will swear it by the living Gods for I saw it with my own eyes Ah Ah! said the King fetching a deep sigh Since the Traytor has so far forgotten himself as I heretofore prefer'd him before all that were in this Kingdom so will I now cause him and the Strumpet his Companion to be put to the cruelst Death that ever wretched Creatures suffer'd Then the King commanding Maudan to keep secret what he had told him retir'd to his Chamber as full of discontent as the Villian was of joy for having so well accomplisht his design As the Love of a Father to his Son is incomparably greater than common Amities so the hate of the one to the other when it grows vigorous is undoubtedly more extream than can be exprest In like manner the King who was so affectionated to the Knight of the burning sword that he had almost equall'd him with Fulurtin having heard the discourse of this Whisperer grew so disturb'd that he had much ado so to govern his Passion as to forbear sending him at that very moment to receive his last Punishment which yet tho' not without putting a gâ—eat constraint upon himself he for a while suspended hoping to surprize him in the Fact Now such is commonly the Nature of Sin that 't is no sooner brought into the Woâ—ld but 't is attended by Repentance which was the cause that Maudan mixing water with his wine began immediately to know his offence insomuch that considering the many Pleasures and Courtesies he had receiv'd from the Knight he had accus'd he wisht he had never spoken ill of him but when the Steed is stoln 't is too late to shut the Stable door Yet did remorse of Conscience conducted by Reason gain so much upon him that he purpos'd at least to save his life by giving him notice tâ—at the King sâ—ake of doing him a displeasure and advising him therefore to absent himself from his Fury This thought he put in Execution A thing probably proceeding from GOD not for the sake of so wretehed a Person as Maudan but for the preservation of the Innocent for which cause we sometimes see the Wicked contrary to his Nature to leave Evil and give way to Good The Sun was already retir'd behind the Mountains and the Night approacht when the Traytor found out the Knight of the Burnâ—ng Sword to whom concealing from him the Poison which lay hid in his heart he thus spake My dear Friend so much do I desire your Good that there cannot any inconvenience befall you at which I should not be as much troubled as if it hapned to my self 'T is therefore necessary you retire with all possible speed for I certainly know that the King is resolv'd to put you to death for which purpose you will be Arrested at your Entrance into the Palace The particular cause indeed I cannot learn but some story has been told him for which he hates you to extremity The Knight of the burning sword as you will easily believe was not a little astonisht at this Advertisement the truth of which as not having any way offended he would soon have question'd had not Maudan always pretended a particular kindness for him He gave therefore so much credit to this Traytor 's words that he immediately commanded Yneril his Esquire to bring his Arms and taking Horse went secretly forth of the Town without any other Attendance Riding all Night in marvellous discontent Thus Maudan wove the Web which afterward cost him his life as shall be declared to you In the mean time the better still to cover his design he went very late in the Evening to the King to whom he said Sir I doubt Yneril may have over heard some part of the discourse I had with Your Majesty about his Master for I am certainly inform'd he was listning under the window Which may be the more easily credited for that I have not since seen the Knight of the burning sword whom I believe you will find to be fled That would be ill reply'd the King therefore pray know the certainty of it and that without delay At these words Maudan went strait out of the Palace to the Knight's Lodgings returning soon after as in amaze to tell the King he was gone Magadan hearing this sent hastily to apprehend the Queen Buruca swearing he would have her burnt alive at which the poor Lady who knew not for what occasion was very much troubled and casting her self at the Kings feet besought him with hands held up to tell her the cause of his displeasure Wicked woman answer'd he you shall know too soon to your cost Then commanding her to be lock'd up he set Guards upon her charging them on peril of their lives to keep her safe After this he sent forth men on all sides to look for the Knight of the burning sword and bring him either alive or dead For said the King he has acted against me the greatest Treason in the world Fulurtin wondering at this so suddain change found means to know the cause â—f it which the King would not conceal from him that he might irritate him the more against the Knight who had done him so many Services not letting him however know from whom he had receiv'd his Information But the Young Prince being well advis'd endeavour'd what he could to pacify all and disswade Magadan from believing any such thing which 't was impossible for him to do Not long after those who had been in quest of the Knight of the Burning Sword return'd without hearing any news of him at which the King was so enrag'd that he wanted lâ—ttle of putting the Queen to death But by the Advice of his most intimate Counsellors he delay'd it till such time as he recover'd the Knight At that very instant there Arriv'd a Courier bringing him News of the Spoil the Enemies made in his Realm into which they were entred This made Magadan whose Army was now ready march forth to meet them and give them Battle the Man being led by Fulurtin and the rest of his Forces by the King himself whose Army was divided only into two Squadrons The Kings of Tharsus and Arabia advertis'd of Magadans approach drew up their men in a Pâ—sture to receive him After a long and fierce Fight Magadan and his Son were in fine taken Prisoners and their whole Army discomfited the greatest part e caping to the Neighbouring Towns and the rest being put to the Sword These Kings having thus gotten the victory consulted betwixt themselves to send Magadan and Fulurtin where they might be safely kept Of this the King of Tharsus would take the Charge attended only by ten chosen Knights not being willing to trust such a Prey with any other Person but himself and in the mean time the King of Arabia advanc'd to Besiege Saba CHAP. IV. How the Knight of the Burning Sword found a Moorish Hermit and of the discourse they had together SO long travell'd the
worse Go said the Knight thou shalt know when thou com'st back Then they withdrew into the privat'st part of the Forrest where the Knight disarming himself gave his Armor to Yneril who rode strait with it to the Town where having found at an Armorers what he desir'd he return'd to his Master who having Arm'd himself and mounted his Steed said to Yneril Pray stay for me at the Town and come every Evening to this place to see whether I am returned or not For I must help the King and Fulurtin else the Nourishment they have given me would be very ill bestow'd if in a time of such necessity I should not hazard my Person to preserve them How Sir answer'd the Esquire will you put your self in such danger to preserve his life who seeks to deprive you of yours He shall not know me reply'd the Knight and besides I have always heard it Averr'd to do Good for Evil is double Merit And therefore since the Gods give me this good will I will employ it and my Person also in doing Service to the King to whom I am oblig'd Yneril seeing him so resolv'd durst not contradict him wherefore recommending him to the Protection of his Gods he took one way and the Knight another following the course he had seen kept by the Horseman he met the day before Now he had not rid far ere he met a Courier coming full speed whom he askt what News he brought Sir Knight answer'd he rejoice our Prince the King of Tharsus has defeated the Army of King Magadan and taken him and his Son Prisoners bringing them along himself with a Guard only of ten Knights which are not far behind me and for this cause I am going to Advertise those of the Town that they may come forth to receive them Then he pass'd on and the Knight of the Burning Sword still keeping his way said within himself God never prosper me if I don't deliver them or dye in the attempt And that he might not tire his Horse he rode leisurely on till he came to the top of an Hill whence he might easily see those that conducted the King and his Son who were set upon two little Nags having each of them an Esquire behind him which for greater security held them about the middle The Knight was so mov'd at this spectacle that without any farther delay he let down the Visor of his Helmet and seeing his opportunity rusht in amongst them crying with a loud voice Stay Traytors stay the Injury you do such Noble Princes shall cost you dear The King of Tharsus and his Brother who rode foremost seeing themselves assail'd thus on the sudden put themselves in a posture of Defence breaking their staves on him that ran against them but with so much force did the Knight hit the King that piercing with his Launce both his Shield and Breast-plate he threw him out of the Saddle his Arm in the fall breaking short in two Then passing farther he entred pell mell amongst the seven others who environ'd him on every side For of the ten two were retir'd aside with Magadan and Fulurtin Now the Knight of the Burning Sword was not at all dismay'd but striking on the right hand and the left gave not any home blow but what Death follow'd Which when the King of Saba and his Son saw they greatly wondred not being able to imagine who it should be that perform'd so high an Enterprâ—ze but saying within themselves that they had never seen so much Prowess acted by one sole man And with good reason might they say it for this Dispute continued above the space of four hours during which the seven assaulted Knights were so ill treated that the King of Tharsus's Brother lost his life there and three others with him The rest turning their backs fled through the Wood whether the Knight of the Burning Sword car'd not much to follow them but turn'd his Bridle doubting lest those who guarded Magadan and Fulurtin might kill them but they had seen their Fellows so well rubb'd that to avoid falling into the same danger they made use of their Horses heels Thus were the Prisoners left without any Guard to whom the Knight of the Burning Sword turning himself cut the Cords with which they were bound saying to the King Sir may it please you now to give me leave for as far as I can see you have no longer need of my assistance Ah! good Knight answer'd the King I beseech you tell us who you are to the end we may bear you good Will all our lives for the favour and succour we have receiv'd of you Sir reply'd the Knight I am one that ow you far greater service than this and I hope the time will come when you will by experience know the great Respect I have for you and yours In the mean time be pleas'd not to trouble your self any farther with enquiring what I am but cause the King of Tharsus who lies wounded to be set on Horseback and sent into one of your nearest Towns for as for me I must get my wouâ—ds lookt after The King perceiving he would not reveal himself importun'd him no farther but very affectionately thanking him committed him to the Protection of his Gods as the Knight also did him hasting without any stay through the Woods Then the King and Fulurtin made a sâ—ift to catch two of the Steeâ—s which were loose and having arm'd themselves wâ—th the best Arms theâ— could find tâ—ey went to the King of Tharsus and seeing that he was not dead bound up his wou ds and ha ing set him upon one of their little Nags conducted him thence to the Town of Teâ—rina where being arriv'd and understanding that the King of Arabia had planted h s Camp near Saba Magadan sent him word by a Trumpet that if he did not retreat he would strike off the Head of his Prisoner the King of Tharsâ—s The King of Arabia hearing this and being inform'd how all had pass d rais'd his Siege and without any longer stay return'd into Arabia as Magadan did to Saba attended by a great Troop of Knights and taking along with him the King his Prisoner of whom he had afterwards not only Peace but also a great Tribute and Ransome CHAP. VI. How after the Knight of the Burning Sword had Resâ—u'd the King of Saba and his Son he entered into the thickest of the Forrest where he met with an Old Man and of the Discourse they had together THe Knight of the Burning Sword having as you were told deliver'd Magadan and Fulurtin turn'd back the way he came and tho' he was cruelly wounded yet did not this so much trouble him as that he did not know the place where he was and less how to find any help for the Neighbouring Country appertain'd to the King of Tharsus whom he had defeated which made him greatly fear being known by them that fled wherefore he kept himself as close within
the Emperor has written you word after the Damsel Alquifa and we never knew what became of him He will be found again some other time said the King and went immediately to visit the Knight of the Kay into whose Tent he had scarce set foot when there entred a Damsel Sister to Farineus of Carsantum who having left her Brother in the Chirurgeons hands came to give the King notice she had met the Knight of the Burning Sword for she knew by Report that he had conquer'd the Defended Mountain And for this cause as soon as she saw Amadis she fell down on her knees and said to him Sir the Knight who as they say fought Frandalo and his People is to my certain knowledge in this Country Is he so said the King and have you seen him Yes Sir answer'd the Damsel Then she related to the King how she met him in the Forrest as she was carrying her Brother And for the greater certainty said she he had yet his Shield with the Burning sword and was accompany'd by another in the richest Armor I ever saw in my Life Never trust me answer'd the King if it were not he that thus severely treated our Knight having chang'd his Arms the better to conceal himself But had I known him I would have given him the Honour and good Entertainment he merits Yet he spake against his own Conscience for he would have undoubtedly put him to death not being able to forget the Childs Threatning which I just now mentioned for which cause he would have sent after him had he not remembred the Request the Damsel made him to return to his Ship Now there were many good Knights who knowing that the Knight of the Burning Sword was thus escap'd without being any farther try d in Great Britain were very much displeas'd for they would willingly have combated him to know by experience whether what Fame reported of him were true And he of the Kay promis d himself that after he had recover'd his Health and acquitted himself of his Oath to the Dutchess he would not stay in any place till he had found him and fought him again Nor was it long ere he was strong enough to bear Arms which being come to the knowledge of King Amadis he told Orizenes and Bâ—avartus that he would on the mâ—rrow give them the Order for which cause they kept the watch and in the morning were made Knights the Queen her self girding on their Swords And to the end she and the other Ladies might thenceforth better and with more ease see the Iusts and Combats which should be perform'd at the Kay the King commanded a Seaffold to be erected on which they continu'd not long idle before they perceiv'd six Knights come out of the Forrest marching leisucely towards them The Dutchess seeing this sent her Messenger to acquaint them with the usual Covenants whom they answer'd that they would for this reason pass the Kay Then they made themselves ready to fight as did also the Dutchesses Knight who so furiously encountred the first that he threw him to the ground But he soon got up again and putting his hand to his Sword had the Knight of the Kay alight or he would kill his horse for he would essay whether Fortune would not be more favourable to him on Foot than on Horse-back This the Dutchesses Friend would noâ— contest with him but leapt down on the ground and there began between them a Combat fierce enough at first but with this end that the Stranger was forc'd to leave his Name and Shield accoâ—ding to the Agreement And to the end I may not hold you any longer in suspence who it was he was call'd Atalio Son to Oliâ—as and the others that accompany'd him were Garimont Son to the King of North-Wales Brucellis Son of Brandoivas Ysany Yrguian Son of Count Gandalin and Brianses his Brother all which were in such manner receiv'd by the Knight of the Kay that they had no cause to brag of their Entertainment Nevertheless making the best of their Iâ—â—-Fortune theâ— came and paid their Reverence to tâ—e King and the Ladies converting their Disgrace into pleasant and delightful Discourses which lasted not only that day but even to the third day following when eight other Knight thinking to revenge this injury fell into the like Mishap for they left there their Names Reputations and Shields At which King Amadis amaz'd and in a mâ—nner jealous deliberated from that time to know by Name the Dutchesses Knight very much importuning her to tell him it but she refus'd it with so good a Grace that he was contented to expect still that he might see whether his Fortune would continue as it was begun CHAP. XVIII How the Knight of the Kay vanquisht Orizenes and Bravartus who came to assault him in disguise and of that which hapned THe Overthrow of the six foregoing Knights gave such an Example to light Vndertakers that for four days after not one presented himself to hazard his Reputation against him whom they nam'd The Wont to overcome Nevertheless before the Week was out as King Amadis newly risen from Table was walking along a Gallery he descry'd far enough off two Knights advantageously arm'd and mounted To whom the Dutchess according to the Custom sent her Damsel Messenger to acquaint them with the Place by which they were to pass and the Conditions to which they were oblig'd She who was no Apprentice in such Ambassades did what she was commanded but the Knights answer'd her that they came for no other purpose wherefore she return'd Soon after the Dutchesses Knight took one of the biggest Lances he could find and setting Spurs to his Horse ran so vigorously against him who presented himself that their Shields were pierc't and their Staves broken to the very Gantlet disjointing their Armors even to the Flesh without receiving any other hurt as they well gave to understand for at the end of their Career they turn'd about and putting their hands to their Swords began to treat one another not as in a Tourney for Pleasure but as if they had fought for some Quarrel which they were obliged to maintain with their Lives Nor was it a little Honour that the Knight of the Forrest gain'd there for during the Space of a long hour and above he behav'd himself so valiantly that the Dutchesses Knight knew not where he was Wherefore irritated with extream Choler he lift up his Sword and thinking to beat down the other rusht upon him with all his force but he wâ—th his Shield warded off the blow which was so violent that making way through all oâ—position it fell upon the Horses head who immediately dropt down dead carrying his Master along with him and so disadvantageously that he was not able to get up again the Beast lay so heavy on his Right Leg. And as the Knight of the Kay was alighting to make him swear the Performance of the usual Covenants the other cry'd
who had seen the King and the Knight of the burning Sword go into the inner Court and the Queen also withdraw from the Window came forth of the Water and ran straight thâ—o ' the outward Court into an Hall where she caught up a strong Bow and a Quiver full of Arrows with which returning back she took the Shield of the Giant her Husband and a great Semiter which hung at his side and then got back again into the Lake without being perceiv'd by the King or any other for they were gone up into the Chambers where they found two men weeping whom they commanded to shew them the door of the Tower They trembling through Excess of Fear led them to an Iron Door fastned with a great Pad-lock whither being come There is say they besides this another door stronger and better barr'd and both of the one and the other the Giantess has the Keys so that 't is impâ—ssible to get in without her Sir said the Knight of the burning Sword you are greatly wounded I am of opinion therefore that you disarm your self and ly dâ—wn on this bed to the end I may bind up your Wounds and then I will consider of some means to recover your Queen and Daughter To this the King accorded who soon after fell asleep and for this cause the Knight of the burning Sword went forth of the Chamber to meet those whom Frandamella had been to fetch whom he saw at the Lake pursuing the Giantess but she so infested them with her Arrows that one of them fell down dead at which the others extremely vext entred so far into the Lake that they thought they should not get out again Then this She-Devil let fly her Aâ—rows with one of which she pierc't a Steâ—d into the Head so that he tumbled down into the Water carrying his Master along with him which so terrified the rest tâ—at they began to draw back Now the Queen and Lucella beheld this Sport through the Window of the Tower which the Giantess seeing let fly at them with such fury that the Arrow hit against the middle of the Bar without doing them any hurt whereat they were astonish'd as was also the Knight of the Burning Sword who was then underneath the Arrow falling at his Feet which so irritated him that reproaching those who for fear of death had left the Giantess in Peace he forc'd them to return to the Assault Then the Old Woman well knew that she should haâ—e enough to do and yet resolving rather to dye than to fall into their hands shoâ— so tast at them that she mortally wounded two of the most likely amongst them and then went so far into the Water that t was impossible for them to get near her unless they swam Which nevertheless one more adventurous than the rest attempted but as he thought to joyn her she raising her self a Tip-toe gave his Steed such a blow with her Semiter between his two ears that Horse and Man sank down to the Bottom not being any more seen By this the Knight of the burning Sword well knew that he should never have her without some other Artifice Wherefore he made them all Retire and hoping to gain by words what he could not get by Arms speak to her in this manner Lady give us the Keys of the Tower and I promise you on the faith of a Gentleman that you shall not receive any displeasure otherwise your Daughter shall pay her Head for your Folly But she made no account either of his Prayers or Threats wherefore the Knight return'd to the Castle and the rest with him there to find out with the King some better Expedient for the Queen and her Daughter were almost famisht nor could they tell how to give them any Victuals CHAP. XX. How the Knight of the Burning Sword slew the Giantess Wife to Frandalon the Cyclops and fell in love with the fair Lucella for whom he did afterwards many high Feats of Arms. NIght being come and the Knights betaking themselves to their Repose the King whose Thoughts were ruminating on his Queen and Daughter that remain'd still shut up without Food or any means of being speedily succor'd had not yet clos'd his Eyes when he heard the Voice of one who cry'd out for fear Wherefore suddainly starting up he call'd out to the Knight of the Burning Sword saying As I live my dear Friend I am greatly mistaken if they are not outraging the Queen for I have heard a great cry At this the Knight rose hastily up and taking his Sword in one hand and a Flambeau in the other ran to the Place where he heard the Noise and as he was going down the stairs saw the Giantess who carried the Queen and her Daughter under her two Arms flying with all the speed she could toward the Lake And the the Burthen was very heavy yet she made such hast that he could not overtake her till she was gotten up to the knees in the Water But then he so surpriz'd her that she never more parted thence but immediately dy'd letting the Queen and Lucella fall into the Water of which they at that time Drank more than they did of Wine In the mean time came the others whom the King had likewise â—ak'd and that just in the nick as the Knight of the Burning Sword was hard put to it to save the Mother and the Daughter Thus were the Ladies assisted and whilst those that came last took up the Queen he carry'd Lucella to Land whose Elegancy and excellent Beauty gain'd such power over him that he found himself seiz'd with Love a thing very new to him who had never till then experimented the force of that little god who nevertheless treated him with so much Gentleness tho' contrary to his Custom that at the same time he inclin'd the heart of the Princess to a Reciprocal affection making her no less desirous than desired Nevertheless both the one and the other with great Prudence and Discretion carefully conceal'd this Passion tho' the Knight of the burning Sword had no sooner freed her out of Danger and set her on firm Land but making her a great Reverence he askt her how she did Alas Sir said she my heart beats so vehemently that I know not whether I am dead or living For GOD's sake conduct me to the King and tell me whether he be much wounded for when I saw him yesterday I was in great doubt of his safety Madam answer'd the Knight he is certainly wounded but not so much as you may think and the Joy he will receive by your presence will make him forget the greatest part of his pain Indeed Sir reply'd Lucella you have so much oblig'd us that we are bound to you for ever especially I poor Gentlewoman who never merited Favour of such a Knight Ma am said he I shall esteem my self the happiest man in the World if you graciously accept the little I have done for your
Certainly said the Queen I did not think he would ever have done me so great a Favour In good faith Madam answered Alquifa he is so vertuous and so good conditioned that nothing but happiness is to be expected from him And will he not come to see us said the Queen No Madam answer'd Alquifa for he was separated from us by a strange Adventure Ah GOD replyed the Queen how am I displeas'd at it For though at first he gave us much trouble yet will I not fail to honour him since he has done what you assure us Madam said Alquifa you will as I think soon have the others here among whom is the King of Sicilys daughter who is the fairest and discreetest Princess you ever saw and by whom these Enchantments were in part brought to an End Madam said King Arban it is then my opinion that I go if you please to them to morrow and intreat them in your Name to come to London for I am sure the King would be much displeased if the Emperor and the King of Sicily should not be received as the greatness of their Quality deserves I beseech you do so answer'd the Queen and take with you such persons from hence as you shall think good Tell them from me that the Kings Absence shall not hinder me from giving them the best Reception I can and recommend me affectionately to their good Graces especially to the Queen of Sicily and the Infanta her Daughter Tell my Children also that they by no means delay to come and see me and bring all the rest with them King Arban then parted the next day and with a good Company of Knights and Esquires went to the Kay where he found the Emperor with the rest hearing Mass to whom he related the Queens Message inviting and requesting them in the best manner he could Certainly said the Emperor we would in no wise fail so good a Princess but I doubt our Sick Men will not be able to remove they are so exceedingly wounded but let us go see them and we shall know their Opinion Then they went into the Pavilion where Perion and Florelus were Perion who presently knew King Arban stretching forth his Arms embrac'd him and ask'd him whether the King and Queen were in good Health My Lord answered he I can give you no account of the King who is absent but the Queen desires you and Lisvart to come and see her as soon as possible you can and to bring with you these Lords and Ladies To day said Perion it cannot be but to morrow it may and in the mean time I will cause a Litter to be made to carry this wounded Knight and me You will therefore return to her with our Excuses and Recommendations to her good Grace Therefore King Arban after he had discours'd some time with him and taking leave of the Emperor return'd back to London where he acquainted the Queen with the Answer of these Lords that they would be with her the next day at Dinner And for this cause she commanded her richest Hangings to be put up and her Palace to be adorn'd in the most Magnificent manner possible CHAP. XLII How the Emperor of Trebisond and his Company came to London to visit Queen Oriana and of the Discourse they had together AFter King Arban had left the Emperor and the rest at the Kay the Dutchess of Savoy knowing that they were all to part for London gave Order for the making a Litter to carry Florelus and Perion So they pass'd the Remainder of that day in all pleasure and the next day every one of them took Horse except the two wounded Men who were carry'd in Mens Arms that they might not be too much shockt by the way And behind them came the Dutchess of Savoy in a great Chariot cover'd with Cloth of Gold At her Neck hung the rich Sword and Shield and round about her were the Shields of the vanquisht Knights and their Names underneath for a Testimony of Florelus's Victory and Triumph which so pleased Perion that he sent her his praying her to put it in the rank with the others or else he should be displeased She who durst not refuse it took it and said to the Esquire that brought it My Friend tell my Lord Perion that I will obey him since 't is his pleasure but I will put it in the place it deserves Then she askt for a Lance to the Head of which she caus'd the Shield to be fastned and raised it up to the top of the Chariot sending her own rich one with the Sword to hang at Perions Litter who would not at first permit it and in such Equipage they entred into the City of London there going forth to meet them King â—rban Angriote d' Estravaux with several Dukes Earls Barens Knights and Esquires Great was the Reception they gave each other and the Honour that was done them at their Entrance into the Town The Emperor led the Queen of Sicily Olorius of Spain the Infanta Lucella and Lisvart Gradafilea with which she was more content than if Great Britain it self had faln to her by Succession Balan entertain'd the Dutchess of Austria but he was so melancholly that he thought on nothing but having his leave to go and fight King Gandalfe and in such order they alighted at the Palace where the King of Sicily took the Dutchess of Savoy under the Arms for the sake of Florelus whom he lov'd and greatly esteem'd from the day they try'd themselves together every one of the others led his as you have been told Then came the Queen Oriana clad in black Cloth for the Absence of King Amadis and at the Entrance of the Hall gave them a very great and sumptuous Reception With her were so many fair Ladies and Damsels and so richly adorn'd that they seemed rather Goddesses descended on the Earth than Mortal Women The Reverences then Welcoms Kisses and Embraces on the one side and the other being thus begun and ended Queen Oriana addressed her self to the Infanta Lucella and said to her Madam as I have been given to understand I have at this day by your Means my two Sons You are more than welcome Madam answer'd she your Majesty is to give thanks only to one who is at this time absent from this Company Seeing the Goodness and high Prowess that is in him was the Cause of their being disenchanted GOD said the Queen grant me the Favor that I may one day see him in the Presence of the King For I am sure he will honor him as he deserves And as for me I shall all my Life be thankful to you both for what you have done During this Discourse Oriana took such Delight in beholding the very great beauty of Lucella that she could not take her Eye from off her when Lisvart came to pay her his Respects presenting to her Gradafilea whom she had formerly seen at Constantinople 'T would be little to the
Malfadea lookt so carefully to him that he bagan to amend and his wounds to close and consolidate so that within three Weeks he was wholly cured and ready to bear Arms and take his Iourney And he was in a Resolution to return when there Arrived in the Port a Ship in which there Sailed several Knights who accompanyed a young Giant a Valiant Man named Lerfan of the Rock so called for a strong Castle he held an Island scituated on the Top of an high Rock Now Lerfan had been advertised of the Treason committed by Mascaron and for the Love he bare Malfadea undertosk to revenge her injury and restore her to her Countrey and to do this he swore never to rest till he had defeated Mascaron and those that belong'd to him For the performance whereof having prepared himself he came into the great Siclades with a good Troop of young Knights and other Persons Which being come to the knowledge of King Amadis he sent one of Malfadeas People to see what he wanted And by this Lerfan of the Rock understood the Traytors Death which gave him no small Pleasure though his Ioy would yet have been greater had he himself Arrived time enough to execute this Revenge for her wherefore he gave the Messenger this Answer Friend recommend me affectionately to your Mistress and tell her that I parted from my Countrey to chastise Mascaron and nevertheless since another has prevented me request her that I may at least see her before my Removal which will partly he a satisfaction to me for the pains I have taken for her sake The Messenger returned and did as he was commanded at which Amadis and Malfadea were so pleased that they sent back to tell him he should be very welcome Then he set forth towards them in good Order and they gave him a suitable Reception Leâ—fan would gladly have known the Knight that fought Mascaron and therefore enquired of Malfadea whether he were still in the Countrey The King who was present answered that 't was he and desired to know why he askt for him Sir Knight said Lerfan for no other Reason but to serve and honour you for besides the favour you have done my Lady by undertaking so much in her Quarrel I have understood that you have restor'd into her hands this land which belongs to her for which I give you very great thanks and beseech you that for your sake and for the Love I have born her all my Life you will pray her to love me and receive me for her Husband Amadis not knowing the Damsels Mind and could not tell what to answer But she took up the Discourse saying Indeed my Lord Lerfan I have long known the Affection you bear me so that if the King commands me he and you shall be obey'd Since you both consent answer'd Amadis I will not contradict it let us go to dinner that we may have the better Courage to perfect and give an End to this Beginning Then were the Tables cover'd and they were serv'd with a Banquet of such Provisions as could be gotten during which the Discourse grew so hot that bâ—fore Night came on the Contract was finisht and they lay together to the great Contentment of them voth And the King staid there till the first day of the next Week when he embarkt taking leave of the new marry'd Couple who would have given him a great Train to conduct him But he refus'd all except the two Mariners with whom he set Sail laching forth into the Deep CHAP. XLV How King Amadis sailing thro' the Mediterranean Sea to enter into the Ocean met Queen Buruca Wife to Magadan King of Saba who was in quest of the Knight of the Burning Sword to defend her against the false Accusation which Maudan had made of their Loves KIng Amadis being parted from the Port of the gâ—eat Siclades in the Guidance of his two Mariners pass'd ineontinently the Aegean Sea at the going out of which there join'd them a light Ship wherein there was a Pavilion of Cloth of Gold and under it a very rich Field-bed on which repos'd a Morish Queen having a Crown on â—er head cloth'd besides only with course Freez and appearing excessively discontented At her feet set two Damless leaning their Heads on their left Arms like Women opprest with Grief And by her side were two black Knights so weak that they were even double with Age and notwithstanding arm'd with Arms of great Value The King was in some sort amaz'd yet he curteously saluted them and one of them returning his Salutation said to him Good Champion GOD give you a favourable Adventure Can you tell us any News of a Person nam'd the Knight of the Burning Sword The King in whom the Desire of knowing what they would have with hâ—m increas'd more aâ—d more answer'd My Lords he parted from me not many dayes since and 't would be difficult for me to tell you at this time where he is and more difficult as I believe for you to find him But forasmuch as I greatly love and esteem him if you please to acquaint me with the Business you have with him I will endeavor to tell you farther what I know of him And if I can there is nothing how grievous soever that I will not in his stead undertake to do him Pleasure and Service On this assurance answer'd the old man and also because you seem to me a valiant man I will satisfy you Understand Sir Knight that this Lady whom you see lying here is Queen of Saba Wife to King Magadan whose near Kinsmen we are This King taking Pleasure to make use of white Persons some of his gave him about ten or twelve years since a Child call'd the Gentleman of the burning Sword for the Representation of a Sword which he has naturally printed on his Stomach red as blood with certain white Characters which have not yet been understood by any one as we know of The King did him so much Honor as to breed him up with his Son Fulurtin and gave them both Order of Knighthood so that instead of Gentleman he is at this day nam'd the Knight of the Burning Sword We are now seeking him and to find him are parted from Saba in the Equipage you see And to the end you may the better understand the Affair this Knight of the burning Sword being yet in Saba a Gentleman Son to one of the greatest Princes of Morona acquainted the King that he of whom I speak committed Treason against his Majesty abusing the Queen Beruca who is here present at which the King exceedingly displeas'd thought to ascertain this unworthy Act by surprizing them together but he was deceiv'd For the Knight of the Burning Sword was advertiz'd of it and absented himself so that since we have had no News of him And for this cause the King commanded the Queen to be taken and kept strickly till such time as he had recover'd the Adulterer to
burn them in the same Fire Nevertheless seeing that this cruel sentance had been already many dayes delay'd and that the other was no longer in his Countrey he resolv'd to put it in Execution against the Queen But she offered to prove her innocence by a Knight who should fight Maudan For so was her Accuser nam'd To which the King would in no wise have given Ear had not we who are his Uncles and many other princes of his Blood mov'd with Compassion perswaded him to grant it Which being come to Maudans knowledge he came with a great Bravado to remonstrate that he would not only defend his Assertion but would bring a Coufin of his that should maintain it to the Death and that they two together would enter the Field against two others such as the Queen could find And having so said he threw down his pledge but tho' the Queen has many great kindred yet none advanc'd to take it up not for any doubt of her Innocence but for the great Prowess that is said to be in the two Assailants Then was Prince Fulurtin so sorry that he took up the pledge and Offered himself alone to fight in person for the Justification of his Mother Which they refus'd saying that they would never put hand to Sword against the only Son of their Soveraign Lord. Thus was the good Lady distitute in a manner of all Remedy imploring with join'd hands the Kings Mercy with six months time to seek some stranger that would defend her since there was not any one in Saba and Morana that offer'd himself And tho' Magadan at first seem'd deaf yet importurn'd by us two he in fine granted her Request on condition we should accompany her whither she would have us and at six months end on pain of Death bring her back again Which we solemnly sware to do Then we caus'd this Ship to be equipp'd and from the Nile entred into this Sea where we have been already above these twelve weeks enquiring with great Diligence for the Knight of the burning Sword in whom lies all the Queens hopes Because he alone knows better how this Affair goes than all other men besides And this good Lady well knowing his great Courage makes no doubt but assoon as he shall have News of it he will leave all things to defend this Quarrel Now have you at length understood the Occasion of our Voyage therefore we affectionately desire you if you know any Remedy to teach it us Otherwise if the gods provide not for it this good Lady is in very great danger both of her Honor and Life During the Discourse the Queen so wept and lamented that the hardest Heart in the world would have been touch'd with Compassion and it fell into King Amadis 's Mind that she was really innocent Which made him suddenly think that he had a very good occasion to requite the Knight of the burning Sword for the Assistance he had receiv'd of him in the great Siclades and for this cause he said to the old Man If the Queen will swear to me on her soul that she is falsly accus'd by Maudan I will go with you and fight him For perhaps you will not in ten years find him whom you seek and in the mean time her Affairs would go very ill Ah! ah Sir Knight answer'd the Queen I swear to you by the high Name of Iupiter that we never so much as thought of the Disloyalty with which we are charg'd Madam said Amadis I believe your Word have therefore good hopes in GOD For he is just and will do you Justice if you are just Then were the two old Knights very joyful for having thus shortned their Iourney and so fitly found a Knight that would fight Maudan and maintain the Queens Right who very affectionatly thanking him as did also her two Vncles besought him to come into their Ship I will do it answer'd he on the Protestation you all three make me that the Accusers Quarrel is false 't is also very requisit that you have more hopes in your good Right than in my strength Otherwise thinking to preserve you Madam said he to the Queen I should ruin you and my self also Alas Sir Knight said she I beseech you to believe that knowing the good Will you have to defend me if my Cause were in the least dubious I would not hazard your life for the Preservation of mine own which is already so troublesome to me that I esteem it less than nothing And in this belief answer'd Amadis I will take the Charge of it And desire you not to wonder at what I have remonstrated to you seeing every Knight who enters into the Field of Battle greatly fails if he goes not with assurance that the Right is on his side That I swear to you again said the Queen 'T is sufficient answer'd Amadis let us go when you please Then he went into the Ship and discharging his Bark chang'd his Name causing himself to be call'd the Vermilion Knight because his Arms were all red being those which Alquif sent him when he embarkt after his Disenchantment to go to the Siege of Constantinople Thus those of Saba return'd back discoursing together of the most agreeable Matters they could till they entred into the Mouth of the Nile along which they sail'd and went ashore at Terrodin where the Queen said to Amadis Good Vermilion Knight we are now in the Country where I hope in our gods in you and in the good Right I have that you will make the wicked who accuse me acknowledge their Treason For 't is not above a dayes Journey from hence to Saba where we shall find the Court. So much the better Madam answer'd he Now the Citizens were incontinently advertiz'd of their Princess Return and the Aid she brought with her Wherefore they went to receive her and do her Honor For she was greatly lov'd of them all for her Vertues And for this Cause they presented her Horses and what was necessary for her going to the King Before whom assoon as they were come into Saba his two old Vncles presented Buruca and the strange Knight Magadan the Lords of his Court wondring at the Queens so sudden Return and yet more at him who would fight the two Knights that accus'd her began to cast their Eyes on Maudan to see what Countenance he kept when Buruca brake forth into this following Discourse to the King Sir to shew you that the Traytor whom I see here present has unjustly falsly and disloyally accus'd me of Adultery I present you this Knight who if iâ— pleases our gods will so perform his Duâ—y that my innocency shall be verify'd and the wicked Accuser punisht according to his Desert Madam answer'd the King if your Knight does so much for you you will be exceedingly oblig'd to him Let him come forward then and declare with his own Mouth what he has undertaken King Magadan said Amadis then because I have
that Virtue once firmly planted is never lost Sir said the Gentleman there is no doubt but that Virtue is understood only by Virtue and yet I well know that I can never all my life satisfy the Benefits I have already receiv'd of your Majesty Nevertheless I humbly pray our great God Iupiter to grant me the Favour that my Power may one day correspond with my Will and then shall be clearly manifested the Desire I have to obey and serve your Majesty But Sir I think it convenient to look for some of your Huntsmen or some others that may carry you into the Town for as far as I can perceive the Bear has dealt very roughly with you I desire you so to do reply'd the King Then the Gentleman crost thro' the Forest till he met Fulurtin and many other Gentlemen who being Advertis'd of thâ— Misfortune befaln their Prince were very much discontented and setting Spurs to their Horses Posted immediately to him whom they found in a very weak condition by reason of the Blood he had lost However he exactly related to them what had happened telling 'em that had it not been for the assistance given him by the Gentleman of the Burning Sword he was in greater danger of losing his life than ever he had been from the first hour of his Birth Then making him a Litter they convey'd him to the City of Saba where he was with all imaginable care lookt after by the Queen who from that very Moment no less esteem'd the Gentleman than if he had been her own Son CHAP. III. How Fulurtin and the Gentleman of the Burning Sword were made Knights by King Magadan and how Maudan stimulated by Envy falsly accus'd the Queen Buruca MAgadan having béen in this manner preserv'd by the Gentleman of the Burning Sword had from that time as great an Affection for him as if he had been his near Relation especially after he had recounted to him the discourse he had with the Child of the Lion whence the King Imprinted in his Fancy that he must be Descended from Persons of the highest Quality He therefore made him ordinarily fit at his own Table next to his Son Fulurtin giving him also a young White Gentleman nam'd Yneril to wait upon him and be always near his Person Thus passed away fome Years till the Gentleman belov'd both by Great and Little was come to the Age of Fourteen being so well shap'd and manly that he seem'd to be above Sixteen Now it happened that Fulurtin who was a little Elder than he being an Accomplisht and Good-natur'd Prince requested the King to give him the Order of Knighthood to which he easily condescended The Gentleman of the Burning Sword being Advertis'd of it and desiring this Honour above any thing in the World addrest himself also to Magadan for this purpose who knowing the Greatness of his courage with the love he bare him did not so much consider the greenness of his years as the Vertue of his Person and was therefore content that Fulurtin and he should become Companions in Arms so that he gave them both the Order with white Harness Now according to the Custom of keeping the Ceremonies the Feast continu'd the space of Fifteen days during which Maudan Son to one of the grâ—atest Loâ—ds of Saba came to Court to be bred up with Fulurtin He had not been long there ere he became so jealous and envious of the Honour the King did the Knight of the Burning Sword that falling into a deep Melancholly he was generally thought to be sick And the more this Poison gnaw'd his heart the more did he seek to bring the Knight of the Burning Sword into the Kings Disfavour which when he could not find occasion to do he was seen hourly to wast away like Snow before the heat of the Sun Now some time after Magadan leaving the Queen at Saba went to visit a Town of his call'd Terryna during whose Absence the good Lady diverting her self one day at Chess with the Knight of the Burning Sword Fulurtin and Maudan who were looking on weary'd with the length of the Game went foâ—th and left them alone In fine after some Mates in which the Queen had the Victory she who as you have heard lov'd him against whom she play'd as her own Son as well for his Vertues as for the Succour he had given the King when he deliver'd him from the Peril that befel him as he was hunting made him sit down by her on the Beds-Feet where discoursing together without the least thought of prejudicing her Honour she tenderly kist and embrac'd him But Maudan whose Envy made him pry after Opportunities to ruine the Knight of the Burning Sword having quitted Fulurtin to watch them and seeing their Caresses perswaded himself more than was true resolving in his wâ—cked mind to acquaint the King with their love at his Return which was not long after He having advice that the Kings of Arabâ—a and Tharsus were coming dwon into his Country to make War upon him This made him return the sooner to Saba that sending out on every side to raise Men he might go foâ—th to meet his Enemies But scarce was he risen from Supper when Maudan finding him alone leaning on a Window in the Presence after a short Preamble to Palliate his Treason began to discourse him in this manner Sir I most humbly beg your Majesty's Pardon if with the greatest Regret imaginable I discover to you a thing which I wish my Death could have prevented as well for the Discontent it will give your Majesty as for the Amity I bear the Knight of the Burning Sword whom I take all our Gods to witness I have ever lov'd honour'd and esteem'd above any other of my Acquaintance But the matter so neerly concerning You should I who am your Vassal conceal it I shâ—uld be guilty of the Highest Treason and the Education You have bestow'd on me would be very ill employed so that Reason constrains me to lay aside all respect of Persons tho' it were of my own Father for to preserve the Fidelity I owe You my Natural Prince and Soveraign Lord. Then he declar'd how he had seen the Queen playing at Chess with the Knight of the Burning Sword telling the King the Familiarities that had pass'd between them which he so amplifi'd and enlarg'd as to aver that the Queen abandoning all Modesty had violated her Marriage Bed The King was not without cause so astonisht at hearing this that being ready to drop down to the ground that he was a long time unable to utter the least word by reason of the contest there was in his Inteâ—ior between the Love he bare the Accus'd and the dishonour had been done him so that he could not forbear weeping Having therefore his Face cover'd with tears he ask'd Maudan whether it were possible that the Knight of the Burning Swoâ—d had so dishonour'd him as he had related Yes Sir answer'd he and I
him such a blow with his Staff between his two ears that he fell dead to the ground This gave me such Content that I determin'd in my self from that very hour to love him as he deserv'd and not without cause considering his Civility the Pains he had taken in coming from a far Countrey to see and serve me and the Danger to which he expos'd himself for to save My Life shewing himself tho' naked and unarm'd more couragious than those two who turn'd their backs with their Lances and Shields Wherefore I began from that time forward to treat him with more intimacy than I had done offering him my Estate and what ever a Woman of my quality can honestly offer Which gave him so much content that after a thousand thanks he said to me Madam tho' it will be impossible for me as long as I live to acknowledge the Favour and Honour you have been pleas'd and are pleas'd to do me I being such as I am and you so great a Lady and Princess yet will I with Protestation not to offend you take the boldness to make you a farther Request which I most humbly desire you to grant me hoping that the Effect will redound to your Glory and my Honour 'T is that you will be pleas'd to give me leave to go into Great Britain to King Amadis that I may of him at your request receive the Order of Knighthood This done forasmuch as that Countrey is said to be frequented with adventurous Knights than any other I will for Love of you and under the Favor of your Presence keep and defend a Passage during the Space of six Months against all those that shall attempt to pass it on condition that if I be vanquisht within the said time the Conqueror shall receive of you a Jewel of such value as you shall think fit to give him but if Fortune give me the Honour to get the better he or they that shall yield shall be constrain'd to leave their Shields in your Pavilion with their Names in writing for an assurance that they will come and serve you when you shall require them And if it happen that in this Enterprise I do any thing worthy your Love it will please you then to grant it me and not sooner for GOD for bid that a Princess of your high quality should have any Friend but such as she merits nor would it be Reason that I or any other having done so little for you should attain so great Happiness as by your Authority to call himself Yours This Request Sir I so willingly granted him that a few days after we set forth on our journey and for the Jewel he speak to me of I caus'd to be brought with me this Sword and Shield which you see with an Helmet which for its Goodness Beauty and Richness is not to be valu'd But by misfortune said she shewing one of her Women this Gentlewoman in whose custody it was staying behind us this morning was met by a Knight who askt her for whom she kept it She answer'd him for the best Knight in the world Then he more discourteous than Gentility desires took it from her by force saying that since it was dedicated to the best Knight in the world it belong'd to none but him And having gotten it from her against her will he fled thro' the wood so that she lost sight of him at which being greatly discontented she came to us weeping for the Outrage which she related to us These Knights who accompany me hearing it ran to overtake him but seeing they lost their Labor in searching for him being advertiz'd that you made your Abode in this your City we resolv'd to come and pay you our Respects and know whether you would please to command us any thing to King Amadis with whom we had long since been had not Fortune driven us into these Coasts This said she held her peace Madam answer'd the Emperor You have done me both an Honour and a Pleasure by this friendly Visit for which I heartily thank you and this Gentleman also to whom Our Lord if he please grant the Grace to accomplish so noble an Enterprise And as to the Villian who has done you the Injury about your Helmet believe me I am very much displeas'd at it as well that so base an Act should be done in my Countreys as that it should be committed against a Lady of your Rank During this Discourse Lucencio thought in himself that he would go to Revenge the Damsel and recover what she had lost Wherefore without any farther delay he kneel'd down and besought the Emperor that he would give him leave so to do which he readily granted him Then addressing himself to the Dutchess he said to her Madam I have all my life heard that Knighthood was principally ordain'd to preserve Ladies and Gentlewomen from Injury I entreat you therefore command her whom the Knight has thus wrong'd to conduct me till such time as we have found him and I promise you by the Faith I ow the Emperor to revenge her and you also or to dy in the attempt Truly Knight answer'd the Dutchess I very heartily thank you and immediately commanded the Damsel to accompany him saying to her And as soon as you shall have recover'd the Helmet fail not to come into Great Britain Then Lucencio having eaten something took horse and accompany'd only by Florindo who serv'd him for an Esquire and the Damsel departed out of the City in which the Dutchess made afterward but a very short stay for having thankt the Emperor for her good Reception and taken her leave of Him the Lords and Ladies she embarkt steering towards Hercules's Pillars for to enter into the Ocean Sea Now there were many upon the Shore looking after her at her departure when a Knight compleatly arm'd except his Head and his Hands entred the Palace and saluting the Emperor was known to be Sergil Esplandian heartily welcom'd him asking him how King Norandel did Sir answer'd he He humbly recommends himself to your good Grace and has sent me expresly to acquaint you that one sole Knight has valiantly conquer'd the Defended Mountain fought with and vanquisht Belleris Frandalon and Frandalo so that he and the King of Ierusalem are become Masters of the Fortress as we are certainly inform'd by two Souldiers of the Garrison who have made their Escape to Tesifanto May it please you therefore Sir to advise how you will have King Norandel govern himself in this Affair and to consider the importance of the Place easy to be regain'd before the Turks send Succour thither if you prevent them How reply'd the Emperor Is it possible that one only Knight has done so many Feats of Arms as you say And are my People all dead No Sir said he But never Knights better did their Devoir tho' they were in fine vanquisht and left without means to defend themseves GOD be prais'd for all answer'd the
was the Helmet that the other carry'd away But when he was got up spying the dead Knights Steed pass by he found means to seise of him and getting on his back posted after him that was fled Then Florindo and the Damsel who had kept themselves conceal'd within the Forrest seeing him thus speed away came out of their ambush to follow him but they lost sight of him and it was almost Night when they saw him again on the top of an Hill whence he discover'd his Man making such hast down that his Horse being tir'd and out of breath he took so great a Leap along the Valley that he roll'd above a Stones cast before he stopt in such manner that Lucencio could not forbear laughing for he thought the Horse had broken his own Neck and his Masters too Nevertheless they both got up again and in the mean time Lucencio approacht crying out a loud By my Faith Sir Knight you shall now leave the Helmet which is none of yours and your Head likewise The other seeing him so close at his heels thought no way better to secure his life than to throw down what he had hoping that Lucencio instead of pursuing him would amuse himself in taking it up But he not regarding it pass'd on wâ—th such speed that he overtook him near a great Wood and gave him such a blow on the bare head as cleft it down to his teeth Then he turn'd back to the Place where he saw the Knight throw down the Helmet but he found it not there Wherefore he thought that Florindo and the Damsel had taken it up And for this cause he lookt round about to see whether he could espy them but it was in vain At which being much troubled he return'd to the top of the Hill and entring thence into the Forrest resolv'd to stay there till morning for the Darkness was by this time so great that he could not see which way to go By and by he heard an horse neigh and thinking it might be those he lookt for he rode thither where by the light of a great Fire he perceiv'd a very fair and young Lady washing her hands in a Fountain which sprang forth of an hollow Rock close by Se was attended by six others having each of them on their Heads Garlands and Chaplets of very odoriferous Flowers two of which joyning their Voices to the Sound of the Lutes which they sweetly toucht made the Air sound with such a Harmony that Lucencio became wholly astonisht surpris d nevertheless with some Ardor of Love which so enflam'd his heart that he approacht them and saluting the Company addrest himself to the fairest of them to whom he said Madam I beseech you to excuse my Presumption towaâ—ds you assuring you that my Coming to this Place is not to disturb you but rather to serve you if you please to command me any thing At this Discourse she who thought only of refreshing her self lifted up her head and seeing him all Arm'd except his Helmet which he carry'd at his Saddle-Bow was at first amaz'd but his Demeanor appear'd so gentle that she reassur'd her self ing him what he sought Madam answer'd he I was looking for an Esquire of mine and a Damsel whom he accompanys but Love I think has directed me to the Light of this Fire to make me experiment the heat of a severer with which I already feel my self inflam'd yet your great Beauty and Excellence which have kindled it in my heart have also the means to moderate it if you please to take pity of me who never offended you as I know of The Lady hearing him speak with such affection could not forbear smiling and feigning not to understand this Language of Love turn'd the Cart against the horse saying to him And how did your People lose you thus Madam answer'd Lucencio as I was going after a Knight who had forcibly taken an Helmet from the Damsel I speak of my Esquire and she who follow'd me at a Distance were surpriz'd by the night and I expected to meet with them in this wood but I find my self much mistaken for thinking to recover another I have lost my self by the Extremity of that Divine Beauty with which you are endued Then he related to her from point to point all that you have heard of the Helmet anâ— what had befaln since Knight said she I have seen part of what you tell me concerning him that fled your Esquire and the Damsel I know nothing of but of the Helmet I will give you a good account if you will promise me a Gift such as I shall ask of you Madam said Lucencio the Charms of your Beauty have made me so much yours that you may command me in what-ever you please and I shall be yet more inclin'd to serve you if by your means I may recover the Helmet which I am obliged to restore to her that follows me Then she lifted up the border of a Sattin Mantle on which she sat and shew'd it him saying Is not this what you look for One of my VVomen took it up a little after the Knight you pursu'd had thrown it down Come then alight and rest your self a little with us for I believe you have need enough of Repose He who desir'd no better Occasion of discoursing with her readily obey'd her and when he was sat she sent one her Women out of the Forrest to see whether she could understand any thing of the Squire and Damsel that were gone astray for already the Moon began to shine and in the mean time she entred into discourse with Lucencio to whom she said Knight you have promis'd me a Gift such as I shall ask you In order to the accomplishment of this promise I desire you that as soon as you shall have recover'd your Esquire and the Damsel you have lost you will accompany me to a Ship of mine which my People have at Anchor hard by and out of which I landed this morning as well to see this Country which seem'd to me pleasant and well-shaded as to refresh me after my Travel on the Sea where I have long voyag'd Madam answer'd Lucencio you may dispose of me as of one of your Slaves for I will not disobey you but you shall always find me willing and ready to foâ—low your Pleasure Indeed reply'd she I very heartily thank you Whilst they were thus discoursing Florindo and his Companion arriv'd with her who went to look them and alighting from their Horses pass'd there the rest of the Night till Sun rise when Lucencio calling the Dutchesses Damsel said to her My good Friend there is the Helmet that was taken from you you shall carry it to your Mistress and recommending me to her Favour assure her on my behalf that I am her Servant And forasmuch as I have promis'd my Lady to embark presently with her I desire you to excuse me that I bear you Company no longer Sir Knight answer'd
out that he accorded him both his Name and his Shield since Fortune had so disfavour'd him through the fault of his Steed Then there came Servants and Squires who freed him out of this little ease and he stood by with a great deal of Confusion expecting what would befall his Compaâ—â—on Who seeing the Dutchesses Knight in the lists and with a new Lance ran against him both gallantly breaking their Spears but their Meeting was such that the Dutchesses Knight lost one of his Stirrups being ready to fall had he not caught hold of his Horses Mane The others luck was yet worse for he and his Steed were in one moment overthrown so that they were both thought to have broken their Necks which gave the Dutchesses Knight great occasion to alight and see how it was Yet could he not make so much hast but that his Adversary was got on his Feet and with his Sword in hand and Shield before him fully determin'd to Revenge the Injury he had suffer'd Then they charg'd one another so furiously for three quarters of an hour together that it could not be known which of them had the Advantage Nevertheless they were fain in the end to rest tho' this Repose lasted but a little e'er they began again their Dispute with greater fierceness than before whence there proceeded such Execution that their Arms were batter'd and unrivetted and their Flesh in many places dy'd with Blood altho' neither the one nor the other made for all this the least shew of fear but kept up yet a long hour still persisting to do better and better But the Spectators were all amaz'd seeing the Knight of the Forrest as he was giving a step aside fall in a Swound to the ground at which his Companion who beheld him being exceedingly discontented as thinking him to be dead made the greatest mean imaginable and throwing his Helmet far from him on the ground cry'd out so loud that every one heard him Alas our foolish Presumption has well deceiv'd us and yet better chastis'd us for we ought to consider that this is the best Knight in the World and yet we were so temerarious as unfortunately to set our selves against him Then were they known the one to be Orizenes and the other Bravartus who the better to make tryal of their Persons against the Dutchesses Friend had thus disguis'd themselves and that to their Dammage for they were both in danger to lose their Lives especially Bravartus who was incontinently disarm'd and so well lookt after that he began to grow better than 't was expected Yet was not King Amadis pleas'd with their Folly but privately remonstrated to them that they ought to have so born this Enterprize considering the Experience they had seen of the strange Knight who was no leâ—s glad of his Victory than the others were sorry for being vanquisht tho' he were constrain'd to keep his Bed as well as Bravartus and Orizenes And in the mean while the Dutchess who bare him Company askt him from time to time how he did Madam answer'd he the Joy I have in beholding continually your excellent Beauty so much eases my Illness that I feel no Pain in any wound how dangerous soever especially since they were gain'd in your Service Alas my Friend said she you do so much for me that I ought not a little to rejoyce at it since there is not in the World any Princess so great but would esteem her self hapâ—y to have you for hers considering the Goodness and high Chivalry with which you are endow'd How then shall I who am but little in respect of an Infinity of other greater Ladies presume in my Person to merit you Certaâ—nly there is not any thing else but the extream Love I bear you which promises me that I ought before all to have the first Place in your Favour the which I humbly beseech you to grant me You shall make me answer'd he what you please and I well know that none can better judge than my self of how great worth you are in your own person setting aside your Quality and the House of which you are descended insomuch that neither Lisvart of Greece esteem'd the Flower of Knighthood nor all those who are reckon'd at this day amongst the Valiantest Men on Earth are worthy to give so much as one Glance of the Eye on the least of your Perfections And I who am in comparison of them but a Dream how much am I render'd yours by the Favours you do me For by them has that Successfulness in Feats of Arms for which you give me so much Praise been known to be in me with all the rest of that Goodness if I am indu'd with any I will therefore dye but I will obtain the Rich Helmet with the Sword and Shield of value which you promise to the best Combatant well knowing that letting them be lost I shall lose your Love without ever daring to appear before you In good faith my great Friend said she you do me wrong to doubt thus of my Constancy since there is not any thing either in Heaven or Earth that can efface out of my mind the Good I desire you And should we happen by Fortune or otherwise to be separated one from the other believe me I would at the same time separate my Life from my Body which is and shall be yours to the end In this manner did the Dutchess content her passionate Heart expecting the Recovery of her Knight whom the King visited almost every day Now Orizenes and Bravartus found themselves some time after strong enough to Travel Wherefore they humbly besought Amadis to give them leave to go in quest of Perion of Gaul and Lifvart of Greece which he willingly granted them And for this cause taking leave of the Court they Embarkt in the Ship in which they came and hoising up Sail Lancht forth into the open Sea very much displeas'd at the Fortune they had in their beginning to bear Arms nevertheless considering the Valour of him who had the Advantage over them they bore this Trouble the best they could But forasmuch as we have too long left behind us the Knight of the Burning Sword we will return to speak of him and in the mean time Amadis shall remain at the Kay with the Dutchess and her Knight CHAP. XIX How the King of Sicily and the Knight of the Burning Sword Arriv'd in the Isle of Silanchy where they fought Frandalon the Ciclops and his Son THe King of Sicily and the Knight of the Burning Sword being departed from the Place where they had fought the Dutchesses Friend rode on with â—randamella till they came where they had left their Ships Having caus'd their Wounds to be carefully lookt into they commanded their Marriners to steer as directly as possibly they could to the Isle of Silanchy but they were scarce got a League from Shore when Frandamella addressing her self to the Knight of the Burning Sword presented
him a Letter from her who as you have heard parted from him at the Kay telling him that she had expresly charg'd her not to deliver it to him any sooner and therefore he might read it at his leisure Then the Knight taking it brake open the Seal to see the Contents which were as follow Vrganda theVnknown to the Knight of the Burning Sword sends Greeting Know that to free another out of Prison thou shalt within a few days enter into the greatest Captivity ever poor Slave was in and shalt have thy Soul and Body so afflicted that the same Sword which has many times sav'd the Place whence thou art issu'd shall pierce thro' thy Body whence it shall be afterwards drawn out by the hands of her who thinking to save her self shall restore thee a Life worse than a thousand Deaths together And this Bitterness shall last thee till such time as thy Fathers House being at the point to fall to Ruine shall be preserv'd and sav'd by its first Possessor Believe me for it shall come to pass as I foretel thee And to the end thou mayst credit it understand that to preserve thee from a Misfortune into which thou wast this day about to fall by fighting with the Knight of the Kay I presented thee the white Shield and asked thee the Gift thou grantedst me and performedst and for which thou oughtst to give me thanks because without my Providence thou wert salling into a Repentance for all thy life as thou wilt better know in time And sooner trouble not thy self with thinking to know any thing of it for it would be Labor lost as it would be alsâ— to look for me Let it suffice thee that I know thee better than thou knowst thy self and that for hope of a Succor I expect one day to have of thee I would shew thâ—e this Favor For the rest follow thy Enterprize without delaying it on any occasion whatever since it is the Will of him whose thou shalt sometime be Exceeding Pensive was the Knight of the Burning Sword and what rendred hâ—m yet more Melancholy was that he could not comprehend any thing in it but what seem'd to him grievous to be born He said nevertheless within himself that he was indeed extreamly bound to Urganda who had done so much for him but since he could not resist the Destinies he would pass it over as well as he could The better therefore to conceal his Thoughts he began to look pleasantly saying Urganda acquainted him that the Countrey they had then left was Great Britain and that they should thenceforward have fair weather Thus sail'd they with so favourable a Sea that the King and he being cur'd of all their Wounds discover'd one Sunday Morning Frandalons Fortress at the neerest Port to which they Anchred and went all a Shore except the Mariners who continu d aboard expecting what would be the Issue of this Enterprize to which the King went accompany'd by thirty Knights beside him of the Burning Sword fearing that Frandalon who had taken away the Queen and Lucella would not restore them according to the Conditions of the Combat he had granted but instead of doing it would endeavour by some Treason to Arrest him also For this cause they marcht in very good Equipage strait to a Grove of Trees where they were descry'd by the Sentinel of the Castle who winded a Horn so loud that they heard him and soon after they saw coming towards them with great speed a Damsel mounted on a Palfrey who addressing her self to the King whom by the Richness of his Armor she took to be the chief amongst them said to him Knight My Lord Frandalon the Ciclops sends me to know who you are that have entred so familiarly into his Land without his Permission Damsel answer'd the King acquaint him that if he will accomplish his Promise made to Alpatracy whose Wife and Daughter he injuriously detains he shall find him and another Knight ready to fight him and his Son But because we cannot confide in his Word by reason of his wicked Disposition he must send us an Hostage before we enter the Field one against another else we shall consider what we have to do Ha! ha said the Damsel smiling and shaking her Head You have Reason but he comes soon enough who seeks his own Misfortune which assure your self will soon be shewn you Then going back the way she came she re-entred the Fortress whence she return'd a little after to tell the King it would have been more agreeable to Frandalon that he had freely and without dispute surrender'd him the Countrey of Sicily which belong'd to him by râ—ght of Inheritance Nevertheless said she since you are otherwise inclin'd he will send you his only Daughter for the Security you demand on condition that you send back all your People keeping only with you him that is to be the Companion of your Infelicity for there is none in his Castle but himself and Son of whom you should have any doubt Damsel answer'd the King his Daughter being come we shall do what is fit for us Then the Messenger return'd back again where she stay'd not long before she â—ought forth Frandalons daughter so fair well dress'd and of such good Behaviour as you shall hear She was a Giantess with one only Eye having on moreover a Gown the Train whereof was an Ell long cover'd with little Scales of Fishes and on her Head a Vall powdred with Snail-shells Such was the Accoutrement of this Virgin whom the King courteously saluted and yet she regarded him not but addrest her self to the Knight of the Burning Sword whom she saw without a Beard and said to him Are you then he who are to fight with the King against my Father and Brother Yes Madam answer'd the Knight but why do you ask Because reply'd she I think some of my Women much fitter for such Dances than you whom a Ladies Hood would better become than that Helmet which thus heats your Head Tho' the Knight of the Burning Sword perceiv'd himself jeer'd yet did he but laugh at it saying to her In faith Madam if all the Beauties of this Countrey resemble you it will never be thought I came hither to make love and much less that You and I are one mans Children Whilst they were in this discourse they perceiv'd Frandalon and his Son come forth wherefoâ—e the King commanded his Folks to retire and take with them the Giantess for Hostage 'T was not long ere the two Ciclops approacht the Father being mounted on a Beast almost like a Dromedary and having no other Arms but a Shield of fine Steel hanging about his Neck and in his hand a Battle Ax massy and weighty fit for so genteel and gracious a Gentleman as he was So it is that there was not seen in his time any man bigger than himself nor had he any more Eyes than his Daughter and for this reason was he also
this so unhappy Custom has been ordain'd I shall willingly do it reply'd the Old Man for the pity I have of you Understand then that this Countrey is the Isle of Argenes and this Effigie's the Representation of Zirfea Lady of it but at present absent as she has long been nor is it well known where one might have News of her if any one should desire to find her True it is that she has left in her place a Daughter of hers nam'd Axiana the fairest I think in the World and with her seven Knights esteem'd amongst the best of Asia of which four are Giants and every one of the seven has the keeping of one of these Towers with express command from the Queen that no Knight arrive in this Countrey but that he be kill'd or taken Now I am come to acquaint the Guards that Axiana will within two days return from Hunting where she has been all this last week But doubt not that I will say any thing to them of you for I would rather divert them from doing you hurt Then bidding them good night he spur'd towards the Castle leaving them in great doubt and ready to take another way if they could tell how but the Knight of the burning Sword stopt them telling the King that since there was but one Guard in each Tower they ought to try their Fortune For I hope said he that with the help of our gods we shall defeat them and have the Place at our Command before Axiana returns And should it not be so you know Sir the little means there is to save us this Countrey being encompast with the Sea and we without Ship or Boat So that it were much better to dye speedily than to languish longer One thing there is which exceedingly comforts me to wit a firm Belief that what ever has hitherto befaln us is some fatal Destiny the Issue of which will perhaps be better and more honourable than we expected and therefore I beseech you not to be troubled but to recomfort these Ladies whom the seeing you so perplext has very much discontented And to say Truth they wept like Persons in despair which gave the King better occasion to believe the Knight recommending their Foâ—tune to his Pâ—owess and for this cause the King told him that he believ'd him and that as soon as it was day they two would take Horse to go and fight the Guards whilst the Ladies repos'd themselves But this the Queen would not hearken to saying that she would be present at the Good or Evil that might befall them At which the Knight of the burning sword receiv'd great Pleasure hoping to do such Feats of Arms before Lucella as should make her love him the more CHAP. XXIII How the Knight of the burning Sword conquer'd the Castle of the Isle of Argenes and of the Combats he fought there THus they pass'd a great part of the Night till such time as the day began to appear Then they all took Horse and the Knights making themselves ready for the Comâ—at marcht on to the first Tower and as they went the Knight of the burning sword besought the King that since they were to fight the Guards one after another he would be pleas'd not to enter into fight as long as himself should have Ability to resist them which the King willingly granted him Whilst they were discoursing thus they came to a very deep River over which was a Bridge of Wood whereby they were to pass into the first Tower Then they presently heard an Hoâ—n sound and perceiv'd a Knight of immense Bigness come forth mounted on a marvellous strong Steed who from the Entrance of the Bridge call'd out to him of thâ— burning Sword for he march'd before the King saying Sir Knight leave your Arms and come without constraint into my Prison else I will make both you and your Companion lose your Heads But he answer'd not a word to all these Threats so that running one against another they met with so much violence on the Bridge that their Staves breaking the Knight of the Tower and his Steed were tumbled into the River whence the Horse at last got out leaving his Master in the bottom who never in the least complain'd of it And the Knight of the burning Sword marching on the Watch who had sounded the Horn made a great cry and went off Then the King and the Ladies which accompany'd the Knight of the burning Sword drew near and pass'd the Tower together at coming out of which they heard another Horn sound from the next Fortress This they rightly thought to be the calling forth of the Guard to the Combat wherefore the Knight of the burning Sword went to meet him and when they were within a Career of one another the Knight of the Tower riding on a great black Horse cry'd out as loud as he could Yield your self poor Wretch and resolve to suffer perpetual imprisonment and Hunger for by you has my Companion lost his Life as we have understood by the cry of the Watch. Now the Knight of the burning sword had gotten the King's Lance wherefore holdâ—ng himself more secure he thus answer'd the other By my Head Sir Knight iâ— your Companion be dead so much the worse for him and because He who thinks to revenge anothers Disgrace very often increases his own I am of opinion that you should forbear any farther Threats and think of defending your self against me Then they Spur'd one against the other and their meeting was such that the Guard break his Spear on his Enemies Shield who having better taken his Aim pierc'd him quite thro' the Body so that he fell dead on the Grass Which the second Watch seeing made the like Cry with the former and then disappear'd whilst the King and the Ladies approacht the Tower which they found shut but the Keys hanging in an Iron Chain by the Gate they open'd it They were scarce entred when the third Watch sounding as the two former had done call'd them forth to meet the next Guard who was ready for the Combat Wherefore the Knight of the burning Sword advancing so coming from far a great Giant arm'd in very strong Armor having two Steel Maces one upon his Shoulder and the other at his Saddle-Bow who before they met speak thus to the Knight of the burning Sword Knight the Combat between thee and me is according to the Custom of this Tower to be perform'd with Maces wherefore take which of these two thou wilt and think of doing thy Devoir nevertheless if thou wilt yield to my Will I shall perhaps have mercy on thy Person which is in so great Danger Certainly reply'd the Knight of the burning sword I will first see how thou canst strike for I never had a Desire or Thought to receive Mercy of such Personages as thou art Well choose then Said the Gyant presenting him the two Maces of which the Knight took that he lik't best and
have dar'd to fight the Gentleman that assail'd him but even Atlas himself nay the very Giants which Jupiter enclos'd in the hollow Mountains he over turn'd upon them This he well let be understood by the Answer he made Frandamella saying Mâ— dear Friend since my Lady has had such Remembrance of me this precious Mantle shall not part from my Arm till either the Honour of the Combat be holy granted me or Death separate my Soul from my Body which in this world is only to obey her as the fairest discreetest and most virtuous Princess on the Earth Scarce had he utter'd this word when the Damsel retir'd for the Knight of the Castle would proceed to the Combat which was between them the most gallant that ever was seen For if the one understood the Art and Method of such Sâ—ort the other shew'd himself an expert Master iâ— it so that to consider it well it was no less pleasant to behold them than the Exercise was to them dangerous However they continu'd long and many Blows and Thrusts pass'd betwixt them without ever coming to the quick so valiant vigilant and dextrous they were And tho' he of the Tower us'd much Artifice and made many false Osiers to endâ—â—â—â—aâ—e and surprise the other yet could he not in the least injure him nor yet so much as touch his Cloak which he guarded and defended more than his own Person whereat his Enemy being irritated as thinking he disdain'd him stept forward and in stepping lifted up his Arm to cleave his Head which the Knight of the burning Sword so well obviated that falling back he made an offer of giving his Adversary a Thrust directly in the Breast but letting fall his Arm gave him such a cut in the Leg as brought him to the ground being not able to stand any longer wherefore he cry'd out Ah ah Knight since success is so much at your command pass on and follow your Fortune And as he would have spoken more the Watch of the next Tower instead of winding his Horn as the others had done made a great Exclamation crying out Come forth Soldiers come forth or we are all lost The Knight of the burning Sword then well thought that he should now find more to do than he had done hitherto wherefore he came to Lucella and putting his knee to the ground gave her her Cloak as whole as he had receiv'd it from Frandamella saying to her Here Madam is what you lent me which I have to the utmost of my Power defended against my Enemies Sword to shew how dear I esteem whatever comes from you Then he hastily took his Arms for he already â—eard the Noise and Bustle of those that were coming forth whom he instantly receiv'd being six arm'd and accoucred Knights and four Servants having Habergeons and Head-pieces of Iron who all ran together upon him Then began a Fight of ten against one but the King would take a Paâ—ty and fell in amongst them like one whom the matter nearly concern'd Which the four Slaves seeing they went aside and seiz'd on the Ladies whom notwithstanding all their Crâ—s and Lamentations they carry'd into the Fortress Which caus'd such a Fury in the two assaulted Knights that sparing neither their Skin nor their Flesh four of the others fell dead in the place the two that remain'd flying with all speed to save their lives but they were soon overtaken and Treated like their Companions Thus the King and the Knight entred into the Tower into which they had seen the Ladies carry'd whom they found not there and for this cause the went towards the seventh near which they met the four Villains returning from their Enterprize to assist those that were assaulted but whatever Resistance they could make the two principal of them were slain on the Place and the others taken to Mercy on Promise of declaring what they had done with the Queen and her Company Now as they were going into the Castle the Knight of the burning Sword seeing that the last Guard did not appear as the other had done enquir'd of the Villains where he was My Lords answer'd one of them the Infant Ariana our Princess who Intimately loves him has taken him within these few dayes an hunting and we were told yesterday by one who came from them that they would be here this day or to morrow at farthest Nor could any thing have befaln you more favourable than their Absence For if he for whom you ask had been here tho' your Prowess be great nay extream yet could you never have escap'd out of his Hands without Death or Imprisonment So long continu'd they this Discourse till they came into a lower Hall where they found the Queen her Daughter and the Damsel ty'd with great Coâ—ds and more dead then living But their Fear was soon over when they perceiv'd the King and the Knight of the Burning Sword who incontinently unbound tâ—em It was now Night and they had neither eaten nor drank all that day Wherefore they askt their Prisoners whether they had any Food who answer'd them that they had Go then and fetch some said the King They did so and He with the Knight of the Burning Sword and the Ladies took their Repose And when it was thuâ— to be take themselves to Rest they were conducted into a Chamber where there were three Beds having about them Curtains of Gold and Silk the Hangingâ— of the Room being exceeding rich and curiouslâ— wrought And whilst theâ— were busy'd in viewing them the King perceiv'd the Entrance to a Stair-case thâ— steâ—â—s whereof were of Porphyty and Iasper which made him askt what â—â—airs those were Sir answer'd he to whom he spake 't is the Ascent to the Chamber of Treasure into which none can enter But he who sees the Riches of the Perron plac't before it has enough to wonder at It shall be then for to morrow said the King Repose being at this time very necessary for us Nevertheless good Sir I would gladly know by whom the Chamber is so well defended and what Treasure there is in it that ought to be so much esteem'd Sir answer'd he this I cannot well tell you none but the Queen Zâ—itfea having ever entred into it not so much as her own Daughter I have indeed heard it often affirm that so great Riches are scarce to be found in the World besides But it is so guarded by Enchantments that none dare approach it We will not said the King stick in so fair a way but will to morrow combat the Devil rather than not see what it is Go you therefore to sleep and leave us two lighted Tapers in this Chamber The servants having done what he commanded them retir'd The King then and the Knight of the Burning Sword lay'd themselves down arm'd as they were for â—eaâ— of being surpriz'd The Ladies also repos'd themselves on another Bed without putting off their Gowns or any other part of their Habits CHAP. XXIV
not from me the Cause of your sorrow for I assure you if I can remedy it you shall find me ready to serve you At this word she open'd her Eyes and seeing him so near her rous'd up her self as one throughly frighted answer'd him with great wrath Ah! rash and premsuptuous wretch hast thou then dar'd to attempt the Coming up hither Thou shalt indeed presently receive thy Reward Then stretching out her Arm she gave him such a Blow with the Sword as pierc't his Shield Armor and Body to the very Hilt the Knight falling all along on the Place But then as if she were come to her self out of a deep Sleep she presently cry'd out O Iupitor Alas what have I done I have cruâ—lly slain him on whom my Life depended Then sitting on his knees she took the Knights Head in her Lap and having fixt her Eye on it her Sorrow grew so strong as if Heart would have cleft asunder And in this Passion she fell down in a swound upon the wounded Body Lucella was not then asleep but sollicited by the Love she bare her Friend had him continually before the Eyes of her Imagination and heard the Damsel 's Regrets and Cries Wherefore not knowing what to think of it she look't strait towards the Place where she had seen him ly down but he was no longer there at which surpriz'd with an unusual Iealousy she rose up and ran hastily towards the stair-caâ—e whence in her opinion the Lamentations proceeded which gave her this Trouble She went up to the Perron where she again heard a Voice saying pitifully Ah ah poor miserable and unfortunate Gradafilea What will become of thee having with thine own hands slain the Person thou most lovedst in the world and whom thou hast taken so much pains to find O thou most unhappy of those wretches that live banisht from all Felicity how is it possible that seeing with thine own Eyes the Death of him caus'd by thine own Act who was more dear to thee than thy self thou shouldst any longer continue in this World out of which thou hast driven him Ah Queen of Argenes thou greatly deceivdst me when at my entrance into this place of Tribulation thou assuredst me that at the time my Hope should be wholly lost my heart should have Repose seeing him whom I desir'd to find But alas this promise of thine is quite overthrown and I cannot well imagin what displeasure I have ever done thee that thou shouldst purchase me so intolerable a Discontent One Remedy there is which thou cannot deprive me of which is the death that I will give my self to follow and bear him company in so severe cruelty as has parted from these hands stain'd with the blood of my Friend When Lucella had some time hearkned to her and perceiv'd she spake of the death of a Friend her Blood was in such a Commotion that she could no longer bear what she thought so that she went up to her who was endeavouring to pluck out the Sword for to murther her self Where seeing the Knight stret'ht out at his length she cast forth so loud a Cry that the Lion who was asleep awak't and fell a roaring in the most dreadful manner that ever was heard so that Lucella with the Fright was flying away when the Beast caught hold of her Gown by which with his Sharp claws he so violently pluckt her to him that she was ready to fall down backwards The poor Lady was then in certain expectation of death nevertheless whether thro' Courage or thro' excess of Fear she had recourse to the Sword that she saw in the Body of her Lover which she so strongly pull'd at that she got it out of his Body not without great Mystery for the burning Door instantly flow open with such impetuosity that the Inhabitants ten Leagues round assuredly believ'd the Ruine of the Place and of the whole Island And the Flame so evidently pass'd thro' the Halls and Stair-cases that the King and Queen who were asleep awake but not without being frighted Because this Brightness pass'd away like a Shadow leaving the Place so dark and full of Smoak that for above a quarter of an hour there was nothing to be discern'd but Obscurity and Blackness During which the Knight whom Gradasilea and Lucella thought dead rose up well and lusty and yet more amaz'd to see them both stretcht out on the Grownd not stirring either Foot or Hand Now take my word for 't he paid Vse for the Displeasure his Mistress had receiv'd For seeing her in such Condition he was ready to despair and make himself away when taking her in his Arms to give her a Farewel kiss no sooner were their two Mouths joyn'd together but that her vital Spirits return'd to their Natural Head so that coming again to her self and knowing him to be alive whom she esteem'd as bead she said to him Ah ah my dear Friend Do I dream or did I not just now see you wounded thro' the Body I take GOD to witness that I verily thought your Life at an end Madam answer'd he there is nothing more true than that from you alone I hold my Life and that you only have Power to give it me or take it from me when you please as being she on whom all my Good all my Happiness and all my Fortune depends As he finish't this Word Gradafilea who had likewise been in a swound rose up and seeing the Knight of the burning Sword well and on his feet cry'd out a loud O Infanta Gradafilea Now certainly I esteem all the Affliction thou hast pass'd thro' well employ'd since the Promise which heretofore the Queen of Argenes made thee is truly accomplisht Then câ—sting her Arms about the Knights neck she said O my sole Friend Lisbart of Greece how many ill nights and worse days have I endur'd to recover you but thanks to the gods now that I hold you embrac'd this Torment of mine is wholly turn'd into pleasure and repose During these Caresses the Knight of the Burning Sword could not imagin whence they proceeded having never seen Gradafilea nevertheless he thought that perhaps she knew his Father and Mother and that his name was Lisvart as she call'd him But Lucella who found her self concern'd was not so satisfy'd perswading her self that she alone and none else ought to have share in her Lover who loving Gradafilea had thus conceal'd himself from her And to say the truth the precedent Lamentations and Regrets gave her a great Mistrust which was much augmented when she saw him let himself be embrac'd without contradicting it tho' his Intention tended to another end being only desirous to know of Gradafilea where she had seen him to know him so as she made a shew of and for this reason he said to her In good faith Madam I believe that you take me for another for I never in my life had any Acquaintance with you as I know of How answer'd she
the Emperor of Trebisond Lisvart of Greâ—ce Perion of Gaul and the Prince Olorius of Spain who had till then been Enchanted and laid asleep under that Plate without the knowledge of any one but the Queen Zirfea Certainly I cannot well tell who was most amaz'd Whether the King of Sicily aâ—d his Company to see these four Persons thus resuscitated or the Emperor and his to find themselves in so unknown a Place and amongst Knights arm'd and ready for fight So that if the Emperor being without Arms fâ—ar'd they should be assaulted those of the other side thinking them to be Phantasms were not over-well assur'd when Gradafilea knew Lisvart yet doubting that she was in a dream she durst not at first approach him but sixt her Eyes upon him as he did upon her yet without speaking one Word for a pretty while Now these four Knights had been so depriv'd of their Vnderstanding by Zirfea that without knowing any thing of one another they were brought from Trebisond and put in so strait a Place by such means as you shall presently hear CHAP. XXV How Zirfea enchanted the Emperor of Trebisond Lisvart Perion and Olorius in the Castle of the Isle of Arâ—â—enes Where she afterwards stay'd Gradafilea being in quest of Lisvart THe History of Lisvart of Greece recited at large in the sixth Book of Amadis of Gaul Records that at the Siege of Constantinople where King Amato was in person himself with the greatest paâ—t of the Pagan Princes has an End put to their Days by the high Chivalry at King Amadis of Gaul his Son Esplandian and others whose never dying 〈◊〉 registred in the said volumes Now among these that were thus â—â—â—n by this King of Great Britain was Zarzafiel Soldan of Babylon who had a Sister nam'd Zirfea a Woman of great Skill in Magick which she had in her younger years learnt of the Infanta Melia. In this â—â—t she became so expert that disdaming the Court of the Soldan her Brother she relir'd into the Isle of Argones where the better to experiment her Science she did many incredible things in the Castle of Treasure as we have already discrib'd it to you From which she could not by any Intreaties or Letters sent her by the Soldan her Brother be withdrawn whilst he liv'd Now Zirfea writ several times to him that he should by no means go to the Siege of Constantiople assuring him that he would infallibly be slain there with all who should Accompany him But he made flight of this Advertisment thinking that it proceeded from her Fear of losing him which she preferr'd before the Honor and Glory he might get there so that he went and was there slain as you have been told Of which Zirfea his only Heir being advertis'd she incontinently set forwards towards Babylon hoping to gain possession of the Country where she found one that her Brother had left there for Governor who either thro' Love or Force had already receiv'd the Crown and obedience of the Subjects And for this cause he commanded her to be gone and void the Realm or else he would â—ut her to death This Message seem'd to her very hard of Digestion but seeing there was no Remedy she packt up her Baggage takiâ—g with her for all her Inheritance the Body of Zarzafiel into the Isle of Argenes where being arriv'd she Sacrific'd it to the God Mars causing the Ashes to be carefully gather'd up and enclos'd in the clâ—ft Head erecting him the Sepulchre we have already told you of And to the end a Death which so nearly toucht her might not go unreveng'd she deeply and solemnly vow'd to procure all the Dammage and Displeasure she possibly could to King Amadis and the other Christians she accordingly us d all her Endeavor to put in execution this Resolve Wherefore being one day advertiz'd that Lisvart of Greece and Perion of Gaul were in Trebisond she put to Sea and as she was sailing invented for their Surprizal the Deceit recorded in the said sixth Book of Amadis of Gaul laying her Project so well that in fine she not only brought away them but also the Emperor and Olorius all which she would have instantly put to death had she not foreseen by her Magick that from them should proceed one by whom her Lineage should in time to come be greatly illustrated tho' she neither knew when nor how For this only cause were the four Knights preserv'd and put into her Bark where she was afterwards enamor'd of Olorius with whom she had such Converse that her Belly began to swell she being with chield yet being no more willing to pardon him than the rest being arriv'd in her Isle of Argenes she enchanted them and put them all under the Soldans Tomb unknown to any one even to their own selves Then she conjur'd the Chambers and clos'd the Doors by the Fire which continually burnt there Now it hapned some time after that Gradafilea understanding the loss of Lisvart put her self in quest of him And having travers'd many strange Countries without learning any Fews of him she come at last to Zirfea to whom she entirly declar'd the Occasion of her Travel very earnestly beseeching her that she would please to deliver her out of his Pain Zirfea promis'd her she would and de facto having fasted her some dayes brought her to see the burning Doors before which was plac'd Lisvarts Sword She then askt her if she knew it Alas Yes answer'd Gradafilea For GOD's sake tell me what is become of him whose it was I will tell you reply'd Zirfea you shall keep it till his Return For it is reasonable since you are so much his that you should have the Enjoyment of it Then she took it out of the Place where it stuck and put it in Gradafilea's Hands conjuring her in this manner Your abode shall be in this very place till such time as being in despair of ever seeing him any more you shall recover him to your great Ioy and Pleasure The Queen having utter'd these Words the Infanta was so firmly enchanted that she remain'd still there at the Arrival of Lucella by whom the Conjurations were brought to an end Which yet Zirfea did not imagin but made account that very difficultly would meet there at the same time the best Knight and the fairest Lady in the world at least that should murally bear each other such perfect Love as she had establisht by her Magick And to make the Entrance into the Place yet more strange and difficult she built a little lower the Perron where were the seven statues holding their writings and other Singularities Then she found the means to procure five Knights of excellent Prowess to whom she gave the keeping of the five first Towers expresly praying and commanding them that no person of what Estate or Condition soever should arrive in Argenes without being stay'd and taken Prisoner whence it happned that several pass'd there many ill Days Having
the burning Sword very humbly thank'd him This Discourse was scarce ended when the Infanta who had been to visit her Friend Lucencio came in The King immediately went to salute her with his Knee in a manner to the Ground and she who was of an Accomplisht Behaviour receiv'd him very humbly Then they sat down in two Chairs near to the Knight who addressing himself to her thus began his Discourse Madam you have already done me such Favours that 't is impossible for so poor a Knight as I am ever to return you suitable Thanks I have nevertheless by my Entreaties so far prevail'd with the King that he has of his Liberality been pleas'd to bestow on me the Place you lost some few days since to the end I may restore it into your hands which I very willingly do entreating you that of your wonted Goodness you will pardon me the death of your people who undoubtedly ended their daies more thro' the ill Custom of the place they kept than for any Desire I had to do you a discourtesy Therefore Madam with Thanks to the King you will please to accept this present and to esteem me as one who would hazard his life and whatever else is dear to him for your Service Tho' Axiana was exceedingly overjoy'd at her so easy recovering what she despaired of yet concealing the Excess of her Ioy she modestly thus answer'd him Indeed good Knight the Offer you so liberally make me and the Displeasure I have receiv'd in losing what you have gain'd from me and mine put me in great confusion because considering in what manner my place has been conquer'd and then restor'd and put into my hands my honour seems not however to be satisfied unless the Death of my men were reveng'd as severely as the greatness of the Offence deserves not so much in respect of them as of my person against which the principal Injury has been committed and which ought to have a suitable satisfaction And on the other side the Favour Benefit and Honour I receive from the King and you summons me to forget all past Offences not so much for the value of the thing you present me as to take away the Opinion that might be conceived not only of my ingratitude but that the cause of my Refusal proceeds from a Despair of ever being able to return you the like Which the Gods forbid should befall Axiana and much less that she should shew in the State and Rank she bears any mean spiritedness which is a Fault that never she or any of her Lineage were guilty of And therefore conforming the Time to my Fortune my Thanks for the Restitution you make me shall be such that I wait for some time to requite you not as for a Benefit bestow'd on the Queen of Argenes Daughter but as a bounty proceeding from such noble Persons to me who expected it not In the mean time you shall have for a pledge my good Will with what ever else is in my power Ah! Madam said the King I will no longer contend with you well knowing that your Courtesy can overcome a much better speaker than I am but let it suffice you that all those who see you fall into a Desire of doing you service which Desire brings with it so much force that every Knight who serves you thinks himself well recompens'd if his service is agreeable to you Now Axiana had not yet perceiv'd Gradafilea who to hear what they said left her Brother and came towards her Then they saluted each other very courteously They had not however any long Discourse together for Night drew on and the King of Sicily would return whence he had parted in the morning Which Axiana knowing besought him and Gradafilea also not to forget the Way but to bring thither the next day the Queen and Lucella with all the rest whom she would entertain in the best manner she could and upon this they gave her the good Fight And coming down into the Court they took Horse and went back to the Castle of the Chamber of Treasure where they were very well receiv'd especially by the Ladies who desiring to know in what disposition the two wounded Knights were the King was oblig'd to relate to them more than once all he had seen and heard And in the mean time the Knight of the burning Sword and Lucencio sometimes visited each other whence they began together such a Friendship as lasted ever after CHAP. XXXII How the Emperor of Trebisond the King of Sicily and all the others as well Knights as Ladies and Gentlewoman that were in the Castle of the Chamber of Treasure went to see Axiana And of the Wonders she shew'd them SO well did the did Knight order those he had undertaken to cure that he set them on their Legs sound and lusty At which the Infanta Axiana much rejoycing and desirous to treat the Emperor and his Company requested the Knight of the Burning Sword and Gradamart to go and desire their Company at her house where she design'd to feast them Which being heard by the Knights they one day very early in the morning took horse and having put on Scarlet Cloaks which she had given them with no other Arms but their Swords they went on to the Castle where they were very well receiv'd Then the two Knights told those of the Castle Axiana's Desire to satisfy which they resolv'd to set forth immediatly Sending therefore for their Horses they rode to the Infanta's House who being acquainted that they were alighted in the lower Court came to receive them with so pleasing a Countenance as was highly to the Satisfâ—â—tion of all the Company Now as she saluted them one after the other seeing the great Beauty of Lucella of which she had been told she could not forbear saying to her In my Conscience Madam you are the compleatest Beauty I ever saw in my life and I no more wonder that the Adventure of my Castel is ended the Gods having bestow'd on you so great Excellence Lisvart who heard this Discourse and the Praises which Axiana gave the Princess desiring in some sort to acknowledge the Pleasure he receiv'd by it spake thus to her By my Faith Madam you have in my opinion no cause to complain of them For if they have given this Infanta any Beauty you also have so good a share of it that you come not far behind her And to speak Truth after Lucella one could not easily have found any one that equall'd her and yet she could not forbear smiling and blushing together She would not however contest any longer but changing the Discourse brought them into the Hail where the Tables were cover'd for dâ—nner and they were so abundantly serv'd with all sorts of Delicacies that 't was to be admir'd Dinner being over and they having discours'd a little of such things as most delighted them Axiana willing to shew them the Beauties and choicest Rarities of her House address'd
her self to the Queen saying You Madam and this excellent Company having so far honour'd Axiana 't is reasonable she should endeavour in some sort to acknowledge it by giving you the Pleasure of certain singularities which are here and which several have sometimes thought to be strange Will it please you therefore to see them Yes indeed answer'd the Queen 't is what we request of you Then they arofe from their Places and not to tire themselâ—es over much sent for their Horses on which being mounted they entred first into a great Park part of which was curiously planted with Rows of Orange-trees Lemon-trees Myrcles Pomegranates Cypres Lawrels Lentisk Pines Fir-tres Palm-trees Olive-trees and several others wonderfully pleasant A little higher on a small rising was a Thicket of Codars Plain-trees whither repair'd all sorts of Animals wild and tame And at the foot ran a Rivulet proceeding from many pleasant Fountains which water'd the Place where 't was convenient in the midst of which there was an high Pillar of Amber that cast forth such abundance of Water as made a spacious Lake Then going on the left hand they entred into a long Walk set on each side with Elms Lime-trees and Sycomores which so shaded it that the Sun in the height of Summer could not have offended the Eye of any one and to rest ones self there were on the Sides of it Arbors of Woodbines and Box entermix'd with Laurels and Laylacks And in the midst was a Round of an hundred yards over where were Pallas Juno and Venus of white Marble who look on Paris sleeping on a Rock of Chrystal whence issu'd another Fountain in which they all took so much Pleasure that they had not any thoughts of Returning when there arose so obscure dark cloud a Cloud that they all lost sight of each other and suddenly heard a serpent hiss and beat his Wings so that the whole Park resounded the Noise Alas poor Ladies were you not then afraid Yes certainly were you and in such manner that you thought immediately to dye For the last mention'd Fountain was chang'd into so great a Fire that the Flames seem'd by little and little to have seiz'd on the whole Park those who beheld this wonder expecting nothing but a miserable and desperate end and cursing Axiana who had so subtilly bâ—ought them thither to take as they thought vengeance for the Displeasure she had receiv'd of them And the more to encrease their Fear they heard on the gâ—eat Lake such a Noise Thunder that they thought Heaven and Earth â—ould came together when they perceiv'd making from thence towards them a great and terrible Serpent casting Fire and Flame thro' his Eyes Nostrils and Thâ—oat And upon him the Infanta Axiana holding in her hand a naked Sword with which she gave the Beast such a Blow between his Ears that thro' the Greatness of the Pain he leapt into the Basin of the Fountain where he began so to bestir himself that the Knights Ladies and Gentlewoman were washt with the Water which spurted up and fell from their Horses to the Ground yet without receiving any farther Hurt Then the Darkness vanishing and the Heavens becoming clear and bright they all found themselves in the midst of the Wood and Axiana amongst them having Lisvarts Sword and without any more seeing any thing that might trouble them Wherefore the Knights knowing their Illusion and past Fear fell a laughing so did not the Ladies but trembled like the Leaves on the Tree what fair Words soever Axiana gave them who would have brought them farther But Lucella very farely told her she would not for any thing in the world go on unless she promis'd to free her from these Plantasms She was indeed more like one dead than living and utter'd these Words with such a Grace as encreas'd the Laughter Wherefore Axiana gave her Lisvart Sword saying to her Madam the better to secure you take this Staff which has such Vertue that no Enchantment can hurt the Person who bears it And for this cause did I request the Lord whose it is to lend it me at our entrance into this Park Which he did and I deliver it to you to defend yourself the rest if you are assaulted with the like fear as you have been Certainly answer'd Lisvart I should willingly choose such Defence from her and so that I am ready to confess that she and such like have more Power over me thaâ— any one who should be arm'd and in a will to sight me Well then said Lucella on this word I receive it and will defend you if Occasion offers They thus jesting one at the other the Knight of the burning Sword who thought that Lisvart spake thro' Affection and that he was in love with Lucella entred into so strong a Iealousy that he would gladly have found a Pretence to have â—ought him presently But neither Place nor Opportunity being dispos'd for it he kept in his heart this ill Will to make him sometime repent it tho' this Suspicion was very unjustly conceiv'd For all the good Entertainment he made this Lady was only in remembrance of the fair Onoloria whom she resembled and for whom he dy'd day and night CHAP. XXXIII How Alquifa arriv'd in the Isle of Argenes And of the Departure of the Emperor and the others to return into their Countrey EVery one being as you have heard recover'd of their Fright they all took horse again to visit the Remainder of the Park going on till they came to the Sea-Shore by which it was on that side enclos'd where they discover'd a far off a great Ship making towards them with wonderful Swiftness Wherefore they stay'd expecting to know who was in it And when the Vessel was within two Bow-shoot of the Shore they that were in it put forth a Boat which two Mariners began to row bâ—inging with them nine Damsells holding each of them an Harp the Sound of which eccho'd â—y the water was wonderfully sweet A little after they came ashoâ—e and Alquâ—fa who was one of the nine was known by almost all the Knights even by him of the Burning Sword for he remembred it was she whâ—â—â—sir'd him to leave off the Combat against Esplandian in the Defended Mountain For this cause every one was pleas'd to see her and the Emperoâ—â—â—â—â—aâ—'d her as did also the Knight of the Burning Sword who said to her My great Friend give me leave to kiss you She who well enough understood what he asm'd at humbly saluted him answer'd Sir Knight you know the great Desire I have to do you service and how much I am yours Lisvart and Perion wondering at this Acquaintance knew not what to think of it Nevertheless they took at that time no notice but after they had receiv'd her as she deserv'd she said to them My Lords my Father and Vrganda salute you in all humility and send you word by me that for your Good you enter
without Delay into this Ship since 't is requisit you be henceforth seen by those who have desir'd you and are in very great Pain for your Absence Therefore consider if you will believe their Counsel for they love you and desire your profit as you have often enough experimented The Emperor who had been of Opinion he should never see the Day or Means to return into Trebisond considering that Alquif and Urganda sent them not such a Message without occasion answer'd before them all My great Friend I think that none of us would disobey Persons to whom we are so much bound As for me I am ready without returning to the Place from whence we departed this Morning As much said the others Now Lucencio very well remembred the Promise he had made to the wild woman whom he found in the Forrest when he was hunting as you were told in the beginning of this Volume nevertheless he would not at that time speak of it to Lisvart or Perion hoping that the Queen of Argenes being retunr'd he should get from her and go to find them in Trebisond whence he would bring them to her who askt so much after them And on this Point the Emperor and the other Knights Ladies and Gentlewomen took leave of Axiana offering her whatsoever was in their Power For which she heartily thank'd them and she recommending them to the Protection of her Gods they entred into Alquifa's Vessel which a little after put off from Land the Emperor thinking to go strait to Trebisond But he was for this time mistaken as you shall understand in the persuit of our History CHAP. XXXIV How Malfadea Daughter to the Giant of the great Siclades came to ask help of King Amadis who went with her to revenge her of the Giant Masearon IN the beginning of this History you have been told how King Amadis took a singular Delight in seeing the Feats of Arms every day perform'd by the Dutchess of Savoys Knight who kept the Kay whether he had caus'd his Tents and Pavilions to be brought so that he stay'd there four whole Months during which 't is incredible what a Number of Shields were lost by several gallant Men according to the Custom establisht at the Passage At which the King conceived such a Love for the Knight that to draw him to his Service and continual Residence about his Person he shew'd him great Honour and Sign of Love Now it hapned one day amongst others that his Huntsmen brought him Word of a great Wild Boar which they had found in a Thicket near the Sea-side The King who lov'd Hunting commanded presently the Toils to be spread and with his Grey-hounds Hounds and other great Dogs brought him to a Bay and at last kill'd him with a Bore-Spear And because he found himself weary he went to refresh himself on the Sand where he had not been long when he saw a Boat brought to the Shore by two Mariners and with them a Damsel carrying on her Shoulders two Giants Heads one a Mans the other a Womans She of whom I speak to you shew'd so much sorrow that a pityless heart would have been mov'd to compassion The King and those who were with him drew near to hear the Cause of this Sorrow and what Adventure brought this Woman thither But she prevented them asking them with Tears in her Eyes if they could direct her to King Amadis the Rampart and Refuge of such desolate Persons as she was The King hearing that she desir'd to speak with him answer'd mildly Damsel I am he what would you have with me At this word the Giantess prostrated her self at his Feet and increasing her tears and sighs said to him Alas if in the time when you were a Knight Errant you sought strange Adventures to repair Wrongs and Outrages especially such as were done to Widows and Orphans now that you are King Reason obliges you not to leave this so good holy and just Custom For GOD bestows not his Favours and great Benefits on such as you are but for the Preservation of Justice and Assistance of the Poor who are all stript of Relief as I am My Friend answer'd the King you say true and certainly I will do so if I can whenever I shall have Opportunity Wherefore delay not to acquaint me with your Grief assuring you that I will remedy it as far as I am able O good Prince said she with this hope I am come to you and most humbly beseech you to grant me a gift which 't is necessary you should do if you intend to revenge me of the wrong that is done me I grant it you answer'd the King Understand Sir said she that the Gift you have given me is that you alone being Arm'd enter presently into my Boat to the end you may revenge me of the wicked Person that has slain my Father and Mother whose Heads these are and the Remainder Sir I will tell you at leisure as we are sailing In good faith answer'd the King it shall not be my fault if your Will is not executed for I will follow you where-ever you desire Certainly said the Damsel this Confidence I have always had in your Vertue and Goodness therefore send for your Arms and let us go The King call'd the Count Gandalin and commanded him to fetch them with out saying a word to the Queen or any other till such time as he was departed The Count obey'd his Command tho' very unwillingly but knowing his Masters disposition who would rather dye than break his word he went on Nor was it long e're he return'd and the King arm'd himself bidding King Arban acquaint the Queen with what he had seen and desire her in his Name not to be troubled for him Then he went into the Boat and without knowing whether he went began to Sail leaving his People in a wonderful fear of losing him And because you may Readers think it strange that this good King who was fourscore years old could yet undertake the Execution of such an Adventure you must understand that in his time the most magnanimous Knight and of the greatest Courage that could be found Nor were the days of Men so short then as they are now for they liv'd some Two Hundred nay some Three Hundred Years and longer And which is more the Vertue of the Water wherewith Urganda the Unknown washt him in the Palace of Apolidon when she enchanted him was very Advantageous to him in this Affair But to return to our Story King Arban having follow'd King Amadis with his Eye till he was out of sight came to the Queen and acquainted her with the King's Command at which she became so troubled that fetching a deep sigh she began to say Good GOD the King 's great Heart is an Enemy to his Person and to me seeing the Dangers it exposes him to at every turn Alas is it not time for him now to rest and leave such youthful matters to be
call on you to the end your ineffable Greatness may be known in all places I give you Praise O Lord all possible Praise and Thanks For 't is not long since I thought my self at the end of my life and having deliver'd me from death by the hand of him I hated most in the world have also by the same Person immediatly let me know the best News that can befall me Then he arose up again stretching forth his Arms went to embrace the Knight of the burning Sword saying to him Ah! my Child certainly I cannot call you otherwise seeing Reason obliges me to love and esteem you more than any Knight living I beseech you to pardon me the little Reception I have hitherto given you For your Vertue deserves well that you be honor'd amongst all the worthy men I know I beseech Almighty GOD to grant me the favour that I may one day acknowledge to you this so great Good you have done me and you will yet if you please do me another Courtesy VVhich is that these Seaman shall return to the Emperor and my Children to acquaint them with what is befaln me and in the mean time you shall bear me Company For I believe that when they shall understand the wounds I have receiv'd make it impossible for me to câ—me to them they will not fail to set sail this way Sir answer ' the Knight of the burning Sword I my self will be the Messenger of such good News and will bring them more easily than those whom you will send VVell said the King go then in the Protection of our Lord whom I beseech to be your Guide and I will retire into this Place till your Return Then Malfeada drew near all bloody with the Caress she had made her Enemies Head who thanking the Knights with great Affection for their good Assistance caus'd King Amadis to be brought into her Castle where she Visited his Wounds applying to them such Ointments and Remedies as were necessary For she was well skil'd in that Art And on this Point Gradamart and his Companion having Leave of the King return'd into their Ship hoping soon to see him againâ— CHAP. XXXVIII How the Knight of the Burning Sword and Gradamart sailing on the Sea arriv'd by Fortune in the Isle of the Vermilion Tower where Gandalfe was combated and defeated and Galeotes and Madafima the Father and Mother of Balan deliver'd out of Prison AFter the Knight of the burning Sword and Gradamart had taken leave of King Amadis and were return'd to Sea they commanded their Mariners to steer their Course to the Place where they had left their Company And this they did hoping to be quickly there and relate to them what they knew of King Amadis who expected them as you have been told But no more finding either the Ship or any Man of whom they might enquire what was become of it the Knight of the burning Sword was ready to dye for displeasure tho' Gradamart comforted him as much as possibly he could knowing whence this his Discontent proceeded They resolv'd then as hast to return to King Amadis and take their way together to Great Britain where perhaps they might have News of what they so much desir'd For said Gradamart 't would be difficult for such Persons as the Emperor and the King of Sicily to be long conceal'd without being discover'd For this cause they acquainted the Seamen with their Intention who resitting their Vessel began to Sail with a favourable Wind which lasted but a little while for there arose suddainly such a Tempest that they were often in Danger of being Cast away and were sorc'd to abandon their Sails and Oars to the good Pleasure of Fortune which drove them four whole days without sight of Land or of any thing that might give them the least hopes in the World to Escape But on the fifth morning their Bark came to the shore of an Island into which they made a Descent giving thanks to their gods for this Relief tho' they knew not the Countrey where they perceiv'd not far from them a Castle built of stone as red as Blood and presently the Knight of the Burning Sword call'd to mind that Balan hear such an one for his Device wherefore he said to Gradamart Never trust me dear Friend if we are not arriv'd in the Island of the Vermilion Tower and if this Place is not the Castle where the Father and Mother of Balan are detain'd Prisoners which greatly moves me to go see Gandalfe and desire him for courtesy to deliver them and the Land also to whom it belongs These aâ—e words answer'd Gradamart I have heard Gandalfe so much blam'd that Vertue has no part in him Nor will he do any thing but by force And as they were thus Discoursing they saw come towards them an Esquire riding on a Nag who without saluting them said to them Knights Gandalfe King of the Sagittary Island greatly wonders what has mov'd you to set Foot in this Countrey which is his without acquainting him and sends you word by me that you come willingly to his Prisons otherwise he will put you to the cruelst Death he can imagine however if perhaps Balan Son of Galeotes is one of you he would have him understand that he is very glad of it not for any Good he desires him but in hopes to take off his Head and send it with his Fathers and Mabalimas to that wicked King Amadis with whom he so braggingly threaten'd him But he thinks that the person I speak of has no leisure to return for fear such an Happiness should befall him seeing 't is so long since he promis'd to come back and fight him The Knight of the burning Sword was exceedingly mov'd at the hearing himself threatned with a Prison and angrily answer'd the Esquire Friend return to thy Master and tell him that he shews himself by thy Message a more foolish and proud King than we are rash for having entred into the Countrey which he shall shortly lose and where we know that he has nothing of right Tell him also that the coming of Balan will make him as sorry as he brags he should be glad And for to give him certain assurance of it I am Balan who could come no sooner to fight him not for any fear of him but for want of Time and Opportunity convenient And therefore let him perform to me what he is oblig'd to and I will likewise on my part keep my promise with him which is to present his Head to King Amadis a Prince more Vertuous and Debonnair than he is Traitorous and wicked The Esquire having heard him began to shake his head and smiling to say to him in mockery In good saith I well know now that your Brain is weaker and more disturb'd than I thought for Nevertheless your being a Fool is no Argument to hinder your being chastis'd as you deserve But stay I am going to fetch one that will teach
understood that the Accusation which is brought against this Noble Lady was invented with the greatest Malice in the world I am ready to fight the Traytors to and prove against them by force of Arms that they have falsly and maliciously accus'd her and that in all the Evil they have said of her and the Knight of the burning Sword they have ly'd in their Throats No sooner had he finisht this Discourse but Maudan stept forward and holding his Cosin by the Hand answered with great Boldness By my Head poor Stranger thou art mightily deceiv'd thinking thus to save the Queen who deserves to be burnt that she may serve for an Example not only to the noble Ladies of Saba but to those of the whole Earth For 't is certain and we will maintain it that she has offended against the King by the Adultery which the Wretch who is flâ—d and she have committed together And because thou art so forward I tell thee that thou thy self ly'st and that you both deserve the Fire or else to be drawn by four Horses thro' the street of this Town Ah Villain answer'd he in the red Arms if thou knowest as well how to fight as to rail thou must be a brave Fellow Nevertheless one thing perswades me that thou art no such since to second thee in so wicked an Act thou tak'st as honest a man as thy self Thus are you both nothing worth and against both will I maintain the words I have spoken before the King's Majesty and so many Lords here present and here is my Pledge to defend it in open Combat and that presently if it please the King Then he stretcht forth the fore-part of his Armor which Maudan took hold of and pull'd so roughly to him that King Amadis was ready to fall at which he was so displeas'd that putting his hand to his Sword he was about to draw had not the Consideration of the Place where he was with held him as also that King Magadan concern'd himself in it And knowing the wrong and injury the other had done him spake this to Maudan in great Wrath How now Is it fit for you to be so presumptuous in my Presence By all our gods if I take you in hand I will make you repent it Be gone and never offer to contest so much any more in my sight Let the Combat be to morrow as this stranger has requested to whom I swear on the Faith and Word of a King I will cause such exact Justice to be done that he shall have no Cause to complain Then he rose up and went very angrily into the Chamber with Fulurtin and the others that were most intimate with him In the mean time Maudan and his Cosin returned home the Vermillion Knight also retiring himself in the Company of those who had brought him with great Honour and good Entertainment expecting the Time appointed for the Combat CHAP. XLVI How King Amadis fought Maudan and his Cosin Azaruc whom he defeated and then embarkt to return into the North. NOw the Story says that Amadis armed himself betimes the next day devoutly bâ—seeching GOD that he would be pleased to preserve him from the Danger into which he was entring as he had several times done especially seeing the Iustness of Buruca's Quarrel whom that he might the better defend one of the Kings Vncles sent him by an Esquire a very Stately Steed on which he mounted And to conduct him to the Field there came Seniel one of the Iudges whom King Magadan sent thither accompanyed by five Hundred Knights So Seniel bare his Lance and the two Old Dukes his Helmet and Shield Thus they marcht together in good Order to the Place appointed for the Combat which when they had rid thrice round with the found of Trumpets and Clarions they placed him at one end under a Pavilion expecting the two Assailants Maudan and Azaruc who in like State entred a little after into the Lists without which a little aside there was a great Fire kindled and near to it the Queen with some Gentlemen appointed for her Guard and behind her the Executioner ready to perform his Office if the Vermilion Knight should be vanquisht But Buruca had so good and so assur'd a Constancy that every one prayâ—d for her reputing her innocent and wrongfully accus'd To the which the better to perswade them she wore that day all the most precious Ornaments she had So she had on the Crown and Diadem according to the Custom of Saba which so augmented her Champions Courage that he thought long till the Heralds gave notice for the beginning of the Combat Which was done soon after for by the Command of Magadan Maudan and Azaruc being on the one side accompany'd with two Counts their Kinsmen who serv'd them for Sureties and the Vermilion Knight on the other between the two old men who had brought him thither a King of Arms made Proclamation aloud that none should be so daring or presumptuous for any Good or Evil that might befal the Combatants to give them any sign by any Look Word or otherwise either to incite or discourage them And this on pain of Death Then he cry'd out with a loud voice three several times in these following words Let the good Combatants go and do their Duty At this Cry the Sureties on both sides retir'd and the Trumpets began to sound Then the two Cosins set forward against the strange Knight who ran directly against Maudan whose Death he desir'd for the insolency he had shewn at his presenting him the Pledge of Battle and met him so fiercely that breaking his staff even to the handle a Truncheon stuck in his Shoulder-piece and pierc't him through with so much Pain that he fell out of his Saddle to the Ground Which Queen Buruca seeing was very glad tho' this Ioy lasted her but little For Azaâ—uc couching his Spear low wounded Amadis's Horse in the Shoulder so that he fell down and his Master under him who nevertheless got up again before Azaruc had finisht his Carreer and taking his Sword in h s hand went towards Maudan who was already on his feet and as if he felt no Pain from the wound he had receiv'd in his Arm fiercely pull'd out the Truncheon and threw it far from him Then the Knights fell cruelly on each other But Azaruc who was alone on Horseback spur'd up and thinking to beat down Amadis and trample him under his Horse-heels came furiously against him The King who perceiv'd him stept aside and with great Address as the Horse that was in motion pass'd on struck him on the Ham so that his Leg being lam'd he fell down yet not so suddenly but Azaruc found Means speedily to quit his Stirrupâ— and al got to assist his Companion whom the Vermilion Knight fiercely pursu'd and as one who was no Apprentice at the Trade bestirr'd himself so couragiously betwixt them that every one began to judge he would gain the Victory
Because they had nâ—t fought long before he struck Azaruc on the Top of his Helmet which with great foâ—ce he foâ—â—atter'd into â—is Brains that he fell dead in the Place That Maudan thâ—n wisâ—t himself far from thence I can assure you in his behalf For his Heart began to fail him so that he visibly lost all Countenance wherefore Amadis cry'd to him Now Traytor shall thy Baseness be manifested and thou shalt receive the Reward of the Affronts thou didst me in the Kings Presence Maudan more amaz'd than can he imagin'd answer'd not a word and without either defending himself or resisting did nothing but fly to and fro But Amadis taking him by the Straps of his Shield pluckt him so roughly that he brought him with his Nose to the Ground and fell to caressing him so tenderly with the Pommel of his Sword that Maudans Helmet coming off from his Head the Vermilion Knight immediatly sat his Foot on his Throat and lifting up his Arm made an Offer to kill him when Maudâ—n cry'd out Ah ah Vermilion Knight have pity on me and spare my Life Rascal answer'd he if there were any hopes of Amendment in thee I would do it But thou being a Traitor as thou art 't would be a wrong to shew thee Compassion Nevertheless if thou wilt confess to me before the King and the Princess of his Court the Truth of the matter I will pass no further Maudan fearful of Death and regardless of Honor promis'd to do it And for this Cause Amadis call'd the Iudges to whom he declar'd what you have heard desiring them to send for the King and the other Lords of Saba Which they went immediatly to tell Magadan who came down from his Theatre attended by Fulurtin and many gallant Men before whom the Queen being present Maudan fell on his knees begging Mercy with lifted up hands and to obtain it address'd his Discourse to the King saying to him Sir you may see in me how Fortune triumphs over such wicked persons as I am Nor has it indeed been ever known but one sin draws on another and a second many more till at length they so blind those who commit them that thinking to go the high way they fall into the Ditch which themselves have digg'd whence they cannot afterwards get out This is at present manifest in me who envying the Honor you did the Knight of the Burning Sword invented what I told you of him and the Queen to drive him from your Court and get into his Place Then he related all the Particulars of his Treason not omitting the least Circumstance after which he thus went on Now I have been the Cause of much Mischief and well know that I deserve to be exemplarily punisht Nevertheless I beseech Your Majesty that preferring Pity and Mercy before the Rigour of your Justice You will be pleas'd to pardon me letting every one thereby know that if my Sin is heinous your Clemency and Goodness is no less extraordinary Which as it will greatly redound to Your Majesty's Honor so also shall I and mine ever remain more bound to serve you than any other of your Subjects you having thus pardon'd and remitted my most grievous Offence Whilst the Traytor was making this fair Harangue the King of Saba was so perplext that he could not utter a word considering the wrong and Injury he had done the Queen thro his over Lightness in believing for which he should be eternally blam'd Nevertheless before he retir'd â—e counnanted the Traytor to be thrown into the Fire and by a perpetual Edict vanishâ—t all hiâ— Kindred who for this cause departed the very same day Then the King return'd into his Place whither Queen Buruca was brought with as great Triumph as if she had made a Second Entry And being come before the King she threw her self at his Feét sayiâ—g to him Sir since my Innocence iâ— manifested I beseech you to receive me into your Favor as before and remember another time not to bâ—lieve so easily nor to use your Power over the Accus'd till his Defence has first been heard Considering how you have proceeded rigorously not only against my Chastity but also against my Honor and that of the House from which I am descended The King who was then besieg'd with a great Remorse of Conscience rais'd her up kissing her with Tears in his Eyes answered her Madam I well know that I cannot indeed excuse my Offence for which I beseech you to pardon me and to forget it swearing to you by my Crown that I will satisfy you and yours for it as you shall think fit Ah ah Sir said she had it not been for the good Vermilion Knight my Affairs had gone ill For GOD's sake honor him and let this if you please be the first satisfaction you shall make me And as she finisht this Discourse her two Vncles brought Amadis who entring into the Hall Magadan and Buruca went to receive him and embracing him the Queen said to him Certainly good Knight I know not how I shall ever be able to acknowledge what you have done for me having giving me both Life and Honor. Madam answer'd he the good Right you have appears manifestly For GOD who is just never permits injustice without Vengeance tho' it be sometimes long in coming Thus you being innocent had not I undertaken the Combat against the Traytors some other would have come and done what I have perform'd My great Friend said the King had I known you as well yesterday as I do at present I should have given you more Respect But the Trouble I was in at the wicked Words I heard spoken of the Queen made me forget all Courtesy and even my own natural Disposition which is to receive graciously all strangers that come to my Court. Therefore I beseech you not to take in ill part this my Fault but to excuse it on Condition I shall hence forth endeavor to amend it Ah Sir answer'd Amadis You do me Wrong I am a simple Knight who should think himself happy if he were able to do any Service to so great a King as you are No no said Magadan if you will stay with me there is not any thing in my Power that shall be refus'd you King Amadis very humbly thankt him And because the King thought he was much wounded he gave his Son Fulurtin to bear him Company and conduct him into one of the best Chambers of the Palace where he disarm'd himself And altho ' he was old as you may well believe yet did the Water with which Urganda washt him in the Castle of Apolidon keep him so fresh that he seem'd not to be above fourty And he so much resembled the Knight of the burning Sword that Fulurtin could not forbear having his Eye on him who was so like the Person whose Absence he hourly more and more regretted Amadis then being disarm'd without any wound constraining him to keep his Chamber
return'd into the Hall with the Kings Son And because the Table was cover'd for Dinner Magadan made him wash with him and sit down by the Queen who very instantly pray'd him to tell what he knew of the Knight of the burning Sword Which he obey'd And all those who heard his great Prowess exceedingly wondered so that Fulurtin took a Resolution to go and seek him Then Dinner being over Amadis who thought it long till he saw Queen Oriana knowing the Trouble she was in for his Absence resolv'd to request the King to give him a Vessel fit for his Return to the Place where Queen Buruca had found him And tho' he with great Earnestness urg'd his Dismission yet could he not obtain it till four dayes after during which he was greatly feasted And in the mean time a Ship was equipp'd for him in which Fulurtin thought also to embark and go seek his Companion but the King would not at that time permit him And for this cause he besought Amadis to leave him his red Armor which he would wear for his sake and in remembrance of the best Knight in the World Amadis refus'd him not and Fulurtin gave him another Suit all white and much richer Then with his leave he put forth into the Nile and from thence into the Mediterranean Sea by a Wind fit for his Return into the West whence he came GOD then be his Guide And to embellish our History and give it some Variety you shall understand how in the mean time went the Affairs of the Emperor Arquisil of whom there is so much Mention in the Book of Amadis of Gaul CHAP. XLVII How the Emperor Arquisil being in the City of Mentz there arriv'd at the Court Acayus Son to the King of Thessaly whom Manasses Son to the Duke of Buillon slew thro' his Jealousy of the Infanta Esclariana ARquisil Emperor of Rome sojourning in his good City of Mentz with the Empress Leonorina Dinerpious and his wife Brisenna Daughter of King Amadis thinking on nothing but Feasting and rejoycing in the best manner they could the Court being then fill'd with Princes as well Natives Forreigners the most part of which were come expresly to see Esclariana Daughter to Prince Denerpius and Brisena the Fame of whose Beauty and Gracefulness flew into all Countreys wholly in a manner resembling the Excellence that was heretofore in her Grandmother Queen Oriana Which coming to the Ears of Acayus Prince of Thessaly he would be of the Party hoping to ask her of the Emperor for his Wife And for this cause he parted from his Country with a fair and great Train came to Mentz Where Arquisil receiv'd him courteously and honorably as well for the sake of his Father the King of Thessaly as because he was a fair young and good-condition'd Prince Acayus was greatly pleas'd with it and much more when he had seen and discoursed with Esclariana Whom he found means to acquaint with the occasion of his Arrival at Court promising her if she thought good to request the Emperor's and the King of Thessaly's Consent to the Marriage of him and her The Infanta not us'd to such Discourses blusht at first thanking him nevertheless for the Honor he did her and as a discreet and well advis'd Lady excus'd her self from making any further Answer Now there hapned to be present when Acayus and Esclariana were discoursing together another young Prince nam'd Manasses Son to the Duke of Buillon who pretending to the same Happiness Acayus did felt in his Soul a great Disturbance at the good looks they gave each other and thence entred into such a Iealousy that it produc'd afterwards a great deal of Mischief as you shall understand This Son to the Duke of Buillon was a young lusty and good Knight as one shall see but Esclariana knowing that he came from a Race of Traytors made no Account of him what Love and Service soever he offered her or she took notice of So that she would not to be Empress of the whole world have had him for her Husband And what incensed him more was that he had found Means to understand part of the Offers which Acayus had made the Princess at which he was so inflam'd that he resolv'd to be revenged of his Corrival and by killing him to get wholly rid of him And what much contributed thereto Vnderstand that the Emperor had on occasion of so great a Court caus'd Lists to be set up for turneying and Scaffolds round about Wherefore Acayus put himself in the best Equipage he could hoping in savour of his Mistress to Do feats of Arms and shew himself such as he was And to the end she might the better know him one day amongst others he came to the Palace where the Tables were cover'd for Dinner Great and sumptuous was the Service during which Acayus could not be satisfyed with having his Eye continually on her whom he loved with all his heart And tho' she minded it not as being young and not infected with the like Distemper yet was Manasses strangely uneasy and at every turn gnawed his Nails till the Tables were taken away and the Knights and Ladies went into the Court where they found their Horses ready to go see who could ride best that Afternoon Now Acayus stirred not from Esclariana but took the Reins of her Horse and led her discoursing her as those are wont to do who desire their Mistresses Favors At which Manasses grew more enraged but not being able at that time to remedy it he considered to prejudice them both to put himself by their side and hear them or keep them from speaking privatly to one another And nevertheless Acayus who doubted nothing ceased not to prosecute his Affair so that he said to the Infants Madam if you be pleased so far to favor me as to give me some Sleeve and command me to wear it to morrow at the Furney methinks no ill could befal me and my Forces would on your occasion be redoubled Sir said she You are so good a Knight that your Devoir would not cease to be done without any Sleeve or other Token that you can have from me Manasses who heard him could no longer hold but spake thus to Acayus Prince you might well have forborn making this Discourse to my Lady Since if she would so far extend her Liberality she might do it to another who can better serve her than you And to vaunt your self thus you should not have left the King your Fathers Countrey and come hither where is the flower of all Chivalry Truly Knight answer'd Acayus it may well be that another should serve her but not better than I or with more occasion of Right or Merit And therefore methinks you would have done much for your self to have spoken more courteously and not with such Audaciousness For if I am come from my Countrey I hold my Journey well employed were it only in having seen my Ladies great
what Fortune had separated her from the Emperor Alas alas Sir answered she You may well name it Fortune the strangest and most wretched that ever befell poor desolate woman For she has thrown me from the high Estate in which you had placed me to the lowest she could leaving me without Husband Children or any VVealth whatever Alas the Traitorous Duke of Buillon has cruelly slain Arquisil and his Son and my daughter and I flying the Fury found means to steal away and get a little Boat into which we entred without any other guide but GOD's Mercy whom it pleased to try as I believe my Patience to let us fall into the Hands of these Tâ—â—evâ—sh Pirates who cunningly and without my perceiving it with so sound a sleep was I opprest have stoln away Esclariana and carried her I know not whither Alas was this alone left for my Comfort And it is Indeed a Wonder I have been able to live all this time For the Villains were calling Lots to dishonour 〈…〉 Course 〈◊〉 arriâ—ed with his Company who vigâ—rously 〈…〉 them 〈◊〉 Nevertheless I douâ—t they would have had enough to do with 〈◊〉 your happy Arrival And this Sir is the Condition in which you find your daughter full of aâ—l Soâ—row and Discontent Thâ—â— she begin to shed Tears and sigh so bitterly that she would have 〈◊〉 the 〈◊〉 heart in â—â—e World to pitty 〈◊〉 the 〈…〉 againâ—◠〈◊〉 King knowing 't was not then 〈…〉 what he 〈◊〉 fall 〈◊〉 her Daughter You have Reason to grieve tho' you cannot by your Tears recall what is done On â—â—â—lly Point is now lâ—â—t you that is the Punishment of the Traitor which cannot be so grievous but his Treasâ—n has been greater Nevertheless will thâ— suâ—h manner set my self about it that it shall be remembred whilst the World shall last And as for your Daughter I hope in our Lord that he will not forsake her no more than he has done you and that you shall one day see her in good Health without having suffered Shame or Outrage Comfort your self therefore and take to you a Man's Heâ—rt tho' you are but a Woman shewing the House of which you are descended being Daughter to a King of Gaul which is indeed the most constant and generous Nation at this day on the Earth So many other Reasons did Amadis alledge that she was in some measure comforted And the King disarming himself turned to Gandalin for whom that he might change the Discourse complaining of the great Blow with the Sword he had received he said in sport How Count Do you thus Caress your Friends In good faith I could never have thought that you would in such earnest have tried the Goodness of my Armor nevertheless I heartily pardon you On my Soul Sir answered he shaking his head if all your Servants received the Marks of your Favour in such Money as you lately chang'd with me you would find but a few that would long keep you Company and you have Reason to pardon me for 't is thus that the Beaten makes the satisfaction Now it was already latâ— and they had not eaten all day Wherefore the Cloth was laid and as they were Dining and Discoursing the King askt in what Sea they then were Sir answered the Marriners We are not far from Sicily So much the better said he Then he commanded to go ashore at Naples and send from thence into Spain to King Brian and his other Friends and Allies to ask Assistance for the revenging his Daughters Injury For he was resolved not to return into Great Britain till he had performed it And for this cause having taken Port at Salern where King Adariel honourably received him he dispatched Messengers into all Parts And he Writ at length to Queen Oriana acquainting her with the Seate of his Health and Cause of his Stay Whilâ—â— he was thus preparing for War against the Duke of Buillon he one day enquired of Gandalin what had passed in his Countrey during his Absence who told him the occasion for which the Queen had sent him withall that he knew of the Knight of the Burning Sword who had sent to London Gandalfes head of which the King was very Glad for the sake of Galeotes and Madasima And I am sorry said he that I was not there to entertain the Emperor of Trebisond and the King of Sicily but it shall be for another time So it is that I esteem my Journey well employed for I have restored a poor Damsel to her Countrey that was taken from her and saved the Queen of Saba's Honour who was Accused of Adultery Then he related particularly to him all the Traverses he had made and the Fruit that was come of them CHAP. LII How the Emperor of Trebisond the King of Sicily and others who expected the Return of King Amadis to London seeing his Stay took leave of the Queen and departed YOu have been told in the foregoing Chapters that the Emperor of Trebisond and the King of Sicily promised Queen Oriana to stay two whole months for King Amadis But at the end of that time seeing that he did not return they resolved to depart to wit the Emperor into Trebisond and King Alpatracy into Gaul hoping to recover his Kingdom of Metz Wherefore the Queen knowing that she should do them wrong to stay them any longer would no farther importune them save that for desired the King of Sicily to leave with her whilst his War lasted the Queen and her Daughter which he liked very well as did the Ladies also For this Request came in part from them And of this Lucella had been the Mover that she might stay for the Knight of the Burning Sword as she had sent him word by Macetta These Princes then being upon their Embarkment Lisvart and â—â—â—ion who thought long till they saw their Mistresses would 〈…〉 â—he Emperor and Olorius would willingly have born them 〈…〉 he had promised the King of Sicily to help him during his Affairs 〈◊〉 likewise had Florelus putting off his Marriage with the Dutchess 〈…〉 oâ— till his Return Now Gradafilea had long desired to know the Princess Onoloria for the sake of Lisvart And for this cause she so importun'd him that he yielded to take her with him into Trebisond of which nevertheless he would willingly have excused himself if he could And thus they entred into Alquifa's Ship who with her Damsels which she had brought into the Isle of Argenes undertook to Conduct them into Asia So after many thâ—nks on all sides and leave taken they set Sail. And the King of Sicily did the same on the other side They were no sooner removed but two young Princesses arrived at London to be bred up with the Queen The one Daughter to King Galaor named Galercia and the other to Dom Bruneo called Altimonea both fair in perfection and who took so great Lode to the Infanta Lucella that they could not be one without the other At which
closely imprison'd to my great Regret Let us go Sir answered Birmartes Then accompany'd by many gallant Knights they went into the Hall where Onorias Prison was as you have heard Now the Heat of the day was so excessive that Birmartes took off his Helmet and delivered it to one of his Attendants having an unusual colour in his face when the King presented him to his fair Daughter who having already understood by her Damsels the Issue of his fight with Branzahar whom she mortally hated was the Ioyfullest Woman in the world And this pleasure render'd her Countenance so gay that join'd with the Excellence of her Beauty it made her come very near Lucellas Perfection this her Cheerfulness having given her a Grace more Divine than Humane Then the King said to his Daughter Child look on this Knight who has for your sake done this day incredible Feats of Arms and will I believe soon give you the opportunity of going forth from this Place wherefore 't is my Opinion and Request that you treat him with Respect In good Faith Sir answered she I should be very ungrateful should I fail to do it seeing the Obligation I have to him who has already done so much for me Saying this she stretcht forth her Arm thro' the Grate to lift him up for he was on his Knees as surpriz'd with her Love and that with such vehemence that forgetting the Affection he had to that time born to her for whom he had Travers'd so many Seas the word Branzahar had said to him was found true in him which he remembred very well and therefore took her gently by the hand and kissing it said Madam the Prince did as he ought in keeping you from being seen since your gracious look is capable to kill men without Remedy Onoria blusht a little at this praise but not for any Displeasure she had at it for Birmartes seem'd to her so accomplisht a Knight that she was exceedingly taken with him And as she was going to answer him the King interrupted their Discourse and shewing Birmartes the Image and Writing fastned to the Pillar said to him My dear Friend you have already done so much that you may be stiled the best Knight in the world yet there is more to be done if you will finish this Adventure See here the condition establisht by the Prince of Clarence which I believe will give you more trouble than the combat of the three Giants Then Birmartes dâ—ew near and read the Writing at which he was no way amaz'd but thought that if he could perform it besides the Honour he should get by it he might also gain the Heart and Love of the fair one Wherefore he ansâ—ered the King Sir I know not why you think this Enterprise so difficult since no Knight how little Valiant soever need fear going thro' the World to maintain my Lady your Daughters beauty for she is such that if the Victory in Fight follows Reason 't is certain he cannot be vanquisht but shall be Victorious in all places And to shew you that this is true I accept from this time this office trusting that where Prowess shall be wanting Reason and Justice shall supply it In good faith said the King I am more secure of your Courage than of my Daughters Beauty And affectionatly thank you for the Honour and Good you desire me But let us go to my Palace where you shall be well lookt to for I am sure you are Wounded in several places Nevertheless Birmartes would first take leave of Onoria who had heard all he said of her the Promise he made to defend her Beauty throughout the World Which caus'd in her such a Regard for him that beholding him with her gracious Eye she humbly entreated him that he would after he was Cur'd come again to her before his Departure This request he willingly granted and bowing very low went his way leaving her no less desirous of him than he was ready to serve her all his life For Love at that instant seiz'd of their Hearts mutually transferring them by his Divine Power into each others body without their having any Perception or Sentinent of it but by the heat of the lasting fire which he then kindled in them Thus Birmartes followed the King who as they went along askt him his Name and Quallity but he besought him to excuse him for the present telling him that he should at another time understand it all VVherefore the King seeing him desirous to conceal himself would no farther importune him Discoursing then of other matters they came to the Palace where Birmartes was very kindly welcomed by the Queen and the Ladies who conducted him into a richly furnisht Chamber and to do him the greater Honour disarm'd him with their own Hands and put him to Bed Then came Chyrurgions to visit his wounds of which they promis'd him a speedy Cure desiring every one to retire and let him sleep But when he was alone he began instead of resting to meditate on the Beauty of his new Mistress no longer complaining of Lucella who had been the cause of his coming into these Parts where he had seen what gave him so much Torment Onoria for whom he was tormented suffering no less But Birmartes not able to keep this fire any long time smothering within his breast discover'd some few days after his thoughts to his two Companions Esquinel and Meander who comforted him in the best manner they could giving him hopes that he being return'd and having finisht what he promised the King of Appollonia would think himself happy to give him his Daughter to Wife CHAP. LVI How Birmartes being cur'd departed from the King of Appollonia and Onoria to begin his Enterprise and the success of it THE Desire Birmartes had to accomplish his Promise made to maintain Onorias Beauty in all places very much forwarded the Cure of his wounds which being perfected he caus'd his Ships to be put in such Equipage as the Knight of the burning sword found them in when they fought Then the day of his Embarking being come he address'd himself to the King and said to him Sir forasmuch as I resolve to set forth presently to Sea I humbly desire of you that I may see my Lady your Daughter before my Departure to the end she may in your presence and with your leave grant me a gift that I will ask of her Well then answered the King let us go thither So the King brought him to the Tower whither being come after Salutations on both sides Birmartes set knee to the ground and addressing himfelf to Onoria said to her Madam I am according to your command come to take leave of you for to accomplish what I have wilingly oblig'd my self to hoping with Just Reason not to fall into any danger that can hurt me being accompany'd by your good wishes with which I beseech you to favour me as also with the Honour of stiling my self henceforth
for which you will not be sorry In the mean time consider if you please to command me in any thing for I will obey you in all In good Faith Damsel answer'd the Knight of the Burning Sword you make me wonder at the News As for me I have nothing to do at Rome and I think it best that we should go straight to King Amadis for it seems already long to me till I see the Present display'd and know who does me this Favour Let us go said she I pray you Then they both went on together but they had not been two days in Company when they entred into a long Forrest where they met Five Knights compleatly Arm'd who addressing themselves to him of the Burning Sword cry'd to him Stay Knight stay You must tell us whom you will Assist whether the Emperor of Rome or his Adversary I will help answer'd he those in whom Treason has no Part and will be against the Duke who has so basely Murther'd his Lord. This reply'd they is the Way you should take to a speedy Death Having said this they all couch'd their Lances and ran upon him with such violence that they wanted but little of throwing him out of his Saddle yet he kept firm and gave one of them such a Blow that he never Spake more Then he drew his Spear out of the Dead-Mans Body and Charging the Four others Kill'd the Second on the Field his Staff breaking to Shivers Then he suddenly put hand to his Sword and there began between them a wonderful Fight which yet soon came to an End for the Three that remain'd could not bear the Fury of him who in such manner Assaulted them that the Third had his Head Cleft asunder which the Two last seeing turn'd their Backs and Fled away full Speed But the Knight of the Burning Sword let them go and without pursuing them any farther follow'd his way with the Damsel who much wondred at his great Prowess and high Chivalry Now these Rascals were Allies of the Duke who lying in Ambush in the Forrest watcht such Knights as were ill Accompany'd and fell upon them when they understood them to be of the Deceas'd Emperor's Party so that many Worthy Men had already in this manner lost their Lives when they met with the Knight of the Burning Sword who Chastis'd them as you have heard And for this cause we will leave him to Travel with the Damsel and change our Discourse CHAP. LVIII How the King of Sicily and his Fleet had News of the Emperor Arquisils and his Sons Death and of their Arrival at Naples OVR History has before acquainted you how the King of Sicily Olorius and Don Florelus Embarkt in Great Britain with a good Number of other Knights and set Sail for France Now they had not Sail'd Eight whole Days when they met some Vessels Commanded by the Count of Armignac a Kinsman to the King of Metz for whose sake they were Cruising along the Coasts to hinder the Sicilians or any other of their Party from taking Port in Sicily Now the Count immediatly knew by the Banners and Colors that the King of Sicily was in the Fleet wherefore he commanded his People to assault it on all sides hoping to take him Prisoner Then the two Fleets joyn'd and with Hooks and Grapling Irons coupled their Vessels so that the Fight was Fierce and Bloody but at length the Armignacians had the worst being all either Slain or Vanquisht and the others remain'd Victorious by means whereof they understood from the Prisoners how the Emperor Arquisil and his Son Dinerpius were Slain and that King Amadis was Arriv'd at Naples where he was gathering People from all Parts to Revenge their Deaths as also that the King of Metz was Raising a great Army to Succor the new Emperor This being heard by the King of Sicily a thought came suddenly into his Mind that since his Enemy was taking that way he should never find a better Opportunity to Recover his Kingdom than whilst his Adversary was absent and for this cause he order'd his Pilots and Mariners to make all the speed they could but as it often happens that Man proposes otherwise than GOD has dispos'd the Night following there arose such a Tempest that being carry'd along by the Violence of it they found themselves the Sixth Day after in the Spanish Sea and were whether they would or no forc't to pass Hercules's Pillars and enter into the Mediterranean Wherefore they wholly chang'd their Design and the King of Sicily was of Opinion to go and find King Amadis that they might together Fight the Vsurper of the Empire and his Ally since they were joyn'd Thus they took their way to Naples where they arriv'd almost at the same time as did Don Florestan King of Sardinia who was come thither with a great Fleet and the Duke of Calabria who being in Love with the Fair Jufaliana Daughter to the King of Naples had brought a great Army by Land They were all very honourably Receiv'd principally by King Amadis wâ—o was but a little before also by Adariel Prince Elinius Suycius of Ireland Abies and several other Renowned Knights who were all come to this War Now they being all Assembled in Council it was resolv'd they should expect the Army of Don Brian King of Spain and that which King Amadis had sâ—nt for out of Great Britain and that in the mean time word should be sent to the Princes of the Empire who were of their Party to keep themselves in a Readiness to move when Notice should be given them Thus they all staying in the great City of Naples visited every Day the Queen and the Ladies the King keeping so Noble and Magnificient a Court that they all wondred at it CHAP. LIX How Dirmartes arriv'd at the Court of Naples where he defy'd all the Knights who were there concerning their Mistrâ—sses Beauties and the Wonders he did THese Kings and great Lords being one Day sat at Dinner there entred into the Hall a Tall and Comely Knight compleatly Arm'd in a Rich White Armor In his Hands he bore the Effigies of a Lady at whose side were certain little Chains of Gold to which were fastned thrée Images that were supported by two Knights He who Marcht first was Birmartes the Amorous of whom our History has formerly spoken at large who without doing any Act of Reverence askt a loud if the King of Naples was there and was answer'd that he was and was shewn him Then did he address himself first to the King and afterwards to all the other Knights saying Most Mighty Kings and Lords think it not strange that presenting my self before you I have not shewn that Submission which your Excellencies deserve the Reason of which is that I bear in my Arms this Image which is the Representation of a Princesâ— whose Greatness is such that She ows no Respect to any King or Emperor how powerful soever And this I say
farther that my Arrival in this Court is only to maintain against all Knights that Onoria Lady of Beauty Infanta of Apolonia is Fairer than any other Lady or Damsel in the World And this I intend to prove by Arms against any one that will contradict it on such Condition that if the Opponent is Servant or Friend to the Daughter of any King or Emperor for whose Love he enters into Fight against me he shall be bound to bring her Image Crown'd and her Name Writ underneath which he shall lose and I will joyn with these others in case the Victory is mine but if the Knight has a Mistress of Meaner Rank he shall be excus'd from bringing her Image or Portraiture Now then Sir said he to the King of Naples since this Adventure is arriv'd in your Court before it is in any other of these Princes I beseech you to cause the occasion of my Coming being such as I have at present declar'd to you to be Publisht by Sound of Trumpet to the end every Knight who will Combat me may know that I will expect him in this Meadow in a Tent which I will cause to be set up and will Fight him with such Arms as he will Choose Having said this he went out of the Hall and return'd the way he came leaving all these Lords Amaz'd at his Presumption so that several design'd to abate it especially the Duke of Calabria and Clorius of Spain who so fervently Lov'd Luciana Daughter to Esplandian that he could not rest for her Then came Birmartes into the Meadow and caus'd two Rich Pavilions to be set up on the Sea shoâ—e in which he Lodg'd But he had Leisure enough to rest there for none Presented himself that Day no the next till after Dinner when several entred into the Field and Birmartes behav'd himself so Valiantly that before Night he Vanquisht Twelve and Fifteen the Day following so that many had said they never seen so good a Knight Now the Duke of Calabria was not yet come but he Presented himself soon after Arm'd in Green Armor and bearing on his Helmet instead of a Feather his Mistresses Portraiture Then Birmartes knowing that he had a Valiant Adversary chose a great Lance and Marching leisurely before he began his Carrier the Duke call'd out to him from afar saying By my Head Sir Knight I will now make you know that the Princess Iufaliana whose Effigies I bear surpasses in all Beauties her whom you have so much prais'd I know not answer'd Birmartes how you can verify it As for me every one knows that I should extreamly forget my self if I should follow this Opinion and since the Proof lies in the Combat not in Words let us see how it will go Then they couch'd their Lances one against the other and their Meeting was such that the Duke broke his Spear even to the Gantlet Nevertheless Birmartes Struck him so to the purpose that he Threw him out of his Saddle to the Ground And forasmuch as the Duke was astony'd stiring neither Foot nor Hand the other alighted from his Horse at the End of the Carrier and Feigning that he would Cut off his Head said to him aloud Knight confess the Beauty of your Mistress to be nothing in Comparison of Onorias else you shall Dye presently But to these Threats the Duke tho' he was come to himself Answer'd him not a Word but was so Disconted that he wisht himself already Dead which some Lord knowing Requested Birmartes to leave him in Patience and content himself with his Victory and the Portraiture of Jufaliana which he took and carry'd into his Pavilion to Accompany the others In the mean time the Duke got up again and Return'd Asham'd to his House Then there came into the Field a lusty Knight sitting so gracefully on his Horse that 't was a wonder to see who addressing himself to Birmartes thus spake to him If you do not willingly confess my Mistress to be fairer than yours I will make you do it by force How answered Birmartes He who is just now parted with disgrace said as much to me not long since and tho' he should have serv'd you for an Example you speak as presumptuously as he did take heed fair Sir lest as much befal you At this word they ran so directly one against the other that their Lances flew into shivers and they met so violently with Shiâ—lds and Bodies that Birmartes lost a stirrup and if he had not caught hold of his Horses Neck had been thrown to the ground Nevertheless the other had worse he and his Hoâ—se falling one upon the other However he got up again and taking his Sword in his hand said to Birmartes who had already turn'd his Bridle Knight alight and GOD forbid that I should twice thro' my horses fault lose the Right of my Enterprise Then Birmartes sat foot to ground and embracing his Shield there began between them so fierce a Fight that for the space of an hour or more it could hardly be judged who would have the better or the worse But at the end the Vnknown Knight was so out of breath that he was forc't to retreat a little back Which Birmartes seeing said to him Indeed Sir Knight you take an ill way to make me confess so great a Lye as you ere-while bragg'd you would Are you already so tired The other very much vext at this mockery thus answered him Sir Knight you shall know presently And lifting up his Arm gave Birmartes such a blow with his Sword that his eyes sparkled and their fight began again so fierce that sometimes Fortune was judg'd to be for the Vnknown Knight and sometimes for Birmartes Nevertheless the end was such that Birmartes gain'd the Victory and the other fell upon the field so tired that he was quite spent Wherefore Birmartes cast himself lightly upon him and plucking off his Helmet perceived that 't was his Brother Olorius at which much discontented as fearing him to be worse than he was he said to him Sir Knight 't is probable that the Fault of your Mistresses Beauty and not your want of Prowess is the cause of what has befallen you for otherwise seeing what I have found in you 't is certain that I should not so lightly have parted out of your hands as I have done Olorius hearing him speak with so much humility altho' he was extreamly discontented thus answered him As GOD help me Knight I can give you no very good Account of my Mistresses Beauty for I never saw her But I should have considered what is in you before my undertaking any thing at least to avoid the shame I undergo Then he got up and gave Birmartes his hand to help him for he was very much wounded nor was Birmartes much less Wherefore retiring the one into the Town and the other into his Paâ—ilion they kept their beds fifteen days before their Wounds were cur'd CHAP. LX. How a strange
sent them what secur'd thâ—m for 't is certain that had it not been for the goodness of their Harness they had been â—oth slain But they could not draw any blood but only bruise one another by tâ—e Blows they mutually interchang'd To return then to our Knights Birmartes hearing with whom he had to do his heart so swell'd that he thus answer'd the Knight of the Burning Sword by my head 't is a great Pleasure to me to know who thou art that I may have more occasion to abate thy Arrogance nor do thou think that thou hast any Advantage over me For before the Game is ended thou shalt find that I am better able to revenge my self than thou to threaten Having said this word he rusht upon the other and struck him so fiercely on the top of his Helmet that he constrain'd him to put his knee to the ground but he soon got up again and in revenge gave his Adversary such a blow in the same place that his two hands serv'd him for a support on the Grass tho' he made there no long stay but resettling his Helmet they began again better than before not but there was always discern'd some little Advantage on the side of the Knight of the burning sword And indeed he was descended of the most illustrious and glorious blood at that day on the Earth having to his great Grand father King Amadis who considering that if he let them Fight any longer the Death of the other was near said to the three Kings which were sitting by him that 't was better to go and pray them to part seeing the great Loss there would be in losing them Which they approv'd and going down from their Scaffolds went to the two Knights who at their coming drew back and King Amadis and the King of Sicily address'd themselves to the Knight of the burning sword to whom they said Knight be pleas'd to do so much for our sakes as to proceed no farther in this Combat for 't is not reasonable that two such gallant men as you are should dye on so small an occasion He who presently thought that by refusing so courteous a Request made him by such Persons as they were particularly by the Father of her whom he lov'd better than his own soul he might be blam'd thus answered them For certain my Lords 't is grievous for me to retire thus nevertheless desiring to obey you in all things let us know what mine Enemy thinks of it against whom I am the most unfortunate Knight that ever was for this is now the second time that he has escap'd from me with more honour than I desire I assure you said King Amadis that he will do what he shall be requested to by the Kings of Naples and Sardinia Who in the mean time was perswading Birmartes to consent to the same To which he willingly gave ear knowing he had the worst altho' he bravely conceal'd what he thought of it And for this Cause he said to them My Lords the Quarrel beâ—ween this Knight and me is such that I should rather choose to lose my Life than leave this Combat but for your sake whom I desire to please I will obey your Command So they led him into his Pavilion leaving the King of great Britain and Alpatracy with the other whom Amadis indeed thought to be the Knight of the Burning Sword and had already acquainted the King of Sicily with his Suspicion of which that he might know the Truth he made Alpatracy a sign with his Eye to ask him who therefore thus spake to the Knight I desire you Sir of Courtesy to tell me your Name For I suspect you to be a Gentleman whom I greatly love and esteem And if you are the same you would be to â—â—ame to conceal your self especially from King Amadis who has done that in Saba for him whom I take you to be that he will be for ever oblig'd to him This he said to draw the sooner from the Knight of the burning Sword what he desir'd who was at first so astonisht at this News that he was a long time without answering and would willingly have discover'd himself had it not been for the Desire he had to be reveng'd of Birmartes whereever he could find him thinking that he lov'd Lucella Wherefore he thus answered the King Sir I know not what Love you bear me nor whom you think me to be but if you wish me any Good 't is not altogether without Reason since I have all my Life desired to do Service to You and such as You are You will therefore be pleas'd to name to me him for whom you take me that I may better know who he is In good faith said the King he is nam'd the Knight of the burning Sword and I well believe that you are none of he For he would never concel himself from me Certainly Sir answer'd he 't is not long since I left him and I am so much his Friend that I desire you for his sake to tell me what it is that King Amadis has done for him in Saba to the end that if I find him again he may have News of it Then Alpatracy related to him at large how Queen Buruca had been accus'd and what became of it Ah! said the Knight of the burning Sword in the mean time within himself Traytor Maudan the Gods have had too much pity of you for without toiling such a Prince you deserv'd an Halter Nevertheless he gave no knowledge of this Fault and less of his Person but thus answer'd King Alpatracy Sir I am very glad for the sake of the Knight of the burning Sword of such good News with which I will assuredly acquaint him and that before it is long Wherefore your Majesty will be pleas'd to give me leave assuring you if I can meet him that we will bear you Company in the VVar you undertake whether against the Emperor or the King of Metz. In the mean time be pleas'd to pardon me if I conceal from you at present who I am For I resolve not to discover my self before I have put an End to an Affair which highly concerns my Honor. In this manner did he stop the Mouths of these two Princes who afterward importun'd him no farther tho' they had still a Fancy that 't was he himself Nevertheless not willing to constrain him any farther they thank'd him however for the Succor he promis'd them And forasmuch as it began apace to grow dark and Night was driving away the Day they seeing the Kings of Saâ—dinia and Naples return from Birmartes's Pavilion gave him the good night to go and join themselves with the two others And they four together took their Way to the Town and the Knight of the burning Sword went to the Place whence he parted in the Morning CHAP. LXI How the Knight of the Burning Sword arriv'd in his Tent where he had left Alquif's Damsel by whom he sent a Letter
Parts of Gaul by whom eight or ten dayes after the Fight between the two good Knights Birmartes and Amadis of Greece surnamed formerly the Knight of the burning Sword he was advertiz'd that the Vsurper of the Empire with his Forces was to come and joyn the King of Metz in the plain of Verona and there to expect King Amadis and his Army Now the Duke of Lorrain was ally'd to King Amadis and with all his might supported the Party of the Empress his Daughter so that with six thousand fighting Men he hindred as much as possibly he could the King of Metz who intended to pass thro' the Marches of Suitzerland from executing his Designs For he always coasted him often constraining him to stay longer in a place than he desired This was in part the Cause that the Army of these Kings assembled at Naples went to look for them in Germany and there to give them Battle For which purpose 't was proclaim'd in their Camp that every one should make himself ready to remove the eighth day following During this Time there arriv'd from Spain seven thousand good Souldiers and Knights which King Brian sent by the Duke of Merida to their Assistance of whom Olorius had the Command They then being assembled Amadis seeing he had no News of the Army he had sent to raise in Great Britain resolved notwithstanding to march with his Forces strait to Aquileja and thence to Marcadi Ancona coasting always the Venetian Sea for the greater Convenience in having Provisions till he came to Verona where he had Advice that the King of Metz was marching into Germany for to get into Lombardy and would there entrench himself expecting the Emperors Forces Then these Lords assembled in Counsel and resolved to go and meet him before the Emperor was got to him Wherefore they remov'd on the morrow by break of day and made such hast that they got into the Mountains before the King of Metz was aware of it and surpriz'd him so short that they presented him the Battle as it were on the sudden Now he had with him a good Body of Horse and a great Number of Foot which the Count of Armignac and the Dukes of Normandy and Brabant had brought thither with some Germans out of Order The Skirmish was on both sides very fair and the Fight at last so fierce that by the help of Birmartes Florelus and Amadis of Greece who came thither unknown the King of Metz was discomfited himself and the Ea l Armignac slain together with the Duke of Savona and his Son So that had it not been for the favor of the Night which separated them the Duke of Normandy and the rest flying into the thickest part of a great Forest there had not a Man of them escap'd Then were Amadis's People constrain'd to retire for the Darkness and lodg'd in their Enemies Camp keeping a good Watch for they were told that the Duke of Normandy was rallying to come and find them again the next day Neverthelâ—ss it hapned otherwise For the Duke who was a discreet and prudent â—rince considering the Wrong which the deceased King had done the King of Sicily in Vsurping the Countrey that belong'd to Queen Miramynia his Wife call'd the other Princes and Captains who were retir'd with him and remonstrated to them that 't would be best for them to send to Alpatracy and beseech him that forgetting the Injury they had done him he would be pleas'd to receive them into his Favor And doing this those of the Kingdom of Metz would take an Oath of Fidelity to him remaining for ever his humble and obedient Subjects and Vassals And I said he and my Companions will be Friends Allies and Confederates serving and favoring him against all especially against the Emperor who seeing the Treason he has committed against his rightful Prince and Lord cannot continue long without falling to ruine There was not any one in the Company who did not willingly give Ear to this Counsel and the Duke himself was chosen by all to go to the King of Sicilies Camp and carry him this Message By Means whereof assoon as the Dawning of the Day began to appear he took Horse and accompany'd by the Principal Persons of the Kingdom of Metz came to the Kings Tent whither they were conducted by those of the Watch who found him as he was arming himself And already were the Souldiers putting themselves in Battalla to go and prosecute their foregoing Victory But all was stay'd vy the coming of this new Ambassy which being heard by Alpatracy and the other Princes and Lords of the Army the Offers they presented were accepted the Accord concluded and Peace secur'd And before Dinner Alpatracy was thro' all the Army proclaim'd King of Metz and Sicily The Emperor who was that day come to the City of Constance with his Army was soon advertiz'd of this wherefore he made hast to hinder the Enemy from passing any farther But they met the eighth day after in the Evening and the Skirmish began in a Village where each of the two Armies design'd to take up their Quarters There many good Knights on both sides ended their dayes and had not the Night at that time favor'd the King of Sicilies Party the Germans had gotten the Victory But fortune turn'd the next day For Birmartes Amadis of Greece Olorious Don Florelus Orizenes and Bravatus Sons to the Queens Calafia and Pintequinestra drew up and being accompany'd with many good Knights and Souldiers assoon as they could see whom to strike fiercely set upon their Enemies Now whilst they were in the Head of the Fight there came an Express to the Emperour which brought him News that the City of Mentz was taken by assault the Garrison put to the Sword and the Widow of the deceas'd Emperor taken out of the Prison to which she had been confin'd And believe it Sir said the Messenger that all this has been done by the Earl of Flanders For I saw him there accompany'd by above two thousand Knights This News indeed did not much please the Emperor nor those that heard it and the Rumor of it ran so thro' all the Camp that many even the most part loâ—t their hearts and without being pursu'd fled strait to the City of Constance Nevertheless the Emperor ceas'd not to make head against King Amadis and the Fight on both sides was so fierce that the Emperor himself was slain on the Place together with the Duke of Saxony the Earl of Merida his Son and several Lords and Princes with so many other People of all sorts that the Horses were in blood above the Pasters But the Emperors Death struck such a Terror into his Army that they were immediatly discomfited and turning their backs fled with all speed towards Constance where they inclos'd themselves leaving behind them above ten thousand dead in the Field And that very night was the City besieg'd which being briskly assaulted the next day and