then having read this Letter was so surprized that she changed colour three or four times not for displeasure which she had but to the contrary with the force of love which encompassed her courage so much that Alquefa perceived her ready to sound wherefore she embraced her demanding of her what feeblenesse had overtaken her Ahah My great friend said she when shall I see him who endures so much for me and whom you have chosen amongst the best Knights of the World Madam said Alquefa my Father who hath promised you wil find the meanes to send him to you when it shall be time in the mean time content your selfe as well as you can and let him heare from you as often as he can And then at that time a Damsell came to tell them that the Empresse asked for them wherefore altering their discourse they returned into the Hall where all this great company was at that time assembled And in that very hour the Emperour was advertized by a Venetian Brigantine that the Army of Pagans was on the Coast of Natolia with more then tenne thousand Vessels going to the straits of Propontide for which cause following his purpose he commanded to raise men from all parts for he would in person goe to aid Christendome CHAP. XV. How the Emperour of Trebisond embarqued to goe against the King Armato and the sayling of the Pagans to Constantinople THe Emperours Army being ready to embarque and all his Vessels being furnished for Warre and well fraught he established for his Lieutenant Generall Pardarea Duke of Antelea who he commanded before he embarqued to make a generall Muster of his Souldiers And sinding them to be the number of sixty thousand Horsemen and fifty thousand resolute Souldiers wherefore the Emperour was so glad that at that very houre he crowned Pardâ—rea King of Breigne who was his Brother-in-Law to the great content of all the Company And the next day according to the advice of the Masters and Captaines every one entred into his Ship for the wind was faire to set saile and the Emperour himselfe have left the Duke Delafonta with the Empresse for Governour of his Country commended her to the keeping of our Lord and caused to weigh anchors Then he who had seene at their departure from the Port this great equipage surely he would easily thinke the greatnesse of this Lord and Prince for the Sea was in a manner covered with Vessels being hung with Flagges Banners and Streamers with so many Trumpets Fifes and Drums that it was a thing almost incredible So then Alquefa would make no longer abode in Trebisond seeing the departure of the Emperour but so soon as he had left the Port she went to the Empresse of whom she tooke leave and likewise Gricilerea assuring her that so soone as she had made one voyage to her Father she would goe in search of the Knight of the Sphere For which cause the Princesse delivered her a Letter to present on her part praying her with great affection to perswade him to come to her as soone as he could possibly which she promised to her And re-entring into her Vessell she set saile So let us leave her on the Sea and let us return to the Messengers who went to advertize the Christian Princes of the seige of Constantinople who had so faire wind that they gave Order â—o what they had enterprized And the Emperours of Rome King of Naples and the rest were ready to dislodge at the time that they had knowledge that the Army of Armato might goe into Thrace For this cause entering into their Vessels according to the Region and Climate from when they dispatched traversing so many Seas that at last not without great travell they met in the Defended Mountaine where they waited for the Earle of Frandalo and Morandell with their equipage At this very time the King Armato accompanied with Almirin brother to the Souldan of Liquie the King of Jerusalem and Soldans of Persia of Alapa of Babilon the Califs of Egypt Taborlanes and many other great Lords of the East parted from Tenedos with so great a number of Ships Brigantines Galeaces Gallies and Foists that the Sea seemed to be covered But they found not the Emperour so unaccompanied but he had thirty thousand Horsemen and fifty thousand bearing Armes Neverthelesse he seeing so great a number of his Enemies to approach so near to the great City and not having had any news of them from whom he expected aid he was somewhat grieved which he hid and the better to assure his men he was of advice that they should as much as they could possible hinder the King Armatoes Army from Landing giving them continuall Alarumes to vex and trouble them For which purpose were appointed the Knight of the Sphere Languines Abies of Ireland Argamont and his Sonne with ten thousand Horsemen and two thousand chosen Souldiers Who having had notice of the place where the King Armato would take Land they issued out in good equipage and the same day they discovered the Vanguard of the Pagans with the King of Jerusalem accompanied with three Giants ' Brothers to him whom the Knight of the Sphere had killed at the Fountaine where he had delivered Alquif the Damsells Father So the Christians remained close and in ambush to see the countenance of the ochers but they made there no long stay before they saw the Pagans Vessels by little and little to approach the Land and lastly to throw Planks and descend into Cock-boats Skiffes and other little Boats wherby they might Land their men I doe believe that those who were the most diligent were not the bestused for Perion and his company ranne upon them and defeited a great many before they could be succoured and untill their battail and Rear-guard could joyne together and with full saile gained the shore in such manner that Perion and his company were forced to retreat and close themselves untill the three Giants with a great band of Palestines rushed on them with so much boldness that he who had seen them would have judged no otherwise but that they had a desire to performe their utmost Nevertheless they found much to doe when they came to Land by reason that Perion and Argamont with their squadron held together and at that time there was so great a Conflict that many on both sides lost their lives there And by reason that the Pagans gained I and and forced therâ—â—â—â—llously Argamenâ— went to the Knight of the Sphere sâ—â—wing him the eminent peril and danger they should fall into 〈◊〉 it were not provided for Wherefore he as a wise and advised Captaine began from henceforwards to retire nevertheless they sustained the heat of the skirmish which the Califfe of Egypt understanding re-advanced and entering further in the press then he should he was met by Perion who gave him such a blow on the head that he separated his head in twaine For which one of the
and we will tell you what hapned to Alquefa and the Knight that she conducted CHAP. V. How the Barque wherein Perion of Gaule surnamed the Knight of the Sphere and Alquefa sailed in came to shore at the foot of a very fair Isle and of the adventures which happened to him YOu have already heard the manner how the Knight of the Sphere and the Damsel re-entred into their Barque where the Apes were in which they sailed eight dayes without happening on any adventure But the ninth following the Vessel drew neeâ— to the foot of a high Rock where there was a little path-way which led to the top So Alquefa shewed it to Perion and said to him Sir Knight I pray you by the faith which you owe to God and the thing which you love best in this world that you will follow this way which will lead you to the top of the Rock where you shall finde a plain Country and a Fountaine in the middle Tarrie for me there and whatsoever happen to you do not depart from it before you have newes of me to the contrary and remember your selfe of the promise you have made me Damsel quoth he you may assure your self that the fear of death shall not cause me to falsifie my word to you Then he landed and taking his horse by the reines he mounted on him and rode on to the top of the Rock until he found the Plaine even as Alquefa had told him It was at that time sun-set neer night wherefore he resolved to goe no further but to stay till the morning and therefore he alighted from his horse and did eat something that he had brought with him then he slept until the break of day when as he mounted on his horse And when he had rid about halfe the day he saw the fountaine in the most pleasant and delectable place that could be imagined and the water issued from twelve pipes a crosse a piller upon which was erected the Effigies of a Knight armed at all points except the the Helmet and Gantlets and he held in his left hand an Emperors Crown and in his right a Roll of Coper Gilt Wherein was ingraved latine letters which said In the time that this Crowne shall be in the greatest danger of his estate and that the horrible cries and great yelling shall be asswaged the flower of Chivalry shall flourish abasing the pride of many with the new conquered Sword Perion read and read againe very often this Prophecie and in the reading he tooke singular pleasure in the antiquitie of the Image For he had heard it told to King Amadis his Father that in Constantinople upon the Hell gate there was just such another which was certainly believed to be erected by A Polidon himself Thus the Knight of the Sphere contemplating on the strange things which he beheld he saw two of the Apes of his Barque who erected him a faire Arbor whither they brought such abundance of victuals that there was sufficient to keep him twelve or fifteen whole dayes But at that instant he heard the neighing of horses wherefore hee looked about him on all fides to see what it was Then he saw a very great Giant on horseback holding in his hand a tough and strong Javelin and he had ten men very well armed following him and in a Charriot drawn with four horses wherein was bound and fettered an old man having his beard so while and long that it reached below his girdle and besides him two Knights also covered with their armes shackled with fetters and great irons on their feet The Giant did not see Perion till he came very neer him but so soon as he saw him shaking his Javelin he began to crie Unfortunate Creature what Devil hath brought you to this place to end your life so unfortunately and the Knight of the Sphere was no whit danted at his threats but suddenly drawing forth his Sword answered him By my head great villain you have good reason to threaten me in respect of the ill which you shall receive at my hands for Jesus Christ who is my guide being angry at the tyranny wherein you have so long lived promiseth me strength to revenge those whom thou hast troubled all thy life who I will presently destroy to send thy soule to the Devil of whom thou lately didst speak The Giant was so angrie at these words that he spurred his horse to run upon the Knight of the Sphere but he went forwards giving him such a blow with his Lance on his right shoulder that the paine constrained him to let fall his Javelin nevertheless he quickly laid bands on a Mace of Iron which hung at his saddle bow And as they both turned about at the end of their Course for to joine together again the Giants horse set his foot in a hole and fell so heavily under his Master that he broke his neck Which the Knight of the Sphere seeing he suddenly alighted and cut of his head then he mounted again for he heard those who led the prisoners cry with a loud voice Traitor Traitor you shall die without remedie and it shall boot you nothing to slie Then they ran upon Perion who in good time for him was unexpectedly succoured by three Knights each of them carrying a shield of Gold in the middle whereof was a great Crosse red as blood those of whom I speak seeing so great ods as ten against one resolved to aid the weakest and for this cause plucking down the visor of their Helmets just as those of the Giants partly charged the Knight of the Sphere they entred pell mell and at their arivall they unhorsed three that they never spake again The Knight of the Sphere being abashed at so ready aid would make them to know that he had a part in the practise in such manner that they four played their parts so well that in the end they all ten lost their lives the three Crossed men wondring who he should be that they had aided for they never saw a Knight fight more hardily and better One while they had an opinion that it was Amadis or Esplandian his son then on a sudden knowing that they were enchanted they altered their minde and rather thought him to be Norandal or the valiant Frandalo but they had often seen them in such skirmishes and they never came neer him in vallor towards whom they advanced praying him for courtesie to tell him his name Sirs answered he the Crosse which you bear betokening you to be Christians and the good aid which I have received of you obligeth me to satisfie your request My name so long as it pleaseth a Damsel who hath sent me hither is the Knight of the Sphere as those who are acquinted with me call me Perion of Gaule Son of Amadis King of great Britaine He had no sooner ended his words but the three crossed came to embrace him praising God for so happy a meeting How said
neer you that he alone and without delay follow me whither I shall conduct him I being certaine that he will obey you whatsoever you shall command him Onolorea knowing the fault she committed by so unadvisedly promising remained pensive and in great perplexity to forsake so soon the thing which she loved the best in the world To shun which she answered the Damsel In good faith he is so lately come to the Emperor and I have done so little for him that he hath good reason to refuse me but intreat him your selfe and it may be he will agree to your request As for me I have no power over him as to command him But Lisvart being willing to assure the contrary suddenly arose and putting his knee to the ground said to her Madam seeing that you have granted one gift to this Damsel may it therefore please you to grant me another Fair Sir said she I am very willing I intreat you then Madam said he to satisfie this which she hath requested of you and permit me that I follow her by your Command Onolorea knew well that she was beset on every side wherefore not being able to recoile she answered him Goe then and God be your guide Lisvart humbly thanked her and said to the Damsel that he was ready to mount on horseback when she pleased That shall be presently then answered she And at that time they both taking their leaves of the Court departed But they had hardly passed out of the City walls when an Esquire presented himselfe before the Emperor and said to him Sir the Duke of Dardarie hath been defeated by the King of Breigne and he is now besieged by him in the Town of Autrusque being readie to be ruined both he and his people if you do not send him aid This news did much trouble the Court and the Duke of Ortilensa was suddenly commanded to take with him ten thousand Horsemen and twenty thousand foot-men to goe presently and raise the siege for which he wisely provided And in these passages Parmenir Florestan and Galuanes Companions of Lisvart tarrying for his return determined to goe in this expedition And they intreated the Emperor to tell them the cause wherefore this war had been enterprized between him and his enemy My friends answered he he hath rebelled against me and hath usurped and taken from me by treason the Towns of Breigne and Teredie being ready to doe worse if he should be suffered Sin said Florestan to doe you service my Companions and I will goe in this service and will be imployed in whatsoever your Lieutenants shall command wherefore the Emperor thanked them Nevertheless before they departed they went to the Ladies and Florestan addressing himselfe to Onolorea who was then talking with Griliana said to her Madam in waiting for the returne of the fair young Gentleman I will goe if it may so stand with your good liking into this war as your Knight Yet under this Condition that he being returned to you you shall restore me to Madam Griliana whose I am and until then I will leave her my heart in hostage to dispose of as it shall please hee At these words they began to laugh and bee use the Emperesse came neer them Onolorea answered him no otherwise but thus that God grant they may all return in short time in good health Nevertheless Galuanes entertained Bridelena and said to her with great affection Madam command me then that as yours I may imploy my selfe in this enterprize to the end that being yours I may with the more ease vanquish your enemies In good faith answered she you shall not be refused in this demand I doe therefore pray and require you And taking a Ring from her finger she gave it him in confirmation of their alliance Truly the pleasure which they tooke in talking together had been longer But there entred a Dwarfe the most deformed that could be who without doing any reverence to the Emperor or any other presented to him a Letter sealed with sixtie seven Seales which was read before all the Company And it contained that which follows MELIA Ladie over all Magicians enemy to the Christian Faith and diligent in daily increasing the law of our Gods Know Emperor of Trebisond that Constantinonople shall in short time be besieged by sixtie seven Princes of the Pagan Law where I will be in person to take the pleasure to see it burned and the wicked man that kept it even he to whom all Christendome looked for favor as its Refuge and principal aid But it shall happen otherwise For she to whom thy Daughter hath delivered him having put him in her power shall deliver him into so sure guard that neither Amadis his Grandfather nor Esplandian his father although they were not enchanted should have the power to succour him And yet that is little in regard of what I intend to doe for by little and little I will have the rest of your other Knights to dispose of them at my pleasure forceing the rest of the Common people to turne to our Faith be it either by love or by force and doubt not of this for I will doe all without difficulty The Emperor and all the Court were very much troubled at such pitifull news knowing this Letter to be assuredly written by Melia the Enchantresse and sealed with her seale amongst others whereon was engraven a woman holding a naked sword in her hand and a Crosse at her feet And that which augmented the grief of many was the loss of Lisvart who under the shadow of equity went joyfully to his death whereunto the strange Damsel led him for which cause the Infanta Onolorea was so passionate that she being retired into her Chamber cast her selfe on her bed and began to lament with the greatest grief in the world saying with continual sighes and tears O Lord of all the world how hath it pleased you to permit that I alone should be the cause of all the ill that is to happen to Christendome Alas cruel death longed for and loved by the afflicted wherefore doe you consent that I live one whole houre knowing in me the evil that shall redound to so many perions And speaking these words Griliana came who knowing part of her affections doubted that she would fall from bad to worse for she was ready to swound at every word Wherefore taking her in her armes to comfort her she said Madam I did never yet think that you had so little constancie and I wonder that you will give so much credit to a false witch who hateth and is enemy to all vertue Doe you think that our Lord who is goodnes it selfe will consent to the ruine of so faire a young Gentleman as is yours and lesse to the destruction of the holy Faith These are meere vanities doe not beleeve them and I pray be not so sad before the time Alas said Onolorea the fear which I have makes my heart so
of his Subjects leaving good Garrisons where there was need and Polinas for Vice-Roy he returned with his Companions into the Isle of Californus where the Queen made them welcome But they sojourned there but a few dayes For so soone as they had men and vessels to goe to the succour of Constantinople they went to embarque themselves So we will leave them in the keeping of our Lord and we will returne to the Duke of Ortilensa who being exceeding joyfull of so fair a Conquest as he had had over the King of Breigne tooke his way to Trebisond CHAP. XIV How the Duke of Ortilensa having vanquished the King of Breigne he returned to Trebisond and of the arival of Alquefa at the Court of the Emperor IN the former Chapters you have heard that after the pursuite and slaughter of the Soldiers of the King of Breigne who fled in the Pâ—out the Duke of Ortilensa and his Companie returned to the Camp and by reason of the night which drew forwards they could not know the dead untill the next morning when they went to revisit them and they found Groter son to the King of Breigne wounded with ten mortall wounds and so trodden with horses that the forme of his face could not be seen a little further on the right hand was also the King his father stretcht out at his length Then as they were esteemed for Traytors so they were separated from the others and by reason of the honor of their Roiall dignity they were honorably interred The bootie then being taken and the Country reduced to the obedience of the Emperor of Trebisond the Duke of Ortilensa tooke his way towards his Master and he was very well received and not he onely but Floreston Parmenir and Galuanes for whose sake the Emperor held open Court six whole dayes for which cause the three Knights had convenient opportunity to entertaine the Ladies who made them understand by effect the extreame pleasure which they took in their so soone returne One amongst them all shewed her selfe to be sad and pensive Alas this was Onoloreâ— who died an hundred times in an houre by reason of the Captivity of her love which she nevertheless dissembled to her power but love pressed her so neer that teares were as familiar in her eyes as water in the pipes of a fountaine And that which more increased her Martyrdome Alquefa of whom our Historie hath so often mentioned arived with the Prisoners which Perion sent to Onolorea and presenting her selfe to the Emperor as dinner was ending humbly recommending to him the unknowne Gentleman whom he had armed Knight Ah! said the Emperor Damsel my friend I pray you be so courteous to us as to tell us where you have left him and whether he purposeth to make us amends for the injury which he did in not discoveting himselfe to me Sir answered she if he hath done you any injury it was not by his good will and therefore he is the more to be excused but if you please to know further of his estate suffer me to performe that which he hath commanded me to say to Madam Gricilerea your daughter Yes truly answered the Emperor Then Alquefa addressing her selfe to the Princesse said to her Madam your Knight who surpasseth all others in Prowesse and Chivalry salutes you as he whom he desires to serve all his life in testimony whereof he sends you by me that which he hath conquered since the time he departed from you in much heaviness Then Alquefa presented to her the great Soldan of Liquie and the King of Jerusalems two children This Gentleman said she is a most renowned Prince amongst the Pagans and that for good cause for he when he is in liberty can command the Country of Liquie as much as the Emperor your father can his And these others are children to the King of Palestine brother and â—ister whom he intreats you to receive and dispose of as your owne He hath given me in charge to assure you that in using them well he shall be much pleased by reason of the greatness of their births and the Conquest which he had made of them in his begining Then she recited to them how she had conducted him from the first day that she found him in Ireland the deliverance of Alquif her father the aid he gave to Languines and Abies of Ireland and particularly all that which hapned untill the very houre that he and his Companions were embarqued to goe to Constantinople to succour the Emperor who expected the Seige of the Pagans in good faith Damsel answered Gricilerea the honor which he hath done me is so great that I have good reason to wish him well but he hath displeased me to enterprize so long a journey before he came to me if he be so much mine as he boasteth Of one thing I will assure you that I will never pardon him untill he comes to me in person to aske pardon and then it may be he may be refused Madam said Alquefa you shall see him here in short time as he hath promised me for he desires your presence and favor more then any thing in this world Then addressing her selfe to the Empresse and the Princesse Onolorea she delivered the message of Perion You may easily imagine whether Florestan and his Companions were not well pleased to heare so good news of him whom they sought for but this was nothing in respect of Grioilereas joy who ceased not to entertaine Alquefa all that day in such manner that she had an opportunitie to deliver the Letter to her which the Knight of the Sphere had sent the tenor whereof followeth I Know not Madam how I can recompense the great good which you granted me that day that you accepted me for yours seeing that the best Knight in the world ought to esteeme himselfe worthie to serve so great a Ladie and Princesse And I then poore dumb Creature without having as then done any knightly act having attained to such honor it is a marvell if my heart hath desired to enterprize a thing by which with reason it hath hopes to remaine in so high a place separating from it all feare and perill of death by the continual remembrance that it hath of your good favor which hath in such manner capâ—â—vated my liberty that my eyes are chained to your happy presence from that very day wherein they saw the splendor of your divine face But this prison is mingled with great Liberty that it causeth me to live for the desire which I have alwayes to obey and serve you being assured that otherwise my soule being afflicted with your absence could not remaine one houre in this passionate body Therefore Madam I humbly beg of you to command me that which your pleasure is with me and having pitie on your poore slave send him your pleasure by this faithful Damsel From him who kisseth the hands of your greatness in all humilitie Gricilerea
during this Combate none of our Campe shall stir to hurt or damage you on condition that you doe the like on your part of which we will have assurance and promise sworne as it is reasonable This writing being read before all the Assembly Armato spoke for them all and said to Carmella Damsell indeed we did expect no answer and you may informe them upon my honour that during the Combate there shall not a man in my Campe stir to help us or endamage them and let the victory remaine where it shall please fortune After Carmella had taken the assurance requisite she returned to the Campe of the Christians where she then found these Lords together To whom she related the resolution of the whole matter Then they after some conference departed out of the Tent and mounted on horseback to goe visit the Ladies whom the Emperor of Trebisond had not seene since his arival They being then entred the Town entring into the Palace the two Empresses mother and daughter and the Queene Oriana and all the rest went before to receive the Emperor of Trebisond then being conducted into the great Hall they discoursed of many things in such manner that it happened that the Kings of Hungaria and Cildadan who discoursed with Oriana about the Combate that was to be the next day between two Christian Knights and Calafea against the two Pagans and the Pintiquinestra Which so much daunted the good Lady that she changed colour in short time two or three times doubting that some mishap might happen to her Lord wherefore she said what reason is there that he should trie himselfe having so often tried his person already he hath sons that may doe in his stead But they had not Iong discovered when a Spie came from the Enemies Campe to advertise the Emperor of Constantinople that the enemies had sent Irish men to the King of Giloffe and Bugie to enterprize the Christians whilest the two Camps remained at the Combate which Armato had demanded And for this cause these Lords were forced to leave talking with these women and enter into Counsell where they concluded that the Duke of Ortilensa the Earle of Alastre and the Prince Alarin should have the charge of the Vessels of Trebisond with twentie thousand fighting men besides those that were already in them And that the Earle Frandalo and Norandell should likewise take care of those that they had brought from the Defended Mountaine and as for the rest they were lookt unto as occasion required Then they sent to the Captaines and Souldiers that every man should stand on his guard telling then what they had heard to the end they might not be surprized nevertheless this information was false It is very true that the Pagans had questioned such a treason but it was broken by Almanix of Liquea a gentle Prince and Loyall Knight who would in no wise consent thereunto in respect of the oath made to Carmella A few dayes after these two Sea Armies encountred one another and there was such a fight that the like was never knowne in the Levant Countrie CHAP. XXIII How the Emperor of Trebisond Amadis and the Queene Calafea fought with the Kings Armato Grifflant and the Queen Pintiquinestra THe Emperor of Trebisond and those who accompanied him having given the good night to the Ladies retired for that evening into their Pavillions untill the next morning when they were to fight as it had been agreed on They slept not all the night but watched continually in devout prayers praying God to grant unto them that which should be most for his honor and glorie Then at break of day Amadis sent to the Captaines of the Army praying them that each of them should keepe his men in readiness to resist the Enemies if by chance they should stir breaking the promise which they had made together And soone after the Message was solemnly celebrated by the Patriarke of Constantinople which being done Aâ—quefa gave to each of them a harnesse like to those which she had presented us from her father to the Knights of the Firme Island wherewith they armed themselves and mounting on their horses they were conducted to the place assigned for the Combate The old Emperor of Constantinople carried the Emperor of Trebisonds Lance and Esplandian carried his Helmet Arquifil Emperor of Rome Amadis his Lance and Galoar his Helmet Lisvart carried the Queen Calafeas Lance and the Knight of the Sphere her Helmet They being thus furnished and accompanied with a great number of Kings and valiant Knights entred the field which was neere the City that the Ladies who sate upon the Fort could not onely see the Combate but also hear the talke of the Combatants So the three Pagans being well accompanied came soone after and this day Armato did weare a black harnesse riding on a black horse in testimony of the grief which he had for the death of Melia his sister The Souldans of Alape and Persia served him as Squires the one carrying his Lance and the other his Helmet The King Grifftant was armed to the contrary with green armes and Serpents with two heads seperated from their bodies and did ride on a great Horse the fiercest that could bee seen And he had not this device without cause for in his younger years he had fought with a Serpent and valiantly killed it to the great profit of the Country wherein he dwelt Almenice brother to the Souldan of Liquea carried his Lance and the King of Jerusalem his Helmet The Queen Pintiquinestra sitting on a Turkish velvet harness with frenge of Gold and in her shield was figured a dead Giant representing the Victory which she had sometimes had over a neighbour of hers the greatest man was to be found in his time And this Queen was so dextrous on horsebacke that none would have accounted of her otherwise then of an accomplished brave Knight so long as she had her Helmet on hâ—r head but when it was on her beautie was so great that it would move the greatest man in the world to desire it The King of the Giant Island carried her Speare and the Infaâ—tâ— Gradafilea her Helmet Thus these brave warriours â—ntrâ—d the field with a noise of Trumpets And they â—uâ— thâ—msâ—lves in readinesse to encounter one another and met together with so marvellous a force that without failing they stroke right against one another and their staves stew up in peeces into the aire and so they met with bodies Shields and heads so fiercely that they fell downe in the field except the Queen Calafea who was forced to bow with the shake They who were the Spectators of this first encounter did verily think that Amadis was wounded to death for he had a trunchion of a lance in his shield which put Oriana into such a feare that she had well nigh swouned but she soone saw him on his feet and march on bravely towards his enemie who was likewise got up And as Amadis
between them two wherefore he intreated their consents which they willingly granted and so the Marriage rites were performed for them and Perion and Pintiquinestra both together CHAP. L. How on the day of St John Amadis being in the Company of many great Lords the Governour of Sicilia arived at the Court leading with him a King and Queen inchanted and of that which happened thereupon THe Solemnity of these Weddings continued for the space of eight whole dayes during which time Perion was crowned King and Alquif and Vrganda having taken their leaves of Amadis and the rest departed As the King was one day in the company of many noble men there entred a Knight clad in mourning his beard and haire being white and hanging down as low as his girdle and he carried in his hand a roule of parchment with Letters in Gold written thereon and a Knight followed him armed with very rich Armes having a Helmet made of a polisht Diamond neer unto this Knight there went a very faire Damsell having very rich ornaments She had on her head a Crown garnished with great Emeraulds and Rubies and she was accompanied with twentie Knights who had all black armour He that marched before them all made great reverence to King Amadis and related to him the cause of his coming into his Court which was to trie if any of the Knights and Ladies of his Court could finish a most strange adventure which was this The Prince of Sicilie whose name was Alpatracie was inchanted together with Miraminea his wife and they could not be disinchanted but by the loyallest Knight and the beautifullest Ladie unmarried in the world and therefore this old man went into all Princes Courts to trie if he could by any meanes happen on such a Knight who by combating with Alpatracie should conquer him and such a Ladie who could obteine the Crown which she had on her head And the Roll of Parchment that was in the old mans hand was to this effect The old man having delivered his minde unto Amadis he presently granted unto him his desire which was to suffer this adventure to be tried in his Court wherefore there were many Knights that tried this adventure the first was Adâ—riel who was soone vanquished by the enchanted Knight then came Pinerpie Olorius Suyssie of Ireland Ambor of Gandell Marsinie of the Dreadfull dale Pintince of Carsante Siontes Silercie son to Don Grumedan and Fallorefte son to Bravor no sooner had these Knights tried this adventure but news was brought to the King that three ships had taken anchor at the Port wherefore he sent presently to know who they were and they reported that it was the Infanta Brisenna daughter to Don Bruneo who came to keep her cousen Brisenna companie Amadis with his traine went out and he brought her into his Palace where Trison was ready and there soon entred two Knights unknown who after he had saluted the King and Ladies went to combate with Alpatracie but they were both after a short fight vanquished and then they discovered themselves to be Quedragant son to Quedragant and Abies of Ireland whose arivall increased the pleasure of the Company and Amadis inquired of them how they had left the Defended Mountaine who answered him that King Norandell and the Admirall Frandalo had taken truce with the Turks for six moneths and that in the meane time they had been in search of a Knight called the Solitary but now they heard of him and found him In this time the Queen Calafea had armed her selfe against the inchanted Knight but she coming to assaile he instead of drawing forth his weapon to defend himselfe kneeled downe on the ground which King Amadis seeing he said to her Madam I thinke he loves you better then to fight with you Truly said she 〈◊〉 doe beleeve it Then Perion of Gaule advanced to assaile the Inchanted Knight and the Combate lasted for the space of two houres but in the end he was vanquished Wherefore Lisvart set forwards and balling on his Lady to aid him he drew out his sword but the Inchanted Knight would not draw forth his but the neerer Lisvart approached him the more he fled from him so it was impossible to overtake him then Lisvart put up his sword in his scabbard and pursued him so fast as could but he could by no meanes come neere him he fled so fast which they all seeing were abashed at it and Friston himselfe said that he had never seen the like Wherefore he desired that the Ladies might assay to get the Crowne of Myraminea so the Infanta Brisenna began and following the old mans directions kneeled down before the inchanted Queen and said to her Madam may it please you to give me that Crown whereby you will make me the happiest Ladie in the world Miraminea tooke her by the hands and took her up and tooke her and left her in the midst of the Hall which constrained Brisenna to blush with shame and cousen Elisenna came in her stead who as well as many others were denied Some were served worse for she gave five or six such thrusts with her fist against their stomacks that she threw them on the ground causing great laughter Friston having taken his leave of the King departed with his Company being sorry for his no better success And Alpatracie and Myraminea remounted into their Charret covered with cloth of Silver and being followed by twentie Knights armed with black armour in signe of sadness followed on their way leaving Lisvart much troubled that he could not finish this adventure In the mean time Quedragant kept in the company of the Infanta Elisena of whom he was enamoured and she was as much on her part after she had seen him combate with the Enchanted Knight CHAP. LI. How a Knight came to desire Amadis on the behalfe of the King of Sanvagine and of the returne of those who were newly come to Court THe day following there came to the Court a Knight almost as big as a Giant who being come before the King delivered him a Letter sealed with foure Seales wherein was conteined as followeth SUlpicie King of Sanvagine by the death of our Vnckle Grifflant of good memory whom our Gods feed with Ambrosia and Nectar Grafante and Bostrose our dear and well beloved brethren doe let the Amadis the King of great Brittaine know that the Gods having given us forces and power we are resolved to revenge the death of our late deare Vnckle upon this condition we present you the Combate of us three against three of yours whom you shall choose and if we are vanquished we will then deliver up all the rest of our Countries without ever laying claime thereunto hereafter but if we doe vanquish your three then we shall expect that Sarquiles whom you have left in the Castle of the Rock shall depart and leave us peaceable possession of our Country The King having heard this Letter demanded of the Messenger if he
Perion approached and kissed her hands By my God answered the Empresse if Knighthood be as well accomplished in him as his beauty hee will be by all reason the most accomplished in armes as hath been these hundred yeares Perion made great obeysance to her without speaking one word and at that instant came Onolerea and Gricilerea Daughters of the Emperour esteemed such that in all Asia their equall in beauty could not be found which Perion marvelling at especially for Gricilerea could not forbeare but he said in himselfe Good God! Ladyes in whom nature hath taken great pleasure to make faire for I never thought in all my life to see that amongst all living which I now see in you two Then being surprized with an affection not accustomed he so changed his colour that Aquefa perceived it Wherefore addressing her speech to Gricilerea who was the youngest she said to her Madam my Father sends you word by me that hee hath chosen this Gentleman to serve you as your Knight and adviseth you to receive and accept him for such a one for he will obey you even as your greatnesse deserveth She rightly touched the disease of this Princesse for Love had at that instant bound her by the presence of Perion in such manner that she answered to Alquefa Your Father hath long since made me this promise I believe him and follow his advice seeing that it pleased the Emperour to command me the same day that he took leave of him And that he assured me of what I see which is the fairest Gentleman in the World But for all this Perion spake not one word but made his eyes serve as an interpreter which carried to the heart of this princesse all the thanks which the tongue could expresse exercising its office Nevertheless there was none of them who were not astonished to see him so dumb and amongst others Onolorea who being surprized with a certaine jealousie for the good of her Sister said to Alquefa I pray you Damsell advertize your Father that my sister will be very harsh if she should refuse the present which he hath sent her by you at which I am not angry but I would that he would have as good remembrance of me as hee hath had of her although that the Gentleman cannot excuse himselfe for the rigour which he useth towards us not deigning to speak to any of us Madam answered Alquefa it is at present forbidden him some other time he shall make amends for this fault And as for my Father hee knows what is needfull for you also he hath commanded me to tell you that he hath in guard such a one that you shall wish well to him all your life and he will bring him in short time He shall be very welcome answered she During this loving discourse love gained place by little and little in the hearts of Perion and Gricilerea in such manner that he possessed himselfe of all rendring them so united in perfection of Love that there never was two more true lovers as by our History you shall know hereafter Then the Emperour came into the Chamber who after he had a long time discoursed with the Ladyes of that which Alquife father to the Damsell sent him concerning Perion considering the paines which he had taken to come armed from the Sea side on foot to the Pallace he called a Master of his houshold to whom he gave command to lead him to refresh himselfe the which he did Then about the evening certain Knights came to him which conducted him to the Chappell where he watched according to the custome untill the next morning the Emperour came to find him accompanied with the Empresse the two Princeses Onolorea and Gricilerea and a great company of Knights Ladyes and Damsells And as the Mass was celebrated the Emperour came to him and gave him the Order But he perceived that he was well armed with all Armes but a Sword and for this cause he willed one to goe presently and fetch one of his But Alquefa who held that which she had alwaies carryed with the shield said to him Sir My Father hath dedicated this to his service which shall be giâ—ded about him if you please by my Lady Gricilerea and I am charged humbly to desire it of you In good faith quoth the Emperour it doth please me well Then my Lady said Alquefa to the Infanta doe your part At this word Gricilerea took the Sword and put it to the side of the Gentleman saying to him Thus I receive you for my Knight God make you happy and a wise man Madam answered Alquefa seeing that he hath received such honour at your hands it is reasonable that he acknowledge it without delay Then taking a great Diamond and giving it to Perion Present her said she this Jewell in witnesse of the service which you owe her for the future and for the cause that she may have remembrance of you Perion obeyed to her commands and Gricilerea received it with a heart putting it on her finger Then going from the Chappell the new Knight was conducted into the great Hall of the Pallace where the Clothes were staid for dinner Then the Emperour and Perion sat right against the Princes's truly there was no Viands could be thought on that were not there served and nevertheless he did eat but very little being as he thought filled enough with the beauty and good demeanor of his Love who tooke all the paines in the world to entertaine him hoping to get some word from him which she could not get in such sort that she was much discontented at his disdaine nevertheless Alquefa appeased all so well that this little anger afterwards turned to no other but great love CHAP. III. How Perion of Gaule vanquished Alpatrafie Duke of Orcalea who maintained his Lady to be fairer then all the other Ladyes or Damsells in the World AFter the dinner was ended and as the Clothes were taken away there entred into the Hall a Knight armed at all points except his hands and head He was of very great stature and was followed by ten Knights twenty Squires and one Damsell in very good Order He had hanging at his neck a very rich shield in the middle whereof there was portracted a Lady of most excellent beauty He being come before the Emperour put his knee to the ground and all the company approched together to heare what he would say Then he spake in this manner Most Mighty Emperour of Trebisond the cause which at this time causeth me to present my selfe before your Majesty is to let you know that I who am Duke of Orcalea by name Alpatrafie do love a Damsel named Dialestrea Daughter to a Knight a great Lord my Neighbour And as I have divers times told her the good will which I beare her So she hath assured me that she would not love me before that I have been in the Courts of all the Kings and Princes of Asia
nothing but a faire winde to saile into Italie There the Knights enquired of the custome of the Countrie and what newes there was Sirs answered the Merchants a few dayes since we saw the strangest adventure that could be imagined And what was it said Lisvart I pray let us intreat you out of courtesie to let us understand what it was Know then said one of them that the Emperor being in his Palace in the Companie of the Empresse and their two daughters there entred a Damsel richly clad carrying on her neck a Sheild and Sword richly garnished and this woman did lead by the hand one of the fairest young Gentlemen that ever I beheld being armed at all poin a with a black harness except his head which was naked Then he recounted every thing that happened to Perion of Gaule and Aâ—quefa and by that meanes Lisvart and his Companions did easily know that the Merchants did speak of him for whom they had taken so great paines to finde nevertheless marveling what adventure should bring him thither And for this cause they thought good to Land and goe to the Emperour of whom they might have more certaine tydings So they furnished themselves so well as they could especially Lisvart who was one of the fairest Creatures that could be and mounting on Horse back they went into the Towne and came to the Palace where they did alight and passing further they came into a great Hall where the Emperour was in company of many Knights and wise men At their arivall every one did reverence them and gave way to them to approach neare his Majestie Lisvart who marched before them all spake thus to him Sir your high renowne and great bounty knowne throughout the whole world hath moved my Companions and me to come into this your Court not onely to doe you reverence as your Majesties greatnesse doth deserve but also in hoping to have good newes of a young Gentleman who as it hath beene told us you have made Knight not long since at the request of a Damsell who lately brought him hither to you And Sir for asmuch as I never had intention to receive Knight-hood at the hands of any other then his and that my age summoneth me to take more upon me then I have heretofore done I humbly intreat you to tell us what you know to th' end that having found him I may have that which I hope for and desire above all things The Emperour being a gracious and affable Prince answered Lisvart that hee and all his Company were very welcome And as for the young Knight said he which you seek assure your selves my friends that at present I know no news of him at which I am grieved for I love and esteeme him as much as any other that I know because of the great beginning of Knight-hood which I saw in him and assure your selves that I am altogether ignorant of the rest of his Estate for he left this Court after so strange a manner that when I thinke thereof I believe to have dreamed Sir answered Lisvart I will certifie unto you that he is sonne to the hardy Knight Amadis de Gaule King of great Brittain tain and the faire Oriana Aha said the Emperour you tell me wonders that he to whom I have given Knighthood should be the Sonne of the most renowned Prince in the World By my faith I never had more desire to recover any man then I have to get him wherefore if I can once more get him he shal give me satisfaction for the little courtesie he hath shown me in so hiding himselfe And looking upon Lisvart very earnestly I believe said he that you are of his kindred for you are very like him Sir answered Lisvart until it shall please God to make me such a one that I may by my deeds dare to name my Parents I have no intention to be known further Wherefore the Emperour enquired no further but called Dukedelafonte and commanded him to lead him and the other strange Knights to the Empresse and say to his Daughter Gricilerea that she should doe them all the honour she could especially to Lisvart for they came in search of her Knight The Duke obeying to his commands tooke Lisvart by the hand who being come before the Empresse kissed her hands and she embraced him telling that he and his companions were welcome And Lisvart seeing the Infantaes Onolerea and Gricilerea made great reverence to them and the Duke Delafonte told them what the Emperour said In good faith answered Gricilerea he hath good reason to command me to honour this Gentleman for besides his being one of the fairest that ever I saw I thinke him to become of high Linage at the least I doe not remember that ever I have known a person more resembling my Knight then he which causeth me with a better will to obey his commands And therefore faire Sir said she to Lisvart I would entreate you to let me truly know who he is that you seeke and would by no meanes speak to us During these speeches Love who is not a respecter of persons wounded the hearts of Lisvart and Onolerea with one and the same shaft to whom the eye being messenger of the heart would give preâ—ent remedy Contenting both their minds by a regard which promised them cure and contentment The which Perion endeavoured to dissemble answering to Gricilerea Madam the Knight whom you have a desire to know is Sonne of King Anadis de Gaâ—'e and his name is Perion To tell you further would be time lost for the prowesse of his Father who hath so many times encompassed the world causeth his Sonne to be praised with the beginning which he hath made at armes Faire Sir said Onolerea hath no other occasion brought you into this Court but onely to find him No Madam untill this present said he but I well see that for the future there will be more causes if I knew that thereby I should doe you any earthly service Onolerea did most affectionately thanke him the better to disguise what she thought she said to him Truly you were well counselled to come hither if so be you desire ready newes for the Damsell that brought him hither is very familiar at this place and she will not tarry long before she returne to us and then you may know of her what is become of him And Onolerea spake this whereby to hinder Lisvart and stay him with her There was at that time near her Griliana Daughter to the Duke of Ortilensâ— who had stedfastly regarded the countenances of the two new Lovers whereby she soon suspected of what had happened to him and thinking to do them pleasure she said to Onolerea Madam may it please you to th' end that you may avoid some envie which may beare to my Lady your Sister by reason of her knew Knight to receive this Gentleman for yours who as I understand is about to follow Armes believe me I do
not speak this without cause for it is very reasonable that so faâ—r a young Gentleman should be servant to so fair a young Princess as you are The Infanta did somewhat blush at these words which did onely increase her beauty emboldened Lisvart to answer to Griliana Madam I humbly thanke you for the good which you wish me nevertheless knowing the smalness of my deserts not having as yet done any thing worthy of so great a Princesse I dare not undertake to be hers but if she will doe me that favour to accept of me for such a one I shall thinke my self the happiest man under the Cope of heaven Yes truly said Onolerea and from this day forwards I will and pray for you Lisvart set his knee to the ground kissed her hand as the beginning of his service at these passages the Emperour came in who after he a long time had talked with the Ladies hee called a Master of his houshold and commanded to lead these Gentlemen to their lodging in one of the best Chambers in his Pallace Then supper time being come he sent to seeke them and royally feasted them untill it was bed time But Lisvart took little rest for all the night he ceased not to sigh thinking on her who had called him to her service of which he esteemed himselfe unworthy notwithstanding the assurance the Infanta had given him For which cause after he had long tumbled and tossed himselfe he could not forbeare but he said within himselfe Ah ah unfortunate Lisvart what is this hopest thou to gaine the place whereunto the merits of thy Father nay thy Grandfather Amadis were not sufficient to attaine And thou who arâ— but yet as a simple Gentleman not so much as a Knight dost thou thinke to doe more then they dared to undertake No no you abuse your selfe find some suddain meanes to retyre out of this Labyrinth before you get in further Then he suddenly changed his minde but could not take rest on one side or other but remained in strange paine Onolerea was no lesse on her side for all the night she ceased not to sigh having alwaies the great beauty of her Lover before her eyes for which cause she burned with an unaccustomed fire causing her an unaccustomed ilness Thus these two Lovers were handled untill the next morning that Lisvart put himself into the best equipage he could whereby to return to his former course and so did Parmenir Galuanes and Flâ—â—â—stâ—n who being advertized that the Ladyes were at Maâ—s they went to find them and as they entred into the Chappel they perceived Onolerea in so good equipage that she seemed to have somewhat of divine nature in her She had on her a yellow Golden Lock and a Circle of great Pearls which served her as a Carkanet and upon it a vail of yellow Taffaty which adorned her most excellently Gricilerea was near unto her on her knees who seconded her so well that laying aside all affection it was a hard matter to tell to whom nature had been most favourable and a little on one side was Galiana and Bridelena and many other Ladyes and Damsels But had they then asked Florestan and Galuanes what they thought without question Florestan had been for Griliana because he loved her and Galuanes for Bridelnea rather then for the two Infantaes for indeed much might be said of them But I pray thinke with what devotion these Knights did heare Massâ— surely all their prayers and vowes were addressed to those who had as they thought power of their life or death and they would willingly have chosen their Paradise in this little place on condition the Goddesses whom they in spirit adored might be made equal to them in affection And as they were in these termes the Priest having performed his Office the Emperour arose wherefore Lisvart and his Companions went to give him the good morrow and they were conducted from thence into the Hall where the Tables were covered for Dinner CHAP. VII How a forange Damsell arived before the Emperour of Trebisonde demanding a gift of the Infanta Onolerea which she too rashly granted whereof shee repented at leisure THis brave Company of Lords and Ladyes making the best cheere that could be devised just as the Musicall instrumentâ— did give notice unto them to rise from the Table there appeared before them a brave Damsell but of an extraordinary stature but so faire that it was admirable She was clad with a Garment of white cut Satin and fastned with Buttons of Gold and great knobs of Orientall Stones she had on her head a Garland of Flowers under which Garland was seene so great excellent and incomparable ravishing beauty that it was sufficient to entertaine the most accomplished man in the World At her side went two old men having their Beards reaching downe to their Girdles being excellently well set forth with threds of Gold and Silke and behind them was three Knights armed at all points This Damsell being come before the Emperour did put her knee to the ground to kiss his hand but he seeing her in so good equipage graciously tooke her up and asked her what she would have Sir said she I humbly entreate you that you would be pleased to hearken to me and aid me in what I shall most humbly entreate of you Yes truly answered the Emperour Sir said she the renowne of your great bounty hath emboldned me to depart from my owne Country and come into this your Court to find remedy in an affaire which is of great importance to me neverthelesse seeing that your custome is to helpe the afflicted as I have understood I hope not to be the first that shall depart from the presence of your Majesty discontented No truly answered the Emperor and you may freely ask what you please and I will to my power satisfie you The Damsel most humbly thanked him Sir said she seeing that you doe me so much favor I would intreat you to permit me to aske one boon of my Lady Onolorea your daughter and joine with me in prayer to her to grant it Damsel answered the Emperor I will that my daughter be no less liberall in this case then I am and I beleeve you will finde her so At these words the Damsel addressed her selfe to Onolorea and with an humble countenance said to her Most vertuous and excellent Princesse I humbly intreat you not to take it ill at my hands if I address my self to you as to the most courteous and fairest this day living to intreat of you one gift which will cost you little nevertheless it concernes me so neerly that my life depends thereon The Infanta having already heard the will of the Emperor answered to her Damsel my friend you shall have of me all that is in my power to grant you By my God said she I alwayes thought so therefore then there remaines no more but that you intreat this faire young Gentleman who sits
well spoken as any Damsell of her time for which cause it was easie to make him believe her and obey her Know then that the occasion which moved Melia to wish this young Prince so much harm was because she knew for certain by her damnable and divelish art that he would be the ruine of the Pagans and a sure Rampart to all Thâ—ace to hinder which she sent Gradafilea into Tsebisend to th' end she might bring him thither but she hid from her her resolution which was to kill him soon after which God would not permit but rendred this Damsel so affectionate towards him and so taken with his love that day and night she thought of nothing more then how shee might gaine him and make him her husband And thus they journied so long together that they arived at the Camp of the King Armato and untill then Lisvart did not know unto what part he was led So the King was very joyfull at his arivall for he had understood of Melia the danger whereinto the Pagans should fall if he lived And as Gradafilea did present him to him Cruell Melia being impatient arived who caused him presently to be taken by four villaines and putting a great chain of Iron about his neck she said to him wicked villaine now you shall have the order which you deserve afterwards I will lodge you in a place where I will answer for you when I please Lisvart being greatly astonished at this entertainment looked on Gradafilea with a pittifull eye and could not forbeare saying thus to her Truly Damsell I never thought treason could be harboured with so great beauty wherewith you are endewed but seeing that disloyalty is so familiar there where it should be strangest I will never trust any creature where I am not better acquainted So Gradafilea could not answer him one word for she was so much greved at his ill usage that she could willingly have been dead for she loved him with all her heart Wherefore seeing that she could not succour him unlesse it were by entreaty crying tenderly she cast her selfe downe at the feet of Armato and said to him Sir I humbly entreat of you that he who hath confided in me may receive no injury for you will doe me wrong and I may justly be accused of treason which never happened to any other of my Linage But the King turned his head on one side and without answering he commanded to imprison Lisvart and that hee should be put in the furthest part of the Dungeon Sir said she I will never depart from your feet if you consent to such an out-rage at least doe me this pleasure that his person be in an honest place and without being chained as a Rogue otherwise assure your selfe that I will complaine of you all my life and in all places wheresoever I shall come And as she was in these vehement passions her Father arived who being abashed to see his Daughter so sad and the injury which was done to him that had followed her he was not afraid but freely spake his mind for which cause Armato fearing to anger him agreed to his Daughters request although said he this be contrary to all reason for if you or she should know of what importance the death of this Rascal is you would both give judgement of death against him So Lisvart was unchained and put into a strong Tower of which Melia kept the Key and besides she appointed thirty Knights for his guard of which fifteen watched untill mid-night and the rest untill day So God give him patience and provide for him otherwise his death is near as we shall recite in the following Chapters But first know that the Gentleman sent from the Duke of Ortilensa to the Emperour arived at Trebisond and related to him at large the Battell that had been between his Army and that of the King of Breigne and the death of Him and his Sonne and lastly the totall defeat of his Enemies For which the Emperour greatly praised our Lord and for the great care which he had he caused it to be often times related by the Messenger even before the Ladies and believe me he did not forget the great deeds of Armes and prowesses of Florestan Galuanes and Parmenir If then Griâ—ianâ— and Bridelenâ— were well pleased doe not doubt they loved these Knights as their owne proper soules And for this cause being retyred into the Chamber of Onolerea they began a debate between them for pleasure who was the best loved and this they did to please the Infanta who ever since the losse of Lisvart ceased not to grieve Their debate lasted so long that at the last Bridelena being more pleasure then any of the rest tooke a Pillow and being of a light heart threw it at the head of Griliana saying to her My Knight loves me best and I will prove it with the blow of my Mall Griliana tooke another and this Combate began so fierce that it forced the melancholick to laugh for there was not a Pillow that was not thrown without great laughter Then being out of breath Gricilerea went betweene them and so this tourney ended therefore we will leave them to rest and so will returne to Perion of Gaule of whom we have been silent so long CHAP. X. How Perion of Gaule surnamed the Knight of the Sphere met the Infanta Tiriaxa and of the many faire adventures which happened to him YOu may remember that we formerly left Perion with Languines Abies of Ireland and the three crossed Knights refreshing themselves in the Arbor which had beene made by the Apes being Pilots and Leaders of the Barque of Asquefa Now then prosecuting our History as these Knights related their passed fortunes Perion asked of Talanque if he heard any news of Garinter and his brother who had been made Knights by the hand of Esplandian as you have heard in the fifth Book and afterwards they passed into the Island of Galifurnus Sir answered he we have now left him in hard and strong war against a certaine King and my neer Neighbour and they have already conquered many faire places from him And what adventures then brought you in these Marches Quoth Perion No other answered Talanque but the renowne of this Fountaine where it is reported there doth ordinarily happen marvellous and strange adventures and although that it was our intention to return presently to Galifurnus we will not now depart so soon from you seeing that God and fortune hath caused us to meet I like this well said he you will doe me a pleasure for I cannot depart from this place until she who brought me hither cometh againe to finde me and so I have promised her but she being returned I will so far prevaile with her that I will follow her or she shall give me leave to goe with you And as he spake these words he perceived a Hart greatly wounded followed by a Gentleman having a horne about his neck very
him in hitting the Pagan so right on the belly and that for the love of his Lady hee would yet doe as much to this other So Alquefa tarried not long to carry this message which so greatly augmented the force of the Knight of the Sphere that he assured the Messenger to employ his whole power untill he had the Souldan his prisoner or he would lose his owne life in the adventure But Radiare thought much otherwise and prepared himselfe to revenge the death of Grimante which was the fore-named Knight that was last foyled swearing by his great God that Perion should doe Penance for this offence To obtaine which he approached to him and said Knight I have more cause to hate you then any man that I know and nevertheless for the great prowess that is in you I am constrained to esteeme of you and beare you this honour that if you will be on my side as I have not long since told you I will utterly forget the evill which I owe you and I will likewise doe much good for you Truly answered the Knight of the Sphere I will counsell you a great deale beteer if you will believe me How said Radiare Leave thy foolish Faith answered the Knight and acknowledge Jesus Christ to be alone God not the Idolls and Devils which abuse you and instead of doing hurt to the Emperour of Constantinople as you have enterprized aid and helpe him with all your power then will we be friends and not else You need not doubt whether Radiare was inflamed with Ire as hee soon made the Knight of the Sphere understand in saying to him How doe you give counsell to those that doe not aske doe you thinke to tame me so No no before you escape my hands I hope to chastise you in such sort that you shall never speak so rashly to a man of my quality And neverthelesse before we enter into Combate heare the Covenant that I propound to those against whom I sight then if you like it you may agree to it if not I leave it to your discretion Say what you will said Perion and I will willingly hearken to you The vanquished said Radiare shall be slave to the vanquisher in such manner that he shall obey him in all things Consider then if you will consent to it By God answered Perion you speak like a Prince of a good heart and I love this custome so well that I will performe it on my part without falsifying my word Then guard your selfe from me said the Souldan Then they separated themselves and giving the Careere to their Horses they met so strongly that Radiare and his Horse were bast to the ground and Perions Horse had his shoulder broken for which cause he stopped and fell downe under his Master but first their Lances flew in pieces And as both their falls were strange so they relieved themselves so lighty as if they had not endured one blow nor buffet and marching with great fierceness they laid their hands on their swords beginning a Combate so furious and with so heavy blowes that none saw them that were not astonished For they so laboured and renewed their strengths as it seemed that the grasse was dyed with their blood and the ground covered with the broken pieces of their Armour so that every one thought that their deaths was neare And they maintained themselves in this estate without taking breath untill it was noone but the Souldan went on one side and said to Perion Knight I thinke that we should not take example of wild beasts angred with one another in our Combate but the common custome of Knights that beare Armes doe use therefore I pray you let us take breath then let us begin againe when you please I am content answered Perion not that I seeke for rest but you have shewed your self so courteous to me in forbidding your Knights not to assaile me altogether that I shall thinke the better on you the longest day that I live So they remained still resting themselves on the pummels of their swords Nevertheless this stay lasted not long for soon after they recharged one another better then before and the Souldan pressed on Perion so neere that the blood ran downe on all sides whereof he soon revenged himself giving him such a blow with his sword that it entred more then a handfull in length into his shield which he cut in twaine and as he employed all his force to pull it out he constrained him to set his knee to the ground Neverthelesse he soone arose and in rising he gave the Knight of the Sphere so great a blow that had it not been for the goodnesse of Armour he had cleaved his head in twain Then Perion knowing the danger wherein he was took his sword in both his hands and rushed on Radiare with all his force in such manner that both his eyes sparkled remaining so stunned that he began to reele and Perion took hold of his Coller throwing him so heavily to the ground that he had the meanes to take of his Helmet and threw it away Radiare being stunned perceiving the aire began to recover How said the Knight of the Sphere doth your courage faile you for so small a matter Where is now this glory and magnanimity of courage for which you are so renowned in so many places At these words the Souldan opened his eyes and as he saw himselfe in danger of death and the sword lifted up ready to fall on his head he answered him The magnanimity whereof you speak remaines in the heart of the Souldan of Liquea from whence it shall neither depart nor lessen for whatsoever perill may happen Yes but said the Knight of the Sphere doe not you remember the Covenant sworne between you and I I know it answered he and I would have you to know that if I have my carriage firme my speech is as much or more stable and certaine in such manner that I had rather lose ten lives if I had them then the least thing of my promise should not be executed in the least point Therefore make use of me as of your slave for I am ready to endure whatsoever your pleasure shall be Truly said Perion you doe manifest your selfe to be such a one as you are renowned for so I will use you with the honesty which you deserve Therefore rise and remount on Horse back and afterwards we will take of the rest which they did and soon after the crossed Knights approached Then the Queen Calafea came near and her head being bare she came to embrace the Souldan crying to him Seignior Radiare seeing that you and I have so well tryed the strength of the Christians as you know 〈◊〉 pray you assure your selfe that you can have no advantage over them they being supported by a God who is alone Master and Lord of all things Likewise it was a folly for you to joyne your selfe in Combate with this
brother the remembrance of whom struke the Emperor to the Heart that the tears came from his eyes and at that instant the Knight of the Sphere presented unto him the Prince Adariel saying to him Sir behold the Heire of the King of Naples who if it so please God may one day doe you service The Lad set his knee to the ground to kisse his hands but the Emperor graciously tooke him up making him very welcome then they went up into the Palace and leading the Knight of the Sphere by the hand he lead him towards the Empresse to whom the Emperor in entring said Madam behold your son returned nothing is now wanting but your daughter who in time we shall have The Knight of the Sphere made great obeysance to her and the Emperesse arose for to kisse him and in kissing him she said to the Emperor By my God Sir you have done well to bring me that thing which of all things in the world I most desire to see and so I know certainly that my son is enchanted all the world together shall not make me believe that this Knight is not Esplandian Then she came to embrace Adariel Languines and Abies of Ireland and because it was dinner time the Emperor commanded the Tables to be covered in the great hall for he would eat in publique for the love of the new come Knights Frandalo was come but that same day and he was sent for the occasion of the Pagans great preparation to returne into Thrace for which cause all the Court was very sorrowful But that which troubled them more was that as the last course was serving a great whirlewinde beat against the windowes and soone after a great clap of thunder mingled with lightning that all the Companie thought they had been buried quick and not without cause fot the darknesse continued for above a quarter of an houre so black that the cleerest sighted there could not see the greatest of the Companie And as his darknesse vanished there appeared in the aire in the middle of the Hall a flaming Sword tainted with blood at the end whereof hung a writing of Parchment sealed with a great seale of Gold which the Emperor caused presently to be reached downe to see what was therein contained And there was found written these words MELIA the Infanta the cruellest enemy of all Christendome to thee Emperor of Constantinople ruine and entire curse Know that you shall in short time perceive the evill which is prepared for you through my occasion such as the like was never heard spoken of for thou shalt see with thine owne eyes the death of thine the destruction of thy Countrie a strange martyring in the person whom thou lovest best in this world and lastly the end of thy life in miserie In Testimony whereof this Sword shall remaine in the aire neere thy great Citie untill that a Prophesie of Apolidon which remaines to be accomplished shall be effected Then shall it vanish and be no more seen This writing being read every one remained abashed and the sword flew upright remaining in the aire fixed as a true Commet But this rumour was hardly appeased when another was heard through the Towne and it proceeded by reason of two Giants who are entred even as far as the Palace leading a Giantesse so richly habited that the Diamonds and Pearls of her Robes were unesteemable And she had on her head a Circle of Gold so well wrought and of so rare workmanship that it was reported the workman had been ten years in working of it and had done nothing else These Giants were armed at all points except the Head peece and Gantlets and they were accompanied with twentie other Knights of the same furniture Which being come to the Emperors knowledge he doubted of treason wherefore he and his ran hastily to armes and in the meane time the rest wrapped their mantles about their armes and holding their swords in their hands they purposed to keep the entrance of the Palace Where soone after the Giants arived in such equipage as you have heard the ancientest of which gave signe of Peace praying some body to conduct him before the Emperial Majestie the which was done And being arived there they set their knees to the ground and the old Giant began to speake in this manner Most puissant Emperor those who know me commonly call me Argamont the valiant This Ladie which I conduct is my wife named Almatrasa and this other is my Granchilde son to my Daughter named Ardadil Canile And we all have not long since adored false and lying Idols but now we beleeve in â—esus Christ by the meanes of two Knights the one called Quedragant and the other Vaillides with whom I combated and they vanquished me in the Frontiers of the Isle of the Fueille Blanche which is mine and they were so courteous to me that I having the worst in the Combate they saved my life under this condition that I should obey their good pleasure Then he declared how all happened between them To which the Emperor tooke a singular great pleasure and they did them great Honor and made them very welcome especially by the Knight of the Sphere and his Companions praysing with great affection the good beginning of Knighthood which was in Quedragant and Vaillides of whose affaire they being desirous to know further they requested of the two Giants to tell them where they had left them Sirs answered Argamont assoone as they saw me out of danger and my wounds closed they prayed me to come and attend them in this place at that instant they embarqued themselves to goe in search of a Knight for whose absence they were grieved assuring me nevertheless that if within foure moneths they had no tidings of him they would without further delay come to this City attending the Seige of the Pagan Princes of which sir said he to the Emperor you have been already advertised and behold my son who can tell you for certaine as he who hath been present in a great Muster and Assembly which they had I have scarcely knowne the halfe said the Emperor I pray God help me And in saying thus the tears fell from his eyes for he much doubted the threats of Melia For asmuch as the writing contained the ignominious death of the person which he loved best in the world He well knew the Enchantment as well of his son as of his Daughter and therefore he feared that this injurie would fall upon Lisvart whom he thought to be safer then in the hands of the Enchantresse but he was deceived as you have formerly heard So the Giants and their traine were magnificently received and the Emperor gave them faire presents even having understood of Argamont that he would not depart from thence so long as he should have need of them but that they would faithfully serve him according to what they had sworne to Vaillides and Quedragant And as they were in this
discourse news came by a Scout that without doubt the Pagans were already assembled in great Companies in the Isle of Tenedos and purposed to dislodge about the end of the ensuing month for which cause the Emperor called his Councell where it was concluded that Messengers should be dispatched some to Sardinia and Scicilia and in their passage they should informe the King of Naples Adarials father the good fortune of his son and others towards the Emperor of Rome the Kings of Spaine of Gaule and of great Britaine Then from thence to Quedragant and to the Kings Cildadan and of Bohemia to advertise them of the great enterprize of the King Armato and to intreat them for Gods sake to send them the greatest Companie of great Vessels that they can possible to succour Thrace which otherwise would be ruined And by reason that this voyage would be long it was thought fit that in the meane time that Frandalo should retire to the Port of the defended Mountaine and with the King Norandell who ordinarily staid there they should stop if they could possible all Merchants ships or others to the end that they might hinder their enemies from victuals if they should march forward without forcing the places And that the Emperor should remaine in the City attending the news of the other Christian Princes to whom Messengers were sent who were embarqued that very day and with pitifull Letters aswell of the Emperor as of the Knight of the Sphere Languinea Abies of Ireland and others they made such diligence that their legation had the fruit as you shall heare hereafter But first I will tell you of some and ventures that happened to Garinter and Perion sons of Galaor of whom we have not as yet spoken since they departed from Constantinople CHAP. XIII How Garinter and Perion combated against the King of Sibernea and his Nephews whom they vanquished in open field YOu have heard in the fifth booke of this present History how Garinter and Porion sons of Galaor received the order of Knighthood by the hands of Esplandian who soone after embarqued themselves and passed into the Isle of Californus where they had war a long time against some who inhabited the borders of their Country especially with the King of Sibernea whom they chased unto the principall towne of his Kingdome where they held him besieged at that time that Talanque Manely and the Queen Calafia arived at Californus returning from their voyage where they had found Perion de Gaule as you have heard So the Queen would goe no further nor goe to the Seige But Talanque and Manely without sojourning came to finde them using their utmost endeavor to goe thorough with their enterprize The pleasure which these four Knights had in meeting together was great Talanque and Manely being arived in so good time to see the Combate that was agreed of between Perion Garinter and two of their men against the King of Sibâ—rnea and three of his nephews under this condition said Garinter if the victory remaine on his part that his Country shall remaine as free unto him as it was before the war and if we are vanquishers he must leave it unto us peaceably without quarrelling at any time Now we know for certaine that he is a good Knight and his three Nephews are accounted the best of this Countrie but if you please to be on our side I hope with Gods help that our fortune will be wholly prosperous In good faith answered the others we will doe it truly and we will stay untill the day be come That will be to morrow said Talanque therefore rest your selfe for to day that you may be the fresher about your business And so at that time they would enterprize nothing but attending for the time to fight they spent the time in discoursing of the skirmishes and assaults which they had given the Town during the Seige until the next morning when a Trumpetter brought the Hostages from the King of Sibernea For which cause after the oathes and Ceremonies in such cases observed on both sides those who were appointed to fight entred into the field and the King addressed himself to Perion whom he met in such manner that without the helpe of his horse neck he had been on the ground But it happened worse to the King for Peâ—ion disarmed him and threw him down to measure his length on the grasse Garinter did as much to one of the Kings nephews and Talanque to him that he charged although that himselfe was forced to a light for his horse was so shaken at the Shocke that he stayed in halfe the way and as for Manely he leaped from the saddle and likewise he against whom he ran Nevertheless less none of them shewed themselves dismayed but aroâ—e with great celerity and laying hands on their swords there began between them a hard and cruel battel It is very true that the King of Sibernea and one of his Nephews forced Perion and Garinter otherwise they would have cut their horses bridles and their skirmish endured so long that by the space of foure houres it could not be discerned who would have the better or the worse For the King of Sibernea had given such blowes to Perion that making fire come from his eyes he was forced to set his knee twice to the ground at which he was so animated that taking his sword in both his hands he hit the King between the neck and the shoulders where he wounded him so soarely that he never after stirred but died Talanque on the other side did not sleep but fought couragiously with his enemy and he was so much favored of fortune that finding the joint of the Gantled he gave such a blow that he separated his hand from his Arme. Then through paine he gave a great crie and thinking to have recourse to a swift slight to save his life he turned his back which gained him but little for he was thrown down by his enemy and shamefully put to death Which Garinter seeing he received so much vertue that with one blow he cut the naile and armor of him who had so long resisted him and the sword entring three foot into his body he gave up the ghost And the like happened to the fourth against whom Manely had much to doe for he cut off his head most bravely Behold how it happened to the King of Sibernea and his Nephews who lying dead on the field Garinter and his Companions retired into their Tents leaving the cries and complaints to those who were thereby endamaged as well for the losse of their friends as of their towne which was rendred and put into the power of Perion according to the sworne agreements And the day after by the advice of all Garinter remained crowned King to which charge nevertheless he left Polinas for Governor that he might follow strange adventures when he pleased Wherefore so soone as he had received the homages and oathes of fidelity
of Armes then with that of the declared King Lisvart which he caused after his death in remembrance of him in the hand of an old Statue of Apolidon which was on the Gates And therefore he prayed Argamont who was taller then any of the rest to take it down but as he lifted up his arme there fell from the Skie so great a flash of Lightning mingled with such a thunder that the Statue was torne in peeces and there issued from thence a Lion the fiercest that could be seen carrying in his body a Sword which had the pummel of a Carboncle flaming like fire And that which most frighted the beholders the beast began to roare and make such pitifull cries that every one was astonished and at the same instant there fell from the Clouds at the feet of the Emperor a little Emerauld Coffer wherein was a Letter conteining these words THe great wise and good Knight Apolidon hath forged with his own hands the sword which this Beast presenteth to the good Knight who at the time that it shall appear shall be armed by the hands of the son of the brave Lion and therefore let no others enterprize to take the Sword from him otherwise â—vill may happen to him then it was apparently known by reading of this writing that this Sword was allotted to Lisvart and to none other Wherefore the Emperor said to him Performe this adventure which is appointed for you And thereupon the new Knight approached neer the Lion and calling on his Lady Onolorea for help he set on the Lion to take the Sword and then there hapned an other flash of lightning and so great thunder that they thought the Skie would have cloven in twaine and then the Sword that Melia had placed over the Citie was seen fall down and sinke into the earth and there issued from the place the most hideous spirit that could be seen that the most assured of the Company was in great doubt For this fantasie ran directly to Lisvart who was then so neer the Lion that he snatched the rich Sword from him and in snatching it away the Heaven the earth and the Sea were so troubled that there was not any living creature in ten miles space that was not astonished for a quarter of an houre A thing almost incredible for this noise was heard throughout all the Countries of Asia Europe and Africa and the air was so obscure that neither Lisvart the spirit nor the Lion was seen untill the Sun dispersed the darkness with its incomparable brightness Then the Beâ—st ran â—nto the Sea and the new Knight remained stretched out all along holding in his hand the rich Swâ—rd and neer him instead of the fantasie was the body of Melia as black as coale Then Perion approached who thought verily that Lisvart was dead But he found it otherwise for he was but in a swound wherefore the Emperor commanded him to be carried to the Palace and that the Sword should be taken from him untill he was well which was impossible to be done And as they were in these passages a Knight brought the Scabberd and belt whereon was certaine Characters which at that time could not be understood And the Knight said that he found them amongst the ruines of the Statue of Apolidon Lisvart being then layd in his bed the Emperor consulted what should be done with the body of Melia and after divers opinions heard it was at last concluded that she should be burnt in the publick place and her ashes thrown into the aire which being come to the knowledge of Armato he was mervellously vexed CHAP. XIX How the Pagans purposed to assault the towne and of the great meanes they used to storme it THe Pagans being abashed and that not without cause having seen so many strange adventures in so short a time could not tell what to think especially when they heard of the death of the Enchantress Melia The news of whose shamefull death being come to the knowledge of Armato by the meanes of a Grecian Spie did so much stir him up to wrath that he swore he would never depart from the City untill he had raced it and put all within it to the edge of the sword At last the Captains of the Army to appease him promised to assaile it on the morrow morning and to take it or else to leave their lives there in the place and to that end they made their intent knowne to the Officers of the Army that every one might be ready with ladders and other necessaries to fill up the trenches and likewise their pioneers to undermine the walls that they might enter in on foot The King of Jerusalem in the Company of three Taborlaves and a hundred thousand men had the charge of the first on set having for his aid the Souldans of Persia and Alape if he should be repulsed And for the third onset was the King Armato in person with so great a number of Tures that the earth was in a manner covered therewith And for the Sea word was likewise sent to the Kings of Bugie and Giloffe that so soone as they should hear the sound of their Trumpets then they should assault the Port and use their utmost endeavor to force the town on that part The Emperor of Constantinople knowing of this purpose soone made it knowne to his Captaines to the end that they might be in a readiness to doe their endeavors deavors Lisvart was not come to him selfe untill then but then he began to speak and news was carried to the Emperor who came to him to know how he did Very well sir answered he although for a time the noise of the great thunder hath made me loose my understanding I do not know said the Emperor but I think you alwayes thinke you are a fighting for you would by no meanes let goe the sword which you have conquered By my faith said Lisvart I neither thought of peace or war nor scarce of my selfe Truly said the Emperor there is no man living ever heard of the conquest of a sword so strangely as this which you have and behold here is the Scabbord and belt One thing displeaseth me much which is to think that you are not able to approve your selfe against your enemies who intend to come visit us to morrow morning How said Lasvart doe you think me to be so weak No with Gods help I shall make them know that I am as well as ever I was and thereupon he presently arose Then the Emperor said to him My Son the Knight of the Sphere you and Argamont with their Troop shall have the guard of the Dragons gate which is the weakest place of all the King of Hungarie and the Earl Salader that of the Eagle accompanied with the Prince of Brandalie Abies of Ireland Languines and Ardadile Cainle for that place is almost as weak as the other And yee shall have both ten thousand men a peece to sallie out upon
untill they were well that he might carrie with him the Knights of the Sphere and of the true Crosse The old Alqnif was in the meane time much honored and the Infanta Gradafilea took great pleasure to keep the Knight of the true Crosse company for she loved him extremely In such manner that a young man of honor belonging to the Emperor of Trebisond and son to the Duke of Alafonte perceived it and conceived that there was mutuall love between them but in that he was deceived nevertheless this fantasie of his turned to great consequence as you shall hereafter hear But to returne to our purpose the Emperor of Trebisond knowing that the wounded Knights would not be healed so soone as he expected purposed to send his traine before with the Duke of Ortilensa to advertise the Empresse with the cause of his stay The Duke being diâ—patched presently set saile with his Fleet and had so good a winde that in a few dayes he arived at Trebisond where he was welcomed by the Empress the two Infantaes Onolorea Gricilerea and others Now they had already known all that had hapned during this war aswel in Constantinople as to the Knight of the true Crosse and all by the meanes of Alquefa who had been sent with two Letters from Lisvart and Perion to their Ladies and therefore when the Duke arived the two Princesses thinking that their Father and friends were returned did not know with what countenance to carrie themselves for they had sent Alquefa back againe to bid the two Knights not faile to come with the Emperor Yet they were deceived and knowing of the Duke the cause of their fathers stay they lived in hopes It hapned that one day Bridelnea daughter to the Duke of Alafonte called her brother he who had taken notice of the love of Gradafilea to Lisvart and as Bridelnea discoursed to him about the Ladies of Constantinople he hapned to say that to his knowledge he had not seen one so faire as she who had delivered Lisvart from the hands of Melea. But beleeve me said he the good she did him is greatly recompensed for I beleeve they enjoy one another as much as any two Lovers And how doe you know it said Bridelnea Then he told her all that he knew and more And as he was in this discourse Onolorea chanced to come who heard more then she should Wherefore she presently entred into her chamber and having recourse unto her teares she grieved so much that her heart was ready to leave her body Gricilerea had not heard any of this but entring into her fisters chamber and seeing her in such a condition she asked her what she ailed Shee was not able in a good while to answer her but at length she recited to her all which she had heard of Bridelenâ—es brother and said she I will repay him in his own coyne if I can possible And although Gricilerea took great paines to comfort her yet she would not hearken to her but she resolved to write a Letter to him And therefore taking pen and paper she put her determination in execution Then calling an Esquire son to her Nurse in whom she confided she said secretly to him My friend you must doe me a Message The Squire who desired nothing more then to serve her answered her that he was readie to obey her You must said she goe to Constantinople to finde one who is called the Knight of the true Crosse deliver this Letter to him as from me and by all meanes look on his Countenance when he reads it and after he hath read it The Squire was ready to obey this Command so that very day he embarqued setting saile for Thrace CHAP. XXX How Lisvart having received the Letter of the Infanta Onolorea departed secretly from Constantinople and of the return of the Christian Princes into their Countries THe fiftie Kuights being returned to Constantinople and the wounded being healed by the great care of Mr Elizabeth Old Alquif being desirous to returne unto his Isle of Apes tooke his leave of the Company telling them that he would see them another time more conveniently My great friend answered Amadis I am much beholdâ—ng to you for the great aid you have given me being in so great danger therefore I pray you let me see you in my Countrie where I will doe you all the honor that I can Alquif departed that same day Soone after a Page came secretly to tell the Knight of the true Crosse who was then with Amadis that a Squire would speak with him Lisvart followed the Page where the other staid who kissing a Letter presented it to him saying Madam Onolorea sent me to you see what she sayes Lisvart said to him My friend I pray stay till I have read my Ladies Letter and written an answer Then going into his chamber he opened this Letter where he found that which followes SEing that your disloyaltie Knight the most ungratefull living is so apparent that no excuse can cover the fault of your heart I command you on your life that you come not into my sight nor that I hear not from you For you doe not well to dissemble with me who am of so high birth under the colour of Service I much wonder how you were so bold to tell me that which you did before your departure and do much more wonder that you did send so to me as you gave in charge last of all to Alquefa Henceforwards I pray deceive simple wenches and not such Ladies as I am Onolorea He had no sooner read the Contents of this Letter when he swouned but he soon recovered his senses and fell to cursing his ill fortune and he would ofrentimes have killed himselfe with his dagger had not the thoughts of the losse of his soule hindred him But he resolved to depart that night where his Lady nor no other should ever hear of him Then wiping his eyes he caused Onoloreas Squire to be called and said to him friend I would have thee take a horse and carry it this night without the City at the Eagle gate and stay for me there that I may put in execution the desire of your Mistresse And so soon as he had said so he returned to the Emperors Lodgings where he found the Knight of the Sphere Florestan and his other Companions discoursing about their departure At night he told the Knight of the Sphere that that evening he must depart about an affaire newly happened And soon after he went to an old Knights house whom he intreated to lend him some Armes The Knight gave him his sons wherewith he armed himselfe and soon after secretly departed and went to the place where the Squire staid with his horse whereon he mounted then he said to him My friend returne to thy Mistress and tell her that I have fulfilled her commands and I charge thee on thy life let none but her self know hereof Then leaving him to the
them which caused such joy to the heart of Onolorea that she had almost swouned they continued in their discourse so long that word was brought to the two Infantas that the Queen was readie to depart wherefore they left Alquefa having first desired her to remember them to the two Knights and Gricilerea having desired her to tell Perion that she desired him to bring his Nephew to the windowes in the Garden on the next night they might commune together so the Infantaes left Alquefa who presently vvent to the Emperour to informe him of their tidings when she came before the Emperour he demanded of her where she had been so long time to which she answered and told him all the passages that had happened to her since her departure and how she had found the Solitary who was Lisvart son to the Emperor of Constantinople and lastly how she had brought him and Perion together with three other great Princes unto the Port readie to come and offer their service to them This newes was exceeding pleasant to the Emperour and all his Court especially to Onolorea who had now heard that her Knight was the Solitary so much renowned Wherefore the Emperor desired her to intreat them to come to Court and the night drawing on the Emperor bid her good night and so she departed to the Knights to tell them the effect of her Embassie who having heard thereof by her could not sleep that night for thinking of their Ladies CHAP. LVI How the five Knights reverenced the Emperor and of the discourse which Perion and Lisvart had with the two Princesses THe Knights having made themselves ready to goe to the Palace did â—câ— forwards but they had not gone far before they saw the Emperor coming towards them in the Companie of the Kings of Breigne the Dukes of Ortilense and Alafonte with many other Princes and Knights Great was the welcome that the Emperor made to these Knights and they contiued in coming so long together that they came to the Empresse and Ladies who gave them as good entertainment as the Emperor had if any were glad of this meeting the Infantaes found great cause to rejoice but they nor the two Knights could not by any meanes speak with one another untill it was evening they passed the time away untill it was evening and then they went to the place appointed them by Alquefa where they were no sooner come but they found the two Infantaes in readines to receive them expecting their comming The Infanta Gricilerea shewed very much courtesie to her Knight and gave him many thanks for his bringing Lisvart thither and Onolorea did endeavor to excuse her selfe for her cruelty shewed to her Knight and did now make him part of amends by her gracious and favourable aspect to him here they used much familiarity and nothing so much grieved them as the so soon approach of the day which forced them to part here at their parting were many sweet kisses and imbracings on both sides and at last the two Knights were forced to leave their Ladies and depart to their own lodgings where they arived without being perceived CHAP. LVII How the Emperor of Trebisond keeping open Court Friston with his Company came thither and how Lisvart and Onolorea put an end to this adventure FRiston having traversed many Countries and been in many Princes Courts at last came to the Court of the Emperour of Trebisond and there according to his custome desired that this adventure might be tried in his Court whereunto the Emperour consented and therefore many Knights tried their valors hoping to get the victory but they were all vanquished so that there remained none to trie their forces but Lisvart and Perion who would not adventure themselves because they had once before done it then according to the Emperors desire the Ladies began to trie the adventure and it happened as bad to them as it had done to the Knights untill all had done except Onolorea and Gricilerea who purposed likewise to trie their fortunes Then Gricilerea advanced and making great reverence to the Enchanted Queen said to her Queen the fairest that ever I saw may it please you to give me this Crown Myraminea took her gently by the hands and inclined her head so low to her that she kissed her and then she left her in her place Wherefore she being somewhat ashamed retired amongst the Ladies and Onolorea advanced who looking on Lisvart asked the Crowne of Myraminea who taking it off of her own head and kneeling on the ground placed it on the head of Onolorea who being glad hereof would have risen up but it was impossible for she could not stir and so all the company could not stir one jot from the places where they were at which they wondred And that which made them the more to wonder was this Alpatracie came neer to the Emperor and would he or not took him by the hand and led him out of the hall And the enchanted Queen did as much to Onolorea and these who saw it could not succour them for they could not come neer them by twelve paces Which Lisvart and Perion and his Companions seeing they ran hastily to their armes and Lisvart at last came neer the inchanted Knight but it seemed to him that the place was full of armed men who assailed him notwithstanding he at last did hit the Inchanted Knight such a blow on the helmet that there was so great a flash of lightning and thunder and darkness in such abundance that Lisvart nor the Inchanted Knight could not be seen and at last there was seen a Chariot drawn with Adders who took the Helmet from the head of the Knight and the inchanted Knight called to Friston his Governor and said Governor returne if you think good into my Country and there you shall finde me And having said thus the Adders flew into the aire so high that they lost sight of them and the Emperor remained in Libertie Onolorea being crowned with the Crown of Miraminea and the Adamant Helmet at the feet of Lisvart which he soon tooke up and beheld the rarities thereof Friston having thus lost his Company departed to his Country but before he went he had many faire presents given him and so he returned into Sicilie with less Companie then he came CHAP. LVIII How a Messenger brought news to the Emperor of Trebisond that a King of the Savage Island and his two brothers were arived in his Country to combate with Lisvart Perion and Olorius according to the agreement made before King Amadis SCarce had Friston departed the Hall before a Messenger came to the Emperor to tell him that the King of the Savage Island was come with his brothers to combate with Lisvart Perion and Olorius and likewise to have the Emperors safe guard which he soon granted The next day the Emperor knowing that the strange Knights were come into his Dominions sent before the King
he might carrie more company No answered they unless it be one Olorius was present who earnestly entreated Lisvart to let him accompany him which he granted him in such manner that they two being entred into the Barque we will leave the King of Breigne and the rest on the land CHAP. LXII How the Emperor and Perion of Gaule were arested by the treason of the Damsell which conducted them NOw we will returne to the Emperor and Perion whom the Damsell conducted as you have heard after they had sailed untill Sun set they took Port in a little Isle where there was two great Tents erected at the entrance of one there was a Ladie with a Knight armed at all points whom the Damsell shewed to Perion saying Sir Knight behold him with whom you must fight and who hath by great treason killed my Father Damsell answered he I promise you that I will revenge him if I can Then they three issued out of the Barque and soone after the Knight aduanced who asked of them whether they went and what they searched for Knight answered Perion you have promised this Damsel to stay here untill she should bring a Gentleman to fight with you and revenge the death of her Father whom you have murthered And well said the other what of that nothing said Perion but I will onely have your life in recompence of his In good faith said the Knight your enterprise is folly and I will chastise you before you escape my hands Having said thus he laid hands on his sword and Perion did so likewise when holding forth his sheild to defend himselfe from the blow of his enemy his sheild was cut in twaine and he striking the Knight one blow his sword broke in three pieces Rascall said the Knight now shall your head be lodged in the place where you enterprized to place mine Perion seeing his extreame danger ran upon him with great courage and took hold of his choller but there issued six great slaves out of the Tent whereof four seized on Lisvart and two on the Emperor whom they suddenly chained Then the old woman knowing the Emperour said to him Wicked Emperor seeing that you are now in my power I will make you an example to all others who goe about to hurt the friends of Armato and now I will revenge the death of him and many other great Lords which you were the cause of Lady answered the Emperor I know not what you speak of but there was never so great reason as this which you have used unto us CHAP. LXIII How Lisvart and Olorius were taken prisoners by the same parties that staid the Emperor and Perion LIsvart and Olorius had hardly put to Sea before the night overtooke them Nevertheless they left not sailing untill they arived at the Island where the Emperor was and there they landed One of the Damsells counselling them to repose on the grasse untill day Which they agreed unto nevertheless a little while after they demanded of Lisvart if he remembred the boon which he had promised them Yea truly answered he follow me then said the younger and I will tell you apart what it is for I would not have any know it besides us It was then very darke nevertheless Lisvart and she walked together and the Damsell seigning to be weary prayed him to sit down on the grass and talke together which he agreed to not doubting of what after happened for the false quean took him behinde as he was stooping and throwing him down took his sword from his side and runing away cried help me Knights help me help me Lisvart being astonished to see himselfe thus deceived ran after her as fast as he could but he was soon stopt by seven Knights who were in ambush who surprizing him carried him away to the place where the Emperor and Perion were chained Then he knew that there was treason for they soon put great Irons on his legs which grieved him to the heart and as he stoopt he gave one of the Villaines such a blow on the mouth that he broke out four of his teeth In the mean time the cries of the Damsell came to the ears of Olorius who was a discoursing with the other and he went towards the Pavillion to see what was the matter But in entring he saw Lisvart the Emperor and Perion in that estate that I told you Wherefore being moved to anger he laid hold on his sword and without regarding the danger he was in he cleaved the first that he met to the ears and he did as much to the second then he came to the third against whom Perion had combated and the first blow that he gave his sword broke to his fist Then he saw well that he could no longer resist for he was encompassed so on all sides that he was taken and bound as the others were who were carried neer the Sea and there they were separated and put into divers Vessells without knowing whither they were carried nor wherefore they were so illy handled CHAP. LXIV How the Empress was advertised that the Emperour Perion Olorius and Lisvart were lost and of the sadness of Onolorea and Gricilerea when they found themselves big with child THe King of Breigne Adariell Elinie and the rest were much grieved having so unfortunately lost the Emperor and seeing that Lisvart did not returne neither as he had promised these three therefore purposed not to returne into the Towne without knowing further news of them And therefore finding a small ship fit for their purpose they embarqued praying the Dukes of Ortilensa and Alafonte to returne to the Empresse and declare unto her this great misfortune which being understood many Knights entred in search of him and traversed so many strange Countries that Greece Thrace Almanie Italie Great Brittaine and Gaule were advertized thereof for which cause there were many sad hearts but this was nothing in respect of the two Infantaes Onolorea and Gricilerea who entred into so great Melancholly that they were weaker and weaker every day and their great bellies did help them to be more weak now paying use for the pleasure which they had sometimes received in the garden with Perion and Lisvart They had carried themselves so prudently in their loves that none had perceived them and the Empress her self thought that their debility proceeded from the losse of their father wherefore she comforted them with certaine hope that by the aid of our Lord he would shortly returne This was not the right point that troubled them most but the little child which they perceived to move in their bellies Wherefore she obteined leave of the Empresse to dwell a little while in the monstarie of Sophie which was neer thereunto and the â—ster of the Duke of Aâ—afonte was Abbesse and they would have no women with them but onely Sirtâ—nse and Garinde daughters to their nurses in whom they had much confidence and there they staid as covertly as they could untill the time that they should be delivered Then they discovered all to Sirense and Garinde who thought fit that the Children should be carried to the Port Town called Filine where they should be nursed by the mother of Garinde as if they were hers Onolorea was the first that was delivered of a fair son which was wrapped in rich clothes and given to her mother to kiâ—s who in tears gave it her blessing And recommending it to the keeping of our Lord she prayed Garinde in baptizing it to give it the name of Amadis de Greece in favour of King Amadis his great Grandfather and the Emperor Esplandian This being done the Damsell departed by a back dore with the childe over a wood to Filine but the little Creature was so feeble that Garinda thought it would die and therefore ariving neer a Fountaine she put it in the water saying these words Little child receive the name of amadis de Greece She had scarcely ended these words and thrown the water on his head when she heard the noise of a people coming directly to her wherefore being surprized with fear leaving the Child she ran into the thickest of the woods to hide her selfe And know that these were Rovers Black-Moores who came to the Fountaine to get fresh water where seeing little Amadis in rich Cloathes they were marvellous glad and much more abashed when they saw that he had brought from his mothers wombe a Sword of a Vermillion Colour the Pommell whereof was on the right knee and the point right at his heart And there was upon it certaine Characters or Letters white as snow which they could not read nor understand wherefore without looking on him any further they wrapped him up and carried him into their ships where by good fortune they had women amongst whom one named Esquisea newly brought to bed had the charge to nourish this little Amadis whom they called the Gentleman of the flaming Sword In the mean time Garinda somewhat assured returned to the place where she had left him but not finding him there she thought that Beast had devoured him for which she was extreamly sad nevertheless she puposed not to tell Onolorea hereof but to tell her that she had left it in the towne of Filine and so she did at her arivall when she found Gricilerea delivered of another fair son whom she called Luceneio These two triumphed in their time as you shall heare at large if God and the time permit in the seventh and eight Books where their Deeds and Chivalries are amply recited with as much grace as any book or Chronicle that was ever published And thus we will make an end of our present work The end of the sixt Book
Perion doe you then know me Know you answered one of them yes truly and for good cause seeing that I am your kinsman Talanque son of Galaor brother to the King your father and this is Mancly a well esteemed Knight amongst the best in the world Truly said Perion this adventure is the best for me that I could have wisht for but I pray you tell me who is the third Sir answered Talanque this is she who keeps me from marrying Queen Calafea of whom you have sometimes heard Yes by my faith said he although that I never thought to have seen a woman endowed with so good a heart and o great Prowesse Then Talanque called the Queen and said to heâ— Madam you have now in your hands the brother of that Christian Prince which you hate most as I have often heard you say And he said this for sport for she oftentimes published and in all companies that she was more beholding to the Emperor Esplandian then to all the men of the world as well for the honor and good cheere which he made her at Constantinople as for giving her a husband so wise vertuous and full of Prowesse Wherefore knowing that it was Perion she cast down her sheild and setting her knees to the ground she would have kissed his hands But he lifted her up and said to her how Madam is this the fashion at Californâ—s thus to welcome those whom they hate for the love of their Kindred Sir said she wives are obliged to performe the commands of their husbands otherwise be sure that without death or cruel imprisonment you should not escape from me They all fell alaughing at the good grace wherewith the Queen spake these threatnings And as they were thus talking the Prisoners who were bound to the Cart as you have understood found the means to cut the cords and come to the Knight of the Sphere who going to the old man that went before them all he said to them Alas old man what sinister fortune have you to be brought into such misery in your old years Sir answered he I will alwayes praise the Lord and blesse him for you who have delivered me from death And before I tell you any further I humbly intreat you for Gods sake to grant me one gift which shall cost you little and which you cannot refuse as I thinke considering your goodness who hath compassion of poore miserable afflicted persons as I am Father said the Knight of the Sphere you shall have your pleasure of me That which I require of you answered the good man is that you give me my liberty and that for this time you enquire of my Estate and I will at one time or other acknowledge the favor which you have done me Truly said Perion seeing that it is your pleasure to hide your selfe from me I am content Then he asked the others who had so chained them but they were so ill that they could not suddenly know him who spake to them although that to finde him they were entred into search with Lisvart They had been hitherto covered with their Helmets wherefore it was no marvel if Perion himself did not know them untill they took heart and as they thought they had dreamed lifting their hands to Heaven and stretching forth their armes they cryed Ah God! is this which we now see with our owne eyes possible to be true Saying so they pulled off their Helmets and stooped down to kisse the feet of Perion who knew them to be Languines and Abies of Ireland two of his Companions he was so glad that in embracing them he said to the Crossed Knights My friends if you knew who these Gentlemen are perhaps you would have part of my great pleasure Then he related to them how they departed out of great Britaine together and what adventure had separated them Talanque Manoly and the Queen Calase a did much marvel all which the Knight of the Sphere led into the Arbor Nevertheless before they arived there the old man departed from them and monnting on one of the horses who had lost their Masters he sled with a great gallop through the Forest at which the Knight of the Sphere began to laugh saying to the others I think this good man thinks he is pursued by the Giant See I pray if fear doe not sharpen his spurs which I would forgive him with a very good will if I knew his name But you who have been with him said he to Languines and Abies cannot you resolve me in this point In good faith answered they we have as little knowledge of him as you for know said Languines that my Companion and I departing from the Port of Constantinople to goe in search of you so soon as we had set saile there arose such a tempest that at the end of three weeks we were at Palestineâ— neer to Joppa where we landed to give order to repaire our ship and take in fresh water which we wanted In the meane time we tooke out our horses and armed at all points we went to visit the Countrie in such manner that by fortune we happened upon a shadie place on one side whereof there did run a most sweet and faire Fountaine wherewith we dranke and washed our hands and faces And at an ill time as we were a refreshing our selves we were charged by fifteen Knights who issued out of a Grove they surprized us before we were ready Nevertheless we defended our selves a long time against them But in the conclusion knowing we must die we were forced to lay down our armes and obey their commaâ—ds although that this was not without great losse for oâ— the fifteen we left five of them for a gage and the ten likewise had somewhat to doe when the Giant who lies dead there arived conducting in the Charriot he who is fled now Then our resistance was of little force and we remained his prisoners causing us to be changed just as you have found us in the good houre By my head answered Perion I never heard of so marvellous an adventure where the event is so good God be thanked They had not as then eaten all the day wherefore finding the victual which the Apes had provided they began to eat not without lamenting for Lisvart and the rest of their Company whom the storme drove as you shall presently hear CHAP. VI. How the Vessel wherein was Lisvart Florestan Parmenir and Galuanes was cast neer to the great City of Trebisond and of the discourse which they had with the Emperor and the Ladies FOrtune was so averse and contrary to those who embarqued themselves to goe in search of Perion that their vessels were separated and so they lost sight of one another The ship wherein Parmenir Galuanes Lisvart and Florestan were escaping the danger of many shipwracks happened by Gods good pleasure to arive at the Port of Trebisond where they found a Venetian ship laden with Merchandize and waited for
vanquish him then she would beg his life and so he would be more obliged to her then before and in this resolution she slept untill the next morning when things happened as you shall heare CHAP. XXV Of the Combate that was between the Knight of the true Cross and the King of the Giant Island the Queene Pintiquinestra and Almirix of Liquea Captaine of the Pagans Army and of the discourse which Gradafilea had with Lisvart about the saving of her Father THe night which putteth every thing to silence gave some rest to those who were to fight but soon as the day came on after the Knight of the true Cross had heard Mass he went to Arme himselfe in the Tent of Amadis where was already arived the Queene Pintiquinestra And as his Armor was putting on his back Alquefa entred the Tent who had been sent by the Ladies of Constantinople to know at what houre they would enter the field and spake thus to him in his eare Sir Knight I am sure that Madam Onolorea will soon hear of this fight and therefore carry your self well that you may gain honour and not lose your love and life together This troubled the Knight of the true Cross so much that he could not speake one word And Amadis prayed Alquefa to returne into the Town to bid the Ladies get on the walls for they would presently enter the field Pintiquinestra was then ready to mâ—unt on horse-back but she complained for want of a good sword Madam said Amadis I have one which I have conquered and tried in many good places therefore I pray let it serve your necessity and I would not present it to you but that I esteeme you as my second self Sir said she I would not take it but that I will deliver it to morrow safe and sound with many thanks So Amadis girded it on her and soon after she and the Knight of the true Cross went out of the Tent and their horses at the entrance whereon they mounted accompanied with many valiant men as Amadis that served the Queene that day as a Squire carrying for her to the place of the Combate a shield and Lance and Calafea her Helmet The Emperor of Trebisond and Constantinople did the like for Lisvart and because they found within the List Almiries of Liquea and the King of the Giant Island waiting for them they made no long Ceremonies before they began the Combate These Pagan Princes were armed with black Armes for grief of Armato and the King of the Giant Island had a large shield whereon was portracted two wounded Giants dead and he did seem by his countenance to be a very valiant man The Trumpets soon began to found and the Knight of the true Cross and the King of the Giant Island came against one another and the King of the Giant Island was cast from his horse and the Knight of the true Cross had had the like fortune if he had not gotten hold of his horses maine On the other side the Queene Pintiquinestra and Almirix were not the meane time idle although their fortune differed from the others for they broke their Lances and neither of them was moved out of their saddle to the wonder of the beholders In the mean time Lisvart turned his bridle and seeing his enemy on his feet he left his horse also then there began a most cruell conflict and they charged one another so fiercely that they were often forced to kneel on the ground Thus they spared one another so little that the field was in many places dyed with their blood and with the pieces of the Harnesses when the King retiring on one side spake thus to his enemy I think sir Knight that the day is long enough for us to end our controversie I pray you therefore let us take breath a little Lisvart had not forgotten what was said to him of Onolorea and therefore he would not make any answer but redoubling his blows he gave the spectators to understand that his strength was redoubled Yet his enemy was not a jot astonished but like a wise and hardy Champion he defended himselfe and assailed his enemy The Queene Pintiquinestra used her utmost to gain the Victory her sword was so good that she gave never a blow to Almirix that did not cut to the quick Wherefore he was so angred that he struck her such a blow that she was forced to step backwards but she soon revenged her self for she struck him so right between the Helmet and the shoulders that his soul presently departed and left his body dead in the place When she had done thus she retired under the shadow of a tree to see what would happen to the King of the Giant Island and the Knight of the true Cross who were then striving to throw one another down Gradafilea was very joyfull to see the great prowess of the Knight of the true Cross whom she loved with all her soul One thing troubled her which was to think that the death of the one or the other would be grievous to her the one being her Father and the other her Lover The blood which the King of the Giant Island did continually lose from his wounds did make him very feeble as it was well known by all the spectators Not long after the King of the Giant Island thinking to ward a blow retreated somewhat back-wards and in the going he fell down in such manner that every one supposed him to be dead wherefore the Knight of the true Cross went forwards and in all diligence set his foot on his neck and endeavoured to break the buckles of his Armour whereby he might cut off his head But he heard a voice crying continually Ah ah Lisvart Lisvart at this cry he looked about and saw the fair Gradafilea who being come to him cast her self at his feet and with tears in her eyes said thus Alas Knight if you are now so pittifull of me as I was of you when I delivered you out of Prison save the life of him that begat me and this is the boon which I desire of you as you promised me otherwise let us both die by your hands The Knight of the true Cross knew her very well wherefore leaving the King who was under him he went to take up Gradafilea who was on her knees and in taking her under the Arme he said By my faith Damsell the Obligation wherein I am indebted unto to you is so great and the power which you have over me is so much that the least messenger you could have sent had beed more then sufficient One thing I entreat of you that is that you and he go along with me and I assure you that you shall have as good entertainment as I can possible There was then come to them the Emperour of Constantinople and Trebisond Amadis Pintiquinestra and many other great Personages to hear the discourse between the Knight of the true Cross and the
Damsell to whom he said that through her means alone he was then alive For said he it was she and none other that delivered me out of the hands of cursed Melia. For which cause there was none in the Company that did not respect her and her Father whose Horse was brought then they all mounting did ride to the Tent of Amadis where they alighted But they had hardly put their feet to the ground when Alquefa arived who addressing her selfe to the Emperour of Constantinople entreated him kindly on the behalfe of Oriana to bring Lisvart and the King of the Giant Island to the City for she would have Mrs. Elizabeth to look to their wounds and she likewise desired to see Gradafilea and Queene Pintiquinestra which all the Lords present consented to Wherefore they accompanied her unto the City where they were royally welcomed And all the Kings wounds were dangerous yet Mrs. Elizabeth lookt to them so well that he began to be well in few dayes after CHAP. XXVI How the Pagan Princes after they had beene so illy handled sent to the Christian Princes to demand truce who refused them and of which happened THe Pagans Army was much troubled seeing Atmirix of Liquie dead and the King of the Giant Island out of their power wherefore knowing that there was no remedy they entred into Counsell Where it was concluded to send to the Christians to aske truce for fifteen dayes wherein they might make the deceased Kings Funerall and send their bodies into Asia to be buried Wherefore they dispatched Embassadors for that purpose who came to Amadis who having known the reason of their embassage enformed the other Princes thereof who would not say any thing untill he had declared his judgement wherefore being forced thereunto he said thus It is very certain sir that this wicked people are come into this Country more to offend true Religion and the faith of Jesus Christ then the Country of Thrace and Consiantinople wherefore I think that we should not hearken to them in any such request and that rather we go to find them out and fight them and drive them to the furthest parts of Tartaria And if it be objected that they are great in number I say that they are most of them weak in body and much disheartned and which is more we fight for the faith of Jesus Christ in whose power are all Victories and therefore we shall be sure to vanquish them This opinion was approved of by all Wherefore the Emperour of Trebisond gave this answer Sirs Ambassadors we will have no truce with you but if you do not depart before to morrow we will drive you out and thus you must enform those who sent you This news pleased them not and it did lesse please the Princes of the Army for they had in the former assaults lost the chief of their Souldiers and the rest were much discouraged Wherefore the Captaines of the Army resolved to try their fortunes once againe before they should be more diminished and therefore they gave order to the Souldiers to be ready by Sun rising to go fight their enemies But they were not so secret but the Emperour of Constantinople heard thereof by his Spics and therefore told the other Princes thereof that they might be ready In the mean time those that had been wounded were recovered and their forces were ordered in this manner The Emperour of Constantinople had the guard of the Town accompanied with Quedragant King Arban of Norwales Angrot and Estrevaux Bruner son to the Giant Balan and Gasquiles King of Suesse with a number of footmen And as for the rest of the Army they mustred together in one squadron except the King Don Florestan and the Emperour of Rome who had thirty thousand Horsemen and sixty thousand Footmen to go on the Enemies Baggage and to put them in disorder if they could And as for the Sea the King Norandell the Earls Frandalo and Plastre followed by the Duke of Ortilensa with their Furniture who found the means to surprize the Kings of Bugie and Gilâ—ffâ— who were come into Thrace to hinder the Christians Army from going further but it fell out far otherwise as you shall hear CHAP. XXVII Of the cruell Battaile that was between the Christians and Pagans as well by Sea as by Land and of that which happened YOu have not long since heard how the Christians ordered their affaires but the Turks and other Lords of the Levant were not in the meane time idle but by the advice of the Souldan of Persia they counselled that about midnight their souldiers should set forwards secretly Wherefore they diligenty provided for all â—hings necessary And the King of Jerusalem followed by five other Kings and Califs with a hundred thousand fighting men had the charge of scaling the wall So they likewise sent to their Sea Army and gave order to them that so soone as they should see a Signall of fire they should affaile the Christians sleet but if the worst should happen on their part they should remaine on the Coast of Thrace whereby they might save their men But they did not give the onset untill the day break But if they had they would have found the Christians ready In the meane time Yrguion son to Gandelin whom Perion of Gaule had brought from great Britaine to serve him as an Esquire presented him before Amadis and being armed at all points said to him Sir I am son to Gandalin your ancient servant I humbly intreat you to give me honour of Chivalrie seeing that it is impossible as I think that at a better time I can enter into armes being the day of the Conflict Amadis had never before seen him neverthelesse when he knew who he was he welcommed him for his fathers sake And sent for his father and in his presence gave him the order in so reasonable a time that he had hardly remounted on horseback when the Enemies marched a great pace towards them And at their first meeting their Lances breaking in peeces on their armour made such a noise and the continuall flames of fire as was a pitifull thing to behold and more especially to heare the complaints of those that were wounded some on their heads and on their armes some on their bodies as it was their ill fortunes Amadis Esplandian Perion and Lisvart threw foure Kings dead to the ground at the first onset and entring into the battaile being followed by many good Knights performed marvels And there was killed at the first onset on both sides more then thirtie thousand persons There the Knights of the Sphere and of the true Crosse triumphed for before they laid hands on their Swords they disarmed fifteen Pagans of the bravest of the Army The two Queenes Calafea and Pintiquinestra did as well behave themselves slashing and throwing to ground all those that they mâ—et in their way when Amadis saw five Giants amongst others whom King Grifflant had caused to come