preuailed against him By meanes whereof I was 〈◊〉 after â—restored to my rights all which I must and doe confesse to hold of you for euer as being wholly yours and my selfe also And you pleased then to honour mee so much with your presence that you came into my Great Rosier where wee conferring together in the delightfull Arbours you gathered the floure of my virginity as wee were sporting in cropping sweet Roses whereas the place was and yet is most plentifully abounding Neither am I able to say whether loue would haue it so or my beauty prooued the maine occasion but wel I wot your command was so potent ouer me and I so feeble in resistance that before you departed hence you left me conceiued of this young Gentleman endued with such faire forme and feature as it appeared that Nature was well pleased to compleate him perfect in all excellence thereby to deface all remembrance of our sinne committed Wherefore Sir receiue him as your owne being of Royall seede both by you and my selfe which verily perswadeth me that he will prooue a valiant man as retayning in him part of your famous prowesse and part of the exceeding loue wherein he was conceiued at such time as you gaue me this Ring which I send ye heere enclosed likewise in the testimony of the faithfull promise you then made to your humble seruant Celinda Daughter to King Hegide who kisseth the hand of your Royall Maiestie When King Lisuart had read and re-read ouer this Letter word by word he perfectly called to minde all that the Princesse had there set downe albeit it was long time before his soiourning in the kingdome of Denmarke where as a wandring Knight he performed such actions of Armes as he wonne the loue of the Infanta Brisenna whom after-ward he married according as formerly hath beene declared Notwithstanding hee determined to make no account at all of Norandell though he knew him to be his naturall Sonne vntill hee perceiued how he would beare himselfe and deserued by his deedes to prooue such a one as he desired As he continued in these priuate considerations a goodly Hart pursued by a ful cry of Hounds passed hard by him and the Huntsmen followed on so closely that there the Deere lost his life In regard whereof the King was willing to giue ouer further sporting and commaunded the Huntsmen to beare the Hart to the Queenes Tent. Afterward being set at the Table Galaor and King Cildadan keeping him company all dinner while hee had but little conference with them for thinking still on Celinda and her Letter sent him Dinner being ended he tooke Galaor aside and as they walked thus discoursed with him My worthy friend so much doe I relye vpon your fidelitie and loue as I hold you to bee the onely man in the world to whom I dare make knowne my very intimate secrets And setting aside those matters of no meane importance which during the time of your absence haue happened to me I will onely acquaint yee with an especiall accident this day befalne me So deliuering him the Letter which Celinda had sent hee willed him to peruse what it contained Galaor reading it ouer aduisedly perceiued therby that Norandell was Sonne to the King whereat conceiuing no little ioy he returned this answere Assuredly Sir if you tooke such paines for your faire friend in mine opinion she is no way behinde ye in honorable recompence hauing broght ye such a goodly Son as will proue a worthy man and a valiant knight in Armes Nor let the concealment heereof be irkesome to ye because when you shall please to make it knowen it will redound to your great ioy and honour And if it agreed with your good liking to let me enioy him as my companion what seruices heereaster I shall doe for you I will account to bee most worthily imployed What quoth the King would you trouble your selfe with a Boy affoording him at the first so great an honour not knowing his temper or how he will carry himselfe It is well knowne that there is not any knight in Great Brittaine but he will repute himself much happy to haue such grace as you offer him Sir quoth Galaor it is the first request that euer I made to yee and I humbly desire that I may not be denied On my faith quoth the King if you honor him so much you shal highly oblige him to you and doe me also an especiall fauour And no mean glory to my selfe replyed Galaor for he being Son to so famous a 〈◊〉 cannot faile to bee one of the best knights in the world Doe then quoth the King as shall 〈◊〉 best And as they held on this discourse the Queene came in wâ—… made them breake off and shee being accompanied with King Cildadan Norandell and many other knights continued familiar conference together till Galaor entred into thes speeches Sir you know that by the custome heere vsed in this kingdome of Great Brittaine no new made knight ought to refuse any knight Lady or Damosell the first demand they shall make vnto him You say very true Sir answered the King ther wherefore doe you moue tâ—…stion Because Sir replyed 〈◊〉 am a knight and I would 〈◊〉 Norandell to graunt what I shall require of him to wit that for one whole yeare he and I may be fellowes and companions not any way to be sundered or deuided except death or imprisonment shall enforce it When Norandell heard this hee was no lesse amazed then well pleased for he very well knew that Galaor was esteemed one of the best knights in that Court and that the king affoorded much more honour to him then any other that kept him company and thereupon he thus replied My Lord Galaor it may easily bee discerned by your demaund in how many obligations of dutie you would haue mee bound vnto you in wishing that grace to mee which I much rather ought to haue begged of you And this I dare assure yee that not onely doe I graunt what you haue desired namely my company but also I giue my selfe wholly yours and require that in that nature you would receiue and accept me Beleeue me quoth king Cildadan you haue both reason in these seuerall requests you Lord Galaor in vrging such a fauour and you likewise yong Norandell in granting it for if heauen bee pleased therewith as we need not vse any doubt it will redound to the honour and benefit of either At this very instant the King receiued intelligence that his Army was to depart very speedily wherefore the next morning hee rode to the City and riding alone by him-selfe he called Galaor to him telling him He was well contented that his daughter Oriana should know Norandell to be his sonne and her Brother 〈◊〉 shee should the better loue and respect him but yet hee wâ—… haue it reuealed to her very secretly Sir answered Galaor I am perswaded that it will not a little please her and therefore
the ruin of so beautifull a place without any meanes in me to helpe it As they rode on the way at the entrance of a neere neighbouring Forrest they espied two knights refreshing themselues by the brim of a goodly Spring or Fountaine who seeing the Litter attended by fiue knights and two Damosels they imagined that some wounded body was therin where upon they made toward it to be resolued which when Archalaus perceiued he said Go bid yonder high-way spies come to me and if they make any deniall hew them in pieces but be carefull that you doe not tel them who I am lest they flye away with feare Heere you must note that these two thus sent for by Archalaus were Galaor and his companion Norandel to whoÌ„â—hen the other knights came fiercely they commaunded them to lay downe their Armes and come speake with him that was in the Litter What saucie Sir is hee said Galaor that would haue vs disarme our selues and then come to him You shall know no more then you doe replyed one of the other knights but if yee vse any longer contesting we wil make ye come to him with cudgelling I would laugh at tha tsaid Norandel I am sure you meane not as you say That shal appeare quoth they and so ranne against them but Galaor and Norandel vnhorsed the first two they met withall albeit they all fiue gaue the encounter together and yet could not stirre them in their saddles The fight grew fell and fierce betweene them but the knights belonging to Archalaus were not able to endure the blowes of the other two who tooke such order with them that three of them were slaine out tight and the other fled into the wood to saue themselues whom they resused to follow lest he in the Litter should get away from them in the meane while To the Litter they came found Archalaus left all alone because they that kept him company had quite forsaken him vpon the soile flight of the siue knights only there was a Boy remaining who guided the horses of the Litter Archalaus was not a little amazed to see him-selfe in the power of strangers who might well be reuenged on him for the outrage done them neuerthelesse be thinking himselfe on a sudden subtile shift he saluted them in very humble manner But they being iustly moued with choller comming neere and offering to strike him said Treacherous thiefe is this thy maner of behauiour to knights errant seeking their death that neuer offended theeâ— I sweare by heauen this is the last outrage thou shalt doe to any man liuing Galaor hauing spoken these words lifted vp his arme to smite him but Archalaus in great feare cryed out Alas my Lords for Gods sake mercy Mercy quoth Galaor If Grumedan iudge thee worthy of mercy thou mayest perhaps haue it otherwise not for to him shalt thou goe and by him shall thy vill any be sentenced Worthy Lords answered Archalaus you cannot doe me a greater pleasure then bring mee to my Cousin Grumedan who knowes me to bee another manner of man then you imagine me It is not vnknowne to him that at all times I haue laboured serued and honored Knights errant such as I now perceiue you are When Galaor and Norandel heard him speake so honestly and named Grumedan to be his kinseman they were halfe offended with themselus that they had giuen him such rough language and answered him thus What moued you then to send vs such an iniurious command by your men In good faith my Lords quoth he if you please but to heare me I will acquaint you with the whole truth Know then that as I not long since crossing the For est of the Black Lake I met with a Damosell who made complaint vnto me of a great wrong done her by a knight which my duty and order binding me to repairâ—e I pursued him according to her direction and entring the Combate with him before the Count of Ganceste soyled him But it chanced afterward as I returned hometo my Castell that villaine Traytour which first of all you slew accoÌ„panied with two other knights who lay closely ambushed to entrap me watching their fittest oportunity did all set vpon me and would forcibly compell me to make them Lords and Commanders of mine owne dwelling What shall I more say to ye They followed mee with such violence as notwithstanding all I could doe in my best defence they tooke me and sed me prisoner to a Fortresse not farre hence where they long time detayned mee in the most iniurious manner could be deuised not permitting so much as the dressing of such wounds as I had receiued in fight against them and are heere apparant to your view With these words hee shewed them diuers skarres and hurts And because quoth he they stood in feare lest I should escape froÌ„ them and go to the Court of good King Lisuart there to require ayde and instice of the gentle knight Amadis de Gaule or of his noble Brother Galaor by the suitherance of my Cousin Don Grumedan this very day they had me along with them in this Litter because I was not able to endure trauaile on horse-back purposing to carry me God knowes whether doubting the friendship and helpe of my honourable kinsmen that laboured to release mee out of their thraldome some few dayes since In which respect they no sooner espied you but thinking you to lye in waite for the same occasion they made no conscience in abusing you as they had done mee in most rigorous maner Worthy Sir replied Galaor on the faith of a knight by this discours of yours they were truely villaines For you being kinsman to one of the best-deseruing men in the world your wrongs haue bin too great and vnsufferable But let me entreat you to tell vs your name and to pardon the iniurie wee haue likewise done ye being ignorant of whence and what you were I am named quoth Archalaus Branfiles and know not whether you haue heard of me heere to fore or no. Yes that I haue and vnderstand your merit among the very best answered Galaor in doing all honorable courtesies to knights errant at what time soeuer you can compasse the meanes as Don Grumedan himselfe hath many times told me I am glad of it quoth Archalaus and seeing you haue receiued knowledge of me let me in kindnesse obtaine so much fauour at your hands as to take off your Helmets and to tell me your names that I may returne thankes to my Cousin Grumedan for your extraordinary curtesie This knight saide Galaor my deare friend and companion is called Norandel and he is Sonne to King Lisuart And I am Galaor brother to Amadis de Gaule Happy man that I am answered Archalaus dissemblingly lifting vp his eyes to heauen could any greater felicity befall me then to bee thus relieued with two of the best knights in the world This conference he continued the longer taking good note and obseruation of
towards him who saluted him from his Master in this manner Lord Grumedan my Lord Florestan with whom you conferred so lately hath sent you this Horse belonging yeâ— while to Gradamor which he thinkes fit for your seruice And these foure other horses beside hee prayes you to present them as his gift to the Lady with whom he had some parlance at his arriuall first at these Tents Very ioyfull was Grumedan of this present because it was wonne from the menacing Romaine but much more ioâ—und in soul when he knew him that sent it to whom hee bare most intimat affection as well in regard of his loue to Amadis as for the manly valour remaining in him So he conducted the Squire where the Lady was to whom he thus spake Faire Lady the Knight that was this day contemned by you in too many seuerall disgracefull kindes onely for carrying ouer-good opinion of your vanquished Romaines haue sent you their foure horses and desires you to bestow theâ— on whom you please The Lady shaping her answere to the Squire replyed thus Honest Friend thanke your Master and tell him he had better pleasde mee in sending his owne horse then all these conquered against my minde Madame I beleeue you answered the Squire but they that couet to winne any thing from him must be more bolde and hardy Knights then these of whom their successe makes too pittifull mention Squire quoth she thinke not much that I wishe their honour and profite more then I doe your Masters whom I know not neither euer saw before this day Neuerthelesse now I haue behelde his manly disposition I grieue that I haue spoken any thing to his dislyking and will make amends for my rashnesse whensoeuer hee shall pleaâ—e The Squire tooke his leaue of her and Grumedan returning towards his Maister that awayted his comming to whom hee recounted all the discourse betweene him and the Lady whereat Florestan laughed heartily And causing them to take thence the conquered Romaines Shields hee tooke his way to the Hermitage determining to stay in no place more then one night vntill he arriued at the Enclosied Isle where hee hoped to finde Galuanes who kept it during the absence of Amadis and there hee would leaue the Romanes Armes according as he had formerly promised them Heere you are to vnderstand that so soone as the Squire parted from the Lady Grumedan went to conuerse with the Queene Sardamira to whom he made knowen that he who had vanquished her Knights was Florestan brother to Amadis and tolde her beside what tokens hee had sent How Sir quoth shee was this Florestan Sonne to King Perion of Gaule and the bright Countesse of Saladria Yes truely Madame answered Grumedan and one of the very worthiest Knights that I know I know not said she how hee hath carried himselfe in this Countrie but heretofore the sons of the Marquesse of Ancona among whom he frequented in Romania for the space of three yeares together haue assured mee that they neuer saw a more actiue Knight Neuerthelesse they durst not for their liues speake one word of him before the Emperour who neuer loued him neither would endure to heare any thing in his commendation Madame said Grumedan do you know the reason of his spleene That I doe quoth shee it is onely out of his hatred to Amadâ—s who is his Brother and conquered the Enclosed Isle concluding all the straunge aduentures there Which the Emperour had reserued for him-selfe but Amadis preuented him whereat he conceiued such displeasure as hee would very gladly any way contriue his death Grumedan smyling at these words vttered by the Queene replyed By my faith Madame if the Emperor were so well aduised as hee might be hee hath more reason to loue and respect him in sauing him from the dishonour that he might there haue falne into as many more did that essayed those aduentures yet none but the good Knight Amadis could haue the glory of finishing them Bâ—t credite me Madame this is not the cause of his malice to Amadis but another matter which I knew long since If you be a kinde Knight quoth she conceale it not from me Then he declared what had happened to the Emperour singing his supposed Loues praises when he found Amadis layed vnder the Tree in the Forrest and what words they had together till it drew on the Combate as hath beene rehearsed in the second Booke Why then said the Queene I well perceiue that the occasion of their hatred is not small but of much greater nature then I tooke it to be CHAP. XIIII How the Queene Sardamira sent to entreate Florestan to be her conduct to Mirefleure to Oriana Because hee had so curstly handled the Knights that kept her company as they were able to follow her no further AS thus the Queene and Grumedan were conferring together of that which happened to the Emperour Patin who vnder pretence of loue to her then in those dayes passed from Italie into great Brittaine to approue his manhood against all Knights errant and to maintaine withall that her beauty farre exceeded Orianaes and all other Princesses in the world At last he fell into the discourse whereof all this while he had beene silent how Amadis handled him in the Forrest which the Queene had no little delight in to heare it thus discouered by Grumedan Among other varietie of talke at last hee said vnto her Madame what message will you send to Florestan The Queene heereat was very pensiue but hauing a while well considered with her selfe she thus answered Sir you see in what estate my Knights are as they are neither able to guard themselues nor mee therefore I doe earnestly desire that you and Florestan would bee my guides till such time as I might arriue at Mirefleure Madame replyed Grumedan Florestan is so absolute a man and discreetly aduised as hee did neuer deny Lady or Gentlewoman any thing that they could demaund of him By much greater reason then will hee not forget himselfe to you considering it will bee pleasure to him to doe you any seruice and so much the rather now because hee craues pardon of you for the fault wherein he thinkes hee hath offended you Let me entreat you then good Sir answered the Queene to lend mee one of your Squires for conduct of this Gentlewoman to him by whom I will giue him to vnderstand my will Heereto Grumedan condiscended and presently they departed thence with Letters of credence importing the pleasure of her Mistresse So long rode shee and the Squire together that they came to the Hermitage where they found Florestan who instantly took knowledge of the Gentlewoman for it was she that so checkt him at the Queenes Pauillion neuerthelesse he welcomde her very graciously and she in saluting him vsed these words Sir Knight at a certaine houre of this day I little thought of any command to come and finde you in this place as imagining then that matters would haue falne
other Knights in his company of no lesse valour and prowesse then hee as I am giuen to vnderstand I am well pleased to Combat against them and you if you haue any wil to take their part prouided that two of my companions may ioyne with mee By this meanes it will be apparantly discerned to whom the honour of victory shall fall the fight being equall of three Romaines against two Greekes and a Knight of great Brittaine Grumedan smiling at the Princes pride returned this answer It were shame for me to make refusall therfore I accept your offer I and those two that shall take my part Thus speaking he drew a Ring from off his finger and making a low reuerence to the King said Behould Sir here is my gage which most humbly I beseech you to receiue on the behalfe of mee and my companions as in iustice you can doe little lesse the Prince Saluste hauing challenged the combat as you your selfe haue heard otherwise hee must either vnsay his words or yeeld him selfe vanquished By God said Saluste sooner shall the Seas be dryed vp then the word of a Romaine be retracted or the least iniury done to his honour And I doe much meruaile Grumedan that you dare speak words so voyd of reason but if age haue made your sences faile you your body must iustly pay the penance in combate for speeches so indiscreetly deliuered Surely Sir answered Grumedan I am yet yong enough to bring mine enterprise to a good issue and to gaine that from you which you imagine to get ouer-easily from me And let me plainly tell you that mine age hath taught me more experience then euer young pride or presumption could learne as I hope is sufficiently seene in you by the proud perswasion you haue of your selfe who rather appeares to be a Captaine of Braggardsâ— then a man to performe any matter indeed With these words arose vp King Arban more then thirty Knights beside to take the cause in hand to maintaine what Grumedan had spoken but the King imposed silence on them commanding them on perill of their liues not to vse anymore such words in his presence Whereupon euery man departed to his lodging leauing Count Argamont alone with the king to whom he spake in this manner Sir haue you not obserued the audacious insolence of these Romanes and how vnreuerently they dare abuse the knights of your Court In your own iudgement they that are so mallepert here what will they not doe in other places In good faith Sir seeing they declare so litle discretion I greatly feare their behauiour to the Princosse Oriana euen so soone as you shall haue lost sight of her And yet notwithstanding as I hear you haue already giuen them your grant for her which makes mee to meruaile not a little whence this strange fancie in you should proceed considering that neuer did any Prince so wise and iudicious as you haue alwayes bin esteemed so far forget himself wherby plainly appeareth that you are desirous to tempt your own good fortune to let loose the reines of diuers disasters very ominous to this whole kingdome Haue you forgotteÌ„ what especiall graces our Lord hath in a maner heaped vpon you And doe you not stand in feare of his anger Fortune is not she mutable Are you now to learne that when shee growes weary of good turns to him whom she hath exalted she wil chastise him afterward with many stripes yee with such cruel tortures as are a thousand times worse then death Pardon me Sir I beseech you if the faith I beare you haue made me thus bold to speake such words as perhaps you like not you are not ignorant how transitory the matters of this world are and that all the renowne glory which by long and tedious trauell can bee gotten in this life is oftentimes quenched and quite buried vpon a very small occasion if Fortune doe but once distaste the person So that if any remembrance remaine of a mans former felicity this blame will only liue vpon him that hee did not make vse of his precedent happines but rather entertayned it with an idle and negligent respect Pausing here a while and hearing the King to returne no answere hee began againe thus Sir doe but thinke on the fault you sometime fell into by banishing so many good Knights farre hence as Amadis his brethren kinred and friendes by whom you were feared honoured and respected euery-where And being scarcely freed from this mishap will you voluntarily fall into a worse Vndoubtedly I must needes imagine that God and all good successe hath forsaken you because you haue first forsaken him For if it were otherwise you would accept the counsell of them that desire to liue no longer then in loue faithfull seruice to you But seeing what I doe I am content to discharge the homage and duty I owe you and with-draw my selfe into mine owne territories because I will auoyde so much as possibly I may the iust complaints and teares of your Daughter Oriana at such time as you deliuer her according to your promise and the manifold miseries that will ensue thereon to your dishonour and woefull ouer-throw of this famous Realme Vncle replied the King that which is done is done were I to dye I will not falsifie my word But I pray you to abide heere two or three dayes longer to see what issue these new-attempted Combats will sort vnto because I elect you as Iudge of these exploytes with such beside as your self shal make choyse of Heerein you shall yeeld mee great contentment and such seruice as cannot be more acceptable because we haue no one heere that vnderstandeth the Greeke language better then you doe Sir quoth Count Argamont seeing such is your pleasure farre be it from me to contradict it yet vnder this condition that afterward you will dispense with my departure for it will be impossible for me to abide among such grieuous mournings as must needs succeed this heaâ—y fortune So breaking off their discourse by reason of the Prince Saluste Quides comming Count Argamont with-drew himselfe leauing the King and Prince in priuate conference Now we may not bee vnmindfull of Lasinde the Squire to Don Bruneo who compassed so good meanes that he attained to true intelligence of all matters and conference since the Damosell-Messengers departure Wherefore seeing the night fast hastening on secretly he left the Court and made his speedy passage by Boate to the Greeke knight whom he acquainted with the Prince Salustes request to the King the answere of Don Grumedan and all things else in their due proceeding This fell out to his no little comfort and so much the rather because now hee knew he should meddle with none but Romanes whereas he feared before that either his brother Galaor or some other as worthy a Knight of Great Brittaine would steppe into his place on the Ladies behalfe And then hee knew too well that neuer could
face to Lazanor loaded him with such mighty strokes as if hee had not caught fast hold on the maine of his horse hee had falne to the earth But as he lay thus bowing the Greeke seized on his body and by meere strength of arme tearing the Shield from about his necke hee threw him against the ground Neuerthelesse quickly he receiued footing and went to helpe vp his brother In this time the Greeke was dismounted from his horse which he feared to loose because he ran about the fielde but minding more his present busines hee ranne pell mell vpon his enemies laying so stearnely about him on euery side as they were no way able to endure him Now gaue he good testimony of his valour and that hee was no learner in such extremities but as one of the Romanes was running about the Perrou and the other following speedily after him onely to auoide the Greekes keene edged Sword hee gaue Lazanor such a stroake on the right leg as it was well neere cut in twaine so that meere paine and anguish made him fall downe and piteously he craued mercy But the Greeke Knight pretending that either he heard or vnderstood him not he set his foot on his brest and so left him stretcht out along on the ground returning to Gradamor who fled to the king for warrantie of his life All which would not serue his turne for with his Sword he did beat him backe againe to the Perrou where being quite out of breath he fell downe all along where the Greeke setting foote on him smote so many blowes on his Helmet that it fell off from his head which hauing now at so apt aduantage he purposed to smite from his shoulders but that the other cryed out to him Ah gentle knight for Gods sake mercy I am ready to doe whatsoeuer you shall command me Remoouing his foote from off him he suddenly looked back and espied Lazanor creeping on his knees to steale away but he quickly caught hold on his arme and dragd him along to the Perrou laying him close by his brother Gradamor which made euery one imagine that there he would smite off their heads together Whereupon Don Grumedan who hated them to the death spake out so loud as euery man might easily heare him Mee thinkes the Greeke hath so well reuenged the wrong done to his Shield as Gradamor hath good cause to remember it while heâ— liues As he spake these words Esplandian came to him and the Greeke demaunded what hee would haue Sir answered Esplandian I beseech you for my sake spare the liues of these two Knights seeing they yeeld themselues as vanquished But he feigned as if hee vnderstood him not wherfore Esplandian prayed Count Argamont to interprete for him which he did Truely Sir quoth the Greeke I will gladly bestow their liues on this sweet youth prouided that you will tell mee of whence and what he is Beleeue me Sir replyed the Count I know not any man in this Court that heerein can resolue you for he was brought hither almost by miracle Then briefly he reported how and in what manner the aged Hermite found him I haue often heard of him said the Greeke in Romania and that he is named Esplandian by reason of certaine naturall letters or carracters vnder his brests You say true answered the Count and you shall see them presently if you please So he commanded Esplandian to shew his brests as accordingly he did whereat the Knight not a little meruayling said Faire youth I pray God to blesse thee and send thee good fortune in the highest degree So mounting on horse-backe againe he left the Romaines with young Esplandian and returned to Grasinda saying Beleeue me Madame I haue beene ouer-troublesome to you but I was compelled thereto as your selfe hath seene and could make no speedier dispatch Vpon my faith answered she you can neuer doe any thing but I shall very thankfully accept it let vs now then goe on-ward if you please So getting forth of the crowd they tooke the way to their Shippes in so high content on all sides as possibly could be Being come aboord they commanded the Mariners to set saile for the Enclosed Isle But because the Greeke Knight had some suspition that Don Grumedan would stand in need of Knights helpe to maintaine the Combat which he had vndertaken if so be it should go forward he desired Angriote and Bruneo to stay behind succor him in the meane while to vnderstand some tydings of Oriana if any way they could attaine thereto CHAP. XVII How King Lisuart sent for his Daughter Oriana to the Court that he might deliuer her to the Romanes And of that which happened to a Knight of the Enclosed Isle But more especially of the Combat which Don Grumedan had against them that defied him ALready hath beene declared to you that the Princesse Oriana being at Mirefleure the Queene Sardamira by the consent of King Lisuart went thither to see her and to acquaint her with the Emperours affection towards her as also with what magnificence she should be wel-comed to Rome Now in the prosecution of our History you must vnderstand that after full conclusion was past with the Romanes concerning her the King would haue her come to the Court commanding his Nephew Giontes to take two Knights more with him bring her thence away with all conuenient speed But he gaue him charge vpon perill of his life that none but they of her owne company should haue any conference with her For execution of the Kings command Giontes tooke Sadoce and Lazanor with him who being come to Mirefleure after they had acquainted her with her fathers purpose they made ready a Litter for her because otherwise shee was vnable to trauaile she was so weake and sickly by reason of her continual mourning yet on she needes must accompanied with the Queene Sardamira and other Ladies Betweene Mirefleure and Tagades where the King soiourned approaching nere to a goodly Fountaine enuironed with diuers young spreading trees they espyed in a little groue a Knight ready prepared for Combate bearing a Shield of Sinople and a Launce with a Banderole or Pennon of the same colour who calling to one of his Squires said Goe and tell them that guard Madame Oriana that in courtesie I entreate them to let me speake a word with her else I will striue to doe it whether they will or no. The Squire going to Giontes told him as his Master had commanded him whereat he beganne to laugh hartily that he being alone should send them such a threatning braue wherefore hee gaue them this answere Friend returne to the Knight and tell him that he cannot at this time speake with Madame Oriana moreouer that if hee contend violently to doe it he will not find it easie for him When Oriana heard these words she tooke them very vnkindly and said to Giontes Fair Sir why should you be offended at any mans speaking with
reputation they ought to be held who by ouer-strange persumpsion haue delight in all immodest behauiour when all is duely weighed they beget the peoples disfauour a secret contempt among all good mindes yea and distaste of many of their owne appearing wel-willers that particularly desire their ruine to abate the ouer-weening pride they take in such wickednesse Gracious language apprehensiue grauitie and humble modestie are so proper and peculiar to Princes and great persons that whensoeuer they but speake it begetteth their subiects cordiall loue absolute obedience with a generall foare of offending And the contrary is so deadly daungerous as nothing can be more harmfull to them Let vs conceiue then how well it agrees with a knot of such base minded companions to put on a boasting spirit of brauerie as thinking by their outward glorious appearance to make them-selues respected and feared Before God mee thinkes they should consider both what they are and what they shall bee then they may easily know of them-selues that they are full of shame and all disgrace and for such I am content to leaue them returning againe to our former purpose Vnderstand now that after Oriana had a long while conuersed with Brian shee called for the Queene Sardamira and said vnto her See Madame here is the sonne to the King of Spaine I am sure you know him yet Then the Queene going neerer to him after she had very graciously saluted Brian entred into so serious a discourse with him that Oriana found the meanes of leauing them together So with drawing her selfe aside she called Agrates and Florestan to her entreating them earnestly to acquaint her with the cause of their comming Agraies wholly related to her whatsoeuer had passed among them in councell what true and honorable affection all the Knights did beare her and lastly what resolution they had agreed on concerning her cause desiring her withall to send backe her minde whether she liked their intention or no. Alas Sir quoth she they are all so wise and vertuous as no bad thought can preuaile among them One thing I would most humbly request of them that euen for Gods sake to seeke some meanes if possibly they may and agreeing with their honour to worke my peace with the displeased King my father Then pretending to whisper some thing in the eare of Agraies Florestan as one not to learne ciuility retired thence leauing them both together When Oriana perceiued she might speake at libertie she began her womed â—…onings to him in this manner Deare Cousine although I haue great hope in the prouidence of your kinsman Amadis and in the loyall affection which all these Knights doe beare me yet mee thinkes reason requireth that I should most of all relie on your fidelity in regard of my bounden dutie to the King your father and the Queene your mother affording me such princely entertainment in Scotland as also for gracing me with the companie of your sister Mabila of whom onely next vnto God I hold my life For without the comforts which she hath many times giuen me 〈◊〉 the very strongest 〈…〉 tunes a long time since I had beene buried and depriued of any ioy in this world And albeit I haue now no meanes or power to acknowledge either towards them or you so many obligations of due debt yet my hope is that time hereafter will better 〈◊〉 In the 〈…〉 thinke it not amisâ—e that familiarlie I let you vnderstand what heauie burdens of griefe I beare And for my first beginning sparing to speake what wrongs the King my father hath done me let mee entreate you to procure euen to your vttermost power an honorable peace betweene him and your Cousine Amadis For I make no doubt considering the ancient comitie betweene them and the iust occasion you all haue of scarse wishing him well that hardly will these matters begun grow to any other end then most heauie misfortune nay 〈◊〉 ruine on both sides except such 〈◊〉 as you shall make be well qualified with good counâ—… prouidence which I know is 〈…〉 abounding in you Wherfore once more I desire you as well to anoyde such a maine inconuenience as also to protect mee from suspition of forraine nations who may hereafter make doubt of my innocence and maculate my good reputation which is more precious to me then life that you would all consider what I haue said to you Madame answered Agraies as concerning the good entertainement you receiued in Scotland the King my father and the Queene did no more therein then they ought to doe and such I am sure was their affection towards you that in all things which their vnderstanding could reach vnto there wanted no loue or kindnesse in them to you as their best respected allie and kâ—â—fewomen Now as concerning my sister and my selfe our actions shall daylie make knowne to you in what vnfeigned respect we hold you desyring you to beleeue thet you may command vs as they that couet nothing more then your good and honour preferring them before our owne liues And whereas you wish me to forget the iniurie which the King your father hath done not only to mee but to all my kinred and friends assure your selfe Madame the wound was made so wide and deepe as it will neuer be healed while I liue It was no little ingratitude to vs denying my Lord Amadis my selfe and many other good Knights the humble request we made vnto him to giue the Isle of Mongaza to mine vnckle Galuanes who dearely deserued it and much more considering that it was conquered by his â—aâ—our and vertue that became an humble suter for it Neuerthelesse for your loue and honou I am content to dissemble my distaste and deferre for some time my iust occasion of wishing him ill especially for banishing vs from his Court so strangely euen as if we had beene his deadly enemies and neuer minding or respecting how many great seruices we had done for him And to let you know that I will wholly imploy my selfe to please you I promise you Madame I will essay to my vttermost to doe as you haue desired me But it would hardly agree with reason that it should be ouer-rashly vndertaken because if I should bee coole in speech now matters being altogether disposed for warre in stead of edging the courages of so many worthy Knights as are now met together in this Isle I should intimidate the greater part of them by hearing mee preach of peace and raise in them an apprehension that I vse such language as being the man first affrighted Wherein I must fall into two euills together which hereafter will redound to the great dammage of vs all but especially mine vnrecouerable shame But some being sent to the King your father and hauing heard his answere I will entreate my worthy friends to doe according as you haue aduised In the meane while mee thinkes you should greeue so little as possibly you may supporting both Time and
in the Enclosed Isle because we heard newes that hee was vtterly lost foure yeares agoe and now it amazeth mee not a little that he should be so suddenly found again and giue such succour to Madame Oriana Lord Grumedan answered Brian the King it may be will know in time both what we are and what seruices we haue done him And if he attempt any thing against vs hee will finde the issue to be more sharp and sower than the entrance was pleasing or delightsome As for Lord Amadis you sawe him not long since in this Court when hee conquered the Crowne from the Romans that maintained the beauty of the maides of Great Brittaine to bee more excellent than the Ladies that came with him Saint Mary said Grumedan what doe you tell me Is it possible that Amadis was the Greek Knight Beleeue it answered Brian it was he and none other By my soule said Grumedan I now well perceiue that I am a man of very poore iudgment seeing I might then haue wel assured my selfe that it was hard for any man to doe what he did I may doubt whether I haue eyes vnderstanding But faire Sir seeing you haue already done so much for me let mee further entreate you to tell mee who they were that lent assistance on my day of Combat Who answered Brian smiling why two of your very dearest friends Angriote d' Estrauaus and Brunco de bonne Mer. In good sadnesse quoth Grumedan if I had knowne them I should haue warranted my victorie more certaine than I did and am well content to confesse now that the honour of the day is more iustly due to them than to me and all my life time I am a friend and seruant to Amadis and to you likewise mine honour reserued As thus they rode on deuising together they met with Esplandian newly returned from hawking with Ambor sonne to Angriote d' Estra uaus carrying a Spar-hawke on his fist and comming somewhat neare them Brian de Moniaste demanded what he was This is answered Grumedan the young Gentleman Esplandian of whom the wise Vrganda hath spoken so many maruailes I haue heard of him sayd Brian heretofore I pray you cause him to stay a while that wee may the better beholde him Which Grumedan did for as hee was passing by them hee called to him saying Come hither Sir see heere the friends of the Greeke Knight who at your request pardoned the Emperours Knights at least wise send him some commendations from your selfe My Lord answered Esplandian I humbly entreate them to pardon me I knew them not but for my loue to that good Knight I would gladly haue the meanes to doe him any seruice and if they please to kisse his hand on my behalfe they shall binde me to them all my life time Faire Sir saide Brian that office shall be mine and I will doe it with a glad soule albeit hee hath changed his name since you last saw him for now hee is called Amadis de Gaule Amadis de Gaule answered Esplandian surely I cannot think it because I heard that he was dead whereat I conceiued no little grief for the renowned prowesse reported to be in him It is he doubtlesse said Quedragant Then Sir I dare assure you replied Esplandian I am not so forie for the losse of my hawke this day though I loued her dearely as I am ioyfull to heare what you haue tolde me because if I may liue to grow great I will begge so earnestly of the Queene that she shall not deny mee to goe see him and to receiue my Knight-hood from his hand if hee shall please so much to honor me Sweet youth said Brian God blesse and prosper you And so they tooke leaue each of other Brian and Quedragant following their way to the Enclosed Isle and Grumedan and Esplandian returning to the Court. CHAP. VIII How King Lisuart called a Councell concerning what hee intended to do against the Knights of the Enclosed Isle And what resolution was agreed vpon After that Quedragant Brian were departed from the Court King Lisuart found himselfe wonderfully discōtented seeing such weightie occasions to grow more and more vpon him he intended on the morrow to call a Councell only of Arban King of Norwales Grum den and Guillan le Pensit who being mette together the King beganne in this manner Honourable friends you know what iniurie I haue receiued by the Knights of the Enclosed Isle and what shame I should do to my selfe in suffering them to passe vnpunished Neuerthelesse not to shunne the way which all Princes should take doing nothing without counsell and deliberation I would first bee aduised by you in what manner I should shape my reuenge that hereafter they may remain an example to such as dare enter into the like attempts against mee Full well you knowe how dangerous it is to vse delay in such actions and of what consequence my occasion is therefore I pray you let vs consider together on some redresse and euery man freely speake his minde Arban King of Norwales was the first that answered speaking thus Sir seeing you are resolued to make warre against Amadis and those of his league accounting it vnmeete to accept the offer made you by them it is expedient to consider that the managing of the matter may bee so ordered as the glory must remaine to you For although we holde it vndoubtedly that victorie consisteth in the hand of heauen onely God giuing it when where and how hee pleaseth and commonly agreeing with the iustice of the cause yet diligent prouidence is not to bee neglected in all such cases as are required before any enterprise be attempted or any contempt made of the enemie It is good to imagine that he may prooue able enough to finde you play sufficient if fortune looke fauourably on his cause considering that when men are too confident either of their owne right or trusting to their owne strength it procureth their ruine and totall destruction through ouer-bolde presumption albeit the victorie were their due Fauour me Sir to tell you that if you well consider with whom you haue to deale mee thinkes an aduantageable peace were more honourable for you than a hazardous and doubtfull warre falling out more strangely then can bee imagined You know Amadis and the rest by whom hee is backt and supported to bee all good Knights men of great spirit and all of them nearely alyed to Kings and potent Princes who will not faile them for any disaster or death it selfe You know also on the other side that the most part of your subjects neuer liked or thought well of the deliberation meerly made by your selfe for marrying your daughter to the Emperour the onely motiue and occasion of this warre And therefore you may be well assured that how soeuer they beare it with a smooth brow and rankerous spleen inwardly they can be easily contented that all should goe but badly on your side by not following their
him demanding how his Master fared My Lord quoth hee I left him at the Enclosed Isle in very sound health God be thanked for it and in good hope to see you shortly assuring you it will be no little griefe to him when hee shall heare of your long sicknesse As thus they discoursed Norandell entred the Chamber who knowing GaÌ„dalin asked if Amadis were come thither No my good Lord said he I left him at the pallace of Apolidon where hee refresheth him selfe after his many trauailes in Almaigne Romania and Constantinople My deare friend Gandalin quoth Galaor I pray thee tell mee what thou maist Gandalin declared all his Masters trauailes at large to the no little maruaile of the hearers especially when hee told all the manner of the fight with the monster Endriagus Alas said Galaor when shall I see him Soon enough answered Norandell if you would take some paines to recouer your health Beleeue it quoth Galaor I will do my vtmost endeauour not only for my health but to ease my longing desire to see him My Lord said Gandalin the King gaue me charge not to holde you with any long discourse in regarde of your feeble condition wherefore I pray you to spare my absence now and to morrowe I will keepe you longer company So Gandalin left them and returned to the King whom hee found studying on the businesse for his sonne Amadis and because hee would keep his purpose secret he determined to send Norandell into Great Brittaine although hee was but newly come to his friend hearing what a long sicknesse hee had Hereupon the next morning hee sent for him and euen as if instantly he had heard some nouell aduertisement hee said vnto him Worthy friend this day I haue receiued newes whereby for ought I can perceiue the King your father hath an enterprise in hand wherein your seruice may much auaile him and therefore I would aduise you to go to him But let me entreate you not to talke hereof to Galaor considering in what weake estate he is and it may bee greatly offensiue to him Sir answered Norandell I would bee loath to doe any thing hurtfull to him and humbly thanke your Highness for your good couÌ„sell to morrow with your leaue I meane to part hence and this day I meane to keep him company Changing this kind of discourse they fell to talke of other matters till Norandel withdrew to his friend Galaor speaking to him in this maner My honourable companion I promised King Lisuart when I parted from him to see him againe within a moneth after wherefore let not my departure so soone bee displeasing to you because I am thereto enforced and so much the rather in regarde I see that the worst is already past with you and you are much better amended then before Moreouer the small time of my Knighthoods employment many others may highly misinterpret by my so long remayning idle and hurle diuerse blamefull aspertions on me which I am sure will be but little pleasing to you knowing that you loue mine honour as deare as your owne Neuerthelesse if your sicknesse should holde on in any long continuance which heauen forefend I promise to see you againe so soon as possibly I can Galaor was much disconted at Norandels wordes because hee tooke great delight in his company notwithstanding thus hee answered vpon my faith albeit you haue great occasion to doe as you say yet your absence from mee will cause no meane griefe Neuerthelesse preferring your honor before my pleasure I am content to let you goe when you will desiring you most earnestly to doe my humble duty to the King assuring him that so long as life remaines in this body hee shall finde me his loyall and faithfull seruant So embracing each other very affectionately they parted but not without wette eyes Norandels Ship lying ready for him and hauing taken leaue of King Perion and his Queene the windes and Seas were so fauourable to him as in few dayes he landed in the port of Vindilisore where King Lisuart was preparing his Armie for the Enclosed Isle No sooner had Norandell set saile but King Perion mustered men from all parts and made shipping likewise ready for their passage to the Enclosed Isle so speedily as might be In the meane while Lasinde the Squire to Bruneo beeing come to the Marquesse diligently executed his commission and by pleasing perswasions compassed his intention also with Branfill who seeing his father somewhat slowe and tardie in the businesse cast himselfe at his feet saying My Lord I would I had beene with my brother to haue fought with the Romanes surely I should haue reputed it for one of the fairest fortunes that euer in this life can befall me But seeing my best starres haue fayled mee therein most humbly I entreat you in recompence of that losse to giue mee leaue to goe thither with such succor as you shall please to send I dare assure you father that it will be both for your honor and your sonnes who as you well know haue long time been much bounden to Amadis and his friends Sonne quoth he I am well contented and seeing you haue such desire to warre you shall haue Knights good store to beare you company As indeed hee had for while Branfill was fitting all things in due order for him selfe his father gaue charge for the other expedition of Souldiers Here you must likewise obserue that the good olde Gouernour Ysanio who was sent to King Taffinor of Bohemia found â—here very gracious entertainement knowing that hee came from the Knight of the greene Sword For after hee had deliuered his Letters and his further message fully vnderstood the King said vnto him I promise you Sir vpon my faith I will not fayle him in so serious a businesse but he shall haue all that hee can require Then he called his sonne Grasandor to whom hee declared all that Ysanio had tolde him and the cause of his comming demanding of him if hee would vndertake the voyage for the aide of Amadis who had called him selfe Knight of the greene Sword My Lord quoth he the greatest desire I haue in this world is to enioy the company of so good a Knight and I desire it of you most entirely But because I cannot leauy your army so soon may it please you to let mee goe on before accompanied onely with Twentie Knights then Count Galtines may follow mee and bring the rest with him Beleeue mee answered the King I am well contented and do allow of your aduice for beeing in so worthie a company your vertues will bee greatly encreased And I confesse my selfe so highly beholding to him that hee may well rest assured hee shall wholly dispose of mee and mine For which kindnesse â—sanio humbly thankt him and concluded to attend on Galtines to cause him make the more haste In the meane while Grasander embarked himselfe accompanied onely with twenty Knights and parting from the port put on
hee hath receiued any great fauours Neuerthelesse our Lord hath hitherto preserued him and gaue him me at the first to loue and instruct him as mine owne childe At these wordes the King began to conceiue that hee would not conferre any further with him before so many by-standers therefore tooke him aside but the Hermite changed his discourse saying I beseech you Sir to beleeue that considering the condition whereto I haue been long time called and so many aged yeares already ouer-gone me I would not haue forsaken my Cell to bee seene among warres and contentions had it not been that my slacknes in so important a businesse might haue procured much euill wherewith our Lord would haue been highly offended And his displeasure would not only haue extended it selfe to you the people assembled in both these Campes but also to many other vnskilfull in the discords betweene you and King Lisuart with whom I haue already conferred so well perswaded him to peace as hee is ready both to listen thereto and to entertaine it according as I haue imparted to Lord Amadis your sonne who wholly referreth all to you Therefore I desire you Sir that preferring the good and tranquile estate of so many people before priuate spleens and passions not to disdaine what is freely offered you and which you ought rather striue to purchase Father replied King Perion God is my witnesse what griefe I haue endured for matters that are alreadie past with the losse of so many worthie men and how gladly I would haue gone another way if King Lisuart would haue listened thereto But hee alwaies carried so high a hand as notwithstanding all remonstrances made to him by our Ambassadours especially in reguarde of Madame Oriana whom hee sought to disinherite he made no account of vs at all presuming so much vpon himselfe that by the ayde of the Romane Emperour hee would ouer-run the whole worlde By this meanes hee made refusall not only to admit this difference to iustice but likewise contemned all hearing thereof Neuerthelesse if hee will yet submit to reason I dare repose such trust in my followers as they will bee ordered by mine aduice I haue euermore descanted on this discourse proceeding from no other occasion but whereto hee stands bound by right of nature and to his owne blood So that if hee will yet repeale the princesse his daughter into his former gracious fauour and not marrie her to any other person not onely to her and his owne people but to all them that know or heare thereof wee will deliuer her to him and continue his kinde friends if hee bee as desirous as wee Sir answered the good old man if God bee so pleased all this will come to passe Therefore if you thinke it conuenient elect two Knights on your behalfe to determine the differences where-about so many harmes haue alreadie happened King Lisuart shall likewise nominate two other for him and I standing in the midst between them will labour to ende all strife and contention Bee it so quoth the King Sir said Nascian I will not sleep before I hope to speed with such successe as the effects shall be answerable to your owne desire Instantly hee tooke leaue of him and the rest returning whence he came to finish what he had begun And presently King Perion sommoned all the chiefe of his Armie together speaking to them in this maner Lords endeared friends as we are bound to put our goods and persons in danger not onely for the defence of our honour but also to maintaine equity iustice so are wee likewise obliged to set aside all hatred and passion to reconcile our selues with our enemie when of himselfe hee profers vs peace For although it cannot be gaine-saied but that the beginning of warre may goe on without offence to God yetnotwithstanding in the end if through rash opinion fantisie and want of knowledge we estrange our selues from reason that which at the first appeared honest conuerts it selfe into iniustice And doe not thinke that I vse these speaches to you without cause Nascian a holy Hermite well knowen to the most part of you came lately to mee as you sawe to practise peace betweene vs and our enemie where-to King Lisuart is willing to yeeld if you mislike not Neuerthelesse I would not giue him any resolution till first I heard your deliberations For to mee it seemeth very reasonable that as you haue been made partakers of toyle and trauaile so should you also be of ease and tranquility And therefore I pray you that without any dissimulation you would all aduise for the best and God will therin further your counsell For my selfe according to the opinion of olde Nascian I holde it very meet that wee should make choyce of two Knights amongst vs and giue them ample power to determine with two other appointed by King Lisuart of all differences whereby this warre receiued originall Albeit I desire not to be credited in this case but rather will allowe of such aduise as you conceiue fittest for the good of all together Hereupon Angriote d' Estreuaus first presented himselfe of whom the King required his opinion Sir said hee you haue beene chosen chiefe of this enterprise as well for the dignity of a king shining in you as for the fauour and esteeme generally helde of you whereby you may resolue on the businesse of this warre as it shall seeme best vnto your selfe Notwithstanding seeing it is your pleasure that I shall first speake my minde I like it well vnder correction that if peace be presented vs by our enemy wee ought to accept it For as it falles out it is to our no meane aduantage hauing not onely the better of him already but Madame Oriana also in our owne power for whose cause wee first entred into the field Now for the naming two choyce men among vs to accord as you say all differences I know none more meet for such a businesse then the Lords Quedragant Brian de Moniaste They at the first vnderwent this charge when they were sent into Great Brittaine to excuse vs to King Lisuart for that which we had done in rescuing his daughter from the Romanes and I am peswaded they will vndertake the same charge againe if they were thereto entreated Now because this aduise found generall allowance Brian and Quedragant yeelded presently thereto whereat king Perion was highly pleased hoping the warre so hotly begun would by these meanes be calmely ended CHAP. XX. How Nascian returned towards King Lisuart with the answere heâ—receiued from King Perion THe Hermite being returned backe to King Lisuart gaue him to vnderstand all that he had agreed on with king Perion assuring him withall that hee would make them good friends before hee parted from them For I left him quoth hee with a purpose to conferre with the chiefe of his Army to winne them thereto if hee can Father saide the King hee dealeth most wisely therein
Queenes chamber where being alone by themselues hee began in this maner Madame if you found your selfe much amazed when you heard the matters concerning your daughter and Amadis beleeue no lesse of me when I heard the first newes thereof And by that which I knew afterwarde both you and I were farre off from our reckonning For perswade your selfe it is no little disturbance to my minde that I could not know these things before the scandall was discouered and nothing euer touched mee so nearely especially the losse of so many worthie Knights who had now beene liuing and perished in these vnhappy wars which breeds in me such remorse of conscience as you or any other will hardly credit but matters already past are ouer-late to bee remedied Wherefore I purpose now that what yet remaineth to be done shall bee performed with our very vttermost honour Forgetting the offence of our daughter who made choyce of a husband at her owne pleasure yet one that well deserues her a better For I neuer saw any Knight errant that could winne himselfe so many friends or haue such a multitude of Kings Princes and potent Lords at his comande whereby it plainely appeareth that Fortune is diposed to preferre him before any other And because at my parting from Lubania I promised to bring you with mee to the Enclosed Isle there to consummate the mariage betweene her and him I pray you giue order for all things which you thinke requisite in such cases Also for the conduct thither of your daughter Leonora whom vpon his owne request I haue giuen as wife to the new Emperour Very ioyfull was the Queene to see the King so well disposed especially towardes her daughter Oriana which was the thing shee most desired In regard whereof and to maintaine him in this good minde she saide Sir it seemeth to mee that heauen hath beene very gracious to you and me bestowing such alliance on vs in fauour of whom their friends shall for euer hereafter be ours What else remaineth to bee done referre all to mee for all shall bee ordered to your contentment Hereupon earely the next morning shee sent for Arban King of Norwales Great maister of the Kings housholde to whom she gaue the charge of all CHAP. XXV How King Perion and his companie tooke their way towardes the Enclosed Isle And of that which they did before King Lisuart came thither to them AFter that they of Great Brittaine were gone from Lubania King Perion and his Armie marched backe to the Enclosed Isle where Oriana expected their comming newly aduertised by Gandalin what conclusion was made with king Lisuart So soone as they were there ariued they went to see her and Amadis presented the Emperour Arquisill to her whom she had neuer seene before saying Madame as yet you know not this Knight but he is in good hope to be nearer in kinred to you then you imagine By these words she plainely vnderstood that he was the Emperour wherefore raising her selfe shee went and did him reuerence as hee did the like to her with a very Princely grace said Madame I am so much beholding to Lord Amadis that both you and hee may dispose of me and whatsoeuer is in my power at your pleasure My Lord answered the Princesse I know what who you are wherefore I most humbly beseech you that hence forward you would reckon mee as one of your best sisters and kinde friends During this time Agraies Florestan Quedragant Brian gaue curteous salutaions to Queene Sardamira Grasinda and Olinda and Bruneo de bone Mer to his most dearely affected Melicia But Amadis obseruing Grasandor sonne to the King of Bohemia standing by the Infanta Mabila so rauished in soule with loue to her that accustomed feare in such affaires closed vp his mouth not daring to deliuer so much as on ewoâ—d caused him to call his Cosen and thus he rounded her in the eare Madame you know that Grasandor loues you more theÌ„ himself yet you appear ouermuch to neglect him I pray you speake to him for well I knowe that you beeing sicke of the same disease and many times in the like extreamity would euen gladly as hee finde ease in the like tormenting affliction therefore to your mercy I recommend him Shee knowing that Amadis was shot in the same place where this loue-sicke paine oppressed her euen as violently to another as shee to Grasandor began to blush in such strange manner as all present did apparantly perceiue it and ghest at the cause of her alteration Yet to couer it so well as shee could she made answere to Amadis that shee would obey his commande And he taking her by the hand weÌ„t with her to Grasandor presently saying See Sir heere is a Lady that findes fault with seeing you so melanchollie Let me intreate you my Lord to yeeld her some reason how and from whence your affliction ensueth and so hee left them together Grasandor finding opportunity to fauour him and that now he might freely vtter his minde to her between hope and feare kindnesse and constraint thus hee began Madame it seemes to mee that Lord Amadis findes the same passions in mee as him selfe suffered when loue allured him at the first to like Madame Oriana And to speake no more then truth when I thinke to impart my oppressions to you the three principall organes of my life are in most strange and vnusuall distemper namely mine eyes my heart and my tongue For so soone as mine eyes can but gaâ—…e a sight of you they incite speech onely to tell you the cause of my griefe but all in vaine Then my tongue hoping to supply that defect openeth my mouth but feare preuailing quickly closeth it vp againe If then my heart be in heauy martyrdome I leaue to your owne iudgement speaking as it doth by continuall fighing And finding it selfe vn-furnished of all helping meanes checks mine eyes for bringing home the first tydings of your bright beauty Then they in excusing their errour promise to performe the tongues office because it is dumbe in your presence and by outward appearance shewing it selfe pitifull would begge of you mercy and remedy While Grasandor continued these complaints Amadis not knowing how he should raise the siege the Emperor still talking with Oriana saw Queene Briolania enter the chamber whom hee going to kisse called the Emperour saying My Lord you haue not yet seen all the beauties in this goodly beauty as here Queene Briolania may testifie to you Before God quoth hee you say very true So leauing Oriana to salute the Queene she seemed so faire in his eye and her behauiour so gracious that hee vsed these wordes to her I am perswaded Madame that Apolidon in creating the singularities of this place left them in such rich perfection only for the honour of excelling Ladies For I can repute them no other then immortall and make men tractable to abide heere all their life time among such
Knights Ladies and Gentlewomen Son quoth she to Galaor we will part hence this next ensuing weeke in the meane while take order for shipping and all things needefull for our voyage And therefore presently sent for sailers who hauing vnderstood his pleasure made immediate prouision of the very best Ship the King had and went aboarde the sixt day following Not farre had they sailed from the coast of Gaule but they descried a vessell on the Sea well fitted with the winde and making nimble speed the Pilot or Master striking saile so soone as hee espyed the Queenes shippe Whereupon the Knights of the Enclosed Isle thinking them to be Coursaires or Pirates forthwith armed themselues and to vnderstand the truth sent one of their Squires in a Squiffe towardes them to demand of whence they were and whither they intended The Squire drawing neare vnto them called out aloude vnto them saying Hoe aboard there they in the Shippe here not farre off from you in kindnesse sent to knowe what you are and whither you are bound My friend quoth a knight standing on the Decke there is a Ladie of honour in this vessell whose voyage tendeth to the Enclosed Isle Beleeue mee Sir replied the Squire then shee hath met with company if she be so pleased for they that sent mee to you are sayling thither and you may safely come aboard them Which words being ended he returned to them he came from In the meane space that knight that was aboue went downe to the Ladie and acquainted her with the Squires message by meanes wherof shee sent one in a Frigate presently away to vnderstand the truth and whether vpon the Squires words shee might safely come to them or no and so went nearer to the Queenes Ship where Angriote being first of all seene the other Knight spake thus vnto him Sir a Squire of yours not long since came to vs to know what wee were and whither our trauaile intended Wee gaue him answere that wee were bound directly for the Enclosed Isle and thither hee said was likewise your intention now Sir because wee haue in charge a Princeste of great esteeme we pray you giue vs some assurance of your companie Knight answered Angriote if you please to come aboord of vs the Ladie you talke of shall finde a Queene heere who wil gladly welcome her into her company and giue her as gracious entertainment as shee can desire to haue Sir said the knight I heartily thanke you for her and this I dare assure you that hauing heard her cause and the reason of her trauailing thus on the Sea you will so much compassionate her case as not to deny her your helpe if shee require it of you So taking leaue hee returned to the other vessell which presently came and ioyned with the Queens Then came vp a Ladie in a garment of black cloath shewing both she and all her companie very sad and disconsolate lookes whereat Angriote who well obserued them was much abashed reputing her by her countenance to bee a Lady of good discent and reputation And courteously saluting her demanded if shee pleased to ascend and visit the Queene Sir Knight quoth shee I will doe what shall please you neuerthelesse I pray you name her to me and them that are in her companie Madam said Angriote she is the Queene of Gaule my Lord Galaor her sonne is with her and three other knights of the Enclosed Isle whither we are sayling Then will I attend vpon her and you thither replied the Lady So Angriote supporting her by the hand brought her into the Queenes Cabin and shee hauing vnderstood all that you haue heard already welcommed her most gratiously but the Lady â—…ing much oppressed with griefe fell downe at her feete intending to kisse them which the Queene would not permit put raysed her gently desiting to know the cause of her sorrow Madam quoth shee though now I am left quite naked of all fortunes blessings and fauours hauing no other comfort or repose but only the recytall of my misfortunes yet you may beleeue mee that I was not long time since a â—…dy of great qualitie and married to the disceaâ—ed King of Dacia by whom I had two Sonnes and one only infortunate daughter and so much the more infortunate in hir Birth by being the death of the King hiâ— Father and the totall ruine of mee and her brethren for you must vnderstand Madam that after shee was married to the Duke of â—…tia one of the greatest neighbouring Princes to my Countrie by how much the day of her Bridall was pleasing by so much the more was this mariage wretched and miserable For very soone after the solemnitie the Duke my new sonne in Law beeing yong and ambitious of rule conspired the death of my husband and of my two other children the eldest of them hauing not as then attained to the age of fourteene yeares According to his proiect so did he performe it vpon my Lord appointing a day pretending an honest visitation of vs accompanied with a great number of his people which as hee said were brought with him for our greater honour the King my husband no way misdoubting the premeditated treason rode foorth to meete him and as hee embraced him tâ—… villaine drewe a pocket-dagger and cruely murdered him Both my sonnes in a faire fortunate hoâ—â—e for them came riding a good distance behinde their father and heairng of this bloody tumult returned in a maine gallop backe to the Citie where the traytor holds them as yet sharply besieged Then was I absent in a pilgrimage to our Ladie at a very ancient Church builded on the top of a high Promoâ—â—oâ—â—e and there I was aduertised of my mis-hap If then I was in woefull extreamâ—…y or no be you my iudge good Madame considering I in a moment found my selfe vtterly destitute of all remâ—â—â—e and forsaken of any hope so that but for the comfort and aduise giuen mee by these two Knights which keepe me company I had not liued one only houre They called to remeÌ„brance one nan ed Amadis de Gaule who is said to be the refuge and support of all afflicted Ladies neuer denying them his assistance Whereupon I haue attempted this long voyage to finde him at the Enclosed Isle where hee is affirmed certainely to be with a great number of other good Knights his companions in Armes When the wrong done me by this wicked sonne in lawe shall be knowne to that noble Lord and his other friends how extreamly hee maintaines the siege against mine owne naturall sonnes I hope hee and they will take compassion on me and giue mee such succour as by meanes thereof I shall expell the enemy out of my countrie for my subiects attend nothing else but to vndertake Armes against him they want but only a comamnder to leade them Greatly was the Queen mooued to pittie hearing the misfortunes which besell the Queene of Dacia and the three Knights were so nearly
extraordinarily ioyfull as triumphing in the very highest happinesse the world could yeeld her And the Princes her sonnes with the three Knights came neare vnto her to kisse her hand which shee would not suffer but embraced them very graciously declaring no meane thankfulnesse for her happy fortune Afterwarde they conuayed her into a rich Litter purposely brought for her iourney and so coÌ„ducted her to the Pallace in most royall manner where shee was no sooner alighted but she commanded the Duke to be brought before her as accordingly it was performed And albeit shee had resolued with her thoughts not to execute any reuenge vpon him but euen in meere pittie to forget and forgiue all yet considering what shamefull wrongs she had suffered and the murder of the King her husband so fresh in her soule shee commanded him presently to the â—ibbet But the Knights of the Enclosed Isle were not therewith contented and therefore in most gracious and modest manner tolde her that they neuer tooke any prisoner to mercy to whom after-warde they vsed any molestation Wherefore they desired her to containe her purpose till their departure and then to doe what shee thought fitte and as her Councell should best aduise her requiring also fauour for their departure Shee fearefull to offend such honorable high deseruing friends returned this answere Nay my Lords thinke not but I will doe whatsoeuer you commande mee yet notwithstanding you must needes grant me to stay heere with mee eight or tenne daies more In which time I hope to compasse the Coronation of my sonne and then to send him along with you to Lord Amadis if you will but honour me so much as to bee his conuoy thither Madame quoth they wee are all herewith heartily contented Hereupon she sent presently to one of the Masters of the houshold giuing him charge to see all things fitting in readinesse as were belonging to such a solemnitie and in him there wanted not any dilligence The day of triumph being come the young King accompanied with the Princes of his blood the Knights of the Enclosed Isle multitudes of noble Personages more rode maiestically to the Cathedrall Church where they heard solemne and diuine seruice Afterward he was conducted to a goodly Theater most magnificently adorned and there by sound of Trumpets and voyce of the Heralds he was openly proclaimed King he throwing much golde and siluer among the people crying three seuerall times Largesse Largesse Largesse giuen by the most mighty and magnanimous Prince Garinter king of Dacia As foure of the chiefest Dukes in the kingdome conducted him to the place where the royall feast was prepared the Trumpets and Clarions sounded on all sides so that for the space of three whole daies and nights together the people ceased not from making Bonfires and other signes of ioyfull triumphing As also the Nobility of the Court had Maskes Tourneies Dances and such like pastimes which had continued much longer if Angriote and his companions would haue stayed there But they earnestly importuned the Queene to licence their departure which much against her minde she was enforced to grant and before their embarquing thus she spake to theÌ„ Noble Gentlemen although it is impossible for me in any dutie to requite what you haue done for mee without any merite at all on mine owne behalfe yet is so falles out at this season that running into a farther debt I am to solicite you with a second request and wherein I desire you not to deny mee You know very well that I neuer sawe Lord Amadis de Gaule for whose sake you did partly as I imagine vndertake this long voyage which hath fallen out most fortunate to mee and to your endlesse honour for euer Now I haue not any thing more deare in esteeme then the new created King my son who as I haue already tolde you I desire to send to the Enclosed Isle to liue among so many good knights as are there vntill he come to yeares fit for knighthood hoping that a nouell kind of breeding there will highly aduantage him and that then Lord Amadis will deale so honourably with him as to bestow knighthood on him with his owne hand Wherefore once more I entreate you to take him with you and deliuer him to Lord Amadis as a present from me Madame answered Bruneo I faithfully promise you that with all my heart I will performe it and further I dare assure that hee will be very welcome thither Take order then for his equipage because wee would aboard to morrow the winde now sitting so prosperously for vs. Heereupon the Queene hauing fitted all things necessary for her sonne with a very honourable traine conducted him to the Shippe and there committing him to God and the Knights louing care away they sayled discouering in fewe dayes the coaste of the Enclosed Isle But before they landed they sent to Amadis to let him vnderstand that the king of Dacia was in their companie beeing purposely sent thither to him and to remaine vnder his gouernement Which caused Amadis immediately to take horse and accompanied with many of the knights conducted him to the lodging of king Perion CHAP. XXVIII How King Lisuart his Queene Brisena and their Daughter Leonora departed from Vindilisore to goe for the Enclosed Isle according as it was concluded on at their setting from Lubania NOt long since it was told you that the same day as King Lisuart came to his Queene hee acquainted her with his promise made to Amadis and some others beside entreating her likewise most earnestly to take order for all things fitting her owne preparation and her daughter Leonora â—whom hee had affianced by his worde to the Emperour and that they might set away the next weeke following In the meane while he sent to Galuanes and Madâ—sima to come to beare him company in this vaoyage as accordingly they did Soone after they set on forward and at the end of eight dayes came within lesse then foure leagues of the Pallace of Apolidon Whereof when king Perion and the rest were aduertised they mounted on horse backe with the Ladies and Gentlewomen ryding not farre before they mette them Many embracings past on either side but Amadis and Galaor alighted so soone as they came to King Lisuart only to kisse his hand which hee would not suffer but embracing them in his armes desired themto mount themselues againe King Perion who came one of hindemost gaue the spurre to his horse and gallopped to meete king Lasuart who came in the like manner towards him and they both embraced very louingly together In the meane space Oriana went to the Queene her mother and doing her very humble reuerence she entertayned her so graciously as no woman liuing could doe more As the Queene Elisena Briolanta Sardamira and all the other Ladies saluted each other the Emperour Arquesill came and alighted from his horse to kisse and welcome them Then the knights of great Brittaine went among
Gaule or no I answered him hee was and that you your brethren knew mee for such a one as had dedicated her whole life to your seruice Musing a while to himselfe at last hee tolde mee hee was so desirous to see you that if I could coÌ„passe the meanes of bringing you to him and that you would fight with him for our libertie he would allow this small Barke and this Mariner because hee would reuenge the death of his father Mandafabul whom you slew cowardely as hee said in the battaile betweene the Kings Cildadan and Lisuart at such time as you cald your self the Bright Obscure Moreouer that you tooke him vnprouided as he carried away the King of Great Brittaine prisoner in his Ship And that you might haue the more occasion of going with me and by an vrgent motiue to commiseration hee permitted me to beare the dead bodie of my sonne along with me according as you sawe at our meeting But first of all I demaunded of him that if it were my good hap to finde you what security you should haue of wrong or iniurie from any but him-selfe only My faith and worde alone quoth he which I will maintaine so long as breath is in my bodie not only against him but any other Knight whatsoeuer that would come hither with me in this seruice Thus Lord Amadis perceiuing the offers he made me and the extreamity I was in I was so bolde to vndertake what you haue heard trusting in the mercy of heauen and your goodnesse which neuer was denied to any that desired your helpe For I am verily perswaded that you will easily ouercome this Diuell that maintaines so wicked a custome in his countrie Deare friend answered Amadis I am very sorry for the death of your son what else remaineth to be done I will die but you shall haue reason So they sayled on three dayes three nights together and on the fourth discouering a small Island in the midst whereof stood a Castle somewhat farre off which made him demand of the Mariner if hee knew the name of it and to whom it appertayned To king Cildadan quoth the Mariner and it is commonly called the Isle of the Infants Let vs goe a shoare there said Amadis to refresh our selus with water and victuals for wee know not what necessitie wee may fall into hereafter Hereupon the Mariner strooke in close to the foote of a Rocke from whence they beheld a Gentleman descending who coming neere to them faluted Amadis demaÌ„ding of whence and what he was I am quoth he a knight of the Enclosed Isle from thence I came not long since thereto expressely moued by this Lady to haue some reason done her if I can for an iniurious wrong offered her by one abyding in an Island not farre from this as I am giuen to vnderstand The Gentleman requested to know his name Balan answered Amadis Well Sir quoth the other and what course doe you meane to take therein Fight with him replied Amadis and pluck downe his ouer-daring Pride whereby he iniurieth many that neuer offended him The Gentleman beganne to smile and in a mocking manner nodding his head said Sir Knight of the Enclosed Isle there is a great difference betweene saying and doing I can easilie beleeue that you came hither with such animation but I am wonderfully affraide that before you returne backe if you purpose to goe on any further a great part of the heate which I now see in you will bee more calmely qualified Therefore sir I woulde aduise yee to turne some other way for if the Lord of the Isle from whence you now came who is as I vnderstand and haue many times heard Amadis de Gaule and his two brethren Don Galaor and Florestan accounted amongst the very best Knights in the World this day liuing had met together and gone about such a fond enterprise as you haue now vndertaken they were sure to be much rather reprehended then allowed for wise and discreete men And because you are in mine opinion one of King Lisuarts knights to whom my Master King Cildadan is an intimate friend I would perswade you to beleeue me otherwise worse will befall you and you must needs prooue a murtherer of your selfe being aduised and will not auoid it I know not what may happen answered Amadis but I haue heard all my life hitherto that it is an Article proper and peculiar to them that couet the supream place of honour and renowne to attempt occasions of most danger and difficultie Not that they intend to bee so highly esteemed But to shunne discouraging in so braue an enterprise And seeing I am now so forward on my iourney death it selfe cannot alter mine intention wherfore Sir I entreate you in courtesie to helpe vs with fresh water and victuals for which we will be thankefull to you With all my heart replied the Gentleman and more I will beare you companie thither to see the successe of your fortune and whether you shall speede well or ill with the Giant CHAP. XXXIII How Amadis sayled away from the Port of the Island of the Infanta to pursue the purpose he had formerly intended THE Barque belonging to Amadis being furnished with fresh water and victuals the Gentleman of the Isle snipt himselfe with them and set sayle away And as they were conuersing together the Gentleman who indeed was a Knight of good fame demanded of Amadis if hee did euer know King Cildadan Yes truely quoth he I haue oftentimes â—eene him among many good Knights and no long time since in the contentions which King Lisuart and Amadis had together Where he carried himselfe so valiantly as I neuer saw any Knight of more merit By my faith sir replied the other it is great pittie that Fortune fauors no better his high deseruing but euermore turnes her back vpon him yea and ouer-rigorously in making him who is borne to great occasions tributorie to king Lisuart Of that tribute answered Amadis he stands now discharged for the King you talke of hath freely forgiuen it him for the noble deedes of Armes hee hath discerned in him and for his many seruices done to him during the time of his hotte employments Wherefore the taxation which was such a blemish to his renowne not by any fault in himselfe but only vpon accident is now cleerely acquitted But know you this for truth said the Knight Yes verily quoth Amadis And so related the whole businesse to him according as you haue heard it already Then the knight lifting vp his eyes and hands to heauen said Blessed be the name of God who hath permitted my good King and Master to enioy the right which is due vnto him Sir Knight said Amadis haue you at any time seene Balan Yes that I haue answered he I pray you replied Amadis to certifie mee what you know concerning him That will I very gladly said the knight and perhaps in better manner then any man else you could
hast done was it in thy power to recall my life if death had pleaded possion of it Or how canst thou excuse this treason in pursuing that villanie which thou hast so impudently begunne against a worthy Knight who had not entred vpon my land but vnder the assurance of my worde Didst thou euer know hitherto that for any thing hapning to me I was any way false or iniurious in my promise Haue I not euermore iustly kept my word to my power as valuing it farre aboue thee or the deare esteeme of mine owne life By the faith I beare to God but that nature somewhat speakes for thee thou shouldest instantly bee hanged ouer my Castle wall as an example to all such villaines as thou art enemies to truth and vertue Take him take the wretch binde him hand and foote and so bear him to the Knight then tell him from mee thus I haue sent the traytour that not only abused him but mee much more and say I entreate him to take such vengeance on him for vs both as hee hath worthily deserued Not any man among them durst euer contradict what hee had cammanded wherfore Brauor was presently seased on strictly bound and so carried thence to Amadis But his mother fearing least such seuerity might be fall him as Balan had vrged and knowing also what wrong the Knight had receiued departed secretly out of the chamber and ranne after her sonne Neuerthelesse she was not so swift of foot but Brauor was presented to Amadis before shee came and in such manner as the Giant had appointed Whereof notwithstanding Amadis made small account but pardoned him honourably and vntied his bonds himselfe euen as the good Ladie came to him whom she presently knew for hee had taken off his Helmet because it was ouer burdenous to him but shee could not imagine how he would deale with her sonne Brauor wherefore shee threw her selfe at his feet and weeping said Alas Lord Amadis doe you not know me Now albeit he very wel remembred her and that shee was the sister to Gandalack yet for a while he would not let her perciue so much but somewhat fiercely answered Ladie I know not who or what you are and desire neuer to come among such bad and wicked people as I haue mette withall in this place Alas Sir said shee if you thinke it meet that I shall conceale your name I am well contented to doe it neuerthelesse I know you to bee Lord Amadis de Gaule brother to Galaor whom I so dearly affect as in honour of him and for his sake I humbly entreate you to pittie and pardon my sonne These wordes moued his noble heart to such coÌ„passion as he could no longer dissemble his displeasure but taking the Lady gently from the ground he thus spake to her Madame my brother my selfe haue receiued such benefits curtesies from Gandalack your Father as I would hazard my person to any perill yea euen to my very latest gaspe to doe him the best seruice consisting in my power or any of his friends for his sake But as concerning your Sonne these men here present know right well that I pardoned him before you could come to begge it of me nay more I vnbound him with mine owne hands before your arriuall without desiring any other reuenge on him but only on such as maintaine wicked and vnlawfull customes Among whom I name your â—usband as the chiefest man whose knowledge of my name I care not for because he may hold himselfe well assured that I will neuer depart froÌ„ this Isle vntil he haue satisfied the lady that came hither with me And therfore if he be so iust and true of his word as he would haue it appeare by open publication let him meete mee in place conuenient for vs both and then he shall know whether he was carried away from mee by right or wrong after I had obtained the mastery ouer him Againe she fell vpon her knees saying beleeue me sir hee will doe you reason in any thing you can demand of him as you may well perceiue that hee was vtterly ignorant in that which his people haue done contrary to his worde For then hee had neither sence nor vnderstanding which may well serue in his excuse Wherefore I sweare to you vpon my faith that if you please to goe along with me to him because he cannot by any meanes come to you before you part one from another I doubt not but you will bee reconciled louing friends Madam answered Amadis I haue not any susption of you But I greatly doubt the condition of Gyants who are coÌ„monly little gouerned by reasoÌ„ but carried away only by furie and crueltie It is true Sir quoth shee and yet notwithstanding I know his goodnesse to bee such as you may well cred it him on mine assurance Your word â—hen answered Amadis shall be my warrant And so I will goe along with you So lacing on his helmet fastening his shield about his neck and grasping his Sword fast in his fist he entred the Castle with the wife to Balan who quickly had aduertisement of their arriuall and therfore requested the knights presence in his chamber No sooner were they entred but the Giant raysed himselfe on his bed so well as hee could saying that he was most heartily welcome Balan answered Amadis I know not how thou meanest but I haue iust occasion to complaine of the villanie offered me by thy men being come vpon thy words warrant to combat with thee and vrge reason for thy wrong to the Lady that conducted me hither And albeit I had the better of thee yet cowardly they assaulted me although I thinke it was not done by thy command being then in disposition not to doe it But be it howsoeuer seeing thy Iustice vpon thine owne Sonne I acquit both thee and them also but not in the case of right appertayning to the Lady for death it selfe cannot hinder me from my duty in her behalfe which makes mee the more louingly dersie thee to giue her contentment Otherwise I must bee constrayned to finish vpon thy Bodie that which I haue already begunne a matter much displeasing to mee for Gandalacks sake whom I dearely affect esteem to whom as I am enformed thou art nearely allied in some nature of affinity Knight replyed Balan although my extreamity of griefe is such to see my selfe vanquished by one Knight only as death would be a thousand times more welcome to me yet both these are of no value at all with me in regard of that dishonour acted by my sonne and seruants And did my strength so much fauour me as but to execute mine owne determinations thou shouldest sufficiently perceiue how farre the power of my word extendeth For the instant I could doe no lesse or yeeld thee any better testimony of my truth then deliuer him into thy power that began so foule and iniurious an offence albeit he is of no meane esteem both to me