from his shoulders This is quoth hee the rewarde of thy treacheries done to Anthebon and payment for thy treason in the action of his death The daughter of Anthebon being present at this deede hauing heard Galaor often name her father fell on her knees before him with these words Alas my Lord you haue bouÌ„d me in such duty to you as neuer shall I be able to requite your paines my selfe being of such simple and slender ability but the good will I haue to recompence this benefit hath imprinted daily prayers in my heart to God for you hauing so iustly reuenged the death of my father and the wrongfull forcing of this traytour Galaor curteously taking her vp embracing her in his armes thus answered On my faith faire friend hee were a man of little sence that would offer displeasure to such a one as you are seeing you much bettet deserue to be loued and serued then with griefe or fauour to bee offended but tell mee haue you any more enemies in this Castle No Sir replyed the Damosell those which remaine are to doe you honour and obeysance Let vs goe then quoth hee to let in two Damosels who were my guides hither from your Lady mother So taking him by the hand shee commanded the gate to bee opened the two Damosels entered leading Galaors horse but when they sawe their yong Mistresse they humbly made her reuerence demanding if her fathers death were reuenged to her desire Yea verily quoth shee I thanke God and this knight who hath done that many other could not doe It was now the vehement hot time of the day wherefore Galaor tooke off his helmet to refresh himselfe when the Lady seeing him so young and beautifull as also so valiant in deedes of armes began to bee touched with loue and setting aside both feare and bashfulnesse shee began to imbrace and kisse him saying My honorable Lord friend more cause haue I to loue you then any other creature liuing In good faith quoth he and I loue you likewise as well in respect of your beauty and good grace as also for your deceased fathers sake he and I being borne in one Countrie May if it please ye Sir sayde shee to tell mee your name Such as are acquainted with mee answered the Prince tearme mee Galaor In sooth my Lord quoth shee often haue I heard my father speake of Sir Amadis your brother and of you likewise saying you were the sons to the King of Gaul his liege Lord and Soueraigne As thus they deuised they entered alone into a chamber while the Damosels with the rest were pouiding viands wherefore Galaor seeing time and place so commodious to request the loue of her that vsed him so kindly shee being a Lady young fresh and faire named Brandueta himselfe likewise actiue and desirous of such sweete baytes thus spake Madame if Palingues loued you as I haue heard hee had great reason for it knowing you to bee such a one as I see you are for my selfe who haue so little acquaintance with you am already so deepe in deuotion to your gracious nature as I would repute my selfe happy if you granted me the fauour I desire accepting mee as your friend and seruant The Lady not one iot behinde him in amorous affection shaped him this answere I haue tolde yee my Lord that I loue you more then any other liuing creature therefore you 〈…〉 sured how mâ—… you in all things whatsoeuer â—…ring these speeches Galaor still held his loue in his armes kissing and toying with her so pleasantly as Diana soone after lost her interest in the maiden whereto Brandueta yeelded with greater contentment then all her former resistances to Palingues from whom shee kept her virginity so long that shee was now content to bestow it on the French Prince and hee hauing a good stomacke to such dainty dyet made her loue him the better for it while she liued But see an vnhappy inconuenience after many mabracings and amorous conferences as they would once more haue besieged the Footresse of loue the Damosels came to tell them that dinner was ready wherefore though loath they were forced to leane off accompanying the Damosels to the place where the tables were couered which was vnder a Gallery inuironed with trees As they sate at the table and discoursed of many matters among other things Brandueta declared to him how Palingues standing in feare of him and his brother Amadis caused this Castle to be kept so strongly considering that her Father Anthebon was of Gaule and king Perions subiect the sooner would they assay to worke reuenge for his death For this reason quoth she hee allowed no other entrance then by the basket into this Castle where I haue liued in maruailous griefe and sorrowe as neuer shall I desire to tarry here longer therefore right gentle Lord and friend might it so like you without any longer stay I would gladly see my mother who will not bee a little glad of my returne and yours likewise Galaor was very well contented and thoughâ—… were late yet got they to horse-backe departing from the Castle but for all their haste they were two houres benighted which brake no square in respect of the good newes the good Lady with all her family ioyfully receiuing them with all honourable meanes could bee deuised beside the comforted widow cast herselfe at his feete vsing these speeches Worthy Lord both I and mine are bound to you for euer referring to your disposition whatsoeuer wee enioy because you are the restorer confirmer of all I thank you Madame answered Galaor for your friendly offers but where no desert is the requitall must of force be farre more easie Now the greater part of the night beeing spent they brake off talke and bequeathed themselues to rest and Galaor being alone in his chamber remembred his louely breakefast before dinner with his new friend who likewise was so deepe in consideration thereof that shee could wish such another ere supper and whether she did or no iudge you For no sooner knew she euery one to bee in bedde but secretly shee came to Galaors chamber where shee had no churlish speeches to driue her away but most dainty sweete and gracious entertainement what else they did I know not but shee tarryed there till morning and then returned vnseene of any CHAP. XXVII How Amadis pursuing the Knight that misused the Damosel met another Knight with whom he combated and what happened to him afterward YOu haue heard what haste Amadis made after the Damosell whom the knight led away perforce bearing and misusing her very cruelly but hee happened to meet with another Knight who demanded of him why he rid so fast What haue you to do answered Amadis whether it be my pleasure to ride fast or soft In good faith said the knight Ispeake it as one willing to helpe you if you be offered wrong by any that you may goe in better asurance if you bee affraid
many others haue done who were heretofore accompanied thither Herein Madame said Galaor is the difference between good and bad yet if you will allow mee so much as you did them that made refusal happily I may speede better then they did The Lady noting his honourable disposition called two of her Damosels commanding them to conduct Galaor to the knight that held her daughter perforce In footh Madame sayd the Prince little credite shall you haue by sending me on foote my owne horse I lost not long since in the woode by hard fortune I pray ye then let mee haue another on this condition that if I reuenge not your cause I may sland bound to deliuer him againe You shall haue one Sir answered the Lady for I hope by your prowesse not onely our possessions shall remaine at your disposing but our selues likewise your obedient seruants CHAP. XXVI How Galaor reuenged the death of the Knight whom he found slaine on the bed vnder the tree THus departed Galaor 〈◊〉 conduct of the two Damosels who leading him the neerest way through a Forrest at the further side therof shewed him a Castle beeing the place whither they were commanded to bring him whereupon they thus spake to the Prince Beholde my Lord at this Fortresse you may reuenge the murdered Knights death Tell me his name replyed Galaor Hee is called Palingues answered the Damosels Being now come hard by the Castle they saw the gate was fast which made Galaor call out aloud whereat an armed Knight came on the battlements demanding what he sought for I would enter the Castle answered Galaor This gate quoth hee is appointed to no other end but for the comming forth of such as remaine heere within Which way shall I enter then said Galaor I will shew you quoth the Knight But I doubt I shall trauell in vaine and that you dare not come to vs. Now trust mee replied Galaor I would faine haue beene within long since Wee shall quickly see that sayd the Knight if your hardinesse be such as you make shew of alight from your horse and come neer the Castle wall Which Iaor did giuing his horse to the Damosels went to the place where hee was appointed Then came the Knight againe and another with him seeming of greater stature then his companion they two winding a winche about ouer the wall let downe a basket with a cord saying to the Prince If you will enter here the passage by the basket is this high way But if I put my selfe therein answered Galaor will yee promise to draw me vp in safety Yea truely quoth they albeit afterwarde wee will not warrant yee Crediting their wordes hee entered the basket saying Drawe mee vp for on your honest promise I aduenture Herewith they beganne to winde vp the basket which the Damosels seeing marueling not a little at Galaors hardinesse sayde Ah good Knight God shield thee from treason for doubtlesse thou shewest a gentle and valiant heart By this time the Knights had drawen him vp taking him and the basket in at the top afterwards the knights thus began with him Gentleman it is necessary you sweare to aide the Lord of this Castle against such as would quarrell with him for the death of Anthebon otherwise you neuer shall depart hence What sayd Galaor Did one of you twaine kill him Why demand you replyed the other Because quoth hee I am come to let the murderer knowe how hee hath committed a deed of horrible treason Come yee for that intent sayd they now surely you might haue beene a great deale better aduised Darest thou threaten vs and art in our custody alas wee must haue another manner of account at thy hands we must chastice the folly wherewith thy braine is troubled then drawing their swordes they layde vpon him very furiously When Galaor sawe himselfe thus wronged both in words and deeds hee entred into such choller as quickely hee made them feele the edge of his sword so that the Damosels might easily heare the clanching of the stroakes on the Armour for the two knights were strong and vigorous and Galaor well mooued with hot displeasure Ah God quoth one of the Damosels harke how the worthy knight dealeth with the traytors let vs not depart hence till wee see some end thereof All this while Galaor so laboured his enemies with such sharpe charges as their hearts began somewhat to despaire for to one of them hee gaue such a blow on the helmet as his sword entred three fingers deepe into his headafterard hee buffeted him with the hilts of his sword that hee made him fall on his knees to the ground In meane space the other spared not Galaor but layd loade on him to reuenge his companion whose head the Prince had now seuered from his shoulders and comming to the other the coward began to turne his backe running downe the staires faster then euer hee came vp but Galaor followed so nimbly that laying holde on him hee made him sure for euer letting downe the basket againe to drawe vp any more knights on the wals Now because the Prince knewe not Palingues and doubting one of these twaine to be he he threw them ouer the battlements to the Ladies bidding them to looke on them afterward to resolue him but they answered they were so mangled as they could not iudge of them and they were perswaded that Palingues was neither of these twaine Whereupon Galaor went downe into the Castle and as hee looked euery where about him he espied a faire young Lady who cryed aloud Palingues Palingues is this the great chiualry for which thou wouldest be renowned now thou flyest like a cowardly and faint hearted knight yet sayest thou wert a better man at armes then my murdered father whom thou killedst as thou vauntest in combate hand to hand In sooth what euer I doubted is now come to passe why dost thou not attend this Knight who looketh for thee if there be any manly heart or spirit in thee shew it now in need when thy life depends thereon At these words Galaor looked more aside and espied Palingues well armed who was opening the doore of a Tower to saue himselfe wherefore he stepped to him saying Beleeue mee Knight this flying wil little aduantage thee and lesse the strong holde thou wouldest enter into for thou must answer the life of good Anthebon whose death thou diddest compasse by monstrous villany Palingues seeing there was no other remedy turned and fiercely smote at Galaor his sworde entring so farre into the Princes shield as he was not able to pull it out againe by meanes whereof Galaor reached him such a blowe that therewith his right arme was cut quite from his body the griefe whereof so pained him as hee ran into the chamber where the Ladie was thinking by this poore shift to defend his life But Galaor getting hold on his legges dragged him along on his backe out againe and with his sworde smote his head
Truely you may spare this labour replyed Amadis for at this time I haue no neede of your helpe When the other heard this answer hee imagined that Amadis mocked him which made him come and lay holde on the bridle of his horse saying By God Sir you shall answere my demand otherwise I meane to breake your pate I know not what thou canst doe quoth Amadis but I will dispatch my selfe of thee by combate and that way resolue thee in thy request for rash mindes must haue rough medicines and such as seeke to knowe more then they neede often feele more then they would So fetching their carrire the Knight shiuering his Launce in pieces but Amadis sent both horse and man to the ground and with such violence as the Knights legge was broken in the fall and Amadis had leasure to follow his iourney this was the man you heard of before that made Galaors Squire goe looke his maisters horse But now to proceede with Amadis who tarryed not to helpe the Knight vp againe such speed made he after his intent as at length hee ouer-tooke him that led away the Damosell comming neere him thus spake Forbeare Sir I pray ye and wrong the Ladie no more What wrong haue I done her answered the Knight The most shamefullest saide Amadis could be deuised What quoth the Knight you would then chastise me No Sir answered Amadis but aduise ye by reason for your owne benefit I heare yee well enough said the Knight but you may returne as wise as you came Is it true quoth Amadis then stepping to the Squire that led the Damosels Palfray he stearnely sayd Villaine let the woman alone or thou dyest the death The Squire being affraid fled away which the knight seeing and being very angry thereat hee came to Amadis with these words Beleeue me Sir you command very audatiously but if I know not how to charme such brauers let armour neuer come on my backe againe So placing their Launces in their rests they brake their staues in the encounter but the knight was cast headlong out of his faddle and before he could recouer him selfe againe Amadis stood ready with his sword to take his life which he perceiuing and that he must bee forced to beg his pardon thus spake Gentle Sir take pittie on mee and looke what offence I haue committed by any hard dealing shall be amended by better vsage Sweare then sayd Amadis neuer to wrong Lady or Damosell against her will With all my heart replied the Knight and as Amadis was comming to receiue his oath the villaine thrust his sword into his horse belly which made him presently fall downe dead and Amadis vnderneath in very great danger so that before he could get vp againe the knight deliuered him many cruell strokes saying By God Sir now shall I deerely teach ye how you enterprise another time to correct your better At length Amadis recouered footing and gaue his enemy such a blow through the sight of his helmet as cut the one side of his face cleane away wherewith he was so astonnied that he fell to the ground when Amadis setting his foote on him quickly seperated his heade from his shoulders The night induring all this while yet comfortably lightned by faire Cynthia whereby the Damosell sawe the death of her aduersary which made her fall at the princes feete with these wordes Alas worthy knight the God of heauen not I must require this honourable kindnesse for without your helpe much better had death beene to mee then life yet let mee request this further curtesie no more but your company to a Castle not far hence where I shall be in safety to my owne desire and to trauell alone thither will be dangerous for mee Nor shall you faire Damosell sayd Amadis be in such feare for I will not leaue yee till you be where you would so hee willed Gandalin to bring him the knights horse and to helpe the Damosell on her palfray afterward they rode as shee conducted them Of many matters they conferred by the way shee acquainting him with the whole history of the dead knight whole death you haue heard how Galaor reuenged And comming into a meddowe by a riuers side they alighted from their horses betaking themselues to sleepe a little because it was night shee lying on a mantle that Gandalin spread for her and Amadis leaning on his helmet as his best pillowe But as they all thus slept it chanced a knight came riding by who sawe them and without making any noyse with the great end of his Launce hee iogged the Damosell till she awaked When shee behelde him on horse-backe thinging it was Amadis that conducted her shee started vp as one halfe asleepe demanding if it pleased him to departe Yea marry quoth the knight and taking her by the hand mounted her vp behinde him Why doe ye so said the Damosell your Squire might helpe mee to mine owne horse without troubling you in this māner It were needlesse answered the knight for seeing a booty is so well offered I meane to haue the carriage of it my selfe These wordes made the Damosell suspect her selfe deceiued and looking backe shee behelde where Amadis lay fast asleepe wherefore she cryed out so loud as she could Ah helpe me Sir quoth shee for heere is one I knowe not will forcibly carry mee away When the knight heard what a noyse shee made hee gaue the spurres to his horse riding away in a maine gallop but Amadis awaking and not seeing the Damosell was greatly displeased hashly calling Gandalin to bring him his horse afterward hee posted the same way the knight had taken At length hee got a sight of them marking their entrance into a thicket of trees where he mistooke his way in such sort as hee knew not which side of the woode to take when though hee was one of the most patient men in the world he conceiued this griefe marueilous vnkindly saying to himselfe Now may the Damosel well report that I haue done her as much shame as succour for if I defended her from one forcer by my sloathfulnesse I haue left her in the power of one worse then he Thus riding in and out among the brambles offering much iniutie to his horse at length he heard the winding of a horne which made him follow the sound there-of imagining the knight did it for his pleasure Soone after hee espied a strong Castle on the top of a mountayne and approaching neere perceiued it was begirt with a high wall whereon were many great Towers and the gate made sure with mighty barres As hee was seeking some place of enterance the watch discrying him said What man at so late an houre commeth armed so neere I am a strange knight answered Amadis What would you haue sayde the watch I seeke for one quoth Amadis who not long since tooke a Damosell from mee Wee sawe none such answered the watch Hereupon Amadis passed further and discerned a little doore
but by renowne of his famous Chiualry Beside ech one reioyced to see Amadis who by the false report of Arcalaus was thought to be dead and graciously did the King entertain them all conducting them to a chamber where they were vnarmed blaming the vilanous inuention of Arcalaus and the Damosell that caused their Combat together practising the death of two so noble Princes who were but euen now in the prime and flower of their youth Right soone did the King aduertise the Queene of their arriuall when accompanied with Agraies Galuanes and King Arban he went with them among the Ladies but Amadis casting his eye on Oriana and she on him I leaue their ioyfull passions to your iudgment remembring that when long absent louers meete lookes sighs and teares are familiarly entercoursed being the only meanes to content ech others heart Yet Amadis thought it not best to stand still thus musing left euerie eye should grow cunning in coniecturing the cause which to auoide he fell on his knee before the Queen saying Madam according to your charge at my departure from the Court I haue brought this Knight whom I present as onelie yours I thanke ye Sir Amadis quoth the Queene both he and you are welcome to our presence In good faith Maddam said the King you doe me wrong if you take them both Amadis alreadie is yours me thinks you should be content with him and leaue Lord Galaor for mee You aske no small matter answered the Queene but if he be so pleased I am not against it albeit such a present was neuer giuen in great Brittaine Notwithstanding seeing you are the best King that euer raigned here so good a Knight is well bestowed on you But what say you Lord Galaor the King is desirous to haue you will ve then be his Madame quoth Galaor me thinks that any thing so great a prince demandeth should be granted if it were possible here am I to obey you in euery respect so please my Lord and brother to like thereof because he hath greatest authority ouer me It contents me very well said the Queene that you should doe as your brother commandeth for through him shall I haue title in you by reason he is mine I am yours indeede Madame answered Amadis and brother you must be my fellow seruant to the Queene With all my heart replyed Galaor I am content and seeing you haue giuen mee to her seruice for euer I shall remaine at her disposition I thanke you sir quoth the Queene now may I boldly giue you to the King for I see he would be glad of so good a friend then stepping to the King she said My Lord you are desirous of this knight I giue him you on this condition that you loue and intreate him according to his deserts which may not be valued at any meane rate Beleeue me Madam answered the King I take this gift most kindely at your hand assuring you he shall soone perceiue how I loue and esteeme him nor can I be so affectionate to him as he hath noble vertues whereby to induce me which none can value or compare withall But if Amadis durst haue spoken he gladlie would haue maintained the contrary for he perswaded him-selfe that he loued his Oriana beyond his brothers desert or any other whatsoeuer So remained Galaor in the Kings seruice from which he could not be separated for any quarrell concerning Amadis as wee shall haue occasion to declare hereafter All this while Oriana Mabila Oliuia had withdrawne themselues from the other Ladies likewise Agraies and Amadis were talking together when Galaor was thus gratiously entertained by the King and Queene wherefore Mabila called her brother saying I pray ye cause the knight to come hither that standeth with you conferring because we are desirous to see him Agraies returned where he left Amadis who dissembled as if hee thought not on the Ladies till the Prince thus spake My Lord these Gentlewomen would faine speake with you and desire you to come a little more neere them which he presentlie did But Mabila being wise and discreete no ◅gnorant what medicines should be applied to passionate mindes after they all three had saluted them Mabila took Amadis by the hand desiring him to sit between Oriana and her leauing Agraies to court his Oliuia they being set she merily thus began Although I am now among those foure friends whom I haue most cause to loue and regard yet haue I such present businesse else-where as I must of necessity leaue you a while Thus deuised she bring the louers together and by a pretty wile gaue them oportunitie to content their thoughts with secret communication Now beginneth Amadis to confer with his Ladie and thinking to declare the great affection which vnder good hope gaue him life and essence extreme loue took him frō the facultie of speech yet his eyes not vnmindfull of their office supplied the defect of the tongue deliuering testimony to their diuine obiect how farre the sad and languishing heart was transported by ease and pleasure Which Oriana perceiuing she secretly tooke his hand vnder her mantle and wringing him by the fingers sighing thus spake My lord and friend what dolour and griefe did the traytor procure in me who brought hither tidings of your death neuer was poore maiden in greater perill and not without cause for neuer did woman sustain such a losse as I should haue done in loosing you And as I am better loued then any other so hath my fortune graciously fauoured mee that it should be by him who is of higher desert then any other Here-with Amadis cast downe his lookes as bashfull to heare himself so praised by her to whom all commendation was due and feeling his spirits altered stroue to make answere but the words died in his mouth which caused Oriana thus to proceede How can it be otherwise my Lord but I must needes loue you aboue all other when they that neuer saw you do highly loue honor and esteeme you and I being shee whom you affect most deerely haue I not great reason to loue you better then my selfe On my faith Madam answered Amadis your sweete and gentle words are sufficient to make mee die a thousand deaths as many times to reuiue me againe but how I pray you at this time onely to excuse my extremity with pitty enduring worse then death by louing you too vehemently for if I had died as Arcalaus reported euen then had begun my rest and quiet if I had not known you before And albeit the houre of your acquaintance is my intire felicity yet am I assaulted with such violent passions as my heart would altogether consume in griefe without the pleasure it receiueth in doing you seruice and the good it sustaineth by your remembrance of me But necessity constraineth me to craue the mercy as yet vndeserued by such intreatance as no desert may value onely to increase my hability in seruing you which if
perceiuing you should assuredly die if her mistresse knew the names of you both disguised the matter so wiâ—h her as she said she forgot to aske your names onely thus perswading her that you were two of the very best Knights in the World The daunger thorowly considered I sweare to you by the faith of a Christian that I can deuise no better meane for your deliuerance then this I haue told ye and shall I say more If you do it not worse will come to you then you suspect But Amadis loued the Princesse Oriana so doâ—â—ely as he rather desired death then to hazard himselfe in such a composition whereupon he thus replyed I thanke you Sir hartily for your great kindnesse but I haue no such authoritie ouer my selfe as will permit me to proceede so far though your Lady her selfe intreated neuer so deepely yet liberty nor life can perswade me Alas Sir answered the Knight I wonder you will not consider how neere your death is It is all one to me quoth Amadis but if you will deale herein with my brother he is a knight more braue and beautifull then I am happely hee wil consent to follow your deuise Presently he left Amadis and comming to Galaor deliuered the whole discourse he did to his brother Which he liking very well made this reply Good Father if you could bring it to passe that the Lady would accept me as her friend my companion and I were for euer at your command Referre the matter to me quoth the Knight immediatly will I goe to her and hope to strike it dead on her behalfe So departing from Galaor hee went to Madasima who rode formost and thus began to breake with her Madame you carry two prisoners with you but you doe not know what they are Why aske you me such a question answered Madasima Because the one of them quoth the knight is esteemed the best knight that euer bare Armes and the most accomplished in all other good gifts Is he not then named Amadis said she whose death I haue so long desired No Madame answered the Knight I speake of him which rideth next vs whose youth and beauty had you well regarded your selfe would say you haue been too outragious in iniurie What though he be your prisoner it is not for any offence committed against you but onely through the hatred you beare to another all which you may yet redresse in much better sort then you began considering if he conceiued liking of you you may thereby easily induce him to loue and vnder that ceremony draw him to do what your selfe shall desire In sooth plyed Madasima I will assay to know if he be such a one as you report him to be Do Madame quoth he and you shall finde him one of the fairest Knights that euer you beheld Here you must note that the Knight no sooner left Galaor when he went to the Ladie but he tooke occasion thus to talke with his brother You see my Lord the estate wherein we are which requireth some notable dissimulation at our hands I beseech ye therefore moderate their anger because alreadie it endangereth our liues and for a while follow my direction By Heauen brother answered Amadis death had beene very welcome to mee but since you wish me to be gouerned by you I am content desiring the conseruation of our honours which being lost we are vnworthie to line Further they could not proceede because Madasima came and interrupted them when calling him aside and faire day was displayed on the earth his beautie and good grace so especially contented her as she became surprized with his loue which she shaddowed vnder demanding how he fared Madame said Galaor I fare worse then you should were you in my power as I am in yours for I would do you what seruice and pleasure possible I could and you vse the contrarie to me I hauing giuen no occasion of offence reason willeth I should rather be your knight to loue and honour you then your prisoner thus vnkindelie bound as I am And surelie I cannot but meruaile hereat considering the simple conquest you haue thereby vse then such rigor to vs as women so diuinelie adorned are wont to do Madasima hearing his gentle language was more and more enflamed with his loue yet striuing to dissemble it she merrilie said Tell me faire Sir if I chuse you as my friend and deliuer you from prison will you for my sake leaue the seruice of King Lisuart and afterward tell him how you did it by my meanes With all my heart Lady answered Galaor and to performe it you shall haue what oath you please both of mee and my companion for he will doe no more then I request him Credit me quoth Madasima if before this company you wil promise to obey me presentlie you shall enioy your libertie Behold me ready replied Galaor Yet is not this enough answered Madasima for you shall sweare it in the presence of a Ladie where I am intended to lodge this night In meane while you must assure me not to depart my company We will not on my faith Madame quoth Galaor and calling Amadis caused him to affirme as much whereupon they were vnbound and set at libertie their â—quires likewise as friendlie vsed and mounting on their owne horses rode at their ease as they did before But Madasima and Galaor still continued their amorous discourses till they arriued at a Castle named Albies the Lady where-of receiued them very honourably in respect of great friendshippe betweene Madasima and her Needelesse were it to tell you of their good cheere it could not but be answerable to the time and company but after supper Madasima demanded of Galaor if he meant to keepe his promise he made her by the way What else Madame quoth he prouided you be so good as your worde to me Make no doubt thereof replyed Madasima then framing her speeches to the Lady of the Castle and also to two knights that were her Sonnes she proceeded in this manner My good friends I pray you heare a couenant betweene me and these two Gentlemen because hereafter you may be my witnesses They are my prisoners and vnder these conditions I haue released them that one of them shall continue my friend and both of them forsake the seruice of King Lisuart telling him how for my sake and in despight of him they haue done it Hereupon I intreate this fauour at your hands as to meete me at the Court of that wretched King on the day they must declare this message to see how contentedly he will take it But if they fullfill not their promise hence-forth you shall publish in all places the heynous offence by them committed and ten dayes I giue them to execute this charge I am well pleased said the Lady of the Castle to doe a greater matter for you then this if they as willingly consent thereto We pray you quoth Galaor not to faile herein for we haue promised
how she would prooue the vertue of his heart whereupon hee thus answered In good faith Damosel I haue now more neede of â—oy then euer I had notwithstanding I am readie to accomplish any thing I promised you It is the only thing my Lord quoth she of my returne to you being the most loyall King in the world wherefore humbly I intreate yee presently to reuenge my cause on a knight that passed through this Forrest who not long since slew my father by the most horrible treason that euer was heard of yet not content there-with the villaine violently tooke mee away and perforce made me yeeld to his vnlawfull will But in such sort is hee enchanted as hee cannot bee done to death except the most vertuous man in the Realme of Great Brittaine giue him a wound with this Launce and another with this sword both which he gaue in keeping to a Ladie of whom hee had good hope to be loued yet therein he was deceiued for shee hateth him aboue all others for which cause she gaue mee this sword and Lance whereby we might both be reuenged on him Nor can it bee done but by you onely who are the chiefe and most vertuous man in this countrey wherefore as you promised mee before so valiant men may it please ye to execute this iust action of vengeance And because I haue often tolde him that by this day I would bee prouided of a knight to combate with him he is come alone into this Forrest attending onely for my Champion It is likewise ordered how you must haue no company but my selfe for hee little thinketh that I haue the Sworde and Launce so hurtfull to him and this is our agreement together if hee remaine conquerour I must pardon him mine iniury but if he be vanquished hee must doe what I command him Presently the King sent a Gentleman for his Armour which when hee had put on he mounted on a braue Courser girding the Damosels sworde about him leaning his owne that was one of the best in the world then without any other company hee rode on with her shee carrying his helmet Not farre had they ridden but she caused him to forsake the high beaten way conducting him by a little path among the shrubs where not long before they had past that led away Oriana then the Damosell shewed him a huge knight armed mounted on a black Courser whereupon she sayde My Lord take your helmet for this is he you must deale withall which the King quickly did approaching neare the knight sayd Proud Traytour defend thy selfe and thy lawlesse lust So couching their Launces they encountred together when the King perceiued how his painted Launce brake like a stalke of hempe hauing no strength at all in it which made him drawe his sword to charge the knight but at the first strok the blade broke close to the hilt whereby hee imagined himself betraied for the knight did what he pleased to him But as hee would haue killed his horse the King being quick nimble caught holde by his gorget and in such sort they strugled together as they both fell to the ground the knight vnderneath and the King vpon him by meanes whereof hee got his sword from him and vnlacing his helmet to smite off his head the Damosell cryed out so loude as shee could Sir Arcalaus helpe your Cosen quickely or else hee dies When the King heard her name Arcalaus hee looked vp and sawe ten braue knights come running vnto him the one of them vsing these wordes King Lisuart spare the knight otherwise thou shalt not reigne one houre If I die answered the King so shall you all for mee like traytours as you are Then one of them gaue him such a blowe with his Launce as not onely sore hurt him but made him fall on his face to the ground yet did hee recouer himselfe very quickely like one resolued to defend his life albeit hee sawe death present before his eyes But being vnable to resist so many at length they got sure holde on him when renting off his helmet his shield they bound him fast with a double chaine Afterward they set him on a simple horse two knights still holding the ends of the chain and so leading him along sought where they might finde Arcalaus Oriana and the Damosell of Denmark but the knight against whom the King first fought rode before apace and wauing his gauntlet aloft to Arcalaus sayde Beholde Cosen kin Lisuart is ours A very good prize answered Arcalaus henceforth shall his enemies haue no cause to dread him Villaine quoth the King well know I thou wast neuer other then a traytour and though I am wounded yet will I maintayne my words if thou darest combate with me By God sayde Arcalaus neuer should I make reckoning of my selfe to vanquish such a Lord as thou art Thus contending as they rode they came to a double way where Arcalaus stayed thus speaking to his Page Sirra ride with all speed to London and say to Lord Barsinan that hee must execute what I willed him for I haue begunne indifferently if hée can make an end as well Gone is the Page toward the Citie in meane while Arcalaus deuised to send the King one way and Oriana another wherefore hee sayde to his Cosen Take tenne knights with you and conduct Lisuart to my prison at Daguanell these other foure shall keepe mee companie for I will leade Oriana to mount Aldin where I will shew her strange and wonderfull things This mount Aldin was the place of his most vsuall aboade beeing one of the strongest and fairest in the worlde thus the ten knights carryed away the King and Arcalaus with the rest had charge of the Princesse But certainely if heere wee consider the properties of fortune we may easily repute her as mutable or rather more towardes great Princes and Lords then the meaner sort as well shee witnessed by king Lisuart euen in the time when hee intended most honourably to bee twharted with such a contrary chance For at one instant hee sawe himselfe in the hands of his greatest enemies his Daughter and heire to his kingdome taken from him and all his estate in danger of ruine Hee that was wont to be honored of all was now iniuriously despised bound and led as a theefe by a villainous enchanter a meane Gentleman and out of any other hope then death Is not this then a faire example for such as at this day are called to the greatest honours in the world wherewith oftentimes they are so blinded that they forget both God and themselues King Lisuart was a right good vertuous and wise Prince yet the diuine ordenance suffred him to fall in these dangers to the end hee might remember how al creatures remaine at his heauenly disposition This lesson he taught him for in short time hee was brought so lowe as might be and afterwarde restored againe as you shall presently vnderstand CHAP. XXXVI How Amadis
and Galaor vnderstood that King Lisuart and his Daughter were carried away prisoners wherefore they made haste to giue them succour WE haue before declared by what meanes Amadis and Galaor escaped from Madasima the Lady of Gantasi who would haue put them to death if shee had knowne their names likewise how they tooke their way toward London as men right ioyful of their good successe But by the way they met Dardan the Dwarffe so fast as horse could gallop whereupon Amadis thus spake to Galaor Brother me thinks my seruant Dardan commeth toward vs and doubtlesse about some matter of importance for do you not see what speed he maketh By this time Dardan brake off their talke rehearsing euery thing that happened since their departure but when hee tolde how the Princesse Oriana was carried from the Court against her will and what sorowfull lamentations she made Amadis entered into a despairing fury demanding which way they went that had her in charge In sooth my Lord answered Dardan they rode thorough the Forrest which lieth on the otherside of the City Without more words Amadis gaue the spurres to his horse galloping amaine toward London so confounded with the terrour of these newes as he could not speake to his brother Galaor who left him not but followed at hand Thorow the City they ride not making any stay enquiring which way they took that led away the Princesse euery one shewed it him very readily As Gandalin came posting after his Lord it was his hap to passe by the Queenes lodging where shee standing at a window ouer-come with griefe espied Gandalin whom she called to her and asked where he left his Master Madame quoth he he is gone after thē that haue away the Princesse Stay a little I pray thee said the Queen thē sent she for the Kings sword which was accounted one of the best in the world saying I desire thee carrie this sword to Amadis and tell him the King forsooke it this morning he being gone with a Damosell to combate for her she hath giuen him another sword as yet we heare no tydings of him either when he wil returne or whither he is gone Gandalin hauing receiued the sword set away with speed after his maister whose impatience vrging him to more hast then care of his iourney made him ride so farre into a foule slough as he was faine to alight ere hee could get foorth againe And leading his horse by the bridle to escape the mire Galaor Gandalin ouer-took him acquainting him with the Queenes message and deliuering the sword she sent him When hee heard how the King was likewise gone his desire of speede encreased to giue him succour but his horse was so wearied with striuing in the bogge as hee was constrained to take Gandalins which trauailed much worse then his owne yet with the helpe of his spurres he made him goe At length they found the tracke of horses and by good hap met with certaine poore labouring men whom they asked if they met not any by the way Yes my Lord quoth one of them wee met certaine men leading a knight and two Ladyes albeit wee durst not shew our selues but kept vs hidden in the thickest of the wood for doubtlesse they besome bad people hereto they added such a description of the prisoners as they easily gathered them to be the King and Oriana betraied But tell me good friends saide Amadis know you none of the other for the prisoners are the King and his daughter In sooth replied the poore man wee are altogether ignorant what they are yet we heard one that led the horse of the fairer Lady often-times name Arcalaus Now trust mee quoth Amadis to his brother it is the villaine that enchanted me Oh that it might be my hap to finde him Gentle-men said the man ten of them went this way on the right hand with the Knight prisoner and fiue more this way on the left hand with the Ladyes Brother quoth Amadis to Galaor I beseech ye to follow the King least worse befall him then we can remedy and I will after the Princesse Oriana So shaking hands in equall resolution they parted the seuerall waies but Amadis found his horse so ouer labored as he was able tohold out no longer Being thus hindered by chance he looked aside and sawe where a Knight lay slaine with a Squire standing by holding his horse whereupon Amadis stepped to him demanding who committed that murther A traitour hath done it answered the Squire who is not yet gone very farre and leadeth with him the fairest Lady in the world no other reason had he for my maisters death but because he asked what the Lady was What wilt thou do sayd Amadis tarrying heere I stay Sir quoth he till some one come who may helpe me with my maisters body to some buriall and afterward I intend to seeke my fortune If thou answered Amadis wilt giue me the horse thou holdest I wil leaue thee mine and my Squire to helpe thee and one day will I giue thee two better beside The squire was cōtent whē Amadis mounting on the horse commanded Gandalin to help him bury his maisters body and after-ward to follow him the same way he rode Thus Amadis hies so fast as horse can run and espying an hermitage went to see if any body were within at his call the hermit came foorth of whom he asked if he saw not fiue Knights passe by leading two Ladyes No verily answered the olde father but do you not enquire for a Castle which is not far from this place Why aske yee such a question quoth Amadis Because a Nephew of mine tolde mee saide the Hermit how Arcalaus the enchanter is going thither and two Ladies with him whom hee carryeth perforce Ah Father replyed Amadis you name the traytour I looke for Trust me Sir quoth the Hermit hee hath done many mischieues in this countrey would God wee were either rid of him or else his life amended but haue you no bodie to helpe you No body but God and my selfe answered Amadis Why Sir sayd the Hermit you tell mee they bee fiue in company and you but one beside Arcalaus is counted one of the best knights in the world and with whom few or none dare meddle Whatsoeuer hee bee quoth Amadis I am certaine hee is a disloyall traytour and they no lesse that keep him company what lesse cause then haue I to feare him for God is iust in whom is onely my confidence I pray you Sir replyed the Hermite knowe you of whence the Ladies be One of them said Amadis is the Princesse Oriana daughter and heire to the vertuous king Lisuart the other is a Lady attending on her The God of heauen answered the Hermite further your intent that so good a Princesse may not be long in such a wretches custody If you haue any prouender Father quoth Amadis I desire you giue my horse a little The Hermit brought forth such as
deuise Wherunto they all agreed so that the day following knowing that she was neere at hand Amadis accompanied with eight of the best knights in King Lisuarts Court mounted on Horse-backe in very good order But they had not long ridden when they did behold her a farre off comming with Ardan Canila who did lead her she was apparrelled all in black mourning as yet for the death of her father whoÌ„ Amadis had slain This sad apparrell did so much grace her that although of her selfe without any other helpe she was esteemed one of the fairest that might be seen yet was her beauty much more encreased by this mourning weede with the which the liuely whitenesse of her face was the more manifested by the grace which this blacke colour added thereunto and her two cheekâ— seemed like two white roses beautified with a naturall rednesse so as euen then those which had conceiued a mortall hate against her for the mischiefe which she procured vnto Amadis were now forced to loue her Behinde her marched the twelue gentlewomen apparrelled with the like attire After them came the old giant and his son followed with nine knights which all came as pledges Great was the entertainement that Amadis shewed vnto her and the rest of her traine and shee in like sort saluted them most courteously Then Amadis approching more neere said vnto her I promise you Madame that if you bee accounted faire and of good behauiour it is not without great cause seeing that I am now my self an eye witnesse of the truth thereof and truly that man ought to thinke himselfe happy whose seruice it shal please you to like of assuring you that I am willing to do you any pleasure and ready to obey your commandements when Ardan Canila heard him speake so courteously although hee was finally fauoured by Madasima hee was ouercome with iealousie and answered Amadis knight stand back and speake not so priuately vnto her whom you know not Sir said Amadis the cause of my comming hither is not onely to be acquainted with her but also to offer vnto her my person and my goods You are no doubt answered he some good fellow and worthy to be by her greatly imployed neuerthelesse faire sir get you gone from her otherwise I will make you know that it is not for so base a companion as you to vse so great familiarity with a woman of so high worth as she is Whatsoeuer I am answered Amadis yet do I desire to serue her notwithstanding your threats for although I am not of that worth as I would be yet shall not the affection that I beare vnto her bee abated by thy malapert boldnesse But sir you that are so lusty who would make me know my duty depart from her for whom willingly I would employ my best meanes tell mee what you are Ardan Canila exceeding angry beholding Amadis with a sterne and scornefull countenance answered him I am Ardan who am better able to increase her welfare and honour in one day then thou canst with the best meanes thou hast doe her seruice in all thy life It may very well be said Amadis notwithstanding I know that this whereof thou vantest shall neuer by thee bee executed so indiscreete and spightfull art thou And because that thou greatly desirest to know whether I am a sufficient man or not know thou that my name is Amadis of Gaule against whom thou desirest to fight and if this Lady be displeased with ought that I haue said vnto her I wil make her such amends therefore as shee shall please to command at my hands By my Gods answered Ardan Canila if thou tarriest the combat the satisfactioÌ„ which she shall take shall be thy head That would displease me meruailously said Amadis but I will giue her a head that shall bee more welcom to her if she please breaking the marriage of you two being so far vnfit one for another for she is faire wise and of courteous behauiour thou deformed foolish churlish Hereat Madasima the Gentlewomen began all to laugh Ardan to be extreamely angry that to behold his countenance and the rage wherein hee was one might easily haue iudged the little good that hee wished to Amadis vnto whom hee answered not one word more yet he ceased not grumbling and gnashing his teeth vntill hee came before the king Then very indiscreetely he began to say King Lisuart behold here the knights that must now enter into your prison according to the promise which yesterday a gentlewoman made vnto you in my behalfe Wherefore if Amadis dare be so bold to do as he hath boasted I am here ready to breake his head What will you doe answered Amadis Thinkest thou my heart so weake or my right so small that I cannot abate the pride of a man so audacious as Ardan is I assure thee that although I had not vndertaken it yet would I combat thee onely to hinder the marriage betweene thee and Madasima And therefore deferre not to deliuer vp these hostages which thou doest brag off for I verily hope to reuenge the good and valiant King Ardan Angriotta for the great wrong they haue receiued during their imprisoÌ„ment I haue brought them along with me said Ardan knowing that you would demand them but I am in good hope to restore them againe into the power of the faire Madasima and to giue her therewithall the mold of thy cap to testifie that it becommeth not such a gallant as thou art to vse mee with such proude and spightfull tearmes and that â—o the executing therof she may receiue the greater pleasure it may please your king to appoint that she may he set in a place hard at hand to the end that she may both plainely see the reuenge thee 〈◊〉 shall take of thee and 〈…〉 where with thou 〈…〉 same instant the 〈…〉 brought and thâ— faire Madasima together with her twelue Gentle women came to doe their humble duties vnto the Queene and by her side was the old Giant his two sons and the nine knights who all fell vpon their knees before the King At the same time euery one did attentiuely beholde th◠〈◊〉 faire Madasima who shewed such an humble countenance that she was greatly esteemed yet could not Oriana cast one good looke vpon her thinking that shee of her owne will did procure the ruine of Amadis for the which none was more sorrowfull then shee But Mabila who was in like sort neerely touched with the matter 〈◊〉 her in hope that God would â—yde him and that her Cosin might as easily ouer throw and vanquish Ardan Canila as hee did the proâ—… Dardan and many other knights both valiant and stout The pledges then being receiued as the custom was both the knights reâ—ired each of them to the place appointed for them staying vntill the time that they should enter into the field the which the king had commanded to bee closed in with paâ—es Then Gandalin