go with him My Lord said he to morrow I will send to all my Ports and Havens that all the Ships of War that can be found may be in a readiness mean time I will in all parts assemble men to do as my Nephew Esplandian hath required My Lord said Enil my Lord Esplandian hath written by Gandalin to king Amadis and other of his friends whom he hath desired to joyn with you so that I hope about one time all your Armies will be ready and that without long staying for each other you will assemble all together Truly said king Florestan it was well devised With that divers captains were dispatched into sundry places to give order for their men and to ballast rigge and prepare Vessels for their Voyage into the East Gandalin on the other side coasting the Isles of Majorque and Minorque leaving Guinea and Barbarie passed the straits of Gibraltar and had so good a wind that in few days without staying in Spain he arrived in Great Brittain with King Amadis who as then continued in London and presented him with the Letter that Esplandian sent shewing him likewise his charge by word of mouth the good and evil adventures that he had since he departed from Mirefleur and among the rest the overthrow of the Turkish army on the Sea the taking of King Aâ—mato the occasion why the siege rose up before the Castle of the defended mountain the arrival of Gastilles the taking of Alfarin and of the captain of Tesifant the surprising of Galatia the loss oâ— Urganda and lastly all what you have read at large in the chapters going before And to the end my lord said he that order may be had to prevent the inconvenience he foreséeth to be prepared against all Christendom if it be not succored he hath expresly willed me to shew you that he hath had certain intelligence that all the Kings of the East parts have sworn and promised together to over-run all Christendom which is very likely considering the great preparations assembly of men they have already made in the Isle of Tenedos which is such that as our spies report they are at least six hundred sail of Ships and about four or five hundred thousand men God will help us if it pleased him said the King Amadis for my part I will do what possible I may and will likewise advertise King Perion my father and my brother Galaor My Lord said Gandalin I have also charge to travel unto them and likewise unto Gasquillan Don Brunean Quedragant and others to whom Esplandian hath written in like sort as he hath done to you and hath expresly given me in charge to sée King Luisart and do his humble commendations unto him It is great reason said the king nevertheless I am of this opinion that before my mother the Queen you do not once declare the occasion of your coming but give her to understand that all is well but not unto the king if you find him alone for he is a man as every one well knoweth to take all things with patience as they shall fall out and because my Sons affairs require no delay I pray you Gandalin after you have refreshed your self a day or two go on your journey as you have in charge So Gandalin that day remained there during which time Quéen Oriane talked long with him the next day he departed to sée King Luisart and Quéen Brisanne at Mirefleur who knowing he came of message from Esplandian were excéeding glad the Quéen although she were wise and very aged yet could not change her womans nature but before the king spake any word asked him for her son but Gandalin accustomed readily to devise excuses as he had béen instructed by King Amadis told her that he had left him in the firm Isle not well at ease by reason of his long travel but not so ill said he as that he could not have taken pain to come hither and sée you but he feared lest his sickness would encrease where he thought it better for him to kéep his chamber a while than to entertain a long and envious ague for a long space which the Quéen easily believed and for the hope she had shortly to sée him she made no account thereof nevertheless the same evening Gandalin told King Luisart all that you heard before wisely excusing himself of the spéech he used before him unto the Quéen as King Amadis had given him charge wherein king Luisart commended him for the rest he promised to think thereon while he travelled unto those with whom he had to do In this sort Gandalin being dispatched returned to king Amadis who in the mean time perswaded by Quéen Oriane wrought a marriage for him as you shall hear You have read in the beginning of our history of the services the gentlewoman of Denmark did for them and the things wherein she Gandalin had béen exercised wherefore it was reason that having béen partakers of their youthful toys she should also taste some of their prosperous fortunes Wherefore Quéen Oriane moved king Amadis to make a marriage betwéen them two but he thought the match unfit because the gentlewoman was already aged Gandalin being yong lusty nevertheless as all women that are wise and of a quick conceit can bring their enterprises to effect the Quéen found means to get the kings consent wherby Gandalin was no sooner come from Mirefleur but he took him aside said unto him Gandalin the quéen is desirous to have you stay with us not only for the love she knoweth I bear unto you but also for the good she wisheth you And for this cause she would have you marry with the gentlewoman of Denmark whom she loveth and will do much both for her and you if you consent thereto you know her long time since both to be wise good vertuous and for my part I pray you and counsel you thereunto Gandalin would gladly have excused himself and to say the truth he was too yong for so old a match nevertheless having from his infancy learned to confirm his will to that of Amadis he was content to do as pleased him in such sort that in less than three days after the marriage was celebrated and ended Mean time king Amadis took the letters and instructions that Gandalin should carry to Gasquillan and king Brunean and sent them by a gentleman of his named Handro cousin german to the Countess of Flanders desiring them as much as possible they might to aid his son in his so good a cause but the next week following Gandalin more affected to the service of Esplandian than to court his wife departed from thence to travel into France unto king Perion and from him to Sobradise to Galaor Mean time king Amadis sent for all the Pilots masters and marriners of his country that he could find commending King Arban of Norgales to take care for all things requisite for the enterprise and
did them wrong and likewise if any man would accuse Leonorine of folly or inconstancy I answer him again that she is most easily to be excused both of the one and the other for although she never had séen Espladian before that time and that in reason she should have known him better before she shewed her self so private unto him you must suppose as it is true that love had of long time before so well ingraven him in her minde that she ceased not to sée him every day with her inward eyes And as Nature had studied to make her most perfect in all perfections whatsoever love had likewise taken pleasure to make her the best beloved and the truest lover that ever was before her time Wherefore it is not to be marvelled if at the first she shewed so good a countenance to her friend considering the pain and grief she had endured since the time Carmelle brought her news These two lovers being thus before each other Esplandian still knéeling séemed to be ravish'd that quéen Minoresse could not refrain to say to Leonorine Madam me thinks you should do well to command the Knight to rise up and lead him into your chamber where you may talk together while the night endureth if you think good but to let him knéel still on the ground in good faith it is not well My good friend said Leonorine he hath fled from us for almost two years together now I mean to kéep him so néer me that she shall not easily escape away with that she took him by the hand to lift him up but he would not stir but said unto her Madam Gastilles not long since sent me word being at Alfarin that you were much offended with me I pray you shew me the cause for if ever I committed fault against you it hath bin onely in loving you with all my heart as I am bound to do Nevertheless if in your advise I séem to have presumed over-much pardon me I pray you and give me what punishment you shall think good My friend said she your absence hath procured me so great cause of grief that I both pray you and command you from henceforth not to absent your self from me long again Madam said Esplandian having with your leave made another voyage to my companions that may think ill of me leaving them in their chiefest néed to come hither for my pleasure I swear unto you of my faith I will never offend you more in that manner or any other way whatsoever I am content to grant you that said she so you return as soon as possible you may And for the rest I will that from henceforth you love me in such sort that not any other but my self shall have power over you and that you be my Knight Now I pray you stand up and I will shew you further of my mind With that Esplandian rose up and Leonorine taking him by the right hand led him into her chamber where she set him a chair and she sat by him there they began to shew the pains each of them had indured in what manner their love did first begin who was the mean thereof and the end whereunto they pretended which was their future marriage In which discourse they grew into such alterations that if quéen Minoresse had not béen there as witness to their talk considering the heat they then were in I think not but in time they would have easily procéeded to a further matter In that manner the two lovers passed the night till day began to appear which Quéen Minoresse perceiving went to Leonorine and said unto her Madam the secretest follies are always best it is almost day and it may be the Empress may send some one of her women or come her self in person to visit you for that yesternight very late it was told her you were not well I pray you give this knight leave to depart and let us shut him in the Chest as we found him at the first Alas how hard were those words unto Esplandian and no less unto the Princess who foreséeing the danger that might fall out if they were sound together said unto him My good friend this happy night that hath favored us so much shall cause you if you think good to remember the promise you have made unto me I pray you let me sée you again as soon as possibly you may And as she ended those words the Quéen that stood as a stout watch heard some body come up the stairs wherewith being in great fear she told the Princess Lenorine which made Esplandian presently go into the other chamber and without having time to take any longer farewel laid himself down into the Cedar Chest yet Leonorine could not abstain but must of force kiss him before he was shut in and as they laid the Christal Plate upon the tomb Carmelle knocked at the door and with her Gandalin and Enil and the rest of the company that the night before had brought him thither With that Quéen Minoresse opened the door and they entering in the chamber Carmelle saw Leonorine that came unto her to whom after she had done her reverence she said Madam I am commanded by him that sent me unto you not to stay any longer here is it not your pleasure to give me leave to depart and cause the chest to be delivered unto me according to your promise Gentlewoman said the Princess I have made you promise thereof and I will kéep it althâ—ugh I had rather it should stay together as it is then to separate it asunder Take it when you will you shall find it in the same place where yesternight you caused it to be set with that the Ladies and gentlewomen being advertised of her rising came into her chamber which hindered Leonorine to speak so secretly with Carmelle as she would have done but onely gave her the key of the chest which she caused to be taken out of the tomb that done Gâ—ndalin and Enil and the two Squires took it up betwéen them and carried it away Leonorine saying to Carmelle I pray you thank the knight in my behalf that hath had me in so good remembrance And find the means if it be possible that according to the promise and messages he hath often sent unto the Emperor part whereof have bin done by your self he will as soon as he can come hither to sée us Madam said she I will do it with all my heart as she that desireth to please serve and obey you Fail not then said the Princess and so God have you in his kéeping That done Carmelle followed them that carried Esplandian leaving Leonorine accompanied both with joy sadness with joy to have séen him that she held dearer then her self and with sadness for his so sudden departure But the hope she had of his spéedy return eased her grief much Carmelle having brought her purpose to pass as you heard before desiring not to omit any thing
thee therefore I am content to do thy will but we have no light to see Care you not for that said he for I will provide you light and with that he pulled of the taffata that covered the scabberd of his Sword whereby there was so great a brightness in the place as if the Sun had shone therein Then they descended into a Cave where the Knight perceived King Lisuart lie upon a couch of straw with a great collar of Iron about his neck and fetters on his legs whereby he indured no little pain whereat he was so grieved that for sorrow the tears ran down his eyes yet would he not disclose himself unto him neither once utter what he thought but without making himself known said unto him Noble King you have been overlong within this filthy place rise up I pray you and follow me When the King heard him speak in that manner he made no other account but to end his days at that time wherewith he could not refrain to weep and speaking unto the old Lady asked her if she knew him For said he since I entred into this place I never saw any Knight nor any one that spake unto me but that little sustenance I had was let down at a hole from the top of this dungeon Then she answered him and in great despite said Thou accursed King if I had not known thee I would never have taken pains to fetch thee so far from hence as I have done cursed be the time when first I took it upon me for thou onely art the cause of my great sorrow and the sole instrument of my bereaved joys In faith Lady said the King I know not what you mean am very sorry for your heaviness for I never sought but to do honor and pleasure unto all Ladies and Gentlewomen that desired the same and for them have I oftentimes enterprised many dangerous adventures to the great peril and hazard of my life and if it hath happened otherwise unto you it is altogether unknown to me and wholly against my will wherefore I beseech you be not offended with me but tell me where I am and in whose power I now remain a prisoner in so great misery for by my soul I know it not neither can I so much as conceive which way I came into this place onely I remember that to second a Gentlewoman that a villain would have forced I entered into a tent but what happened unto me after that I know not but that now I finde my self lying on straw like a thief with Irons on my legs King said she the short time of thy continuance in this darkness hath not satisfied as I well hoped it would the great mischief I do wish thée and that for good cause séeing that by thée onely I have indured so much sorrow that if the heart and bowels were taken out of my body they would be found as burning hot as flaming fire and especially for the new displeasure I have now conceived to sée thée so soon delivered out of my hands being in good hope by thy long imprisonment to satisfie my losses past but yet I am deceived for that fortune hath now made me pay the usury of my forepassed joys having given thée into my hands from wheâ—ce by the exquisite force of this devil incarnate thou arâ— now delivered who having put to death the Guardians of this Castle and slain mine own Son hath constrained me to bring him unto thée which I never thought he could have done much less that ever I should have yielded unto his request knowing the wrath of a woman not to have any bridle or means of mittigation until her desired revenge hath wrought the effect and so had it happened unto thée without the force of this my enemy but in despight both of him and thée with mine own hands I will slay my self if my accursed fortune bereave me not the sooner of my wretched days Cursed be both thou and thy King thou now hast found said she unto the Knight Now take him and do thy pleasure with him I pray you then Lady said he unlose his Irons and help me to lead him up with that she took the keys out of her pocket and opened the locks of his chains whereby the King rose up upon his féet and embracing the Knight said unto him What great good or pleasure sir Knight did I ever do you whereby you should purchase this liberty unto me By my soul I swear that besides the honor you have obtained in this place you have so much bound me unto you that during my life I shall never forget your courtesie wherefore if you love me let me know your name Noble King said the Knight whosoever I am I account my self happy if in any sort I may be able to do you service as for the rest pardon me if it pleaseth you and let us go out of this Cave thanking God that oftentimes sendeth scourges unto those he loveth as in his heavenly wisdom he thinketh convenient thereby to kéep them in obedience unto him The King perceiving well by the Knights words that he desired not to be known and for the same cause kept his Helmit on his head therefore he determined not to move him any more but with that they went all thrée out of the Cave and came into a goodly hall when the Sun began to go down CHAP. V. How that after King Luisart was delivered out of prison Matroco Frerions elder brother with his Ships arrived at the foot of the Rock called The Defended Rock and of the Battel between the said Matroco and the black Knight KIng Luisart the black Knight and the Lady being entred into the hall as they looked out at the windows into the Sea there entred a Gentlewoman and doing reverence unto the Lady she said Madam your Son Matroco with his Ships is even now arrived at the foot of the Kock and with him great numbers of other vessels that he hath taken upon the Seas What is your pleasure to say unto him When the Lady heard her she waxed pale and with tears in her eyes answered her and said I would to God he were as far from hence as he is néer for my heart giveth me he will spéed in the like manner that others have done before him And as she spake King Luisart and the Knight looked into the sea and perceiving the Giants Fléet surging on the shoar out of wind and weather among the which they knew Elizabeth Libee his nephew and divers others that were bound in Chains making great sorrow but none of Mattocos men durst set foot on land having already béen advertised by some of the Castle of the great misfortune happened therein and for the same cause stayed so long without till the Giant espyed at the windows the Knight and the King looking upon them wherewith in a great rage he cryed unto the black Knight whom he perceived all armed and said
back again towards the Castle and without being once perceived entred at a postern door whereof she had the key and so went up into her chamber departing from the hermitage not long before her Father and the dumb man returned from the barque and found the Knight sleeping who presently awaked and missing his Sword asked them if they had taken it away No truly said the Hermit for we came but now from the Sea side Wherewith Esplandian esteeming it lost made account that as he had conquered it after a strange manner so he had lost it by a stranger means but the Hermit and the dumb man sought it about the house and could not finde it CHAP. X. How King Luisart being advertised by Carmelle where the Black Knight was departed with her alone to finde him out CArmelle returned to the Castle as it is said before went to the King who at the same time was talking with master Elizabeth touching the wrong he thought the black Knight did him in departing thence without being known séeking by that means if it were possible to draw from him what he knew as touching the Knight but all in vain for the King was not so subtile to undermine him but master Elizabeth was as crafty to prevent him not intending to falsifie the trust reposed in him and although the Gentlewoman had determined to shew the king what she had learned of the Knight hoping thereby to obtain her purpose Nevertheless séeing master Elizabeth in presence she held her peace till he went away and perceiving the King alone said unto him My Lord if it pleaseth your Grace to shew me so much favor as to assist me in a thing that importeth me as much my life in the behalf of the Knight that you so much desire to sée before to morrow at night I will shew him unto you if you think good in such a place where you may easily speak with him and to the end you shall not suspect me of untruth I will shew you a certain token that when you sée it I am assured you will easily believe me Gentlewoman said the King if you do so I will not fail if it be possible to satisfie your request I beseech your Grace said she when you are both together it would please you to be a mean unto him in my behalf to grant me a gift that I shall ask him By the faith of a Prince said he I will not fail to do it nor a greater matter than that if it lieth in my power Then follow me said the Gentlewoman bringing him where she had laid the sword and shewing it unto â—im asked if he had never séen it That I have said the King and I would to God the Knight that knoweth so well how to handle it were as near unto me as it is You shall sée him in the morning said she if it pleaseth you to follow me That will I do said the King armed or unarmed I estéem not whether so I may sée him Then be you ready said she when I shall call and let no man go with you Content said the King wherewith he went out of the Chamber and passing through the Court he met Libee and others to whom he said that in the morning he meant to walk along the Rock because master Elizabeth had certified him it was so goodly a Countrey and that none but Carmelle should bear him company and falling into other speeches they passed the time till they went to rest but the King could not sléep for the great desire he had to sée the Knight whereby he was hardly fallen asléep when Carmelle came to awake him saying My Lord may it please your Grace to remember your promise Let us go said he and therewith making himself ready commanded two horses to be sadled one for himself the other for Carmelle and issuing out of the Castle rode toward the Hermitage And they had not travelled far but they perceived a man coming towards them in great haste and as he came near the Gentlewoman knew him asking him what he meant to make such haste and whither he rode I ride to the Castle said be to fetch Matroco and his brother Frerion with all spéed to help their Vncle Lindoraque who coming to sée them hath met with two Knights armed all in white that have slain his men and as I think I left him in as great danger as possibly may be When the king heard him he thought him to be of the black knights company and said unto the Gentlewoman I pray you stay here with this man and I will ride to see them and with that he set spurs to his Horse and taking the same way the other came he perceived afar off the two knights fighting with the Giant that defended himself most valiantly with his Mace forcing them oftentimes to recoil but the two knights as bold as nimble handled him in such sort that he knew not how to defend himself and if he had not slain one of their horses it had gone worse with him Neverthless the knight on horse-back seeking to revenge his companion was nothing abashed but when the other rose up set more fierce upon the Giant then before in such maner that they closed and striving together sought by all means to unhorse each other Mean time the knight on foot went unto the Giant and taking him by the left leg pulled him by such force that both he and the other knight fell off their horses and holding each other fast the Giant fell under with his face upwards wherewith the knight that threw him down thrust him into the face that he was constrained to let go his hold nevertheless rising up again with great force and laying hold upon the knight that had so wounded him he threw him on the ground mean time the other gave the Giant such a blow upon the head that he began to réel and therewith stretching out his legs yielded up the ghost With that the king rode somewhat nearer and perceived the two knights to bear black Crosses that shewed them to be Christians wherefore riding boldly unto them he went so near that they knew him whereupon they went to do him honor much abashed to sée him But the King perceiving the honor they did him was no less abashed and said unto them My good friends I know you not I pray you put off your Helmets that I may see your faces which they did whereby he knew the one to be Talanque son of Galaor the other Ambor de Gadel son of Angriote de Stravaulx whom he friendly embraced and said unto them In faith my good friends it is not without cause if it liketh you well to sée me here for all my life have I desired the companies of your fathers the like do I of their children wherefore for the love of God I pray you shew me what strange adventure hath brought you into this Countrey And it pleaseth your Grace said
equal whereby I perceive my self unworthy either to be wife or companion unto him I have somewhat moderated my first deliberation in such manner that I will hold my self more then satisfied if it please him I may only continue with him to serve at his commandment during my life which in reason he cannot well deny me for let him do what he will so long as life is in my body I will never forsake him if I be not constrained thereunto Wherefore my Lord for the honor of God I beséech your Grace to finde the means my poor request may once be granted and you Gentlemen said she to Ambor and Talanque I pray you put to your helps that by your favors the life of me poor lover not beloved may be prolonged The King hearing the Gentlewoman that while she spake sometime blushed and other whiles waxed pale make this discourse could hardly abstain to laugh thinking how inconsiderately she had fallen into so great extremity whereby he feared if he should make an answer other then pleased her she would kill her self but with courteous spéech he said unto her Gentlewoman your request is so reasonable that I am of opinion he will not deny it and for my part I will intreat him as much as possible I can My Lord said Esplandian I will do what your Grace commandeth Grant her then I pray you said the King what she craveth at your hands that from henceforth she may be called your faithful servant her honor always saved as in the Knighthood you are bound I will do it answered Esplandian and thereof I assure you saith he speaking to Carmelle who knéeling on the ground kissed his féet and thanked the King and him most heartily reputing her self most happy in obtaining so great favor CHAP. XI How Talanque and Ambor shewed the King what adventure they had found seeking for Esplandian their companion after they had received the order of Knighthood YOu heard before in what sort King Luisart was delivered cut of prison by his nephew Esplandian but as yet he knew not the manner how he received the order of Knighthood Wherefore as they rose from dinner the King desired him to tel him how he was made Knight as also what happened unto him since that time to the end said he that Talanque and Ambor may do the like Then Esplandian told how Urganda came unto the Ferm Island in the great Serpent what spéech she had with Amadis De Gaule and others that were with him the order she used to dub him Knight together with Talanque Ambor Manely and the King of Denmark The sléep wherein they fell and that when he awaked he found himself at the foot of the Rock of the Enchantress in company of Sergil his Squire and two dumb men also how he conquered the Sword with his arrival at the mountain where he found the Hermit that disswaded him from fighting with the Giants By my head said the King I never heard stranger things And now Ambor said he what became of you My Lord said Ambor my companion and I were likewise asléep and when we awaked we found our selves in a little Barque with our two horses in a Haven of the Sea called Armata in the Countrey of Norway as then unknown to us where we landed before a Town not onely to know in what countrey we were but also to séek for victuals And as we went towards it the watch of the town by reason of certain dissension not long before moved betwéen them and their neighbors sent to know what we would have Wherewith we made them answer we were Knights adventurous that came from the Ferm Isle cast upon that shore by tempest of weather In good truth said he that spake unto us our king hath so great cause to use your helps that if you go unto him I am well assured he will bid you welcome We asked him the Kings name and what Countrey we were in My Lords said he the Countrey is called Norway whereof Adroni father in law to Agraies son to the King of Scots one of the best Knights in the world is our King I know not whether you know him And what cause said we hath your King to use our help I will tell you said he he is so old that one of his nephews his Sisters son procured thereto by evil counsel is risen in Arms against him séeking to have the Government of the Countrey in respect as he saith his Vncle is no more able to rule the same And under that pretence hath already usurped a great part thereof and now lieth in Camp before one of the best Cities in this Land which the King by no means can relieve by reason that most of his trustiest friends have forsaken him and hold with the young presumptuous fool that winneth them by fair promises a thing that oftentimes happeneth unto such as fortune favoreth not and when men are fallen they are not onely abandoned of strangers but by their own kindred and friends that properly may be tearmed friends for the present time In good faith said we if the Town will give us victuals and one to guide us we will gladly go and present our service unto him not only for the love of Agraies to whom we are companions but for the right he hath as you have told us That shall be done said he and therewith desired us to stay till he came again from the City where he stayed not long but he brought what we desired and a guide that conducted us so well that the next day about dinner time we arrived where the king lay Who being advertised of our coming and that we were of Agraies companions entertained us most courteously commanding one of his Gentlemen to unarm us in one of his best chambers whither he came and after he had bidden us welcome began in the same manner to shew us all what the watch had before declared unto us and what an unnatural part his Nephew shewed unto him procured thereunto by two Knights in whom onely he putteth his whole trust because said he they are well assured that not any of my Knights dareth enter into combate with them they are estéemed so valiant and hardy But who hath moved them and your cousin said we to undertake so foul an action Because said the King I have no issue male and my cousin alledgeth I am over old to govern the country saying it is fitter for him then for me to do it but if I can I will hold him from it and kéep it for my daughter Olâ—nde and Agraies her husband By my soul said I I am of this opinion that séeing this war is begun onely to try the title you both pretend in one thing it were good your quarrel should be ended by the Combate of two Knights of both parts without the death and destruction of so many poor innocent people as daily perish by the same means remitting the issue thereof to those
Crown upon her head in remembrance whereof she hath ever sithence born the like device Who from henceforth shall be so strongly fixed in your heart that you shall never give stroke with sword nor launce but you will remember her Which she said in respect of the princess Leonorine Daughter to the Emperor of Constantinople that by destiny was appointed onely unto him And opening the pack she pulled out a Helmet Shield Haubert and a Caparison for a horse all of white imbroidered with crowns of gold and set with Diamonds and Pearls which he most willingly received saying to the Gentlewoman I pray you in my behalf give Urganda hearty thanks for the great honor and much good she hath continually done unto me assuring her that wheresoever I become she hath a knight of me ready to obey her and that for the love of her will bear these Arms as long as it pleaseth her Be it so in the name of God said she but before long time be past you shall have another mistriss that will constrain you to do greater matters for she shall ravish both your heart and liberty in such manner that you should loose overmuch if at sometimes you loose not your self for her And to conclude I tell you that my mistriss féeleth her self as yet so much bound and beholding to my Lord Amadis your father because that by his means she recovered her friend that during her life she wil use al the means she can to do him pleasure and you likewise for his sake And as she delivered the message unto him Carmelle came thither and hearing her speak in that manner answered her and said Gentlewoman I pray you tell your mistriss from me that she hath great cause to recompence them well by whom she enjoyed her friend she loveth so entirely and tell her I know many to whom if such chance should happen that would not fail to acknowledge it with the price of their dearest blood and their souls likewise if néed were In faith said the gentlewoman I knot not in whose behalf you speak it but I know assuredly you touch me at the quick which she uttered with so good a grace that the king could not refrain to smile having in times past felt the fury of love when he first saw the Quéen in the country of Denmark Yet he changed his countenance asking the Gentlewoman from whence that musick came that he heard in the morning before break of day My lord said she being sometimes in greater passions then willingly I would I pass my melancholly humors with a Lute that I have especially when I cannot sléep which as I think was it you heard What company have you in the Serpent said the King None said she but Esplandians Squire that I found in a manner dead for the desire he had to hear news of his master to whom also I have brought the goodliest white horse and the best harnaised that ever was séen which my mistriss sendeth him likewise Did she command you to say nothing else unto me said the King Yes my lord said she she sendeth you word that at my arrival here you and he should enter into this ship that of it self will bring you into great Britain and that the fortunes that not long since happened unto you are snares the world setteth to intrap those it séeketh to deceive séeming to joyn gréen and flourishing age with that which already is dryed up and withered And further willeth you to put in effect that which in your self you have determined â—â— do which was to forsake his Kingly estate and live a solitary life but he wondered much that Urganda knew it yet he made no shew thereof but speaking to the Gentlewoman he said Your mistriss bindeth me daily more and more unto her being well assured that without her help I could hardly have found any to have brought me into my country Wherefore I pray you tell her that whatsoever I have is at her commandment and as touching my determination which as soon as I conceited in my minde I perceived it was known to her being at home if God giveth me life I mean to put in execution My Lord said she she prayeth you to commend the kéeping of this Castle to Talanque and Ambor not taking any with you but Esplandian Sergil and master Elizabeth knowing for certain that hereafter they shall do such things that their renown will spread throughout the world Wherewish my Lord I will take my leave and return again to her with the dumb men that shall guide me in this little Barque God have you in his keeping said the King Then the Gentlewoman with her two Marriners entered into the Barque that brought Esplandian thither and setting sayl put to Sea CHAP. XIII How King Luisart imbarqued himself in the great Serpent and of the message Esplandian sent by Carmelle unto the Princess Leonorine daughter to the Emperor of Constantinople THe Gentlewoman that brought the message with the two dumb men imbarqued and put to Sea far from the Rock King Luisart and the rest went unto the Castle where he stayed not long for according to the advice Urganda had given him he desired Ambor and Talanque with Libee and the rest of the company to keep the Castle promising with all speed to send them provision of all things necessary whereof they wanted But when Esplandian saw there was no remedy but of force he must obey the King much displeased to depart so far from the borders of Constantinople where he hoped to finde her whereof master Elizabeth had brought him the first news he took his faithful servant Carmelle aside and said unto her My good friend I was in mind never to falsifie the promise I have made you nor the gift you required at my hands nevertheless trusting more in you then any other I pray you take it not in evil part if to save my life I send you to a place whither I thought to have gone my self in person but it pleaseth the King as you well know that I shall bear him company My Lord said she I most humbly thank you for the honor it pleaseth you to shew me swearing unto you by the living God that I take no pleasure but in fulfilling your desire wherefore I pray you fear not to command me what you think good for whatsoever may happen thereby I will be obedient unto you during my life My good friend said Esplandian imbracing her I will one day recompence your good will and séeing you are minded to do me so much favor you must then take your journey to Constantinople on message to the Princess Leonorine the Emperors daughter to whom having presented my most humble and harty commendations you shall on my behalf say How that at such time as I received the order of Knighthood I was commanded by my lord Amadis my father to repair to her fathers court there to discharge him of the promise he made unto
the Empire as he pretended determined not onely to revenge himself upon this little childe but to kill the Emperor likewise if ever he have the means By God said the king of Denmark he is a wicked and cruel-hearted man but assure your self that God will not permit it to be so Nevertheless I am in doubt this childe will endure much woe séeing you have no means to give it suck Let me alone with that said Urganda for I have certain herbs about me with the juice whereof I will nourish it if néed be eight days together What said he will you then stay here so long No said Urganda for as soon as it is day I will return unto my Boat that stayeth here at the shoar But Madam said they what shall become of us for we are arrived here not knowing who brought us hither But for Gods sake if you have heard any news of our Companions let us know it and where we may go to finde them My friends said she you must first let destiny have his course and endure many hard adventuces when time serveth you shall have your desires And in that manner sometimes talking and sometimes sléeping they passed the time away till day began to appear when they thrée together went to the Sea-side where they entred into Urgandas Boat wherein four Gentlewomen and two Dwarfs stayed for her CHAP. XVII How Vrganda departed from the two Knights and being guarded by two Dragons went unto the Emperors Court to deliver them their young Son for the loss whereof all the Court was in an uproar FOr a time Urganda stayed with the two Knights not minding presently to ease the Emperors minde with the recovery of his Son in the end she caused them to return unto their Barque willing them from that time forwards to arm themselves against the assaults of fortune although she séemed never so variable and unconstant For said she therefore was the Order of Knighthood instituted and appointed that thereby it might appear more excellent And they were no sooner departed but she set foot on land and mounted on a palfrey with the childe in her lap she rode forward with two Dragons to guard her one upon her right hand the other upon the left that bare her company till she came to Triol where the Emperor held his Court. And approaching the Town she met great companies of knights that went to séek the childe who séeing those horrible beasts casting fire out of their mouthes for fear they began to flie whereat Urganda smiled At last Florestan King of Sardinia coming that way having ridden a great compass about to pursue Garadans son and returning as then all weary and sore travelled with his horse tyred perceiving the people to run so fast asked them the cause wherewith they shewed him a far off what they had séen but he not abashed went towards the Dragons thinking if it were possible to fight with them and as he came nearer unto them he knew Urganda and spurring his horse he thought to salute her but the more he prickt him forwards the more the horse gave back whereby he was constrained to light down and saluting her he took her by the hand but the Dragons vanished away whereat he was abashed which Urganda perceiving said unto him In faith sir knight they have good cause to give you place knowing well the magnanimity of your invincible courage And for my part I estéem my self better guarded being in your company then I did before wherefore I pray you leave me not till I have delivered this childe unto his mother which I have recovered from the villains that had stollen it from her Is it possible Madam said Florestan that the Emperor should receive so great a pleasure by your means Shew me I pray you if it pleaseth you how you procured the same You shall know it said she when time serveth till then content your self and mounting on horse-back I pray you bring me to the City of Triol With that they rode together till they came to the Emperors Court where they found the Empress half dead with sorrow but when she heard the good news Urganda brought her sorrow turned to excéeding joy And for that the Emperor being armed was ridden out to séek the childe as others did she sent men on all sides to certifie him thereof he having intelligence thanked God with all his heart and turned back to sée Urganda that told him in what manner she found the childe as you have heard before Where we leave her and return to shew you of Manley and the King of Denmark who in the mean time were at Sea in so horrible a tempest that they thought to have béen drowned CHAP. XVIII Of the strange adventures that the King of Denmark and Manley had after they departed from Vrganda and what pastime they had with two great Apes in an Island where by chance they arrived AFter the king of Denmark and Manley departed from Urganda they entred into their Barque where their two Squires stayed for them and so imbarqued presently hoised sayl and put to sea the weather very peaceable calm but they had not sayled long when a contrary wind began to rise wherewith the waters grew so high and the sea began to swell so big that one while it séemed to mount to the skies again to descend as low as the bottomless pit of hell wherby their little barque was oftententimes covered with water having neither Mast Sail nor Cable but all rent in pieces And that which abashed them most was that night coming upon them it was so dark they could not sée the length of their boat in which torment they continued for the space of thirty days together till at the length it cast them upon an Island where being arrived about San-setting they landed Then commanding one of their Squires to keep their boat being armed at all points they went into the Island to sée if they could finde any fresh water or other victuals for they had not sufficient in their barque to serve them for a wéek at the last they found a goodly fountain shadowed with many great trees whereby they sat them down and putting off their helmets for to drink Argenton their Squire that was with them said unto them if you think good you shall stay here while I go up this high rock where it may be I shall find a house or some countrey man that will shew us in what place we are arrived Go said the King of Denmark but take héed thou loosest not thy self With that the Squire left them and took his way through the wood but he had not gone a long bowes shot when he perceived a great Bear coming towards him wherewith he was in such fear that with a loud voice he cried out for help and finding no other remedy he was constrained to climb into a high trée The knights hearing their squires cry supposed he
submit your self unto her mercy In faith said Gandalin my companion and I were determined not to leave your company so soon but séeing it is your pleasure we are content to do it You and he said Esplandian shall kéep me company till you mean to travel further the rest shall do as I required them Sir Knight said he that shewed him the prison they shall finde within the house all the furnitures and other things that were taken from them shew them where they be said Esplandian Whereunto he willingly obeyed which done they all left the Giants house the prisoners taking the way towards Constantinople and Esplandian with Gandalin and Lazinde armed at all points went towards master Elizabeth that stayed for them in the great Serpent and as they were about half a mile from the Giants house they met a knight all armed with two squires attending on him who in courteous manner saluting Esplandian and his company asking them what country men they were Sir knight said Esplandian we are all of great Britain Alas said he can you tell me any news touching a thing that hath grieved me full sore What is that said Esplandian can you tell me said he what is become of King Luisart For I have bin certified of a truth that he is lost not knowing where how nor for what cause And for my part I swear unto yâ—u I have already sought for him in divers countries and can hear no news at all and I am determined never so leave travelling before he be found again if it be pâ—ssible for mortal man to do it You are bound thereunto said Esplandian séeing he deserveth it as you know right well Nevertheless if it pleaseth you to put off your Helmet and make you known unto us that have bin bred and nourished in his house I assure you we will satisfie your mind so well as touching him that we cannot chuse but like it My Lords said he putting off his helmet I am Norandel his son When Esplandian and the rest perceived that they made themselves known unto him imbracing each other most courteously Ha my lord said Norandel I pray you for Gods cause if you know any thing touching the king hide it not from me Vncle said Esplandian about a moneth hence I left him at Mirefleur in good health God be thanked making good chear shewing him in what maner he had delivered him out of prison with all that passed touching the same I marvel then â—aid Norandel what adventure brought you hither By my soul said Esplandian that can I not well tell onely that I was brought hither by the great Serpent which I left at the Sea-side wherein master Elizabeth stayeth for me Then he shewed him how he departed from the Court his arrival in the Ferm Isle his imbarquing to take Sea and what time they were at sea before they discovered any land till in the end said he we espyed this country where Sergil and I took land in good time for Grandalin and Lazinde as hereafter they may shew you But you said he to Norandel tel me of your faith how was it your chance in so good time to méet with us In truth said Norandel the peace made betwéen Amadis and the king I departed from the Court to séek some strange adventures that commonly are found in this country of Almaigne where I had no sooner arrived but I had certain news of my fathers absence whereat I was so grieved that to find him out I have travelled the countries of Denmark Poland Russia Swethland Hungary and all this country even unto this place where it is said there dwells two Giants who as they are all of one nature exercise innumerable cruelties against those they méet the yonger of them waiting continually about this place for such as pass this way And therefore when I saw you first I thought one of you thrée to be the Giant thinking to fight with him or lose my life therefore which I wil yet do if you let me pass By God said Gandalin you lost your labor séeking for the King so shall you likewise do if you take this enterprise in hand Wherefore said Norandel Because said he you sée him here in presence that easeth you of that burthen With that he shewed him in what manner Esplandian had fought with the Giants and how he Lazinde and diverse others were prisoners in their house from whence Esplandian had delivered them Before God said Norandel the news liketh me well for I never thought in long time any such adventure would have happened unto him not knowing he had received the order of Knighthood You sée it so said Esplandian and master Elizabeth can tell you more if it pleaseth you to go with us Let us go then said Norandel for I would gladly sée him With that they rode towards the Sea till they espied the great Serpent wherein they imbarqued themselves where Norandel Grandalin and Lazinde understood by master Elizabeth what had happened to Esplandian from the day he received the order of knighthood And although Norandel determined with all spéed to return into great Britain yet he changed his mind when he heard so strange and marvellous news of his Nephew Esplandian to whom he said My Lord séeing fortune hath brought us so well together I pray you let me not leave your company till some occasion be ministred unto us Vncle said Esplandian I am content and I pray you let it be so In that manner they passed the rest of the day in the great Serpent minding the next day because she stirred not to take land again to sée if they could find any more adventures And they had scarce fallen asléep but the Serpent began of it self to sayl forward so swiftly that by sun rising they had lost the sight of any land not ceasing for to sayl six days together before they espyed land the seventh day when the Sun began to shine it stayed at the Isle Saint Mary which master Elizabeth presently knew having bin there before with Amadis de Gaule when he fought with Landriaque wherefore he said unto the Knights In good faith I remember that once as I travelled on the Sea with my lord Amadis we were cast upon this Island by so great a tempest that we thought verily to have béen drowned And if then at sea we had great fear of death being landed our fear did more increase and that with so good cause that I cannot chuse but tremble to remember it What said Esplandian Can a danger so long time past bréed so great a fear as you séem to have Sir said master Elizabeth some men to hide the truth make a great matter of a small but if you had séen as much as I then saw and that which as yet you may behold if it pleaseth you to go where I was once you shall find that I have no less occasion and there is Grandalin that can witness it as well as I. I
great alarum for Norandel and his company had issued out of the castle with white scarffes about their heads for to be known and had so well surprised the watch about the base court that they had slain them all whereof Armato had intelligence as also that the enemies had gotten the issue of the Portal wherewith he was so moved that in a great rage with very small company he went thither himself Esplandian Frandalo following after as if they had béen of his company But before their arrival Norandel had recovered the pallasadoes of the fortress and there sustained the whole Turkish forces staying Gandalins coming Now the entry of the Court was so narrow that more then thrée men could not pass through it at once whereby those of the castle had in manner as much advantage as their enemies Which Ambor Talanque Gandalin and Libee made them well féel coming likewise upon them for as the king arrived they thrust them clean out of the place whereby they fled in great haste till the Turk himself caused them to stay and séeing him they took courage turning their faces whereby the Skirmish began much hotter then before Armato himself shewing great prowess when Esplandian that was still behind him took him by the middle and in despight of them all carryed him unto the walls of the Castle crying with a loud voice Be of good chear my companions we have taken the King At the which cry the Turkes set so fiercely on them that had it not bin for Frandalo who as yet had not shewed himself they had recovered him again but he jâ—yned himself with Manley Norandel and the rest that sustained the force of all the enemies so valiantly that Esplandian had means to put Armato in sure kéeping and to return again unto the battel before it was ended But it continued not long after for that news was presently carryed to the Camp that the king was prisoner with two of his chief captains taken by Grandalin and the King of Denmark wherewith they were so much abashed that by little and little they began to retire the like did they of the Castle contenting themselves with the booty they had gotten CHAP. XXVII How Armato King of Turky was committed unto the custody of Gandalin and what conference he had with Frandalo THose of the Castle retired as you heard before Esplandian called Gandalin and Libee praying them to look unto King Armato as also to the two Turkish captains and appointing the watch as time required went and laid him down upon his bed not ceasing all the night to think on the spéech Carmelle used him touching the Princess Leonorine whereby he could not fléep till day began to appear when Frandalo and the rest of his Knights entred into his chamber to talk with him not onely as touching the intertainment of their prisoners but of other things that much imported them And as they were in counsel together Grandalin came unto them shewing them that King Armato desired for to speak with them whereupon they went out of the chamber to hear what he would say Frandalo could speak the Arabian tongue better then the rest for that he had served the King of Turks and he knew him very well wherefore Esplandian destred him to speak for all the rest And entring into the Chamber Frandalo went first who knéeling on the ground kissed the Kings hand With that Armato thinking he had béen prisoner asked him where he was taken My Lord said he I am now become a Christian and a Knight of Iesus Christ that hath done me so much grace not long time since to call me to be one of his A Christian said the King is that possible By my soul it maketh me more abashed then the cruel fortune that is now happened unto me for that all Knights following arms ought patiently to bear those hazards that they fall into using necessity as a vertue But thou unhappy wretch that through fear and want of courage haste forsaken our just and holy law wherefore takest thou not a râ—pe and hangest thy self as unworthy to go upon the earth My Lord said he you may say what pleaseth you as being priviledged for the greatness of your estate yet I can assure you I never had so cowardly a heart as you estéem I have but rather account my self happy to have done that I have done Yet will I not refuse to do you service my honor still reserved in any thing I can With that Armato remembred himself and thought he did him wrong wherefore moderating his choler he said unto him Friend Frandalo If it grieveth me to have lost you let it not séem strange unto you séeing now I had greater hope then ever I have had to be served by your means But séeing it is so you know how I have used you heretofore now I pray you if you may do any thing for me to finde the means with your companions that I may be delivered from hence by some reasonable composition My Lord said Frandalo pointing to Esplandian This is he that hath all power and authority in this place both over you and me With that Armato looked upon him and perceiving him so young without a beard thought Frandalo said it to excuse himself wherefore he asked if he mocked him God forbid I should do so my Lord said Frandalo but I pray you believe me for it is true that my Lord Esplandian standing here before you is be and none other that slew Matroco Frerion Arcalaus the inchanter Argantes the Porter of the castle which he conquered as you have béen advertised By my head said the king I would hardly have estéemed him for so brave a man but séeing it is so I pray thée do somewhat with him touching the thing I told you of even now Believe me my lord said Frandalo there shall want no good will in me and with that he had him God morrow and leaving him with his guard they went into the Hall where they found the table ready covered for dinner for it was about noon time But as Esplandian rested ill that night so be made but a mean dinner not being able to withdraw his mind from thinking on the princess Leonorine which was the cause that the Tables being uncovered he went in his chamber without any company onely the king of Denmark whom he loved as himself where being together he began to shew him the cause why be sent Carmelle to Constantinople as also what affection he bare to the Princess Leonorine And to the end said he you be participant of my joy I pray you let us have her here that she may shew us what she learned in her voyage My lord said the king of Denmark if you saw her apparrelled in the gown the Princess gave her I am assured you will scarse know her at the first Will you that I send her word to bring it hither It is well said said Esplandian with that he
and go with us into the castle where we will confer of all things with some better leisure Which he agréed unto wherewith he some of the principal captains of his army entred into the knights boat and with them went up into the castle where being arrived Gastilles that knew king Armato desired Esplandian before he did any thing else that he might sée him wherewith he brought him to the chamber where he sate as pensive as any man could be Gastilles did him honor as to his estate appertained But king Armato would hardly look upon him but said unto him Gastilles I marvel much why the Emperor your master contrary to his faith and promise hath broken the peace agréed upon betwéen us and for a thing so little importing him as this place doth whereunto he never had any right as you well know But I perceive from whence the same procéedeth because he would every man should know she little faith and less loyalty that is in him which I shall one day make him know full well if ever I escape out of this prison My Lord said Gastilles your honor saved the Emperor my master hath in him all the parts that belong unto a wise vertuous and hardy Prince such as he is and it séemeth unto me under your correction that by good and just cause he hath done no more then he might do séeing it is evident that this castle hath bin conquered by Christian knights whom he is bound to favor with all the aid he can not onely to defend our Law or because they have desired his aid as being the first and greatest Monarch in the world but to sustain the right that both he and his Predecessors have alwayes pretended to these Marches And where you threaten to make him féel the small Loyalty whereof you accuse him at other times heretofore you have met each other with your Forces where you sped so hardly that I rather believe you speak in choler then with reason especially considering the estate wherein you are at this present Gastilles said Armato although I were dead I have sufficient number of Captains and good Soldiers in my Countrey to revenge my Cause and a son likewise that is not born to endure the injury done unto his father and thus much I assure thée that if I thought him to be other I would stay him with mine own hands as soon as I should sée him My Lord said Esplandian that Prince Knight or Gentleman that useth such unfit spéech as you do now is commonly holden for a man of no capacity especially when he is in a place where humility rather then threatnings would become him better Have you already forgotten the prison wherein you are and in the hands of those that have so small occasion to wish you well My lord vertue is never better known to be in man but then when he is in most distress Wherefore if until this time you have not known what constancy doth mean learn hereafter to discern the same using words worthy your estate and not such nor so injurious as you have uttered unto my Lord Gastilles who in this place representeth the person of an Emperor a greater lord then you in whose mercy your life or death consisteth for we are all his souldiers ready to do him service The king perceiving well that he had done them wrong and fearing to be hardlier used then he was accustomed to be said unto Esplandian Sir Knight I pray you pardon my impatience considering with your self the great grief and melancholy humor wherein I am when I that was wont to be feared redoubted of all the Princes in Asia am now constrained to obey the will and pleasure of my greatest enemies which unto me is so extream grief that I die each day a hundred times because I cannot die But Esplandian answered not one word but leaving him with his guard taking Gastilles by the hand led him into one of his best chambers where they supped The next day they assembled all together and after many matters propounded it was agréed among them according to Frandalos advice that they should enter into Turky being as then in great perplexity as well for the taking of king Armato as for the overthrow of his Army as it shall be shewed unto you hereafter for at this time we will cease to speak thereof returning to shew you of King Luisart that during this time for the most part held his Court in the City of London CHAP. XXVIII How the greatest part of the Knights that used to be at King Luisarts Court returned unto their own houses and of the Coronation of Amadis and Oriane at London YOu have heard before of the Combate betwéen Esplandian and Amadis his father and how after long time of their abode at Mirefleur staying the healing of their wounds Esplandian desiring to return unto the Castle of the defended Mountain took his leave of king Luisart the like did divers of the knights that as then were at court as Galaor king of Sobradise Agraies Gransador Balan Galuanes Angriote d'estrauaulx some to sée their wives others to tast the ease and pleasant rest of their mansion houses whereby it hapned the Court was less replenished with knights than it had béen in long time before especially by reason of the news they heard from the castle the defended mountain whither divers young knights travelled to aid Esplandian King Luisart therefore so meanly accompanied as I said before being very old and decrepit began to be melancholy and to have the palsie setting aside all hunting hawking arms and chivalry or any other pleasure whatsoever And with a remembrance of death so much abhorred all things past present and to come that he estéemed them vain and altogether transitory whereby he determined to depose himself of all kingly estate and government of his Realm to pass the rest of his time in a solitary and religious maner especially when he called to mind the great perils from whence he had escaped and above all his last most dangerous and cruel imprisonment Nevertheless for a time he kept it secretly until one night he being a bed with the Quéen where they lay talking of the fickleness of this world he discovered his whole mind unto her and how he determined to make Amadis his son King and Governor of his Country to the end he might fréely and without any interruption withdraw himself to this castle of Mirefleur where by Gods help he meant to live a solitary life The Quéen that was one of the wisest and devoutest ladies in her time confirmed him so well in his opinion that they agreed to return to London there to accomplish their pretence And the next day they departed from Mirefleur accompanied of Amadis Gransador and others and coming to London after they had remained there a certain time the Quéen sent for all the nobility who being arrived at the court caused a scaffold to be made in
the principal place of all the City where the people might repair And as he and the Quéen both apparrelled in their royal Robes each set in a chair of Estate Amadis sitting somewhat lower on his right hand Oriane on the left were come thither a Herauld crying thrice that all the people should kéep silence the King with a stately countenance and Princely magnanimity turning to the people said unto them My good friends and loyal subjects before I begin to shew you the cause why I have made you to repair unto this place I will put you in mind of part of the dangers and great hazards wherein I have often fallen since the death of my brother of famous memory king Falangris when it pleased God to call me unto the government of this land and as I think there are yet many of you living that can wel remember the danger wherein both I and my country thought to fall when by the means and subtilty of Arcalaus the inchanter I was delivered into their hands that long time before had conspired my death from whence my son Amadis delivered me Yet not long after by evil counsel I made war against him which ended as all men know fortune envious of my felicity afterward prepared me such a banket that without his help I had been prisoner with king Aravigâ—e and utterly overthrown And that which hath yet more astonished me was that when I thought my self sure and cut of danger of all mishaps a worse than all the former suddenly chanced unto me the which considering the place wherein I was I thought verily to have bin the end and consummation of my days Nevertheless the Lord God regarding me in pity sent my yong son Esplandian to my sorrowful prison from whence he hath delivered me as no doubt you have heard Now my good subjects you all sée me to be very old and white haired having already attained to the thréescore and tenth year of my age which maketh me think it time now to forget all worldly pleasures and to serve God to whom I am so much bound And for this cause I have determined from henceforth to forsake all royal dignity and leave you my son Amadis for your King to whom at this time I yield both my Crown Scepter and all the right I have unto the Government of this Land praying you all as much as possibly I may that hereafter you will be faithful and true subjects unto him as you have always bin to me And although he be but my son in law if I knew him unworthy of the place believe me my good friends I would sooner chuse a néer stranger for my sâ—ccessor than I would do him but there is not one among you but knoweth well his great deserts and of what Race he commeth that at this day may well be called one of the most noble and happiest Linages in all the world as being descended from the valiant Trojans whereof the memory shall endure for ever He is a Kings son heir unto the Crown of France and now your Prince and Governor and so I leave him unto you with my Daughter your Queen and lawful Princess holding to my self onely the Castle of Mirefleur where with Gods help the Quéen and I will end our days religiously serving God as we are bound to do Then calling Amadis giving him his Royal Mantle he willed him presently to put it on the like did the Queen to Oriane Mean time the silence was so great that nothing could be heard among the people but cries and lamentations moved with pity and compassion to sée the determination of their Prince who being apparrelled in a simple robe of black cloth took his son and the Queen his daughter set them in their Regal Seats and in presence of all the people set each of them a crown of Gold upon their heads causing them to be proclaimed by the Heralds King and Quéen of great Britain That done every man departed some wéeping and others glad for the advancement they hoped from the new king who from thenceforth began so wisely to govern his country that never was any prince better beloved nor obeyed of his subjects King Luisart within short time after accompanied of the Quéen and Grumedan went unto Mirefleur as he had determined to do where they lived so austerely helping and being present at every hour when service was to be said as readily as the poorest of the old men that remained there for the administration and service to the religious women in the Monaster of the devâ—ut Abbesse Adalasta But when king Amadis perceived his means to recompence those of whom in his yong years he had received great pleasure and service he began to exalt Arban de Norgalles giving him one of the fairest Islands in his country to Gandales the lands of the Duke of Bristow to Gandalin as then absent he gave the lands of Arcalaus the inchanter he made Angriotte d'estrauaulx great master of his horse Guilan de Pensife high-steward of his house Ardan le nain his chief carver and married the Gentlewâ—man of Denmark very richly Not long after the Quéen was brought to bed of a goodly Son and a fair Daughter both at one birth the Son named Perion and the Daughter Brisenne At whose nativity great joy was made throughout all the country especially at London where the same day one of Norandels Squires arrived that told king Amadis how Esplandian and his master met together in Almaigne where the day before he had slain two Giants and deliver â—o Gandalin with divers other Knights Squires Ladies and Gentlewomen out of prison Knowest thou said the King what way they took afterward My lord said the Squire they made account to go unto the castle called the defended Mountain to help them that are therein being in great necessity which the King understanding sent presently for all the Pilots that might be found and in all haste caused to rig and arm the greatest ship he had to sayl into the East to his son who in the mean time moved thereunto by Frandalo departed from the castle of Matroco with the Emperors army to invade the Turks country as in the next chapter you shall hear CHAP. XXIX How the Town of Alfarin in Turky being assaulted was taken by Esplandian and the rest of his company NOt long after the Siege of the defended Mountain was raised and Gastilles arrived at the Castle as you heard before Frandalo had advise by Belleris his Nephew that returned out of Turky where he had béen to sée what news in the Countrey that Alfâ—rax Son to King Armato and Governour of the great City of Tesifant understanding the imprisonment of his Father with the overthrow of the Turkish Army was departed from the town of Alfarin where he had left the beautiful Princess Heliaxa his wife daughter to Amphirion King of Medea to go with all dilligence to set order in his own government and raise more men
by the bridle bareheaded brought her to Esplandian and his company that did her great honor knowing her to be a Kings Daughter wife to so great a Prince With that she asked Frandalo which of them was Esplandian Madam said he pointing unto him here he is ready to do you any service that he can as he hath assured me But when she perceived him to be so yong and of so great beauty she was abashed to think how nature had furnished him with so many good perfections especially of so great and incomparable force whereof he had the commendation among the most valerous Knights wherewith she said unto Frandalo In good faith I have heard him commended in divers places for one of the best Knights living in the world and of mine own knowledge I have séen him considering his yong years so that if he abound as much in courtesie as he doth in valor and beauty I think him to be the bravest Gentleman that may be found which I shall presently sée if he grant me one request Madam said Esplandian blushing at the praises she used in respect of him If I do it not you shall be the first that ever I refused gift unto all my life and considering your great beauty and most courteous behavior how should it be possible for me to disobay your will I pray you then sir knight said she to pardon the poor people that are within the Temple grant them unto me with leave to send them where I shall think good not hurting them any more In good truth madam said Esplandian you shall not be refused for so small a matter and I will do so much with the other Knights that they shall give consent as also to your own liberty and the Giant Forons to guide you where it pleaseth you which Frandalo did most earnestly at your hands before you arrived here And for his sake look what else you will command at our hands we are ready to perform it with all our hearts For the which the Princess Heliaxe thanked him most heartily turning to Frandalo said unto him Sir Knight the good that you and your companions do unto me shal never be forgotten on my part but I will by all means séek to acknowledge the same although presently I cannot do iâ— wherefore if it pleaseth you cause your souldiers to retire that these poor distressed people may come forth according to your promise In the mean time I will go comfort them for I am in doubt most part of them are rather dead then living with that she desired Carmelle to bear her company they two going to the Temple gate which they found fast shut and rampired up then she called so loud that some of them spake unto her but never did men by pardon from their Prince brought back again from the Gibbet more rejoyce nor were better comforted then they when they knew her thinking the Prince Alphorax had made some agréement with their enemies Wherefore they opened a little wicket whereat she and the Gentlewoman enrered into the Temple they sking the Princess how it was her chance to come thither in so good a time to succor them that looked for no other favor then most cruel death My friends said she I have done so much with the Christians by Frandalos means whom I have known lâ—ng time that they are content to let you issue forth your lives saved and go where it pleaseth you and my self likewise that had fallen into their hands as well as you wherefore chuse whither you will follow me to Tesifant where my lord Alphorax is who for my sake will shew you all the favor and câ—urtesie he may When the poor people understood the agréement made for them by the Princess Heliaxe they all agréed to go with her and not forsake her giving her most hearty thanks for the good she had wrought them Then said Heliaxe let those that have armor put it off and come all forth with me Then sâ—e being accompanied in that manner came unto Esplandian and shewed him great numbers of women little children that stood about her said unto him I pray you sir knight behold the good whereof you are the cause and think what dammage it had béen if these poor filty souls had suffered death for no offence wherein you are worthy great commendations And yet said she smiling while I live I shall not forget the small account you made of me when Frandalo and you found me before my pavillion after the overthrow of my Knights Wherefore Madam said Esplandian I marvel said she why you ask me such a question séeing you might well conceive what grief I had in mind yet did you not so much as once salute me or use word unto me in good truth it was but discourteously done of you Madam said he I beséech you pardon me for the fault I committed in your behalf was not done for want of bringing up but fearing to bréed some jealousie in Frandalos mind séeing him so much affected to do you service together with the good countenance you shewed unto him although you had lost your men This excuse said Heliaxe is not to be accepted neither shall you escape so easily therewith which she spake with so good a countenance that her seeming to be offended contented all the company wherefore Esplandian said unto her Madam I am content to make amends for this great fault or to do what pennance it pleaseth you The pennance said she that you shall have shall be that according to the promise of mercy you have made unto these poor people as also of favor in mine own behalf you give us leave to go unto the City of Tesifant to my husband that for the same we think the better of you Madam said Esplandian you have already understood our minds wherefore you may freely go whither it pleaseth you and I my self will be your guide if it be your pleasure With that Heliaxe gave them many thanks and taking her leave got upon her palfrey and being accompanied of Foron with a great number of the poor people took the way that went to Tesifant Frandalo going with her above a league and more and further would have gone although he were wounded in divers places of his body but she desired him to go back again For said she although like a good courteous knight you have had the means not onely to serve me bâ—t also to save the life of me and mine it may be I shall not have so the like to do the same for you if you fall into my Lord Alphorax hands who as I think e're now is advertised of my misfortune whereby I am in doubt he is already in the field with great number of men to succor me And if it should be so I know him so impatient that if he méet with you being already moved with the loss of Alfarin as alsâ— the injury my Knights have received and my self
deny that which they have most deeply engraved in their hearts and mindes and not without good cause for that the thing which redoundeth to your praise and commendations as you think which is the manifesting of your love bréedeth to them a certain spot in their honor which oftentimes they can not easily deface Wherefore it is more than expedient to observe this modesty and constancy in us not that I mean to restrain my self unto this law séeing that all my glory and felicity dependeth upon you in such manner that I desire no greater happiness in this world then that the love and dutiful obedience I bear unto you should be published and made known unto the world to the end that all those that shall hear of your great valor and my mean estate may know my great good fortune to have the mean to serve you as I do Wherefore my lord in my opinion you ought to take the spéeches Gastilles hath written unto you to be used by the Lady Leonorine in good part and greatly to your advantage for I dare warrant you on mine honor that your affections are both alike and to say the truth she hath behaved her self most wisely to dissemble the matter so well as she hath done in the Emperors presence I deny not but she hath some cause to be impatient considering the message I delivered unto her in your behalf but that is easie to be cured and although the love she hath born you so long time should be wholly extinguished which I can hardly believe even as a bâ—ne that is broken in two pieces and set together again is stronger in that place than in any other part so being there and in her company shall win that you finde broken and by that means make it stronger than ever it was before Therefore I am of advice that fulfilling her desire you go unto her and that as soon as possibly you may Alas Carmelle said Esplandian what good or what service did I ever do unto her thereby to have deserved at her hands the least favor among an infinite number I have received from her Especially by the report of your own mouth If therefore she hath just occasion to be offended with me having offended her so much can I hope for any other at her hands than méer disdain and mortal hatred My Lord said Carmelle I am a woman and know the nature of women better than you do or then all the men in the world besides I pray you therefore believe me and go and sée her and if so be she entertain you not according to your desire then never give credit to my words again In faith my good companion said the King of Denmark Carmelle giveth you so good and wise counsel that either you ought to give credit to her spéech or else wholly drive this fantasie out of your minde considering as is most true that sometimes and very often how much the more fervent and extream the love of a woman is so much the sooner is it dead and wholly extinguished for that their inconstancy is such and so great that for the least occasion in the world they are over ready to love and much more inconsiderately do they forget the same again not that I accuse the Princess Leonorine of so great lightness but to say the truth as commonly we finde and for my part I know not upon what occasion you ground your love whereby you should make so much account of her séeing that she never saw you nor you her but are only content to conceive well of each other upon a certain ronown that hath spred abroad set forth the great perfections that are reported to be in you both which in truth may be compared to a fire made of straw that is no sooner kindled but presently consumed wherefore be not then so much abashed if the Princes Leonorine shew her self at this present so smally affected towards you for those that love most déerly do oftentimes fall into discourtesses and coldness of affection that they disdain or at the least in the twinkling of an eye wholly forget those that for a long time they have loved most intirely and that for their sakes shall have hazarded their lives in most dangerous adventures Did you never hear how Brisarde behaved her self in regard of Troilus after the destruction of Troy she loved him so well that she would néeds die in his arms when she was constrained to forsake him the Gréeks thinking verily she would have slain her self and yet was she scarse issued out of Troy but she wholly forgot her love Troilus and transported that vehement love she had born him all her life to Diomedes King of Thrace O God What inconstancy what lightness what foundation upon a sandy ground was that This unconstant woman among other precious ornaments given her by Troilus her friend had a pair of perfumed gloves which within one hour after her captivity she gave unto her new friend Diomedes in token of the love and amity she bare unto him What had Troilus said then if he had bin present would he have believed her I think not And what a point of honesty I pray you did Cliteninestra shew unto her husband when in steed of welcoming him home at his coming from the siege of Troy where he had remained ten years together she caused him cruelly to be murdered by Egistus her ruffian But will you hear more examples of the like matter and as he began to procéed Esplandian said unto him My good friend I pray you do not this wrong unto my lady Leonorine but let me here your counsel how I may from henceforth govern my self to satisfie her desire Go and sée her said the king and if you think good I will bear your company Shall we go and leave our companions said Esplandian that will I never do wherefore said the King are not Frandalo Manley and the rest of their company strong enough to defend the town in your absence I am of advise that you send presently for them give them to understand that by reason of certain news you have of late received you must be constrained to leave them for the space of eight or fiftéen days and in like sort dispatch Gastilles squire and write unto his master that you thank him heartily for the good remembrance he hath had of you and that with all spéed you will send a messenger expresly unto the Emperor with an answer to that it hath pleased him to command to be written unto you in the mean time I will take order to prepare a ship to bring us to the castle the defended mountain where we will imbarque our selves in the great Serpent that will not faile as I think to bring us unto Constantinople and determine with your self what company you mean to take with you My good friend said Esplandian do as you think good I am content to hazard my life in your hands It
singular a present CHAP. XXXVI How Esplandian was put into the Cedar Chest and with the tomb carryed into the Princess Leonorines Chamber and what conference they had together THe Emperor and his company gone as it is said before Carmelle called Esplandian that in the mean time lay in the bottom of the Ship and told him the manner of their procéedings as also the spéech the Emperor had with Gandalin and Enil and all what had happened as it is before rehearsed By my soul said Esplandian I was never in the like pain for hearing all you speak onely the Lady Leonorine I could not tell what to think but when the Emperor told you she was not in the City believe me it comforted my heart Did not I play my part well said Carmelle That you did and as well as one could wish said Esplandian and if it be true which is commonly said That a good beginning makes a good ending I hope I shall not fail to bring my purpose to pass And while they devised together it waxed night so that the Empress returned into the City which Carmelle understanding caused Esplandian presently to lie down in the Cedar Chest in such sort that the air entred therein on all sides and covering it with the Azure and Christal Stones Gandalin Enil and their Squires took the tomb and with the Gentlewoman went out of the ship and came unto the pallace where they found the Lady Leonorine being already advertised of the goodly Present sent her by Esplandian in great devotion staying for Carmelle for it had béen told her that in the evening she would bring it to her lodging wherefore she had no sooner espyed it but she with many other Ladies and gentlewomen no less curious to behold the same met her in the hall With that Carmelle perceiving her come stepped forwards and doing reverence unto her said Madam the good knight Esplandian sendeth you this Present that not long since he conquered in the Rock of the Enchantress according to the good fortune and happy destiny above hundred years past predestinated of him which he sendeth unto you expresly to give you to understand the great desire that daily more and more increased in him to be your faithful Knight But before you procéed further it is convenient you grant me two requests the one that neither you nor any other shall look into the tomb until the morning that I return again with the key to open a Cedar chest that you shall finde therein the other that after you have opened it you shall give it me to carry with me to the place where my father kéepeth his hermitage therein to bury the bones of Matroco that died a Christian as you have understood Carmelle my friend said the Princess that am I content to do nevertheless I am much abashed why Esplandian deferreth the time so long before he cometh to sée the Emperor Madam said she I will tell you that to morrow mean time I pray you determine where you will have our men to set down their charge In the Great Hall said Leonorine that my Gentlewomen may sée it at their ease In faith Madam you shall pardon me said Carmelle this place is too open and over common to leave so precious a thing standing therein I deny not to let them have the pleasure to behold it but having séen it for the more safety it shall be set into your own chamber whereof you and none other shall have the key With that they that bare the tomb entered into the hall and set it down till Leonorine and the rest of the Gentlewomen had beheld it long and if Carmelle had not béen there assure your selves it had béen better visited than it was but she would not depart from thence till it was shut up Which done taking her leave as she went out she took the Princess aside and giving her the key of the Chest wherein Esplandian lay said unto her Madam I leave you in this tomb two inestimable treasures although their difference be great as you may well perceive you being alone for it is sure that under this key lyeth the thing that in all the world you most desire to see and without staying Leonorines answer she went out of the chamber and with Gandalin and his company returned to the ship leaving the Princess in a marvellous doubt by reason of the words she used unto her therewith did so certainly perswade her self that her friend Esplandian lay dead within the same that she was constrained to cause all her gentlewomen to depart the chamber onely Quéen Minoresse that stayed to beaâ— her company with that she threw her self on the bed and almost drowned in tears began to make the greatest sorrow in the world Quéen Minoresse abashed at so sudden alteration knew not what to think but perceiving her grief to increase still more and more went unto her and said Madam I pray you hide the cause of this sorrow from me no longer for I swear unto you of my faith if by any means I may relieve the same I well deal therein as for my self Leonorine that never ceased sighing could not answer her one word but with much importance at the last answered her and said Alas my good friend for Gods cause let me be in rest and let it suffice you that you know that I never was so desirous for to live as I am at this present to die What Madam said the Quéen will you tell me nothing else No said she In good faith then said the Quéen you shall do me wrong and I shall have good cause to think the love and favor that in times past you have shewen unto me to be altogether fained whereat I am much grieved séeing I have born such a mind to you that I would never have failed to hazard not only my honor but my life and soul both for your sake when the Princess heard her spake with such affection she was somewhat better assured and thereupon said unto her Séeing you are so desirous to know the cause you shall hear it presently upon condition you shall promise me to be a means rather to hinder my days than any ways to further them séeing I am fully determined to die You may yet well remember said she the first time that Carmelle came hither to bring us news of Esplandian son to the good Knight with the gréen Sword that had commandment from his father as she said to come hither to serve us in his place according to the promise he had made unto us being in this court Carmelle said that for that cause onely Esplandian had sent her unto Constantinople to give the Emperor and us to understand thereof but there were other matters in the wind for she came expresly to intreat me to be good unto her master who for the great love and affection be bare unto me lived in the greatest pain that pâ—ssible could be Whereupon it happened
be once perceived chiefly for the great good I wish unto him Madam said Gandalin I am well assured he will receive an extream pleasure to hear these news and that he wil leave all things to come hither if you think it good That is my desire said she and I pray him so to do you to perswade him thereunto While they were devising Tartary the Admiral so called of the place of his birth entred into the garden being a man issued of a mean house but advanced unto great authority by his great with valiant courage so that he commanded over all the Grecian seas The Emperor and he talked long time touching Gandalins message concerning aid to be sent unto Galatia and in the end he willed in all haste to prepare thirty gallies Foists with two thousand of the best souldiers he could find to man the same The Admiral Tartary according to his charge executed his Commission in such sort that within six days after he was ready with his navy to set sayl and depart from thence CHAP. XXXIX How Vrganda arrived at Galatia and of the danger wherein she was by the subtilty of Melie the Enchantress THe Admiral Tartary and Gandalin having taken their leaves of the Emperor set sayl and passed the straights of Constantinople and without any adventures arrived at Galatia within one wéek after their departure if they were well received by the Christian Knights it is not to be doubted for their number was so small and so dispersed that they were in doubt to be able to kéep that Town with Alfarin and the Castle the defended mountain But when they saw such aid they were in better hope and having received the Admiral they divided their two thousand men as néed required Mean time Esplandian had no small desire to know of Gandalin if he had spoken with the Princess Leonorine and how she did for the which cause being in his chamber he sent for him Where talking together Gandalin shewed him from point to point what spéeches had passed betwéen the Princess and him not onely before the Emperor but also in the garden And of my faith sir said he you do her wrong considering the good meanes you have both to satisfie her and your self for what excuse soever you can make you are not so sore charged on this side that you may not spare some time to go and sée her which she craveth at your hands That I will do said Esplandian but I must find the means take you care for that said Gandalin and let me go sléep for I never had more néed Go said Esplandian be here again betimes in the morning Wherewith Gandalin took his leave leaving Esplandian alone in great care how he might find some convenient excuse to leave his companions in the extreamity but God provided for him fâ—r the same night about an hour before day as he began to slumber he heard a most pleasant sound of musick which you must understand came out of the great Serpent that he left in the Castle the defended mountain which at that time was arrived before the town of Galatia but little did he think of any such thing or that Urganda had bin therein because he thought her to be in great Britain This mellody continued for the space of half an hour and more which done he heard such a noise of Trumpets Clarigals Phifes and Tabers that sounded so high that the sentinels of the town thought verily the enemies navy had bin arrived before the same to lay siege unto it whereupon they caused an Alarum in the town each man running to the walls being all of that mind till day when they might behold the great Serpent wherein Urganda was all hung with long pennons and streamers whereat Esplandian was so glad that going down unto the Haven he presently entered into a boat with Talanque Manley and diverse other of the principal captains to sée who might be there And rowing néer unto it they knew Urganda that stayed for them on the hatches and stretching forth her arms spake unto them and said My good friends you are most heartily welcome I pray you come up into my ship that I may imbrace you With that Esplandian entred and as he meant to salute Urganda she knéeled on the ground to kiss his féet whereat he being ashamed took her up and said unto her Madam I never thought you would have taken pleasure to mock with me séeing I account my self much more bound to you then to any creature living in the world And therefore for Gods cause if at any time I chance to offend you punish me I pray you in some sort or other Most happy Knight said she The aid I hope for at your hands before many days shall pass moved me to do as I have done wherfore I beséech you take it in good part And with that she embraced him and after him Talanque Manley and all the rest every man doing her great honor desiring her to shew them the cause of her so sudden coming thither My good friends said she you â—â—all know it at some other time when better leisure serveth mean while I am to tell you that it is necessary for you shortly to go unto the City of Constantinople where you shall enter all armed and apparrelled in the same armor I have brought hither for you and thus must I tell you that if you should defer it till another time it would be prejudicial to you all Wherefore I counsel you to do it upon the first day of the next wéek assuring you to be as well received of the Emperor as ever were any knights which your ease and pleasure in his company shall continue until the rolling whéel of fortune turning about shall bring with it many travels passions adventures which shall cause many griefs and sorrows both to you and others And the better to make you believe that al I say is true I tell you that I my self shall fall into two of the greatest dangers of my self that ever I had whether it be here or in another place I know not And which is worse I cannot by any means avoid the same not knowing any cause how nor wherefore it should be so although it be in a manner ready to fall upon me Madam said Esplandian before you shall receive any hurt in our presence we will all lose our lives to succor you My good child said she mans destiny of force must be accomplished But I pray you let us enter into some other talk for this maketh me melancholy Madam said Manley Is it not your pleasure to go into the Town I said she I pray you send for Norandel who at this present I know is at Alfarin and I will give you as great cause to rejoyce as ever you had for that within my ship I have brought the King of Denmark wounded in a combate that he fought against Garlante Lord of the
Isle of Calafre that by force would have taken two Gentlewomen from him And although Garlante be estéemed a hardy and valiant knight yet did the king bring him in such case that unless he had craved mercy the king would have stricken off his head which he spared upon condition that during his life he should never after injure any knight which Garlante sware and vowed in my presence for that by chance arriving there during their combate I heard what passed betwéen them And because I perceived the King to be in danger of his person by reason of the great number of wounds he had upon his body I would not leave him but caused him to enter into my ship and layed him in the best bed where now he is almoâ—â— healed Ha said Esplandian what good news are these of my faith I thought verily he had bin dead wherefore madam I pray you for Gods cause let me crave the means to sée him with that Urganda led him where he lay but when they saw each other Esplandian could not refrain wéeping with the great pleasure he took to sée the King Nevertheless for the time they had no great spéech together neither would Urganda permit them to do it doubting lest the King being yet out weak and feable might thereby be hindered of his health Wherefore she caused Espâ—andian to go forth and entring with her into the boaâ— they rowed to the shoar from whence they led Urganda 〈◊〉 best lodging in the town with as much honor as they câ—uld have done to the Quéens Brisenne or Oriane if any of them had bin there in presence The next day Esplandian pitying the great number of women and little children that had bin kept within the town from the time that it was taken said to his companions that it would be better to give them leave to depart from thence then to hold them still for that the longer they continued in the town the more charge they put them to and to kéep them prisoners said he or in longer servitude God may possible be offended with us Wherefore if you will believe me using rather mercy then rigour towards them I am of opinion that we send them al to Tesifant to the Princess Heliaxe who wil thank us for it and so shall we be rid of so much charge To this all the knights agréed Carmelle was appointed to execute the message and he that had séen the great number of people that were about her especially women weeping most bitterly to behold themselves banished driven from their own houses surely he could not chuse unless he were hard-hearted but have pittied their estate But let them go let us hear what danger fell unto Urganda that next day after who being welcome to the knights took great pleasure to hear them shew of the adventures they had found in the Turkish country since the taking of Alfarin And each man after the other discoursing what they knew Esplandian remembred the old woman they saw among the rocks where she continued wherat he could not chuse but smile which Urganda espying sked him the cause Madam said he I thought upon the beauty of a yong maid that I some of our company chanced to sée not far hence being the best furnished of all things for to beautifie her that might be found and the better to describe her unto you I can assure you upon Belleris word that it is at the least eight or nine score years since she first could go and speak yet hath she so fresh and gallant a colour that to behold her well I cannot compare her better then unto the bark of those great Elms we commonly find along the high ways as we ride in great Brittain her hair is as white as Snow and for want of combing all knotted together which setteth her out so well that to behold it spread abroad upon a bears skin which she weareth for a gown there is not any man living that would not be surprised with a sudden and vehement love in the beholding of her Urganda that had heard of her before and above all things was much desirous to sée her because of her great skill said unto Esplandian In good faith I know her better then you think I do and am well assured that in her yong years she hath bin one of the goodliest Ladies that ever you saw For she is both daughter sister and aunt unto a King and is called Melie who for to learn the perfect art and science of Nigromancy hath so much condemned the world that for her inheritance she hath chosen a Rock wherein she hath caused a cave to be digged where she now remaineth and liveth in great misery and I swear unto you of my faith that it is above twenty years and more since I determined to come and sée her but other affairs that touched me néerer have still hindered my desire Madam said Esplandian séeing you are so néer you may do it now and all we will be your guides I pray you let it be so said she and let us go as soon as we have dined which done and the tables uncovered every man made preparation to go with Urganda to behold that sight but Esplandian would have but threescore with him who being well horsed and armed at all points issued out of Galatia Urganda on her palfrey riding among them Belleris was their guide and when they came neer unto the cave where they had found Melie they espyed her set cross legged upon the point of a Rock with that Urganda prayed them to stay that she alone might speak secretly unto her which the Knights agreed unto Wherewith she rode forwards and being neer unto her she said Madam I pray youâ—ve not offended that I come to see you and offer you my service Who are you said she I am said she Urganda le Discogneve that have always had a great desire to see you Ha Urganda the wisest Lady among all others said Melie your coming hither pleaseth me right well light down I pray you that you and I may talk of such things as we have taken great pains to learn and understand for although you have been the onely occasion of the Christians arrival here whereby our poor country indureth so much woe yet I cannot but excuse you knowing the faith duty you are bound to shew to your religion Wherefore I pray you come neer and sit down by me Urganda perceivrng her to be old and feeble did as she required hoping by force to stay her there whether she would or no till her company were come thither minding to give her unto them to bring her to Galatia but she met with as crafty a mate as her self for the old woman perceiving Urganda to be neer her went unto the mouth of her Cave and said unto her Urganda It would grief me that these Knights should hear our talk wherefore let us go in Whereat
doubting any treason by Melie prepared went and sat down by her and next her King Armato so that she sat betwéen Melie and him where Melie began to turn the book shewing them certain prophesies and other strange devises which continued not long but the air began to be covered with a round black cloud and therewith it séemed so dark that they could not sée each other at the last the cloud opened and they beheld two horrible Dragons coming down out of the cloud that drew a waggon and stayed right before Urganda who by Armato and Melie was so straitly embraced that whither she would or not they thrust her in and they after her Wherewith the Dragons séeing their waggon charged flew up into the air and carried them away Urganda crying for help but all in vain for in less than the twinckling of an eye she was out of sight wherewith there was such a noise among the company that Esplandian Talanque Ambor Manley and the rest of the Knights that came thither with her swear never to rest above one night in a place before they found her out so that the same day taking their leaves both of the Emperor and others that by them were left in sorrow they entred again into the great Serpent but before Esplandian went he spake unto the Princess Leonorine beséeching her not to take in evil part his enterprise taken in hand for the love of her to whom he found himself so much beholding promising her that presently having found Urganda he would return again My good friend said she me thinkes you should do this at better leisure and not in so great haste as now you do yet am I well content to do as pleaseth you but forget not I pray you said she to return again as you have promised Which Esplandian vowed upon his faith mean time Norandel and Quéen Minoresse as much grieved as might be knew not what countenance to hold having their hearts so seized with care that the Quéen was constrained to withdraw her self into her chamber and lay upon her bed shutting the door whereby Norandel had no meanes to take his leave but imbarqued himself charged with an infinite number of griefes and sorrowes with that the great Serpent began of it self to set forward and within two days after arrived at the Castle of the defended mountain CHAP. XLV How the two Dragons set Vrganda Melie and King Armato in the middle of the City of Tesifant and of the great army that Armato prepared to enter into Greece THe Dragons bearing Urganda Melie and King Armato in the air flew so swiftly that before day they were right over the City of Tesifant where they set down their charge that done they flew away and never were séen again King Armato was excéeding glad when he perceived himself to be in place whereas he might command and went unto his pallace where finding the guard he made himself known unto them they presently went to advertise the Prince Alphorax who much abashed at those news start out of his bed and casting a furred gown upon his shouldiers ran to imbrace his father who séemed to be so changed not onely because his beard was longer than he used but by reason of the great grief and melancholly he had so long endured that the Prince began to wéep and say unto him My Lord you are more than heartily welcome for Gods cause I beséech you tell us how fortune hath béen so much your friend to deliver you out of the misery wherein you have continued so long to my no little grief Son said he Melie can tell you better than my self for she is the only meanes of my good hap and hath brought with her Urganda discogneve of whom heretofore you have heard And as he left speaking Melie and Urganda entred into the hall wherewith the rumor of the Kings return was so great within the City that all the people ran unto the palace for to sée him being as glad of his arrival as Urganda sorry to sée her self in such a place and that which grieved her more was that Melie in presence of them all spake unto her and said Urganda two things move me to save thy life the one for that in my captivity thou hast not once suffered an evil word to be used to me neither permitted that any man should do me harm the other because I certainly know that King Armato hath by thy means received all the good intertainment he had during his hard imprisonment Nevertheless the mischief thou hast procured unto this country being the onely cause the Christians entered into the same is sufficient to make thée indure perpetual imprisonment wherein by mine art I will so straightly inclose thée that thy Art shall nought avail thée ever to get forth But although that sentence might well abash Urganda yet she shewed such constancy that she never changed colour determining with her self to indure whatsoever should fall out wherefore she said unto Melie Madam you may do with me as pleaseth you but in reason you ought not to use me otherwise then you your self were used when I had the like authority over you as you have now of me otherwise you shall do wrong both to your self and me To me that am old and ancient putting me in prison wherewith you threaten me not having offended you and to your self in preferring cruelty before the courtesie that hath bin found in you where to Melie answered her not a word but commanded her to be shut into a great tower standing in the midst of thy City over the which she wrought such conjurations that Urganda knew without Gods help it would be impossible for her ever to come forth yet she lived in hope considering the mutability of fortune and the King Armato himself had ben casually delivered who continued certain days in his great City of Tesifant without making any shew to be revenged But in the end he sent Embassadors to all the Princes in the East that were his allies and confederates desiring them to enter into arms not onely to drive the Christians out of Galatia Alfarin and other places that they had usurped in his Countrey but to destroy Constantinople with all the Christian Monarchs and therefore wrote a Letter unto them the Contents whereof do follow ARmato by the providence of our immortal gods called to the Government of the puissant Countrey of Turky the Frontier and Bulwark of all the Pagan Land to all Caitifs Kings Soldiers Admirals and Governors of the Countreys scituated in the East parts sendeth greeting Being returned out of prison from whence we are now delivered I thought good to give you to understand that not long since there is a Knight come out of the South into the Marches descended as men say of the Race of Brutus the Trojan to whom for our injustice as it is very likely our gods have given power to conquer the Castle of the defended
the great Serpent were among them Wherefore said Norandel I bring him said she a letter from the chief and most courteous knight in all Asia Norandel desirous to understand the contents of the letter said he was the man Then look upon it said she at your leisure And if you think it good return an answer with that she turned her horse and rid the same way that she came Which done Norandel opened the letter the contents whereof are these ROdrigue Great Souldan of Liquie Friend to the gods and Enemy to their Enemies Defender of the Pagan Law To thee that callest thy self Knight of the Great Serpent greeting Know thou that the cause of our long Voyage by Sea to enter into these Countries hath been in hope to be revenged of the Outrages that my Uncle Armato King of Turky hath received at the hands of thee and thy companions not having once offended thee and although we are most sure of the destruction of the wicked Emperor that favoureth thee in thy so wicked and damnable enterprizes and that before long time be past both he and his shall end their lives by our hands yet should I be much grieved that this misfortune should happen unto thee before I have proved my body against thine because of the renown that is spread of thee throughout the world Wherefore chuse whether thou wilt accept of the Combate between us two alone of ten to ten a hundred to a hundred or of greater number as thou thinkest good Swearing unto thee by all our gods that those thou shalt bring with thee for that cause shall receive no more displeasure than thy self unless it be by such as are ordained to fight with them according to the Agreement we shall make Wherefore make me an answer worthy such a Knight that thereby thy honor be not stained Norandel having read this Letter shewed it to his friends who were all of advice to grant the Souldan his request But Norandel would determine nothing before he made the Emperor acquainted under whose conduct during the siege he had submitted himself whereupon he went to speak with him and having shewed him the Contents of the Letter he had received in Esplandians name and the counsel of his companions the Emperor asked him what he thought therein My Lord said he if it pleaseth you that I and nine others which I will chuse shall undertake this combate you shall do us much favor My good friend said the Emperor you sée the estate wherein I am and the time wherein I ought to kéep not onely you and others wherein I put my whole affiance but the meanest souldier in this City Nevertheless I wil so much agrée unto your will that if you and your companions think it good I am content you do it My Lord said Norandel both I and they most humbly crave it of your Grace Well then said the Emperor if it pleaseth God you shall win honor thereby as you have done before in many as perillous adventures as this is Norandel thanked the Emperor and the same day caused his Knights of Great Brittain to be assembled together by whose advice there was an Answer framed to the Souldans Letter the contents whereof do follow THe Knights that are servants to Jesus Christ being at this time with the Emperor of Constantinople for the defence and augmentation of the Christians name to thee Rodrigue Souldan of Liquy like greeting thou hast sent unto the Knight of the great Serpent A Gentlewoman that saith she belongeth unto thee that hath given us a Letter directed unto him the contents whereof are in two points In the first thou complainest of the enterprises he hath made against thine uncle King Armato in the other thou shewest a desire thou hast to prove thy person against his or a greater number against a greater as he shall think it good But for that the Knight thou writest unto at this present is not here nor in place whereas he can return thee answer we thought it convenient in his behalf to satisfie thy request and to accept the offers thou hast made unto him assuring thee that here is the son of a King and nine other Knights with him that will fight with thee and as many more of thine if thou be content therewith Advise thy self then herein and having received thy answer with safe conduct safely to go and come we will not fail to be in the place where you shall appoint This Letter sealed up Norandel gave it to one of his squires to bear it to the Souldan who made him answer that he desired onely to prove his body against the Knight of the great Serpent and no other But said he if those that sent you hither have any desire to fight against ten of my Knights they shall finde them ready being as great gentlemen and of as high a linage as they are And as touching their safe conduct I will so well provide for it that they shall have occasion to think well of me wherefore return thou unto them and let me know their answer With that the Squire having his dispatch went and came so often betwéen them that in the end the combate of ten to ten was fully agréed upon and the Lists appointed hard before the Town whither the next morning the ten Knights went whose names were as followeth Norandel Garvate of the dreadful Dale Talanque Manley Ambor de Galdel Elian le Delibere Bravor son of Balan Trion cousin german to Quéen Briolany Imosil de Burgoigne and Listoran of the silver bridge CHAP. XLIX How the ten Christian Knights entred into the Lists and of the Combate between them and ten Pagan knights that belonged to the Souldan of Liquie ALl that night the ten Knights watched in the principallest Church of Constantinople confessing themselves and praying unto God as if they should presently die The next day as the Sun began to appear the Emperor accompanied of divers Noblemen the Emperess the Princess Leonorine Quéen Minoresse with divers other Ladies and Gentlewomen came unto them where they heard Masse devoutly that done they returned unto the Pallace where Norandel and his nine companions armed themselves the Ladies serving them for squires in such sort as Norandel received such favor at Quéen Minoresses hands that she sound means to help to buckle on every piece of his Armor one after the other As she was busie about him he found means to say unto her Madam the honor that you do me maketh me so couragious that this day I hope to make it known to those that shall behold us fight how much my strength is now increased by your means But if it pleaseth you to bestow some favor upon me that I might bear the same about my Armor I should account my self for one of the most happy Knights living on the earth My good friend said she the most precious Iewel that I can give unto you is my heart that shall accâ—mpany yours to
and so hardly handled that the force you shall from henceforth use against them shall more be holden for a kinde of cruelty than any chivalry Nevertheless if my request may take no place with you do as you think good Souldan said Norandel if they acknowledge it at our hands and ask us mercy they shall not fail to have it for it was never our custom to use force to such as could not stand against us Content your selves said he that I that am their Lord yield you the victory and I pray you therefore shew mercy unto them swearing unto you by my crown if you do them so much good that while I live I will not be unmindful of the same With that the ten Christian Knights went out of the field and mounon their horses took their way unto the City where the Emperor stayed for them for he had séen the issue of the combate and now they returned victors but he heard not what words had past betwéen them till they being lighted off their horses told him what was done for the which he praised God estéeming more of them for their courtesie they had shewen unto the enemy CHAP. L. How Queen Calafre came to aid the Pagans and of the marvellous assault that she gave to the City of Constantinople THe renown of this War undertaken by the Kings Taborlans Souldans Califfes and Princes dwelling in Tartaria India Arabia and other countries in the East against the Emperor and his Empire of Constantinople was spread so far abroad that it was known to the puisant Quéen Calafre reigning in Califorine a most fertile and pleasant country confining on the head of the river Borisleness hard by the foot of the Riffee mountains This country whereof I speak was sometimes peopled with good Knights and men of all quarters but the women upon malice devised a means to kill them all establishing a law among themselves that from that time forwards they would acknowledge for Lady and Quéen one of their own country wâ—men governing themselves as the Amazons used to do Whereby it was not lawful for any of them to use the company of men above once or twice a year upon the days and times by them appâ—inted when they went of their own country and used their neighbors help with whom God knoweth if they found not means to make them pay the usury of the time lost in such sort that most of them returned home with childe but the bringing up of their children was far different for the maiden children were kept alive burning their right paps but not the men children for as soon as they were born they put them to death having agréed not to suffer one alive or else so few that they very easily might overcome them For this cause oftentimes they warred against the Tartarians bâ—rdering on their country putting them to great trouble by divers and continual invasions as well by sea as by land In their laws and customes they observed so great rigour as that if any man by casualty or otherwise fell into their hands he proved for food unto a great number of grissons nourished among them when they were yong being so tame and gentle that never any hauk knew better the Faulkoners lure then those gentle birds knew the voice of her that ordinarily fed them To come unto the point this quéen of Califorine being a woman of great spirit valiant hardy yong fair and of good behavior hearing of the wars undertaken against the Christians was desirous to be there not for any ill she wished them but onely for to know them and to sée their country that bare so great renown And for that cause she assembled great numbers of the principal Ladies of her country shewing them what honor they might obtain in that voyage which may peradventure be such said she that by our force and great prowess we may greatly augment our Empire being feared and redoubted of each man and not continue always buried among these mountains as they in times past did of whom at this present we now possess and injoy the place The Quéen in this sort could so well perswade them that they moved with a marvellous desire to go with her presently prepared their ships and set sail for Thracia with so good and prosperous a winde that the tenth day after the assaults of Constantinople they arrived in the army of Armato where they were honorably received and after divers spéeches used by the Souldan of Liquy and other Princes of the camp unto the Quéen of Califorine specially touching their determination concerning that great enterprise she being sorry they had done so little against the town desired them that she might once have leave to try her fortune against it by means that she would use And the better to induce them thereunto she told them she had fifty Griffons that would not fail being let out of their cages to seize upon the Christians without hurting of her women because they knew them and had béen nourished with them And while they take their flight said she I will give such an assault against the town that without doubt we will inforce the same for if the Emperors souldiers appear but to defend the walls my Griffons shall be ready to carry them clean away as the Merlin doth the Lard But to the end said she your men receive no hurt let them abide within their tents till they be shut into their cages When King Armato and the Souldan of Liquie heard the great zeal and affection she shewed to imploy her forces as also the invention that she had they all agréed that the next day after she should do what liked her Whereupon she sent presently to her that kept the Griffons that she should give them nothing for to eat of all that day that when they meant to use them at the assault they might gréedier and further sent word by sound of drum that all her companies should be ready the next day early in the morning to give assault unto the City Quéen Calafre having in this manner provided for her enterprise at the time appointed all her women armed according to their manner the most part of them bearing bows ran with great fury unto the walls and with their ladders began to mount up with that the alarm went about the city all men running to defend the same and as they were some upon the walls and other places of defence the Quéen made sign to let the Griffons loose which being hungry and flying over the town seized upon such as they could find abroad wherewith the Emperors souldiers were in so great fear that most part of them that fought forsook the walls to hide themselves Alas what pity was it to sée soldiers citizens knights and others yea women and little children and all whatsoever they could get into their claws taken up into the air and sometimes having taken them up they let them fall upon the stones whereby
in the army Whereof the Souldan and Quéen Calafie being advertised determined together to write unto them the contents whereof do follow Rodrigue Souldan of Liquie mortal enemy to the enemies of our gods and Calafre Queen of Califorine a country most rich and abundant in Gold and precious Stones give you Amadis de Gaule King of Great Brittain and your son Knight of the great Serpent to understand that the occasion of our arrival in these countries hath been for these two causes The one in hope to destroy all Christendom and the other to prove if we may 〈◊〉 from you the renown that is spread abroad of you to be the two best Knights living in the world for we account our selves for such as that if you will accept the combate of your persons against ours we will evidently make it known that our valor is no less then yours And to the end the glory of the victors may be known the vanquished shall remain in their powers to dispose of them as they shall think convenient Advise your selves therefore to answer us herein by this our messenger to whom we have given charge to declare unto you if you refuse this combate that from henceforth we shall have just occasion to attribute to our selves the advantage of the praises and endless glories that fortune heretofore hath given you and to esteem of you as meanly in time to come as you have been highly renowned heretofore This Letter given to the Gentlewoman that bare the first to Norandel she went unto the Christians camp and being advertised which was Amadis tent entered therein as he sat talking with king Luisart Esplandian and other good knights Where knéeling on the ground she asked which of them was the knight of the great Serpent and his father Amadis spake unto her and said Gentlewoman I am the one and this is my Son Is it your pleasure to speak with us The gentle woman casting her eye upon Esplandian marvelling at his great beauty spake said In good faith king Amadis I verily believe that this is he for I have heard him in divers places esteemed for the same that now I do behold in him Gentlewoman said Amadis if you came into our camp onely to sée him you now have your desire That hath not bin only the cause said she but to bring this letter which the Souldan of Liquie and quéen Calafre send unto you both wherefore having read it I pray you return an answer With that Amadis having taken it in his hand the Gentlewoman departed out of the rent attending their resolution King Amadis having read it shewed it to King Luisart and the rest that were in presence wherewith there a rose great controversie among them concerning the refusal or acceptation of the combate for that the most part of them were of advise it should not be accepted shewing divers great and evident reasons to confirm the same as the greater number of enemies they had before them ready to give them battel and if it happen said they that fortune should be contrary to King Amadis and Esplandian in whom partly consisteth our hope such hard chance would bréed great fear in divers men that are now very willing and ready to do the best they can Others held the contrary saying that it would be shame unto them all for that refusal onely would much incourage the enemy but they were of this opinion that it might well be required that the number of the combatants might be greater In good truth said Amadis be it of two against two twenty against twenty or of greater number the victory is in the hands of God Wherefore in refusing thereof I should do my self wrong and cause a great blemish to all Christendom that would not be defaced in long time after Besides I have great hope of Gods help herein for whose faith and honor I have undertaken this voyage When Esplandian heard his fathers mind he spake boldier and said That he would take that combate upon himself alone not onely against the Souldan and the Quéen but against two others more with them rather then it so should be refused whereupon it was concluded that Amadis and he would fight and sending for the messenger into the tent Amadis said unto her Gentlewoman you shall tell the Souldan and the Quéen that I and my son are content to do as they require wherefore set them chuse what arms they will and for the place it shall be betwéen their camp and ours assuring them on the faith of a King that not one of our soldiers shall once remove how soever we spéed which we desire likewise at their hands and if it be their desire to have the combate fought this day we are content to do it With that the Gentlewoman returned and coming to the Souldans tent she declared her message unto them being such as you have heard whereof the Souldan was glad but especially the Quéen for the great desire she had to sée Esplandian whereof she asked the Gentlewomen what she thought of him Madam said she I have in my life time seen many men and women that nature had indued with great beauty but by the gods I confess it is all but painting in regard of that I have found in him for he is so fair and beautiful that the more I think thereon so much the more it maketh me conceive such beauty to be rather divine them humane That is much said the Queen I know not said the Gentlewoman what you mean by that word Much but I am well assured if you had seen him as I did that you would say as much as I do and it may be more Truly said the Queen before I enter in combate with him I will first see him unarmed and speak with him not as an enemy to an enemy but as friends commonly do one unto the other Madam said the Souldan seeing it is your desire it were good our Gentlewoman went again unto them to desire them to give you leave to come and visit them in their camp not to procure them any cause of envy but to do them honor and for that cause to desire their safe conduct This counsel seemed good unto the Queen and without longer staying she sent the Gentlewoman back again unto Amadis and Esplandian whom she found yet in the Tent whereas she left them With that she told them what her message was and the great desire the Queen had to see them before they entred into combate King Amadis could not refrain laughing to hear the Gentlewoman express the affection her mistress had asking king Luisart what he thought therein Son said he deny not her request for I assure you since our coming hither I have heard the Queen to be esteemed a wise and beautiful Princess You hear our answer said Amadis to the Gentlewoman let the Queen come hither when she thinketh good for she shall be heartily welcome With that the Gentlewoman returned to the
the vantguard and with him king Luisart King Amadis king Perion Galaor and Esplandian the main battel and Florestan Bruneo and Balan the rereguard On the Pagans side there marched first the Souldan of Alaxa thréescore Knights two Califfes and four Tamorlanes that in great fury set upon the Emperor of Rome and his battel where at their first arrival many a brave Knight was stroken down both on the one side and the other for Esplandian and the Christian Princes being joyned together gave not one blow but it was a deadly stroke yet at the first they were repulsed by the great quantity of arrows the enemies shot against them which flew in so great number that hailstâ—nes never fell thicker out of the skies wherby it fell out that both vantguard main battel and reregard indured much pain with that Norandel Talanque Manley Trion Landin Licoran Imosil Palomir Enil Elian and to conclude all Esplandians companions with thirty thousand men chosen by the Emperor issued out of the City which small troop resolutely determined did so abash the Pagans that in a manner they all lost their courages whereby they presently began to recoil as far back as they advanced themselves wherewith those that before had bin in fear took courage again and turning their faces on the enemy recovered the ground that they had lost in such sort that with good cause they might well cry Victory On the other side Quedragant and Childadan setting sail made towards the Straights at the entry whereof Frandalo overtook them with fourscore vessels of all sorts and as they had spoken together touching their enterprize considering the great power of their enemies it was agréed that Frandalo that had proved them at other times should first set upon them wherewith he began to sail forwards and Alphorax likewise against him giving a sign of battel to his men who with great courage entred upon ten of the best Gallies the Christians had and sunk them in the sea yet Frandalo nought abashed set fire on more than an hundred of their Ships before Childadan entred into fight but not long after he and Quedragant came unto them where good defence prevailed In which fight they continued for the space of eight hours without any sign upon which side the victory would fall until Quedragant boarded Alphorax ship and entred by force staying all that were therein What néed I stand longer to discourse The Turks séeing their Captain dead and their manifest overthrow before their faces being ready to fall into the Christians hands began to flie and by force of oars entred into the Majorque sea but not all for there were taken burnt and drowned about two or thrée hundred Gallies Galliasses Foists and Brigandines the rest saved themselves in such sort as you heard before to whom night was so much assistant that the chase endured not so long as else it would have done Alphorax dead and his Army overthrown the Christians assembled themselves together staying to hear news from their Army on land which in the mean time had so much to endure that wonder it was how they could hold out and among the rest the good old King Perion and Luisart séeing Esplandian raging like a lyon followed by the Hunters would not leave him fearing to loose him and so long they followed him striking both on the right side and the left that they found themselves inclosed by above a thousand Turkish horsemen not having any other aid than Grumedan Duke of Bristol Guilan Brandoyuas Nicoran of the silver Bridge Cendil de gonate and a few others Surely those eight or nine caused those that met them to buy full dearly their approach as not being the first danger wherein they had fallen nevertheless in the end being over weary and sore travelled with the blows they had given and received they were clean out of breath and the worst was their horses were slain under them and they themselves so sore wounded that they were all slain in the place onely Esplandian that in a maner could scarce lift up his arms when King Amadis his father with a great number of French-men found him there whereat the battel begun fiercer than ever it had béen for Amadis and his company séeing the Kings dead and their companions lying on the ground and Esplandian fighting in the middle of them on foot they were in a maner mad and therewith made such slaughter that the Turks were forced to separate themselves and Esplandian horsed again and being on horseback notwithstanding all his wounds â—e shewed well that his body was not weary for he followed the enemies in such sort moved with grief to sée his friends dead that in short space by the aid of his father and the rest that followed him he forced the Souldan of Alaxa and his soldiers to turn their backs and flie and in his flight gave him such a blow with his sword upon the head that he strake him dead and more than an hundred Pagans with him Amadis likewise did so valiantly with all the knights of France Great Brittain and Sweathland especially the king of Denmark Talanque Ambor and Norandel that wonder it was to sée yet had their valor little prevailed without the aid that the Emperor of Constantinople brought thither with a great Troop of Horse-men that the Emperor of Rome had likewise gathered together by which means King Armato with thirty other Kings and their Retinue were clean overthrown and the most part of them put to the sword the Christian Knights making such slaughter that the blood ran about the field in such abundance as if it had rained blood a whole day together and greater had the abundance béen if night had not come on which separated them the Western Princes remaining incamped in the field till day opened that they might accomplish their desires Mean time Amadis caused Watch and Sentinels to be set in all places because he had béen advertised that King Armato that had fled away assembled his men by little and little which to do he caused horns and drums to sound throughout the field making fire round about the place where he had retired sending two Knights to the sea side to know what had happened to his son but news was brought him that he was slain and all his ships burnt and drowned except fifty or thréescore that were at the end of the straights of the Majorque sea staying to hear news of him assure your selves that such news pleased him not too well nevertheless perceiving it more convenient to supply his own necessity than to spend the time in sorrow and tears he called such captains as he had together with whom he determined presently to depart and before day to imbarque that small number of men that rested before the Christians should perceive the same With that he commanded from place to place that every man should presently retire and without noise make towards the sea where being arrived they entred into their
beginner in arms for that like a valiant and hardy knight he entred among the Christians and being seconded by his men did most valiantly defend themselves and assailed the enemy although at their first encounter ten of their bravest soldiers were unhorsed and overthrown And as Eiraca entered into the prease Norandel and he met together with such force that Norandel was wounded in the left shoulder but not sore hurt and the Captain of Tesifant loosing his stirrops was thrown over his horse with so great strength that with the fall he was forced to lie upon the ground and could remove neither hand nor foot which the Lurks perceiving to relieve their Captain did so valiantly that they overthrew four of the Brittish Knights who nevertheless rose presently again and with their swords in hand thrust so many of the Turks horses into the sides and flancks that in short space more than twenty of the Turks were overthrown likewise and many slain outright at that charge Enil and Gavarte were hurt and the rest so bardly handled that without Frandalos company that came to succor them they had all béen overthrown and in truth they had almost strayed too long but the squire that Belleris sent unto them could not overtake them before they were in the valley where they should have met And although they had heard the sound of their blowes yet did they not suspect any such peril until the squire had done his message wherewith they ranne with all the spéed they could unto the place where Belleris and his companions being out of breath did nothing but recâ—il and defend themselves against their enemies blows that had slain divers of them but that the captain of Tesifant would have them to be taken and presented to the Prince Alphorax Nevertheless Frandalo Esplandian and the rest of their company made them change opinion for when they perceived their companions so hardly matched by the enemy they entered among them with such fury that had it not béen for Eiraca who at that time behaved himself most valiantly they had overthrown the Turks at their first on-set but by reason of the great resistance he made they continued fighting half an hour after wherein he maintained himself so well that Esplandian could never take him before he had overthrown him and pulled off his Helmet wherewith he yielded mean time Frandalo and his companions being in the midst of their enemies laid so well about them staying horses pulling away shields and doing so valiantly that wonder it was to behold them yet did not the Turks once séem abashed but still fought most couragiously until such time they perceived their Captain taken prisoner which caused them to flie and turn their backs but not all of them for there lay more then one hundred and fifty of them dead upon the ground the rest saved themselves by means of the dark night It was then about an hour before day and Frandalo fearing that those of Tesifant hearing of the overthrow would issue forth to cut off their passage presently caused Captain Eiraca to be remounted and all the Christians that wanted horses and with all spéed rode back again to Alfarin not the same way they came but another way somewhat farther about wherein they travelled so long that about Sun-rising they entred into a great wood where they alighted to refresh both themselves and their horses and staying not long there lest they should be surprized they made such spéed that about sun-setting they arrived in the town mean time news came to Tesifant of the overthrow of their men wherewith Alphorax was in such a rage that in a manner he séemed desperate But for this time we have sufficiently discoursed of Martial affairs now me mean to bring Love in place who desiring to minister some comfort to the Princess Leonorine that lived in great pain expecting the arrival of her friend Esplandian caused him to depart from Alfarin to visit her in the City of Constantinople as in the Chapters following you shall hear CHAP. XXXIII Of the great grief Esplandian had understanding by the messenger that Gastilles sent unto him what displeasure the Princess Leonorine had conceived against him YOu heard before how Gastilles shewed the Emperor what Esplandian had done and what message he sent unto him and to the Princess Leonorine as also what answer she made which Gastilles by his Squire writ and sent unto him having charge from the Emperor so to do thereby to procure his spéedier Arrival in Constantinople The Squire with his Letter made such haste that he arrived at Alfarin about five days after the taking of Eiraca and méeting Carmelle at the gate asked her if he might find Esplandian at convenient leisure to deliver him a Letter from Gastilles but Carmelle being subtil suspecting it to be some news from the Princess Leonorine that might move Esplandian who as then séemed discontent answered him said My good friend you can hardly speak with him at this time but fâ—llow me and give me the letter and I will present it unto him and cause him to return you an answer The Squire did as she willed him and followed her to Esplandians lodging where entring into his chamber she found him sitting on his bed talking with the king of Denmark and delivered him Gastilles letter which when he read the tears ran out of his eyes and therewith cast forth a great sigh saying O Lord but Carmelle that beheld him doubting the cause to be as she suspected asked him if he were ill at ease Ill said he I that I am and so ill that I would to God I were dead and look I pray you said he whether I have cause or not wherewith stretching forth his hand he gave Carmelle the letter and turning his face began to make the greatest sorrow in the world but when she had read the contents she estéemed not thereof but said unto Esplandian What my Lord are you abashed at so small a matter By my soul I now perceive very well that the affections and loves of men are far different and much unlike the passions that we simple women endure when we fall into the like extremities and know you how you men do most commonly take pleasure to manifest and make known your love either by word of mouth or outward shews and many times dissemble more than you mean to do and which is worse how much the more the Lady or Gentlewoman you love is of great desert or high linage so much more glory do you take to make it known not onely that you bear her affection but that you are beloved and favored of her above all others which is clean contrary to the nature of women I mean such as may be tearmed wise and of good understanding for how much the greater their parentage is so much more fear they have to manifest their amorous passions in such manner that most commonly hath in word gesture and countenance they outwardly