anger that he held his peace and arose and went to Armatoes tent and awaked him to tell him of the folly of his daughter And as he gave him the good morrow Armato asked him what good news he brought him so soon Ah sir said he rather what misfortunes How said Armato So the King told him of the loss of Lisuart and the whole enterprize of Gradafilea Oh yee Gods cryed Armato have I so highly offended you that I deserve so great a punishment then in great choller he commanded the King to flie from his presence for said he there shall none of you depart this Country without suffering death and perpetuall captivitie Armato cryed so loud that Melia who was lodged in the next Pavillion heard the noise wherefore she arose in her smock and went to the King who was much displeased but she was more when she understood the cause she having knowne of Lisvarts flight began to tear her haire and her smock and her very flesh This noise being heard of some and they thinking their enemies had surprized them they cried the Alarnm that on a suddain all the field was in armes So the Souldans of Persia and Alapa came to Armato to know what was the matter and when they knew the cause as wise men by fair speeches they found the meanes to appease Armato and Melia telling them that they might be the cause of frightning the whole Army For said these Lords seeing that it is the pleasure of our Gods what will you doe will you contend with Jupiter doe you think he will doe any thing but for our good and it may be we have offended him Therefore let us goe to him and appease him with our prayers and not anger him more You may say what you please said Armato but the Rogue that had the keeping of him shall die and also she that conducted him Sir said the Souldan of Persia you have to deal with men he is come without intreatie or sending for from a far Country and hath carried himselfe as every one knowes it may be when he hath been heard to speak he will be found more innocent then you thinke for therefore let him be heard then if he hath offended he may be punished by the advice of the Princes of this Camp and it may be of his own men These Lords of Persia and Alapa did so much that they somewhat appeased the King Armato and Melia And in the meane time the Camp continued in forme of Battel whereupon it happened that they who went the Rounds on the City walls heard the noise of the Trumpets in the aire It was as then but at the point of day wherefore doubting they should be surprized and that the enemies would storme the place they suddenly advertised the Emperor the Knight of the Sphere and the principal Captains who ran hastily to their charge and remained there untill Sun-rising when they saw the Pagans retire The Emperor did not then know any thing of the returne of his Son but soon after Perion brought him to him and with a grace said to him in presenting him Sir the last night I took this Spie what is your pleasure shall be done with him You may well imagine if the good Prince were well pleased for the tears fell from his eyes in imbracing him During these passages Languines and Abies of Ireland came who imbraced him and asked him what good Angel had brought him thither Then the Emperor asked of him how he came thither and from whence he came Then Lisvart recited to him his whole passed fortunes since Gradafilea carried him from Trebisond untill that present and said he the Alarum which you have heard hath been onely for my loss Oh God! said the Emperor let us goe to the Empress for I am certain she will be very glad of this good news Then he took Lisvart by the â—and and went to the Empress whom they met going to Masse but she stayed when she saw the Emperor who presented Lisvart unto her saying Madam doe you know this Gentleman This is your son said she who may account this adventure the strangest and dangerousest that can happen in all his life Praised be God! said the Empresse And kissing him a thousand times she would not suffer him to goe out of her sight untill it was dinner time and then he related to them all that which had happened in the Army of the Pagans and part of their Counsels And so falling from one discourse to another the Tables being withdrawn he spake to Perion saying Sir my Unckle and I departed from this Country as it is well knowne to goe in search of you who was reported to be lost And my chiefest purpose was to be made Knight at your hands not knowing of whom better to have the same you being brother to my Father and Son to my Grandfather Amadis Therefore let me intreat you to let me obteine this honour at your hands to morrow and that without the City Gates that thereby the enemies may see it and of which they will be very sad Sir said Perion there where the Emperor is present I may lawfully be excused of your request The Emperor will pardon me if he pleaseth and I will humbly intreat him to intreat you on my behalfe I pray let it be so said the Emperor Seeing that it pleaseth you both said Perion I will to morrow doe what lies in me to performe therefore I pray said he prepare your selfe and watch this night as is the custome Lisvart kindely thanked him then night being come he entred into the Chappel and accompanied with many high persons he remained at his Orisons untill the Sun arose CHAP. XVIII How Lisvart received the Order of Knighthood and of the great mervails and adventures that happened the same day LISVART having watched as it is the custome the Emperor came to him in the Chappel being accompanied with the Knight of the Sphere two Giants and many other great persons And the time being come for the accomplishing of this enterprize which was to be done without the Citie gates he commanded the Souldiers to stand to their Armes and be ready on the wall least the Enemy should during the solemnity assaile them And the Emperor kept onely twentie thousand men for his own Guard then he caused the Gate to be opened and close to it was erected a high Theatre upon which he ascended with Lisvart the Knight of the Sphere and Argamont and the Ladies stand upon the wall where they could see all that was done The Pagans seeing so great a company of people they gathered together more to look on them then to assaile them Then Lisvart kneeled on his knees before Perion who gave him the Order but when he came to gird on his Sword they found that it had been forgotten nevertheless that did not hinder them a jot for the Emperor bethought himself that with a better he could not begin to doe deeds
fame And Perion's who by none surpassed were In Prowesse Wisdome Vertue and in name And oft was known by the name of th'Knight of th' Sphere Here you may read of Ladies of great beautie Who courted were by many valiant Knights And you may read of some who did their duty In many warlike deeds and cruell fights Great prayses you deserve for your Translation And bringing of such famous deeds to light It having done so much good to our Nation Which now accustom'd is so oft to fight Your Loving Brother Robert Kirkman To my loving friend Francis Kirkman The good Success And usefulness Of Translations In all Nations BEspeak esteeme of this book made compleat Not Cobler like but like Translator neat Heroick hearts come read in polisht words Puissant actions of old Warlike Swords And learn for ever how to make your names Glitter as Star-light or Sol's brighter flames Come Cupid-smitten Carbonado'd hearts And fresh your selves with amorous pleasant parts The work was great delight to th' Authors minde As great delight the Readers all may finde The words are well exchang'd not put to rout Nor shall you finde at all their braines dasht out From all true Lovers of desert and Learning Acceptance of the work 's the workman's earning Then set aside all doubting and disdaine And buy out right this blossome brave amaine Proceed young Kirkman thus improve thy Reason And publish rare Antiquities in season And so become an happie Constellation To poure a strong influence on our Nation Chi parla semina The speaker sowes Chi tace raceoglia The hearer reaps La volunta supplice a la faculta The good will doth supply want of Ability Yours Thomas Heath THE SIXTH BOOKE OF Amadis de Gaule ' Which largely treateth of the great Deeds of Armes and strange Adventures as well of PERION his Son as of LISVART of Greece son to Esplandian Emperor of CONSTANTINOPLE CHAP. I. How PERION of Gaule second son of Amadis departed from London with seven other young Princes hoping to goe into Ireland to receive the order of Knighthood at the hands of the old King Cildadan and of that which happened to them THE newes of these Princes and Lords Ladies and Gentlewomen enchanted in the firme Island as you have heard was soon known by little PERION of Gaule son of Amadis who had been left by his father in Great Britaine under the Government of good old Arban King of Norwales This young Prince being then about the age of twelve or thirteen years had a resolution in himselfe to receive the Order of Knighthood at the hands of his brother the Emperor Esplandian and of none other but seeing himself frustrated of his purpose he lingred until the fourth yeare following when two of the sons of Don Florestan King of Sardinia came to visit him at London The one whereof was called Florestan as his father the other Parmenir in whose company were also Vaillides son to Don Bruneo King of Aravigne Languines and Galuanes children of Agries King of Scotland Abies of Ireland son to King Cildadan and Quedragant Lord of Sansuegue who were departed from their severall Countries hoping to be made Knights by the same hand of whom Perion should obteine this honour The young Prince received him as welcome as the neernesse of their kindred rendred him affectionate towards them especially having heard occasion of their long voyage To satisfie which desire they resolved to take their journey to Ireland towards King Cildadan there being at that time no Prince more worthy to supply the place of the Emperor Esplandian in his absence Perion having a desire so soone as he should have the meanes to bear Armes and follow strange adventures and imitate his father in Prowesse and Chivalrie wherefore desiring to have Yrguian the son of Gandalin for his Squire he dispatched a Gentleman of his towards Gandales who at that time lived in the Castles of Archelaus which Amadis had given him earnestly intreating him to fend Yrguian to him wherewith Gandales was content He therefore being arived and these young Princes having provided all things necessarie for their journey taking their leave of King Arban they went straite to the Port of Fenuse where they imbarqued And as they were on the Sea they discovered a Barque with foure oares green as emeraulds wherewith foure Apes did row and there was with them a very faire Damsel costly adorned These Barques followed one another so closely that they were joined and landed together And as Perion and those of his Company were ready to mount on horse-back the strange Damsel approached neer to them carrying on her neck a sword excellently garnished and in her hand a black sheild in the middle whereof was painted a golden Sphere Shee addressed her selfe to Perion and kneeling on the ground spake thus Gentle sir God forbid that I should ever part from your feet until you have granted me the Boon which I shall aske you Perion whom shee much pleased readily answered Aske it then and you shall not be refused Truly said she I hoped for no lesse Shee rising from the ground took him apart and they talked so long in walking together that they came neer to the barque where the Apes were into which the Damsel prayed him to enter alone Then Perion knew very well that by too rashly promising he had lost his company And although he was as much troubled at it as at any thing that could happen to him whatsoever even seeing himselfe frustrated of his purpose and hindered from his voyage into Ireland neverthelesse knowing that his honour would be questioned if he did not accomplish that in which he had voluntarily obliged himselfe he passed on and called his Companions to whom he declared that which the Damsel had requested him and the cause wherefore he followed her wherefore he intreated them earnestly to excuse him You may easily judge whether they were well pleased But seeing that they could not remedie it they recommended him to the keeping of our Lord assuring him that so soon as they had received Knighthood they would put themselves in search of him wheresoever he should be They had hardly spoken these words when the Apes began to row and the winde sate so faire that in a small time they were far from Land and they lost the sight of him So let us leave him to the Seas at the pleasure of fortune and returne to the others being resolved to persue their enterprize And therefore they went to the Court of old Cildadan who knowing of their arrival honorably received them and after they had sojourned a smal time in his Countrie he gave them the order Then they tooke leave of him and entring into their ship they set saile to Constantinople where they sound Lisvart son to Esplandian who was then esteemed the most faire and accomplished Gentleman in the world The old Emperor who by reason of the absence of his Children had left his solitary life
Perion doe you then know me Know you answered one of them yes truly and for good cause seeing that I am your kinsman Talanque son of Galaor brother to the King your father and this is Mancly a well esteemed Knight amongst the best in the world Truly said Perion this adventure is the best for me that I could have wisht for but I pray you tell me who is the third Sir answered Talanque this is she who keeps me from marrying Queen Calafea of whom you have sometimes heard Yes by my faith said he although that I never thought to have seen a woman endowed with so good a heart and o great Prowesse Then Talanque called the Queen and said to heâ— Madam you have now in your hands the brother of that Christian Prince which you hate most as I have often heard you say And he said this for sport for she oftentimes published and in all companies that she was more beholding to the Emperor Esplandian then to all the men of the world as well for the honor and good cheere which he made her at Constantinople as for giving her a husband so wise vertuous and full of Prowesse Wherefore knowing that it was Perion she cast down her sheild and setting her knees to the ground she would have kissed his hands But he lifted her up and said to her how Madam is this the fashion at Californâ—s thus to welcome those whom they hate for the love of their Kindred Sir said she wives are obliged to performe the commands of their husbands otherwise be sure that without death or cruel imprisonment you should not escape from me They all fell alaughing at the good grace wherewith the Queen spake these threatnings And as they were thus talking the Prisoners who were bound to the Cart as you have understood found the means to cut the cords and come to the Knight of the Sphere who going to the old man that went before them all he said to them Alas old man what sinister fortune have you to be brought into such misery in your old years Sir answered he I will alwayes praise the Lord and blesse him for you who have delivered me from death And before I tell you any further I humbly intreat you for Gods sake to grant me one gift which shall cost you little and which you cannot refuse as I thinke considering your goodness who hath compassion of poore miserable afflicted persons as I am Father said the Knight of the Sphere you shall have your pleasure of me That which I require of you answered the good man is that you give me my liberty and that for this time you enquire of my Estate and I will at one time or other acknowledge the favor which you have done me Truly said Perion seeing that it is your pleasure to hide your selfe from me I am content Then he asked the others who had so chained them but they were so ill that they could not suddenly know him who spake to them although that to finde him they were entred into search with Lisvart They had been hitherto covered with their Helmets wherefore it was no marvel if Perion himself did not know them untill they took heart and as they thought they had dreamed lifting their hands to Heaven and stretching forth their armes they cryed Ah God! is this which we now see with our owne eyes possible to be true Saying so they pulled off their Helmets and stooped down to kisse the feet of Perion who knew them to be Languines and Abies of Ireland two of his Companions he was so glad that in embracing them he said to the Crossed Knights My friends if you knew who these Gentlemen are perhaps you would have part of my great pleasure Then he related to them how they departed out of great Britaine together and what adventure had separated them Talanque Manoly and the Queen Calase a did much marvel all which the Knight of the Sphere led into the Arbor Nevertheless before they arived there the old man departed from them and monnting on one of the horses who had lost their Masters he sled with a great gallop through the Forest at which the Knight of the Sphere began to laugh saying to the others I think this good man thinks he is pursued by the Giant See I pray if fear doe not sharpen his spurs which I would forgive him with a very good will if I knew his name But you who have been with him said he to Languines and Abies cannot you resolve me in this point In good faith answered they we have as little knowledge of him as you for know said Languines that my Companion and I departing from the Port of Constantinople to goe in search of you so soon as we had set saile there arose such a tempest that at the end of three weeks we were at Palestineâ— neer to Joppa where we landed to give order to repaire our ship and take in fresh water which we wanted In the meane time we tooke out our horses and armed at all points we went to visit the Countrie in such manner that by fortune we happened upon a shadie place on one side whereof there did run a most sweet and faire Fountaine wherewith we dranke and washed our hands and faces And at an ill time as we were a refreshing our selves we were charged by fifteen Knights who issued out of a Grove they surprized us before we were ready Nevertheless we defended our selves a long time against them But in the conclusion knowing we must die we were forced to lay down our armes and obey their commaâ—ds although that this was not without great losse for oâ— the fifteen we left five of them for a gage and the ten likewise had somewhat to doe when the Giant who lies dead there arived conducting in the Charriot he who is fled now Then our resistance was of little force and we remained his prisoners causing us to be changed just as you have found us in the good houre By my head answered Perion I never heard of so marvellous an adventure where the event is so good God be thanked They had not as then eaten all the day wherefore finding the victual which the Apes had provided they began to eat not without lamenting for Lisvart and the rest of their Company whom the storme drove as you shall presently hear CHAP. VI. How the Vessel wherein was Lisvart Florestan Parmenir and Galuanes was cast neer to the great City of Trebisond and of the discourse which they had with the Emperor and the Ladies FOrtune was so averse and contrary to those who embarqued themselves to goe in search of Perion that their vessels were separated and so they lost sight of one another The ship wherein Parmenir Galuanes Lisvart and Florestan were escaping the danger of many shipwracks happened by Gods good pleasure to arive at the Port of Trebisond where they found a Venetian ship laden with Merchandize and waited for
you in such extremity that I have neither body soule or puissance which doth not glorifie it selfe to be assured of such beatitude my friend answers the Princess you may not be refused for seeing that my heart is yours the rest of me as far as my honor may permit is ready at your disposall then she presented to him her right hand through the iron gate so that Perion having kissed it she being vanquished with love imbraces him with her other arme which Perion feeling advanced himselfe so that he joynes his mouth with hers contenting their spirits for an houre according as the place would permit them which struck Perion into such an extasie of joy that put him to tremble more then he did before and caused him to lose the facilitie of his speech and I beleeve certainly if you had demanded of him what good or evill he then Indured he could not have told you love so much alienates the senses of those which she handles well for the certainty of which I could give you many examples of others which were in his coudition Perion being returned into his first power fearing to shew himselfe so unadvised before Gricilerea for the familiarity which he had used towards her began to say to her Madam I humbly intreat you not to take in ill part the incivility which I have used towards you and impute not this fault but to love which hath constrained my affection to obey it neverthelesse if you judge me worthy of any punition I am ready to indure it if it be not the estrangement from your good grace my friend replies she the punishment which you shall receive of me is that I pray and command you that you love me above all things without ever parting from this Court without my leave for the molestation which I have indured formerly for your absence which had almost brought me to my grave how many times did I inquire for you knowing you were gone to Sea and attending your return what Rocks what Culfs were in this Coast which might cause your perill how many sage Pilots have I commanded to come to me to learne of those the names of the proper windâ—s whether contrary to advance you or retarde you how many teares have gone out of my eyes seeing the sea tempestuous the winde and the heaven troubled dancing in a thousand millions of danger which happen commonly to loving persons In good faith my friend the fear which I had to lose you made me daily complaine which are commonly incident to those which are attached with the like maladie as I was since the day that you received the Order of Knighthood in this Court and thus falling from one thing to another she came to speak of Lisvart the which said she hath had great injury in addressâ—ng himself to my sister for to make you know it I will indeavour to recount all whereof he is accused how Madam answers he I thought not that he had offended her if she hath not taken any offence at the extreme affection which he beareth her I know not said Gricilerea how you take this frienpship but I know not how to excuse him sce the promises which he made before his departure that he would not any way revile her then she recounted to him all that you have heard as the Damsell Brother of Gridelena had reported to her In good faith saith Perion I know now that was the cause which made him depart without speaking unto me and nevertheless I took it upon my soule that the accusation is false which gives me more sorrow for his absence then before seeing he hath been so ill intreated for loving so loyally alas said Gricilerea what is that you tell me is it pofssible that the page should thus misinforme us yes upon my faith replies Periâ—n I assure you that disloyalty had no part in him truly said she my sister hath been evilly advised and I thinke not but she will much displeasure him when she is ascertain'd of the truth of this Madam replies he if you please I will goe in search of him and I will travell in such sort that either I will bring him back or loose my life in the attempt I pray you saith Grlcilerea be assured that my sister knowing her fault will receive him at his returne with much amity they had continued longer in these discourses but the day breaking forced them to retire taking a gracious farewell one of the other going together to returne into that place againe the third night following the Infanta then retiring into her chamber went to bed on the other side the Knight of the Sphere taking the way as he came went to bed with Florestan esteeming himselfe the happiest Knight in the world to have made such a choice the morning appearing he being in good equipage returned to the Palace where already the tables were covered for dinner where it pleased the Emperour to honor the Ladies so much as to place him and his companions among them CHAP. XXXVI How the Knight of the Sphere followed the Dutches of Austria to combate against two of her Vnekles who had taken her Countrie from her THe Napkins being taken away when water was presented to wash there entred the Hall a very faire Damsell clothed in mourning conducted by an old man who led her under the arme accompanied with twelve Damsells twentie Knights and as many Squires at her arivall this Lady cast her selfe at the feet of the Emperour demanding if the Knight of the true Crosse or him of the Sphere were in the Court or one whose renown is now through all Countries named the solitary Knight who not long since by force of armes delivered King Amadis the Queen and their retinue being imprison'd then she recounted all as you have heard whereat they were astonished the Emperor answered her Damsell of all those which you demand for there is no other here but the Knight of the Sphere whom you may see The Damsell regarded him as one expecting succour and answered the Emperor in truth fir I beleeve it is true at these words Perion advanced and demanded of her if he would doe her any service truly Knight said she I doe beleeve you was onely borne to give succour to such distressed Damsels as I am Lady answers Perion I am ready to succour you and all other distressed ones to my power therefore I desire you to tell the eccasion of your sadnesse fir Knight said she I am daughter to the Duke of Austria who dying and leaving me in my nonage to the tuition of two of my Unckles according as their Reason or honor should direct them seeing me onely here and a woman besieged of Vienna which after a long siege was constrained to yeild on these conditions that if I would finde a Knight who would combate against those two and vanquish them I should be restored to my right otherwise not to this agreement I condescended and taking my
she might easily know the grief wherewith he was accompanyed And from thence he and Alquefa rode to the Barque into which he entred And the Apes began to rowe The Emperor and those of his Company being abashed at their so sudden departure did not know at the first what to think nevertheless considering that all this had happened by the advise of the sage Father of Alquefa they made the less wonder at it And during these passages the Duke was carried out of the field who without any long stay in the Country where he had been so illy handled he with his Company took the way which he had come so sad that death had been very agreeable to him But surely Gricilerea suffered not less on her part for the so sudden absence of her Perion Nevertheless we will not at this houre give her any remedy but onely being in hope to see him another time and we will alter our discourse to the end we may tell you that adventure happened to those which departed from the Port of Constantinople to enter into search of their Companion CHAP. IV. How Lisvart Florestan and the others sailing in the Sea in search of Perion the vessel wherein Vaillides and Quedragant were was cast by storme on the Isle of the Giant Argamont against whom they combated and vanquished YOu have not long fince heard how Lisvart Florestan Parmenir and Galuanes embarqued themselves in one ship Vaillides and Quedragant in another Languines and Abies of Ireland in like manner separated They haveing then taken leave of the old Emperor of Constantinople causing to hoise the sailes and weigh the anchors they sailed in the maine Sea they had not long sailed so but such a tempest happened that the Pilots Steers-men Mariners themselvs thought to perish for they had not left them Saile Maine Masts nor Rudder that was not broken in many pieces for which cause they were so scattered by the space of three weeks that without any hope they followed fortune as it pleased the winde and the waves to guide them And in this distresse the ship wherein Vaillides and Quedragant were arived at the break of day very neer to a faire Isle which was soone known by the Mariners to be the Isle of the Fueille Blanche and the Lord of it was one of the cruellest Gyants in the world named Argamont the valiant This Argamont had a daughter named Dardadie who was very well known of Ardan Comile he which Amadis de Gaule vanquished in the town of Fenuse as the second book largely declareth And to let you know what knowledge he had of her know that one day amongst others as he went to search for strange adventures making triall of his person in all Countries he arived in this Isle where he combated against the Giant Gandandell the father of Argamont but at the instant they found themselvs allied and so they became so great friends that the Giant would have delivered his sword to Ardan giving him the honour of the victory which the other refused And so striving to whom this glory should remaine they arived at the Castle of the Fueille Blanche where Argamont father of the Damsel of whom I lately spake kindely welcomed him Especially when they understood the alliance and parentage which they had together But it happened that the thirteenth day following Gandandell departed this life he had been so sorely wounded by Ardan Comile who was very much grieved therefore especially for the love which he bore to the daughter of Argamont of whom he was so much enamoured that forgetting the honor and affinity of Parentage he wholly discovered his affections to her and hey jumbled their fidles so well together that they envied on another that which some have called the womans merciful guift in such sort that nine moneths after this Damsel had a son who was named Ardadile Canile so called for the love of his Father And know saith the Mariners to Vaillides that this Argamont and his little son are at this time reputed the valliantest and cruellest Knights under the Cope of heaven So that none arives in this Isle that are not killed or taken by them By God answered Quedragant this shall not hinder us from going to sâ—â—de them And he commanded to put the ship a land which was done not without the great fear and horror of all those of the ship So the two Knights armed themselves and taking their horses out of the Vessel they marched towards the trees and they marched so long that they arived at the entry of a great plain from whence they could easily see the Castle of the Fueille Blanche But they had hardly cast their eyes on it when they heard a horne sounded from the highest Towers by the watch which the Giant had appointed to give him notice when any strange ship should take Port in his Marches And they tarryed not long before Argamont came out from his Fort and armed with plates of fine steele mounted on a great Horse came before the Knights to whom he said in a great bravado Poore unfortunate ones how dare you appeare before me Yield your selves prisoners and content your selves with the foolish enterprize which you have done to enter thus armed into my Country Quedragant was greatly moved to hear himselfe so injured wherefore he answered him By my head great villaine you are far from your guess for we hope for future honour in breaking your head and to vanquish you as you deserve and although fortune should be ill on our side and we should dye in the field this would be more glory to us to end our dayes with our Swords in our hands then through feare to accept of your proffers wherefore lay aside these threats and now employ your time if you can more in Knightly deeds then in such foolish words During this discourse the Giant contemplated on the person of Quedragant who seemed to him a fair Knight And for this cause he somewhat appeased his Choller and said to him Truly I do believe that you are a good Knight nevertheless you may easily know that your strength in respect of mine is little or nothing And seeing it is your desire to come both together you shall soone see what honour you will purchase by trying your selves against me so as you brag And having spoken these words he lifted up a great Mace which he had in his hand thinking to strike Quedragant Then Vaillides who was somewhat behind knowing his will couched his Lance and giving spurs to his Horse charged Argamont so directly that he was ready to fall from his Horse But in his passage he rececived such a blow with the Giants Mace that would he or not he was cast on the ground Quedragant being greatly angred thinking to revenge him ranne straight upon Argamont and broke his Lance on him without doing him any hurt At the which the Giant being glad cryed at the end of his Course with a loud
nothing but a faire winde to saile into Italie There the Knights enquired of the custome of the Countrie and what newes there was Sirs answered the Merchants a few dayes since we saw the strangest adventure that could be imagined And what was it said Lisvart I pray let us intreat you out of courtesie to let us understand what it was Know then said one of them that the Emperor being in his Palace in the Companie of the Empresse and their two daughters there entred a Damsel richly clad carrying on her neck a Sheild and Sword richly garnished and this woman did lead by the hand one of the fairest young Gentlemen that ever I beheld being armed at all poin a with a black harness except his head which was naked Then he recounted every thing that happened to Perion of Gaule and Aâ—quefa and by that meanes Lisvart and his Companions did easily know that the Merchants did speak of him for whom they had taken so great paines to finde nevertheless marveling what adventure should bring him thither And for this cause they thought good to Land and goe to the Emperour of whom they might have more certaine tydings So they furnished themselves so well as they could especially Lisvart who was one of the fairest Creatures that could be and mounting on Horse back they went into the Towne and came to the Palace where they did alight and passing further they came into a great Hall where the Emperour was in company of many Knights and wise men At their arivall every one did reverence them and gave way to them to approach neare his Majestie Lisvart who marched before them all spake thus to him Sir your high renowne and great bounty knowne throughout the whole world hath moved my Companions and me to come into this your Court not onely to doe you reverence as your Majesties greatnesse doth deserve but also in hoping to have good newes of a young Gentleman who as it hath beene told us you have made Knight not long since at the request of a Damsell who lately brought him hither to you And Sir for asmuch as I never had intention to receive Knight-hood at the hands of any other then his and that my age summoneth me to take more upon me then I have heretofore done I humbly intreat you to tell us what you know to th' end that having found him I may have that which I hope for and desire above all things The Emperour being a gracious and affable Prince answered Lisvart that hee and all his Company were very welcome And as for the young Knight said he which you seek assure your selves my friends that at present I know no news of him at which I am grieved for I love and esteeme him as much as any other that I know because of the great beginning of Knight-hood which I saw in him and assure your selves that I am altogether ignorant of the rest of his Estate for he left this Court after so strange a manner that when I thinke thereof I believe to have dreamed Sir answered Lisvart I will certifie unto you that he is sonne to the hardy Knight Amadis de Gaule King of great Brittain tain and the faire Oriana Aha said the Emperour you tell me wonders that he to whom I have given Knighthood should be the Sonne of the most renowned Prince in the World By my faith I never had more desire to recover any man then I have to get him wherefore if I can once more get him he shal give me satisfaction for the little courtesie he hath shown me in so hiding himselfe And looking upon Lisvart very earnestly I believe said he that you are of his kindred for you are very like him Sir answered Lisvart until it shall please God to make me such a one that I may by my deeds dare to name my Parents I have no intention to be known further Wherefore the Emperour enquired no further but called Dukedelafonte and commanded him to lead him and the other strange Knights to the Empresse and say to his Daughter Gricilerea that she should doe them all the honour she could especially to Lisvart for they came in search of her Knight The Duke obeying to his commands tooke Lisvart by the hand who being come before the Empresse kissed her hands and she embraced him telling that he and his companions were welcome And Lisvart seeing the Infantaes Onolerea and Gricilerea made great reverence to them and the Duke Delafonte told them what the Emperour said In good faith answered Gricilerea he hath good reason to command me to honour this Gentleman for besides his being one of the fairest that ever I saw I thinke him to become of high Linage at the least I doe not remember that ever I have known a person more resembling my Knight then he which causeth me with a better will to obey his commands And therefore faire Sir said she to Lisvart I would entreate you to let me truly know who he is that you seeke and would by no meanes speak to us During these speeches Love who is not a respecter of persons wounded the hearts of Lisvart and Onolerea with one and the same shaft to whom the eye being messenger of the heart would give preâ—ent remedy Contenting both their minds by a regard which promised them cure and contentment The which Perion endeavoured to dissemble answering to Gricilerea Madam the Knight whom you have a desire to know is Sonne of King Anadis de Gaâ—'e and his name is Perion To tell you further would be time lost for the prowesse of his Father who hath so many times encompassed the world causeth his Sonne to be praised with the beginning which he hath made at armes Faire Sir said Onolerea hath no other occasion brought you into this Court but onely to find him No Madam untill this present said he but I well see that for the future there will be more causes if I knew that thereby I should doe you any earthly service Onolerea did most affectionately thanke him the better to disguise what she thought she said to him Truly you were well counselled to come hither if so be you desire ready newes for the Damsell that brought him hither is very familiar at this place and she will not tarry long before she returne to us and then you may know of her what is become of him And Onolerea spake this whereby to hinder Lisvart and stay him with her There was at that time near her Griliana Daughter to the Duke of Ortilensâ— who had stedfastly regarded the countenances of the two new Lovers whereby she soon suspected of what had happened to him and thinking to do them pleasure she said to Onolerea Madam may it please you to th' end that you may avoid some envie which may beare to my Lady your Sister by reason of her knew Knight to receive this Gentleman for yours who as I understand is about to follow Armes believe me I do
doubtful and I would to God that this which you tell me were more true then I think it to be for I fear the worst Madam said Griliana as you are a great Princesse you ought to be more perfect then simple maids who are commonly less endued with Constancie and Magnanimity of Courage then they who have the title of daughters to a King or great Princes therefore be comforted for if the Letters of Melia are such as I think them you may be very much blamed in doing thus as you doe and afterwards you may consider of it with repentance Griliana knew so well how to give her so many reasons that from thenceforth she carried her sadnesse with more modestie then she had begun And in the meane time the Emperor consulted about the Army that he should raise to goe to the aid of Constantinople the which was retarded until the return of the Duke of Ortilensa who dislodged that very same day and marched so long with his Army that he encamped within a dayes Journey of the town of Autrusque Of which the King of Breigne being advertised he raised the Seige and accompanied with an Army of fifteen thousand horsemen and twentie thousand foot he marched directly to fight him Dardarie who was besieged had news of this in short time and for that cause leaving a good garrison in the Town he marched on the flancks of his enemy as well to hinder him from provisions as to be in the battel if the Duke of Ortilensa should give him battel CHAP. VIII How the Duke of Ortilensa gave battel to the King of Breigne and of what happened thereupon THe Duke of Ortilensa with his Army marched so far into the Countrie against the King of Breigne that they had soone tidings by their Scouts of one another what they purposed to enterprise which was to meet one another and give battel And for this cause the King of Breigne raised his Seige and came hastily against his enemy who not being willing to be surprized or otherwise circumvented he ordered his battel as you shall presently hear To Floreston and Galuanes he gave the Van-guard with four thousand horsemen and eight thousand footmen and he had the maine battel for himselfe and the Earle of Alastra a Gentle Knight which consisted of three thousand horsemen and six thousand chosen souldiers leaving for the Rear-guard three thousand Souldiers and other six thousand adventurers gentle Companions for whose Leader he ordained Parmenir and Alarin of Ortilensa his son to whom the Emperor of Trebisond had given the order of Knighthood the day before he took his leave of him And in this equipage they marched by little and little neer to the King of Breigne who had likewise divided his Army into three Squadrons The first was led by Groter his Son The second by himself and the third by the Duke of Alinga Thus they lodged within two miles of a little Village where the Duke of Ortilensa staid and setting a good watch for all that night they did not disturbe one another untill the next morning when they dislodged And the King sent word to the Duke by a Trumpet that before noone was passed he would make him to know that he had too rashly enterprized to come seek him The Trumpet arived at the Camp of his enemy at the same time that their Captain was in the midst of them exhorting them in general and particular of what they ought to doe and the better to move them to fight he set before their eyes the treason of of the King who having falsified his faith was entred into armes against his Prince and Leige Lord. But so soone as he had seen the Trumpet and had known the cause of his coming he sent him back with this answer Trumpet say to thy Master that if he were as well endued with Loialty as he is with pride and presumption I should account him one of the gentlest Knights in the world But because it is impossible to excuse him of his treason against his natural Prince I have such assurance of his threats that with Gods help before the houre that he sends me I shall have him at my mercy At that time Florestan was present when the Duke made him this answer and as the Trumpet was about to returne the way he came he called him back and said to him Trumpet tell thy Master that if the Duke had knowne my will he should have made no answer for a person taxed with treason as he was did not deserve the speech of so wise a man And if he inquires who I am tell him that I am called Florestan a strange Knight and am resolved to break his pate this day being a mortal enemy to all such wicked men as he is The Trumpet told him that he would obey his commands and took special notice of what Coat of Armes Florestan had on it being of an azure turquin colour embroider'd with flowers of Gold Then he made haste away and went to the King to whom he faithfully related all which you have heard at which he was so greatly angered that he presently sent to his son to advance and march forwards with the Van-guard And so in less then an houres space the two Armles came so neere together that they were within a Lance push when Groter sent a Herald to aske for Florestan who presently appeared to know what he would have with him Sir said the Herald Groter the Captaine of this Troop being the son of the King of Breigne desires to know whither or no you are endowed with as much valor at with injurious speeches and for that cause he earnestly desires that before the two battels doe join he and you may have one single combate My friend said Florestan let him then withdraw his forces as I will doe mine and let him come so soone as he will to finde perhaps that which he shall not hereafter looke for So the Herald tarried not to carry this news to Groter for which cause Florestan on the one part and he on the other left their guards and couching their Lances Groter wounded Florestans horse on the shoulder But Florestan hit him so lively that piercing his Sheild and Halbert the Iron went into his body that through paine he was forced to leave his saddle and measure his length on the ground And as he had ended his course thinking to turne his horse to performe his enterprise the beast being very much wounded died between his legs in such manner that he found himselfe on his feet wherefore he soone laid his hand on his Sword and coming neer to Groter who likewise got on his feet there began between them two a most dangerous combate For they were gentle Knights and of so good heart that Groter said to him in derition so loud that many did hear him By God Knight of the flowers if I have as bad luck with the Sword as I have had with the
brother the remembrance of whom struke the Emperor to the Heart that the tears came from his eyes and at that instant the Knight of the Sphere presented unto him the Prince Adariel saying to him Sir behold the Heire of the King of Naples who if it so please God may one day doe you service The Lad set his knee to the ground to kisse his hands but the Emperor graciously tooke him up making him very welcome then they went up into the Palace and leading the Knight of the Sphere by the hand he lead him towards the Empresse to whom the Emperor in entring said Madam behold your son returned nothing is now wanting but your daughter who in time we shall have The Knight of the Sphere made great obeysance to her and the Emperesse arose for to kisse him and in kissing him she said to the Emperor By my God Sir you have done well to bring me that thing which of all things in the world I most desire to see and so I know certainly that my son is enchanted all the world together shall not make me believe that this Knight is not Esplandian Then she came to embrace Adariel Languines and Abies of Ireland and because it was dinner time the Emperor commanded the Tables to be covered in the great hall for he would eat in publique for the love of the new come Knights Frandalo was come but that same day and he was sent for the occasion of the Pagans great preparation to returne into Thrace for which cause all the Court was very sorrowful But that which troubled them more was that as the last course was serving a great whirlewinde beat against the windowes and soone after a great clap of thunder mingled with lightning that all the Companie thought they had been buried quick and not without cause fot the darknesse continued for above a quarter of an houre so black that the cleerest sighted there could not see the greatest of the Companie And as his darknesse vanished there appeared in the aire in the middle of the Hall a flaming Sword tainted with blood at the end whereof hung a writing of Parchment sealed with a great seale of Gold which the Emperor caused presently to be reached downe to see what was therein contained And there was found written these words MELIA the Infanta the cruellest enemy of all Christendome to thee Emperor of Constantinople ruine and entire curse Know that you shall in short time perceive the evill which is prepared for you through my occasion such as the like was never heard spoken of for thou shalt see with thine owne eyes the death of thine the destruction of thy Countrie a strange martyring in the person whom thou lovest best in this world and lastly the end of thy life in miserie In Testimony whereof this Sword shall remaine in the aire neere thy great Citie untill that a Prophesie of Apolidon which remaines to be accomplished shall be effected Then shall it vanish and be no more seen This writing being read every one remained abashed and the sword flew upright remaining in the aire fixed as a true Commet But this rumour was hardly appeased when another was heard through the Towne and it proceeded by reason of two Giants who are entred even as far as the Palace leading a Giantesse so richly habited that the Diamonds and Pearls of her Robes were unesteemable And she had on her head a Circle of Gold so well wrought and of so rare workmanship that it was reported the workman had been ten years in working of it and had done nothing else These Giants were armed at all points except the Head peece and Gantlets and they were accompanied with twentie other Knights of the same furniture Which being come to the Emperors knowledge he doubted of treason wherefore he and his ran hastily to armes and in the meane time the rest wrapped their mantles about their armes and holding their swords in their hands they purposed to keep the entrance of the Palace Where soone after the Giants arived in such equipage as you have heard the ancientest of which gave signe of Peace praying some body to conduct him before the Emperial Majestie the which was done And being arived there they set their knees to the ground and the old Giant began to speake in this manner Most puissant Emperor those who know me commonly call me Argamont the valiant This Ladie which I conduct is my wife named Almatrasa and this other is my Granchilde son to my Daughter named Ardadil Canile And we all have not long since adored false and lying Idols but now we beleeve in â—esus Christ by the meanes of two Knights the one called Quedragant and the other Vaillides with whom I combated and they vanquished me in the Frontiers of the Isle of the Fueille Blanche which is mine and they were so courteous to me that I having the worst in the Combate they saved my life under this condition that I should obey their good pleasure Then he declared how all happened between them To which the Emperor tooke a singular great pleasure and they did them great Honor and made them very welcome especially by the Knight of the Sphere and his Companions praysing with great affection the good beginning of Knighthood which was in Quedragant and Vaillides of whose affaire they being desirous to know further they requested of the two Giants to tell them where they had left them Sirs answered Argamont assoone as they saw me out of danger and my wounds closed they prayed me to come and attend them in this place at that instant they embarqued themselves to goe in search of a Knight for whose absence they were grieved assuring me nevertheless that if within foure moneths they had no tidings of him they would without further delay come to this City attending the Seige of the Pagan Princes of which sir said he to the Emperor you have been already advertised and behold my son who can tell you for certaine as he who hath been present in a great Muster and Assembly which they had I have scarcely knowne the halfe said the Emperor I pray God help me And in saying thus the tears fell from his eyes for he much doubted the threats of Melia For asmuch as the writing contained the ignominious death of the person which he loved best in the world He well knew the Enchantment as well of his son as of his Daughter and therefore he feared that this injurie would fall upon Lisvart whom he thought to be safer then in the hands of the Enchantresse but he was deceived as you have formerly heard So the Giants and their traine were magnificently received and the Emperor gave them faire presents even having understood of Argamont that he would not depart from thence so long as he should have need of them but that they would faithfully serve him according to what they had sworne to Vaillides and Quedragant And as they were in this
King of Jerusalems Giants that followed him was so angred that he lifted up his sword with both his hands thinking to give Perion the like payment But Argamont saw the blow comming set his shield before him which entered into it above a foot and a halfe Surely this force was esteemed marvellous among others for Argamonts shield was of fine steele and neverthelesse it was cut as it were in half and as the Giant assayed to pull out his sword Argamont gave him so great a blow with an Iron Crow which he had that he bowed his head to his saddle and in rising Perion separated his shoulders from his sides of which he dyed When Golfon his brother saw him in such extremity never was wild Boar so mad with Dogs and he soone made Argamont understand it for he sought for him out amongst them all and at his arivall he gave him so many blows with his Mace that without the helpe of his Sonne Ardadile Canile he had lost his life but be tooke Golfon at an advantage and he thrust his sword through his body What will you that I say God did well declare this day that he would aid the Christians and it was so to be wondered at how any one of them could escape they being encompassed with the whole power of the Pagans Neverthelesse they found meanes to save themselves and retreat with their honours unto the very walls of the City There Abies of Ireland Languines triumphed for although they were wounded yet they did as great Deeds of Armes as any Knights could doe and great part of the honour of so faire a retreat might without injuring the others bee attributed to them The Pagans having then pursued the Knight of the Sphere and his company even to the trenches of the Town they had so many darts thrown at them by those that were within that they were forced to retreat without daring to passe any further and by this meanes the Christians might enter with ease not without great losse for there was killed twelve or fifteen thousand on their side and more then twenty thousand of the others Then the Gates were presently rammed up and a strick watch was set in all parts and that same day the enemies encamped on the Sea shore leave the Kings of Rabie and Galoffe for Captaines of their Army on the Sea with necessary equipage And the night following they began to draw near to the Towne and fortifie their Camp in the middest whereof Melia commanded to erect her Tents and Pavillions and next to her were those of the King of Giants Island and Gradafilea his Daughter who had been to fetch Lisvart out of Trebisond as you have heard During these transactions the Emperour of Constantinople and the befeiged did continually labour expecting every hour the battery of the place and the assault thereof but that was not so soone as they thought for Melia without whose counsell nothing was enterprized willed that those who had wearied themselves on the Sea should first refresh themselves and in the meane time shee commanded a great number of double Ladders to be made to mount the Walls withall when she should find opportunity And although this was one of the occasions why the assault of the Town was so long delayed yet there was one greaten The villanous woman would have Lisvart burnt before all for she knew by her devilish act that so long as he lived the Emperour of Constantinople would be invicible which shee declared to the chiefe of the Anmy but she purposed God prevented it otherwise as you shall heare CHAP. XVI How by the meanes of the Infanta Gradafilea Lisvart had his life saved and reentred into Constantinople THe Infanta Gradafilea was present at the Counsell that was held by Melia and the Captaines of the Army to advise of forcing the place where the Sorceress resolved on the death of Lisvart who according to her advice should be burnt to ashes in the most eminent place that he might be seene of the besieged to which the Pagan Princes soon accorded But if Gradafilea had been of the Counsell and might her verdict have sway'd the love which she bare to Lisvart had hindred the judgment for she could willingly have laid downe her owne life to save his And therefore she purposed in her selfe seeing she had been the greatest meanes of his bringing from Trebisond that she would likewise save him and put him in the custody of his greatest friends in Constantinople To performe which she resolved to cheat her owne Father who was newly made keeper of Lisvart therefore the day before Lisvart should suffer she went to her Father and told him that she had a matter to tell him of which did not onely concerne his life but also his honor The old man giving too great credit to his daughters speeches left all untill the evening and gave command to the watch not to hinder his daughter in going in and out She then knowing the Commands of her father and the libertie she had to goe to him at any houre of the night she deferred it untill the changing of the watch and then she would take one of her women with her to the end that Lisvart might put on her womans apparel and so pass the watch unexamined and thus she concluded and executed it so that at the time appointed she and her woman did set forwards with all things requisite And passing through the watch she came to her fathers chamber where she communed with him so long that in the end he fell asleep and so did all the rest Gradifilea hearing them snore she retired into a wardrobe where Lisvart lay whom she found very pensive and solitary wherefore coming neer him she said fair Sir I pray you be content and arise He seeing a woman at such an houre could not at the present tell what to think nevertheless at the last he answered her Truly Madam you pray me to doe that which to me is impossible seeing that you alone and no other as I thinke have been the cause of all the evil that I have endured and am like to suffer My imprisonment doth not so much grieve me as to see my friends so streightned and I not having the power to help them In good faith said she you shall pardon me It is most certaine that I brought you from Trebisond but did not know of the ill you were to suffer and have since suffered and to make it appeare for truth if you will grant me one boone at any time that I shall aske it of you I will use my utmost indeavour to release you Madam said Lisvart I will denie you nothing if I may have my liberty Then said she arise and put on the clothes which this woman shall give you and follow me but be sure that you doe not forget your owne clothes to put them on when you shall have occasion Lisvart performed her will and in the meane time Gradafilea
watched least any body should come Great part of the night was spent before Lisvart and his guide were ready but a little before day they left the Pavilion secretly and passing through the watch one who was more watchful then the rest demanded who was there I said Gradafilea The watch who knew her gave her the good morrow and so they passed on until they came to the Trenches where she was againe stopped but she was not much hindred for the watch reverenced her and asked her if she would have any company No said she I will have none but these two Damsels I will goe and seek for the weakest place of the walls where a breach may be made to morrow Goe then Madam said the watch and make no noise that you may not be heard of those of the City Thus she performed her enterprize and brought her Lover neer the City which he soone knew Then he being extreme joyfull began to give God thanks when Gradafilea said to him Now it is time to save your selfe take your clothes and get out of danger Ab ah Madam answered he I have great caâ—â— to confess that next to God I hold my life at your â—ands and therefore in what place soever I shall be you may be sure to finde me a readie servant to obey and serve you Saying so he threw off his long garments and put on his owne Gradafilea could not forbear kiâ—â—ing and embracing of him with tears in her eyes and fearing to be discovered without dareing to stay there she committed him to the protection of his Gods And returning back Lisoart passed on until he came to the Citie Gates where the Centinel discovered him and cried out aloud to him Who goes there at this houre returne or I will make you Friend said Lisvart I pray open the gate for I am such a person that the Emperor will be glad of my returne The watchman knew well that he was his Country-man and therefore he spake more mildely to him then he did the first time Saying to him it is impossible to let you in untill it be day for the Knight of the Sphere who is Captaine of this Company hath the Key And I am sure he will not deliver it to any man unless he comes himselfe and it is too soone to awake him I pray thee friend said Lisvart tell me who this Knight of the Sphere is The Centinell being wearied with so long discourse snapt him up and bid him goe walke abroad Upon these speeches a Captain of the band came and demanded of the Centinel what was the matter Captaine said he there is a man who would come in but if please you I will set him away At these words the Captain went forwards and said to Lisvart friend have patience untill day for you cannot enter any sooner Captaine answered Lisvart if the Emperor knew of my arival he would be more joyfull then you thinke for I pray you out of curtesie goe tell him that I have brought him news that will much content him When the Captaine had taken some notice of Lisvarts speech he began to remember him for he in his younger years had been brought up neer the Emperor wherefore he could not forbear but he said aloud to him Either your speech deceives me or I know you to be our Prince Lisvart Friend said Lisvart speak low and doe not name me againe for I am the same and goe to the Emperor presently and cause the gate to be opened Ah ah ah Sir said the watch stay a little I will but onely goe and come And saying so he ran to the Knight of the Sphere whom he found asleep but he awakened him and said to him Sir your Nephew is just now come to the foot of the wall and desires the Gate to be opened How answered the Knight of the Sphere my Nephew I think you dreame Sir said the Captaine I know him by his speech it is he without doubt When Perion heard him speak so confidently he tooke the keyes and went strait to the wall and there he had some talke with Lisvart Then after he knew it was he he went himselfe and let him in Then they embraced one another with great friendship for Perion discovered himselfe to be his Uncle Sir my Nephew said Perion I thinke it bâ—st to retire into my lodging untill the Emperor riseth who will be very joyful of your returne Let us goe then said Lisvart And so they retired then they being together alone Lisvart told Perion how he went from Constantinople thinking to be made Knight at his hands but said he Milan sent for me by a Damsel who hath since saved my life when I was prisoner Then he recited to him all the usage he had received and lastly how he had escaped By my God answered Perion see this wicked woman she thought assuredly to make you die Shee shall miss of her purpose said Lisvart if I can help it but is there any here that is called the Knight of the Sphere for this night when I came it was told me the Knight of the Sphere had the keyes I pray tell me who this is that hath so much trust reposed in him Thereupon Perion laughed and told him why he had this name and the adventures he had with the Damsel Alquefa In the meane time Armato and Melia slept at their case but in the morning finding Lisvart absent they were readie to die with vexation and madness CHAP. XVII How Melia knew the loss of Lisvart and of the displeasure that she and Armato had because he was saved in Constantinople and of that which happened GRadifilea having as you have heard set Lisvart at Liberty she soone returned into his fathers tent who she found awake Then she told him what she had done nevertheless she hid from him the principal occasion why she had done it and told him that for her life she would not have had him to have suffered seeing that she brought him from Trebisond under a faire shadow The King was so angred and vexed that he was readie to come out of his bed to have killed her and that not without cause for by this meanes the enterprize of so many Lords upon Constantinople was broken and he had likewise engaged himselfe to deliver him up whensoever he should be demanded at his hands Gradafilea seeing him so angred had no other means but onely to fall at his feet on her knees and ask him pardon for said she he not deserving death I am readie to die for it if you shall think fit Ah ah said the King you have undone me for so soone as Armato shall know of it he hath good reason to take away my meanes and my life also Sir said she Armato shall know that you are in no fault but that it was I alone as I will confess to him and let him do to me what he thinke good And she knew so well how to appease her fathers
of Armes then with that of the declared King Lisvart which he caused after his death in remembrance of him in the hand of an old Statue of Apolidon which was on the Gates And therefore he prayed Argamont who was taller then any of the rest to take it down but as he lifted up his arme there fell from the Skie so great a flash of Lightning mingled with such a thunder that the Statue was torne in peeces and there issued from thence a Lion the fiercest that could be seen carrying in his body a Sword which had the pummel of a Carboncle flaming like fire And that which most frighted the beholders the beast began to roare and make such pitifull cries that every one was astonished and at the same instant there fell from the Clouds at the feet of the Emperor a little Emerauld Coffer wherein was a Letter conteining these words THe great wise and good Knight Apolidon hath forged with his own hands the sword which this Beast presenteth to the good Knight who at the time that it shall appear shall be armed by the hands of the son of the brave Lion and therefore let no others enterprize to take the Sword from him otherwise â—vill may happen to him then it was apparently known by reading of this writing that this Sword was allotted to Lisvart and to none other Wherefore the Emperor said to him Performe this adventure which is appointed for you And thereupon the new Knight approached neer the Lion and calling on his Lady Onolorea for help he set on the Lion to take the Sword and then there hapned an other flash of lightning and so great thunder that they thought the Skie would have cloven in twaine and then the Sword that Melia had placed over the Citie was seen fall down and sinke into the earth and there issued from the place the most hideous spirit that could be seen that the most assured of the Company was in great doubt For this fantasie ran directly to Lisvart who was then so neer the Lion that he snatched the rich Sword from him and in snatching it away the Heaven the earth and the Sea were so troubled that there was not any living creature in ten miles space that was not astonished for a quarter of an houre A thing almost incredible for this noise was heard throughout all the Countries of Asia Europe and Africa and the air was so obscure that neither Lisvart the spirit nor the Lion was seen untill the Sun dispersed the darkness with its incomparable brightness Then the Beâ—st ran â—nto the Sea and the new Knight remained stretched out all along holding in his hand the rich Swâ—rd and neer him instead of the fantasie was the body of Melia as black as coale Then Perion approached who thought verily that Lisvart was dead But he found it otherwise for he was but in a swound wherefore the Emperor commanded him to be carried to the Palace and that the Sword should be taken from him untill he was well which was impossible to be done And as they were in these passages a Knight brought the Scabberd and belt whereon was certaine Characters which at that time could not be understood And the Knight said that he found them amongst the ruines of the Statue of Apolidon Lisvart being then layd in his bed the Emperor consulted what should be done with the body of Melia and after divers opinions heard it was at last concluded that she should be burnt in the publick place and her ashes thrown into the aire which being come to the knowledge of Armato he was mervellously vexed CHAP. XIX How the Pagans purposed to assault the towne and of the great meanes they used to storme it THe Pagans being abashed and that not without cause having seen so many strange adventures in so short a time could not tell what to think especially when they heard of the death of the Enchantress Melia The news of whose shamefull death being come to the knowledge of Armato by the meanes of a Grecian Spie did so much stir him up to wrath that he swore he would never depart from the City untill he had raced it and put all within it to the edge of the sword At last the Captains of the Army to appease him promised to assaile it on the morrow morning and to take it or else to leave their lives there in the place and to that end they made their intent knowne to the Officers of the Army that every one might be ready with ladders and other necessaries to fill up the trenches and likewise their pioneers to undermine the walls that they might enter in on foot The King of Jerusalem in the Company of three Taborlaves and a hundred thousand men had the charge of the first on set having for his aid the Souldans of Persia and Alape if he should be repulsed And for the third onset was the King Armato in person with so great a number of Tures that the earth was in a manner covered therewith And for the Sea word was likewise sent to the Kings of Bugie and Giloffe that so soone as they should hear the sound of their Trumpets then they should assault the Port and use their utmost endeavor to force the town on that part The Emperor of Constantinople knowing of this purpose soone made it knowne to his Captaines to the end that they might be in a readiness to doe their endeavors deavors Lisvart was not come to him selfe untill then but then he began to speak and news was carried to the Emperor who came to him to know how he did Very well sir answered he although for a time the noise of the great thunder hath made me loose my understanding I do not know said the Emperor but I think you alwayes thinke you are a fighting for you would by no meanes let goe the sword which you have conquered By my faith said Lisvart I neither thought of peace or war nor scarce of my selfe Truly said the Emperor there is no man living ever heard of the conquest of a sword so strangely as this which you have and behold here is the Scabbord and belt One thing displeaseth me much which is to think that you are not able to approve your selfe against your enemies who intend to come visit us to morrow morning How said Lasvart doe you think me to be so weak No with Gods help I shall make them know that I am as well as ever I was and thereupon he presently arose Then the Emperor said to him My Son the Knight of the Sphere you and Argamont with their Troop shall have the guard of the Dragons gate which is the weakest place of all the King of Hungarie and the Earl Salader that of the Eagle accompanied with the Prince of Brandalie Abies of Ireland Languines and Ardadile Cainle for that place is almost as weak as the other And yee shall have both ten thousand men a peece to sallie out upon
advanced to charge him the Queen Calafea came to him on horseback to ask him whither he was wounded No Madam answered he God be thanked I am no otherwise then well for as far as know fortune hath been more favourable to you then to any of us but they ended their discourse their enemies approaching wherefore Calafea dismounted from her horse because she would have no inequality between her and Pintiquinestra who had lost her horse as you have heard Then there began a sport between them not childrens play but of two persons who endeavoured by all meanes to defeat one another and on the other part the two old men the Emperor of Trebisond and Armato used one another so roughly that the field was bestrewed with peeces of their shields and Coats of Mayle and the green grasse was died with their warme red bloud But if these two made the beholders to be abashed it was nothing comparable to what they saw Amadis and Grifflant doe for even as two Smiths take pleasure to beat the hot Iron on the Anvill even so these two warriours continued smiteing on one another without any breathing But in the end Grifflant found himselfe somewhat astonished because he had never dealt with a man that had so put him to his shifts Pintiquinestra and Calafea were not in the mean time idle but all the Spectators were so taken up with beholding Amadis and Grifflant that they minded no others especially the Knight of the Sphere and â—isâ—â—rt who untill thâ—n had not seen by effect the cause of their fathers renown For which cause they spake to Galaâ—r in this manner Sir what doe you thinke of these two Combatants are they not fit to be a president to all those who desire to follow armes Do you see how the King hâ—ndleth Grifflant as he speaketh He doth said Galaâ—r as he is accustomed to doe in the like cases The two Queenes were then so weary that leaning on their swords to take breath they took so great pleasure in looking on Amadis and Grifflant that they tooke truce with themselves the better to behold this Combate untill the one or the other should be vanquisâ—ed And to tell the truth they maintained themselves so well that by the space of one houre or more it was not possible to tell to whom fortune was most favourable For Grifflant was a puissant man and of a great heart Neverthelesse in the end he began to faint through loss of his blood and every one assured themselves that Amadis would have the victory Therefore Amadis desired him to have pitie on himselfe and he would save his life and honor if he would be ruled by him And how shall that be said Grifflant as for my life I value it not for death is common to all but if it now stand with my honor and renown I will obey you I pray you then said Amadis leave this ungodly and wicked Law and take ours which is the true and perfect and never doe damage to the Emperor of Constantinople but help him with all your power By Mercurie answered Grifflant you preach very well doe you think to vanquish me sooner with your words then with your weapons therefore guard your selfe from me for I hope before I die to carbonadoe you handsomely if I can Then he took his sword in both his hands and thought to have given Amadis a blow on the head but he defended himselfe with his shield and gave Grifflant such a blow on the leg that he was forced to fall on his knees to susteine himselfe which Amadis seeing he tooke him by the Helmet and thrust his sword into his body and so he fell down dead then giving him a blow with his foot on his bellie he marched towards Armato to whom he cryed King thou shalt presently dye by my hands for you have reigned too long to hurt this Country Armato being afraid to hear himselfe thus threatned by him who he most feared of any man in the world began to complaine to him against whom he had enterprized the Combate saying to him I know not Emperour if you will suffer a second with you to endamage me considering the agreement we have had together if you doe so you will procure your selfe the name of a Traitor That shall not be if it please God said the Emperour And addressing himselfe to Amadis he desired him to retire Then began the fight between them two to be more cruell then ever The two Queens had remained quiet unâ—ill the Combate of Amadis and Grisflant was ended which when it was finished and Pintiquinestra seeing the Emperor to refuse the aide of Amadis and Armato himselfe to stand greatly in feare of him she was afraid least he should come to her Wherefore she prevented him and marching towards him she said to him with a good grace Sir Knight it is well knowne of all the endeavour that the Queene Calafea and I have used to vanquish one another neverthelesse we have been so equall in our fight that no man can give certaine judgment to whom the honor must remaine And I have now seen that with my owne eyes which I did heare by your renowne and I have known so much Knighthood in you that to have your friendship and acquaintance I am determined not onely to leave the Combate but also to be baptized and beleeve in the God of your Law upon Condition that during the war begun by the Pagans against the Emperor of Constantinople you be content that I accompanie you and assoone as it be ended you give to me in mariage some Knight of your Linnage worthy of me who am Queen and Ladie of so many Countries that I command all my neighbours When Amadis understood the will of Pintiquinestra he was more glad then if he had conquered the best City of Asia wherefore he answered Truly Madam I am very joyfull of your good will that I may this day name my selfe the happiest Knight of Christendome God having given me the meanes to bring out of the way of damnation so noble a Queen as you are And as for the Covenants which you demand either to acccompanie or to provide you a husband you may assure your selfe that I will obey you not onely in a matter so reasonable but also in what else you will require of me even to name my selfe your Knight all my life wheresoever I shall be By my Faith said the Queene it is good reason that you are esteemed and the most Courteous King in the world Saying so she set her knees to the ground to kisse his hands but Amadis lovingly took her up and graciously imbraced her When Queene Calafea saw them upon these points she suddenly pulled off her Helmet and throwing it on the ground she took her sword by the point and presenting the pummell thereof to the Queen Pintiquinestra she said to her Madam seeing that you have vanquished your selfe and that without doubt I could not have resisted you
untill they were well that he might carrie with him the Knights of the Sphere and of the true Crosse The old Alqnif was in the meane time much honored and the Infanta Gradafilea took great pleasure to keep the Knight of the true Crosse company for she loved him extremely In such manner that a young man of honor belonging to the Emperor of Trebisond and son to the Duke of Alafonte perceived it and conceived that there was mutuall love between them but in that he was deceived nevertheless this fantasie of his turned to great consequence as you shall hereafter hear But to returne to our purpose the Emperor of Trebisond knowing that the wounded Knights would not be healed so soone as he expected purposed to send his traine before with the Duke of Ortilensa to advertise the Empresse with the cause of his stay The Duke being diâ—patched presently set saile with his Fleet and had so good a winde that in a few dayes he arived at Trebisond where he was welcomed by the Empress the two Infantaes Onolorea Gricilerea and others Now they had already known all that had hapned during this war aswel in Constantinople as to the Knight of the true Crosse and all by the meanes of Alquefa who had been sent with two Letters from Lisvart and Perion to their Ladies and therefore when the Duke arived the two Princesses thinking that their Father and friends were returned did not know with what countenance to carrie themselves for they had sent Alquefa back againe to bid the two Knights not faile to come with the Emperor Yet they were deceived and knowing of the Duke the cause of their fathers stay they lived in hopes It hapned that one day Bridelnea daughter to the Duke of Alafonte called her brother he who had taken notice of the love of Gradafilea to Lisvart and as Bridelnea discoursed to him about the Ladies of Constantinople he hapned to say that to his knowledge he had not seen one so faire as she who had delivered Lisvart from the hands of Melea. But beleeve me said he the good she did him is greatly recompensed for I beleeve they enjoy one another as much as any two Lovers And how doe you know it said Bridelnea Then he told her all that he knew and more And as he was in this discourse Onolorea chanced to come who heard more then she should Wherefore she presently entred into her chamber and having recourse unto her teares she grieved so much that her heart was ready to leave her body Gricilerea had not heard any of this but entring into her fisters chamber and seeing her in such a condition she asked her what she ailed Shee was not able in a good while to answer her but at length she recited to her all which she had heard of Bridelenâ—es brother and said she I will repay him in his own coyne if I can possible And although Gricilerea took great paines to comfort her yet she would not hearken to her but she resolved to write a Letter to him And therefore taking pen and paper she put her determination in execution Then calling an Esquire son to her Nurse in whom she confided she said secretly to him My friend you must doe me a Message The Squire who desired nothing more then to serve her answered her that he was readie to obey her You must said she goe to Constantinople to finde one who is called the Knight of the true Crosse deliver this Letter to him as from me and by all meanes look on his Countenance when he reads it and after he hath read it The Squire was ready to obey this Command so that very day he embarqued setting saile for Thrace CHAP. XXX How Lisvart having received the Letter of the Infanta Onolorea departed secretly from Constantinople and of the return of the Christian Princes into their Countries THe fiftie Kuights being returned to Constantinople and the wounded being healed by the great care of Mr Elizabeth Old Alquif being desirous to returne unto his Isle of Apes tooke his leave of the Company telling them that he would see them another time more conveniently My great friend answered Amadis I am much beholdâ—ng to you for the great aid you have given me being in so great danger therefore I pray you let me see you in my Countrie where I will doe you all the honor that I can Alquif departed that same day Soone after a Page came secretly to tell the Knight of the true Crosse who was then with Amadis that a Squire would speak with him Lisvart followed the Page where the other staid who kissing a Letter presented it to him saying Madam Onolorea sent me to you see what she sayes Lisvart said to him My friend I pray stay till I have read my Ladies Letter and written an answer Then going into his chamber he opened this Letter where he found that which followes SEing that your disloyaltie Knight the most ungratefull living is so apparent that no excuse can cover the fault of your heart I command you on your life that you come not into my sight nor that I hear not from you For you doe not well to dissemble with me who am of so high birth under the colour of Service I much wonder how you were so bold to tell me that which you did before your departure and do much more wonder that you did send so to me as you gave in charge last of all to Alquefa Henceforwards I pray deceive simple wenches and not such Ladies as I am Onolorea He had no sooner read the Contents of this Letter when he swouned but he soon recovered his senses and fell to cursing his ill fortune and he would ofrentimes have killed himselfe with his dagger had not the thoughts of the losse of his soule hindred him But he resolved to depart that night where his Lady nor no other should ever hear of him Then wiping his eyes he caused Onoloreas Squire to be called and said to him friend I would have thee take a horse and carry it this night without the City at the Eagle gate and stay for me there that I may put in execution the desire of your Mistresse And so soon as he had said so he returned to the Emperors Lodgings where he found the Knight of the Sphere Florestan and his other Companions discoursing about their departure At night he told the Knight of the Sphere that that evening he must depart about an affaire newly happened And soon after he went to an old Knights house whom he intreated to lend him some Armes The Knight gave him his sons wherewith he armed himselfe and soon after secretly departed and went to the place where the Squire staid with his horse whereon he mounted then he said to him My friend returne to thy Mistress and tell her that I have fulfilled her commands and I charge thee on thy life let none but her self know hereof Then leaving him to the
protection of God he spurred his horse and did ride directly towards the Forrest into the thicket whereto he entred that he might not be found by any that should seek him Then finding himselfe alone in so solitarie a place he wept so much that the fore part of his armour was covered with water Thus he passed away the night Here we will let him goe and returne to those of Constantinople as to Perion who did not much mistrust any thing untill the next day at Supper when Amadis asked for him but he could not heare of him This report was so common through the Palace that the most part of them did resolve to goe in search of him if he did not suddenly returne But Vrganda told them that this would be in vain This news was no wayes pleasing to his friends and Perion resolved after he had once visited Gricilerea never to leave searching untill he had found him But Gradafilea did as much grieve hereat as any of them who did resolve not to depart from the Empresse untill he should return but to stay with her father and the King of Jerusalem who were both Prisoners The day being come for the departure of all these Kings and Princes they did all of them take their leaves of the old and new Emperors and the other Princes of Thrace and the Emperor of Taebisond other Princes of Thrace and the Emperor of Taebisond took shipping in the company of the Knight of the Sphere Florestan and Parmenir his brother Galuanes and Abies of Ireland Vaillides Quedragant and Languines who were all contented to goe in this voyage hoping after one moneths stay to finde Lisvart or never leave fearching through the utmost parts of the whole world CHAP. XXXI How Lisvart travelling as fortune guided him entred into a Barque and of the Combate he had with some Pirates who carried Alquefa prisoner YOu have formerly heard the manner and the occasion why the Knight of the true Crosse was departed from Constantinople who travelled all that night and untill the next evening without refreshing himselfe but then he turned his horse to feed and he himselfe fell into so melancholy a humour that he purposed to leave all and turne Hermite for the rest of his life but he heard a voice which cried aloud Lisvart follow Chivalrie to which thou art called by nature otherwise thou wilt much displease God When he heard himselfe named he looked about and through the brightnesse of the Moon he perceived a woman on the top of a tree who said to him Unfortunate Knight have a care that you put not your thoughts in execution for God hath not given you these abilities to employ them in idleness Lisvart was affrighted with this vision nevertheless he purposed to give credit thereunto and therefore so soone as it was day he took his sheild and mounting on his horse travelled through the Forest and marching forwards a Knight met him who seeing Lisvart would follow him to see if he were foolish or mad but he had not long accompanied him before he heard him give a great sigh crying Alas Love how ill hast thou known my Loyaltie at this word the other Knight advanced and said to him Sir Knight I think you are in love Lisvart casted his eyes on him who had not till then perceived him and without answering him he would have departed but the other stopped him and took hold of his bridle saying to him By God sir Knight you shall stay will you or not and I will know the cause of your foolishnesse How said Lisvart will you force me to a thing that doth not please me Yes said the other for I never thought to finde a man so foolish as to be subject to a Sex so false and malicious as women are I wonder said Lisvart you have no reason to blame them the least whereof you are not worthy to serve In good faith said the Knight you might have been contented to have been a foole without being a Sott as you are now Lisvart being surprized with Choller suddenly laid hands on his Sword and gave the Knight so great a blow on the hand that he cut it off and said to him Infamous Rascall receive the Guerdon which thou deservest for equalling thy selfe to her who hath no second And as he thought to strike him againe the wounded Knight fled as fast as he could lamenting and crying pitifully So Lisvart chased him not but followed his way But he had not gone far before he heard a voice behinde him crying turne turne thee At this cry he looked back round about and saw two Knights conducting the lame Knight who said to Lisvart By God you shall now pay for your wickednesse Then they set on him but he soone killed one of them and had killed the other but that six villaines came forth of the thickest of the wood but he soone dispatched foure of them and the other did run away as also did the last Knight who being provided did kill his fellowes horses before he went that Lisvart might not pursue him Lisvarts owne horse being killed before Thus Lisvart was forced to travaile on foot untill he came to a vallie where was a pleasant Fountaine shadowed by many spreading trees where he staid as well to rest himselfe from travell as to drinke he having not drunke since he departed from Constantinople Then there came three Shepheards who seeing one in armour were afraid but he called them and they sitting down by him they gave him such victualls as they had to eat Then they left him for he began to sleep And as he was asleep he heard a voyce which called Lisvart at this crie he lifted up his head and saw a young childe neer him and the child said to him Lisvart doe not despaire and follow the Counsell that hath been given you this night when you goe from hence goe towards the right hand which will lead thee to the top of this Rock where you shall finde a hermitage and there you shall be provided with a convenient remedie therefore arise The childe having said thus left Lisvart in great doubt from whence these visions should come but at last he supposed that it was Alquif or some from him Therefore he gave credit to these speeches and went to the top of the Rock and there in the house he found a black armour and a writing in a Parchment the contents whereof follow Solitary Knight arme thy self with these armes then goe along the Sea-side where you shall finde a barque readie to set saile enter thereinto and leave the guiding thereof to Fortune Remember thy self that it is impossible to hinder the things that God hath determined Lisvart having read this Letter disarmed himselfe and put on those armes which were as fit for him as if they had been made for him Then leaving the Hermitage he went the way that he was directed and found the barque whereinto he entred And by reason
that he was alone he purposed to name himselfe the solitary Knight a name agreeable to his solitude So he sailed foure dayes and foure nights and on the fifth he perceived a great Barque coming strait towards him In this Vessell was foure Knights armed at all points and a Damsell bound with great chaines And when these two Vessells joyned he saw Alquefa whom the soure Knights badly used who being arived cryed out to him Sir Knight in the black armour yeild your selfe to our mercy and we will save your life but they tarried not long before they had a cruell combate where the Solitary Knight killed two of them in short time and the other two were forced to crave mercy which he would not grant them untill he knew whether the Damsell would agree to it who would not have him pardon them their lives unless it were upon condition that they should conduct her whither she should goe And said she they have hindred me from doing service to two of the best Knights in the world and whom if they know you you may hereafter thanke for the good which I have had by your meanes Sir said the others to the Solitary Knight we will doe whatsoever you please to command us and we will sware to performe it the solitary Knight knew Alquifa and he knew certainly that she was returnd from Trebisond to him and Perion and therefore he said to her I pray you Damsell tell me who are these so esteemed Knights to whom you are going sir Knight answered she they are children to King Amadis and the Emperour Esplandian and for their sakes I humbly pray you that according to the promise which they haue made you that they carrie me to Constantinople truly Damsell my friend said the Solitary they being the children of two such Princes as you have told me I desire greatly to serve them and as for this voyage to Constantinople I will and command these two Knights under faith that they obey you having so said he commended her to the protection of God and they being entred their Vessells Alquefa bethought her self to aske his name which he told her being calld the Solitary Knight At this word the Barques severed and that wherein Alquifa and the two Knights were sailed straight to Coast so the Solitary sailed other five dayes without happening of any adventure and continually thinking on the talke which he had with Alquefa he thought that this messenger had brought him some pardon for his immerited offence but being much grieved he sailed untill the sixth day where he arived at the Isle of Serpents CHAP. XXXII How Lisvart took Port in the Isle of Serpents where by the treacherie of a Dawsell he entred into a Castle and was imprisoned THe Solitary Knight sailed six dayes in the Barque untill one morning he came neere to one of the fairest Isles that ever he had seen And there the Barque staid of it selfe then taking of his sheild he landed and travelled in a path that brought him to a Castle that was environed with water He had not long travelled before he met with a Damsel who acted the mad part tearing her hair and crying most pitifully wherefore he having pitie of her demanded the cause which she told him that a Knight that was in the Castle had abused her he then desired her to conduct him to the place and he would use his best abilities to revenge her cause but she would not returne least she should be worse handled then before wherefore he went himselfe and left her to attend his returne so soone as he came neere to the Castle he saw an old woman out of one of the windowes who demanded of him what it was that he sought which he told her wherefore she told him that he might enter if he pleased for the dore was open wherefore he went to enter but he had no sooner set his foot on the bridge but he fell down into a Cave or dungeon where he had like to have been killed with the fall when he came to himselfe he walked about and found nothing but bones of men which he did tread on and himselfe enclosed with strong walls but at last he perceived an Iron dore and he soon after espied a little window opened and the old woman above who said to him Knight tell me now seeing you are my prisoner who you are Ladie said he you have done me so ill a turne that I will never obey you in any service whatsoever Then by my faith said she I will make you die the most cruell death that ever any man did I fear not that said the Solitary for death is common to all It is true said the old woman then see what will happen then she did shut the window but he could see by reason of the Carboncle which was at the handle of his sword as you have heard She being departed left him in such choller that he broke open the Iron dore and thereby entred into another vault where he heard a great hissing he having gone a little further met a great Serpent having a head as big as an Oxes and very large and long eares then gnashing its teeth it advanced towards the Solitary who perceiving the perill he was in drew forth his Sword and gave the Serpent such a blow that he smote off one of its eares wherewith the Serpent being enraged ran upon the Knight with open mouth thinking to devoure him but there was so much vertue in his sword that no venemous Creature could approach them that carried it wherefore the Solitary thrust his sword into the eare of the Serpent and so pearced its braines The Serpent perceiving it selfe wounded to death did uncessantly cast forth its scales and teeth with such force as if the strongeh archers in the world had shot arrowes but the Solitary did avoid all damage and hurt that might happen by them by standing behind the door that he had opened and thus the beast continued untill at length the sword pearced so far its braine that it fell down dead wherefore the Solitary Knight fell down on his knees and gave most devout thanks unto God and then approached neer unto the beast and drew forth his sword with both his hands setting his foot to the head of the beast Then he broke open a dore and so went up staires and in the end he came into the Court of the Castle where he found some Knights with the old woman who did suppose him to be dead but seeing him so neer them and his sword in his hand they ran away as fast as they could and amongst them there was the Damsell that had betrayed him Wherefore he said to her Wicked woman thou shalt never betray any more saying so he pursued them but he was stayed by some Halderdiers who did defend the passage but he in short time killed some of them and pursued the rest who fled into a Hall where he found a great
themselves up lightly and putting their hands to their swords said to the others Knights descend from your horses or we will kill them and for that cause alighting began between them foure such a combate that the two Damsells thought that they had never seen a more perilous and so they mainteined themselves one against the other a whole houre and more that it would have been a hard matter to judge who had the better of the Combate but in the end the Alman handled him with the white Armes so well that he began to wax feeble without making other resistance then to shun the bloud of his enemy and on the other side he with the black Armes knowing well that he had one of the best Knights in the world to deale with gave him so great a blow with his sword that made him put his hand to the ground to susteine himselfe at which the Solitary being very angrie recharged him so lively that in less then an houre the field was covered with pieces of his Harness and the grasse dyed red with his blood nevertheless he defended himselfe as he which was full of great Prowesse although he had left but one part of his Sheild with which he covered himselfe so well as he could then she saw easily that she had lost her Lover and that she could not be revenged of him despairing of remedie cast her selfe from her Palfrey to the ground and taking a truncheon of a Lance said aloud that every one heard her I have not pleased the Gods that I live after him which loved me better then himselfe and finishing these speeches cast her selfe upon the truncheon peircâ—ng her stomack that she fell down dead at which the Solitary was astonished knowing his victorie certaine said to his enemy Knight what induced you to enterprize this Combate against me I did it said he to fulfill the will of the deceased Damsell to whom I promised to kill you or die in the attempt she is said the Solitary now with God or the Devill and by her decease you are acquitted of the Combate whereof I pray you for the esteeme which I have of you to tell me your name and although that he to whom he spake was in danger of death notwitstanding these speeches having instamed him so with revenge that he answered brandishing his sword By God I will first trie yet mutable fortune and rushing upon the other gave him two such blows that he felt himselfe greatly outraged at whose choller he marvelled and said to him how what by my head then you shall loose your life and oftending his armes if the sword had not turned in his hand he had killed him but it onely cut the laces of his Helmet so that it fell from his head Then knew the Solitary that it was his Unckle Florestan son of the King Sardinia Nevertheless he feigned not to know him saying Knight I will not that you hold your selfe vanquished seeing you have pursued your enterprise so much as the forces you are accompanied with would permit you Notwithstanding I desire you to tell your name Florestan who by reason of the loss of his blood was so much debilitated that he would hardly speak answered him truly Knight if I have contested more then I ought to have done thinking not to have found that in you which I had heard to be but now I finde it too true to my cost it is the courtesie you have used towards me not regarding the outrage I have done you I assure you I am son to the King Florestan and named as my father Sir said Lisvart I have many times heard speak of your great valour although I would never have beleeved it to be such but that I have tried it therefore I pray you let us remaine friends at the charge that I will serve you faithfully all my life Ah said Florestan is it of me you demand mercy and whilst that they held these gracious speeches Aleman threw the Knight with the white armes to the ground and taking off his Helmet thinking to kill him saved him for his Nephew Parmenir Aleman very sorrie to see him in that extremitie said unto him without making any semblance of knowing him that for the good Chivalrie which was in him he gave him his life amongst other discourses the Solitary demanded of Florestan who was the Knight with him replyed he it is my brother but I pray you who is that Knight that hath vanquished him he nameth himselfe replide the Solitary the Almaigne Knight and from Almane we ran together for companie then we mounted all foure on horseback and taking leave one of the other retired our selves Florestan and Parmenir to an adjoyning Castle where they were carefully healed of their wounds not with out much discourseing of the valour of the two Knights whom they had assailed but because it doth not appertaine to our History leave them and onely tell you that Florestan bore black armes because Griliana was married as hath been before recited which did not at all extenuate the affection which she had towards him for they loved as much as it was possible for any hoping if he lost the name of a husband he should recover that of a friend and for this cause bore in his sheild a divided hart as you have heard CHAP. XL. How the Solitary Knight and the Alman traversing the Forest with Alquefa the son to the Emperor of Rome sent to pray the Solitary to break a Lance with him for the love of Ladies LIsvart and Perion being separated from Florestan and Parmenir caused Alquefa to look to their wounds which she did so well that they did not hinder them from travelling so that at the end of the wood they met a traine of Knights and others that belonged to the Empresse of Rome and the King and Queen of Sardaigne who were then come to visit the King Amadis and Queene Oriana The Empress was conducted by a Knight armed with white armour and embelished with rich precious stones and a bright shining sheild with seven letters of B. After her King Florestan and Queen Sardinara marched and after them the other Ladie and Knights This Company marched very neere the Solitary and the Alman and the Knight in the white armes sent a Damsell to the Solitary to intreat him to doe him the honor to break one Lance with him for the love of Ladies it being the first day that he had borne armes since he had been Knighted to which message the Solitary returned answer that he did willingly accept of his offer if he or some others would lend him a Lance of which he was at that time unprovided Don Florestan King of Sardaigne soone sent him a Lance which he accepted of and therefore the Knight in the white armes being ready the Solitary gave spurs to his horse and the two Knights encountred together but at their meeting the Solitary lifted up his Lance and he in the white
Prince of Spaine arived at the Court to intreat him to give him Knighthood AS they were thus discoursing together about the enterprise of the Solitary a Gentleman entred the Hall clad with garments of the cloth of Gold covered with pearls and rich precious stones he was faire and of a good stature In this Company was twentie Knights and as many Squires and at his arivall making great reverence to King Amadis he set his knee to the ground and kissed his hands But the King graciously received him and asked him who he was Sirs replied he my name is Olorious of Spaine and I am son to King Don Brian your singular good friend who at my request sent me to you to reverence the order of Knighthood which I humbly intreat of you to bestow on me being confident that I cannot receive this honor of a better hand then yours Amadis understanding who he was kindely welcomed him and presented him to Queen Oriana and the Empress Leonorina saying to them Ladies see the King of Spaines Son I pray make him welcome he then humbly saluted them and a chaire being brought the Queen caused him to sit downe And because the Solitary and the Alman would retire Amadis left him to discourse with the Ladies to give the good night to the two Knights untill the next day of Pentecost they came to the Court it being late and their Helmets on their heads because they would not be discovered and they found the Princess of Spaine and Naples and King Norandells Son richly armed with white armes as it was the custome for new Knights Thus they were conducted to the Church to watch whither they were attended by the Empress the Queens Oriana of Scotland and of Sardaigne the Infanta Brisenna and other Ladies and Damsells who left them there untill the next morning when Amadis in the companie of the two unknown Knights and many other great Lords Ladies and Damsells went to them Then he gave them the Order and Oriana girded on the Sword of Olorius the Empress Prince Elinie's and the Infanta Brisenna Adariells Then soon after the Masse was solemnly celebrated by the Arch-Bishop of Canterbury and from thence they went to the Palace where the great Hall was hung with much rich Tapestrie which the deceased King Lisvart had caused to be made in his time in the one whereof was described the Combate of Amadis against Ardan Canile in the others that of the Endragus the triall of the Arke of Loyall Lovers the Defended Chamber the proofe of the Sword and the Scarfe with flowers the cruell battell of one hundred to one hundred betwen King Lisvart and Cildadan at that time that Amadis lost the name of the faire forlorne and likewise how he vanquished the two strong Giants Famongornad and his son Barsigant who carried the Infanta Leonor Prisoner But the Solitary and the Alman returned to their Tent where the Infanta Brisenna sent them horses and all manner of other provisions as Cloth of Gold to cover their Sheilds with which they all did and so taking their Lances they went unto the place appointed for the Tournie whether soon after came King Amadis accompanied with most of the Lords and Ladies of the Court they had not staid there long before they saw six Knights very well armed and mounted who came out of the Forrest foure whereof retired and the other two having touched the two Sheilds that were placed on the pillars prepared themselves for the Encounter which they presently performed so that their Lances broke into shivers and they were forced to measure their lengths on the ground which Fortune likewise happened to the other four onely the two last ran twice before they left their horses Then there came those who were ordained for the keeping of the Tourney to know their names but before they arived they had pulled off their Helmets so that they saw the two first to be Teluis the Flemming and Yrguian son of Gandalin the two others Dragonis and Balonir and the others Garnate of the Dreadfull dale and Ambor of Gandell son to Angriole D'Estrevaux Soon after the Infanta Brisenna sent the names of the vanquished Knights according to the agreement and soon after that fourteen Knights were seen to come out of the wood and a little while after ten others who came all to touch the sheilds but the two Knights rewarded them all so well that he soon made them all measure their lengths on the ground Thus these two Knights after they had done with these remained readie to assaile or defend as occasion should happen untill it grew dark and therefore the King Amadis with all his traine departed to supper where all their discourse was about these two valiant and victorious Knights CHAP. XLIV How Urganda came by Sea to Fenuse and of the fear she put the Town in THe same night as supper was almost ended there entred some into the Court to informe King Amadis that there was the strangest sight on the Sea that ever was beheld whereupon the Knights of the Court being somewhat affrighted with this adventure presently armed themselves and ran to the Sea-side in the company of the King where they saw about a mile of a Mountain of fire in the Sea and from thence there came so much thunder and lightning that the Inhabitants of the town were greatly frighted therewith so that they thought it was the judgments of God to punish them for their former sins wherefore they fell on their knees to ask and implore Gods aid this Mountaine approached neer the Shoare and the neerer it came the more the fire went out and at last all the Mountaine vanished in lieu thereof they onely saw a great Ship with Apes and every one of their Apes held a burning Torch and there was seen twelve Damsels and in the midst of them sate one Ladie who was soon known to be their Mistris and they made the rarest Musick in the world and this Ladie was soon knowne by Amadis and others to be Vrganda wherefore Amadis having a Skiffe boarded her ship And then after their usuall manner of greeting she began to recont unto Amadis and the rest the cause of her coming which she said was onely to doe him pleasure and partly at the desire of the Sagee Alquefa who had lent her that ship with Apes to conduct her thether Then Amadis led her under the Arme unto the shoare and so into the Town where she was welcomed by Oriana and the other Ladies of the Court It was late and above midnight before they had ended their discourse and Vrganda prayed the King to let her lodge with the Infanta Brisenna to keep her company which he consented to wherefore giving her the good night she was conducted thither and every body went to sleep CHAP. XLV How the two Knights carried the honour of the second third fourth fifth and sixth dayes of the Tourney THe day following after dinner the King
he might carrie more company No answered they unless it be one Olorius was present who earnestly entreated Lisvart to let him accompany him which he granted him in such manner that they two being entred into the Barque we will leave the King of Breigne and the rest on the land CHAP. LXII How the Emperor and Perion of Gaule were arested by the treason of the Damsell which conducted them NOw we will returne to the Emperor and Perion whom the Damsell conducted as you have heard after they had sailed untill Sun set they took Port in a little Isle where there was two great Tents erected at the entrance of one there was a Ladie with a Knight armed at all points whom the Damsell shewed to Perion saying Sir Knight behold him with whom you must fight and who hath by great treason killed my Father Damsell answered he I promise you that I will revenge him if I can Then they three issued out of the Barque and soone after the Knight aduanced who asked of them whether they went and what they searched for Knight answered Perion you have promised this Damsel to stay here untill she should bring a Gentleman to fight with you and revenge the death of her Father whom you have murthered And well said the other what of that nothing said Perion but I will onely have your life in recompence of his In good faith said the Knight your enterprise is folly and I will chastise you before you escape my hands Having said thus he laid hands on his sword and Perion did so likewise when holding forth his sheild to defend himselfe from the blow of his enemy his sheild was cut in twaine and he striking the Knight one blow his sword broke in three pieces Rascall said the Knight now shall your head be lodged in the place where you enterprized to place mine Perion seeing his extreame danger ran upon him with great courage and took hold of his choller but there issued six great slaves out of the Tent whereof four seized on Lisvart and two on the Emperor whom they suddenly chained Then the old woman knowing the Emperour said to him Wicked Emperor seeing that you are now in my power I will make you an example to all others who goe about to hurt the friends of Armato and now I will revenge the death of him and many other great Lords which you were the cause of Lady answered the Emperor I know not what you speak of but there was never so great reason as this which you have used unto us CHAP. LXIII How Lisvart and Olorius were taken prisoners by the same parties that staid the Emperor and Perion LIsvart and Olorius had hardly put to Sea before the night overtooke them Nevertheless they left not sailing untill they arived at the Island where the Emperor was and there they landed One of the Damsells counselling them to repose on the grasse untill day Which they agreed unto nevertheless a little while after they demanded of Lisvart if he remembred the boon which he had promised them Yea truly answered he follow me then said the younger and I will tell you apart what it is for I would not have any know it besides us It was then very darke nevertheless Lisvart and she walked together and the Damsell seigning to be weary prayed him to sit down on the grass and talke together which he agreed to not doubting of what after happened for the false quean took him behinde as he was stooping and throwing him down took his sword from his side and runing away cried help me Knights help me help me Lisvart being astonished to see himselfe thus deceived ran after her as fast as he could but he was soon stopt by seven Knights who were in ambush who surprizing him carried him away to the place where the Emperor and Perion were chained Then he knew that there was treason for they soon put great Irons on his legs which grieved him to the heart and as he stoopt he gave one of the Villaines such a blow on the mouth that he broke out four of his teeth In the mean time the cries of the Damsell came to the ears of Olorius who was a discoursing with the other and he went towards the Pavillion to see what was the matter But in entring he saw Lisvart the Emperor and Perion in that estate that I told you Wherefore being moved to anger he laid hold on his sword and without regarding the danger he was in he cleaved the first that he met to the ears and he did as much to the second then he came to the third against whom Perion had combated and the first blow that he gave his sword broke to his fist Then he saw well that he could no longer resist for he was encompassed so on all sides that he was taken and bound as the others were who were carried neer the Sea and there they were separated and put into divers Vessells without knowing whither they were carried nor wherefore they were so illy handled CHAP. LXIV How the Empress was advertised that the Emperour Perion Olorius and Lisvart were lost and of the sadness of Onolorea and Gricilerea when they found themselves big with child THe King of Breigne Adariell Elinie and the rest were much grieved having so unfortunately lost the Emperor and seeing that Lisvart did not returne neither as he had promised these three therefore purposed not to returne into the Towne without knowing further news of them And therefore finding a small ship fit for their purpose they embarqued praying the Dukes of Ortilensa and Alafonte to returne to the Empresse and declare unto her this great misfortune which being understood many Knights entred in search of him and traversed so many strange Countries that Greece Thrace Almanie Italie Great Brittaine and Gaule were advertized thereof for which cause there were many sad hearts but this was nothing in respect of the two Infantaes Onolorea and Gricilerea who entred into so great Melancholly that they were weaker and weaker every day and their great bellies did help them to be more weak now paying use for the pleasure which they had sometimes received in the garden with Perion and Lisvart They had carried themselves so prudently in their loves that none had perceived them and the Empress her self thought that their debility proceeded from the losse of their father wherefore she comforted them with certaine hope that by the aid of our Lord he would shortly returne This was not the right point that troubled them most but the little child which they perceived to move in their bellies Wherefore she obteined leave of the Empresse to dwell a little while in the monstarie of Sophie which was neer thereunto and the â—ster of the Duke of Aâ—afonte was Abbesse and they would have no women with them but onely Sirtâ—nse and Garinde daughters to their nurses in whom they had much confidence and there they staid as covertly as they could untill the time that they should be delivered Then they discovered all to Sirense and Garinde who thought fit that the Children should be carried to the Port Town called Filine where they should be nursed by the mother of Garinde as if they were hers Onolorea was the first that was delivered of a fair son which was wrapped in rich clothes and given to her mother to kiâ—s who in tears gave it her blessing And recommending it to the keeping of our Lord she prayed Garinde in baptizing it to give it the name of Amadis de Greece in favour of King Amadis his great Grandfather and the Emperor Esplandian This being done the Damsell departed by a back dore with the childe over a wood to Filine but the little Creature was so feeble that Garinda thought it would die and therefore ariving neer a Fountaine she put it in the water saying these words Little child receive the name of amadis de Greece She had scarcely ended these words and thrown the water on his head when she heard the noise of a people coming directly to her wherefore being surprized with fear leaving the Child she ran into the thickest of the woods to hide her selfe And know that these were Rovers Black-Moores who came to the Fountaine to get fresh water where seeing little Amadis in rich Cloathes they were marvellous glad and much more abashed when they saw that he had brought from his mothers wombe a Sword of a Vermillion Colour the Pommell whereof was on the right knee and the point right at his heart And there was upon it certaine Characters or Letters white as snow which they could not read nor understand wherefore without looking on him any further they wrapped him up and carried him into their ships where by good fortune they had women amongst whom one named Esquisea newly brought to bed had the charge to nourish this little Amadis whom they called the Gentleman of the flaming Sword In the mean time Garinda somewhat assured returned to the place where she had left him but not finding him there she thought that Beast had devoured him for which she was extreamly sad nevertheless she puposed not to tell Onolorea hereof but to tell her that she had left it in the towne of Filine and so she did at her arivall when she found Gricilerea delivered of another fair son whom she called Luceneio These two triumphed in their time as you shall heare at large if God and the time permit in the seventh and eight Books where their Deeds and Chivalries are amply recited with as much grace as any book or Chronicle that was ever published And thus we will make an end of our present work The end of the sixt Book
not speak this without cause for it is very reasonable that so faâ—r a young Gentleman should be servant to so fair a young Princess as you are The Infanta did somewhat blush at these words which did onely increase her beauty emboldened Lisvart to answer to Griliana Madam I humbly thanke you for the good which you wish me nevertheless knowing the smalness of my deserts not having as yet done any thing worthy of so great a Princesse I dare not undertake to be hers but if she will doe me that favour to accept of me for such a one I shall thinke my self the happiest man under the Cope of heaven Yes truly said Onolerea and from this day forwards I will and pray for you Lisvart set his knee to the ground kissed her hand as the beginning of his service at these passages the Emperour came in who after he a long time had talked with the Ladies hee called a Master of his houshold and commanded to lead these Gentlemen to their lodging in one of the best Chambers in his Pallace Then supper time being come he sent to seeke them and royally feasted them untill it was bed time But Lisvart took little rest for all the night he ceased not to sigh thinking on her who had called him to her service of which he esteemed himselfe unworthy notwithstanding the assurance the Infanta had given him For which cause after he had long tumbled and tossed himselfe he could not forbeare but he said within himselfe Ah ah unfortunate Lisvart what is this hopest thou to gaine the place whereunto the merits of thy Father nay thy Grandfather Amadis were not sufficient to attaine And thou who arâ— but yet as a simple Gentleman not so much as a Knight dost thou thinke to doe more then they dared to undertake No no you abuse your selfe find some suddain meanes to retyre out of this Labyrinth before you get in further Then he suddenly changed his minde but could not take rest on one side or other but remained in strange paine Onolerea was no lesse on her side for all the night she ceased not to sigh having alwaies the great beauty of her Lover before her eyes for which cause she burned with an unaccustomed fire causing her an unaccustomed ilness Thus these two Lovers were handled untill the next morning that Lisvart put himself into the best equipage he could whereby to return to his former course and so did Parmenir Galuanes and Flâ—â—â—stâ—n who being advertized that the Ladyes were at Maâ—s they went to find them and as they entred into the Chappel they perceived Onolerea in so good equipage that she seemed to have somewhat of divine nature in her She had on her a yellow Golden Lock and a Circle of great Pearls which served her as a Carkanet and upon it a vail of yellow Taffaty which adorned her most excellently Gricilerea was near unto her on her knees who seconded her so well that laying aside all affection it was a hard matter to tell to whom nature had been most favourable and a little on one side was Galiana and Bridelena and many other Ladyes and Damsels But had they then asked Florestan and Galuanes what they thought without question Florestan had been for Griliana because he loved her and Galuanes for Bridelnea rather then for the two Infantaes for indeed much might be said of them But I pray thinke with what devotion these Knights did heare Massâ— surely all their prayers and vowes were addressed to those who had as they thought power of their life or death and they would willingly have chosen their Paradise in this little place on condition the Goddesses whom they in spirit adored might be made equal to them in affection And as they were in these termes the Priest having performed his Office the Emperour arose wherefore Lisvart and his Companions went to give him the good morrow and they were conducted from thence into the Hall where the Tables were covered for Dinner CHAP. VII How a forange Damsell arived before the Emperour of Trebisonde demanding a gift of the Infanta Onolerea which she too rashly granted whereof shee repented at leisure THis brave Company of Lords and Ladyes making the best cheere that could be devised just as the Musicall instrumentâ— did give notice unto them to rise from the Table there appeared before them a brave Damsell but of an extraordinary stature but so faire that it was admirable She was clad with a Garment of white cut Satin and fastned with Buttons of Gold and great knobs of Orientall Stones she had on her head a Garland of Flowers under which Garland was seene so great excellent and incomparable ravishing beauty that it was sufficient to entertaine the most accomplished man in the World At her side went two old men having their Beards reaching downe to their Girdles being excellently well set forth with threds of Gold and Silke and behind them was three Knights armed at all points This Damsell being come before the Emperour did put her knee to the ground to kiss his hand but he seeing her in so good equipage graciously tooke her up and asked her what she would have Sir said she I humbly entreate you that you would be pleased to hearken to me and aid me in what I shall most humbly entreate of you Yes truly answered the Emperour Sir said she the renowne of your great bounty hath emboldned me to depart from my owne Country and come into this your Court to find remedy in an affaire which is of great importance to me neverthelesse seeing that your custome is to helpe the afflicted as I have understood I hope not to be the first that shall depart from the presence of your Majesty discontented No truly answered the Emperor and you may freely ask what you please and I will to my power satisfie you The Damsel most humbly thanked him Sir said she seeing that you doe me so much favor I would intreat you to permit me to aske one boon of my Lady Onolorea your daughter and joine with me in prayer to her to grant it Damsel answered the Emperor I will that my daughter be no less liberall in this case then I am and I beleeve you will finde her so At these words the Damsel addressed her selfe to Onolorea and with an humble countenance said to her Most vertuous and excellent Princesse I humbly intreat you not to take it ill at my hands if I address my self to you as to the most courteous and fairest this day living to intreat of you one gift which will cost you little nevertheless it concernes me so neerly that my life depends thereon The Infanta having already heard the will of the Emperor answered to her Damsel my friend you shall have of me all that is in my power to grant you By my God said she I alwayes thought so therefore then there remaines no more but that you intreat this faire young Gentleman who sits