sat she sent one her Women out of the Forrest to see whether she could understand any thing of the Squire and Damsel that were gone astray for already the Moon began to shine and in the mean time she entred into discourse with Lucencio to whom she said Knight you have promis'd me a Gift such as I shall ask you In order to the accomplishment of this promise I desire you that as soon as you shall have recover'd your Esquire and the Damsel you have lost you will accompany me to a Ship of mine which my People have at Anchor hard by and out of which I landed this morning as well to see this Country which seem'd to me pleasant and well-shaded as to refresh me after my Travel on the Sea where I have long voyag'd Madam answer'd Lucencio you may dispose of me as of one of your Slaves for I will not disobey you but you shall always find me willing and ready to foâ—low your Pleasure Indeed reply'd she I very heartily thank you Whilst they were thus discoursing Florindo and his Companion arriv'd with her who went to look them and alighting from their Horses pass'd there the rest of the Night till Sun rise when Lucencio calling the Dutchesses Damsel said to her My good Friend there is the Helmet that was taken from you you shall carry it to your Mistress and recommending me to her Favour assure her on my behalf that I am her Servant And forasmuch as I have promis'd my Lady to embark presently with her I desire you to excuse me that I bear you Company no longer Sir Knight answer'd
him a Letter from her who as you have heard parted from him at the Kay telling him that she had expresly charg'd her not to deliver it to him any sooner and therefore he might read it at his leisure Then the Knight taking it brake open the Seal to see the Contents which were as follow Vrganda theVnknown to the Knight of the Burning Sword sends Greeting Know that to free another out of Prison thou shalt within a few days enter into the greatest Captivity ever poor Slave was in and shalt have thy Soul and Body so afflicted that the same Sword which has many times sav'd the Place whence thou art issu'd shall pierce thro' thy Body whence it shall be afterwards drawn out by the hands of her who thinking to save her self shall restore thee a Life worse than a thousand Deaths together And this Bitterness shall last thee till such time as thy Fathers House being at the point to fall to Ruine shall be preserv'd and sav'd by its first Possessor Believe me for it shall come to pass as I foretel thee And to the end thou mayst credit it understand that to preserve thee from a Misfortune into which thou wast this day about to fall by fighting with the Knight of the Kay I presented thee the white Shield and asked thee the Gift thou grantedst me and performedst and for which thou oughtst to give me thanks because without my Providence thou wert salling into a Repentance for all thy life as thou wilt better know in time And sooner trouble not thy self with thinking to know any thing of it for it would be Labor lost as it would be alsâ— to look for me Let it suffice thee that I know thee better than thou knowst thy self and that for hope of a Succor I expect one day to have of thee I would shew thâ—e this Favor For the rest follow thy Enterprize without delaying it on any occasion whatever since it is the Will of him whose thou shalt sometime be Exceeding Pensive was the Knight of the Burning Sword and what rendred hâ—m yet more Melancholy was that he could not comprehend any thing in it but what seem'd to him grievous to be born He said nevertheless within himself that he was indeed extreamly bound to Urganda who had done so much for him but since he could not resist the Destinies he would pass it over as well as he could The better therefore to conceal his Thoughts he began to look pleasantly saying Urganda acquainted him that the Countrey they had then left was Great Britain and that they should thenceforward have fair weather Thus sail'd they with so favourable a Sea that the King and he being cur'd of all their Wounds discover'd one Sunday Morning Frandalons Fortress at the neerest Port to which they Anchred and went all a Shore except the Mariners who continu d aboard expecting what would be the Issue of this Enterprize to which the King went accompany'd by thirty Knights beside him of the Burning Sword fearing that Frandalon who had taken away the Queen and Lucella would not restore them according to the Conditions of the Combat he had granted but instead of doing it would endeavour by some Treason to Arrest him also For this cause they marcht in very good Equipage strait to a Grove of Trees where they were descry'd by the Sentinel of the Castle who winded a Horn so loud that they heard him and soon after they saw coming towards them with great speed a Damsel mounted on a Palfrey who addressing her self to the King whom by the Richness of his Armor she took to be the chief amongst them said to him Knight My Lord Frandalon the Ciclops sends me to know who you are that have entred so familiarly into his Land without his Permission Damsel answer'd the King acquaint him that if he will accomplish his Promise made to Alpatracy whose Wife and Daughter he injuriously detains he shall find him and another Knight ready to fight him and his Son But because we cannot confide in his Word by reason of his wicked Disposition he must send us an Hostage before we enter the Field one against another else we shall consider what we have to do Ha! ha said the Damsel smiling and shaking her Head You have Reason but he comes soon enough who seeks his own Misfortune which assure your self will soon be shewn you Then going back the way she came she re-entred the Fortress whence she return'd a little after to tell the King it would have been more agreeable to Frandalon that he had freely and without dispute surrender'd him the Countrey of Sicily which belong'd to him by râ—ght of Inheritance Nevertheless said she since you are otherwise inclin'd he will send you his only Daughter for the Security you demand on condition that you send back all your People keeping only with you him that is to be the Companion of your Infelicity for there is none in his Castle but himself and Son of whom you should have any doubt Damsel answer'd the King his Daughter being come we shall do what is fit for us Then the Messenger return'd back again where she stay'd not long before she â—ought forth Frandalons daughter so fair well dress'd and of such good Behaviour as you shall hear She was a Giantess with one only Eye having on moreover a Gown the Train whereof was an Ell long cover'd with little Scales of Fishes and on her Head a Vall powdred with Snail-shells Such was the Accoutrement of this Virgin whom the King courteously saluted and yet she regarded him not but addrest her self to the Knight of the Burning Sword whom she saw without a Beard and said to him Are you then he who are to fight with the King against my Father and Brother Yes Madam answer'd the Knight but why do you ask Because reply'd she I think some of my Women much fitter for such Dances than you whom a Ladies Hood would better become than that Helmet which thus heats your Head Tho' the Knight of the Burning Sword perceiv'd himself jeer'd yet did he but laugh at it saying to her In faith Madam if all the Beauties of this Countrey resemble you it will never be thought I came hither to make love and much less that You and I are one mans Children Whilst they were in this discourse they perceiv'd Frandalon and his Son come forth wherefoâ—e the King commanded his Folks to retire and take with them the Giantess for Hostage 'T was not long ere the two Ciclops approacht the Father being mounted on a Beast almost like a Dromedary and having no other Arms but a Shield of fine Steel hanging about his Neck and in his hand a Battle Ax massy and weighty fit for so genteel and gracious a Gentleman as he was So it is that there was not seen in his time any man bigger than himself nor had he any more Eyes than his Daughter and for this reason was he also
who had seen the King and the Knight of the burning Sword go into the inner Court and the Queen also withdraw from the Window came forth of the Water and ran straight thâ—o ' the outward Court into an Hall where she caught up a strong Bow and a Quiver full of Arrows with which returning back she took the Shield of the Giant her Husband and a great Semiter which hung at his side and then got back again into the Lake without being perceiv'd by the King or any other for they were gone up into the Chambers where they found two men weeping whom they commanded to shew them the door of the Tower They trembling through Excess of Fear led them to an Iron Door fastned with a great Pad-lock whither being come There is say they besides this another door stronger and better barr'd and both of the one and the other the Giantess has the Keys so that 't is impâ—ssible to get in without her Sir said the Knight of the burning Sword you are greatly wounded I am of opinion therefore that you disarm your self and ly dâ—wn on this bed to the end I may bind up your Wounds and then I will consider of some means to recover your Queen and Daughter To this the King accorded who soon after fell asleep and for this cause the Knight of the burning Sword went forth of the Chamber to meet those whom Frandamella had been to fetch whom he saw at the Lake pursuing the Giantess but she so infested them with her Arrows that one of them fell down dead at which the others extremely vext entred so far into the Lake that they thought they should not get out again Then this She-Devil let fly her Aâ—rows with one of which she pierc't a Steâ—d into the Head so that he tumbled down into the Water carrying his Master along with him which so terrified the rest tâ—at they began to draw back Now the Queen and Lucella beheld this Sport through the Window of the Tower which the Giantess seeing let fly at them with such fury that the Arrow hit against the middle of the Bar without doing them any hurt whereat they were astonish'd as was also the Knight of the Burning Sword who was then underneath the Arrow falling at his Feet which so irritated him that reproaching those who for fear of death had left the Giantess in Peace he forc'd them to return to the Assault Then the Old Woman well knew that she should haâ—e enough to do and yet resolving rather to dye than to fall into their hands shoâ— so tast at them that she mortally wounded two of the most likely amongst them and then went so far into the Water that t was impossible for them to get near her unless they swam Which nevertheless one more adventurous than the rest attempted but as he thought to joyn her she raising her self a Tip-toe gave his Steed such a blow with her Semiter between his two ears that Horse and Man sank down to the Bottom not being any more seen By this the Knight of the burning Sword well knew that he should never have her without some other Artifice Wherefore he made them all Retire and hoping to gain by words what he could not get by Arms speak to her in this manner Lady give us the Keys of the Tower and I promise you on the faith of a Gentleman that you shall not receive any displeasure otherwise your Daughter shall pay her Head for your Folly But she made no account either of his Prayers or Threats wherefore the Knight return'd to the Castle and the rest with him there to find out with the King some better Expedient for the Queen and her Daughter were almost famisht nor could they tell how to give them any Victuals CHAP. XX. How the Knight of the Burning Sword slew the Giantess Wife to Frandalon the Cyclops and fell in love with the fair Lucella for whom he did afterwards many high Feats of Arms. NIght being come and the Knights betaking themselves to their Repose the King whose Thoughts were ruminating on his Queen and Daughter that remain'd still shut up without Food or any means of being speedily succor'd had not yet clos'd his Eyes when he heard the Voice of one who cry'd out for fear Wherefore suddainly starting up he call'd out to the Knight of the Burning Sword saying As I live my dear Friend I am greatly mistaken if they are not outraging the Queen for I have heard a great cry At this the Knight rose hastily up and taking his Sword in one hand and a Flambeau in the other ran to the Place where he heard the Noise and as he was going down the stairs saw the Giantess who carried the Queen and her Daughter under her two Arms flying with all the speed she could toward the Lake And the the Burthen was very heavy yet she made such hast that he could not overtake her till she was gotten up to the knees in the Water But then he so surpriz'd her that she never more parted thence but immediately dy'd letting the Queen and Lucella fall into the Water of which they at that time Drank more than they did of Wine In the mean time came the others whom the King had likewise â—ak'd and that just in the nick as the Knight of the Burning Sword was hard put to it to save the Mother and the Daughter Thus were the Ladies assisted and whilst those that came last took up the Queen he carry'd Lucella to Land whose Elegancy and excellent Beauty gain'd such power over him that he found himself seiz'd with Love a thing very new to him who had never till then experimented the force of that little god who nevertheless treated him with so much Gentleness tho' contrary to his Custom that at the same time he inclin'd the heart of the Princess to a Reciprocal affection making her no less desirous than desired Nevertheless both the one and the other with great Prudence and Discretion carefully conceal'd this Passion tho' the Knight of the burning Sword had no sooner freed her out of Danger and set her on firm Land but making her a great Reverence he askt her how she did Alas Sir said she my heart beats so vehemently that I know not whether I am dead or living For GOD's sake conduct me to the King and tell me whether he be much wounded for when I saw him yesterday I was in great doubt of his safety Madam answer'd the Knight he is certainly wounded but not so much as you may think and the Joy he will receive by your presence will make him forget the greatest part of his pain Indeed Sir reply'd Lucella you have so much oblig'd us that we are bound to you for ever especially I poor Gentlewoman who never merited Favour of such a Knight Ma am said he I shall esteem my self the happiest man in the World if you graciously accept the little I have done for your
not from me the Cause of your sorrow for I assure you if I can remedy it you shall find me ready to serve you At this word she open'd her Eyes and seeing him so near her rous'd up her self as one throughly frighted answer'd him with great wrath Ah! rash and premsuptuous wretch hast thou then dar'd to attempt the Coming up hither Thou shalt indeed presently receive thy Reward Then stretching out her Arm she gave him such a Blow with the Sword as pierc't his Shield Armor and Body to the very Hilt the Knight falling all along on the Place But then as if she were come to her self out of a deep Sleep she presently cry'd out O Iupitor Alas what have I done I have cruâ—lly slain him on whom my Life depended Then sitting on his knees she took the Knights Head in her Lap and having fixt her Eye on it her Sorrow grew so strong as if Heart would have cleft asunder And in this Passion she fell down in a swound upon the wounded Body Lucella was not then asleep but sollicited by the Love she bare her Friend had him continually before the Eyes of her Imagination and heard the Damsel 's Regrets and Cries Wherefore not knowing what to think of it she look't strait towards the Place where she had seen him ly down but he was no longer there at which surpriz'd with an unusual Iealousy she rose up and ran hastily towards the stair-caâ—e whence in her opinion the Lamentations proceeded which gave her this Trouble She went up to the Perron where she again heard a Voice saying pitifully Ah ah poor miserable and unfortunate Gradafilea What will become of thee having with thine own hands slain the Person thou most lovedst in the world and whom thou hast taken so much pains to find O thou most unhappy of those wretches that live banisht from all Felicity how is it possible that seeing with thine own Eyes the Death of him caus'd by thine own Act who was more dear to thee than thy self thou shouldst any longer continue in this World out of which thou hast driven him Ah Queen of Argenes thou greatly deceivdst me when at my entrance into this place of Tribulation thou assuredst me that at the time my Hope should be wholly lost my heart should have Repose seeing him whom I desir'd to find But alas this promise of thine is quite overthrown and I cannot well imagin what displeasure I have ever done thee that thou shouldst purchase me so intolerable a Discontent One Remedy there is which thou cannot deprive me of which is the death that I will give my self to follow and bear him company in so severe cruelty as has parted from these hands stain'd with the blood of my Friend When Lucella had some time hearkned to her and perceiv'd she spake of the death of a Friend her Blood was in such a Commotion that she could no longer bear what she thought so that she went up to her who was endeavouring to pluck out the Sword for to murther her self Where seeing the Knight stret'ht out at his length she cast forth so loud a Cry that the Lion who was asleep awak't and fell a roaring in the most dreadful manner that ever was heard so that Lucella with the Fright was flying away when the Beast caught hold of her Gown by which with his Sharp claws he so violently pluckt her to him that she was ready to fall down backwards The poor Lady was then in certain expectation of death nevertheless whether thro' Courage or thro' excess of Fear she had recourse to the Sword that she saw in the Body of her Lover which she so strongly pull'd at that she got it out of his Body not without great Mystery for the burning Door instantly flow open with such impetuosity that the Inhabitants ten Leagues round assuredly believ'd the Ruine of the Place and of the whole Island And the Flame so evidently pass'd thro' the Halls and Stair-cases that the King and Queen who were asleep awake but not without being frighted Because this Brightness pass'd away like a Shadow leaving the Place so dark and full of Smoak that for above a quarter of an hour there was nothing to be discern'd but Obscurity and Blackness During which the Knight whom Gradasilea and Lucella thought dead rose up well and lusty and yet more amaz'd to see them both stretcht out on the Grownd not stirring either Foot or Hand Now take my word for 't he paid Vse for the Displeasure his Mistress had receiv'd For seeing her in such Condition he was ready to despair and make himself away when taking her in his Arms to give her a Farewel kiss no sooner were their two Mouths joyn'd together but that her vital Spirits return'd to their Natural Head so that coming again to her self and knowing him to be alive whom she esteem'd as bead she said to him Ah ah my dear Friend Do I dream or did I not just now see you wounded thro' the Body I take GOD to witness that I verily thought your Life at an end Madam answer'd he there is nothing more true than that from you alone I hold my Life and that you only have Power to give it me or take it from me when you please as being she on whom all my Good all my Happiness and all my Fortune depends As he finish't this Word Gradafilea who had likewise been in a swound rose up and seeing the Knight of the burning Sword well and on his feet cry'd out a loud O Infanta Gradafilea Now certainly I esteem all the Affliction thou hast pass'd thro' well employ'd since the Promise which heretofore the Queen of Argenes made thee is truly accomplisht Then câ—sting her Arms about the Knights neck she said O my sole Friend Lisbart of Greece how many ill nights and worse days have I endur'd to recover you but thanks to the gods now that I hold you embrac'd this Torment of mine is wholly turn'd into pleasure and repose During these Caresses the Knight of the Burning Sword could not imagin whence they proceeded having never seen Gradafilea nevertheless he thought that perhaps she knew his Father and Mother and that his name was Lisvart as she call'd him But Lucella who found her self concern'd was not so satisfy'd perswading her self that she alone and none else ought to have share in her Lover who loving Gradafilea had thus conceal'd himself from her And to say the truth the precedent Lamentations and Regrets gave her a great Mistrust which was much augmented when she saw him let himself be embrac'd without contradicting it tho' his Intention tended to another end being only desirous to know of Gradafilea where she had seen him to know him so as she made a shew of and for this reason he said to her In good faith Madam I believe that you take me for another for I never in my life had any Acquaintance with you as I know of How answer'd she
the Emperor of Trebisond Lisvart of Greâ—ce Perion of Gaul and the Prince Olorius of Spain who had till then been Enchanted and laid asleep under that Plate without the knowledge of any one but the Queen Zirfea Certainly I cannot well tell who was most amaz'd Whether the King of Sicily aâ—d his Company to see these four Persons thus resuscitated or the Emperor and his to find themselves in so unknown a Place and amongst Knights arm'd and ready for fight So that if the Emperor being without Arms fâ—ar'd they should be assaulted those of the other side thinking them to be Phantasms were not over-well assur'd when Gradafilea knew Lisvart yet doubting that she was in a dream she durst not at first approach him but sixt her Eyes upon him as he did upon her yet without speaking one Word for a pretty while Now these four Knights had been so depriv'd of their Vnderstanding by Zirfea that without knowing any thing of one another they were brought from Trebisond and put in so strait a Place by such means as you shall presently hear CHAP. XXV How Zirfea enchanted the Emperor of Trebisond Lisvart Perion and Olorius in the Castle of the Isle of Arâ—â—enes Where she afterwards stay'd Gradafilea being in quest of Lisvart THe History of Lisvart of Greece recited at large in the sixth Book of Amadis of Gaul Records that at the Siege of Constantinople where King Amato was in person himself with the greatest paâ—t of the Pagan Princes has an End put to their Days by the high Chivalry at King Amadis of Gaul his Son Esplandian and others whose never dying 〈◊〉 registred in the said volumes Now among these that were thus â—â—â—n by this King of Great Britain was Zarzafiel Soldan of Babylon who had a Sister nam'd Zirfea a Woman of great Skill in Magick which she had in her younger years learnt of the Infanta Melia. In this â—â—t she became so expert that disdaming the Court of the Soldan her Brother she relir'd into the Isle of Argones where the better to experiment her Science she did many incredible things in the Castle of Treasure as we have already discrib'd it to you From which she could not by any Intreaties or Letters sent her by the Soldan her Brother be withdrawn whilst he liv'd Now Zirfea writ several times to him that he should by no means go to the Siege of Constantiople assuring him that he would infallibly be slain there with all who should Accompany him But he made flight of this Advertisment thinking that it proceeded from her Fear of losing him which she preferr'd before the Honor and Glory he might get there so that he went and was there slain as you have been told Of which Zirfea his only Heir being advertis'd she incontinently set forwards towards Babylon hoping to gain possession of the Country where she found one that her Brother had left there for Governor who either thro' Love or Force had already receiv'd the Crown and obedience of the Subjects And for this cause he commanded her to be gone and void the Realm or else he would â—ut her to death This Message seem'd to her very hard of Digestion but seeing there was no Remedy she packt up her Baggage takiâ—g with her for all her Inheritance the Body of Zarzafiel into the Isle of Argenes where being arriv'd she Sacrific'd it to the God Mars causing the Ashes to be carefully gather'd up and enclos'd in the clâ—ft Head erecting him the Sepulchre we have already told you of And to the end a Death which so nearly toucht her might not go unreveng'd she deeply and solemnly vow'd to procure all the Dammage and Displeasure she possibly could to King Amadis and the other Christians she accordingly us d all her Endeavor to put in execution this Resolve Wherefore being one day advertiz'd that Lisvart of Greece and Perion of Gaul were in Trebisond she put to Sea and as she was sailing invented for their Surprizal the Deceit recorded in the said sixth Book of Amadis of Gaul laying her Project so well that in fine she not only brought away them but also the Emperor and Olorius all which she would have instantly put to death had she not foreseen by her Magick that from them should proceed one by whom her Lineage should in time to come be greatly illustrated tho' she neither knew when nor how For this only cause were the four Knights preserv'd and put into her Bark where she was afterwards enamor'd of Olorius with whom she had such Converse that her Belly began to swell she being with chield yet being no more willing to pardon him than the rest being arriv'd in her Isle of Argenes she enchanted them and put them all under the Soldans Tomb unknown to any one even to their own selves Then she conjur'd the Chambers and clos'd the Doors by the Fire which continually burnt there Now it hapned some time after that Gradafilea understanding the loss of Lisvart put her self in quest of him And having travers'd many strange Countries without learning any Fews of him she come at last to Zirfea to whom she entirly declar'd the Occasion of her Travel very earnestly beseeching her that she would please to deliver her out of his Pain Zirfea promis'd her she would and de facto having fasted her some dayes brought her to see the burning Doors before which was plac'd Lisvarts Sword She then askt her if she knew it Alas Yes answer'd Gradafilea For GOD's sake tell me what is become of him whose it was I will tell you reply'd Zirfea you shall keep it till his Return For it is reasonable since you are so much his that you should have the Enjoyment of it Then she took it out of the Place where it stuck and put it in Gradafilea's Hands conjuring her in this manner Your abode shall be in this very place till such time as being in despair of ever seeing him any more you shall recover him to your great Ioy and Pleasure The Queen having utter'd these Words the Infanta was so firmly enchanted that she remain'd still there at the Arrival of Lucella by whom the Conjurations were brought to an end Which yet Zirfea did not imagin but made account that very difficultly would meet there at the same time the best Knight and the fairest Lady in the world at least that should murally bear each other such perfect Love as she had establisht by her Magick And to make the Entrance into the Place yet more strange and difficult she built a little lower the Perron where were the seven statues holding their writings and other Singularities Then she found the means to procure five Knights of excellent Prowess to whom she gave the keeping of the five first Towers expresly praying and commanding them that no person of what Estate or Condition soever should arrive in Argenes without being stay'd and taken Prisoner whence it happned that several pass'd there many ill Days Having
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
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
closely imprison'd to my great Regret Let us go Sir answered Birmartes Then accompany'd by many gallant Knights they went into the Hall where Onorias Prison was as you have heard Now the Heat of the day was so excessive that Birmartes took off his Helmet and delivered it to one of his Attendants having an unusual colour in his face when the King presented him to his fair Daughter who having already understood by her Damsels the Issue of his fight with Branzahar whom she mortally hated was the Ioyfullest Woman in the world And this pleasure render'd her Countenance so gay that join'd with the Excellence of her Beauty it made her come very near Lucellas Perfection this her Cheerfulness having given her a Grace more Divine than Humane Then the King said to his Daughter Child look on this Knight who has for your sake done this day incredible Feats of Arms and will I believe soon give you the opportunity of going forth from this Place wherefore 't is my Opinion and Request that you treat him with Respect In good Faith Sir answered she I should be very ungrateful should I fail to do it seeing the Obligation I have to him who has already done so much for me Saying this she stretcht forth her Arm thro' the Grate to lift him up for he was on his Knees as surpriz'd with her Love and that with such vehemence that forgetting the Affection he had to that time born to her for whom he had Travers'd so many Seas the word Branzahar had said to him was found true in him which he remembred very well and therefore took her gently by the hand and kissing it said Madam the Prince did as he ought in keeping you from being seen since your gracious look is capable to kill men without Remedy Onoria blusht a little at this praise but not for any Displeasure she had at it for Birmartes seem'd to her so accomplisht a Knight that she was exceedingly taken with him And as she was going to answer him the King interrupted their Discourse and shewing Birmartes the Image and Writing fastned to the Pillar said to him My dear Friend you have already done so much that you may be stiled the best Knight in the world yet there is more to be done if you will finish this Adventure See here the condition establisht by the Prince of Clarence which I believe will give you more trouble than the combat of the three Giants Then Birmartes dâ—ew near and read the Writing at which he was no way amaz'd but thought that if he could perform it besides the Honour he should get by it he might also gain the Heart and Love of the fair one Wherefore he ansâ—ered the King Sir I know not why you think this Enterprise so difficult since no Knight how little Valiant soever need fear going thro' the World to maintain my Lady your Daughters beauty for she is such that if the Victory in Fight follows Reason 't is certain he cannot be vanquisht but shall be Victorious in all places And to shew you that this is true I accept from this time this office trusting that where Prowess shall be wanting Reason and Justice shall supply it In good faith said the King I am more secure of your Courage than of my Daughters Beauty And affectionatly thank you for the Honour and Good you desire me But let us go to my Palace where you shall be well lookt to for I am sure you are Wounded in several places Nevertheless Birmartes would first take leave of Onoria who had heard all he said of her the Promise he made to defend her Beauty throughout the World Which caus'd in her such a Regard for him that beholding him with her gracious Eye she humbly entreated him that he would after he was Cur'd come again to her before his Departure This request he willingly granted and bowing very low went his way leaving her no less desirous of him than he was ready to serve her all his life For Love at that instant seiz'd of their Hearts mutually transferring them by his Divine Power into each others body without their having any Perception or Sentinent of it but by the heat of the lasting fire which he then kindled in them Thus Birmartes followed the King who as they went along askt him his Name and Quallity but he besought him to excuse him for the present telling him that he should at another time understand it all VVherefore the King seeing him desirous to conceal himself would no farther importune him Discoursing then of other matters they came to the Palace where Birmartes was very kindly welcomed by the Queen and the Ladies who conducted him into a richly furnisht Chamber and to do him the greater Honour disarm'd him with their own Hands and put him to Bed Then came Chyrurgions to visit his wounds of which they promis'd him a speedy Cure desiring every one to retire and let him sleep But when he was alone he began instead of resting to meditate on the Beauty of his new Mistress no longer complaining of Lucella who had been the cause of his coming into these Parts where he had seen what gave him so much Torment Onoria for whom he was tormented suffering no less But Birmartes not able to keep this fire any long time smothering within his breast discover'd some few days after his thoughts to his two Companions Esquinel and Meander who comforted him in the best manner they could giving him hopes that he being return'd and having finisht what he promised the King of Appollonia would think himself happy to give him his Daughter to Wife CHAP. LVI How Birmartes being cur'd departed from the King of Appollonia and Onoria to begin his Enterprise and the success of it THE Desire Birmartes had to accomplish his Promise made to maintain Onorias Beauty in all places very much forwarded the Cure of his wounds which being perfected he caus'd his Ships to be put in such Equipage as the Knight of the burning sword found them in when they fought Then the day of his Embarking being come he address'd himself to the King and said to him Sir forasmuch as I resolve to set forth presently to Sea I humbly desire of you that I may see my Lady your Daughter before my Departure to the end she may in your presence and with your leave grant me a gift that I will ask of her Well then answered the King let us go thither So the King brought him to the Tower whither being come after Salutations on both sides Birmartes set knee to the ground and addressing himfelf to Onoria said to her Madam I am according to your command come to take leave of you for to accomplish what I have wilingly oblig'd my self to hoping with Just Reason not to fall into any danger that can hurt me being accompany'd by your good wishes with which I beseech you to favour me as also with the Honour of stiling my self henceforth
farther that my Arrival in this Court is only to maintain against all Knights that Onoria Lady of Beauty Infanta of Apolonia is Fairer than any other Lady or Damsel in the World And this I intend to prove by Arms against any one that will contradict it on such Condition that if the Opponent is Servant or Friend to the Daughter of any King or Emperor for whose Love he enters into Fight against me he shall be bound to bring her Image Crown'd and her Name Writ underneath which he shall lose and I will joyn with these others in case the Victory is mine but if the Knight has a Mistress of Meaner Rank he shall be excus'd from bringing her Image or Portraiture Now then Sir said he to the King of Naples since this Adventure is arriv'd in your Court before it is in any other of these Princes I beseech you to cause the occasion of my Coming being such as I have at present declar'd to you to be Publisht by Sound of Trumpet to the end every Knight who will Combat me may know that I will expect him in this Meadow in a Tent which I will cause to be set up and will Fight him with such Arms as he will Choose Having said this he went out of the Hall and return'd the way he came leaving all these Lords Amaz'd at his Presumption so that several design'd to abate it especially the Duke of Calabria and Clorius of Spain who so fervently Lov'd Luciana Daughter to Esplandian that he could not rest for her Then came Birmartes into the Meadow and caus'd two Rich Pavilions to be set up on the Sea shoâ—e in which he Lodg'd But he had Leisure enough to rest there for none Presented himself that Day no the next till after Dinner when several entred into the Field and Birmartes behav'd himself so Valiantly that before Night he Vanquisht Twelve and Fifteen the Day following so that many had said they never seen so good a Knight Now the Duke of Calabria was not yet come but he Presented himself soon after Arm'd in Green Armor and bearing on his Helmet instead of a Feather his Mistresses Portraiture Then Birmartes knowing that he had a Valiant Adversary chose a great Lance and Marching leisurely before he began his Carrier the Duke call'd out to him from afar saying By my Head Sir Knight I will now make you know that the Princess Iufaliana whose Effigies I bear surpasses in all Beauties her whom you have so much prais'd I know not answer'd Birmartes how you can verify it As for me every one knows that I should extreamly forget my self if I should follow this Opinion and since the Proof lies in the Combat not in Words let us see how it will go Then they couch'd their Lances one against the other and their Meeting was such that the Duke broke his Spear even to the Gantlet Nevertheless Birmartes Struck him so to the purpose that he Threw him out of his Saddle to the Ground And forasmuch as the Duke was astony'd stiring neither Foot nor Hand the other alighted from his Horse at the End of the Carrier and Feigning that he would Cut off his Head said to him aloud Knight confess the Beauty of your Mistress to be nothing in Comparison of Onorias else you shall Dye presently But to these Threats the Duke tho' he was come to himself Answer'd him not a Word but was so Disconted that he wisht himself already Dead which some Lord knowing Requested Birmartes to leave him in Patience and content himself with his Victory and the Portraiture of Jufaliana which he took and carry'd into his Pavilion to Accompany the others In the mean time the Duke got up again and Return'd Asham'd to his House Then there came into the Field a lusty Knight sitting so gracefully on his Horse that 't was a wonder to see who addressing himself to Birmartes thus spake to him If you do not willingly confess my Mistress to be fairer than yours I will make you do it by force How answered Birmartes He who is just now parted with disgrace said as much to me not long since and tho' he should have serv'd you for an Example you speak as presumptuously as he did take heed fair Sir lest as much befal you At this word they ran so directly one against the other that their Lances flew into shivers and they met so violently with Shiâ—lds and Bodies that Birmartes lost a stirrup and if he had not caught hold of his Horses Neck had been thrown to the ground Nevertheless the other had worse he and his Hoâ—se falling one upon the other However he got up again and taking his Sword in his hand said to Birmartes who had already turn'd his Bridle Knight alight and GOD forbid that I should twice thro' my horses fault lose the Right of my Enterprise Then Birmartes sat foot to ground and embracing his Shield there began between them so fierce a Fight that for the space of an hour or more it could hardly be judged who would have the better or the worse But at the end the Vnknown Knight was so out of breath that he was forc't to retreat a little back Which Birmartes seeing said to him Indeed Sir Knight you take an ill way to make me confess so great a Lye as you ere-while bragg'd you would Are you already so tired The other very much vext at this mockery thus answered him Sir Knight you shall know presently And lifting up his Arm gave Birmartes such a blow with his Sword that his eyes sparkled and their fight began again so fierce that sometimes Fortune was judg'd to be for the Vnknown Knight and sometimes for Birmartes Nevertheless the end was such that Birmartes gain'd the Victory and the other fell upon the field so tired that he was quite spent Wherefore Birmartes cast himself lightly upon him and plucking off his Helmet perceived that 't was his Brother Olorius at which much discontented as fearing him to be worse than he was he said to him Sir Knight 't is probable that the Fault of your Mistresses Beauty and not your want of Prowess is the cause of what has befallen you for otherwise seeing what I have found in you 't is certain that I should not so lightly have parted out of your hands as I have done Olorius hearing him speak with so much humility altho' he was extreamly discontented thus answered him As GOD help me Knight I can give you no very good Account of my Mistresses Beauty for I never saw her But I should have considered what is in you before my undertaking any thing at least to avoid the shame I undergo Then he got up and gave Birmartes his hand to help him for he was very much wounded nor was Birmartes much less Wherefore retiring the one into the Town and the other into his Paâ—ilion they kept their beds fifteen days before their Wounds were cur'd CHAP. LX. How a strange
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