Queen Oriana was well pleased passing with them part of the melancholy she was in for not having News of the King In expectation of whom she determined to go to Mirefleur and take them with her Now she had not been long there before the Gentleman sent from Naples by Amadis arrived furnisht with Letters and Words of Credence which when he had declared to her it rendred her exceeding sad understanding the Misfortune befaln the Emperor Arquisil and his And for this Cause she sent immediately for King Arban and Angriote d' Estravaux who being come to her he communicated to them the Kings Message desiring them to give oâ—der with all Diligence for the 〈◊〉 an Army to the end their Masters Intention might have its effect For which they provided so well that in a few days there were found above Ten Thousand good Knights ready to embark And there were given them for Leaders and Captains Giontes Duke of Cornwal Guillan Duke of Bristow Angriote d' Estravaux and Ambor of Gandal his Son But as for King Arban he stayed behind as being he who in the King's Absence and under the Queens Authority wholly governed the Realm Now all the others set to Sea taking their Course for Naples Of whom nevertheless we shall at present say no more but return to the Knight of the Burning Sword and Gradamart CHAP. LIII How after the Knight of the Burning Sword was cured of the Wounds he had received in fighting against Gandalfe he embarkt with Gradamart and of a Wonderful Adventure they met at Sea BAlan setting Sail for the Island not the Vermiliâ—n Tower to his Father Gaâ—â—oâ—eâ— had the Wind 〈◊〉 little commodious that he arrived now therâ— till eight days after the Knight of the burning Sword had taken his leave of those whom he had restored to their Estate Now Balan was much troubled at his not finding them For he determined to make but little stay there but to go with them into Gaul to the King of Sicily and help him in his Affairs The Knight of the burning Sword and Gradamart Sailing in full Sea sometimes with fair Weather and very often with Storms there came upon the Knight of the burning Sword a Remembrance of the Fair Lucella which disquieted him Night and Day so that he became wholly Solitary taking pleasure in nothing but being alone and musing saying sometimes to himself Ah! ah poor Wretch had it not been better thou hadst remained for ever Enchanted and pierced with the Sword which Gradasilea thrust into thy Stomach near the Chamber of Treasure Alas She wounded thee but that Wound was not mortal as this is which I now suffer thro' Excess of Love Ah! Lucella how is it possible that you being a simple Damsel simple I say not for the Rank you hold but for the Courteous Simplicity that is in you have been able to reduce to so extream Submissiveness such a Knight as him of the Burning Sword who having his Shield in his hard never feared any Danger that offered it self before his eyes And nevertheless your charming look has so intimidated him that he is become your Slave and Prisoner noâ— being able to endeavour the doing or desiring any thing but what it pleases you to ask him which is the Complement of his Unhappiness Ah ah poor Wretch knowing thy little merit and her Highness the greatest Benefit that can befall thee is to dye speedily for 't were not reasonable that so great a Lady as she is should abase herself to regard the Good or Evil that is Destined to thee And moreover if she should endeavour to cure thee 't is certain that her Reputation would be lessened Thus instead of receiving Service by thâ—e or from thee she would have Dammage And since thou callest thy self Servant the good Servant ought rather to seek the Honour of his Lord than his own Life since in case of necessity he ought to sacrifice himself for him whose he is nay to dye more than once if it were possible Then he fell into a Fit of Despair and Discontent that he was almost giving up the Ghost and the more he thought to extinguish or lessen his flame the more did he resemble him that throws a little Water on a burning Furn ce Which Gradamart perceiving used all possible Endeavours to divert his Thoughts Whence it happened one night that as they were discoursing together instead of sleeping they heard the sound of an Harp joyn'd with the Voice of a Gentleman which together made a wonderful sweet Harmony They both rose up and perceived a Fleet of Ships in one of which were twelve Flambeaus lighted under a Canopy of Cloth of Gold where lay a young and handsome Knight who Sung and Play'd on that Instrument He of whom I speak had his Armor on his back but his head and hands bare and at his Beds-head was set a Perron of Alabaster very well wrought and on it the Statue of a Lady divinely fair and so exquisitely carv'd that it wanted nothing but Speech In her right hand she had a Chain of Gold which in the form of a Coslar went about the Knights Neck and on her Head a Crown with a Writing containing these words Onoria of Apolonia Princess of Beauty In her left hand she had three other little Chains with which were fastned by the Neck three Statues of Damsels crown'd with Royal Cronws sitting at her Feet and having each of them her Writing of which the first was Luciana the second Imperia Princess of Bohemia and the third Alegria Infanta of Macedonia And a little aside behind the Perron hung a great Shield of the brightest Steel without any painting with the Knights Helmet and Sword At his Feet were also two other Knights lying on a Carpet compleatly armed except Helmets and Gantlets Gradamart and the Knight of the burning Sword wondring at that Adventure caused their Vessel to approach that in which the Torches were At that very time the Knight who had been singing break forth in these Words Ah Lucella Princess of Sicily how great Misfortune is befaln me by having heard so great Commendations of you and your Beauty For from the day that my heart and mind have had a Testimony of your perfections I have neither Rest nor Ease Then he held his Peace without ceasing to sigh The Knight of the Burning Sword who felt himself stung by these Affections became so melancholly and pensive that he was even ready to Dye when he heard him name her whose passionaâ—e Servant he was and said to Gradamart Brother do you perceive the Arrogance of this Fool who aspires to that which he is not able so much as to look at Before he gets from me I will make him change his Opinion if I can or it shall cost one of us his Life In good faith answered Gradamart you will not do wisely For neither he nor any other can do you any injury by loving where he shall think good Since if
beating made there an Harbor tho' little known because unfrequented Then the Knight of the Burning Sword askt the Marriners on what Coast they were But when they could not give him any Assurance he tir'd with the Fatigue of that tedious Storm and seeing the Countrey sufficiently pleasant desir'd the King to go a Shore which was no unpleasing Request to him Arming themselves therefore they caus'd their Horses to be taken out of the Ship on which they mounted themselves carrying their Arms and Shields for they had not any Company with them but Frandamella having commanded all the rest to stay for them and not stir from thence Being entred into the Forrest they had not travell'd far ere they met a Damsel bitterly lamenting a Knight whom she bare before her on her Hackney very much wounded in his Head on which she held her hand to stop the too great effusion of Blood Then they askt her his Name and who had thus outrag'd him Alas my Lords answer'd she my ill Fate alone and not any want of Prowess in him who is at this time esteem'd amongst valiant men one of the most dextrous Knights that can be found has been the Cause of this Misfortune His Name is Farineâ—â— of Carsantum and he has been thus treated by a Devil who at the going out of this Wood keeps a Kay by which for love of a Gentlewoman he has in his Company he suffers not any one to pass Now curs'd be the hour that ever She or He came hither for he has now above fifteen days perform'd this Enterprise with wonderful courage and success I therefore counsel you to turn back and take another way at least if you intend to pass the Key from which GOD preserve you and conduct you in safety for I am going to look for one that may apply some Remedy to this Gentleman my Brother who desiring to try himself against him of whom I speak took me to accompany him but it is faln out to him but ill as you see This said she pass'd on and left the two Knights laughing together at the counsel she had given them Then they rode forward till they perceiv'd another Damsel coming towards them mounted on a Palfrey and bearing a Shield of polisht Steel without any Device who saluted them and addressing her self to him of the Burning Sword said to him Sir Knight I am very glad to meet you whom I was seeking to make you a Present of this Shield as being the compleatest Gentleman I ever saw And since you receive such Praise of me I beseech you to grant me a Gift Damsel my Friend answer'd he ask what you please you shall not be refus'd especially considering the good Assistance you give me by these Arms of which I had very great need mine being of so little value as they are And to say the Truth his Shield was so par'd in the Combat he had with his Grandfather the Emperor Esplandian that there was scarce enough left to cover his Arm. The Damsel then deliver'd him that she carry'd and askt him for the otâ—er which I will keep said she in remembrance of what you have promis d me and will perform when I shall require it of you Then she smote on her Palfrey â—ollowing her way as they also did till they came to the going out of the Forrest where they perceiv'd a rich Pavilion erected under an high Elm against wâ—â—â— were many Lances leaning and saw two Esquires leading a great bay Horse on which there mounted a Knight in very rich Armor when presently a Damsel came â—o meet them who saluting them with a very good Grace said to them Sirs The Dâ—â—chess of Savoy my Mistress who is in this Pavilion sends you word by me that he whom you see ready for Combat hath sworn to her that he will for love of heâ— defend this Passage during six whole Months against all Knights who would pass this way on condition that if he get the better the vanquisht shall be bound to leave with her his Shield and his Name in writing with promise to serve her whenever she shall require him so to do And if her Knight be worsted she will also be bound to give the Conqueror an Helmet a Sword and a Shield the fairest and richest that ever were seen Therefore consider what you have to do Damsel answer'd the King if we thought it were the Dutchesses pleasure that we should take another way we would do it for her sake but conceiving she will receive greater satisfaction in the Honour we shall do her Knight by following his Enterprise return and tell her we will pass the Kay on the Conditions she has sent us Certainly said the Damsel of such fair and dextrous Knights as you are I expected no other Answer You shall by the way understand that this was she who conducted Lucencio out of Constantinople to find the Knight which had by force taken from her the Helmet and was not long since arriv'd in Great Bâ—itain whither the Dutchess of Savoy had brought the fair Gentleman to be made Knight by the hand of King Amadis of whom having receiv'd the Order he presently undertook the keeping of the Kay where he had already continu'd fifteen days with so much success that above Threescore Knigâ—ts had left their Names and their Sâ—ields according to the Custom there estabâ—isht By means whereof his Fame was spread in so many Places that there was not any thing else talkt of Thus the Damsel return'd towards the Elm and in the mean time Alpatracy King of Sicily desir'd the Knight of the Burning Sword that he would give him leave first to try his Fortune which the other willingâ—y granted him The King therefore having lac't on his Helmet and put his Lance in his Rest rode leisurely toward the Knight of the Dutchess who coming forth of her Pavilion to be old the Combat fate her down in a Chair cover'd with Cloth of Gold having in her Arms tâ—e Rich Shield the Prize and Recompence of the Victorious Stranger But before tâ—e two Combatants began thâ—ir dispute there came on the right side of the gâ—eat Forrest two Gentlemen arm'd aâ— thoâ—e that aâ—e upon the Point of being made Knights differing nevertheless in their Blazons the one â—eating all Black and the other White They were attended by Eâ—quires carrying their Helmets and Shields all which stood still to see how the Combatants would defend themselves CHAP. XVI How the King of Sicily and the Knight of the Burning Sword fought one after another with the Dutchesses Knight and what befel of it THe Knight that kept the Passage as you have been told having heard the Messengers Answer and seeing the King of Sicily ready to perform his Devoir took his Course against him and their Meeting was with such impetuosity that their Spears piercing each others Shield shiver'd to pieces their Bodies joining so violently that the Knight of the Kay lost a Stirrup and the
deliverance since I am so much yours that under your sole Favour I resolve henceforth to follow Arms and no otherwise giving my self the Glory to be servant to the fairest Princess this day living Vttering this word he felt the new Distemper of love so strong that had the Night béen clearer his Coulor might have been seen to change ten times in one Instant He would have said more but the others who had assisted the Queen approacht and they went together towards the Castle where they were met by Frandamella who with great Ioy cast her self at the Queens Feet by whom she was graciously taken up and embâ—ac't for the Queen greatly lov'd her for the sake of â—ristion her Father who was Governor of Sicily when Alpatracy and she were disenchanted Then they Ascended the Stairs and went into the Room where the King lay sick who seeing the Queen and Lucella in good Health was as you may believe so fill'd with Ioy that his Speech fail'd him and stretching out his Arms as these two Ladies paid him their Respects he embrac'd them the one with his right hand the other with his left the Tears falling abundantly down his Cheeks Then all of a suddain fetching a deep sigh he lifted up his Eyes to Heaven and cry'd out O Soveraign GOD prais'd be your holy Name since it has pleased you after having deliver'd us out of the cursed Conjuration and Enchantment in which the Sorceress Medea had put us to grant me this farther Blessing that I should this day see with my eyes the two persons that are dearer to me than my own life Ah! ah Knight of the Burning Sword How is it possible that I shall ever be able to acknowledge the Benefit I receive by your means On my faith we are so much oblig'd to you that we may with reason call you our second Father as having given us a new life since without your Assistance we had been certainly lost these Ladies with ill Usage and I with Discontent Now the Queen and Lucella had not eaten any thing in two days Wherefore the Knight of the burning Sword seeing that the King was entring into a Discourse which was like to hold him long interposs'd saying Sir your new Content makes you forget the long Time that these Ladies have been without Food Does it not please you that some Victuals be brought them I beseech you let it be so answer'd he for I believe they have very great need Then were the Tables cover'd and in the mean time the Queen recited the fear she was in till such time she saw the Giantess dead And who slew her said the King Sir answer'd she shewing him the Knight of the Burning Sword this Gentleman cleft her Head in two and she remain'd bury'd in the Mud of the Lake She 's very well lodg'd said he GOD or the Devil will henceforth treat her as she has deserv'd In these and other Discourses they pass'd the Time till the Knight of the Burning Sword bad the King and the Ladies good Night for to retire till Day into another Chamber where instead of Sleeping he threw himself cloath'd as he was upon a Field-Bed and having before the eyes of his soul the Beauty of his new Mistress entred into so profound a Cogitation that he even forgot himself Nevertheless after he had sufficiently tumbled both on the left side and the right he fetcht a deep sigh and remembring the Threat that Urganda made him by the Letter she left him at his going out of Great Britain began to say within himself Alas Wise Prophetess I now well perceive that the Advertisement you gave me is true for the very day that my Lady came forth of Prison I was so made her Captive and Slave that I have nothing in me free or that is not subjected to her Ah ah poor Knight of the Burning Sword Hast thou then hopes ever to receive cure Certainly thou may'st well discern the assured Perdition for thine eyes have plac'd the Ladder of thy Faith so high that thou oughtst rather expect to fall than to get up Thus the greatest Damage will be thy own since thou shouldst have known thy self to be one that ought not to think of obtaining such an Happiness O Wretched Slave to thy self thou wilt henceforward pine away by little and little desiring that to which thou art not capable to attain since the greatest Honour thou canst boast is thy Education in the Court of King Magadan from which thou art also causelesly banisht How dar'st thou then consume thy Time in Thoughts more vain than can be imagin'd No no learn to command thy self at least if thou desir'st to live Then all of a suddain changing his Opinion he said But perhaps I am descended of such a Lineage that I ought not to have so mean a conceit of my self and my Heart 's taking so high a Flight is an Argument to make me believe that my Father was a Gentleman and that it merits something Ah! how I now dream Certainly my Folly is too apparent For were I son to the greatest Princess on the Earth yet must I confess my self unworthy to sâ—rve such a Lady And bâ—sides she and I are of different Religions thus put case I should arrive at my preâ—ensions I must in gaining her forget our gods and lose both my Body and Soul henceforâ—h adoring her as my only Lady and Goddess Shall I do it then Why not Yes surely and come what may I will never while I live repent so Noble a thought being assur'd it would be a true Heresy to essay the withdrawing me from it Death may indeed well use his power over my body but not over my Affectiâ—ns for whether he will or no they shall live for ever and for ever remain where I have placed them A Thousand and a Thousand other Disâ—ourses made the Knight of the Burning Sword all night so that he could not take one wink of Sleep till break of day when he slumbred a little till one tame to tell him that the Ladies were ready wherefore he arose and entring into their Chambers after he had humbly saluted them enquir'd how the King did So well answer'd he who overheard him that I resolve without any farther delay to return into my Ship where I hope to have a speedier Cure than in this place in which I have receiv'd so much Displeasure And tho' the Queen and the rest us'd their utmost Endeavours to disswade him from it till he were better recover'd yet could they not in the least prevail with him who as soon as ever they had din'd caus'd them to put up their Baggage and Embark commanding the Pilot to set Sail. Which when Galfadea Daughter of the Cyclops who had as you were told been given in Hostage perceiv'd she began exceedingly to lament Now she had till then heard nothing of her Parents death but when she understood how all had pass'd never was Woman more discontented Nevertheless
from revenging my People whom he had slain Since you are so void of sence as thus to engage your self in anothers Quarrel stay and you shall have the Chastisement you deserve This being said they began to charge each other with so much Fierceness and Nimbleness that the Spectators said they had never beheld a better Combat of which Perion Lisvart and Olorius were not a little glad that they might know by the Effect whether he of the burning Sword was so good a Knight as he was affirm'd to be Whilst these things were doing he in the black Armor had slain one of the two with whom he was fighting and was now ready to dispatch the last who by casting himself at his Feet and begging his Pardon preserv'd his Life Yet the other who fled to fetch Succour minded him not but set himself against the Knight of the burning Sword thinking that if he were defeated the other in the black Arms would be more easily master'd But as he was couching his Lance to run against him Olorius catching hold of the Straps of his Shield pull'd him with so much violence that he brought him to the Ground where he so treated him with the Pommel of his Sword that the Laces of his Helmet breaking his Head was disarm'd He then cry'd out for Mercy but Olorius answer'd him Rascal you shall dye for the World cannot but be the worse for your abiding in 't and with that lifting up his Fist he gave him such a blow on the Ear with his Gantlet as put an End to his Life Already had the two others fought so long that every one wondred at it and yet neither of them appear'd in the least weary'd but still continu'd better and better wherefore Lisvart desir'd Frandamella to go fetch the Emperor and those that stay'd with him assuring them they should see what would give them Pleasure The Damsel ran to 'em and told 'em all she had seen of the Combatants wherefore they made hast thither where they found the two Knights still as Active as if they had but just begun The same Moment arriv'd there also Axiana who had stay'd behind having a great Attendance of Ladies Gentlewomen Esquires and others She was exceeding fair and of an excellent Meen being mounted on a white Palfrey adorn'd with Housings of flower'd Cloth of Gold hanging down on every side But when she saw the cruel Combat between the two Knights and so great a Troop amongst whom she discern'd those at Liberty whom she was wont to keep Prisoners never was Woman more astonisht for she had not yet understood any thing of her loss which could not had she known it have so much troubled her as did the Danger in which she perceiv'd him in the Green Armor whom she lov'd better than her self to be at which being wholly disturb'd and almost beside her self she was ready to sink down in a swound But shame hindring it she alighted off her Horse because her Knight was fighting on foot Then Lisvart approacht and making her a very low Reverence askt her whether she pleas'd to have a Chair brought her out of the Castle that she might place her self more at her ease She seeing him so fair humble and well behav'd thus answer'd him Knight if my Ease would be any greater for being sat I would not refuse this offer but it is so disturb'd by seeing the Danger of these two Combatants that it would be impossible to be more I nevertheless heartily thank you and desire you to tell me who you are Madam answer'd Lisvart who ever I am you have in me a Souldier to serve and honor you as I use to do all such fair Ladies as you are Ah! said the Infanta The Day will come when I shall perhaps have a better Opportunity to thank you for this Civility They had continu'd their discourse longer had not the Peril she saw her Friend in imploy'd her Thoughts on somewhat else Nevertheless neither of the two Knights could gain any thing over the other but they so bravely maintain'd themselves that for the Space of two long hours it was not known to whom the greater Glory was to be attributed they growing both so weary that they were forc't to take breath and rest themselves a little I may well say a little For the Green Knight seeing the fair Axiana full of Trouble and her Countenance pale and without colour thro' the great Perplexity she was in was so mov'd that parrying what was left of his Shield he recharg'd his Enemy with marvellous Fierceness Nor was the other much behind him so revenging himself that the Grass on which they stood grew red again and the Spectators certainly thought that they would both there leave their Lives their Animosity still increasing so that they seiz'd each other by the Arms striving to gain that by strength of Body which they could not obtain by their Swords Nevertheless it was impossible for either of them to get any Advantage over the other but after much and long strugling with all imaginable Industry they return'd to their Swords with which they laid so desperately about them that they had scarce any Armor left with which they might cover or defend themselves So that their bare Flesh was seen the Blood streaming down on all sides and their Armor ready to drop off by pieces if they fought any longer Then Axiana no farther able to hear her Friends Danger began to wring her hands and cross her Arms like a Woman pierc't with sorrow Which the green Knight seeing took such Courage that thinking to cleave his Enemies Head he lift up his Sword with both hands to which the other oppos'd his Shield and yet the Blow was such that parting in two what it met the Point fell with such Force on his Helmet that his Eyes sparkled and he stagger'd ready to fall to the ground Nevertheless he soon recover'd and to revenge himself flew with such Fury at him who had so much out-rag'd him that seizing the straps of his Shield he pull'd it so violently to him that he got possession of it and threw it behind him in great spight At which the Green Knight being amaz'd as knowing the want he should have of it shew'd himself thence-forward more fearful then he had till that time done For he knew not with what to cover himself nor how any longer to resist the other who press'd him so close that every one evidently discern'd his Fortune to be adverse and that the Victory would certainly be the Knight's of the burning Sword Ah! ha poor Axiana where it not better you would find some means to seperate them Alas why do you delay You see your Friend at the last point of Danger and yet you remedy it not And to say true she was so troubled and full of Bitterness that she could not utter so much as one word At which Lisvart mov'd with Pity could not forbear saying to her I wonder
Madam why you consent thus to the Death of two such Knights in your Presence Indeed you will do very ill if you permit them to sight any longer For God's sake then since you can remedy it separate them and desire them at your request to become Friends And if they will not consent for love give order that you be obey'd by force or else the Loss of them will be an incomparable wound to all Knighthood they being such valiant men as every one may see Alas he exactly hit on the Evil that tormented her nor could he at that time have made her any Discourse more agreeable to her And therefore following Lisvarts Counsel she took Heart and went straight to the Combarants who in respect to her retir'd at her approach Then having her Face cover'd with Tears she began to say to them I desire you Knights that you will for my sake desist and make Peace together Which I believe you will not refuse me since I beg it of you with such Affection And besides where Prowess and Valour is so apparent Courtesy cannot be far away which you will favourably exercise on me who am such as My Presence may testify The Knight of the Burning Sword hearing her speake so sweetly was willing to let every one know that he was no less affable than valiant wherefore he thus answer'd her Madam I will obey you if he with whom I have to do will consent to it I undertake said Axiana he shall do it for he his mine and will no way contradict what I shall command him Since it is so Madam answer'd the Knight of the burning Sword I beseech you to tell me his Name that I may henceforth know him who has made me suffer more than any other I ever fought with That I will do for your sake said she and you shall see him presently bare-fac'd to the end you may the better know him Then taking off his Helmet she said Now see if you shall know him again and then I will tell you his Name In good faith Madam answer'd he I should never have thought to find so great Valour in so fair and young a Gentleman And to say the Truth he was one of the most excellent Personages that could be seen Then Axiana continuing her Discourse said His Name is Lucencio but we must desire to be excus'd from giving you account of his Parentage since neither he nor I know any thing of it As I live Madam answer'd the Knight of the Burning Sword it would be then very unseemly for us two between whom there is so great a Conformity to fight one against the other for I know my Father and Mother as little as he does his and this makes me think that perhaps we may be Kinsmen This though spoken at random was yet Truer than he was aware for they were both Cosens he being Son to Lisvart of Greece and Lucencio to Person of Gaul the Fathers and the Children being all four Assembled together the neither then nor of a long time after knowing one another And to omit nothing that belongs to our History you shall know how Axiana brought Lucencio into this Isle of Argenes You well remember I believe the Dutchess of Savoy's Arrival at Constantinople caus'd by a Tempest which â—ave her Ship on the Coast of Thrace as she was conducting the fair Gentleman into Great Britain there to receive the Order of Knighthood and in what manner Lucencio undertook to go and fight the Knight who had took the Helmet from the Gentlewoman as you were told at large in the beginning of this Book Now Axiana was she by whom he recovered what he sought for and to whom he promis'd also a Gift for the Accomplishment of which he entred into her Vessel sailing with her till they came into the Isle of Argenes where going ashore Lucencio was by Axiana requir'd to keep the Seventh Tower of the Castle in which was the Chamber of Treasure and this she did by the Counsel of her Mother Zirfea who gave her the Direction and Means of finding him yet without telling her any thing of his Lineage She perswaded her indeed that his Company would be very agreeable to her And in this she deceiv'd her not for from their first Enterview they so mutually loved each other that Axiana granted him what she most esteem'd provided he merited it by his Valour of which he should make proof by keeping the Tower two whole Years And he was now at the end of them when Fortune brought into the Island the Knight of the Burning Sword with whom he fought for returning from Hunting to which Axiana to keep him from Melancholly often took him six of his Knights met him in the black Arms and fell upon him hoping to take him and imprison him according to the Custom Now the Infanta staid behind with Lucencio but he that fled from his Companions at their need hastned them and they were both afterwards treated as you have heard Thus have we resum'd the Thred of our History by returning to him whom we had left at the beginning but the Matter being now dispos'd to bring him again upon the stage you see him return with his green Armor and Shield on which was painted the Bow the Quiver and the Arrow to testify the Passion of his afflicted Heart loving as he did the Queen of Argenes fair Daughter to whom the Emperor to let her understand the Pleasure he receiv'd by the Agreement of the two Knights said very respectfully Indeed Madam you this day oblige many worthy persons by ending the Quarrel between two such Knights as yours and him of the burning Sword And we must confess that the great Beauty with which Nature has endow'd you has more prevail'd over them than all we together should have done And because she had never seen the Emperor Lisvart acquainted her who he was Now she had hitherto thought him lost and could not imagin in what manner either he or any of the rest came into Argenes Nevertheless converting at this time her wonder to a more suitable Discourse she with very great Respect said to him Sir I beseech you to pardon me for not having at first made you the Reception you merit for had I known you I would certainly have paid you the Respect due to your Quality not considering the ill will I naturally ought to bear you who partly caus'd the death of my nearest Relations But since they cannot be recall'd to life reflecting that rather through their own Unhappiness than otherwise the Fortune of VVar treated them in this manner I will attribute nothing to you intreating you at least to tell me how the Guards of this place have so easily suffer'd your Abode here and who has oblig'd them to set at liberty those whom I held in my Prisons Madam answer'd he your Guards are defeated and slain in revenge of the pernicious Custom too long maintained by them under you these
her self to the Queen saying You Madam and this excellent Company having so far honour'd Axiana 't is reasonable she should endeavour in some sort to acknowledge it by giving you the Pleasure of certain singularities which are here and which several have sometimes thought to be strange Will it please you therefore to see them Yes indeed answer'd the Queen 't is what we request of you Then they arofe from their Places and not to tire themselâ—es over much sent for their Horses on which being mounted they entred first into a great Park part of which was curiously planted with Rows of Orange-trees Lemon-trees Myrcles Pomegranates Cypres Lawrels Lentisk Pines Fir-tres Palm-trees Olive-trees and several others wonderfully pleasant A little higher on a small rising was a Thicket of Codars Plain-trees whither repair'd all sorts of Animals wild and tame And at the foot ran a Rivulet proceeding from many pleasant Fountains which water'd the Place where 't was convenient in the midst of which there was an high Pillar of Amber that cast forth such abundance of Water as made a spacious Lake Then going on the left hand they entred into a long Walk set on each side with Elms Lime-trees and Sycomores which so shaded it that the Sun in the height of Summer could not have offended the Eye of any one and to rest ones self there were on the Sides of it Arbors of Woodbines and Box entermix'd with Laurels and Laylacks And in the midst was a Round of an hundred yards over where were Pallas Juno and Venus of white Marble who look on Paris sleeping on a Rock of Chrystal whence issu'd another Fountain in which they all took so much Pleasure that they had not any thoughts of Returning when there arose so obscure dark cloud a Cloud that they all lost sight of each other and suddenly heard a serpent hiss and beat his Wings so that the whole Park resounded the Noise Alas poor Ladies were you not then afraid Yes certainly were you and in such manner that you thought immediately to dye For the last mention'd Fountain was chang'd into so great a Fire that the Flames seem'd by little and little to have seiz'd on the whole Park those who beheld this wonder expecting nothing but a miserable and desperate end and cursing Axiana who had so subtilly bâ—ought them thither to take as they thought vengeance for the Displeasure she had receiv'd of them And the more to encrease their Fear they heard on the gâ—eat Lake such a Noise Thunder that they thought Heaven and Earth â—ould came together when they perceiv'd making from thence towards them a great and terrible Serpent casting Fire and Flame thro' his Eyes Nostrils and Thâ—oat And upon him the Infanta Axiana holding in her hand a naked Sword with which she gave the Beast such a Blow between his Ears that thro' the Greatness of the Pain he leapt into the Basin of the Fountain where he began so to bestir himself that the Knights Ladies and Gentlewoman were washt with the Water which spurted up and fell from their Horses to the Ground yet without receiving any farther Hurt Then the Darkness vanishing and the Heavens becoming clear and bright they all found themselves in the midst of the Wood and Axiana amongst them having Lisvarts Sword and without any more seeing any thing that might trouble them Wherefore the Knights knowing their Illusion and past Fear fell a laughing so did not the Ladies but trembled like the Leaves on the Tree what fair Words soever Axiana gave them who would have brought them farther But Lucella very farely told her she would not for any thing in the world go on unless she promis'd to free her from these Plantasms She was indeed more like one dead than living and utter'd these Words with such a Grace as encreas'd the Laughter Wherefore Axiana gave her Lisvart Sword saying to her Madam the better to secure you take this Staff which has such Vertue that no Enchantment can hurt the Person who bears it And for this cause did I request the Lord whose it is to lend it me at our entrance into this Park Which he did and I deliver it to you to defend yourself the rest if you are assaulted with the like fear as you have been Certainly answer'd Lisvart I should willingly choose such Defence from her and so that I am ready to confess that she and such like have more Power over me thaâ— any one who should be arm'd and in a will to sight me Well then said Lucella on this word I receive it and will defend you if Occasion offers They thus jesting one at the other the Knight of the burning Sword who thought that Lisvart spake thro' Affection and that he was in love with Lucella entred into so strong a Iealousy that he would gladly have found a Pretence to have â—ought him presently But neither Place nor Opportunity being dispos'd for it he kept in his heart this ill Will to make him sometime repent it tho' this Suspicion was very unjustly conceiv'd For all the good Entertainment he made this Lady was only in remembrance of the fair Onoloria whom she resembled and for whom he dy'd day and night CHAP. XXXIII How Alquifa arriv'd in the Isle of Argenes And of the Departure of the Emperor and the others to return into their Countrey EVery one being as you have heard recover'd of their Fright they all took horse again to visit the Remainder of the Park going on till they came to the Sea-Shore by which it was on that side enclos'd where they discover'd a far off a great Ship making towards them with wonderful Swiftness Wherefore they stay'd expecting to know who was in it And when the Vessel was within two Bow-shoot of the Shore they that were in it put forth a Boat which two Mariners began to row bâ—inging with them nine Damsells holding each of them an Harp the Sound of which eccho'd â—y the water was wonderfully sweet A little after they came ashoâ—e and Alquâ—fa who was one of the nine was known by almost all the Knights even by him of the Burning Sword for he remembred it was she whâ—â—â—sir'd him to leave off the Combat against Esplandian in the Defended Mountain For this cause every one was pleas'd to see her and the Emperoâ—â—â—â—â—aâ—'d her as did also the Knight of the Burning Sword who said to her My great Friend give me leave to kiss you She who well enough understood what he asm'd at humbly saluted him answer'd Sir Knight you know the great Desire I have to do you service and how much I am yours Lisvart and Perion wondering at this Acquaintance knew not what to think of it Nevertheless they took at that time no notice but after they had receiv'd her as she deserv'd she said to them My Lords my Father and Vrganda salute you in all humility and send you word by me that for your Good you enter
second called Birmartes is he of whom we now intend to speak who was so accomplisht both in Beauty of Countenance Pâ—rfection of Members and all other things requisit to render a Man excellent that there could hardly be found any one that exceeded him This Birmartes was Six Years younger than his Brother Olorius when he was Enchanted And afterwards his Age encreasing there encreased in him also the desire to follow Arms. To which he was farther moved by the Report of the great Gâ—fts wherewith Nature had endow'd Lucella Daughter to the King of Sicily with whom he fell in Love through Opinion only without having ever seen her So that he resolved to go to Alpatracys Court and do him so much Service that he should willingly give her to him for Wife And in this Intention finding one day a fit opportunity he humbly besought his Father to give him the Order of Knighthood Which he refused him not but Armed him and the Solemnity of it was very great through all Spain But the same day as they arose from Table he put himself on his knees before the King and with a very Good Grace asked him a Gift Don Brian who loved him as himself was Liberal in promising Sir said he you will permit me then to make a Journey into Sicily to see the Infan a Lucella who is at this day esteemed the most perfectly fair and best behaved Lady in Europe And if it is so I will endeavour so to serve the King her Father that he shall give her to me afterwards for Wife if I ask her or him Don Brian glad to see his Son in this Resolution commended him and was content he should take such Knights of his Court as he would choose with Money and Equipage necessary for so high an Enterprise For which the Young Prince most humbly thanked him And then having caused a great Frigat to be made ready chose to accompany him amongst other Knights the Duke of Biscay's two Sons of which the Eldest was named Esquinel and the other Meander of Spain And these were the two who separated him at the perswasion of Gradamart as he was fighting against the Knight of the burning Sword They then being Embarkt in very good Order Sailed along the Coast of Africk and leaving Sardinia on the right hand Arrived at Messina where they had News of the Rape not long before committed by Frandalon Cyclops and his Son on the Queen of Sicily and Lucella And for this cause Bâ—râ—artes commanded his Marriners to take their Course to Silanchy throughly resolved to Fight them whatever should come of it But his Labour was in vain because he found there no body but the Governour whom Alpatracy had left by whom he was acquainted with what was passed Which wonderfully displeased him and he cursed his Fortune for having deprived him of so fair an Occasion by which he might have gained what he much doubted to lose Then he returned again into his Ship and taking leave of the Governor went back towards Sicily where he thought to find what he lookt for And some days after he met a Giant that was carrying away several Christians Prisoners with whom Birmartes had a fight and finally vanquisht him The Duke of Biscays two Sons defeated also six of his Knights freeing all the Slaves who were then in the Pirates Ship and giving them Liberty to go whither they pleased And thus following their way to take Harbor in Sicily the Sea grew so tempestuous that they were by Fortune even against their wills driven to the Kingdom of Apolonia where they went ashore And to refresh themselves being weary of the Sea they design'd to spend a Month in Visiting the Country And for this cause commanding their Marriners not to depart from the Port all the Knights mounted their Horses taking their Way strait to the great City of Apolonia And as they travell'd they learnt how Branzahar Duke of Clarence guarded in a Tower Onoria Princess of Apolonia who was reputed to be one of the fairâ—st Ladies on the Earth And that you may understand the manner and Reason of this Guarding you will know that this Duke of Clarence was a very powerful Knight but hard favoured deform'd Ill-behav'd and besides descended of a Giantly Lineage Now the great Beauty of Onoria had been so advantageously related to him that his Heart was smitten with the Report And to see her he came to the King her Fathers Court accompany'd by two Giants his Cosins But the Ladies Presence so depriv'd him of his Liberty that he thought he should dye if he had her not for Wife Wherefore with great Earnestness and Importunity he requested her of the King who knowing him to be such an one that is Daughter would never consent to it excus'd himself by pretending that she had no Inclination to marry The Duke much astonisht at this News was ready then to dispair Nevertheless for the last Remedy he said to the King that since Fortune had been so unkind to him in denying him the thing he most lov'd in this world he should never have any Ioy in his Heart yet in recompence of the Pains he had taken to come to his Court he desired him that he would be pleased to grant him a Gift Which the King would not deny him provided his Daughters Honour were not offended by it That certainly Sir said he it shall not be For I would sooner consent to my own Ruin But since she will spend her Life without an Husband and that her Beauty puts those who see her in an unparallel'd Torment 't is reasonable for the avoiding so much Mischief that she be henceforth shut up in a Tower where she shall be seen by none but you the Queen and those that shall be ordained to serve her And I and these two Giants will keep the three first Entrances so that none shall pass them unless it be by force of Arms. And moreover he must for her Service accomplish the Conditions which I shall cause to be written and hung upon certain stones that shall be erected in this Tower by which said he shall be known the greatness of your Daughters Beauty and how much I suffer and will suffer for her sake Then was the King displeased at his having so lightly promised what he could not with his Honour revoke and would gladly have found an Excuse that might have contented the Prince of Clarence but the stone being thrown and out of his hand could not be recalled wherefore he resolved to bow down his Head and permit his Daughter to be shut up as he had been desired And to do this Bâ—anzahar sent for VVork-men from all parts who in a few days built in the Tower a square Chamber to serve as a Prison for the Princess I may call it a Prison because it was Scituated in the midst of a great Hall and inclosed round about with great Bars of Gold through which and no otherways might be
as well defended could not be taken till the fourth Assault when it was Seal'd and Amadis's Troops got into it by force putting all they found in it to the Sword without sparing any living soul These Germans being thus vanquisht and defeated King Amadis return'd to the Field where the Battle had been the day befoâ—e and there caus'd the Bodies of the Vsurper and his Kinsmen to be sought for and being found to be hangâ—d by the necks and then burnt by a gentle Fire in punishment of the Treason he had committed on the Person of the Emperor his Brother-in-law and his Son in law Dinerpius Which he immediatly wâ—it to Queen Oriana assuring her that he would return to her as soon as he had restor'd the Empress to her Liberty and setled her in the full Possessions of her Estate CHAP. LXIII How the City of Mentz was taken by Assault and by whom YOV have been told if you remember how Guillan Duke of Bristow and Angriote d' Estravaux great Master of the Realm of Great Britain accompany'd by the Duke of Cornwal and a great Number of Warriers Knights Esquires and Soldiers embarkt near London and following the Command of the King their Master made strait towards Naples where he was getting together a great Army for to recover the State of the Empire and revenge the Death of the murther'd Emperor and his Son-in-law Dinerpius They had a very fair wind for four days together but on the fifth there arose such a Tempest that there was left them neither Mast Sail nor Rope they could make use of So that whether they would or no they were driven on the Coast of Flanders where they took Port as well for the repairing of their Vessels as to rest themselves a little after the Toil they had suffer'd Of which the Earl of Flanders having notice and having a Desire to shew himself the Friend and good Ally of King Amadis came to receive them and so perswaded them to enter into Germany that they resolv'd to go strait to the City of Mentz and take it by Assault whilst the Emperor was busied in getting ready his Army to go against the Princes assembled at Naples So well did they execute their Resolution and kept themselves so secret and conceal'd that they were as soon at the Gates of the Town as they within had News of their Design Nevertheless the Alarm grew hot and those within found means to let down their Port-cullices so that the Resistancâ— was strong and dangerous But if the Defence was vigorous the Assault was no less so for the second time the Knights of great Britain bowing down their Heads break into their Enemies of whom they made such a furious Slaughter that few or none escap'd Then they went to the Tower where the Bodies of the Emperoâ— and Dinerpius were hanging which they carry'd ceremoniously into the principal Church and there burry'd them with great Magnificence Then they set the Empress at liberty and brought her very honourably to the Palace where she was acquainted with the Execution and Slaughter made of the Traitors at which she was a little comforted incessently regretting the Deatâ— of her Husband and Children and the loss of her other Friends But they assur'd her 〈◊〉 the Princess her Sons Wife and her Daughter were with her Brother-in-law King Amadis besides that GOD would not forsake her seeing the good beginning of Victory they had obtain'd And because they were advertis'd that the Emperor was marching in great hast to meet King Amadis and his Forces they would not stay above two days at Mentz where they left a good Garrison And going strait towards Constance they had News of the Emperors Defeat the night before their coming which gave them such a Desire to visit their Friendâ— that they got to them early the next day Now the most part of the Princes kept their Beds for some Wounds they had receiv'd but the coming of these Lords from Great Britain gave them such Ioy that they were in a short time cur'd The Empress also came thither and was receiv'd by them all as the Greatness of her Majesty requir'd not without many tears shed and several Regrets of the Loss she had suffer'd which increas'd much more when she saw her Daughter in-law Brifenna whom Amadis and Candalin had recover'd out of the Pirates Hands as you have been told Thus some days pass'd during which the Kings provided for the most necessary Affairs of the Empire and Birmartes took leave of them to finish his Enterprise according to the Promise he had sworn to Onoria Daughter to the King of Apolonia Wherefore we will in this place put an End to our Discourse leaâ—ing the Remainder to a Second Part which we shall soon bring to light if we receive Encouragement by your favourable Acceptance of this THE END