aduanced himselfe to the other deliuering him so sound a greeting that he tumbled from his horse with his heeles vpward and turning to the halberders on foot he saw his Squire had dispatched two of them wherefore to harten him the more he thus cried to him My friend thou hast begun very well not one of the rest shall escape vs because such villaines are vnworthy to â—ue WheÌ„ the Squire that was in the windowe saw this bloudy conflict he hastely ranne vp a ladder into a high Tower crying out so loud as he could in this manner My Lord arme your selfe vnlesse you meane to be slâ—ine By chance Galaor vnderstood him whereupon he stepped aside to behold what should ensue wheÌ„ presently he saw a Knight come forth armed and one bringing a horse for him ready to mount but Galaor stepping betweene laid hand on the bridle giuing these speeches to the Knight Another time Sir learne to mount your horse sooner for I haue occasioÌ„ to vse this horse mean to keep him til you can get him from me Greatly astonied was the knight when he heard him because all this while he had not seen him whrefore he returend this answer Are you he that haue slaine my two Nephewes the other heere in the Castle I know not who you aske for replied Galaor but this I can assure ye how I found here the most disloyall bad minded people that euer I delt withal I tel thee said the Knight they whoÌ„ thou hast slaine were better then thou art deerely shalt thou pay for thy boldenes Heerewith they began a fierce and cruell combate on foot for the Knight of the Castle was a man of great valour and such as had seene this dangerous fight would haue maruailed that they could endure halfe so many blows Yet in the end the Knight found himselfe too weake for Galaor wherefore he thought to saue him-selfe by flight but he was followed so neere as hauing entred a porch he was constrained to leap out at a window and falling on a great heape of stones with weight of his armour brake his neck When Galaor saw his desparate end hee returned backe cursing the Castle the wicked inhabitants and passing by a chamber he heard a very dolâ—full voice crying Ah my Lord leaue me not to suffer any more Galaor stepping neere said Open the dore then Ah Sir I cannot answered the voice for I am tied with a strong chaine By these words Galaor knew well it was some prisoner wherefore he ranne against the dore with his foote so strongly that he made it flye from off the hindges entring beheld a faire Damosell tied by the neck with a great chaine who thus spake to Galaor Alas my Lord what is become of the maister of this Castle and his company They be all dead quoth he for comming hither to seeke cure for a wound I receiued in fight they caused me to enter and afterward set vpon me but by the helpe of God I haue so well defended my selfe as they shall neuer doe more harme to any liuing body Heauen be praised answered the Damosell for your happy successe and leaue me not in this misery for being deliuered right soone shall I make whole and found your wounds PreseÌ„tly did Galaor breake the chaine and the Damosel tooke out of acofer two little bottles with other pretious things belonging to the Lord of the Castle and so came downe together into the Court where Galaor perceiued how the first Knight hee â—ousted withall was not yet dead but trauailing to his end wherefore to let him languish no longer he so trapled on his brest with his horse feete as quickly his soule forsooke the body afterward they rode away deuising on many matters This Damosell was wise well gouerned of good grace whereby she could so queintly answer intreate Galaor that he became highly enamoured of her and being able to endure no longer this kindled fire of affection thought good to make some proofe if shee would loue him whereupon hee thus began You know faire Damosell and my friend that I haue deliuered you from prison but in giuing you liberty I am become my selfe captiue and brought into great danger vnlesse you helpe me You may be well assured my Lord quoth she that the matter were verie difficult wherein I would not obey you standing so deepely bounden to you as I do for otherwise I might be reckoned among the most ingratefull women of the world considering the misery you so lately deliuered me from and therefore doe I remaine at your disposition In these familiar conferences they proceeded so far as the execution of this hotte loue soone after followed tasting together the bâ—…fiâ— of such content as other may do the like that haue so good fortune thus merily they passe night in the Pauilion of certaine Hunturs they met with â—…e Forrest So Galaor receiued by this Damosell ease of his new wound loue had made cure of the other he got in fight For certain daies they remained in this wood during which time the 〈◊〉 told him how she was daughter to Thelois the Fleming not long siâ—ce County of Clare by the gift of King Lisuert and a Lady whom he had often entreated as his friend But one day quoth she being with my mother in a Mâ—nastry not far hence the Lord of this Castle whom you haue slâ—ine demaâ—ded me in mariage and because my parents misliked thereof by reason of his vngracious behauiour he watched a day when I was sporting among other Damosels from whom he forcibly caried me away furiously thrusting me into the prison where ye found me saying Be well assured Damosell that seeing thou hast disâ—ained to match with me in mariage and made so little account of my great renowne while thou liuest thou shalt not depart hence til thy mother and the rest of thy kindred come entreate me to take thee as my wâ—fe Perceiuing how seuerely he was bent against me I set downe my rest on patient hope thinking it better for a time to endure that captiuity then by making him my husband suffer a worse Great reason had ye therein answered Galaor but tell me now I pray ye at parting hence what shall become of you for I am constrained to make little stay and must trauaile very farre being too much trouble for you to follow me I desire yee quoth she conduct me to the Monasterie from whence I was taken for my mother is there who will be right ioyfull to see me at liberty With all my heart replied Galaor so mounting on horseback about Sun setting they arriued at the monasterie where they were receiued with great ioy especially when the Damosell had declared his worthy deeds of Chiualry done for her and albeit he determined a speedy departure yet at the request of the faire sisters he taried there longer then before he intended Heere paused the Author on this matter to tell ye what
THE ANCIENT FAMOVS And Honourable History of Amadis de Gaule DISCOVRSING THE ADVENTVRES Loues and Fortunes of many Princes Knights and Ladies as well of Great Brittaine as of many other Kingdomes beside c. Written in French by the Lord of Essars Nicholas de Herberay Ordinarie Commissarie of the Kings Artillerie and his Lieutenant thereof in the Countrie and gouernment of Picardie c. Printed at London by NICHOLAS OKES 1619 TO THE RIGHT HONORABLE SIR PHILLIP HERBERT Knight of the Bath at the Coronation of our dread Soueraigne King James Lord Baron of Sherland Earle of Mountgomerie and Knight of the most Noble Order of the Garter c. HAuing already presented your Honour with the Third and Fourth Bookes of this famous History of Amadis de Gaule and standing engaged by my promise to translate so many more of them as time and your noble acceptance shall thereto enable me finding also those two imprinted parts to appeare as a body without an head because these former Bookes are the guide and dirction to them all I haue now finished them and therefore make a fresh representation of them all foure to your Honour The fift sixt seuenth and eight Bookes being already in good forwardnesse of translation with as much expedition as possible may bee and your worthy encouragement for their proceeding shall very shortly present themselues before you in the best habit that mine ability can put vpon them It is not vnknwne to your honour that the manifolde impressions of this history the Bookes thereof being now come to be fiue and twentie in number and printed in places farre distant a sunder through neglect in the publishers or defect of the Bookes which are perfect indeede many false volumes haue flowne abroade and the world thereby v◅ much abused But by the helpe of that worthy Lady I haue had such Bookes as were of the best editions and them as I haue already begun I intend to follow In the meane time Noble Lord accept of these foure Bookes I beseech you and defend them from the venomous tongue of foule mouthde detraction burying all my imperfections heerein committed in the vrgent importunitie of that worthy Lady by whom I haue thus boldly presumed the rest will beare me blamelesse against your least mislike Your Honours in all duty A. M. THE FIRST BOOKE OF AMADIS DE GAVLE Discoursing the Aduentures and Loue of many Knights and Ladies as well of the Realme of great Brittaine as sundry other Countries c. CHAP. I. Of whence the Kings Garinter and Perion were and the Combate betweene Perion and two Knights as also how he fought with a Lyon that deuoured a Hart in their presence with the successe following thereon SOone after the passion of our Sauiour Iesus Christ there reigned in little Brittaine a King named Garinter enstructed in the lawe of veritie and highly adorned with many laudable vertues hauiug a Noble Ladye to his Wife by whome he had two beautifull Daughters The eldest beeing maried with Languines King of Scotts was commonly called the Lady of the Garland because the King her Husband taking great pleasure to behold the golden tresses of her haire would haue them no otherwise couered then with a faire circle or chaplet of flowers Languines enioying by his Queene Agrates and Mabila of whom this present History often maketh mentiō The other yongest Daughter to this King Garinter was named Elisena very much excelling the eldest in beauty though she had been oftētimes desired in mariage by sundry Princes and great Lords yet as then she had no wil thereto but for her solitary and holy life was commonly called of euery one The lost Virgin in deuotion considering that in a person of such estate endued with such excellent beauty and solicited by so many great Princes this strickt religion was not conuenient King Garinter being sumewhat in yeeres for recreatiō tooke pleasure in Hunting whē at one time amōg other it happened that hauiug appointed a meeting neure one of his Cities called Alyma a Hart was put forth in pursuite whereof himselfe wandred very farre wherefore seeing he had lost both his people and game commending himselfe to God he began to make sumwhat the more hast til hauing trauersed first one way and then another at the very entrance into a Wood he saw two Knights fighting against one Soone had he knowledge of the twaine in that they were his owne Subiects of whome he had heard sundry complaintes but slender order was taken in the cause by reason of the great alliance they had in the Country as also for that they kept themselues still in this greatforrest Who the third should be he meruailed and for that time he so well liked the valour of the one Knight as he feared not what might happen to the other twaine wherefore he withdrew himselfe a little further into the Forrest because he might the better beholde the issue of the fight which sorted to such effect as by the strength of the one Knight both the other were vanquished and slaine The King beholding what had happened came forth of the Wood when the Knight seeing one so neere him alone thus demaunded Gentle Sir what Country is this where Knightes errant arc thus assayled by robbers and theeues Let this be no wonder to you Sir answered the King for this Country yeelds as others doe both good and bad as for them that thus assaulted you they haue done diuers villainous outrages not only in this Wood which hath been their accustomed receptacle but likewise in many other places and cheefely against their Lord King who could not execute iustice on them in that they were allyed to the best houses in this Realme And where may I find the King you speake of said the Knight for I am come to seeke him to bring him newes from a great friend of his Happen what shall answered Garinter I will tell ye so much as I know vnderstand then for a truth that I am the man you aske for At these words the Knight tooke off his Helmet and throwing downe his Sheeld ran to embrace him saying that he was King Perion of Gaule who of long time had been desirous to know him Greatly were these Kings contented that their meeting was in such fortunate manner and conferring together on many matters they tooke the waye through the Wood toward the Citie where they thought to find the Hunters but suddenly a Hart ranne before them which with some danger had escaped the toyles wherefore the Princes gallopped after the Deere hoping to kil it ere they gaue ouer But it fell out otherwise for in the pursuite as they came into the thickest of the Wood a chafed Lyon ran before them which in their sight seazed on the Hart and hauing with his strong pawes torne it in peeces turned againe when running furiously against the two Princes he watched his aduantage as if they had angred him which the King Perion
Knight suffer ye so to do Yea mary Sir replied the Prince he is now become more patient for hee hath endured the losse of his head When the Knight heard of Galpans death he presently alighted from his Horse and ran to kisse the Princes feete but he would not suffer him yet could he not hold him from embracing his Sheeld saying Ah Gentle Knight how highly am I indebted to you you are to this place the most wellcome man in the world for by your meanes haue I thorowly recouered mine honor Leaue wee this talke said the Prince say where I may quickly finde some remedy for my wounds In my house answered the knight abideth a Neece of mine who shal heale your hurts better then any other So riding on they arriued at the castle where being dismounted they walked into the great hall the Knight reporting by the way how Galpan had kept him from bearing Armes one whole yeere and a halfe compelling him to change his name and sweare to call himselfe while he liued the conquered by Galpan but now quoth he seeing he is dead mine honor is restored me againe Afterwarde he caused the Prince to be vnarmed and laid in a sumptuous bed where his wounds were dilligently attended by the Lady who assur ed him in short timeto make him well againe if he would be aduised by her councell which he promised faithfully to do CHAP. VIII How the third day after the Gentleman of the sea departed from king Languines the three Knights came to the Court bringing with them the wounded Knight in a Litter and his disloyall wife ON the third day after the Prince left the Court of King Languines where hee receiued the order of Knight-hood the three Knights came thither with their wounded brother and his trothlesse wife of whom the discourse hath beene already recited At their arriuall they presented him before the King letting him vnderstand the cause of their comming and deliuering their prisoner on the new Knights behalfe to deale with her as he should thinke conuenient Greatly did the King meruaile at the womans disloyaltie not imagining such wickednes could haue harboured in her notwithstanding he thanked the Knight that had sent them to his Courte yet could he not guesse who it was for he nor any body else knew that the Gentlman of the sea was Knighted but the Princesse Oriana and the Ladies which accompanied her in the Chappell Full soone was hee aduertised of his absence from the Courte but he thought hee was gone to visite his father Gandales thē the King turning to the knight in the Litter said Me thinkes that a woman so vnfaithful as your wife hath beene deserueth not to liue My Lord quoth the Knight doe therein as it shal like your maistey as for me I will neuer consent that the thing I most loue should die This said the Knights tooke their leaue of the King carying backe againe with thē their brother in the Litter leauing their sister to receiue iustice by the Kings appointmēt who after their departure called for her said Womā thy malice hath bene too great in respect of thy husbands kindnes but thou shalt be made an example to all other that they heereafter offend not in the like and so he commanded her to be burned aliue The execution being doone the King was in greater pensiuenesse then before because he knew not who the new knight should be that parting so suddenly from his Court but the Squire standing by which lodged the Gentleman of the sea afterward conducted him to the Castell where he deliuered King Perion from death began to imagine that it was his guest wherefore he said to the King It may be my Lord a yong Knight with whom the Damosell of Denmarke and my selfe were certaine daies and then we left him when wee came thither Knowest thou his name quoth the King No my Lord quoth the Squire but hee is both yong and very beautyfull beside I saw him do such rare deeds of Chiualrie in so little time as in mine opinion if I liue he will proue one of the best Knights in the world Then discoursed he at large euery action as also how hee deliuered King Perion in the time of great danger When the King had noted well his taile his desire to know him increased now more and more My Lord quoth the Squire the Damosell that came hether with me happily can tel ye more tydings of him for it was my chance to meet them together Of what Damosell speakest thou said the King Of her answered the Squire that lately came from great Brittaine to Madame Oriana Presently was she sent for and hee demanded what the Knight was of whom there went such reporte Whereupon she declared so much as she knew cheefely the occasion wherefore she rode with him and in what manner the Launce was giuen him by Vrganda as to the onely Knight in the world but in sooth quoth shee I know not his name for neuer could I learne it of him Ah God said the King how may it be Now was Oriana voyde of all doubting for shee well knew it was her Gentleman of the sea but shee was so grieued with the news which the Damosell of Denmarke had brought her as shee well knew not whom she might cōplaine to for the king her father sent her word how she should prepare her self in readinesse to come to him so soon as his Ambassadours should bee sent for her into Scotland But much more willingly could she affoord to stay in that Country then there whether she should now goe against her mind not onely in respect of her gentle vsage there but because she imagined by being far thence she should be further from him that had the prime of her affection beside she might there hardly afterward heare any newes of him but continuing in Scotland she could easily compasse it In these melancholly thoughts was the amourous Princesse and the King on the other side in dayly musing what he might be that sent the foure Knights with the wicked woman whom the fire had consumed But fiue or sixe dayes after these matters were thus passed as the King was conferring with his Sonne Agraies who now stood vpon departing toward Gaule to succour the king his Vnccle there entred a Damosell who falling on her knee before all the assembly framed her speeches to Agraies in this manner May it please ye my Lord that in the presence of his highnes and this assembly I deliuer a message of importance to ye then taking the Helmet from her Squire she thus proceeded This Helmet thus broken and battered as ye see I present ye in place of Galpans head as a token to you from a new Knight to whom in my iudgment it better belongeth to beare Armes then any other and the cause why hee sends it you is for that Galpan vilainously abused a Damosell that came to you on vrgent affaires What quoth the King
you grant me not a sudden and cruell death will take hold on me These words were accompanied with such aboundance of teares as was no small griefe to her to behold Alas my Lord quoth she forbeare these often repetitions of your death the thought thereof is insupportable to mee for should you die I were vnable to liue one houre after considering all the pleasure I haue in this world is in the ioy of your health and welfare Nor can I but be assured of your words by reason mine owne case is sufficient therein being copartner with you in euery torment but if yours seeme more violent this is the reason my will being equall with yours wanteth the strength you haue in suffering cannot effect the desire of our hearts which vrgeth loue and griefe more in you then me albeit my share is not one iote the lesse But this I promise you on my faith if fortune or our owne endeauour can compasse no meane to yeelde vs content my selfe will search some way whatsoeuer happen bee it hate of Father Mother Kinred Friends for we may not thus procrastinate our ioy and groane vnder the weighty burden of desire the flame whereof climeth so high as the martyrdome of our hearts may easily bee discouered No doubt these wordes were pleasing to Amadis and gaue such cheerefull life to his hope that hee was rauished with inwarde conceit thereof when shee seeing him mute trode vpon his foote saying Discomfort not your selfe my Lord for I will not fayle what I haue promised nor shall you depart till you perceiue it and shortly will the King hold open Court when both he and the Queen must depend on your assistance knowing well that your presence shall honour the company As they would haue continued in longer talke the Queene called Amadis causing him to sit downe by Galaor for the King was gone to his chamber Then began the Ladies to censure on the brethren but they resembled each other so like as little difference could bee discerned betweene them euery one being of the opinion that these twayne were the most perfect amongst all Knights both in beauty noblenesse bounty and good grace but Galaor was somewhat whiter in complexion and Amadis of bigger bone his locks more crispt and faire and hauing a little more red in his face then Galaor had Soone after the Queene willed Galaor to go see her daughter and the other Ladies when he regarding the excellent beaury of Oriana imagined such another was not to be found in the world and by her often sighing with alteration of colour he suspected her to be the onely cause that his brother liked so well to stay in King Lisuarts Court Right courteously was hee welcommed among the Ladies and diuerse familiar speeches passed betweene them till the King being set to meate sent for Amadis and Galaor to beare him company as also Agraies and his vnckle Galuanes CHAP. XXXII How King Lisuart departed from Windsore to the Cittie of London there to hold open and royall Court IN the beginning of this book it hath been declared how the diuine bountie calling Lisuart to the Realme of great Brittaine soone after of a disinherited Prince made him the peaceable King of such a Monarchy by the death of his elder brother Falaugris who dyed without any heire of his body begotten Likewise how he was reputed such a great Lord through the world as many Knights came from strange Countries to serue him not thinking themselues happy except they might bee named Knights of his Court But within a while after whether this fortunate king forgot the author of his good or else it happened by diuine permission this happy Realme fell into persecution and the illustrous state of King Lisuart was troubled and obscured that all men might know how he onely is Lord and King of all liuing creatures who exalteth and abaseth when him pleaseth according as you shall here vnderstand For King Lisuart hauing coÌ„cluded to hold the most royal and stately Court that euer king did in the Realme of great Brittayne commanded that on the 5. day following all the Lords of his Kingdom should appeare personally at London there to determine on matters of chiualâ—ie which he intended to maintaiue with all honour might be deuised But in the selfe-same place where he thought the greater part of the world should yelde him obeysance began the first mutabilities of Fortune bringing his estate and person in danger of vtter ruine according as you shall vnderstand at large King Lisuart departing with all his traine from Windsore to keepe his Court at the famous Cittie of London it was wonderfull to beholde the Lords Ladies and Gentlewomen that gaue their attendance especially so many young Gentlewomen beeing there present some to regard the magnificeuce of the Court other to do seruice to their louely mistresses and nothing now generally minded but pastime and pleasure The King likewist for greater maiestie of his Court ordained that none of this assembly should lodge in the Cittie but to erect their Pauillions in the fields and meddowes along the banckes that hemmed in the faire riuer of Thames least the extreame heate might be hurtfull to them all which being done according to appointment the fields seemed as a most royall Camp or as if the greater part of the world were there assembled But because the king arriued there two or three daies before the feast he went to his Pallace accompanied onely with his Queene Amadis Galaor Agraies Don Galuanes and certaine other his most fauoured the rest kept themselues in their tents according as the herbingers had in quarters limited them With sundry sorts of pastimes was the King entertained which continued till fortune enuying his felicitie changed them into griefe tears by the meanes of a Lord no subiect to the King but his nerrer neighbour then friend named Barsinan a man opulent in riches and endued with few vertues as may be gathered by the matter ensuing This Barsinan was Lord of a Countrey called Sansuegua and very familiar with Arcalans the enchanter who not long before came to him and conferred with him in this manner My Lord quoth hee the great desire I haue to doe you seruice hath made me inuent the meane if you like thereof to deliuer in short time the Realme of great Brittaine quietly into your hands without much hazarding your person or any great expence When Barsinan who was a very ambitious man heard the wordes of Asculaus who promised to make him King if he would he thus replied In good faith my deere friend Arcalaus if thou canst performe the thing thou vauntest of no feare shall hinder me to hazard my person much lesse will I reckon of expence if I see any likely-hood in the compassing It is a thing saide Arcalaus very easie to bee done and presently shall you vnderstand by what meanes prouided that you sweare to me after you are seated in the regiment to make me
promised Angriote that he should enioy me as his Wife whereof when I attained knowledg I withdrew my selfe to a Castle of mine where I kept such a strong guarde and custome as it was thought impossible for any strange knight to enter there without licence but that knight comming thither vanquished my guardants and hath vtterly abolished the drift I intended Yet afterward of his owne good will he promised mee to cause Amadis recall his offer to Angriote then chanced an vnhappy combat betweene him and this knight mine Vnckle who being at the latest extremitie of his life at my request he was spared on this condition that on the first day your Maiesty held open Court I should here present my selfe to grant a request he must demand of me To satisfie my promise I am come hither and desire to know what he will command me At which words Amadis stepped forward saying My Lord the Lady hath told ye nothing but truth concerning the seuerall promises at the Combats therefore am I ready here to accomplish that Amadis shall call back his word to A◅iote prouided she performe her owne promise On my conscience quoth shee if you effect what you haue said you pleasure me more then you can imagine and to let you know I am ready to fulfill my offer demand what you please for if it be in my power you shall preuaile I request nothing else answered Amadis but that you would accept Angriote as your husband he louing you so deerely as he doth Out alas cryed the Lady what maner of demand is this I wish Madame said Amadis that you would marry with such a one as is well worthy to haue so faire a Lady In sooth knight quoth shee this is not according to the promise you made me I promised nothing replied Amadis but I will performe it for if I stand bound to you to cause Amadis discharge his word to Angriote herein I accomplish it I am Amadis and I reuoke the promise I made him wherein you must needes confesse your selfe satisfyed hee gladly would enioy you as his Wife and I ioyne with him in the same request thus stand I free discharged to you both May it be possible quoth she that you are the man so highly renouned Credit me Lady answered the King this is Amadis Ah wretch that I am said she now do I wel perceiue that art not cuning can preuent what God hath appointed for I haue done my vttermost to escape Angriote not onely for the euill I wish him disdaining his good and vertuous deserts but carying this resolution that keeping my selfe chast and single I would not bring my liberty into subiection and now when I thought to be furthest from him I am come neerer then euer I intended Lady quoth the King you haue great occasion to reioyce for you being faire and rich he is a yong and braue disposed knight as you are rich in goods and possessions euen so is he in bounty and vertue not onely in deedes of Armes but in all other good qualities beseeming a knight therefore your mariage together is very requisite and I thinke all in this presence are of mine opinion heereupon shee stepped to the Queene saying Madam you are esteemed one of the most vertuous Princesses in the world most humbly I desire your councell what I shall do Faire friend answered the Queene according to the reputation Angrtote had gotten among the good he well deserueth not onely to bee aboundant in riches but to bee loued of any Lady he shall chuse Why Lady said Amadis think you not that by accident or affection my promise was made to Angriote for had he compelled me to one of these twaine then might you well haue condemned mee of folly but making tryall of his valour and hardinesse yea to mine owne cost I dare assure ye and knowing likewise his earnest loue to you me thinkes the iustice of the cause commands that not only my selfe but all such as are acquainted with him ought to labor in seeking remedy for you both in him the extreame passions hee endureth through your loue in you by making his restlesse griefes known to you Now trust me Sir quoth shee such prayse haue I heard of your vsage to euery one as I imagine you would not say before such an assembly otherwise then truth wherefore following your counsell as also the pleasure of the King and Queene I will forget my former stubborne opinion and am ready to accomplish what you shall command mee Then Amadis taking her by the hand called Angriote and presenting him his loue said Sir Angriote I promised to do my vttermost in this matter say now is this the Lady you would haue Euen she quoth Angriote is the life and essence of my Soule and I am deuoted to none but her Then here I giue her you replied Amadis on this condition that you shall be forth-with married together and continue in honourable loue to her as she deserueth I thanke you my Lord quoth he with all my heart and will obserue your gentle commandement Presently the King called for the Bishoppe of Salerne who conducted them to the Church where they were espoused in the presence of many great Lords Afterward they returned to the Citty and there the wedding was solemnized with great ioy and Triumphs wherefore wee may well say that not men but God appoynteth mariage who perceiued the honest and continent loue which Angriote euer-more bare to this selfe-willed Lady For albeit hee had her in his custodie neuer did he meane dishonorablie against her but by vertuous cogitations bridled vnlawfull desire onely to expresse how intirely he loued her and by obeying her seueere charge lost his life wel-neare when he combatted with Amadis CHAP. XXXIII How King Lisuart would haue the aduise of his Princes and Lords as concerning his former determination for the high exalting and entertayning of Chiualrie AFter the end of this mariage which by diuersity of opinions caused much talke as commonly it happeneth in such cases the King commanded silence againe by his Herauld when euery one being attentiue to heare what he would say he thus began My friends no one of you is ignorant of the heauenly fauour toward me by appointing me the greatest earthly Lord that liueth this day in the Isles of the. Ocean Wherefore I thinke it conuenient that as wee in this countrey are the chiefe so should we be second to no other Prince in rendring immortall thankes by good and vertuous workes whereon we are now minded to determine In this respect I intreate command albeit Kings are the heads of their Monarchies you the members that you would altogether take aduise and giue mee counsell euen from your consciences what you thinke most expedient for mee to do as well for the benefit of my Subiects as also for our estate And I assure ye I am minded to beleeue your opinions as proceeding frō loyall and saithfull subiects wherfore
againe I desire ye that without feare each one would in particular and generally aduise what we ought to doe as matter most commendable Herewith he held his peace and Barsinan Lord of Sansuegua was intreated by all the assistants to speake his opinion which they did for no other reason but because the King would haue euery one honour him whereupon after many excuses on his own behalfe he arose from his seate making humble reuerence thus spake seeing it liketh you I should first declare my censure I desire the King and this company to pardon my ignorance being vnworthy of this honorable and gracious fauor But me thinks vnder submission to his pleasure and better aduise of al you my Lords that wee should with-draw our selues a while from the presence of his Maiesty where we may more freely conceiue our seuerall humors This answer was generally well liked wherefore the King and Queene left them together walking into another of their Pauillions then Seroloys the Fleming Countie of Clare began in this manner You haue all heard my Lords the good zeale the King hath to the gouernement not only of the coÌ„mon wealth in his Realm but particularly to the honorable encrease of Chiualry which he desireth to continue in greater preeminence then euer it hath beene And therefore my Lords humbling my selfe to better opinion I thinke it good to supply the intent of our King that wee all ought to counsell him to strengthen himselfe with men and money for they are the sinnews of warre and peace whereby all Kings on the earth are maintained in their puissant authority For it is most certaine that treasure is for Souldiers and men at armes by whome Kings reigne nor ought it for any cause to bee else-where dispended without committing of true sacrilidge for these affairts are termed holy causing the state to liue in tranquility and winne glorious conquests of such as seeke to inuade them Beside to attaine the better thereto his Maiestie must seeke meanes to get all the knights he can heare of as well strangers as other entreating them with liberality to send his renowne on winges through the world which will fetch from the furthest parts men to his seruice in hope of condigne recompence to their labour By their aid he may easily make himselfe Monarch of al the Princes by Eeast and West for it hath neuer beene read or heard that any Prince could make himselfe great except by the assistance of valiant aâ—d hardy Knights hauing bought their vallour in braue attempts I tearme it bought by fauouring honoring and distributing their treasure among them that they may receiue no occasion of dislike but with vnconquerable resolution to pursue victorie As he would haue proceeded in further perswasion the greater part of the Lords seemed to allow of his opinion afferffing that better conncell could not bee giuen which when Barsinan heard he requested audience for him-selfe and hauing grant thereof he intended to reuerse this first aduise because he might very hardly else goe forward with his secret purpose the silence being made Barsinan thus begins It seemeth by your countenance my Lords that the County of Clares opinion is a grounded truth for I see the most part of you auerre the same not hauing heard any thing to the contrary notwithstanding I hope to make it knowne to you all and to the king himselfe hereafter how much I desire to be friend him you and the whole Realme The county of Clare hath laid before you that the King your maister ought to strengthen himselfe by the multitude force of strange knights whom he would haue called from all parts of the world in sooth if his opinion were to bee credited and you your selues bound to follow it I am certaine in short time their number would be such as your king who is a good Prince and liberall would not only congratulate them with what he was wont to bestow on you but likewise take your owne from you and giue to them for naturaly matter of nouelty and neuer seene before is most pleasing Hereupon it followeth that whatsoeuer seruice you performe bee it of neuer so high esteemation yet shall you fall into his disdaine and obliuion and strangers lift you from the seats which now do promise your securest quiet Therefore my Lords before you conclude this matter is of so great importance as you all ought to bee aduised by good and descreete deliberaâ—ion in your graue iudgements I hope there is no one in all this assembly that will presume I speake otherwise then reason and the good loue I beare yee doth admonish me for I thanke God I am such a one as neede to regard the greatest Prince my neighbor no more then he doth me but considering I am in so noble compay and haue here receiued such fauour and honour I rather desire God is my witnesse I had neuer beene borne then to flatter men with vaine perswasions You must therefore my Lords diligently fore-see least afterward you repent with too much leysure And heere he paused for the murmour was so great among them as they hardly gaue him time to conclude because the most part of them that accorded to the first opinion were now changed and helde with Barsinan by meanes whereof they could determine nothing but it was appointed how the king should bee acquainted with this controuersie that hee might set downe some better order and after it had againe beene debated in his presence hee thus spake vnto them all My honourable friends I am sure that the loue you beare me your forward desire in doing mee seruice hath brought you into these intricate difficulties and I thinke there is no one of you all but hath spoken so neere to truth as is possible whereby your iudgements are so sound and good as better cannot bee heard from any Notwithstanding it is a thing most sure and certaine that the Kings of the earth are not esteemed great by the number of places in their possession but by the quantity and multitude of their people ouer whom they rule and command For what can one king alone do it may be much lesse theÌ„ the simplest of his subiects and beside it shal seem a matter aboue his power to gouerne maintain his estate without people let him abound in neuer so much wealth nor can these transitorie gifts of fortune be better imployed then distributed among such as well deserue them Whereby I gather how euery man of good iudgement will say that good counsell and strength of men is the very treasure indeede If yet you will haue better instance hereof looke on the liues of great Alexander strong Iulius Caesar gentle Hannibal and many other whose names beare the title of immortality they by the treasure of men and not mony were made Kings Emperours Monarchs for they could bountifully distribute their coyne to such as they well knew had best deserued it and likewise would vse them
and will performe it Receiue then your libertie answered Madasima yet must you not depart this night These words she spake because she intended to seale the bargaine with Galaor When the time came that summoned them to rest Amadis was conducted to one chamber and Galaor to another whither soone after Madasima repaired she being young beautifull and aduenturously giuen Galaor likewise a man forward to such fortunes when Loue had erected his scaling-ladders to the walls quickly got possession of the Forte And so well liked shee these amorous skirmishes as afterward she reported in many places how she neuer tasted a more pleasant night and had she not promised him departure hardly would she haue let him goe so soone nor did shee but in hope of his speedie returne Thus was she enclined to voluptuous desire as without care of her honour she often fell in this sort By these meanes escaped Amadis and Galaor vnder the conditions you haue heard which they hoped to preuent without impeach as hereafter shall be declared vnto you All that day they rode not hindered by any thing and at night were friendly entertained in an hermitage setting forward the next morning to the Court of King Lisuart CHAP. XXXV How King Lisuart was in danger of his person and his state by the vnlawfull promises he made too rashly and vnaduisedly FOure dayes after Amadis Galaor departed from the Court the ancient Knight came to the Cittie of London who left the Crowne and the mantle with the Queene as you haue heard when falling on his knee before the King he began in this manner I marueil my Lord that in a time of such honor you weare not the Crowne I left with you And you Madame quoth he to the Queene is it possible you should make so slender account of the sumptuous mantle I gaue you in charge not deigning as yet to proue it or how it will become ye When the King heard his words knowing they were lost he sate a good while without any answere which made the knight thus begin againe On my faith I am glad you like thē not for had you pleased to keepe them you must likewise haue granted my demand and happely it would proue greater then you expect otherwise in falsifying your promise you might procure the losse of my head Most humbly therefore I beseech ye my Lord to will them be deliuered me againe because I may tarry no longer here At which words the King seemed much offended and not being able any longer time to conceale his hidden anger earnestly fixing his eyes vpon him which were then ouer clouded with a discontented brow he brake forth into these following speeches Know knight that whatsoeuer promises I haue made to thee are like those decrees which stand registred in the booke of Fate immutable and thou shalt finde that I will keepe them inuiolable Although I must confesse for the which I am heartily sorry not so much for my selfe who am a partner with thee in the losse as for thy sake who committed them to my trust that both the Crowne and Mantle are vtterly lost how or by what meanes I cannot relate would heauens would please to be so propitious as to bring to light this deede of darkenesse then should my now troubled heart finde comfort and you your wished desire Which till then cannot rest contented my much perplexed minde would then bee at peace which now is at ciuill Warres and intestine contention within me At which words not being able any further by his tongue the hearts best interpreter both for ioy and griefe to expresse himselfe he abruptly paused partlie moued thereunto by the knight who gaue a loud shrike saying Ah wretched and miserable old man now comes the time I so much feared bringing with it my latest and vnluckie exigent haue I not long enough endured torments but now must after all those miseries finish mine olde age in the most sore cruell death was euer heard of hauing by no offence deserued it While thus he complained the teares aboundantly trickled downe his white beard which moued the most constant to pitty his griefe and the King himself ouercom with cōpassion returned this answere Feare not Knight to speede any thing the worse for my losse you must be satisfied whatsoeuer it cost me according as I faithfuly promised At these words the Knight would haue kissed his feete but the King restrained him saying Demand what thou wilt for thou shalt haue it I know my Lord quoth the Knight you remember your promise to deliuer my Crowne and Mantle or whatsoeuer I requested for them God is my witnesse I intended not to desire what now I must needes by reason I haue no other meane whereby to bee deliuered if I had I would acquit you of the griefe I know you will endure granting me the thing I must of necessitie demand but now it may not be otherwise except you infringe your faith loyaltie Rather will I lose my Kingdome replied the King then make apromise and not fulfill it say boldly therefore thy minde I thanke your Maiesty quoth the knight there now remaineth nothing but to haue assurance from the Lords of your Court that they seeke not to take from me the gift you must deliuer otherwise your promise cannot be perform'd or I satisfied hauing a reward now and taken from me anon Great reason said the King my word shall stand for their warrant Seeing my Lord quoth the knight Fortune hath so permitted that you haue lost my Mantle and the Crowne it is impossible to saue my head except you giue me Madame Oriana your Daughter Be therefore now aduised either restore my Iewells or giue me her albeit I loue the one better then the other for neuer can I haue so much good by her as I sustaine harme by your vnhappie losse Now began all the Lords and Barons to murmur against the knight perswading the king to deny his word but he rather desired death he was such a good and loyall Prince and this answere hee made them Be not offended my good friends the losse of my Daughter will not be so preiudiciall to me as the breach of my promise for if the one be enuious the other is iniurious and to be shunned euery way The proofe is ready if Subiects finde not their Prince faithfull and his word inuiolable what care will they haue of the loue and fidelitie they owe to him much better vnborne then any such blemish this knight therefore must haue my daughter and I will deliuer her according to my promise Hereupon he sent for her but the Queene being present all this while little thought the king would so forget his fatherlie loue and when she heard this rigorous sentence pronounced against her Daughter shee good Lady fell at the kings feete when weeping as a Mother for the losse of her Childe she said What will ye doe my My Lord will ye bee more inhumane to your
swordes where-with hee resisted his enemies brauely As the cosin to Arcalaus followed his intent the king gaue his horse such a blow ouer the face as by rearing vp hee fell downe back-ward yet the Knight recouered himselfe and Galaor seeing one fight with the king came to assist him when snatching off his helmet hee would haue smitten his head from his shoulders but the king would not suffer him saying hee should liue and dye a theefe The two cosins who were named Don Guilan and Ladasin pursued another knight whome they slew and returning backe againe they knew the king which stroke them into no little maruaile because they heard nothing of his mis-fortune then alighting from their horses they took off their helmets and did him reuerence when hee knowing them right well embraced them in his armes saying My friends you haue succoured me in a needefull time for which I may liue to requiâ—e you with thankes yet haue you wronged me by your absence from the Court and for your loue to each other I lost you both especially you Lord Guilan your minde being else-where made you forget me These words caused a modest blush in Don Guilan beause the king disciphered his loue which was the Duchesse of Bristoya who was not one â—ot behinde him in affection as well witnessed the good entertainment she gaue him tasting together the fruit of their contentment Which the Duke so doubted and dayly conceiued such strange suspition thereof as it procured the iniurie was done to Galaor when the Dwarffe espied him in the garden at his returne from faire Aldena whereby the Damosell was in danger of burning as the history here-tofore hath declared to you But while the king thus communed with Don Guilan Galaor had got the Nephew of Arcalaus beside his horse and tyed the chaine about his neck the king was bound withall then taking the best horses belonged to the dead knights they rode toward London And by the way Ladasin recounted to the king how he contended with Galaor for riding so fast offering him the combate which he refused because he would delay no time for his succour which caused the king to require him with many thankes that he could so well forbeare in a case of such necessity But my Lord quoth Don Guilâ—â— my hap was more hard for by thinking on her who oftentimes makes mee to forget my selfe a knight encountred with mee and by force of his Lance cast me from my saddle In sooth answered the king I haue heard talke of many louers and what they enterprise for their Ladies yet neuer of any folly comparable to yours which giueth me good cause to coniecture that you were not in vaine named Guilan the pensiue for you are the greatest muser I euer heard of As thus they beguiled the time they ariued at the house of Ladasin which was not farre thence whither soon after came Galaors squire and Dardan the Dwarffe who thought his maister had taken that way Then did Galaor tell the king how his brother Amadis was gone to reskew his daughter and in what manner they heard of their seperation by the poore labourers wherefore he aduised him to send speedily to London least his mis-hap being published iu the Cittie might raise some coÌ„motion amoÌ„g the people Credit me quoth the king seeing Amadis vndertooke to follow my daughter I will not as yet account her lost if the traytor Arcalaus worke no new villany by his enchantments but as concerning my happy deliuerance I like well that my Queen should vnderstand thereof Whereupon Ladasin called a Squire whom the king presently sent to the Court as Galaor aduised After they had well refreshed themselues they were conducted to their chambers and on the morrowe set forward on their iourney the king coÌ„muning with the Nephew of Arcalaus as concerning the enterprise of his kinsman which made him reueale the whole determination and how Barsinan was in hope to be king of Great Brittain Hereupon the king concluded to make the more haste thinking to finde Barsinan as yet at London and to punish him for his audacious presumption CHAP. XXXVIII How newes came to the Queene that the King was taken And how Barsinan laboured to vsurpe the City of London I If you haue well noted the former discourse you may easily remember how the poor labouring men not knowing the king Oriana seeing how iniuriously they were intreated by Arcalaus and his complices were glad to hide them-selues in the wood in like manner how afterward they vnderstood by Amadis and Galaor that the prisoners were king Lisuarts and his daughters Whereupon so soone as the two knights were parted from them they hasted to report these newes in London which caused such a murmuring through the Citty especially among the knights as they presently armed themselues and mounted on horse backe in such troupes as the fields were quickly couered with men horses At this time was king Arban of Norwales talking with the Queene little thinking on any mis-fortune when one of his Squires bringing his Armour sayde My Lord you tarry heere triâ—â—ing too long arme your selfe quickely followe the rest who by this time haue gotten so farre as the Forrest What is the matter answered King Arban Ah my Lord quoth the Squire newes is brought to the Citie how certaine villaines haue carried the King away prisoner Prisoner replyed king Arban may it be possible Too true my Lord answered the Squire When the Queene heard these vnhappy tydings not able to vndergoe so great an oppression she fell downe in a swoune but king Arban hauing more minde on the King left her in her Ladies armes hasting with all speed hee could to horse-backe When he was setting foot in stirrop hee heard the allarme sounded and the assault which Barsinan gaue to the Castle whereby hee gathered they were betraied wherefore hee caused the Queenes lodging to bee guarded and returning to the Citie sawe euery one ready in Armes when chusing so many as hee pleased as also two hundred well approoued knights hee sent two of the cheefest to the Tower of London to vnderstaÌ„d the cause of the allarme To them it was reported how Barsinan had forcibly entred with his traine killing and casting ouer the walls al that he met Herein he followed the message of the Page from Arcalaus finding very slender resistance for most part of the knights and men of account were gone to succour the king Highly displeased was king Arban at these newes perswading himselfe the king had been betrayed wherefore to preuent such other inconueniences that might happen he ordained his men in battaile placing good watch about the Queenes lodging And thither Barsinan now prepared hoping to take the Queen as hee had done the tower but he met with stronger resist theÌ„ he expected and the skirmishes proceeding on either side Barsinan took a prisoner by whoÌ„ he was aduertised how king ArbaÌ„ wold with-stand him euen to the death Now began
hee to deuise how by faire speech and falshood he might take the king crauing a parle with him whereto king Arban willingly agreed and silence being made on both sides Barsinan began in this manner I euer thought til now my Lord that you were one of the best aduised knights in the world but by proofe I perceiue a man may finde the contrary yet this I think withall that what you doe is for the safetie of your honor Herein you appeare of simple iudgement considering in the end it will bee but the losse of you and your men in respect king Lisuart your late Lord is dead for proofe whereof euen he that slew him will ere long send me his head Sith fortune then hath dealt so hardly with him and I at this instant am the greatest Lord in this countrey dare you denie to make me king Alas you abuse your selfe the best will be for you to yeelde your selfe louingly and I shall entreate you so well as any Prince in my Realm suffering you still to enioy the countrey of Norwales and particularly beside will so honor you as you shall haue great reason to be content Auaunt villaine answered king Arban full wel doost thou manifest thy horrible treason for beside thy treacherie in compacting the death of my Lord thou wouldest haue mee become a traitour to his friends as thou thy selfe hast prooued Thou art deceiued doe the worst thou canst thy villainie onely will take vengeance on thee according to desert with such good helpe as we will put thereto What said Barsinan think'st thou to hinder me frō sitting as king in London Neuer shall traitour replied Arban bee king of London by Gods leaue while the most honourable king of the world liueth I called for thee quoth Barsinan in respect of thine owne good because I fauoured thee more then any other imagining thou wert of sound discretion but as I haue said I finde my selfe deceiued wherefore reason requireth that thy ouer-weening should fall and in despite of thee I will reigne king in great Brittain Assure thy selfe answered Arban I will keepe thee frō such climbing as if the king my maister were here personally present Then began the assault afresh king Arban with-drawing himselfe to harden his men being maruailously offended at Barsinans words Now though he were very sharpely assailed yet stood hee brauely on his defence many being slaine and sore wounded neuerthelesse he was euer-more formost in the fight and last in the retreits which was caused by the night ensuing Nor neede wee doubt considering the puissance of Barsinan and they fewe on the contrary side but king Arban would take his aduantage in resistance by compelling them to narrow streets where foure on a side could hardly deal together which turned to the great disaduantage of Barsinan because Arban well fortified euery place in good order and with resh supply still encouraged his men The retreit being founded and either side with-drawne King Arban seeing his souldiers sore wearied by the hotte skirmishes they had endured as is the office of a good Captaine indeede hee came and comforted them in this manner My louing companions and friends this day haue you worthily fought as none of you but deserueth estimation among the most forward men in the world and hauing begun so well I hope you will proceede better and better Remember the cause of your fight not onely to maintaine your good king but your owne liberty against a tirant traitour and what worse who would buy his vsurping in this Kingdome with the blood of you your wiues and children Saw y ou not how he vsed them hee tooke in the Tower Beholde you not the end of his purpose which is to ruinate this noble Realme that hath by diuine prouidence beene so long time preserued and euer-more continued in reputation flourishing with loyal subiects to their Prince Heard you not the flattering perswasions which the Rebell vsed before the assault thinking to cōquervs by his golden tongue In vaine is his labour I am right well assured that no one of you but will die a thousand deathes before he shall conceiue any other minde in you I see by your resolued countenances if I should thinke or say otherwise I were a monstrous offender for if he haue more men then wee wee haue more hearts of courage then he which forbiddeth all accasions of dismaying setting before your eyes the famous account you shal liue in hereafter By their looks you might diserne at their retire how vnwillingly they wil be to trie you againe and respect not the traiterous words of Barsinan our king liueth and will right speedily come to succout vs. In meane while I intreat as my friendly companions let nothing dismay your hope but continue as you haue begun with famous resolutiō that is more honourable to die for liberty then to enioy a life by thraldome and slauerie vnder a wicked iniurous and traiterous Prince When the king had ended his oration there was no one in the company how sore hurt soeuer he was but would couragiously encounter Barsinans power and bid him brauely good-morrow next day in the Tower wherewith the king not a little contented returned to the Queenes lodging his face couered with sweate and his armour all bloody by reason of fiue woundes he receiued in fight The Ladyes seeing him in such pittious plight were maruailously abashed especially the Queene who well neere dead with griefe and fear together then as a woman in middest of despaire she said Alas deer Nephew what shall wee doe wee are all but dead Madame answered king Arban all will go well if God be pleased in vaine doe you thus discomfort your selfe for I hope to heare good tydings of the King and his traytours that seeke to vsurpe the kingdome by your good and loyall subiects shall receiue deserued punishment God grant it quoth she but you are so wounded as I thinke it impossible for you to bee at the battell if Barsinan come to morrow againe nor can our men doe anything without you Be not you troubled therewith Madame replyed king Arban for while my soule sucks her spirit from the ayre I will not forsake my charge So bidding her good night hee went to haue his wounds dressed and afterward turned to his souldiers merrily passing the night among them Barsinan on the other side got into the Tower of London which he had wonne and numbring his men found that his power was greatly weakened yet would hee make no shew thereof for dismaying the rest but shewing a dissembling countenance thus spake to them My friends it sufficeth that I haue shewen mine enemies what you are and they if I think good to stand at my mercy wherfore I am determined without any further losse of you to rest our selues fiue or sixe dayes till Arcalaus send me the head of king Lisuart and then the sight therof wil make thē not dare to resist mee any longer but in hope of
cheefe Fortresses of the Countrey all which he found so well fortified and furnished as from that time forward hee nothing feared the power of the Emperor if he shold attempt war against him for the taking away of his sister Afterwards by the perswasion of Grimanesa he caused to be builded in that place one of the fairest places that was to be found in all the Isles of the Ocian the which he beautified so gorgeously and furnished so righly that the greatest monarch of the earth would haue found it a very difficult matter to haue builded the like But it chaunced that fifteene daies after his there arriuall the Emperour of Constantinople his vnckle died without heirs of his body by meanes whereof they of the Countrey dispatched Embassadors vnto Apolidon to beseech him to take vpon him the Empire the which hee willingly accepted being as most men are neuer contented with their estate but still desirous of change especially of a pettie Island for an Empire Yet Grimanesa sorrie to leaue so pleasant an Island did most instantly entreat her Lord that before their departure in remembrance of the pleasure which they had enioyed in this Palace the first witnesse of the full fruition of their loues hee would worke such a meanes by his Art and great knowledge that from thence forth none might bee Lord thereof except hee were as good a Knight as he and as true in loue as hee was Truely Madame answered Apolidon I will doe more for your loue then so for not onely no man shall enter into this Pallace except he be such a one as you haue sayde but further no Lady nor Gētlewoman shall set her foote therein vnlesse she be as faire and excellent in all perfections as your selfe Then at the entrie of an Orchard planted with diuerse sorts of trees he caused a vault to bee made ouer the which hee placed the image of a man made of copper holding a horne as though hee would winde it and vpon the gate of this Pallace he set vp his owne and Grimanesa her picture so artificially wrought that they seemed verie liuely right ouer against which he planted an high stone of Iasper and about half a bow shoot off towards the garden hee set a piller of iron fiue cubits high These things beeing in this sort framed hee asked Grimanesa if she knew what hee had done No surely answered shee I will tell you then presently sayde Apolidon assure your selfe Madame that no man nor woman which hath falsified their first loue shall passe vnder this vault for if they aduenture to enter the same the image which you see shall blowe such a terrible blast shall cast through this horne such a flame stench that it shall be impossible for them to passe on further moreouer they shall bee cast forth with such force that they shall bee throwne downe and remayne in a swound before the vault But if it chance that any loyall louer man or woman doe assay this aduenture the image shall sound a tune so melodious as it shall greatly delight the hearers there may such faithfull louers passe without any impechment Furthermore they may beholde our portraytures their own names writtē in this Iasper yet shall they not know by whom they were ingrauen For tryall whereof if it please you wee will proue the same forthwith Then hee tooke Grimanesa by the hand and passing vnder the arch the Image of copper beganne to sound marueilous sweetly but when they came to the Iasper stone they beheld their names newly ingrauen therein which greatly pleased Grimanesa And to beholde what would be the successe of such as followed them they called certaine Gentlemen and Gentlewomen to make tryall of the aduenture but as they thought to haue passed thorough the vault the Image blew such a hideous blast and cast forth fire smoake and flame so horrible that they all fell downe in a swound were throwne foorth most rudely Wherewith Grimanesa began to laugh knowing that they were in more dread then danger thanking Apolidon most heartily for that which hee had done for her sake But yet my Lord sayde she what shall become of this rich chamber in which you and I haue enioyed such great cōtentment You shall knowe by and by said hee Then caused hee two other pillers to bee brought one was of Marble which hee had placed within fiue paces of the chamber and the other of Brasse was set fiue paces before that Afterwards he said to Grimanesa Madame henceforth there shall neither man nor woman enter into this chamber vntill that hee who shall surpasse mee in prowesse and knight-hood or she which shall excell you in beauty bee first entered into the same but when fortune shall bring hither those which shall be worthy of a place so excellent all men after-wards without any let may therein enter Then he wrote vpon the piller of Brasse these words Euery knight which shall make proofe of this aduenture shall passe some further then other according as they excell each other in chiualrie courage Vpon the Marble piller thus Let no man aduenture to passe this piller to enter the chamber except hee passe Apolidon in knighthood And ouer the entry of the chamber Hee which shall enter herein shall exceed Apolidon in armes and shall succeed him as Lord of this countrey Before any man could come neere the chamber hee must of force touch the two pillers there trie his manhood He likewise ordayned that they should bee disarmed which hereafter should aduenture to passe vnder the arch of faithfull louers if they receiued the repulse and that all such should bee driuen forth of the Island as false and disloyall men but such as were faithfull should bee entertertayned with all honour and seruice that might be deuised Such as aduentured to passe the pillers to enter the forbidden chamber if they did not passe the Brasen piller they should bee vsed neither better nor worse then those which were false in loue If by chance they went beyond it because there should bee a difference betweene them and the others their swordes onely should bee taken from them And if there came any better knight which attayned not vnto the Marble piller hee should lose but his shield yet if hee passed on further and entered not the chamber his spurres onely should be taken from his heeles And touching the Ladies and Gentlewomen married or vnmaried which should proue the aduenture of constant louers if they were repulsed hee willed that they should be constrayned to tell their names that they might be written vp at the entry of the vault with the iust number of paces that each of them had entred forward in the same When the time is come said Apolidon that this Isle shall recouer such a Lord as is promised vnto it these enchantments shall no more be hurtfull vnto any and the place shall be free for all men but yet it shall not bee so for
haue indured in our wearisome iourney My friend said she I pray thee do so much for me be thou sure that I wil reward thee in good sooth saide Oriana it were greate reason so to doe I vnderstand you well enough answered Durin although you mocke mee At this word they all began to laugh seeing the counterfait discōtentment that he made to returne back Well goe to said hee seeing that I must beare this flout with mee I will tomorrow morning depart Thē they all retired and Durin went to London to see Gandalin vnto whom he declared all that you haue heard afterwards he departed to returne vnto the Abbie where Amadis remayned expecting newes from Oriana Neuerthelesse before hee departed Gandalin willed him to tell Euil his Cosen that he should endeauour himselfe to serue the faire Forlorne diligently and that whilest he remayned with him hee should likewise enquire after some newes of Amadis and this message did Gandalin send vnto him to cause him the lesse to suspect him in whose seruice hee remayned that Amadis might the more secretly bring his matter to passe CHAP. XIII How the Faire Forlorne sent Enil his Esquire vnto London to cause a new armour to be made for him and what aduenture chaunced vnto him in going to Mirefleur BVt because wee will not too much digresse from that which happened vnto the Faire Forlorn you shall vnderstand that after he had made some small stay in the Monestarie where he was left to waite for newes from Oriana hee found himselfe very able to put on armour and therefore hee sent Enil to buy him horse and armour with 2 shield of Sinople set full of golden Lions Who returned vnto him the selfe same day that Durin arriued at the Abbie where he was well entertayned by the Faire Forlorne who in the presence of Enil demanded of him where he had left the Damosel of Denmark his sister my Lord answered hee at her departure from you shee forgot behinde her certaine presents that the Queene of Scotland did send vnto my Lady Mabila the which I doe come to seeke Then turning vnto Enil hee sayd Enil your Cosen Gandalin recommendeth him very heartily vnto you Which Gandalin answered the Faire Forlorne My Lord said Enil hee is a Cosen of mine that long time hath serued a Knight called Amadis of Gaule Then the Faire Forlorne without further enquiring tooke Durin apart who did wholly recite vnto him all that which he was commanded to tell him on the behalfe of Oriana and how shee stayed for him at Mirefleur being very well determined to giue him kind entertainement likewise what order was taken for his secret comming and going when and as often as hee pleased and also how his brethren Galaor Florestan and Agrates his Cosen remayned at the Court expecting the battaile that is to bee performed very shortly betweene King Lisuart and Cildadan of Ireland especially the challenge of a combate that Famongomad and the other Gyants and knights had sent vnto the King if hee would not giue Oriana to be a waiting maide vnto Madasima and to be married shortly after to Basigant the eldest sonne to the sayde Famongomad When the Faire Forlorne heard this discourse his heart was ready to breake with extream rage purposing with himselfe that the first enterprise that hee would vndertake after hee had seene his Lady should be to finde out Famongomad and to fight with him for the iniury that hee would doe vnto Oriana After that Durin had thoroughly aduertised him of all that hee had in charge hee tooke leaue of him to returne vnto Mirefleur leauing him in the Abbie fully determined from thenceforth to abate the pride of these Gyants beeing glad notwithstanding in that hee had recouered the good fauour grace of Oriana on whom his life and honour did wholly depend Then the next morning before the breake of day he armed him with the same Armour that Enil had brought and mounting on horse-backe hee tooke the way towardes Mirefleur but hee had not ridden farre thinking vpon the pleasure that was promised vnto him and knowing how neere hee was vnto it when making a carreer he beganne to curuet and mannage his horse so gallantly that Enil was greatly amazed thereat thinking that hee had neuer beene other then an Hermite and he said vnto him my Lord vntill I may iudge of the effect and force of your courage I may very well say that I did neuer see a more expert knight nor one that can doe more with a horse then you Enil answered the Faire Forlorne it is the valiant hearts of men not their outward shew that doth accomplish haughty deedes and hardy enterprises therefore thou hauing said thy mind by my countenance mayest iudge hereafter of my courage according as I shall deserue thou and discerne Thus rode the Faire Forlorne all the day long discoursing with Enil of diuerse pleasant matters for those gloomy cloudes which in times past had ouer-shadowed his thoughts were now ouer-blowne and the desire to beholde her by whom hee liued shined only in his minde But when it grew to bee somewhat late hee lodged in the house of an ancient knight that both gaue him kinde entertaynement and great cheere neuerthelesse the next morning hee departed And because he would not be knowne at any time at his departure from his lodging hee put his helmet vpon his head neuer putting it off but when hee tooke his rest and hee did ride from that time forth seauen dayes together without finding any aduenture vntill vpon the eight day following hee arriued at the foot of a mountaine and hee did see comming towardes him along a path a knight mounted vpon a mighty courser who seemed so great and so strongly made that hee was almost like a Gyant Who comming somewhat neere he called vnto the Faire Forlorne knight I forbid you to passe this way except you doe first tell mee that which I desire to knowe There-withall the Faire Forlorne did presently knowe him although hee had neuer seene him before for the shield which he did beare had in a field Azure three flowers Or the like whereof he remēbred that he had seen in the Firme-Island that he was Don Quedragant For the which hee was very much displeased as well because he had not determined to fight vntill he had first found out Famongomad as also because hee would not in any sort disobey the commandement that Oriana had sent vnto him by Durin and hee greatly feared such a let knowing that Quedragant was one of the best knights in the world neuerthelesse hee made himselfe ready for the Ioust The which Enil perceiuing hee sayde vnto him my Lord I beleeue that you will combate this Diuell Hee is no Diuell answered the Faire Forlorne but one of the strongest knights I knowe of whom I haue heretofore heard great commendation Then Quedragant drew neere and sayde vnto him Knight you must tell me whether you belong vnto
things which one feareth to to lose they beganne to bee in doubt of him whom they all fauoured so as Oriana sayd Alas if God take not pittie vpon Amadis this day will be his last But Mabila presently reproued her saying Madam if you shew not a pleasant countenance vnto my Cosen hee shall be easily vanquished although Ardan strike neuer a stroke Hereupon the trumpets sounded Then Amadis beholding Oriana set spurres vnto his horse and they both met so rudely that their Launces were broken into shiuers encountring together with their shieldes bodies so forcibly that Ardan his horse fell down dead in the place and the other of Amadis had his shoulder broken neuerthelesse Amadis with great lightnesse rose vp although the truncheon of his enemies Lance remained sticking in his vambraces the which hee presently pulled forth and drawing out his sword hee valiantly marched against Ardan Canila who in like sort with great paine was risen vp And as hee stayed to mend his helmet which was some-what shaken with his fall seeing his enemy approach hee made head against him and there began betweene them so cruell an encounter as there was not any man present that did not greatly wonder thereat for with the sparkles of fire which preceeded by their strokes from their helmets they seemed to bee all on fire and by their waighty blowes which with great prowesse were bestowed they mainfested the hate which they did beare vnto each other for there was not one blowe smitten but the blood followed neuerthelesse it seemed that Ardan had the aduantage ouer his enemy as well because of the shield of steele which he had as also for the hurt which hee did with the sword of Amadis which the iniurious Damosell had giuen him But yet Amadis followed him so neare as oftentimes hee brought him out of breath wherewith Ardan was much abashed and hee verly thought that in all his life hee had not found a knight that handled him so rudely especially hee imagined his enemies force to bee redoubled when most of all his impaired Whereat as it were disdaining that hee should so long continue couering him with his shield hee ran vpon Amadis who had all his armour and shield in such sort hacked and broken that he could not wel tel wherewith to defend him any more because that Ardan neuer fastened blowe vpon him but that his flesh fâ—lt it whereby euery one iudged that he would carry away the victory Then was Madasima very sorry hereat for she was a woman of so stout a heart that she would rather haue lost her land and herselfe then to marry him and so long these two knights maintained the combate that euery one did maruaile how they were able to continue But Oriana seeing the pittious estate of Amadis and the danger whereunto hee was brought by the reason that his armour was so broken she was likely to haue sounded she became very pale and out of heart vntill Mabila perceiuing it sayd vnto her Madame it is no time now to leaue Amadis in this perill seeing that if you turne your backe you hasten his end and depriue him of his victory at the least if you cannot beholde him turne your face quite from him At that time was Amadis so sorely pressed by Ardan that Brandoinas one of the iudges sayd vnto Grumenan and Quedragant Truely my Lord Amadis is in great necessity for want of good armour see how his shield is hacked his haubert so broken that in a maner he hath not where-withall to defend one blowe Trust mee you say true answered Grumedan and I am very sorry for it Of my faith sayd Quedragant I haue prooued Amadis when I fought with him but the longer he fighteth the stronger and more inuincible hee waxeth so that it seemeth each houre his force increaseth the which is not so with Ardan as by proofe you may now see by his vnweeldinesse more shall you see before the battaile be ended This speech was heard by Oriana and Mabila where-with they were greatly comforted and because he had seene Oriana almost ready to depart from the window not daining any longer to behold him hee thought shee was displeased for that hee deferred so long to get the victorie of his enemy Whereat hee was so grieued that griping his sworde fast in his fist hee stroke so sound a blow vpon the helmet of Ardan that hee made him bowe one knee to the ground but by mischance his sword broke in three peeces the least whereof remained in his hand Then did hee thinke his life in very great danger there was not any of the beholders that did not suppose him vanquished and Ardan victor who began to lift vp his arme saying so loud that euery one did heare behold Amadis the good sworde which with wrong thou gottest by the which thou shalt receiue a shamefull death See gentle Ladies see look forth of your windowes to behold my Lady Madasima reuenged and say whether I am not worthy of her loue When Madasima heard Ardan make this bragge and seeing that without doubt fortune fauoured him so as according to the promise which her mother had made vnto him she should be constrained to take him for her husband shee came and cast herselfe at the feete of the Queene beseeching her most humbly that it would please her grace to hinder this marriage the which she might iustly doe because that Ardan had sayd vnto her that if hee got not the victory of Amadis in lesse space then the best lackie in the world could run halfe a league that he was coÌ„tent that she should neuer loue him so long as she liued and that now it was more then foure houres since the combate began Gentle Lady answered the Queen I will doe that which shall be reasonable In the meane time Amadis was much astonished and seeing that hee had no meanes to defend himselfe he began to remember that which Vrganda had foretold him which was that if hee were Lord of halfe the world hee would giue it vpon condition that his sworde were in the bottom of some deepe lake Moreouer looking vp towards Oriana he perceiued that to encourage 〈◊〉 shee was come againe to the â—…dow whom when hee had behelâ—… hee thought that hee had recouâ—…ed new force and helpe By meanes whereof hee either determined to die speedily or to be reuenged vppon his enemy suddenly and the better to execute his determination hee leaped vnto his enemy so lightly that before Ardan could strike him hee pulled the shield from his necke and then stepping alittle aside he took vp a truncheon of a Lance that lay in the field and hee thought to haue thrust it thorough the sight of Ardan his helmet but hee went backe and lifting vp his sworde hee stroke so streat a blowe within the shield which Amadis did hold that alalthough it was of fine steele yet did it enter therein more then a great hand
it which deceiueth you for if they had heretofore offended you you would haue beene ware of them as of your enemies but they can wisely cloake their pretended treason colouring it with an humble speech accompanied with some small seruices wherein they haue employed themselues watching a time of more fit opertunity The King turned his head on the one side without answering any farther because there came some Gentlemen vnto him neuerthelesse Gandandel being as yet ignorant how the King had taken his aduertisement he practised with Brocadan and drew him vnto his league declaring vnto him the whole discourse which he had with the King assuring him that if they might banish Amadis and his alies that from thenceforth they two alone should gouerne the king and his Realme peacebly Brocadan receiuing this counsell for good did afterwards imprint in the King his minde so great iealosie and suspition against Amadis and his fellowes as from that day hee hated them in so strange a sort that hee could not in a manner abide to see them forgetting the great seruices performed by them as well when he and Oriana were deliuered from the hands of Arcalaus as afterwards in the battaile against King Cildadan and in many other places heretofore recited Truely if this King had well remembred the counsell and aduise which hee had receiued of Vrganda hee had not so farre digressed from the bounds of reason although that the like malady doth often haunt al Princes when they take not heed of falling into the like accidents and danger as King Lisuart did Who giuing credit to the deceitfull words of these traitors did neuer afterwards visit as hee was accustomed Amadis and the others that were wounded whereat they were not a little abashed but to doe them the more dispite he sent for Madasima and other pledges vnto whom he sayde that if within eight dayes the Isle of Mongaza were not yeelded vnto him according to their promise that then hee would suddainly cause their heads to be smitten off When Madasima heard this rigorous constraint neuer was woman more afraid considering that in performing the will of the King shee should remaine poore and vtterly dishereted and on the other side denying to satisfie his behest shee did see her death prepared so that she was in such perplexitie as not being able to answere him she had recourse vnto her teares Wherefore Andaugell the old Gyant answered the King saying If it please your Maiestie I will go with those whom you shall appoint to send vnto the mother of Madasima and I will deale with her in that sort as shee shall accomplish your will yeelding the Countrey and places which you demand otherwise your Maiestie may doe your pleasure with vs. This the King liked well of and euen that day he sent him with the Eearle Latin and caused Madasima and her women to bee carryed back to their accustomed prison whether they were brought by diuers Gentlemen Whom she moued greatly to pittie her estate by the complaints and sorrowfull lamentation that she made vnto them praying euery one of them particularly to labour in her behalfe vnto the King so that there was not one amongst them all who promised not to doe for her as much as possibly they could especially Don Galuanes who at that time held her by the arme beholding her with such an eye as hee became of her enamoured and said vnto her Madame I am sure that if it would please you to accept mee for your husband the King would freely bestow vpon vs all the right that he pretendeth in your Countrey I beeleeue also that you are not ignorant of my nobility being brother to the King of Scotland and that by me your authoritie shall not be deminished For the rest assure your selfe that I will vse you as you are worthy Now Madasima had known him of long time she was assured that he was one of the best Knights in the world Wherefore accepting the offers of Galuanes shee fell downe at his feete most humbly thanking him for the good and honour which he did offer vnto her and euen then was the marriage betweene them agreed vpon the which afterward Galuanes laboured to effect to his vttermost power And the better to accomplish it some few dayes after he came vnto Amadis and Agraies making them acquainted with that which you haue heard and Agraies said vnto him Vnkle I know very well that loue hath no respect of persons sparing neither young nor olde and seeing that you are become one of his subiects we will beseech the King so much in your behalfe that you shall enioy your desired loue therefore determine to behaue your selfe like a lusty champion for Madasima is a woman not likely to bee pleased with a kisse onely By my faith answered Amadis my Lord Galuanes the King in my opinion will not refuse vs and I promise you that so soone as I am able to walke your Nephew and I will goe vnto his Maiesty to entreat that which you demand But you must vnderstand that whilest these things were in doing Gādandell the better to couer dissemble the treason which he had conspired did goe oftentimes to see and visit Amadis so that one time amongst the rest hee sayd to him my Lord it is long since you saw the King What is the cause there-of answered Amadis Because saide Gandandel by his countenance it seemeth hee beareth you no great good will I know not answered Amadis yet to my knowledge I neuer offended him For this time they passed no farther vntill at another instant this traytour came againe to see him shewing vnto him a better countenance then he was accustomed saying my Lord I told you the other day that I thought by the speeches which I heard the King speake of you that his friendship was not so firme vnto you as it was wont to be and because that I and mine are so greatly bound vnto you for the pleasures which you haue done vnto vs I will truly let you vnderstand how the King hath a very bad opinion of you and therefore looke vnto it So many times did hee repeat this and the like matter vnto Amadis that hee began to suspect least hee had layd some snare to entrap him in whereby the King might conceiue some euill opinion of him And therefore one day when Gandandel perseuered in his aduertisements Amadis being very angry answered him My Lord Gandandel I doe greatly wonder what mooueth you to vse this speech so often vnto me seeing that I did neuer thinke vpon any thing but onely wherein I might doe the King seruice And I cannot beleeue that a Prince so vertuous as hee is would euer suspect mee for a thing which I neuer committed Wherefore neuer breake my head more with such follies for I take no pleasure therein For this cause Gandandel durst neuer after that speake any more thereof vnto him vntill that Amadis beeing healed went vnto the Court
then sweetly kissing her he saide I assure you Madame that for your sake I will stay longer in this Country then you imagine therefore I pray ye be not vnmindfull of this place So arose Elisena and went to her Chamber with Darioletta leauing the king alone not a little contented with his new acquaintance but dreading his dreame as you haue heard and willing to know what it might signifie he became desirous to returne to his owne Country where as then were good store of Philosophers that were well seene in those Sciences himselfe likewise in former times tooke great pleasure therein and vnderstood sundry rules thereof Neuerthelesse he soiourned ten dayes with king Garinter after his sporting with Elisena who neuer a night failed to visit her louely haunt The ten dayes being spent king Perion forcing his will and notwithstanding the teares and intreaties of Elisena which were excessiue resolued to depart and therefore tooke his leaue of the Court but as he wold haue mounted on horsebacke he perceiued that he wanted his good Sword whereat he became somewhat offended because it was one of the best and fairest in the world yet durst he not demand it fearing least the loue of him and Elisena should thereby be discouered or King Garinter angry with them that visited his Chamber In these thoughts accompanied with infinite regrets without longer stay he tooke his way toward Gaule albeit before his departure Darioletta came intreated him to be mindfull of the great griefe wherein he left his Elisena and of the solemne promise he had made her Alas my deere friend saide the King I pray ye to assure her on my parte that she shall haue no cause of offence and that right soone I meane to see her in meane while I commend her to you as mine owne proper hart Then taking from his finger a Ring semblable to an other that he had he sent it to the desolate louer intreating her earnestly for his sake to giue it her This present did no whit lessen her great greefe but encrease it so that if she had not beene comforted by Darioletta without doubt she had then finished her dayes but so well she perswaded her to take good hope that by the alligations she laid before her of dangerous occurrences she came somewhat better to her selfe and learned thence forward more smoothly to dissemble her sorrowe till she felte her selfe great with Childe by meanes whereof she not onely lost the taste of her food but also the pleasure of rest and the faire cullour of her countenance Now on the highest step of mis-hap was her sorrow set and not without cause for in that time was there an inuiolable lawe that any woman or maiden of what quality or estate soeuer offending in such sorte could no way excuse her selfe from death This sharpe and cruell custome endured til the comming of the vertuous King Arthur the best Prince that euer raigned in that Country which he reuoked at the time as be killed Floian in battaile before the Gates of Paris But many other Kinges were betweene him and Garinter who maintained that lawe and for this cause the sorrowfull Lady could not be absolued by ignoraunce thereof albeit that by the oathes and promises of King Perion on his Sword God would remit the offence yet knew she not how to excuse her faulte to the worlde because it was done so secretly as you haue heard See here the distresse wherein King Perion left his Elisena which gladly she wold giue him to vnderstand if possible she could but it might not be for she knew the prompritude of this yong Knng that tooke no rest in any place where he came nor was his hart satisfied except in this with following armes as also seeking strange and hazardous aduentures and therefore he was the harder to be found Thus dispairing of this succour she thought there was no remedy for her life for which she made not so much mone as the losse of the sight of her true friend and onely Lord. But at that instant the great and puissant maker of all thinges by whose permssion this act was appointed to his seruice inspired Darioletta with such councell as she onely should remedie these occurrances in such sort as you shall presently vnderstand In the pallace of King Garinter there was a Chamber-vault seperated from the rest neere to which was a riuer whereto one might easily discend by a little Iron dore this Chamber by the aduice of Darioletta did Elisena request of her father as well for her ease as to coÌ„tinue her accustomed solitary life and would haue none other companion then Darioletta who as you haue heard knew the occasion of her dollorous greefes This request she lightly obtained the King thinking his daughters intent to be as she feigned and heereupon was the keye of the Iron dore giuen to Darioletta to open when it pleased Elisena to recreate her selfe on the water By this meane had she a place proper to her affaires and so was in better rest assurance then before for well was she aduised that in this place more commodiously then any other might she prouide to escape without danger Wherefore beeing there one day alone with her Damosell they fell in conference she requited councell what should be done with the fruit that she trauailed withall What answered Darioletta Mary it must suffer to redeeme you Oh poore maidenly mother saide Elisena how can I coÌ„sent to the death of the creature begoten by the only man of the worlde whome most I loue offend not your selfe quoth Darioletta for if you should dye hardly would it be permitted after you to liue In sooth saide Elisena although I dye beeing culpable it were no reason the little innocent should suffer Leaue we this talke answered Darioletta seeing it were great folly to hazard the safety of that which hereafter may be the onely cause of your losse and your friend likewise for well you knowe that if you be discouered you shall dye and the infant shall not liue you dying no longer can he liue that so dâ—erâ—ly loueth you So shall you alone cause the death of all three where contrarywise if you escape the perill the time will come when you may haue together children enow which will make you forget the affection you bare to this first And as this Damosell was thus inspired so would she before hand seeke to preuent the inconuenience in this manner She got foure little boards of such largenes as was necessary to make a Chest wherein to put the infant with the clothes the Sword which she kept then did she giue them together in such sorte as the water should haue no place to enter This beeing done made fit she put it vnder the bed without declaring any thing there-of to Elisena vntil the time of child-birth approched and then Darioletta saide What thinke ye Madame this little Cofer is made for In good faith I know
named Vngan the Piccard the most experte of them all thus answered My Lord dreames are vaine thinges and for such ought to be esteemed notwithstanding seeing it is your pleasure that some account should be made of yours giue vs some time to consider thereon It liketh me wel said the king within 12 daies look that you make me answer But to the end they should not disguise o◠conceale the truth from him he caused them to be seperated so that during the time agreed vpon they might neither see or speake together wherefore to their vttermost they trauailed in what they had promised the King so that the day being come when they should render an occompt of their labour he first tooke Albert of Champaigne aside and said to him Thou knowest how thou hast sworne and promised to tell me what thou hast found by thy skill Sir answered Albert let then the rest be called into your presence for before them will I tel ye Well hast thou aduised said the King whereupon they were sent for afterward Albert thus began My opinion is my Lord that the closed Chamber and him whom you saw enter by the secret dore signifieth this Realme which is close well guarded notwithstanding by some right thereto some one shall come to take it from you And like as he thrust his handes into your sides renting forth thence your hart and afterward threw it into the Riuer euen so shall your Townes and Castles both more lesse be priuily stolen from you and put into his hand from whom you shall not easily recouer them And what meaneth the other hart said the King which I dreamed should remain with me and yet he said that soone after I should lose it against the will of him that took the first from me It seemeth by this answered Albert that some other shall inuade your Country as the first did yet constrained more by force of another that commanded him to do so then by any will thereto in himselfe thus see ye my Lord all that I can tell ye Now said the king to the second named Antalles tel vs your aduise Me thinkes Sir quoth he that Albert hath very well saide and I am of his opinion except in this for ought I can learne as the cause sheweth me that what he saith shall happen is already effected by the person that most loueth ye notwithstanding I am greatly amazed thereat seeing there is not as yet any part of your Realme lost if you do loose any thing hereafter it must be by such a one as loueth you decrely When the king heard this he nodded his head for it seemed to him that he came neere the marke but Vngan the Piccard who knew much more thē the other fel into a laughter which he was sildome wont to doe because he was a man very sad and melancholly yet by chance the King perceiued it wherefore he said Maister Vngan my friend now remaineth none but you say boldly what you haue gathered My Lord quoth he peraduenture I haue seene into things which is not necessary to be knowne to any other then your selfe therefore let these giue place a while if you please At these words they with-drew themselues leauing the King and Vngan alone who thus spake If your Maiesty saw me ere while to laugh it was at one word which little you thinke on yet it is true and will you know what It was that which Antalles said that what he found by your dreame was already happened by the person that best loueth ye Now shall I reueale what you keepe in secret and thinke that none knowes but your selfe You loue my Lord in such a place where you haue already accomplished your will and she whom you loue is surpassing faire then tolde he all the gests and fashions of her as if she had bene there present But as for the chamber you found shut you know Sir full well what it meaneth and how she whome you loue desirous to deliuer her heart and yours from griefe and sadnesse came to ye entring your chāber by the false dore that was hid from you The hands that opened your sides is the conuinction of you twaine then the heart taken from ye sheweth that she hath by you a Son or a Daughter Now tell me said the King what meaneth the casting thereof into the Riuer My Lord quoth he that nothing concerneth you therefore neuer labour for further knowledge thereof Yet would I said the King faine vnderstand it and therefore feare not to tell me for any harme that may happen Seeing you will needes haue it answered Vngan I beseech ye Sir assure me while you liue for any thing that I shal reueal you wilnot be displeased with her who loueth you so loyally That promise do I faithfully make thee said the King In good sooth Sir quoth Vngan that heart that you saw throwen into the water is the first infant she shall haue by you who must of necessity be forsaken And the other said the King that shall remaine with me what meaneth that You may answered Vngan vnderstand by the one desseigne of the other which is that she shall conceiue another childe who shall be caryed away against the will of her that caused the losse of the first Thou hast told me strange things said the King and would God the mis-fortune of my Children were not so true as what thou hast told me concerning the Lady I loue For things ordeined and appoynted by the highest answered Vngan none knoweth how to gaine-say or remedy and therefore men of wisdome should neuer be sad or reioyce at them because oftentimes the Lord disposeth matters beyond the capacity of men farre otherwise then they expect For this cause my Lord forgetting all that I haue said and which you haue bin so curious to vnderstand referre all things to God desiring him in these your affaires and all other to limit the end of them to his honor and glory and thus in mine opinion you ought to set downe your rest The King was highly contented with Vngan and so esteemed of him that from thēce forward he had him neere his person by meanes whereof he receiued many great fauours Now it happened that at that instant as the king parted from the Philosophers a Damosell presented her selfe before him right costly in garments and faire in beauty thus speaking Vnderstand King Perion that when thou recouerest thy losse the Kingdome of Ireland shall loose her flower So giuing her Palfrey the bridle and the King not able to stay her she rode away these wordes made the good Prince more sad pensiue then he was before For this time the Auther leaueth this purpose returneth to speake of the infant that Gandales caused to be nourished whom he made to be called the Gentleman of the Sea Now was he curiously entertained wherefore in short time he grew and became so faire that all which
paine for when all liuing creatures goe about it if I list they shall loose their labour In good faith Madame answered Gandales I now make no doubt thereof yet I beseech ye to be mindefull of the Gentleman who is forsaken of all but my selfe Doe not you trouble your selfe therewith said Vrganda this forsaking wil be a recouering of much more My loue to him in greater then you can imagine being she that shortly intendes to receiue by him two aydes which no other can giue me In recompence whereof I will giue him two likewise wherewith he shall thinke himselfe highly satisfied Let this suffise ye for this time because of necessitie I must be gone aduising ye that you shal see me againe sooner then you thinke for At these wordes the Damosell departed and Gandales who had not all this while regarded the Knight against whom he fought seeing him now bare-headed reputed him one of the goodlyest Gentlemen that euer he had seene who after he had taken vp his Sheeld and laced on his helmet followed the Damosel wherefore for this time we will let them goe continuing what happened to Gandales Vrganda being departed he returned toward his Castel meeting by the way with the Lady whō Vrganda had caused to be chased frō her friend and this sorrowfull woman was heard by a Fountaine where she wept lamented very bitterly when she espyed him that came toward her she easily knew him wherefore she thus spake Is it possible Sir Knight that the wicked creature whom you succoured hath done so much as to let you liue wicked she is not answered Gandales but wise and vertuous and if you be otherwise I will make you deny these foolish wordes Ah God said the Lady how can the villaine deceiue euery one How hath she deceiued you replied Gandales Alas quoth the Lady she hath taken from me the faire Knight that should be mine and so may I well say seeing he would be more content to be with me then with her This is meere folly answered Gandales for in mine opinion both you she doe loue without reason How euer it be said the Lady if I can I will be auenged You trauile in vaine quoth he thinking to iniurie her that knowes it not onely before you execute it but when you imagine it In sooth answered the Lady this afternoone ye may be gone when you please and neuertheles it often happeneth that those which thinke they know most by presumption fall into the greatest dangers Gandales seeing her so impatient commending her to God followed his way thinking more of the yong Gentlemans affaires then what the Lady had spoken to him Being come to his Castell and seeing the little boy come running towards him he tooke him vp in his armes and louingly embracing him remembred what Vrganda had saide to him which made the teares stand in his eyes with ioy saying within himselfe Faire Childe I pray God I may liue so long as to see thee such a one as I hope for At this time the yong Prince was about three yeeres olde who seeing his Lord weepe as one moued with compassion he wiped his eyes which made Gandales imagine great humanity in him and that as the childe grew in age strength so waxed he in will the better to helpe him if he had occasion Wherefore thence forward he was very carefull of him deuising all meanes for his best education and compayning continually with his play fellowe Gandalin he took very great delight in shooting He being come to the age of sixe yeeres King Languines and his Queene riding through the Country came to Gandales Castell where they were royally feasted but before they there ariued Gandales being aduertised of their comming caused the yong Prince and his companions to be hid in a backe Chamber fearing that in respect of his beauty and good grace the King would be desirous to take him away with him or else that the childrē would be troublesome to the house But it fortuned that the Queene being lodged in one of the highest roomes in the Castell as she looked forth at a windowe which was on that side where the Children were she espied the yong Prince and his play-fellowes drawing their bowes and marking him very well she liked him aboue all the other taking great pleasure to behold his countenance thinking he was Sonne to the Lord of the house yet being doubtfull and not seeing any of whom she might aske the questiō she thus called to her Ladyes Come and behold the fairest yong creature that euer was seene At these words they al came running and soone after the Childe being drye left his bowe by his companions going to drinke at a conduit pipe which was hard by in meane while one of them that was bigger then the Prince tooke vp his bow to draw it but Gandalin would not suffer him whereupon a great strife full betweene them and Gandalin being the weakest cryed out Gentleman of the sea come helpe me When the Prince heard him he left his draught and ran to him that misused his brother taking his bowe from him giuing him therewith a great stroke ouer the head saying In an euill hower varlet dost thou outrage my brother The other not content therewith came to the Prince they fought together yet he that began the noyse was glad to run thence and by the way met their Gouernour who said Whether runnest thou Maister quoth he the Gentleman of the sea will beate me then the Gouernour cōming to the Prince rigorously threatned him saying What are you already so bolde to beate your companions you shall be talked withall by and by for it When the Prince heard his threatning he fell downe on his knees saying If you will appoynt that I shall be beaten more gladly will I take it then suffer my brother to be wronged in my presence With these words the teares trickled downe his cheekes which moued pity in the Gouernour wherefore he thus answered If euer you doe so againe I will make ye weepe in an other sorte The Queene who had heard and seene all the debate was greatly abashed wherefore they called the little boy the Gentleman of the sea CHAP. IIII. How King Languines caryed away with him the Gentleman of the sea and Gandalin the Sonne of Gandales WHile the Queene thus beheld the Gentleman of the sea the King entred her Chamber accompanied with Gandales of whom she presently demanded if that faire yong Sonne were his Yea Madame answered Gandales And quoth she why suffer you him to be called the Gentleman of the sea Because Madame said he that at returne of my last voyage into little Brittayne he was borne vpon the sea Truely quoth she he resembles you but little this was her opinion because the Prince was exellent faire and Gandales somewhat heard fauoured yet a most gentle companion It chanced during these speeches that the King cast his eye on the little Prince
to whom he seemed no lesse beautyfull then he did to the Queene wherefore he commanded Gandales to fetch him for when I goe hence quoth he I will take him with me and haue him brought vp with mine one Son In sooth my Lord answered Gandales he is yet to yong to leaue his Mother but hauing brought him presented him to the King who said Faire Child will ye go with me to the Court My Lord answered the Childe I will goe whether you please if my brother shall goe with me And I quoth Gandalin will not tarry here without him I perceiue my Lord said Gandales that if you take the one you must needes haue the other for they will not be seperated I am the better pleased answered the King then calling Agraies to him said My Son I will that you loue these two Gentlemen as I do their Father When Gandales saw that the King would haue them away in good earnest with the teares in his eyes he thus spake in his hart My childe that so soone beginnest to proue fortunate now I see thee in the seruice of them who one day may happily serue thee if it please God to guide and protect thee as I shall humbly pray for suffer that the words of Vrganda the vnknowne spoken to me may proue true making me so happy as to liue to see the time of those great meruailes promised thee in Armes The King who noted Gandales seeing that his eyes were filled with teares came to comfort him saying Beleeue me I neuer thought you had bene such a foole as to weepe for a Childe Ah my Lord answered Gandales it may be vpon greater occasion then you thinke for and if it please you to know the truth I will presently tell ye heere before your Queene So he tolde the whole discourse how he found the Gentleman of the sea and in what equipage and he had proceeded with that which Vrganda foretold him but that he remembred the oath he tooke Now my Lord said Gandales deale for him as you shall please for so God helpe me according to his beginning I thinke him to be issued of great linage Whē the King heard this he esteemed much the better of him that he had so carefully nourished the child he found and thus answered It is great reason seeing god hath done so much for him as to preserue him frō so great a danger that now we be diligent in his education and endowe him with habilities when time shall serue In good faith my Lord said the Queene so please you he shal be mine during his young yeeres and when he comes to mans estate I will deliuer him to serue you Well Madame quoth the King I giue him you Now early on the next morning the King would set forward wherefore the Queene not hauing forgot the gift of her Lord tooke with her Gandalin and the yong Gentleman of the sea whom she commanded to be so carefully attended as her owne Sonne for she tooke such pleasure in beholding him that dayly she would haue him neere her owne person because he had such a cheerefull spirit and so well gouerned withall as he was well liked of euery ore so that whatsoeuer he did passed with generall allowance no other pastime had he but in shooting and cherishing dogges for the chase Now doth the Authour leaue this matter returning to that which happened to King Perion his new freind Elisena King Perion as you haue already heard being in Gaule where he vnderstood by his Philosphers the exposition of his dreame as also what the Damosell had told him That when he recouered his losse the Kingdome of Ireland should loose her flower he became more pensiue then before yet could he vnderstand nothing thereof As he thus sadly spent his dayes it chanced that another Damosell entred his Pallace who brought him a letter from Elisena whereby she gaue him to know that King Garinter her Father was dead and she remained alone and for this cause he should pitty her in that the King of Scots would take her Kingdome from her For the death of King Garinter was Perion somewhat sorrowfull but yet he comforted himselfe by thinking he should goe to see his friend towards whom he had not diminished one iot of his affection wherefore he quickly dispatched the Damosell saying to her Returne and say to your Mistresse that without staying one whole day I shall be in short time with her The Damosell well pleased with this answere returned and after the King had set his affaires in order he parted in good equipage to see his Elisena and iournied so speedily as he ariued in little Brittaine where he heard newes that king Languines had already gotten all the cheefe of the Country except those Cities which Garinter gaue to Elisena who now abode as he vnderstood at a place named Arcate whether he addressed himselfe If he were there well receiued I leaue to your iudgments and she likewise of him whom she loued so much After the welcomming feasting of one another the King told her that he would now marry her and for that cause she aduertised her kindred and Subiects which she did with all diligence could be deuised as also with so great contentation as her heart might desire for herein only consisted the summe of her affections Which being heard by the King of Scots and how to accomplish this King Perion was already arriued with his Sister he sent immediatly for all the noble men of his Realme to beare him company in doing honor and wel-come to the King his brother At his comming he was gratiously receiued by King Perion and after by embracings they had saluted each other and the nuptials likewise thorowly ended the kings determined to returne home into their owne Countryes King Perion trauailing toward Gaule with his Queene Elisena somewhat weary with tediousnesse of the way he would refresh himselfe along by a Riuer side while the tentes were erecting he rode softly alone by the waterbancke imagining how he might know the truth whether Elisena had a child aaccording as his Philosophertold him in expounding his dreame But so long continued he in this thought that riding on without any regarde he came to an Hermitage which was neere at hand wherefore finding him-selfe at a place of deuotion he alighted tying his Horse to a tree that he might goe in to say his prayers And entring the Church he found there a very antient religious man who comming to meete him said Knight is it true that king Perion is marryed to our kings daughter yea verily answered the king Praised be God said the good Hermit for I know certainly that she loueth him with all her hart How can you tell that replied the king Euen from her owne mouth said the good olde man The king then hoping he shoud heare of him the thing which he most desired to know said I pray ye Father tell me what
you haue vnderstood of her and me for I am King Perion Truely Sir answered the wise man herein shall I greatly fault and iustly might she repute me an heretique if I should manifest what she hath told me vnder confession suffise your selfe with that I haue declared namely the true and sincere loue she beareth you But seeing I haue met ye in a place so conuenient I will that ye know what a Damosell in mine opinion very wise said to me at the time you came first into this country yet spake she to me so darkely as I neuer knew well how to comprehend her words for she said That from little Brittaine should come two great Dragons that should hold their gouernment in Gaule and their hearts in great Brittaine and from thence they should go to deuoure the beastes of other Countryes but against some they should be braue and cruell and against other some humble and gracious as though they had neither nayles or hart At these words I became very pensiue nor could I euer since learne the signification hereof Nor did the King at this instant vnderstand them but was in no lesse meruaile then the Hermite notwithstanding no long time after he found this prophesie to be true Now the king hauing commended the holy man to God returned to his tents where he saluted his Queene yet would he not tell her as then any thing of that wherewith his mind was troubled but dissembled the same till they were in bed and after their accustomed embracings the king by an apt meane recoūted to her what his Astrologers had said on his dreame earnestly desiring her to tel him whether she had any Child by him or no. When the good Lady heard this she was surprised with shame in such sorte as willingly she could haue wished her selfe dead and therefore altogether denied the truth so that at this time the king might not know what he desired On the morrow they departed thence and arriued in Gaule where this noble Queen was generally receiued with great ioy And because that as it hath bene heretofore rehearsed the king bare her singuler affection he did for her sake stay more in his Realme then he was wont to doe so that not long after the Queene brought him a Sonne who was named Galaor and next a daughter called Melicia But the little Galaor being two yeeres and a halfe olde it chaunced that one day the king his father soiourning not farre from the sea side in one of his Cities named Orangill standing at a window toward the Garden where was then the Queene with her son Ladies sporting there entred at a postern dore such a horrible Giant as no man that euer saw him but was exceedingly affraide bearing on his neck a huge mighty Mace When the company of women espied him some fled among the trees and other not to see him fell on the ground but the Giant made no reckoning of them only he came to little Galaor whom he tooke in his armes and in a laughter said By my faith the Damosell said true So without any thing else taking away the Child returned the same way he came and entring a Brigandine that there stayed for him departed vnder saile In meane while the sorrowfull Queene who saw her son caryed away Forgetting through motherly loue the feare of the Giant followed him very neere hoping to recouer her little Galaor but when she saw him enter the Brigandine God knowes in what anguish she was for her Sonne in crying said Ah helpe me mother Alas she could not and more strange then death she tooke it to see him caried away whom she loued as her owne life and in this extreame dollour she remembred her other Sonne throwne into the sea wherefore the wofull mother fell downe in a swoune King Perion her husband who saw all this in the place where he stood from whence he could not quickly come to aide the Queene or her Son at last came to the Queene finding her in that case and did so much as he recouered her againe Then began she to make the most grieuous mone in the world regreeting this new losse by whom the before hoped to vnderstand of the first and dispayring euer to heare any newes of comfort moued great compassion in all that beheld her All this while the king laboured to perswade her whereby at last she reobtained the reason that before was absent whereupon the king said Madame we must thank God for all and cheefely in this case for now I euidently see hath happened the effect of my dreame whereof sometime I tolde ye thus is little Galaor the last hart that must be taken from vs against our will Henceforth therefore feare not to declare what is become of the first for considering the estate you then were in you ought not in reason to be blamed At these words the mournefull mother forgetting none of the fault committed told him the mis-fortune of her first borne Sonne entreating him to pardon her seeing she did it throw feare of death according as was the law of the Country In good faith Madame answered the king well may ye assure your selfe that while I liue I will not be offended with ye on your behalfe therefore I pray ye take their desteny so secretly as you may for I trust in God that seeing it hath pleased him at our beginning to afforde vs so little ioy and comforte by our children in time to come he will recompence vs with better successe and it may be yet one day that we shall heare good tidings of them Now leauing this ye must note that the Giant who bare away the yong Prince was of the Country of Leonois Lord of an Isle named Gandalan wherein he had two strong places He was not a bloudy man as many other were but of a gentle and peaceable conuersation except when he was offended for in his fury he would doe great cruelties At one instant was the little barque so caried by the wind as he arriued in his country which he had caused to be peopled with Christians there he kepta Hermite of most holy life to whom he went saying Father take this child and nourish him for me teaching him all that is conuenient in a knight for I assure ye he is the son of a king and a Queene Ah said the Hermet why haue you doone such a cruell deede I will tell ye answered the Giant Being minded to go combate with the Giant Albadan who most vnhappily killed my father as you know and at this present forcibly holds from me the Rocke of Galteres which by right appertaineth to me being thus embarqued to execute mine intent there came a Damosell to me who said Thou abusest thy selfe for what thou goest about must be done by the son to king Perion of Gaul who is much more strong and hardy then thou art I demanded by her faith whether she told me true or no. That shalt
passe I pray thee let assurance be giuen to my Souldiours that without iniury they may carry me into my Country and dying like a Christian I may pay my debt both to God men Faine would I haue councel for my ouer burdened Soule then afterward shall I render to King Perion what I vsurped from him And as for thee who hast vanquished me I despise not to dye by the valiance of so gentle a Knight as thou art but withall my hart pardon thee my death wishing thou mayest continue honorable and yet hereafter to remember me When the Prince saw him in such debilitie he was exceeding sorowfull for his death although he knew assuredly that if he had woon the glory of the combate he would haue dealt much worse with him During these speeches the Knights appointed on each side came to them wherefore King Abies commanded his Captaines to render King Perion what he had conquered in Gaule which was accomplished and by these meanes the Irish-men had assurance to carry home their King who dyed soone after order was gifor their affaires These matters thus ended King Perion Agraies and all the Lords of Gaule came to the Prince accompanying him with great ioy from the fielde into the Citie euen with such triumphant glory as to Conquerours is accustomed who by their prowesse not onely ouercome their enemies but restore the Country that is well neere ruinated Now must ye vnderstand that a little before the beginning of the Combate the Damosell of Denmarke who came from faire Oriana to the Prince was arriued at king Perions Courte and before shee would make her selfe knowne she desired to behold the issue of the fight Afterward seeing him returne with so honorable a victory she shewed her selfe and taking him aside said Knight may it please you to heare a word in secret of such matter as doth verie neere concerne ye Euen what you will answered the Prince with which words he tooke her by the hand and keeping her from the throng she thus spake The Princesse Oriana who is onely yours hath sent me to you and this Letter withall wherein you shall finde your name written When he heard her named by the remembrance of whom only he liued he was so perplexed that without vnderstanding what else the Damosel said hauing taken the Letter he let it fall being readie himselfe to beare it companie which the Damosell seeing shee tooke vp the Letter and came to him againe Euery one that beheld him in these passions meruayled what newes she brought to procure this alteration but she puld him by the arme so roughly as made him forget his former Traunce thus speaking What now my Lord Take you the Message in so ill part that comes from the onely Lady in the world and who aboue all other loueth you for whose sake likewise I haue taken so great paine to find you Ah Ladie quoth he on my faith I knew not what you sayd to me for euen as you began to speak I felt the paine to renewe in mee which heretofore you haue seene me endure It is true said the Damosell but now it is needlesse for ye to conceale your selfe any longer from me for I know more of your affayres and my Ladies then you imagine because her selfe hath bewrayed them to me And if you beare her affection you neede not be ashamed thereof in that she loueth you beyond all other in respect whereof she telleth you by me that she must goe to the King her father requesting after your departure from this warre you would come see her in great Brittaine appointing all things in such order as at your arriual you may remaine there in the Court vntill more amply you vnderstand her mind Beside she gaue me charge to tell ye how she certainly knowes you are Sonne to a King wherewith she is no lesse pleased then shee thinkes you will be and seeing being ignorant of your Linage you haue proued so good a Knight now vnderstanding your Nobilitie you should labour to increase your Fame if you can And then againe shee gaue him the Letter saying Take here the Letter wherein your Name is written and which you had hanging about your necke at such time as you were found in the Sea The Prince tooke the Letter and when he looked on it remembring to what good purpose his Lady had taken it from him fetching a vehement sigh somewhat softly he thus spake Ah happy Letter most diuinely wast thou found in respect thou hast beene kept by her who hath my heart in her custodie and for whom I haue so often assayed to die yet cannot For thinking on her perfection I seeke to augment it by strength and commendation but of so slender value is my puissance found that striuing thereby to gaine her fauor the least paine I feele surpasseth a thousand deaths which neuerthelesse are now recompenced by this present benefite O highest God when shall I see the time wherein I may giue her to vnderstand how great my deuotion is to obey her by some agreeable seruice Hauing finished these words he opened the Letter and saw his Name written therein which was Amadis then thus spake the Damosell againe to him I was charged Sir when I had done my Message to returne with all speed to her that sent me to you therefore be thinke your selfe if you will command me any thing You shall not depart so please you in such haste answered the Prince but stay with mee two or three dayes during which time for what occasion so euer it be you shall not forsake me and then will I conduct you whither you please In obeying-you sayd the Damosell I trust I doe seruice to my Ladie Oriana Their talke thus breaking off he returued to the King and Agraies who stayed for him him at the entrance of the Citie where the people were wonderfully assembled in the streetes Then came the Queene with her Ladyes Gentle-women to vnarme him and the Chirurgions to visite his wounds which when they had regarded albeit they were many and yrkesom to behold yet were they to bee healed without any great daunger of his person For this night the king desired that he and Agraies would supp with him but the Prince making his excuse by his wounds went to his Chamber willing to haue no other company then the Damosel to whom he did all the honour that could be deuised hoping through her to finde remedie for part of his griefes This Damosell soiourned with him certaine time and in respect of the good Newes shee brought him no wound could hinder him from visiting the great Hall there walking and conferring with euety one but most with her whom he caused to stay attending his dispositiō till he might beare Armes And betweene them happened a strange occasion which was cause of his longer abode in Gaule then hee expected so that the Damosell returned to Oriana without him as you hereafter shall vnderstand CHAP. XI How the
I should deliuer the house from whence I first discended and euen so it fell out for I deliuered my Father vnknowne to me being then at the very point of death So without any other reply the Damosell turning bridle rode backe the same way she came and the King into the Citie with Amadis his Soune so lately recouered for which cause he assembled all the Princes and Lords of his Realme meaning to keepe a more magnificent Court then euer he had done before to the end that euery one might behold Amadis in regard of whose honour and happie comming there were Knightly Tourneys daily vsed beside great store of other pastimes and delights During these pleasures Amadis was aduertised in what maner the Gyant had carryed away his brother Galaor wherefore hee determined happen what might to goe seeke him and if possible hee could to recouer him either by force of Armes or otherwise Notwithstanding his heart being dayly mooued to goe see her that hourely expected his presence one day he entreated the King his Father seeing now he had peace with his enemies that with his leaue he might goe seeke aduentures in great Brittaine because he was loath to remaine idle But little pleasing was this request to the King and much lesse to the Queen yet by opportunitie hee obtained permission for his Voyage nor could they all haue power to with hold him by reason of the loue he bare to Oriana which made him obedient to none but her Herevpon being clad in such Armour as he promised the Damosell of Denmarke he set forward on his iourney embarqing himselfe at the neerest Port of the Sea where by good happe he found passage readie Not long was his cut into great Brittaine landing at Bristow a most noble and auncient City of that Countrey where hee heard that King Lisuart soiourned at Windsore royally accompanyed with Knights and Gentlemen for all the Kings Princes his neighbours did highly fauour and shew him obeysance which made Amadis shape his course directly to the Court Not long had he ridden on the way but he met with a Damosell who demanded of him if that were her readie way to Bristow Yea marry is it answered the Prince I pray ye then tell me quoth she if I may finde any shipping there for my speedie passage ouer into Gaule What affayres calles you thither sayd Amadis In sooth replyed the Damosell I goe thither to finde a Knight named Amadis whom King Perion not long since had knowne to bee his Sonne Greatly did Amadis meruaile hereat for hee thought these newes had not been so farre spread abroad wherefore hee demaunded how she heard thereof I know it qouth she from her to whom the most secret things of all are manifest for she knew Amadis before he knew himselfe or that his Father heard of Amadis and if you would vnderstand what shee is her name by common report is Vrganda the vnknowne She hath at this time especiall affayres with him and by no other can she recouer that which shee now standeth in feare to loose Beleeue me Damosell answered Amadis seeing she who may command euery one doth now please to employ Amadis I assure ye it is needlesse for you to trauaile any further for I am the man you are sent to seek and therefore let vs goe whither you thinke conuenient What sayd the Damosell are you Amadis Yea verily am I answered the Prince Come then and follow me quoth she and I will conduct yee where my Mistresse is who attendeth your arriuall in good deuotion Heere-with Amadis rode after the Damosell and thus are they gone together in company CHAP. XII How the Gyant bringing Galaor to King Lisuart that hee might dubbe him Knight mette with his brother Amadis by whose hand hee would bee Knighted and no other THe Gyant of whom sundry times we haue spoken heereto-fore causing yong Galaor to bee instructed in managing horses all other exercises beseeming a Knight found him so capeable of euery thing as in lesse space then a yeere hee was growne meruailous perfect so that now nothing remained but to know of him by whom hee most willingly would receiue his order of Knight-hood Notwithstanding before the Gyant mooued this matter to him one day among other Galaor came to him in this maner Father quoth he you haue dayly promised me that I should be Knighted I desire you would bee so good as your word for there is too much time spent since I ought to haue had it In sooth my son answered the Gyant you haue reasō for your words yet tell me by whō you would receiue your Order King Lisuart quoth Galaor is reputed a gentle Prince and a right good Knight wherefore if so it like you I shall be contented to haue it at his hand Wel haue you aduised sayd the Gyant so presently preparing all things in order they set forward on their iourney About fiue dayes after their departure by good hap they came neere a very faire and strong Castle named Bradoid seated on the toppe of a mountaine enuironed about with Fennes and Marishes as also with a salt water that ran before it wondrous swiftly so that without a Barque it was impossible to get thither And because the Marish was very long there was to passe ouer it a faire long Causey being so broad that two Chariots might well meet together on it and at the entrance of the Causey was a draw-bridge where-under the water ran with such a violent fall as no one was able by any meanes to passe it Heere must ye note that equally facing this bridge there grew two goodly Elme trees where-under the Gyant and Galaor beheld two Damosels and a Squire with a knight mounted on a black Courser this Knight was armed bearing figured in his Shield two Lyons rampant and because the bridge was drawne vp hee could passe no further but called with a loude voyce to them within that some should come to giue him entrance which Galaor perceiuing sayd to the Gyant My Lord if it please you I would glady see what this Knight will doe here Soone after they espyed at the further end of the Causey by the Castle side two other Armed Knights accompained with tenne Halberders who came and demaunded of the knight what he would Marie enter in answered the Knight It may not be said one of the two Knights except you meane to combate first I will not sticke for that answered hee that would enter cause you the bridge to bee let downe and come to the combate which presently they did But one of the twaine more hasty then his companion aduanced himselfe first and placing his Launce ran with a swift carrier against the knight who receiued him so brauely as he sent both Horse and man to the ground The friend to the dismounted knight thinking to reuenge his iniury gaue forth to meete him and failing in the attaint with their Launces so furiously encountered with their bodies
as the knight of the Castle fell into the water where he was drowned and the conquerour rode on which the Halberders seeing presently drew vp the bridge againe after him When the Damosels saw he was thus closed in they cryed out aloud vnto him that he should returne as he was about so to do he espied three other Knights well armed come toward him who very audaciously thus spake Vnhappy was the houre to thee whē thou didest passe this bridge for thou shalt dye in this water where he is drowned that was of greater reputation then thou art Here with they all three together ran against him and met him so firmely as his Horse was like to haue fallen ouer backward yet hauing broken their Launces on him he was at this encounter wounded in two places neuerthelesse one of them he met in such order as his armour vnable to resist the pointe of the Launce pierced through with such violence that the trunchion still remained in his body This done couragiously he drew his sword adressing himselfe to the other twaine and they in like manner against him where-upon began a dangerous Combate betweene them but he with the Lions in his Shield doubting his death laboured so much as he could to ouer-come his enemies giuing one of them such a stroke on the right arme as being cut from the body it fell sword and all to the ground wherefore feeling himselfe thus wounded he galopped with all speed to the Castell crying Helpe my friends helpe your Lord who is in danger of killing When the Knight of the Lions heard that he with whom he must yet deale was the Lord of the Castell he deliuered him such a rigorous blow on the Helmet as made him loose his stirrops and ready to fall had he not got hold about the neck of his Horse in this staggering the Knight of the Lions rent his Helmet from his head and he perceiuing himselfe vnarmed thought to escape by flight as the other did but his enemy got betweene him and the Castell saying Thou art dead if thou yeeld not thy selfe my prisoner Alas answered the amazed Knight I am dead indeede if you please but as you are a Gentleman take pitty on me for I doe yeeld my selfe your vanquished Suddenly the Knight of the Lions looking about espied other Knights and armed men on foote that came in great hast from the castell to succour their Lord wherefore he stepped to his conquered prisoner and holding his sword against his throate said Command thy men to returne else shalt thou presently die Then he who faw his life in such perill cryed to them made a signe with his hand that if they loued him they should returne where-upon they beholding their Lords life at his enimies swords pointe obeyed his command with all possible speed Yet is not this enough said the conquerour cause now the bridge to be let downe which he did and they came both forth on the causey where the Ladyes taried but when the Knight of the Castell beheld them and that one of them was Vrganda the vnknowne Ah my Lord quoth he if you keepe me not from this Lady I am but dead Nay beleeue me answered the Knight that will not I do but rather am to deale with thee as shee shall command me then stepping to Vrganda he said Madame see here the Lord of the Castell what is your pleasure I shall do with him Smite off his head answered Vrganda if he will not deliuer you my friend whom he keepeth in prisō Here-with he lift vp his sword to feare him when the Knight falling on his knee cried Ah my Lord kill me not I will obey whatsoeuer she commandeth Dispatch it quickly then said the Knight of the Lions So caled the Lord to one of the halberders within saying Go to my brother and tell him if euer he intend to see me aliue let him quickly cause the imprisoned Knight to come hither and the Damosel that brought him with her Right soone was the messenger gone on this errand returning immediatly with the Damosell and the Knight to whom the Knight of the Lions thus spake Thanke this Lady who hath done so much for ye and truely great cause you haue to loue her in that she hath taken wonderfull paines to deliuer you from this thraldome I do loue her answered the restored Knight and so will continue better then I haue done heretofore But before he could finish these words Vrganda ran and embraced him the like did he to her afterward the conquerour demanded what should be done with her that brought him thither It is necessary that she dy replied Vrgà da to let her know the price of so hainous an offence Presently was the poore Damosel so strangely enchanted as she ran skipping ouer the marrish quag-mires and turning backe againe would haue throwne her selfe into the water had not the knight of the Lions intreated Vrganda to pardō her trespasse for this time Prouided saide Vrganda that she returne no more to offend me otherwise she shall pay for altogether Whē the Lord of the Castle saw the Damosell was remitted at his request who ouer-came him he thus spake My Lord I haue performed what hath bin commanded therefore I pray ye giue me leaue to depart from her that neuer loued me In sooth answered Vrganda for honor of him by whom you make your suite I am content and you may returne He being gone the Knight of the Lions who yet maruailed by what occasion the Damosell was driuen into that furie asked what moued her so to do Ah my Lord quoth she me thought one came round about me and would haue burned me with a lighted torch therefore to saue my selfe I sought to leape into the water At these words the Knight fell into a laughter saying Your folly hath beene ouer great faire Damosel to worke her ill who knowes how to reuenge it Galaor stood and had seene all these things where-upon he thus spake to the Giant Beleeue me father I very much desire that this worthy man should giue me my order for if King Lisuart be renowned it is for his possessions but this Knight deserues it by his strength and valour I am well content answered the Giant go and request it of him if he deny you the fault is his owne So Galaor went forward accompanied with foure squires and two Damosels ◠when comming to the Knight of the Lions he found him yet vnder the trees At his arriuall he was curteously receiued by the Knight who reputed him one of the most comely Gentlemen that euer he had seene afterward Galaor thus began Gentle Sir I am come to entreat a fauour at your hand Truely answered the Knight if your request be reasonable it will the sooner be granted My suite Sir quoth Galaor is for nothing else but that it might please you to giue me the order of knight-hood and in so doing you shall saue me a great
deale of trauaile to king Lisuart to whom I am going for the same cause My friend replied the knight you shall do your selfe ouer-much wrong to leaue so good an occasion by the best king in the world for so poore a knight errand as I am My Lord quoth Galaor the great state of the king can put no such strenght into me as I haue seene performed by you in the late Combats therefore so please it you accomplish in me my earnest desire I can be much better content answered the knight to grant any other thing you will demand for such authority appertaineth not to me nor to you likewise is it so honorable As thus they stood on these tearmes Vrganda vnlooked for came to thē where-with the knight of the Lions was very glad and she hauing as yet not heard any of their talke thus spake to her champion What is your opinion of this Gentleman Me thinks quoth he a brauer person was neuer seene but he requireth such a thing of me as is neither in him or me conuenient What is it said Vrganda That I quoth he should giue him the order of knight-hood and yet he is now in trauaile with determination to request the same of the famous king Lisuart Certainly answered Vrganda to make him stay will be a greater cause of euill to him then good and I will councel him not to desist from his former motion for you ought nor to deny him seeing I can assure ye that honor will be better imployed by him then any other in all the Isles of the sea except one Seeing it is so replied the knight in the name of God let it be done goe we then to some Church to performe the vigill It shall be needlesse quoth Galaor to stand about such matters now in that I come not vnprouided of them already It suffiseth then answered the Knight so put he on his right spurre and embracing him said You are now a knight wherefore take the honor of the sword by whom you shall thinke it more conuenient Do you then giue it me said Galaor if you please for by no other will I receiue it with my will Then he called a Squire that held a sword ready but Vrganda stepped before saying No no you shall haue a better take that which hangeth on yonder tree and you shall finde it farre more faire and good Heere-with they looked vpon the tree yet saw it not wherefore they all began to smile and she doing the like said to them In sooth it is almost ten yeeres since it first was hanged there yet no passenger by euer saw it looke better about the tree for sure you cannot but easily behold it Now did they all perceiue it tied to a branch of the tree euen as though it had but euen then beene hanged there and by it was a Scabberd couered with gold shewing most fine and curious Worke-manship on it The Knight of the Lyons tooke it downe and afterward girded it about Galaor saying So faire a Sword beseemeth a knight so formall and thinke shee hated you not who of so long time hath kept it for you Most cheerefully did Galaor giue her thankes and the knight likewise thus speaking to them I beseech ye to hold me excused for I am constrained presently to depart from ye and were it not I must goe where I am attended no companie in the world would I desire more then yours therefore I desire ye Sir to tell me where I may find ye at my returne In the Court of king Lisuart answerd the knight where I shal be very glad to see you and because it is no long time since I was knighted I am the more desirous of some abode there to attaine honour as you cannot chuse but doe the like if you come hither Certes said Galaor to that place will I shortly follow ye and Madame quoth he to Vrganda you haue so strictly bound me to your seruice as may it please you to account me your knight I am readie wheresoeuer you shall command mee So departed he from them returning to the Gyant who stayed for him by the Riuer side where hee had hid himselfe least he should bee seene But now you must here obserue that as Galaor thus deuised with Vrganda and the Knight one of the Damosels that was in Galaors company had conference with her that attended on Vrganda of whō at large shee vnderstood how the knight of the Lyons was Amadis Son to king Perion of Gaule whose cōming thither Vrganda had caused to deliuer by force of Armes her friend that there was kept prisoner for by inchantmēt she could not compasse it by reason the Ladie of the Castle was too cunning in that Arte and there had first enchanted him in despight of her fearing no way to loose him againe but by knightly chiualrie On this occasion the custome there was appointed which Amadis ended and restored as you haue heard the man for whom they came thither and hee by the Damosell Neece to the Ladie of the Castle that in enchaunted furie would haue leapt into the Riuer was conducted to this place So soone as Galaor had left Vrganda shee demaunded of Amadis if he knew the man to whom hee gaue the Order of Knight-hood No truely Madame quoth he In sooth answered Vrganda it is great reason you should knowe what he is for he beareth so braue a minde that if you both should meet without further knowledge there might happen betweene yee great inconuenience Therefore I giue ye to vnderstand how he is your owne brother both by father and mother and the very same whom the Gyant caryed away being then but two yeeres old and a halfe now he is of so goodly stature as you haue seene for whose sake and yours likewise I haue a long time kept the Sword where-with I assure ye he shall do more in exploits of Armes then euer any knight did in Great Brittaine Amadis concieued hereat such inward ioy as the teares trickled downe his cheekes wherefore he said to Vrganda I beseech ye Madame tell mee where I may finde him It is not necessarie quoth she that as yet you should seeke him Why said Amadis is he then constrained to accomplish some predestinate matter before I may finde him Yea verily answered Vrganda and it is not so easie to know as you may imagine Long time thus continued their conference till Vrganda would depart alone with her friend so she commended Amadis to God who presently tooke his way toward Windsore where at this time King Lisuart soiourned Our Historie at this time pauseth of him continuing what hapned to Galaor the new Knight who beeing arriued where the Gyant stayed for him thus spake Father I am now thanks bee to God and him you sent me to a confirmed knight My sonne quoth the Gyant I am not a little glad thereof and seeing it is so well effected will yee graunt mee one request
so perplexed as he could not answere wherefore Gandalin tooke him by the arme saying My Lord see you not what a great traine maketh toward vs At these words he came to himselfe beginning to sigh and lifting his eyes to heauen said Gandalin if in this loue I were maister of my strength as I am in diuers other actions neither shouldest thou haue neede to aduertise me nor my selfe be without councell so much as I am But I feele my selfe so oppressed as all the enemies in the world cannot bring me to such extremity as this ouer ruling passion doth therefore I pray thee talke to me of the felicity a man shall enioy in death for other may I not taste and practise no meanes of my life seeing the contrary doth surmount it What my Lord answered Gandalin esteeme you the victory ouer your selfe so difficult after so many conquests of stout and bold strangers Why do you not think that peraduenture she loueth you well for whom you endure such assaults and happily by as great reason as you loue her your persoage prowesse beauty and nobility of linage can they deserue lesse then the good grace of the most rare and exellent Lady in the world let these humours my Lord repell your desperations Further hee would haue proceeded but Amadis brake him off in anget saying Wretch darest thou blaspheme so much as to say that he who hath merited no conditiō in the world may be equalled with so perfect a thing as is my Lady enter no more into such tearmes if thou wilt not haue me thine enemy and so loose my conuersation Well well said Gandalin I pray ye wipe your eyes least those that come hitherward perceiue you haue wept What answered Amadis comes their any body Yea mary quoth Gandalin and now they be at hand here-with he shewed him the Knights the Ladyes who were hard by them by time Amadis was mounted Then as though hee had stayed for their companie hee saluted them and riding among the traine hee beheld a Ladie very comely and beautifull who wept very grieuously where-upon hee left the rest and rode with her saying Madame God comfort yee and giue you ioy In sooth answered the Lady and thereof haue I need in that as now it is very farre from mee which except Heauen fauour me with better grace I am vtterly out of hope euer to see againe And so high a Maiestie said Amadis can prouide therefore when he pleaseth Not-withstanding if you were so contented I gladly would know the cause of your sadnesse Beleeue mee my friend quoth she all that euer I enioy in this world consisteth in the tryall of a Combate By these wordes hee knew this to be the Lady of whom the Damosels had tolde him before wherefore hee enquired further if as yet shee had found a knight on her behalfe No truely sayd the Lady and which greiueth mee most of all to morrow must my delay bee exterminate What will ye then doe answered Amadis What would you that I should doe quoth shee but lament and loose all vnlesse by hap I finde one in the Kings Court who mooued thereto by charitable compassion will courteously defend the right of a desolate widow Such fortune sayd Amadis shall I pray may befall yee for I should not be a little glad thereof as well for your owne sake as also because I neuer thought well of your aduersarie I thanke ye gentle Sir quoth she to God I commit the reuenge of my wrong So passed on the Ladie and Amadis turning bridle rode backe to the Pauillion where he found the Damosels who were already returned from the towne and presently they told him how Dardan was come into the field with full resolution to doe his deuoire And trust me sayd Amadis it was my happe to meet the distressed Lady euen the same whom the case concerneth heere-with hee declared all the talke they had together But now is the houre of quiet come and each one went to rest till the point of day when the Damosels being risen came to tell Amadis how they would goe before to the Towne and send him worde when Dardan was readie Not so quoth Amadis I will not bee farre behinde yee but let one ride before to aduertise me when Dardan shews himselfe in the field After he was armed they went all to horse-backe and being come to the issue of the Forrest he sayd to the Damosels Now may you goe if you please for I will not depart this place till I heare some newes from you Away they went when Amedis alighting tooke off his Helmet to refresh himselfe No sooner did the Sunne appeare in the East but the King came to the place appointed for the Combate which was without the Towne hard by the Walles where Dardan not long after shewed himselfe in such manner and equipage as an ambitious man vseth to gaine goods honour also like an amourous Champion to maintaine the quarrell of his beloued who to countenāce him with the greater fauor was queintly led by the reines of his Palfray thē presenting himselfe before the king on his knees he sayd My Lord according to the ordinance by you appointed this Ladie and I humbly beseech ye that the goods may be deliuered her as is no more then reason for if any Knight oppose him selfe against her heere am I readie for the Combate The king then called for the Ladyes defendant but she poore soule appeared alone Why Lady quoth the King are you vnprouided of a Champion that you come without any to defend your right So helpe me God answered she weeping I am my Lord forsake of all except you grant me mercie Great compassion had the King on her for he knew her to be very vertuous but he could not together order reason and the Law In the meane while Dardan who thought no resistāce would come sate downe in the middest of the field attending the third houre which was the time according to the custome when the King would pronounce sentence to the Conquerour but one of the Damosels seeing nowe the needefull time made haste to let Amadis vnderstand what want of his presence was in the field For this cause he immediately mounted on horse-backe and being armed as appertained commanded the Damosell and his Squire to goe some other way for he would not be seene by any from whence he came assuring them that if he were Victor hee would returne againe to the Tent. So departed Amadis alone riding on a braue white Courser as he promised the Damosell of Denmarke in Gaule and arriued at the place where Dardan held the world in wonder of him The king and his Nobles seeing him come from the Forrest stood somewhat in doubt of him for hee carryed such a gallant and Knightly counteuance as promised a-farre off that his enemie should finde him of hautie disposition which made the King aboue all other desirous to know him and thinking she for whose
Damosels who tarry for vs in the Tents but you must dissemble conningly for if they see you altered from your wonted mellanchollie it may be some hinderance to your determination So they brake off coÌ„munication and went into the Pauillion where Amadis notwithstanding Gandalins councell could not but shew himselfe pleasantly disposed whereat the Damosels were verie glad because such behauiour better beseemed him then his former pensiuenes When the houre of rest was come each one went to his accusttomed lodging and soone after Amadis seeing the time commodious for his enterprise arose and found Gandalin who had already prepared for their iourney wherefore being armed they mounted on horse-backe taking the most conuenient way for their purpose to the Towne When they came to the Garden which Oriana had before shewed Gandalin they alighted and tied their horsses at a tuft of trees nere adioyning afterward they went through a hole which a water-course had made in the Garden wall and approched the window where Oriana lay faire and softly did Amadis knock thereon with his finger she not yet sleeping who expected his comming and when she heard the louing signall of her friend she awaked Mabila saying Sweete sister I thinke your cosin knocketh at the window My cosin answered Mabila it may be so but you haue greater intrest in him then I or all other of his linage together Mabila presently arose and lighted a waxe taper which she had hid for the nonce when Oriana likewise was got out of bed they came together and opened the casement where they found Amadis no more attending then hec was attended If they were then well pleased it were folly to inquire for all the contentments in the world might not be compared to the ioy of seeing each other And without question they had two inducing reasons thereto for beside the nourishment they receiued together in their yonger yeeres and their first amity continued by the rememberance and good opinion they had of each other their beauty and perfections were so correspondent as if they had neuer seene one another till that very instant yet had they cause enough to loue together Oriana had on such braue attire beseeming the night as set the heart of her loue on fire for vnder a fine dainty white frontlet appeared the rarest golden tresses of haire that euer nature made and about her shoulders she had a mantle of figured cloth of gold imbroidered all ouer with rich and costly flowerts as it might beseeme the greatest Maiestie in the world And for her selfe a thing more faire was impossible to be found the inward conceite of her present comfort decked her face with such a heauenly beauty as it seemed that nature in pride of her art made this piece to excell all other in perfection I will leaue you then to consider on the iudgement of Amadis who when she was nothing so glorious in fairenes thought her worthy the loue of the best Knight in the world now if he stood mute blame him not hauing the only iewell of his heart before him and therefore she to breake off this silence first spake in this manner My Lord if I haue giuen you the liberty contrary to my duty and custome to see me in this place at an houre so vnfitting you must commit the offence to the security which our former nurturing together loyally promised and likewise to the good opinion of your great vertues siâ—ce that time encreased which hath conquered no lesse fauour in me then honor and renowne in all other places Amadis to auoide further silence thought it better to let his speeches passe at aduenture then by holding his peace to be reputed vnworthy this happines or not so feruently touched with loue as she was to exclude all which doubts he thus replied Madame I account my selfe not so much fauoured by fortune in any thing else as honored at my first entrance into your seruice euen the very highest tipe of grace she could affoord me nor do I feele my selfe so beholding to my vertues as I rest double bound to theÌ„ that report so wel of me But when both these benefits shall be excluded yet is my loue and seruice to you so affectionate as they can deserue no lesse then this secret gentlenes and wheÌ„ you shall allow me more ample courtesie it may command a stricter bond of duty but not affection for that is already so substantially grounded that the vttermost good you can do me is neither able to augment it or the sharpest vnkindnes diminish it I know not whether it be seemely for a man to coÌ„fesse the extremities he hath infinite times endured by this passion the very least griefe I receiued hath beene the losse of rest and banishment of sleepe froÌ„ mine eyes and yet to afflict me with greater torment my spirit hath seene in a dreame what it vncessantly desired How many times hath it happened to me in thinking on you to be so coÌ„founded that such as haue seene me reputed me not only depriued of common since but euen of very life it selfe What moman what child well beaten hath euer powred forth so many teares as I poore Knight haue done yea my very chiefest enterprises huae I sprinckled withall for your sake not as feeling my selfe a happy subiect in loue but rather too little merit of my selfe and much lesse hope This fauour proceeding froÌ„ you in deigning to heare me is greater then euer I durst hope for and so farre doth it surmount my passions as I cannot expresse the least part of my ioy my tongue likewise seemeth as vnprofitable ignorant of his office hauing bin so long from seruing me to you But aboue all this impuissance in speech shall on my behalfe testifie to you what all the words in the world cannot deliuer with sufficient truth for as all other beauty in coÌ„parison of yours is nothing so before mine affection al the other habilities of my soule vanish away and become of no reckoning Will you theÌ„ good madame with your courtesie supply my insufficiencie and with pittie giue me both life and my selfe and conserue that which else cannot be vnlesse it be yours onely These words vttered Amadis with such interruption of sighes and teares as witnessed he had no intent of feigning but rather knew how to suffer then speake wherewith Oriana moued to compassion thus answered I make no doubt deere friend but you loue me in respect of the pains you haue taken for me as also by what you haue now tolde me and though I should haue no signe thereof by speech or ought else yet am I â—…ent to beleeue because my heart hath no other deâ—…e but heerein concerneth greatest contentment And yet the torment I see you in with impacience troubleth my quiet for you being assured by sufficient proues and especially this that I loue ye me thinks you should haue no further cause of so seuere affliction but rather ought to temper your
I may doe your Maiestie any seruice I am the man readie to bee commaunded and you the Prince whom most I desire to honour Good Friend quoth the King your departure must not be so soone except you delight to displease me God forbid answered Amadis in respect my endeauour is altogether to obey you Doe you thinke sayd the King it is any obedience if I may not entreat a longer stay In sooth my Lord quoth Amadis you may and shall command for in greater matters then this I will not offend ye Goe then and vn-arme you replyed the King and speaking these wordes him-selfe tooke him by the hand conducting him to a sumptuous chamber where he left him to take some refection with Arban King of Norgalles and the Duke of Glocester whom he commanded to keepe him companie for King Lisuart was a Prince that especially fauoured and honoured strange Knights Hauing left Amadis thus worthily accompained he went to the Queene and tolde her in what manner hee had stayed the good Knight who ouercame Dardan But doe yee my Lord quoth she know his name No verily answered the King for in respect of the promise I made him I durst not demaund that question of him It may be sayd the Queen he is the Sonne to King Perion of Gaule I would it might fall out so well answered the King Doe you know quoth the Queene who may put vs out of this doubt euen the Squire that talked with Mabila who came to search him in your Court and said how hee was aduertised of his arriuall in this Countrey long before Immediately the King caused Gandalin to be called and without declaring any thing to him thus spake Follow me for I must shew a Knight to thee that I may bee resolued if thou know him or no. Gandalin attended on the King entring the chamber where Amadis was and Gandalin viewing him very earnestly feigned to haue seene him long time since then setting his knee to the ground sayd Ah my Lord great trauaile haue I endured to finde you since I departed from the Scottish Court Gandalin my good friend right heartily art thou will-come to mee what newes doest thou bring None but good my Lord answered Gandalin all your noble Friendes are in perfect health commending them-selues to your Excellencie but hence-forth Sir you must conceale your selfe no longer then turning to the King â—e thus proceeded Mightie King hee that hath beene so long time vnknown is this braue Prince the famous Amadis Sonne to the inuincible king Perion of Gaule and then came his Fathet to vnderstand so much when he slewe in combate the puissant King Abies of Ireland by meanes whereof he recouered his Realme which was well-neere lost By these deuises was Amadis discoured and better wel-commed then before for till theÌ„ he was not knowne but through his famous deedes the renowne whereof was euery-where blazed abroad and now was hee so well honoured for his vertue as his Noblenesse required So spent they the whole day in honourable Feasting vntill such time as each one with-drew him-selfe when king Lisuart commanded the King of Norgalles that he should lodge in Amadis chamber afterward when they were alone to sound his minde vnderstand by all meanes possible if he would consent to remaine in his seruice Thus leauing them together hee returned to the Queene and to her thus spake Madame hardly shall I cause Amadis to stay as mine nor can I tell which way to compasse it albeit I neuer had greater desire to any Gentle-man of long time for the high account is helde of him would cause mee to bee much more feared and redoubted My Lord quoth the Queene graunt him any thing he shall demaund and doe your selfe present him what you imagine will best please him Hee requesteth nothing of me replyed the king for if he did I would consent thereto more willingly then he could desire Me thinkes it were good sayd the Queene to entreat him first by some other of our Court if they cannot preuaile will him to come see mee your daughter and our Cozin Mabila they likewise shall solicite the matter for they knew him when hee serued them as a Squire Then shall we let him vnderstand how all the Knights here are yours and none but thinks him-selfe honoured thereby him will we desire to be one of the Company that you may enioy his seruice when need shall require This will be a good meane answered the king to procure his stay and if he will not be wonne by you we may well iudge him of lesse ciuility theÌ„ Chiualry Now because it waxed some-what late the King bade his Queene good-night went to his Chamber On the other side the king of Norgalles perswaded his new-come guest that he would abide in the Court of king Lisuart but Amadis could so cunningly dissemble that he altogether disguised the chiefe point of his desire and might not by all these entreaties be wonne When he perceiued he laboured in vaine on the Morrow-morning hee brought him to the king of whom Amadis made offer to take his leaue But the king answered him in this manner My good friend you should haue done me pleasure not to depart so soone yet can I not constraine ye to tarrie against your will but my Queene would gladly see you before your departure Nor will I goe my Lord answered Amadis before I haue done my dutie to her where-upon taking him by the hand he brought him into her Chamber and thus spake to her See heere Madam king Perions Sonne of Gaule who is come to salute you before his departure In sooth my Lord answered the Queene he doth mee great honour and he is very heartily wel-come hither Then Amadis stepping to her fell on his knee to kisse her hand but she caused him to rise and sit downe by her when the king perceiuing they would enter into further talke with drew himselfe to discourse with his knights while they conferred together In mean while the Queene courteously entertained Amadis but the other Ladies and Gentle-women who had heard such fame of his beautie and excellent perferfections beganne to eye him very diligently maruailing that Nature had so enriched him with the onely thing they most desired Now knew Amadis by their countenances what iudgement they held of him yet durst he not turne his head aside fearing least seeing his Oriana by some sudden mutation hee might reueale what carefully he couetted to hide And as he continued in this perplexitie the Princesse Mabila came and did him reuerence where-upon the Queene the better to compasse her intent called her daughter who dissembled as if she scant knew him and thus shee spake to her Faire daughter remember you not the sonne of king Perion of Gaule who serued you well while he was your Squire and yet may doe if it please him now he is a Knight in soothe you must al assist me in desiring him to grant mee one
request And know ye what it is quoth she to Amadis the king earnestly entreateth you to remaine in his Court and yet as I vnderstand you haue no wil to afford him so small a fauor We shal see anon if Ladies hold greater Priuiledge in knights then men doe therefore wee all ioyne together in one suite that you would be knight to my daughter and my self likewise to them whom you see in this faire coÌ„panie And if you will doe so much for vs you shall deliuer vs from seeking support in any other who happily cannot be so agreeable to vs for wel we know if you be our knight we shall surpasse all them that attend on the king The Ladyes were before aduertised what they should doe in this case wherefore they flocked about him altogether and with signes of earnest Supplication confirmed the Queenes request especially Oriana who gaue him a signe that he should consent but very wisely dissembled it although he had no other desire in the world wherefore the Queene seeing him so slow in answering as if she would haue pressed him thereto said Well Sir Amadis whaâ—â— shall we be denyed Madame replied Amadis what is he that dare do otherwise then grant your will and these Ladyes present seeing you are the most honorable Queen of the world and they likewise deserue the highest point of seruice therefore madame by your commandement and the Princesse Oriana as also these other Ladyes who are loth to be denied I am content to tarry with you yet vnder this condition that I will doe nothing but for you onely and if I accoÌ„plish any seruice for the King it shall be yours and none of his Then as our Champion answered the Queene all we accept you these glad tidings she soone sent to the King who was so highly pleased therewith that he commanded the King of Norwales to goe and beare him company and himselfe for ioy went presently to him wheÌ„ taking him in his armes he sayd Gentle Knight right glad am I of your consent to the Queene and for my part be you well assured that my desire is to entreat you according to your deserts Amadis on his knee humble thanked him albeit he only staied by the commandement of Oriana and no such other matter as he feigned to the Queene For this time the author leaueth Amadis returning where he left the Prince Galaor who being departed from the Duke of Brystoyaes Castle where the villainous Dwarffe vnhappily discouered him all that day he wandred in the Forrest of Arinida not meeting any one to direct him a more ready way yet toward euening he saw a Squire come toward him mounted on a right good Courser Now had Galaor receiued a certaine wound by one of the three Knights that assailed him as you haue heard which by reason of dallying with his new friend the night past began to fester and ranckle very much and feeling himselfe not halfe currant he said to the Squire My friend knowest thou where I may finde cure for a small wound I haue What if I do answered the Squire yet will I not company any such coward as thou art because it were to my shame and discredit if I should Enough of that said Galaor tell mee where I may finde helpe for my wound Rather quoth the Squire would I seeke one to giue thee another Shew me the way answered Galaor and I will aduenture what thou fearest me withall I may chuse said the Squire except I list Nay thou shalt do it quoth Galaor by friendship or force By force replied the Squire thinkest thou I will do any thing for so bad and false a Knight as thou art WheÌ„ Galaor heard him speake so imperiously he drew his sword making shew as if he would smite off his head saying Villaine thou shalt conduct me else will I send thy soule to all the Deuils The Squire being affraid thus answered Seeing thou enforcest me I will bring thee to a place where thy folly shall be chastised and my outrage reuenged Heere-with he rode before leauing the right way Galaor following some distance behinde him and by time they had ridden the length of a mile they came to a Fortresse seated in a pleasant vally brauely enuiroÌ„ed about with trees the Squire theÌ„ pointing him to the place said Now mayst thou let me goe for here I hope will be reuenged the iniury thou hast done me Go thy way to al the Deuils replied Galaor for I haue enough of thy company Scant wilt thou like my conducting said the Squire before thou departest from this castell wherewith he turned brible and away but Galaor followed the path that guided to the Castle which in his iudgement was but newly edified and being come to the gate he saw within a Knight armed mounted on horsebacke attended on by fiue hâ—lâ—â—rders prouided to forbid eâ—trance into the Castle who comming to him demaâ—ded if he were the man that abused thâ—â—â— Sâ—â—ire I know not answered 〈◊〉 whether he be your Sâ—… I come by 〈…〉 that eueâ— I know â—…d the Knight of 〈…〉 but what would you hâ—uâ— in this place Sir quoth Galaor I am â—ore wounded and seeke for one to giue me helpe Enter then said the Knight Galaor rode in but presently the Knight his souldiers very fiercely assailed him â—â—t the first that came before hâ—… â—…king to strike at his head with 〈…〉 was folowed so neeâ— as Galâ—â—â— snatched his weapon out of his hand giuing the Knight such a wound therewith that he fell down dead Then entring among the other he gaue them so many rough and sharpe charges as in the end three of them were slâ—ne outright the other two sted so fast as they could â—…to the Castle and Galaor would haue pursued them but that his Squire cryed to him My Lord take your Armes for within mee thinkes I heare a great â—…our of people my selfe will take this hatchet to assist if ye stand in need and although I am vnworthy the order of Chiualry yet will I defend my Lord to my vttermost haâ—… he downe the hatâ—…alberd and a 〈◊〉 belonging to one of them that were slaine Assure thy selfe answered Galaor so soone as I finde him that gaue me Knight-hood thou shalt for thy forwardnes likewise haue thine So passing further they saw two other armed Knights come forth and ten Soulders with them who were brought out at the gate by the other that fled away Now was the Squire that conducted Galaor to this Castle standing shewing himselfe at one of the casements and he cryed aloude to this fresh supply Kill him kill him but saue his horse to do me seruice Galaor looking vp presently knew him at whose words his heart was so enraged that he fiercely ran to meete the new â—ssâ—…lants in which encounter their Launces brake especially Galaor on him that gaue the first charge as he made him sure enough from euer bearing armes afterward The setting hand to sword
euer was heard of then sound not your speeches to any likely-hood for this Gyant surpasseth all other in strength cruelty Gentleman answered the Damosell the Knight I speake of hath done no lesse then I told ye wherewith she 〈◊〉 the whole manner thereof they reputing it strange and almost incredible which caused Agraies to aske her if she knew the Knights name His name quoth she is Galaor son to King Perion of Gaule Ah Lady said Agraies you declare the only newes of the world to content me withal naming my Cosin who more commonly was reputed dead then liuing Hereupon he reported to Galuanes what he had heard concerning Galaor how he was taken away by the Gyant and till this instant he neuer heard of him By my faith answered Galuanes the life of him and his brother is miraculous and their beginning of Chiualrie so famous as I thinke their like is not to be found through the world but Damosell what would you haue with that Knight My Lord quoth she I seeke his ayde on the behalfe of a Damosell who is imprisoned by the accusation of a Dwarffe the most villainous creature that euer was born hereto she added the whole discourse of Galaor and the Dwarffe as hath beene already declared to you yet she cōcealed the louely pranck of Aldena And because Sir sayde she the Damosell will not confirme what the Dwarffe hath auouched the Duke of Bristoya hath sworne that within ten dayes she shall be burned aliue which is an occasion of great griefe to the other Ladyes doubting least shee through feare of death will accuse some of them and tell withall to what end Galaor came into the Dukes Castle more-ouer of the ten dayes foure are already expired Seeing it falleth out so answered Agraies you neede trauaile no further for we will performe what Galaor should doe if not in strength yet in good will and therefore be you our guide to the place The Damosel turned her haqueney and led them with such speede to the Dukes Castle that they arriued there the day before the execution should be Now was the Duke set down to dinner when the two Knights entring the great hall humbly saluted him when he saw them he requested they would sit downe to dinner with him but they answered that hee should presently know the cause of their comming where-upon Galuanes thus began My Lord you detaine a Damosell prisoner by the false and disloyall accusation of a traiterous Dwarffe we desire that she may be deliuered seeing she hath no way mis-done and if it be needfull to proue her innocency by battaile let come two other to maintaine the quarrell for we are ready as her defēders Wel haue you sayd replyed the Duke and calling for the Dwarffe thus spake to him What answerest thou to these Knights challenge who say that falsely thou hast caused me to imprison the Damosell and will proue it against thee in open battaile it behoueth thee to find some defence for thy selfe For that I am not to seek my Lord quoth the Dwarffe I haue such on my behalfe who shall make known the truth of what I haue said Here-with he called a frollick Knight his Nephew so like him in pitch and proportion as one would haue thought he had no other father to him he sayd I pray ye Nephew maintain my quarrell against these two Knights Scarse had he thus spoken but his Nephew returned this answer to Galuanes and his companion Well Gentlemen what will you say against this loyal Dwarffe who was so iniured by the Knight the false Damosell brought hither It may be one of you is the man I speake off but whether it be or no I will proue in Combate he dealt villainously the Damosell ought to dy because she brought him into my Lord the Dukes Chamber Agraies who found himselfe most touched in his owne conceite stepped forth with this answer In sooth neither of vs is the man albeit we desire to imitate his vertues but wee auouch he hath done no wrong if the Duke please this difference shall be soone decided for on his behalfe will I maintaine that the damosel ought to be deliuered the Dwarfe in her stead burned as a traiterous villaine I iustifie the cōtrary replied the Dwarffes Champion then calling for his armour full soone was he mounted on a gentle Courser and turning to Agraies who presented him the Cōbare thus spake Would God Knight thou wert the man by whō this quarrell begā too high a price should I set on thy folly We shall quickly see quoth Agraies what thou canst doe but I am assured if he were present he would make no account of two such braggers as thou art how iust or vniust the cause were on his side by greater reasō then do I leaue thee to iudge how notably he would handle thee in this consisting on truth and equitie While these menaces thus passed on either side the Duke stirred not from the table till dinner was done when seeing the Knights prepared to execute their speeches he conducted them with a braue company of Gentlemen to the place apointed to end such controuersies where all accustomed ceremonies being obserued the Duke thus spake to Agraies Performe the vttermost of your habilitie yet shall not the Damosel be deliuered for to the Dwarffe hath not been offered iniury alone but to such beside as are of higher reckoning then your selfe My Lord quoth Agraies you caused her to be apprehended only by his false accusation and he hath deceiued your iudgement with a lye wherefore if my fortune make mee Conquerour you ought by good reason to deliuer her I haue tolde you what I meane to doe said the Duke and otherwise it shall not be Agraies tarrying for no more wordes turned his horse running a braue carrire against the Dwarfes Knight and in the encounter brake their staues gallantly meeting likewise so furiously with their bodies as they were both laide along on the ground yet quickly they recouered themselues and vnsheathing their weapons deliuered fierce and cruell strokes to each other their Swordes being verie sharpe the Knights valiant and hautily disposed by means where-of their Armour Helmets and sheeldes were in short time made of slender resistance yet Galuanes well saw how his Nephew had stil the better of his enemy if then he had before esteemed him a good Knight farre greater reason had he so to doe notwithstanding hee was so hot and vigorous as often-times he seemed out of breath which made euery one imagine regarding his violence that hee could not long endure But in him it proued farre otherwise for the longer the Combate endured his courage and strength the more increased by reason whereof he became the Conquerour as shall hereafter be declared The Nephew to the Dwarffe found him-selfe so hardly handled as he drew back a little thus speaking to Agraies Me-thinkes Sir Knight wee haue made proofe enough of what we are able to performe
in these affaires wherefore I am of the opinion that he whose quarrell I vndertake the other for whom you entred fight are not faulty in any thing wherewith they are charged otherwise our combate could not thus long haue endured but victory wold fal to one of vs. Wel hast thou sayd answered Agraies that the Knight for whom I venter is iust and loyall but the Dwarffe is a villaine and a traitour nor will I suffer thee to rest till with thine own mouth thou coÌ„fesse as much defend thy selfe therefore better then thou hast done These angry wordes did somewhat eleuate the Dwarffes Knights courage but he had lost so much bloud that he was no longer able to holde out by meanes whereof Agraies took his pleasure on him because the other did nothing but defend his strokes which when the Duke beheld by reason he fauoured him he was highly displeased and to shun the sight of his death departed toward his Castle swearing thence forward to worke reuenge for him on all Knights errant by doing then all the shame he could possibly deuise He being in this furie spake so loude as Galuanes ouerheard him wherefore he thus answered Duke thou doost enterprise a great war especially against such as are known to more worthy Lords theÌ„ thou art seeking thus to smother vp the blame of others As thus he contended with the Duke the Dwarffes champion fell at Agraies feete who immediatly snatching off his Helmet caught him by the head giuing him many blowes with the hilâ—s of his Sword on the face saying Confesse the disloyalty of the Dwarffe otherwise thy life is at an end Ah gentle Knight quoth he giue me my life for I truely confesse that hee who you fight for is vertuous and loyall promise withall to gaine the Da mosels release from imprisoÌ„ment but for Gods sake I desire ye let me not reprooue the Dwarffe mine Vnckle with treason These words were by all the assistance easily vnderstood which mouing Agraies to pitâ—â—e he thus answered For the Dwarffe I will do nothing but for you being a good Knight I grant the fauour of your discharge prouided that you labour to your vttermost for the Damosels release from prison according as you haue faithfully promised All this while the Duke heard none of these words because hee was gone somewhat further off but Galuanes laid hold on his horse bridle saying By God Duke you shall not departe hence vntill you haue seene he extreamity of your Champion for he is either dead or vanquished what answer then make ye concerning the Damosels right the treacherous iniury offered her by the Dwarfe What saide the Duke thinkest thou I will breake mine oath or do any otherwise then I haue determined I know not quoth Galuanes what conclusion you haue appointed Mary this replied the duke that she shâ—â—be to morrow morning burn'd if she tell not what moued her to cause the Knight come hither whoÌ„ she conducted Why quoth Galuanes will ye not then deliuer her No said the Duke and if thou prouide not for thy speedy departure out of my Country thou shalt well know that thou hast displeased me Is it true answered Galuanes doe ye threaten me contrarie to all equity and will not discharge the Damosell so honourably iustified By heauen henceforth I defie thee as well on mine own behalfe as all other Knights errant whatsoeuer Very well quoth the Duke the like do I to thee and al such as thou resemblest So went the Duke into his Castle and Galuanes returned in an exceeding chafe to Agraies but reioycing at his Nephewes glorious victory he somewhat quallified his angry choller yet did he tel him all the Dukes menaces and what defiance had passed on either side wherewith Agraies was very much moued chiefely for the wrong he threatned to the Damosell whereupon he thus replied In sooth my Lord and Vncle it is against all reason that such a paâ—liard as the Duke possessed of so great a signorie should cary so vile and bad a minde Hauing thus spoken he called for his horse which being brought him he mouÌ„ted thereon speaking thus to the vanquished Knight My friend remember your promise accomplish it so soon as you can that the Damosell may be released from her imprisonment In good faith quoth he I will performe my vttermost hability therein So rode away Agraies and Galuanes toward the Forrest of Arinida where wheÌ„ they entred Galuanes thus began You know Nephew that I haue defied the Duke in respect of the iniurie he offered vs but if I might giue aduise I would thinke it good for vs to ambush our selues a while in this wood where we may easily take him or some of his I promise ye saide Agaies I like well your counsell wherefore without passing any further they made choyce of a little thicket where they alighted sending their Squires to the Towne to prouide them victuals On the other side the Duke as you haue heard being with-drawn to his Castle grewe into such displeasure against the Damosel as he thought presently to send her to the fire where-upon he called for her willed her for to haue minde of her soule because the next morning shee should bee burned if quickly she declared not the truth of the Knight but all these threatnings could not drawe one word from her Now because the vanquished Knight had promised Agraies to labour for her deliueraÌ„ce to the Duke so soone as hee returned from the field hee came and fell on his knees before the Duke beseeching him most instantly to graunt what he had promised on the Ladies behalfe But the Duke by all meanes excused the matter saying he had sollemnely vowed she should dye if she reuealed not the thing he was desirous to know Therefore quoth he I will rather consent to the ruine of my whole Estate then in one iotte to the breach of my oath In this manner was the Knight denyed and the next morning very earely he sent for the Damosell to whom hee spake thus as followeth Thou lewd and disobedient woman now make choice of the fire or resolue me in the matter I haue demanded for one of them thou must doe My Lord quoth shee you may appoint what you thinke good but if I die in this manner it will be against all law and reason Presently he committed her to two Sergeants at Armes accompanied with ten Knights well prouided for their defence and for the more suretie that shee should not be rescued himselfe mounted in person on a goodly great horse then leauing the towne along they ride thorow the fieldes by the Forrest side and being come to the place prepared for execution he commanded foorth-with she should be throwne into the fire saying Let the stubborne Strumpet die in her obstinacie But Agraies and Galuanes being ready armed to aduenture their fortune discerned when the troupe came from the towne toward the forrest wherefore without longer tarying hauing
not tall fellow but let vs go down these staires to see who is beneath My Lord quoth the Dwarffe for Gods sake spare me nothing in the world can make mee goe into such a fearefull place If thou goe hence said Amadis how wilt thou enioy the thing I promised thee or know that I do my indeuour therein Ah Sir quoth he I acquite you and holde my selfe fully satisfied But so do not I answered Amadis because hereafter thou shalt not say I brake my promise On my faith Sir sayd the Dwarffe I freely discharge ye and if you please to let me go I will tarry for you in the way as we came hither Get thee gone then replied Amadis for heere will I abide till to morrow morning attending the Knight In this manner the poore dwarfe escaped thence and Amadis went downe the staires comming into a plaine place so darke that hee could not imagine where he was yet he proceeded on and by groping on a wall felt a barre of iron whereat hung a key which he took opening therewith a chaine that locked a port-cullis then heard he a lamentable voyce thus complaining Ah God how long shall we remaine in this miserie sweete death why stayest thou from succouring vs who call to thee as our last refuge Soone after the voyce ceased which made him holde on his way and enter a vault hauing his sword and Shield ready then passing further he came into a great Pallace at the entrance whereof hung a lampe burning sixe men laide along asleepe with their Shields and Hatchets lying by them the best of which he took himselfe They not awaking hee went on by them and soone after heard another grieuous lamentation in this manner Ah God full of pitty and mercy send death if it please thee to deliuer vs from this hell Now was Amadis in worse case then before for one of the sixe Souldiers suddenly awaking sayd to his fellow Arise take these rods and make that cursed creature sing another kinde of song who hath thus disturbed vs in our sleepe Mary and I shall answered the other so hee arose and tooke the rods but as he went he chanced to see Amadis before him whereat he was somewhat affraid yet to be better assured he demanded who is there I quoth Amadis What art thou said the other I am quoth he a strange Knight Who brought thee hither sayde the Souldier without any licence No body answered Amadis but my selfe alone The worse for thee replied the Souldier now must thou be enclosed among these infortunate people who cry as thou hearest Then stepping back he shut the dore against Amadis and waking his companions said My friends I haue found a strange knight who to his harme hath entred on his good will Let me talke with him answered the Iaylor and if I lodge him not worse then the rest then blame me So taking his hatchet and Shield he came to Amadis with these words Caitife if thou wilt not die throw downe thy weapons least with my hatchet I slice thy flesh make carbonadoes of it Very angry was Amadis to be thus threatned wherefore he returned this answer Slender is thy reason in thinking to feare me with thy words but the Deuils shall affright thee a great deale more for I will make them a present with thy soule which so long hath giuen power to thy wicked body in doing euill Presently they smote at each other with their hatchets the ioylor deliuering his stroke on the helmet of Amadis so that it entred very far therein Amadis cutting through the iaylors Shield enforced him to throw both it and his hatchet downe to stand to the only defence of his sword which endured not long likewise wherefore he minded to grapple Amadis about the body because he was a man of maruailous strength yet could he not do so much as hee meant in respect Amadis was a Knight both stiffe and sturdy Neuerthelesse the iaylor griped him very cruelly till the Prince gaue him such a blow on the face as brake his iaw bones which compelling him to fall downe amazed Amadis had the meane to accomplish his promise seperating with his sword the body from the soule The other Souldiours that beheld this fight not thinking the iaylor was dead indeede cryed to Amadis how on perill of his life he should not kill him least they likewise should send him after I know not answered Amadis what may become of me but I am certaine he is safe enough for doing any more harme herewith hee drew his sword and taking vp his hatchet againe marched toward them that came against him who charged him very sharpe and roughly yet the first he encountred with followed the iaylor so did the second and the fourth being smitten on his knees to the ground had dyed but he appealed for mercy the other twaine bearing him company in the same suite Cast downe your weapons sayd Amadis and shew mee them that complained so wofully which they did guiding him the way to the captiues when Amadis hearing another voice somewhat neer him demanded what he was My Lord replied the Souldier it is a Lady in extreame anguish Open the dore quoth Amadis that I may see her Then one of them ran where the iaylor lay dead and taking two keyes from his girdle opened the dungeon where the Lady was enclosed but she imagining the iaylor entred cryed Alas man take pitie on me and oppresse me with no more torments Ah King quoth she breathing forth a bitter sigh hard was my lot to be beloued of thee seeing I buy my affection so deerely Her grieuous moanes moued such cōpation in Amadis as the teares trickled downe his cheekes returned her this answer Lady I am not the iaylor that locked you heere but the man who meanes to deliuer you hence if I can a strange Knight seeking my fortune euery where Alas my Lord sayde she what is become of the iaylor and his companions He and some of them answered Amadis are sent to hell to looke their copes-mates then one of the Souldiers hauing brought a light the Prince saw how the Lady was tied by the neck with a great chaine which had so worne disployed her garments as the naked flesh appeared in many places and when she beheld that Amadis pittied her shee thus spake Although my Lord I am at this present sequestred frōal my lifehood yet time hath been when I was the wealthy daughter to a King and for a King you finde me in this misery Lady quoth Amadis it behooueth you to embrace patience these are but the mutabilities of fortune which no one is able to preuent or escape and if the man for whom you haue thus suffered be of any account or loueth you I am sure he will conuert right soone this poore estate into rich aboundance and remunerate your long sorrowes with ioy and gladnes So he caused the chaine to be taken from her neck commanding
garments to be brought and put about her wherefore hee that brought the lights ran for a scariet mantle which Arcalaus not long before gaue the iaylor and cast it about the Ladies shoulders This being done Amadis tooke her by the hand conducting her forth of the darke prison saying She should neuer returne thither againe but he would loose his life before and passing by where the iaylor and the other lay slaine the Lady began thus to complaine Ah cruell hands how many woūds and torments haue you giuen me and diuers in this Castle without desert althought your bodies at this instant cānot receiue cōdigne vēgance your damned soules may euermore abide in sufferance Madame saide Amadis while I go to deliuer the rest of the prisoners I leaue ye in my Squires custody so passing on to the port-cullis he met the Souldier that brought the lights saying Sir Arcalaus demandeth where the Knight is that entred heere whether he be dead or taken He who caryed the torch before the Prince was so affraid at these words that he let it fal which Amadis made him take vp againe thus speaking to him Villaine fearest thou being in my guarde goe on Thē assending the staires they came into the open Court where they sawe the greater part of the night was spent the Moone shining cleare and the weather faire but the Lady feeling the aire and beholding the heauens was so repleat with ioy that she fell on her knees before Amadis saying Ah gentle Knight the Almighty protect thee and require the good I haue receiued by thee deliuering me from comfortlesse darkenesse Amadis looking round about for Gandalin and finding him not searing he had lost him wherefore he saide If the best Squire in the world be dead I will take such reuenge for his death may I but find his murderer as neuer was the like heard before Being thus ouer-come with griefe hee heard one crie wherefore hee ran which way he thought best and found the Dwarffe that parted from him the night before hanging by one leg on high at a great piece of wood hauing a fire vnderneath him full of filthy stinking sauours neere him he espied Gandalin tied to a tree toward whom hee was going to vnbinde him but hee saw the Dwarffe had greatest need of help wherefore he cut the cords in twaine that held him vp catching him in his armes to set him on his feete afterward he vnloosed Gandalin saying In sooth my friend whosoeuer entreated thee thus made little reckoning of thy good deserts Now because he would deliuer the other prisoners he met the Lady comming forth of the Castle as he returned back againe but going on he found the gates fast shut against him whereupon he staied ul day light in a corner of the Court sitting downe by the Lady accompanied with two of the Souldiers the Dwarffe and Gandalin And as they communed together Gandalin shewed the Prince a place where-into he saw a horse led which Amadis being desirous to see came to the dore and found it shut but he ran so strongly against it with his foote that he made it fly open finding the horse there ready sadled and bridled whereon he mounted attending the day and sight of Arcalaus who he knew was already arriued at the Castle by matters he heard of Gandalin and the Dwarffe In meane while he conferred with the Lady demanding what the King was she loued so deerly and for whom she had sustained such iniury Worthy Lord quoth she Arcalaus getting intelligence of the Princes affection toward me whom I loue so loyally this diuelish enchanter being his mortall enemy thought he could be no better reuenged on him then by depriuing me of his presēce imagining the griefe here-of would be greater to him then any other Being thus perswaded he stole me away at what time I was with many great personages who were not able to giue me any succor by reason of the traiterous villainous sorceries for they could not deuise what was become of me because a wonderfull darke cloud enuironed me which hindred them from following mee to this place since when I neuer saw light till now you brought mee forth The disloyall wretch said by the way as he brought me that he would be reuenged on my loue my selfe by these meanes I poore soule enduring the torments and my loue the griefe of my absence yet ignorant where Madame said Amadis I pray ye name the man you spake of It is King Arban of Norwales answered the Lady whom it may be you know I know him right well replied Amadis for he is one whom I deerly loue and now do I lesse pitty your sufferings then before because they haue bin for one of the best men in the world who will so well recompence them as by rendring you incomparable ioy your loue and honor shall both be satisfied While thus they communed together faire day appeared when Amadis saw a Knight leaning in a window who thus demanded Art thou he that didst kill my iaylor my seruants Art thou he answered Amadis that so treacherously putteth knights to death abusing likewise both Ladyes and Gentlewomen by heauen thou art one of the vilest villaines that euer I heard of As yet thou knowest not said Arcalaus the vttermost of my power but soone shalt thou haue experience thereof to rid thee of such boldnes in asking me what I can do whether it bee wrong or right Herewith hee went from the window and not long after came downe into the Court being well armed mounted on a lusty bay courser Now you must note that this Arcalaus was one of the mightyest Knights in the world yet no Gyant wherefore when Amadis behelde him of such stature hee doubted not of his great force and strength Arcalous perceiuing hee eyed him so much demāded what moued him so to doe I imagine answered Amadis that according to thy large proportion thou shouldest be a man of exquisite Chiualrie but thy peruerse and humaine actions are a foule blemish thereto Now trust me sayde Arcalaus I thinke my selfe highly beholding to fortune who hath brought thee hither to make mee such a smooth sermon but all this will not helpe thee therefore defend thy selfe So charging their Launces they brake so brauely on their Shields as the shiuers flewe vp into the aire and with such violence met their horses and bodies that they were both laide along on the ground Quickly they arose with their swordes began a bloudy combate wherein desire of victorie and hauty resolution of vncōquerable courage made thē continue a long time till Arcalaus retiring aside thus spake to Amadis Knight thou art in danger of death and because I know not who thou art tell me that when I haue slaine thee I may yet commend thy boldnes in entring heere My death answered Amadis is in the hand of God whom I reuerence and thine in the power of the Deuill who is weary of helping thee
this time Hauing put on the armor of Arcalaus he demanded of Grindaloya what was become of Gandalin and the Dwarffe she tolde him they were imprisoned Euill befall the villaine that so hardly vsed them sayde Amadis and Lady quoth he to Ar◅ wife vpon your life looke to the safetie of this noble woman till I returne Comming fourth into the Court it was a pastime to see how Arcalaus seruants fled his sight but Amadis let them run and went to the darke vncomfortlesse prisons which were filled with captiues Now to tel ye in what distressed manner they were you must note the place was a vault of an hundred toyses long yet no more thē one foote and a halfe in breadth without aire or light and which was worst of all so ful of prisoners as they could scantly stand one by another Amadis called Gandalin who being in a manner dead hearing his maisters voyce began to tremble yet thinking it was not he because he verily imagined him to be dead entred into diuers doubts of himselfe whither hee dreamed or was enchanted All this while Amadis greatly grieued because Gandalin made no answer wherefore he called aloud againe Gandalin where art thou why dost thou make me trauaile so much speake I pray thee When he saw for all this Gandalin answered not he asked the other prisoners if a Squire so lately brought in there was dead or aliue but the Dwarffe remembering the voyce of Amadis cryed out Alas my Lord we are both heere together aliue as yet albeit we haue often enough wished for death Then Amadis caused candles to bee lighted at the lamp which hung at the entrance of the dungeon commanding them all to come forth to their no little ioy and comfort seeing themselues deliuered from such miserable seruitude and when they came into the open Court they fell on their knees before the Prince thanking God and him for this happie benefit Amadis beholding their faces so pale wan and ouer-spent seeming rather bloudlesse ghostes then liuing creatures was moued to exceeding compassion especially they being an hundred and fifty prisoners in all and thirty of them were Knights at Armes as he cast his eye euerie where among thē hee made more account of one then all the rest who notwithstanding his sicknes and debility seemed of braue and comely constitution and he perceiuing that Amadis noted him so much stepped to him in this manner Who shall we say my Lord hath done vs this grace by deliuering vs frō so long wretched thraldome Such as know me answered the Prince doe call me Amadis of Gaule Sonne to King Perion Knight to the Queene Brisana and domisticall seruant to king Lisuart her husband in search of a Knight I was brought hither by this Dwarffe to whom I made promise in a sute he had In sooth my Lord replied the other I am a Knight likewise and seruant to the same King who knoweth me full well as likewise the most in his Court doe with whom I haue been seene in greater honor then now I am because euer since my departure from the Court I haue liued in the miserie from which you redeemed me How may I call your name saide Amadis Brandoyuas answered the Knight Full well did the Prince remēber that he had heard report of him in the Court wherefore courteously embracing him he sayde Right glad am I my stars so fauoured me to deliuer you these other frō such a hellish place and though I neuer saw you til this present yet oft haue I heard the King and his Barrons talke of your Chiualrie your long absence beeing no little griefe to them The rest of the prisoners cōfessed their bounden dutie to him desiring him to appoint them what they should doe hee willing them to shape their course whether they thought best My Lord quoth they albeit we know not what seuerall Countryes may harbour vs yet will we still continue your deuoted seruants to attend on you when and wheresoeuer need shall require So each one kissing his hand they tooke their leaue limiting their iournys as they thought good not any of them tarying with Amadis but Brandoyuas Now go they to the wife of Arcalaus Amadis thus speaking to her Lady for your sake and these other Gentlewomen I forbeare to set this Castle on fire albeit the euill behauiour of your husband is sufficient warrant therefore but in regarde of the courtesie Knights owe to Ladies I am content to remit all at this time Alas my Lord quoth she heauen beareth record of the griefe my soule hath endured through the behauiour of Arcalaus my husband yet could I do nothing but shew obedience as beseemed a wife to her wedded Lord with intercession for his change notwithstāding I remaine at your disposition What I will doe answered Amadis I haue already toldeye it now remaineth that at my request you giue this Lady Grindaloya honorable attirements because her birth and behauiour deserueth no lesse in like manner I would haue an Armour for this Knight to requite his own which was taken from him and a horse as beseemeth one of his profession If you mislike of my demand doe more or lesse as you thinke good but so◅ owne part I will haue hence the armour of Arcalans in liew of mine and his horse by reason mine own was better yet must I tell ye withall that hee hath taken a sword from me more worth then all the rest Sir answered the Lady your request is so reasonable that beyond the power you alone haue heere I stand bound in dutie to fulfill your commandement Then sent she for the same armour belonged to Brandoyuas and caused a horse to be deliuered him as for the Lady she brought her into her chamber where she clothed her in most sumptuous accoustrements and returning to Amadis desired him to eate somewhat before he departed whereto he willingly condiscended Now was the best viandes brought foorth so short warning might affoord but Grindaloya was in such hast to be gone as she was loth to be troubled with any whereat Amadis and Brandoyuas merily smiled especially at the Dwarffe who looked so pale and wan with feare that it was impossible for him to offer one word which made Amadis thus to iest with him Tell mee Dwarffe wilt thou that we tarry heere till Arcalaus come and I to giue thee the suite thou desirest In sooth my Lord quoth the Dwarffe so deere hath the request cost me I made to you as while I liue neither of you or any other will I craue the like for Gods sake then let vs be gone ere the Diuell come againe for I cannot stand on the leg he hung me by beside my nose is so full of sulphurous and stinking smels as neuer shall I giue ouer sneezing till I die The Dwarffes words made them all laugh hartely and after they had repasted Amadis bidding Arcalaus wife farwel moūted on horse-back with his company the Lady thus speaking at his
his Sister Mabila was the cause and that he was desirous to talke with her wherefore she thus spake to him My Lord Agraies will ye not see your sister whom you loue so deerly Yes Madam quoth he â—o it please you to giue me lâ—… with he arose and came 〈…〉 who stepping forward to meet him you must think Oliuia was not one iote behinde her but welcoÌ„med him both with semblable reuerence But Oliuia louing him as you haue heard ouermastring her will with reason as a most wise well aduised Princesse gaue little in outward shew till after sundry amiable speeches passing betweene them three they had some leysure to stand a while asunder from all the rest Yet did Agrates keep neere his Mistresse taking her by the hand and playing with her fingers often sent her a sweete kisse in imagination so that by intire regarding her he was transported with such singuler delight as he neither heard or made any answere to his sister She being ignorant as yet of his disease knew not well what to thinke for notwithstanding all her courteous speeches his minde was otherwise busied then on her yet in the end she discouered the cause of this suddaine mutation perceiuing that Oliuia and her brother were surprized with each others loue Whereupon she thought it best to fauor them with more libery feigning a desire to speake with her Vnckle Galuanes which she prettily coloured in this manner Brother quoth she I pray ye intreate the Queene that my Vnckle may come hither because it is long time since I saw him and I haue some that to acquaint him with all secretly I hope to obtaine so much of her answered Agrates whereupon he went to the Queene thus spake Madam if you could spare mine vnckle a little you might doe his Neece a very great pleasure for she is desirous to talke with him And reason good said the Queene at which words Galuanes went with him which Mabila seeing she humbly met him making great reuerence when Galuanes vsing the like to her began in this manner Fayre Neece I am glad to see you in such good disposition but tell me I pray ye do you like Scotland or this Countrey better We shall confer quoth she more conueniently at the window because I haue many things to tell ye which were needelesse for my brother to vnderstand nor shall he they being of such importance as they are These words shee vttered smiling and with a marueilous good grace cheefely because her brother might court his friend alone And well said Neece answered Galuanes our secrets are so great as they must needes bee kept from him So taking her by the hand they went aside to one of the windowes by meanes whereof Agraies and Oliuia were left alone When the Prince perceiuing hee had liberty to speake trembling in aboundance of affection he began thus Madam to accomplish your commandement when you parted from mee as also to satisfie my heart which neuer enioyeth rest but in the gratious contentment conueyed thereto through mine eyes by your presence I am come hither to serue and obey you assuring you on my Faith that being neere your person my spirits feele themselues viuified in such sort as they suffer with great strength the anguishes of continuall affection which makes them dead in time of your absence Therefore I desire ye if it bee your pleasure to limit mee some better hap hereafter in place where I may often see and doe you seruice And as hee would haue proceeded further Oliuia interrupted him in this manner Alas my Lord I am so assured of the loue you beare me and also of the griefe you endure we being absent one from another as no other proofe is required then what mine owne heart doth plainely testifie smothering a displeasure worse then death it selfe whereto oftentimes I could very gladly submit my selfe did not a cheerefull hope rebacke this despaire how one day our loue shall meet together with happy contentation And perswade your selfe that I daily trauaile in remeÌ„brance of our mutuall loue meane while sweete friend remporize and dismay not Mistresse sayde Agrates you haue already so bouÌ„d me to you as I must in duty temporize till time you please but I desire yee to consider how I haue no forces but such as you must fortifie mee withall so that if you continue your graces to me as you haue begun I shall haue strength to serue according to your deserts While I liue my Lord quoth she neuer will I faile yee be you then so well aduised as euery one may loue and esteeme yee whereby I may striue to loue you more then any other can in respect you are none of theirs or your owne but mine onely And if it happen some to speake of you you must thinke I receiue incomprehensible ioy therein for it cannot bee without recital of your haughty courage chiualry yet my heart dreading the dangerous occurrences which may ensue by ouer bold venturing accompanieth the former pleasure with as great a paine Agraies abashed to heare himselfe so praised vayled his lookes and shee loath to offend him altred her speech demanding what hee was determined to doe On my faith Madam quoth he I wil do nothing but what you please to coÌ„mand me I will then sayd Oliuia that hence-forth you keep company with your Cosen Amadis for I knowe hee loueth you intirely and if he counsell you to bee one of this Court deny it not Beleeue me Madam answered Agrayes both you and such good counselling will I obey for setting your diuine selfe aside there is no man liuing whom I wil more credite with mine affaires then my honourable Cosen Amadis At these words the Queene called him and Galuanes likewise hauing hnowledge of him in her fathers kingdome of Denmark where hee performed many braue deedes of armes and likewise in Norway so that fame reported him a right good Knight They being with her the Queene remembred Galuanes of her auncient acquaintance at which instant the Princesse Oriana came to them wherefore Agraies arose to salute her leauing Galuanes with the Queene and setled himselfe to conferre with Oriana who entertayned him maruailous kindely as well for Amadis sake whom hee loued as also the curtesie hee shewed her in Scotland when king Lisuart left her there at his returne from Denmarke as you haue heard before declared the Princesse thus speaking to Agraies Cosen we haue daily desired your presence heere especially your sister who not many dayes since was in great grief by false newes that came hither of Amadis death your kinseman as truly you would haue wondered therat Good reason had she Madam quoth Agraies to be sorrowful and not she alone but all the rest of his linage were bound to no lesse knowing when our Cosen dyeth the chiefe and most excellent of vs all dyeth yea the best Knight that euer bare Armour on his body and you must thinke his death would haue
beene auenged and accompanied with many other Ah sayde she the villaine Arcalaus shrewdly affrighted vs and euill death betide him for troubling this royall Court in this sorte By this time the King was ready to the table wherefore he sent for the three knights from the Queen commanding them to sit downe by him in company of many great Lords and Barrons And as the seruice came in two Knights entred the hall who falling on their knees before the King the first of thē thus spake God prospet your Maiestie with increase of ioy and honor most humbly I desire to know if Amadis of Gaule be in this Court. Not at this present answered the King but we could wish he were heere Right glad would I be sayd the Knight to finde him because by his meanes I hope to recouer what I am now farre from Tell vs my friend quoth the King if you please who you are My Lord replied the stranger I am a sad Knight named Angrioted ' Estranaus and this other is my brother when King Arban of Norwales who was there present heard him speake of Angriote hee started from the table and stepping to the King sayde Doth not your Maiestie know Sir Angriote such as haue dealt with him wil say he is one of the best knights in your Kingdome My friend quoth the king to Angriote I pray you arise and pardon me if I haue not honoured you according to your deserts for the fault was only cōmitted through ignorance but be sure you are welcome that with heart but say I desire ye how came you acquainted with Amadis My Lord replyed Angriote I haue knowne him no long time and my first ac quaintance was very deerely bought for I neuer thought to dye till I was wounded but he that did me the harme promised after-ward to giue me help which is very needfull now to cure me hereto he added the whole accidēt as you heard it before In sooth sayde the king I would be glad these matters should haue a good end but now come sit downe with vs to dinner afterward we will consider thereon as we may Next to king Arban was Angriote placed and as they were about to rise from the table Dardan the Dwarffe to Amadis entred the hall whom Angriote knowing called him demanding where he had left his Maister because he saw him last in his company Sir quoth the Dwarffe wheresoeuer I haue left him hee maketh good account of you then falling on his knee before the King hee thus began Amadis my Lord humbly saluteth your maiestie and all the rest of his friends in this Court Dwarffe sayd the king where didst thou leaue him In such a place my Lord quoth the dwarffe where he is of good cheere but if you would knowe any more it must be in the presence of the Queene With right good will answered the King and heereupon sent presently for the Queene shee quickly comming being attended on by diuers beautifull Ladyes the most part of them the amourous friends to the knights then wayting on the king whereby they purchased leaue during the Dwarffes discourse to deuise with them at better leysure then long time before they could but the Dwarffe beholding the Queen present thus proceeded Madame my Lord and master Amadis in all humble reuerence saluteth your excellency commanding mee to tell ye that he hath found Prince Galaor his brother hee sought for Now trust me said the Queene I am heartily glad thereof But on my credit Madame quoth the Dwarffe neuer was heard of such a perillous meeting of two brethren for if God had not the better prouided both the one and the other had neuer beene seene againe so neere were they both at the point of death but by hap a good Knight arriued there who names himselfe Balays and hee found the meanes to agree them Then tolde hee all the whole accident how Balays slew the Damosel that procured their quarrell for which Balays was highly commended of them all But where hast thou left them replyed the Queene At the Castle of Carsanta Madame sayde the Dwarffe where Balays dwelleth frō whence I was dispatched hither with this message But tel me Dwarff quoth the Queene what thinkest thou of Galaor I thinke Madame answered the Dwarffe that hee is one of the goodliest knights in the world carrying a resolution not one iot inferiour to the best and did you see him in company of my Lord you could make little difference betweene them I maruaile saide the Queene that they come not hither Assure your selfe replied the Dwarffe no sooner shall they recouer health but they will be here with you for so they expresly cōmanded me to tell yee So ioyfull was the King hereof that he minded to keepe open Court after they were come commanding his Lords Barons not to depart his Court whereto they all willingly cōdescended He likewise desired the Queen to send for all the chiefe Ladies in the Realme For the more honorably quoth hee you are attended on by Ladies the more Knights shall they finde heere to deserue their loue on whom I will bestow many rich gifts and presents CHAP. XXV How Amadis Galaor and Balays determined to trauaile to King Lisuart and what aduentures happened by the way betweene them SO long soiourned Amadis and Galaor at the Castle of Balays of Carsanta as their wounds beeing thorowly healed they intended to returne to King Lisuarts Court before they would enterprise any other aduenture Balays who desired to beare them company for the familiar acquaintance he had now with them intreated them to afford him so much fauour where-with they were very well cōtented Departing thence they rid toward Windsor and after they had iournied fiue dayes they came into a foure corned way 〈…〉 the middest whereof stood a tree 〈…〉 vnder it a dead Knight lay on a rich bed with great waxe tapers standing burning at the boulster and feete which notwithstanding any great winde could not be extinguished The dead knight was vnarmed not couered with any thing wherfore easily might a great many wounds be deserned on his head and a trounchion of a Lance peirced with the iron quite through his necke and throate beside in such manner did the dead Knight holde vp his hands thereon as if he would haue pulled foorth the Lance. Greatly was Amadis and the rest amazed hereat and faine they would know what the knight shold bee but they could see no body of whom they might enquire nor any place neere that was inhabited which moued Amadis thus to speake Doubtlesse without some great occasion this knight was not brought into this place beeing alone and furnished in this strange manner if wee stay heere a while some aduenture or other must needes ensue thereon And so think I answered Galaor whereupon hee thus spake Brother this rash oath some-what displeaseth me for I doubt it will be an occasion of our long tarying in this place What I
be Lady you can tell me who hath caryed away the dead knight that lay vnder the tree not farre hence If you wil promise me quoth she to reuenge his death which is an exceeding great griefe to many I will resolue you therein I will not stick for that answered Galaor for it seemeth by your words it is an act of iustice to do it Very true said the Damosell mount vp before me on my Palfary and I shall direct ye to your desire WheÌ„ they had ridden about two miles shee shewed him a maruailous faire castle and alighting at the gate she bad him enter But remember quoth she what you haue promised And because I haue solicited you heereto I pray yee let me vnderstand your name I am called Galaor quoth hee and thinke you shall heereafter finde mee in king Lisuarts Court then any where else I am satisfied said the Damosell to God I commend yee then thee turned bridle and rode away but Galaor entred tâ—…stle where he found the dead laid in the middest of the Court by him stood many making great lamentation Neuerthelesse Galaor approching neere and stepping to an anciant knight demanded of him what the dead knight was Sir answered the olde man while hee liued hee was such a one as all the world may bemone his mis-fortune Do you know his name saide Galaor He is called Anthebon replied the other one of the most vertuous Gentlemen that euer liued in Gaul When Galaor heard he was a subiect to king Perion his father his heart began to storme and as hee pittied him the more so his desire encreased to reuenge his death whereupon hee entreated the knight to acquaint him with the truth of this tragicall accident Sir quoth he this infortunate Gentleman which you see was in respect of his bounty and vertue maryed to a wife who now lamenteth for him she being the Lady of this Castle In time they had a very faire daughter and she growing in yeeres was beloued by a knight our too neere neighbour but the young Damosell euer hated him and aboue all other could not abide him Where-of he getting intelligence determined by some meane or other to steale her hence and being so resolued forgetting God as also his owne honour watched when this goodknight as customely he vsed should goe to the cornered street there to sucour such as often were distressed because it is the most dangerous place in this countrey Knowing him thus to bee from home the disloyall wretch entred this Castle and finding the maiden in comâ—…y of her mother with diuerse Gentlewomen heere disporting mauger them all forcibly hee tooke her away before wee could fall the bridge to succâ—r her Hereupon as wee afterward vnderstood shee did nothing day and dight but grieuously mourne despising all the inticing blandishments the knight vsed to her which in the end displeased him so much as hee began in this sort to reprooue her Lady you know that I loue yee with all my heart desiring onely to haue the like of you meaning no otherwise then honorably to make you my wife but you scornefully disdaine me albeit I am discended of a more noble house then your father is which maketh mee maruell very much what should moue you thus to bee mine enemy In good faith I will tell yee quoth shee I heretofore made promise to my mother and such is still my deliberation that I would neuer match with any husband if hee were not so good a knight and comparable with my father in chiualry for which shee made choyce of him among all otâ—er knights to which wordes he thus answered By heauen I see you loue me now for â—re it bee long I will make sufficient proofe that I am a better man at armes then he Within a while after hee left his Castle beeing well mounted and armed placing himselfe vnder the tree where you sawe this knight dead to what intent I cannot tell but vnhappily the Lord of this Castle came that way hauing left his horse and Armour because hee onely intended to take the ayre The cowardly wretch seeing what aduantage hee had of him and remembring the promise hee made his Lady thought it place commodious to get him reputation and no witnesses by to report the contrary so without giuing him warning or speaking one word to him stealing behinde him smote his Launce thorough his necke as you heere beholde Thus vnprouided of defence likewise suddenly and most villainously was this good knight slain and yet the blody traytour not satisfied alighting from his horse gaue him many needlesse cruell woundes with his sworde and so despitefully left him there In good faith answered Galaor the deede is monstrous vnable to passe without common reprehension but seeing you haue vouchsafed mee this fauour I pray ye tell me why was he afterwarde laide on such a costly bed vnder the tree Because it being a continuall passage for knights errant said the olde man to try if any would be so honourably prouoked as to reuenge an act of such sâ—ame and contempt after wee had acquainted them with this sad discouse I found him alone at the tree replyed Galaor what was the cause then you left him so Your demaund is not amisse â—quoth the olde man for foure Squires were euer wont to guarde him but because the knight who did the murther came and threatened to kill them we were coÌ„strained to bring away the body hither I maruell sayde Galaor that I heard not the noyse it may well bee sayd I slept soundly Are you he replyed the old man whom we found leaning asleep on your helmet The very same man answered Galaor Why did you rest so homely there quoth the old man To reuenge his death sayd Galaor if by reason I might doe so much Ah worthy Sir answered the old man heauen grant the finishing thereof to your honour then taking him by the hand he brought him to the bed whereon the dead man lay thus speaking to the sorrowfull Lady Madame this knight saith to his power he will reuenge the death of your Lord. Alas gentle knight quoth she the God of heauen keepe you in that good minde for I can finde no kinred or friend in this countrey who will doe so much for me because my Lord was a stranger yet whlie he liuid euery one shewed great friendship in lookes but now their kindnes is cold enough Lady answered Galaor in respect both he and I were borne in one countrie my desire is the greater to reuenge his death Are you said the Lady the sonne to King Perion of Gaule whom my deceased Lord often told me was in king Lisuarts Court Neuer came I there Madame replyed Galaor in all my life but tell me what he is that did this treason and in what place I may find him Gentle Lord quoth she you shall be conducted thither if you please neuerthelesse I stand in doubt considering the perill you will mislike the enterprise as
many others haue done who were heretofore accompanied thither Herein Madame said Galaor is the difference between good and bad yet if you will allow mee so much as you did them that made refusal happily I may speede better then they did The Lady noting his honourable disposition called two of her Damosels commanding them to conduct Galaor to the knight that held her daughter perforce In footh Madame sayd the Prince little credite shall you haue by sending me on foote my owne horse I lost not long since in the woode by hard fortune I pray ye then let mee haue another on this condition that if I reuenge not your cause I may sland bound to deliuer him againe You shall haue one Sir answered the Lady for I hope by your prowesse not onely our possessions shall remaine at your disposing but our selues likewise your obedient seruants CHAP. XXVI How Galaor reuenged the death of the Knight whom he found slaine on the bed vnder the tree THus departed Galaor 〈◊〉 conduct of the two Damosels who leading him the neerest way through a Forrest at the further side therof shewed him a Castle beeing the place whither they were commanded to bring him whereupon they thus spake to the Prince Beholde my Lord at this Fortresse you may reuenge the murdered Knights death Tell me his name replyed Galaor Hee is called Palingues answered the Damosels Being now come hard by the Castle they saw the gate was fast which made Galaor call out aloud whereat an armed Knight came on the battlements demanding what he sought for I would enter the Castle answered Galaor This gate quoth hee is appointed to no other end but for the comming forth of such as remaine heere within Which way shall I enter then said Galaor I will shew you quoth the Knight But I doubt I shall trauell in vaine and that you dare not come to vs. Now trust mee replied Galaor I would faine haue beene within long since Wee shall quickly see that sayd the Knight if your hardinesse be such as you make shew of alight from your horse and come neer the Castle wall Which Iaor did giuing his horse to the Damosels went to the place where hee was appointed Then came the Knight againe and another with him seeming of greater stature then his companion they two winding a winche about ouer the wall let downe a basket with a cord saying to the Prince If you will enter here the passage by the basket is this high way But if I put my selfe therein answered Galaor will yee promise to draw me vp in safety Yea truely quoth they albeit afterwarde wee will not warrant yee Crediting their wordes hee entered the basket saying Drawe mee vp for on your honest promise I aduenture Herewith they beganne to winde vp the basket which the Damosels seeing marueling not a little at Galaors hardinesse sayde Ah good Knight God shield thee from treason for doubtlesse thou shewest a gentle and valiant heart By this time the Knights had drawen him vp taking him and the basket in at the top afterwards the knights thus began with him Gentleman it is necessary you sweare to aide the Lord of this Castle against such as would quarrell with him for the death of Anthebon otherwise you neuer shall depart hence What sayd Galaor Did one of you twaine kill him Why demand you replyed the other Because quoth hee I am come to let the murderer knowe how hee hath committed a deed of horrible treason Come yee for that intent sayd they now surely you might haue beene a great deale better aduised Darest thou threaten vs and art in our custody alas wee must haue another manner of account at thy hands we must chastice the folly wherewith thy braine is troubled then drawing their swordes they layde vpon him very furiously When Galaor sawe himselfe thus wronged both in words and deeds hee entred into such choller as quickely hee made them feele the edge of his sword so that the Damosels might easily heare the clanching of the stroakes on the Armour for the two knights were strong and vigorous and Galaor well mooued with hot displeasure Ah God quoth one of the Damosels harke how the worthy knight dealeth with the traytors let vs not depart hence till wee see some end thereof All this while Galaor so laboured his enemies with such sharpe charges as their hearts began somewhat to despaire for to one of them hee gaue such a blow on the helmet as his sword entred three fingers deepe into his headafterard hee buffeted him with the hilts of his sword that hee made him fall on his knees to the ground In meane space the other spared not Galaor but layd loade on him to reuenge his companion whose head the Prince had now seuered from his shoulders and comming to the other the coward began to turne his backe running downe the staires faster then euer hee came vp but Galaor followed so nimbly that laying holde on him hee made him sure for euer letting downe the basket againe to drawe vp any more knights on the wals Now because the Prince knewe not Palingues and doubting one of these twaine to be he he threw them ouer the battlements to the Ladies bidding them to looke on them afterward to resolue him but they answered they were so mangled as they could not iudge of them and they were perswaded that Palingues was neither of these twaine Whereupon Galaor went downe into the Castle and as hee looked euery where about him he espied a faire young Lady who cryed aloud Palingues Palingues is this the great chiualry for which thou wouldest be renowned now thou flyest like a cowardly and faint hearted knight yet sayest thou wert a better man at armes then my murdered father whom thou killedst as thou vauntest in combate hand to hand In sooth what euer I doubted is now come to passe why dost thou not attend this Knight who looketh for thee if there be any manly heart or spirit in thee shew it now in need when thy life depends thereon At these words Galaor looked more aside and espied Palingues well armed who was opening the doore of a Tower to saue himselfe wherefore he stepped to him saying Beleeue mee Knight this flying wil little aduantage thee and lesse the strong holde thou wouldest enter into for thou must answer the life of good Anthebon whose death thou diddest compasse by monstrous villany Palingues seeing there was no other remedy turned and fiercely smote at Galaor his sworde entring so farre into the Princes shield as he was not able to pull it out againe by meanes whereof Galaor reached him such a blowe that therewith his right arme was cut quite from his body the griefe whereof so pained him as hee ran into the chamber where the Ladie was thinking by this poore shift to defend his life But Galaor getting hold on his legges dragged him along on his backe out againe and with his sworde smote his head
from his shoulders This is quoth hee the rewarde of thy treacheries done to Anthebon and payment for thy treason in the action of his death The daughter of Anthebon being present at this deede hauing heard Galaor often name her father fell on her knees before him with these words Alas my Lord you haue bouÌ„d me in such duty to you as neuer shall I be able to requite your paines my selfe being of such simple and slender ability but the good will I haue to recompence this benefit hath imprinted daily prayers in my heart to God for you hauing so iustly reuenged the death of my father and the wrongfull forcing of this traytour Galaor curteously taking her vp embracing her in his armes thus answered On my faith faire friend hee were a man of little sence that would offer displeasure to such a one as you are seeing you much bettet deserue to be loued and serued then with griefe or fauour to bee offended but tell mee haue you any more enemies in this Castle No Sir replyed the Damosell those which remaine are to doe you honour and obeysance Let vs goe then quoth hee to let in two Damosels who were my guides hither from your Lady mother So taking him by the hand shee commanded the gate to bee opened the two Damosels entered leading Galaors horse but when they sawe their yong Mistresse they humbly made her reuerence demanding if her fathers death were reuenged to her desire Yea verily quoth shee I thanke God and this knight who hath done that many other could not doe It was now the vehement hot time of the day wherefore Galaor tooke off his helmet to refresh himselfe when the Lady seeing him so young and beautifull as also so valiant in deedes of armes began to bee touched with loue and setting aside both feare and bashfulnesse shee began to imbrace and kisse him saying My honorable Lord friend more cause haue I to loue you then any other creature liuing In good faith quoth he and I loue you likewise as well in respect of your beauty and good grace as also for your deceased fathers sake he and I being borne in one Countrie May if it please ye Sir sayde shee to tell mee your name Such as are acquainted with mee answered the Prince tearme mee Galaor In sooth my Lord quoth shee often haue I heard my father speake of Sir Amadis your brother and of you likewise saying you were the sons to the King of Gaul his liege Lord and Soueraigne As thus they deuised they entered alone into a chamber while the Damosels with the rest were pouiding viands wherefore Galaor seeing time and place so commodious to request the loue of her that vsed him so kindly shee being a Lady young fresh and faire named Brandueta himselfe likewise actiue and desirous of such sweete baytes thus spake Madame if Palingues loued you as I haue heard hee had great reason for it knowing you to bee such a one as I see you are for my selfe who haue so little acquaintance with you am already so deepe in deuotion to your gracious nature as I would repute my selfe happy if you granted me the fauour I desire accepting mee as your friend and seruant The Lady not one iot behinde him in amorous affection shaped him this answere I haue tolde yee my Lord that I loue you more then any other liuing creature therefore you 〈…〉 sured how mâ—… you in all things whatsoeuer â—…ring these speeches Galaor still held his loue in his armes kissing and toying with her so pleasantly as Diana soone after lost her interest in the maiden whereto Brandueta yeelded with greater contentment then all her former resistances to Palingues from whom shee kept her virginity so long that shee was now content to bestow it on the French Prince and hee hauing a good stomacke to such dainty dyet made her loue him the better for it while she liued But see an vnhappy inconuenience after many mabracings and amorous conferences as they would once more haue besieged the Footresse of loue the Damosels came to tell them that dinner was ready wherefore though loath they were forced to leane off accompanying the Damosels to the place where the tables were couered which was vnder a Gallery inuironed with trees As they sate at the table and discoursed of many matters among other things Brandueta declared to him how Palingues standing in feare of him and his brother Amadis caused this Castle to be kept so strongly considering that her Father Anthebon was of Gaule and king Perions subiect the sooner would they assay to worke reuenge for his death For this reason quoth she hee allowed no other entrance then by the basket into this Castle where I haue liued in maruailous griefe and sorrowe as neuer shall I desire to tarry here longer therefore right gentle Lord and friend might it so like you without any longer stay I would gladly see my mother who will not bee a little glad of my returne and yours likewise Galaor was very well contented and thoughâ—… were late yet got they to horse-backe departing from the Castle but for all their haste they were two houres benighted which brake no square in respect of the good newes the good Lady with all her family ioyfully receiuing them with all honourable meanes could bee deuised beside the comforted widow cast herselfe at his feete vsing these speeches Worthy Lord both I and mine are bound to you for euer referring to your disposition whatsoeuer wee enioy because you are the restorer confirmer of all I thank you Madame answered Galaor for your friendly offers but where no desert is the requitall must of force be farre more easie Now the greater part of the night beeing spent they brake off talke and bequeathed themselues to rest and Galaor being alone in his chamber remembred his louely breakefast before dinner with his new friend who likewise was so deepe in consideration thereof that shee could wish such another ere supper and whether she did or no iudge you For no sooner knew she euery one to bee in bedde but secretly shee came to Galaors chamber where shee had no churlish speeches to driue her away but most dainty sweete and gracious entertainement what else they did I know not but shee tarryed there till morning and then returned vnseene of any CHAP. XXVII How Amadis pursuing the Knight that misused the Damosel met another Knight with whom he combated and what happened to him afterward YOu haue heard what haste Amadis made after the Damosell whom the knight led away perforce bearing and misusing her very cruelly but hee happened to meet with another Knight who demanded of him why he rid so fast What haue you to do answered Amadis whether it be my pleasure to ride fast or soft In good faith said the knight Ispeake it as one willing to helpe you if you be offered wrong by any that you may goe in better asurance if you bee affraid
together and she proceeded on this manner I entreate yee Sir to resolue me if you knowe a Knight that is named Amadis Why aske ye Lady quoth hee Because replyed shee all the guard you found in this Castle was appointed for him and assure your selfe if hee entred heere hee neuer should depart hence againe if first hee denyed not a promise that he made What was it answered Amadis I wil tel ye Sir said she on this condition that with your vttermost indeauor you will cause him to acquite it either by Armes or otherwise by reason hee hath not done it iustly In sooth Madame quoth hee if Amadis hath promised any thing wherein hee is to bee touched I will if I can cause him to discharge it Shee who vnderstood not to what ende hee thus spake answered as followeth I heartily thank ye Sir wherefore vnderstand that Amadis promised Angriote d'Estrauâ—â—s how hee would procure his Ladies liking to him and yet shee neuer could loue him in all her life this is a matter against all right seeing forced affection is no loue but dolour and misery then according to your promise you must labour to cause Amadis reuoke this vnreasonable offer Now trust mee Madame replyed the Prince you say right well I will endeauour to make him acquite you These wordes procured many thankes from her shee not comprehending his meaning heerein for hee hoped to accomplish his promise both to Angriote and her without derogating either to one or other as you hereafter shall vnderstand But Madame saide hee are you shee whom Angriote loueth so Yea truely quoth shee I know him very well answered Amadis that hee is one of the best Knights in the world and me thinkes there is no Lady or Gentlewoman so rich or faire but might thinke herselfe happy and fortunate to haue such a Knight as he Neuerthelesse what I say is not to exempt my selfe from the promise I made ye for I will perform it if I can because hee is a much better Knight then Amadis albeit he made him that gentle offer CHAP. XXXIII How Amadis combated with the Knight that did steale the Damosell from him when he slept and vanquished him WHile thus they were deuising together there entred another Knight of large proportion and strong all armed except with his helmet and gauntlets who thus spake to Amadis It is tolde me Sir knight that you demaund a Damosell which I brought hither yester night and how I did it against her will but assure your self she would more willingly goe with mee then stay with you therfore you may be ashamed thus to quarrel noâ— haue I any reason to deliuer her againe to you I would faine see her answered Amadis It must bee then saide the Knight whether I will or no but if you will maintaine that I haue wronged her and she ought not to be mine I presently will approoue the contrarie on your person by combat Thou canst not please mee better quoth Amadis and in this cause will I stand not onely against thee but resolutely against all other that by right she appertayneth not to thee if willingly she gaue not her consent Let vs see then saide the Knight which of vs shall haue her This man of whom we speake was Vncle germaine to Angriotes Ladie named Gasinan shee louing and honouring him aboue all her other kinred for hee was the best Knight of his race wise and discreete so that shee was altogether gouerned by his counsell A goodly horse beeing brought forth for him hee laced on his helmet and stood prouided to enter the combate which Grouenesa the Lady perceiuing shee came to her Vncle with these wordes Certes my Lord it were better you should forbeare this difference because I would bee sory any harme should come to either of you in respect you Vncle are the only man of the world whom I am most bound to loue and this knight I haue greatest hope in for he hath promised to deale with Amadis as hee shall acquite the offer made to Angriote What Neece answered Gasinan thinke you that hee or any his like can disswade the most gentle Knight on the earth from accomplishing his promise I know not quoth shee what you imagine of him but I repute him one of the best in the worlde otherwise hee could not haue entered heere by strength of Armes as hee did Say you so replyed Gasinan you praise him ouer much for passing the defended gates when men of such mean account had them in charge I say not this but that hee may be a gentle Knight yet I hope to take him forth a new lessen and a better then he if he were here in witnesse of my wordes your selfe shal presently be iudge seeing him vanquished and my selfe peaceably possessed of the Damosel we quarrell for Herewith the Lady left them and they giuing the spurres to their horses brake their Lances gallantly in the encounter and with such fury met their bodies that Gasinan was dismounted hauing a shrewd fall against the ground yet he arose quickly and drawing his sworde stood by a Marble pillar in the middest of the Court thinking Amadis could there little endoâ—ge him being on horse-backe and hee on foote When Amadis sawe how his enemy dallied with him he waxed very angry and striking fiercely at him by mishap his sworde lighted short on the pillar and so was broken in three peeces now grew he into greater choller and seeing in what danger hee was vnprouided of a weapon to defend himselfe withall hee leaped from his horse so quickely as hee could when Gasinan thus spake to him Knight thou â—eest thy death at hand if thou grant not the Damosell to be mine Nor will I yeelde thereto saide Amadis vnlesse herselfe doe first consent Thou shalt see quoth Gasinan how deere this foolish humor will cost thee With these wordes he deliuered him many sharpe stroakes but Amadis awarded them very cunningly so that the most of them were bestowed in vaine rather wearying his enemy then doing him any harme And so long endured the combate as the beholders were not a little amazed thereat wondering that Gasinan got not the victorie all the while considering what aduantage hee had of the Prince but Amadis concluded with himselfe being thus extreamely handled to hazard rather a speedy conquest then a lingring shame and therefore ranne violently vpon Gasinan getting fast holde about his body so suddenly as he had scant leasure to lift his armes for resistance but was constrained to let fall his sworde and struggle with Amadis who griped him terribly so stroue they to ouerthrow each other But Amadis threw him with such might against the Marble pillar that hee was not able to stirre hand or foot and afterward taking vp Gasinans sword brake the buckles of his helmet then catching him by the head hee sayd Knight thou hast offered mee great wrong since my sworde brake but now shall I bee reuenged on thee then made hee
we most desire yet when wisely and discreetely they resist our inordinate appetites keeping the thing without which they are worthy no praise they bee euen of our selues more reuerenced and commended This is the cause quoth she why I more esteeme your succour to mine honour then my life because the difference betweene the is farre incōparable Well said Balays what will you now I shall do for you Let vs leaue these dead carcasses replyed the Damosell and goe where wee may stay till day light I like your counsell answered Balays if I had another horse but being now destitute I know not what to doe We will ride on my horse saide the Damosell till wee finde further remedy so he mounting vp before the Damosell they rode till they came to a pleasant meddow where they rested themselues till Sunne rising and then they went to horse backe againe Now because Balays intended to seeke the knight who caused Galaors horse to escape away from him hee asked the Damosell what should become of her My Lord quoth shee not farre hence is a house whither when you haue brought mee you may depart to what place you please As thus they rode communing together he sawe a knight come towarde him carrying his legge on his horses necke but drawing neerer he put foote in stirrop couching his Launce against Balays and running at him threwe him and the Damosell both from the horse afterward he vsed these speeches In sooth Lady I am sorie for your fall but to amend the wrong I haue done ye I will bring yee where you shall be contented because he that hath the charge of you is vnworthy to haue so faire a creature in his custody Ere this had Balays recouered himselfe and knowing him to bee the knight he sought for hee drew his sworde saying By thee villaine haue I lost my horse and my companion thou hast in like sorte abused now finding mee vnprouided thou takest delight in offering me wrong but both for him and my selfe will I be reuenged on thee else let mee be thought vnworthy of my order What quoth the knight art thou one of them that mocked mee as I rid in the darke I hope now I haue put the mockerie on thee Heereupon they presently fell to combate and many sharpe blowes were giuen on either side till Balays at length fastning holde on his enemy got him vnder foot when renting his helmet from his head hee tooke his life as ransome for his villany and breaking his sword in peeces layd them by him then mounting on his horse and the Damosell on her owne they tooke their way toward the tree where he left Galaor But because their stomacks well serued them to meat they alighted at a little Lodge where dwelt two women of austere and holy life who bestowed on them such cheer as they had the Damosell acquainting them with all her mishap and how Balays deliuered her from the theeues at what time they intended to dishonor her hauing slaine her seruants and shee destitute of helpe whereof the holy women were very glad by reason those theeues did much harme in that countrey After they had refreshed themselues Balays and the Damosell took their leaue and comming to the tree met Amadis there newly returned from his enterprise wherefore they concluded no more to sunder themselues vntill they arriued at King Lisuarts Court By this time the night drew on apace whereupon the Damosell earnestly intreated them to lodge that night at her Fathers which was not farre off they liking well of her friendly offer wene with her beeing there entertayned and vsed very honourably Early in the morning arming thēselues they thanked their gentle host his daughter framing their course towarde Windsore but by the way you must note how Balays according to his promise presented his horse to Galaor which he won from the knight and he refused it because he had another so that Balays saued his oath thereby CHAP. XXX How King Lisuart held open Court most royally and of that which happened in the meane time I Haue heretofore declared the ioy and cōtent of good king Lisuart for the newes brought by the Dwarffe concerning the health of Amadis and Galaor but the more to shew his princely minde hee concluded at their comming to keepe a most royall and magnificient Court as all his ancestors in Great Brittaine neuer did the like Which Oliues perceiuing who came as you haue heard to make his complaint on the wrong done him by the duke of Bristoya in putting to death trayterously his Cosen germaine fell on his knee againe before the King desiring hee might haue iustice in the cause When the King had considered thereon with them of his blood as also diuers other knights and auncient Gentlemen he decreed that within one moneth all excuses set apart the Duke should come in person to answere Oliuas and if with two knights more beside himselfe hee would iustifie his cause Oliuas should likewise prepare two other knights Warning hereof was presently sent to the Duke and open Proclaymation made the same day that all Gentlemen following Armes should bee ready at the Citty of London on the day of our Lady following in September Like summons was sent abroade by the Queene to aduertise the Ladies and Gentlewomen of the countrey by which meanes great resorte came to the Court where all kindes of pastimes and sporres were inuented without respect of fortunes malice any way who commonly in great assemblie of states when least they thinke of her variable changings often telleth them that men purpose but she will dispose All this royall company being in ioy and pleasure a Damosell strangely attryred entered the Pallace and a Gentleman that bare her company demanding where the King was whereof being resolued by his Maiesty him-selfe the Damosell thus spake In sooth my Lord well do you seem a King by your porte and countenance yet may it bee doubted what your heart is Damosell quoth the King you must iudge of what you see and hereafter knowe the rest when you haue occasion to prooue Mee thinkes my Lord answered the Damosell you speake according to the magnanimitie of your minde and euen as I my selfe doe desire remember therefore what you haue spoken before so many great persons for seeing you make mee such a liberall offer I hope one day to try the matter I doubted Neuerthelesse I will deferre it till the feast of September because I heare you will then keepe Court at London where must bee assembled many valiant men who shll know by the promise you haue made me how worthy you are to gouerne such a noble Realme and how highly Chiualry is honoured by you Damosell sayde the King so much as effects may better my wordes so much the more will it glad me to see good store of hardy knights there present My Lord quoth shee if effects answere your wordes I shall haue great reason to bee contented So tooke shee
but by renowne of his famous Chiualry Beside ech one reioyced to see Amadis who by the false report of Arcalaus was thought to be dead and graciously did the King entertain them all conducting them to a chamber where they were vnarmed blaming the vilanous inuention of Arcalaus and the Damosell that caused their Combat together practising the death of two so noble Princes who were but euen now in the prime and flower of their youth Right soone did the King aduertise the Queene of their arriuall when accompanied with Agraies Galuanes and King Arban he went with them among the Ladies but Amadis casting his eye on Oriana and she on him I leaue their ioyfull passions to your iudgment remembring that when long absent louers meete lookes sighs and teares are familiarly entercoursed being the only meanes to content ech others heart Yet Amadis thought it not best to stand still thus musing left euerie eye should grow cunning in coniecturing the cause which to auoide he fell on his knee before the Queen saying Madam according to your charge at my departure from the Court I haue brought this Knight whom I present as onelie yours I thanke ye Sir Amadis quoth the Queene both he and you are welcome to our presence In good faith Maddam said the King you doe me wrong if you take them both Amadis alreadie is yours me thinks you should be content with him and leaue Lord Galaor for mee You aske no small matter answered the Queene but if he be so pleased I am not against it albeit such a present was neuer giuen in great Brittaine Notwithstanding seeing you are the best King that euer raigned here so good a Knight is well bestowed on you But what say you Lord Galaor the King is desirous to haue you will ve then be his Madame quoth Galaor me thinks that any thing so great a prince demandeth should be granted if it were possible here am I to obey you in euery respect so please my Lord and brother to like thereof because he hath greatest authority ouer me It contents me very well said the Queene that you should doe as your brother commandeth for through him shall I haue title in you by reason he is mine I am yours indeede Madame answered Amadis and brother you must be my fellow seruant to the Queene With all my heart replyed Galaor I am content and seeing you haue giuen mee to her seruice for euer I shall remaine at her disposition I thanke you sir quoth the Queene now may I boldly giue you to the King for I see he would be glad of so good a friend then stepping to the King she said My Lord you are desirous of this knight I giue him you on this condition that you loue and intreate him according to his deserts which may not be valued at any meane rate Beleeue me Madam answered the King I take this gift most kindely at your hand assuring you he shall soone perceiue how I loue and esteeme him nor can I be so affectionate to him as he hath noble vertues whereby to induce me which none can value or compare withall But if Amadis durst haue spoken he gladlie would haue maintained the contrary for he perswaded him-selfe that he loued his Oriana beyond his brothers desert or any other whatsoeuer So remained Galaor in the Kings seruice from which he could not be separated for any quarrell concerning Amadis as wee shall haue occasion to declare hereafter All this while Oriana Mabila Oliuia had withdrawne themselues from the other Ladies likewise Agraies and Amadis were talking together when Galaor was thus gratiously entertained by the King and Queene wherefore Mabila called her brother saying I pray ye cause the knight to come hither that standeth with you conferring because we are desirous to see him Agraies returned where he left Amadis who dissembled as if hee thought not on the Ladies till the Prince thus spake My Lord these Gentlewomen would faine speake with you and desire you to come a little more neere them which he presentlie did But Mabila being wise and discreete no ◅gnorant what medicines should be applied to passionate mindes after they all three had saluted them Mabila took Amadis by the hand desiring him to sit between Oriana and her leauing Agraies to court his Oliuia they being set she merily thus began Although I am now among those foure friends whom I haue most cause to loue and regard yet haue I such present businesse else-where as I must of necessity leaue you a while Thus deuised she bring the louers together and by a pretty wile gaue them oportunitie to content their thoughts with secret communication Now beginneth Amadis to confer with his Ladie and thinking to declare the great affection which vnder good hope gaue him life and essence extreme loue took him frō the facultie of speech yet his eyes not vnmindfull of their office supplied the defect of the tongue deliuering testimony to their diuine obiect how farre the sad and languishing heart was transported by ease and pleasure Which Oriana perceiuing she secretly tooke his hand vnder her mantle and wringing him by the fingers sighing thus spake My lord and friend what dolour and griefe did the traytor procure in me who brought hither tidings of your death neuer was poore maiden in greater perill and not without cause for neuer did woman sustain such a losse as I should haue done in loosing you And as I am better loued then any other so hath my fortune graciously fauoured mee that it should be by him who is of higher desert then any other Here-with Amadis cast downe his lookes as bashfull to heare himself so praised by her to whom all commendation was due and feeling his spirits altered stroue to make answere but the words died in his mouth which caused Oriana thus to proceede How can it be otherwise my Lord but I must needes loue you aboue all other when they that neuer saw you do highly loue honor and esteeme you and I being shee whom you affect most deerely haue I not great reason to loue you better then my selfe On my faith Madam answered Amadis your sweete and gentle words are sufficient to make mee die a thousand deaths as many times to reuiue me againe but how I pray you at this time onely to excuse my extremity with pitty enduring worse then death by louing you too vehemently for if I had died as Arcalaus reported euen then had begun my rest and quiet if I had not known you before And albeit the houre of your acquaintance is my intire felicity yet am I assaulted with such violent passions as my heart would altogether consume in griefe without the pleasure it receiueth in doing you seruice and the good it sustaineth by your remembrance of me But necessity constraineth me to craue the mercy as yet vndeserued by such intreatance as no desert may value onely to increase my hability in seruing you which if
super-intendent and cheefe maister of your house-holde That will I answered Barsiinan with any thing else thou shalt desire Marke then the platforme quoth Arcalaus You know how King Lisnart hath openly published this feast of september to holde open Court whether you must goe well accompained with knights then shall I order the matter in such sort that I will carry away the King prisoner no man aliue being able to succour him in like manner will I carry thence his Daughter whom you shall take to wife and afterward will I send ye the Kings head Thus in respect the Princesse is right heire to the Crowne and you enioying her in Mariage being well accompanied with Knights as I tolde ye easily may you make seizure on the Realme nor shall you finde any to speake against it In sooth answered Barsinan if such an enterprise might sort to effect I would make thee more rich and mighty then euer were any of thy linage as also the chiefe cōmander my house It sufficeth said Arcalaus your selfe shall soone perceiue that seldom I enterprize any thing but it comes to passe then faile not to bee present in the assembly at London So came the traytour Barsinan to King Lisuart feighning his intent to do him honor wherefore the King sent many of his knights entertaining him as a most noble friend appointing his lodging and all things else necessary for him and being with the King in his pallace he entred into these speeches My Lord vnderstanding what royall magnificence you meane to keepe in your Court as also the good Knights and braue men were here to be seene this day I intended to honour you with my person not as your vassaile or subiect holding my Countrey of God and by the Sword but as your good neighbour and friend if you please Trust me quoth the King you do me very great pleasure and honour and I thanke you for this gentle paines that you would bee seene in so good company assuring you Lord Barsinan and my friend this courtesie shall bee remembred in what I may for I make very especiall account of you Your Maiesty dealeth very kindely with me replied Barsinan and I protest on my faith to bee ready in councelling your affaires for the best according as I haue a long time desired See how the traytor lied in euery word but the good king misdoubting nothing requited his offer with many thankes and to do him the greater honour appointed his lodging in his owne Palace himselfe and his Queene going forth of the Citty with their Tents and Pauilions immagining he could not do too much for the traitour And first he acquainted him with the whole enterprize and wherefore he caused this great assembly declaring the names Sir names of the best commended Knights their haughty prowesse and resolutions among whom hee forgot not Amadis and Galaor whose hardines was impossible to be equalled they two being accomplished with all the vertues required in Chiualrie When the king was withdrawn to his Tents and Barsinan to the Pallace he began to consider on the strength of his Maiesty as also the loue and obeysance so many great Princes shewed him which made him vnable to enioy any rest and often times he repented his foolish enterprize seeing how hard it would proue in execution Now he minded to alter his determination when sodainely another opinion entred his braine so that wauering vp and downe in his thoughts he could not resolue one any certainety On the next morning he came to the King who was now clothed in his royall ornaments because it was the first day of open Court and he commanded one to goe to the Queeene willing her to send him the Crown he had of the Knight and shee to clothe her selfe in the sumptuous mantle Hereupon she presently sent for the Cofer and opening it found nothing therein whereat she was greatly amazed considering shee trusted no body with the key thereof but her owne selfe and euermore carried it about her But knowing not how to remedie this mishap shee acquainted the King therewith who in great displeasure came to her saying I meruaile Madam you haue kept so badly the lewel which would haue so greatly honoured this time considering vnder what condition it was left with vs. On my faith my Lord quoth she I know not what to say I found the Cofer fast lockt and none but my selfe hath kept the key of it But in a dreame this last night me thought a Damosell willed mee to shew it her which I did afterward she demanded the key and I gaue it her when opening the Coffer shee tooke forth the Mantle and the Crowne locking it againe and laying the key where I tooke it This done she put the Mantle about her and the Crowne on her head they beseeming her so well as I receiued great pleasure in beholding her and thus she spake That her selfe or she from whom she came before fiue dayes should rule in the Countrie of a mighty King who at this time laboured to defend it and to conquer it from other Hereupon I demanded what shee was and she answered You shall know at the time I haue spoken of So she vanished from me with the Crowne and the Mantle but on my faith I know not if this vision came to me sleeping or whether it be of truth The King was now in greater meruaile then before willing her to dissemble the matter and not to reueale it to any body then taking her by the hand they left the chamber comming among the knights and Ladies in the place appointed for the ceremonies of the Day where sitting down in the 2. chayres of state the King called his Knights about him and the Queene her Ladies with whom she communed Now had his Maiesty giuen order that neerest his person should be Amadis Galaor Agraies and Don Galuanes and at his back King Arban of Norwales well armed holding his Sword ready drawne and two hundred Knights for his guard then by a Herald hee commanded silence But as the King began to speake there entred a most beautifull Lady vere richly attired and with her twelue other Damosells in like brauery for in those dayes the great Lords and Ladies were wont to bring their people to such assemblies clothed according to their owne persons without any difference at all betweene them this fayre Lady adressed her speeches to the King deliuering them in forme following My Lord most humbly I beseech you to grant me audience and giue mee reason in a matter of difference which I haue against the Knight that standeth by your Maiesty meaning Amadis Long time haue I beene requested by Angriot d'Estrauaus to be his wife who I am assured is in this royall presence hereto she added how euery thing happened the cause why hee kept the vale of the Pines and how Amadis trauailing that way made him perforce to abandon Armes Neuer thelesse quoth she they departed friends and Amadis sollemnely
with gracious behauiour as they might be termed Lords both in heart and hand the only meane that made them be serued with fedelity Therefore my good friends I desire you all euen in the most intire affection I can vse that you assist me to your vttermost in recouery of good Knights either of our owne or strangers promising you by the faith and word of a king so honorably to entreate and esteeme of them as both they and you shall remaine contented Nor are you ignorant my nobleÌ„ friends that the better we bee accompanied the more we shall be feared of our enemies our state in greater safety and your selues more securely defended and loued If then any vertue at all abide in vs you may easily iudge how new friends cannot make vs forgetfull of our olde let none then differ from the request I haue made but rather yeelde and consent thereto Againe I entreat ye and expressely command that each of you presently name such to me as you know happely they being yet vnknowne to me to the end if any be in this Court they may receiue such fauour of vs as the absent may bee the better affected to our seruice likewise we entreat them not to depart our company without giuing vs some aduertisement All which was presently done many openly called and their names set downe but because the tables were couered for dinner the King arose from his chaire withdrawing him-selfe into the appointed Hall where many Tables were prouided which he commanded to bee well furnished with Knights You may easily coniecture that during the seruice they diuersly communed together some on the kings deliberation and other of his magnificence vntill the Tables were with-drawne againe when the King caused them all to be called and thus spake You see my good friends how earnestly I loue and desire your company wherefore you must grant me one request not to depart this Court without my leaue for I would particularly know the seruice you haue done me and you â—ast such reward of my treasure as may continue your loue to me Hereupon they were seuerally called by name againe and euery one confirmed the kings request except Amadis because he was the Queenes knight and al this while was she present at these matters wherefore after the noise was somewhat appeased she framed her speeches to the King in this manner My Lord seeing it hath pleased you so to fauour and honour your Knights me thinks it were reasonable that I should doe the like to the Ladies and Gentle-women of what part soeuer they be Wherefore I humbly desire one boone with assurance likewise if you consent these Gentle-men after you shall not deny mee considering that in semblable company good things deserue to bee demanded and granted Then the King looked on all the assistants saying What answer my friends shall we make the Queene shall we agree to her demand Yea Sir if it be your pleasure answered they What said Galaor were it possible to deny a princesse so vertuous Seeing you are all so well content quoth the King she shall obtaine whatsoeuer she asketh At these words the Queene arose and thanking her Lord said Seeing it pleaseth you to giue place and fauour to my request I desire hence-forth you would doe such honour to Ladies and Gentlewomen as to take them into your protection and defence maintayning their quarrells against all such as would molest them any manner of way Beside if you haue made promise of some suite to a man and the like to any Lady or Gentlewoman you first shall accomplish the womans request as being the weakest person and who hath most neede to be holpen This granted hereafter they shall be better fauoured and defended then euer they were for villaynes that are wont to do them iniurie meeting them in the fields and knowing they haue such knights as you are for their protect ours dare no way wrong them In sooth Madame said the King your request is reasonable and I thinke none will gaine-say it wee will haue it therefore registred and set downe as a law inuiolable CHAP. XXXIIII How while this great and loyfull assembly endured a Damosell came to the Court cloathed in mourning requesting ayde of King Lisuart in a cause whereby she had beene wronged MEane while this honorable company thus continued free from all danger and mis-hap thinking on nothing but pleasure and delights there entred a Damosell clad in mourning who falling on her knees before the King thus spake My Lord ech one is merry but my poore selfe who am so crossed with griefe and sorrow as death were the best friend could come to me yet would your Maiestie take compassion on me I easily might recouer my ioy againe These wordes were dipt in such aboundance of teares as the King being moued therewith to pittie thus answered Lady I would be very glad to relieue your sadnesse but tell me who is the cause thereof Dread Lord quoth she my Father and Vncle are detained prisoners by a Lady who hath vowed neuer to release them vntill they deliuer her two so good knights as one was whom they killed in fight On what occasion did they kill him said the King Because he vanted replied the Damosel that he alone would combat with them and so proud he grew in speeches as at length he defied them Not long after they meeting one day together the knight vsed such reproouing tearmes of cowardise as my Father and vncle could not indure the iniurie but falling to the combat the knight was slaine in the presence of a Lady named Galdenda who as she said procured his comming to maintain a difference which she had with a neighbour of hers being her great enemy wherfore seeing him dead she caused the conquerors to be taken put them into the most miserable prison in the world albeit my father and vncle often told her that they would performe for her what the knight should haue done But she answered how shee well knew they were not sufficient for the cause therefore should neuer be released vntill they deliuered her two knights of like account each of them valuing him in strength whoÌ„ they had slaine to finish the attempt himselfe was able to doe Know you not Damosell said the King against whom they shoulde combat or the place where it is appointed No truely Sir answered the Damosell but I haue seene my father and vncle cruelly put in prison where their friends caÌ„ compas no meanes to see them Herewith she began again to weep that euery one pittied to behold her which made the king aske her if the place were far off In fiue daies my Lord quoth she it may easily be gone returned Now trust me said the king you shall not want your ioy for two knights wherefore looke among al these gallants and chuse such as you best fancy My Lord replied the Damosell I am a stranger and know not any one in this Court But
how she would prooue the vertue of his heart whereupon hee thus answered In good faith Damosel I haue now more neede of â—oy then euer I had notwithstanding I am readie to accomplish any thing I promised you It is the only thing my Lord quoth she of my returne to you being the most loyall King in the world wherefore humbly I intreate yee presently to reuenge my cause on a knight that passed through this Forrest who not long since slew my father by the most horrible treason that euer was heard of yet not content there-with the villaine violently tooke mee away and perforce made me yeeld to his vnlawfull will But in such sort is hee enchanted as hee cannot bee done to death except the most vertuous man in the Realme of Great Brittaine giue him a wound with this Launce and another with this sword both which he gaue in keeping to a Ladie of whom hee had good hope to be loued yet therein he was deceiued for shee hateth him aboue all others for which cause she gaue mee this sword and Lance whereby we might both be reuenged on him Nor can it bee done but by you onely who are the chiefe and most vertuous man in this countrey wherefore as you promised mee before so valiant men may it please ye to execute this iust action of vengeance And because I haue often tolde him that by this day I would bee prouided of a knight to combate with him he is come alone into this Forrest attending onely for my Champion It is likewise ordered how you must haue no company but my selfe for hee little thinketh that I haue the Sworde and Launce so hurtfull to him and this is our agreement together if hee remaine conquerour I must pardon him mine iniury but if he be vanquished hee must doe what I command him Presently the King sent a Gentleman for his Armour which when hee had put on he mounted on a braue Courser girding the Damosels sworde about him leaning his owne that was one of the best in the world then without any other company hee rode on with her shee carrying his helmet Not farre had they ridden but she caused him to forsake the high beaten way conducting him by a little path among the shrubs where not long before they had past that led away Oriana then the Damosell shewed him a huge knight armed mounted on a black Courser whereupon she sayde My Lord take your helmet for this is he you must deale withall which the King quickly did approaching neare the knight sayd Proud Traytour defend thy selfe and thy lawlesse lust So couching their Launces they encountred together when the King perceiued how his painted Launce brake like a stalke of hempe hauing no strength at all in it which made him drawe his sword to charge the knight but at the first strok the blade broke close to the hilt whereby hee imagined himself betraied for the knight did what he pleased to him But as hee would haue killed his horse the King being quick nimble caught holde by his gorget and in such sort they strugled together as they both fell to the ground the knight vnderneath and the King vpon him by meanes whereof hee got his sword from him and vnlacing his helmet to smite off his head the Damosell cryed out so loude as shee could Sir Arcalaus helpe your Cosen quickely or else hee dies When the King heard her name Arcalaus hee looked vp and sawe ten braue knights come running vnto him the one of them vsing these wordes King Lisuart spare the knight otherwise thou shalt not reigne one houre If I die answered the King so shall you all for mee like traytours as you are Then one of them gaue him such a blowe with his Launce as not onely sore hurt him but made him fall on his face to the ground yet did hee recouer himselfe very quickely like one resolued to defend his life albeit hee sawe death present before his eyes But being vnable to resist so many at length they got sure holde on him when renting off his helmet his shield they bound him fast with a double chaine Afterward they set him on a simple horse two knights still holding the ends of the chain and so leading him along sought where they might finde Arcalaus Oriana and the Damosell of Denmark but the knight against whom the King first fought rode before apace and wauing his gauntlet aloft to Arcalaus sayde Beholde Cosen kin Lisuart is ours A very good prize answered Arcalaus henceforth shall his enemies haue no cause to dread him Villaine quoth the King well know I thou wast neuer other then a traytour and though I am wounded yet will I maintayne my words if thou darest combate with me By God sayde Arcalaus neuer should I make reckoning of my selfe to vanquish such a Lord as thou art Thus contending as they rode they came to a double way where Arcalaus stayed thus speaking to his Page Sirra ride with all speed to London and say to Lord Barsinan that hee must execute what I willed him for I haue begunne indifferently if hée can make an end as well Gone is the Page toward the Citie in meane while Arcalaus deuised to send the King one way and Oriana another wherefore hee sayde to his Cosen Take tenne knights with you and conduct Lisuart to my prison at Daguanell these other foure shall keepe mee companie for I will leade Oriana to mount Aldin where I will shew her strange and wonderfull things This mount Aldin was the place of his most vsuall aboade beeing one of the strongest and fairest in the worlde thus the ten knights carryed away the King and Arcalaus with the rest had charge of the Princesse But certainely if heere wee consider the properties of fortune we may easily repute her as mutable or rather more towardes great Princes and Lords then the meaner sort as well shee witnessed by king Lisuart euen in the time when hee intended most honourably to bee twharted with such a contrary chance For at one instant hee sawe himselfe in the hands of his greatest enemies his Daughter and heire to his kingdome taken from him and all his estate in danger of ruine Hee that was wont to be honored of all was now iniuriously despised bound and led as a theefe by a villainous enchanter a meane Gentleman and out of any other hope then death Is not this then a faire example for such as at this day are called to the greatest honours in the world wherewith oftentimes they are so blinded that they forget both God and themselues King Lisuart was a right good vertuous and wise Prince yet the diuine ordenance suffred him to fall in these dangers to the end hee might remember how al creatures remaine at his heauenly disposition This lesson he taught him for in short time hee was brought so lowe as might be and afterwarde restored againe as you shall presently vnderstand CHAP. XXXVI How Amadis
vnreasonably she once had thē in her power who might haue grieued me all my life time but God hauing in other places deliuer'd me frō many perils wil not suffer me to perish by so bad woman as she is I desire yee my Lord quoth she to tell mee their names The one is Amadis answered the King and the other his brother Galaor May it be possible sayde the Lady that Madasima had Amadis in her power Credit me quoth the King I haue tolde yee truth Their fortune was good replyed the Lady for they might not haue escaped if she had known them and in sooth the deede might bee reckoned ominous if two such worthy persons had perished Yet when she shall knowe hereof sayd the King I thinke she will forbeare to wrong me any further With that the Lady tooke her leaue shaping her course the same way she came CHAP. XL. How King Lisuart held open Court in the Cittie of London many dayes in which time sundry great personages were there feasted the greater part whereof remayned there long time afterward TWelue dayes together after these mishaps did King Lisuart continue his Court in all magnificence many noble personages being there assembled as wel strāgers as others hoping now to make little stay but to return home to their owne houses yet the greater part of them aboad with the King in like manner did sundry worthy Ladies accompany the Queene Among other knights attending on the King were Don Guilan the pensiue and his Cosen Ladasin who as I haue sayde were very good knights but Guilan was the better of the twaine for very fewe were found in the Realme of Great Brittaine that carried more account for deeds of Armes and all other graces beseeming a knight setting aside his musing and melancholy By meanes whereof fewe or none could bee pleasant with him or haue any words from him in company but loue procured these extreames busying his thoughts in such sort with his Lady as hee had minde of none but her And shee of whom wee speake was endued with singular beauty being named Brandalisia sister to the Kings wife of Sobradisa and ioyned in marriage with the Duke of Bristoya who now was arriued at the Court to answere the accusation Oliuas laide against him The King gaue him very gentle welcome and beeing in the presence of many great Lords the Duke beganne in this manner Sir you haue commanded my appearance here this day to iustifie my selfe before your Maiesty concerning a crime Oliuas chargeth mee withall whereof I hope sufficiently to cleare my selfe by the rightfull iudgement your selfe shall giue and hee rest condemned like a varlet as hee is for here am I ready to approue against him or any other hee shall bring that I neuer committed treason or so foule a deed At these wordes Oliuas arose and with him a great nūber of knights errant all resolued to maintayne this quarrell against the Duke when the King beheld them in such a mutiny hee maruelled whence the cause should proceede when Grumedan speaking for all the rest sayd My Lord because the Duke of Bristoia hath threatened and defied all knights errant we are ready to answere his challenge In good faith answered the King if it bee so hee hath attempted an ouer fond warre for I thinke there is no knight in the worlde so puissant that will bee induced to such an entetprise But forbeare at this time and offer him no iniury because he is heere to receiue iustice which shall be done according to the counsell of the Princes and Lords present without fauouring any one Then Oliuas falling on his knee before the King beganne in this manner My Lord the Duke who standeth before your Maiesty hath slaine a Cosen germaine of mine hee neuer giuing him occasion of offence wherefore I will iustifie him to bee a villaine and a traytour and will make him confesse it with his owne mouth else shall I kill him and cast him forth of the field The Duke tolde him hee lyed and hee was ready to accomplish what the King and his Court should ordaine wherupon it was determined that this emulation should bee decided by combate which the Duke accepted desiring the King to permit him his two Nephewes in this cause against Oliuas and two other knights This being granted the Duke was very glad thereof for he made such account of his kinsmen as hee thought Oliuas could not bring the like notwithstanding all was deferred till the morrowe following In meane while Don Galuanes asked his Nephew Agraies if hee wold assist Oliuas against the Duke and hee consenting thereto Galuanes came to Oliuas saying Sir Oliuas seeing the Duke is desirous to fight three against three my nephew and I are determined to take your part which when the Duke heard hee remembred that he had defied them in his owne house when Agraies combated with the Dwarffes champion at what time the Damosell should haue beene burned wherefore hee became very pensiue in respect though he esteemed his Nephewes approued good knights yet he repented his wilfull offer gladly would haue excused the matter if hee could being so well acquainted with the behauiour of Galuanes Agraies But considering his promise past before the King and so many noble personages there present hee must of necessity stand thereto wherefore the next morning hee entered the Listes with his Nephewes and Oliuas on the contrarie with his copartners Now were the Ladies standing at the windowes to beholde the issue of this quarrell and among the rest stood Oliuia the faire friend to Agraies who seeing him ready to enter such perill was so dismayed as she could scant tell what countenance to vse By her stood Mabila shee being in no lesse griefe for her Vncle and brother together likewise the Princesse Oriana louing them both in respect of the reasons heretofore declared accompanied the two Ladies in sorrowe fearing their danger but the knights being ready to the combate the King by a Herald commanded the Champions to doe their deuoyre Heereupon with a braue carreer they encountred together Agraies and Galuanes vnhorsing the two Nephewes and albeit Oliuas receiued a wound on the stomacke yet had not the Duke caught hold about his horse neck his fortune had proued as had as his Nephewes Thē drawing their swords they smote so violently against ech other as the standers by wondered at their fiercenes beholding their shields defaced their armour battred coullered with their blood that the victorie hung a long time in suspence For Agrates horse being slaine vnder him brought his life in maruailous hazard because the Duke and one of his Nephews stroue to keep him downe seeking to thrust their swords into his belly or else to smite his head from his shoulders but he was so well armed and of such courage withall as hee held them both play though with exceeding perill Well may you thinke that his friends grieued to see him
Lord quoth Galaor your courtesie to vs is so great that albeit we were determined to passe further on our way yet for your sake we are content to stay with you this night Then the knight conducted Galaor into a faire Chamber leauing the Damosell among the other Ladies and after the Prince was vnarmed the knight spake to him in this manner Here Sir may you rest and take your ease calling for any thing you stand in neede of for God knows I haue vsed such entertainement not onely to you but to all knights errant that passed this way because some time I haue beene as now you are Yet hath nature giuen mee two Sonnes whose onely delight is in search of aduentures but now they lie sicke in their beds beeing cruelly wounded by a Knight who with one Launce cast them both from their Saddles But they were so ashamed at this foyle as they mounted againe and pursued the knight ouertaking him as hee entred a Barque to passe the water where my Sonnes said to him that in respect he had iousted so well they would trie his fortune in combat with the Sword but the knight made answere he could not now intend it yet would they needes presse him so farre as to hinder his entrance into the Barque Where upon a Lady being in his company said they wronged her ouer much to stay her Knight but they were not to depart til he had combated with them at the Sword Seeing it will be no otherwise replied the Lady he shall enter sight with the better of you both on condition that if he be conqueror the other do forbeare the Combat They answered if the one were vanquished the other would reuenge his foyle which when the Knight heard he was so angry as he bad them both come together in respect they were importunate and would not rest contented In the triall one of my sons sustained the worst wherefore his brother seeing him in such perill stroue to reskue him from death yet all was in vaine for the knight handled them so roughly as he left them like dead men in the field and afterward passed away in the Barque No sooner heard I of this mishap but I sent for my Sonnes home were they brought in this daungerous plight but that you may giue credit to my words behold here their Armour cut and mangled as I thinke the like stroakes neuer came from any mans hand Galaor maruailing at this discourse demanded what Armes the conquering knight bare when he was answered his Shield to be of vermilion colour with two black Lions figured therein By these tokens Galaor knew him that it was the same man he trauailed to finde which made him demand of his friendly host if he had no further knowledge of the Knight No verily Sir quoth the auncient Gentleman For this night answered Galaor let vs take our rest and to morrow I intend to seeke the man you talke of For already I haue trauiled foure daies in his search but if I meete with him I hope to reuenge the iniuries of your Sonnes and other likewise whom he hath offended or else it will cost the price of my life I could rather wish said the Knight that leauing this perillous enterprise you would take some other course seeing my two Sonnes haue beene so hardly intreated their own wilfull folly being cause thereof So breaking off talke Galaor took his rest till the next morning when taking leaue of the ancient knight he rode away with the Damosell who brought him to the place of passage in the Barque where crossing the water to the other side they came to a very beautifull Castle whither the Damosel rode before aduising the Prince to stay her returne She taryed not long but comming back againe brought another Damosel with her of excellent beauty and ten men beside all on horse-back after the faire Gentlewoman had saluted Galaor she said Sir this Damosell that came in your company telleth me how you seeke a knight who beareth two black Lyons in a vermillion shield and are desirous to know his name this is very certaine that you nor any other can finde him for three yeeres space but onely by force of armes a matter not so easie to be accomplished by you for perswade your selfe his like is not to be found in all the Isles of great Brittaine Lady quoth Galaor yet will I not giue ouer his search although hee conceale him selfe in this sort and if I meete with him it shall like mee better to combate with him then to know my demand by any other way Seeing then answered the Damosell your desire is such I will shew you him within three dayes ensuing for this Gentlewomans sake being my cosin who according to her promise hath earnestly entreated me Galaor requited her with many thankes and so they trauailed on arriuing in the euening at an arme of the Sea where they found a Barque ready for passage to a little Island and certaine mariners in it who made them all sweare if they had any more then one knight in their cōpany No credit me replied the Damosell hereupon they set sayle and away Then Galaor demanded of the Damosell the reason why they tooke such an oath Because quoth she the Lady of the Isle whither we goe hath so ordained it that they shall let passe but one knight at one time and no other must they bring till his returne or credible intelligence of his death What is hee saide Galaor that vanquisheth or killeth them The selfe same knight you seeke answered the Damosell whom the Lady hath kept with her more then halfe a yeere intirely louing him and the cause of this affection proceedeth from a Tourney which not long since hee maintained in this countrey for the loue of her and another faire Lady whom the knight being a stanger here conquered defending her cause with whome he now is and euer since shee bare him such affection as without grant of his loue she wold haue dyed Sometime hee is desirous to seeke after strange aduentures but then the Lady to detaine him still in this place causeth such knights as come hither to passe one after another against whom he combateth and not one hath yet returned vnuanquished such as die in fight are there interred and the foyled sent back againe despoyled of their horse and armes which the knight presenteth to his Lady shee being one of the fairest creatures in the world named Corisanda and the Isle Brauisande Know you not the cause said Galaor wherefore the knight went not many dayes since to a Forrest where I found him and kept the passage there fifteene dayes together against all such as trauailed that way Yes mary quoth the Damosel he promised a boone to a Lady before he came hither wherfore she intreated him to keep the Forrest for the space of fifteene dayes yet hardly hee got licence of his faire Mistresse who allowed him but a moneth to stay and returne
returne to Amadis and Agraies who staied with faire Briolania fiue daies together preparing their armour and euery thing in order which being done they set forward on their way accompanied with Briolania her Aunt certaine waiting Gentlewomen and squires to doe them seruice by the way When they drew neere the Realme of Sobradisa they came to the Castle of an ancient Lady named Galumba who sometime liued in Briolanias fathers Court and there they were welcomed very honouarbly yet whether Briolania trauailed thus accompanied the olde Lady Galumba could not chuse but maruaile which made her request to be satisfied therein Briolanias Aunt tolde her how Amadis was one of the best knights in the world and had promised to reuenge the murthered kings death likewise how hee discomfited them that guarded the Chariot and after-ward ouercame the rest in the Castle at what time the Lions escaped as you haue heard Galumba wondering at such singuler prowesse answered If he be such a one as you make report his companion must needes be of some estimation and well may they bring your enterprise to end considering the truth and iustice of the cause but take heede least the traiterous king worke some treason against them That is the chcefest pointe of my fear ianswered Briolania wherfore wee came to craue your aduise herein Heereupon shee wrote a letter and sealed it with the Princesses seale at Armes then caling a Damosell after shee had giuen her instructions she bad her make hast in deliuering the letter Presently went the Damosell to horse-back and trauailed so speedily that she arriued at the great Cittie of Sobradisa which the whole Realme tooke this name by There was Abiseos and his Sonnes Darison and Dramis and these three must the Combat be waged withall for Abiseos slew the Father of Briolania by couetous desire he had to the Crowne which he euer since vsurped and held more by tyranny then any consent in the Subiects The Damosell entred the Palace on hors-back when diuerse knights came to her requesting her to alight but she made answere she would not til she saw the king and that hee commanded her to leaue her Palfrey Soone after came the king accompanied with his two Sonnes and many great Lords and after shee had saluted him hee boldly bad her say what she would My Lord quoth she I shall fulfill your command on condition I may abide in your protection and receiue no iniurie for any thing I say By my Crowne said the king I warrant your safety whereupon the Damosell thus began Sir my Lady and Mistresse Briolania disinherited by you greetes you with this letter which may openly bee read before this royall company and I afterward receiue answere for my discharge whē the king heard openly the nāe of Briolania remorse of conscience touched him with the wrong hee did her yet was the letter openly read which was to giue credit to the Damosells words The most of the Lords there present who sometime were subiects to the slaughtered king seeing the messenger of their lawfull Queene indeede pittyed she was so vniustly disinherited and in their hearts desired of God to plague the treason done to her Father Proceede Damosell quoth the king and let vs heare your message My Lord said she by treason you murdred my Ladies Father and vniustly keepe her from her inheritance wherefore according to your former promise which you haue not once but often times made that you with your two Sons would maintaine by Armes the right you pretend to haue in this Realme shee sends you word by me if still you stand vpon such triall shee will bring two knights hither who shal in combat maintaine her cause making you know your disloyalty and treason committed Darison eldest Sonne to the king hearing his Father menaced in this sort grew into great choller and as one moued with despight he arose when without the kings consent hee thus spake Damosell if your Mistresse Briolania haue two knights with her men resolued to sight on her behalfe here do I accept the combat for my father and Brother and if I faile I promise in the presence of all these Lords to send her my head in requitall of her fathers whose death was not accomplished without great reason In sooth Sir Darison answered the Damosell you speake as a knight of haughtie mind yet may I doubt these words to proceed from choller because I discerne an alteration in your countenance but if you will request the king to confirme your speeches I shall thinke your proffer came from a heart of courage This answere Damosell quoth he may you boldly make her that sent you hither Cause then his Maiesty said the Damosell to giue my Ladies knights assurance that for any mishap you may receiue in the Combat they shall sustaine no iniurie nor be medled withall but by you three And if you purchase them such a safe conduct they shall bee here within three dayes at the vttermost Darison falling on his knee before the King said You heare my Lord the Damosells demaund and the promise I haue made before your Maiesty in the presence of all these great Princes and Lords humbly therefore I beseech you seeing my honor is yours that both you and all the rest will confirme her request otherwise to our great disaduantage the presuming knights who dare aduenture in the cause of foolish Briolania will imagine themselues conquerors and vs dismaide faint-hearted Cowards hauing openly published that if any one will touch your illustrious renowne for matters past by the combat of vs three you intend to be purged And albe it you would make them no such promise yet ought not we to refuse them for as I vnderstand they be some foolish knights of King Lisuarts Court who by their ouer-weening and aspiring thoughts make high acompt of their owne deedes in the contempt of others The King who loued Darison as himselfe though the death of his brother condemned him culpable and thereby made him feare the combat granted them safe conduit according as the Damosell requested for the two knights and such as came in their company Here is to be considered that the period of this traitours Fortune was now limited and the iust auenger of all wrongs pointed out rewarde for the treason of him acd his Sonnes as in this discourse may bee euidently seene The Damosel seeing her message had taken such effect as shee desired said vnto them Make your selues ready for to morrow without fayle shall this difference bee desided So mounting on her Palfrey she returned to the Castle of Galumba where being arriued before the knights and Ladies she reported her answere but when she told them that Darison reputed them foolish knights of king Lisuarts Court they were so offended as Amadis entred into these speeches By God there are such in company of that good king as can easily abate the pride of Darison and humble his head so low as they list but I
cut and mangled them very pittifully Many times was Florestan enforced to staggering by the mighty blowes of his monstrous enemy yet at length the Prince smote at him so furiously as he was faine to lie along vpon his horse neck when redoubling his stroake betweene the helmet and the brigandine he parted his head from his shoulders Being thus cōqueror of all the Damosells and they not a little meruailing at this strange victory the Knight who had beene their host the night before spake to Florestan My Lord this Damosell haue I long time loued and she me with like affection but for the space of this yeare more the great knight whom last you slue hath forcibly detained her yet beeing now recouered by your worthy prowesse I beseech ye Sir I may enioy her againe If it be so as you say answered Florestan my pains haue stood you in some steede at this time but against her will neither you or any other can get her from me Alas my Lord quoth the Damosell no one but he hath right to my loue then sunder not them that should liue together Nor will I said Florestan you are Lady at your owne liberty and may depart with your friend when you please They both requited him with manifold thanks then taking leaue of Galaor Florestan the knight rides home ioyfully with his new conquered Lady The other two Damosells desired the Princes to accompany thē to their Ants house which was not far off Galaor questioning with thē by the way why they were kept in such sort at the Fountaine where-to one of the Damosells thus replied Vnderstand my Lord that the great Knight who was slaine in the combat loued the Lady which your host carried away with him but she despised him aboue all other fancying no other then him who now enioys her But in respect this knight was so puissant as none in this country durst contend with him he kept her violently whether she would or no yet offering her no iniury because he loued her deerely and one day among other he thus spake to her faire Mistresse to the end I may compasse your gentle affection and be esteemed of you the only knight in the world listen what I will do for your sake There is a Knight named Amadis of Gaule accounted the onely man for valour this day liuing who slew a Cozin of mine in the Court of king Lisuart a knight of great fame called Dardan the proud him for your sake will I seeke and by cutting off his head conuert all his glory to mine owne commendation But till I compasse what I haue said these two Ladies meaning vs and these two knights of my linage shall attend on you and each day conduct you to the fountaine of Oliues which is the only passage for knights errant through this Countrey if any dare be so bold to cary you thence there shall you see many braue combats what the honor of your loue can make me do to cause the like opinion in you towards me as your diuine prfections haue wrought in me to you Thus were wee taken and giuen to the two Knights who were first dismounted and with them we haue abode the space of one whole yere in which time many combats they fought for vs yet neuer conquered till this present In sooth Lady answered Galaor the knights intent was too high for him to accomplish because he could not deale with Amadis and escape the Fortune now fallen vpon him but how was he named He called himselfe Alimias quoth she and had not ouer-weening pride too much ruled him he was a most gentle courteous Knight By this time were they come to their Aunts Castle where Galaor and Florestan found gracious entertainement the old Lady being very glad to see her Neeces as also to vnderstand the death of Alimias After they had taken leaue of the friendly Ladies they iourney toward the Realme of Sobradisa where they heard before they entred the Citty how Amadis and Agraies had slaine Abiseos and his Sonnes by meanes whereof Briolania ruled as a peaceable Queene which news highly contented them made them reioyce for their happy fortune To the palace they come vnknown of any till they were brought to Amadis Agraies whose wounds were already indifferently recured and they deuising with the Queene at her arriuall Here you must note how the Damosell that conducted Galaor to finde Florestan left them after the combat and comming before to her Mistresse told her and Amadis how Galaor and Florestan knew each other and what issue their combat had which made Amadis very kindely to embrace them both and Florestan offered on his knee to kisse his hand which Amadis would not permit but causing him to arise sate downe communed of their aduentures past But one day among other the new enstalled Queen Briolania after many honorable feastings she had made thē seeing these foure knights determined to depart considering the good she had receiued by Amadis and Agraies that she being before a disinherited Princesse was by their meanes restored to her Kingdome beholding likewise the wheele of fortune turned and how such personages were not alone to aide and defend her Countrey but puissant enough of themselues to be Kings and mighty Lords falling on her knees before them first rendring thankes to God who had done her such grace as to regard her in pitty continuing her discourse she said Thinke my Lords these mutations are the meruailes of the Almighty which are admirable to vs held of great accoūt but to him they are in manner nothing Let vs see if it be good then to shun Signories riches which to obtaine we take such paine and trauaile and to keepe endure innumerable anguishes and distresse as superfluous therefore vtterly to deiect them because they are torments of body soule vncertaine and haue no permanence As for my selfe I say no but affirme that they being lawfully begotten modestly vsed according to Gods appointment they are in this world rest pleasure and ioy and the way to bring vs to eternall glory The end of the first Booke A Table for the ready finding of the Chapters Contayned in this Booke directing by the Number to euery seuerall Leafe CHAPTER 1. OF whence the Kings Garinter and Perion were the Combat betweene Perion and two Knights as also how hee fought with a Lion that deuoured a Hart in their presence with the successe following thereon Fol. 1. Chap. 2. How the Princesse Elisena and her Damosell Darioletta went to the chamber where King Perion was lodged Fol. 6. Chap. 3. How King Perion parting from little Brittaine trauailed on his iourney hauing his heart filled with griefe and melancholy Fol. 12. Chap. 4. How King Languines carried away with him the Gentle-man of the Sea and Gandalin the Sonne of Gandales Fol. 19. Chap. 5. How King Lisuart sayling by the Sea landed in Scotland where he was greatly honoured
and well entertained Fol. 24. Chap. 6. How Vrganda the Vnknowne brought a Launce to the Gentleman of the Sea Fol. 33. Chap. 7. How the Gentleman of the Sea combatted with the guarders of Galpans Castle and after-ward with his Brethren and in the end with Galpan himselfe Fol. 39. Chap. 8. How the third day after the Gentleman of the Sea departed from King Languines the three Knights came to the court bringing with them the wounded Knight in a Litter and his disloyall wife Fol. 43. Chap. 9. How King Lisuart sent for his Daughter the Princesse Oriana for that long before he had left her in the Court of King Languines who sent her accompanied with the Princesse Mabila his onely daughter as also a noble traine of Knights Ladies and Gentlewomen Fol. 46. Chap. 10. How the Gentleman of the Sea fought the combat with King Abies on difference of the warre he made in Gaule Fol. 55. Chap. 11. How the Gentleman of the Sea was knowne by King Perion his Father and by the Queene Elisen a his Mother Fol. 60. Chap. 12. How the Giant bringing Galaor to King Lisuart that he might dub himknight met with his brother Ama. by whose hāa he would be knighted and by no other Fol. 66. Chap. 13. How Galaor vanquished the Giant at the Rock of Galteres Fol. 76. Chap. 14. How after Amadis departed from Vrganda the Vnknowne he arriued at a Castle where it chanced to him as you shall reade in the discourse Fol. 81. Chap. 15. How King Lisuart caused a sepulchre to be made for Dardan and his friend with an Epitaph in remembrance of their death and the honor he did to Amadis after he was found and knowne Fol. 91. Chap. 16. How Amadis made himselfe knowne to King Lisuart as also the Princes and Lords of his Court of whom he was honorably receiued and feasted Fol. 100. Chap. 17. What were the aduentures of the Prince Agraies since his returne from Gaule where he left Amadis Fol. 108 Chap. 18. How Amadis tarrying with his good will in the Court of King Lisuart heard tidings of his brother Galaor Fol. 206. Chap. 19. How Amadis combatted against Angriote and his brother who guarded the passage of the valley against such as would not confesse that their Ladies were inferior in beauty to Angriotes choyce F. 122 Chap. 20. How Amadis was inchanted by Arcalaus when he would haue deliuered the Lady Grindaloya and other from prison and how after-ward he escaped the inchauntments by the ayde of Vrganda Fol. 131 Chap. 21. How Arcalaus brought news to the Court of King Lisuart that Amadis was dead which caused his friends to make manifold lamentations and regrets especially the Princesse Oriana Fol. 136. Chap. 22. How Galaor came very sore wounded to a Monastery where he soiourned fiue dayes attending his health and at his departure thence what happened to him F. 141 Chap. 23. How Amadis departed from the Ladies Castle and of the matters which were occurrent to him by the way Fol. 150. Chap. 24. How King Lisuart being in the chase saw a farre off three knights armed comming toward him and what followed thereupon F. 154. Chap. 25 How Amadis Galaor and Balays determined to trauaile to King Lisuart and what aduentures happened by the way betweene them Fol. 159. Chap. 26. How Galaor reuenged the death of the Knight whom hee found slaine on the bed vnder the Tree Fol. 164. Chap. 27 How Amadis pursuing the Knight that misused the Damosell met another knight with whom he combatted and what happened to him afterward Fol. 168 Chap. 28. How Amadis combatted with the Knight that did steale the Damosell from him when he slept and vanquished him Fol. 174. Chap 29. How Balays behaued himselfe in his enterprise pursuing the Knight that made Galaor loose his Horse Fol. 176. Chap. 30. How King Lisuart held open Court most royally and of that which happened in the meane time Fol. 179. Chap. 31. How Amadis Galaor and Balays arriued at the Court of King Lisuart and what happened to them afterward Fol. 182 Chap. 32. How King Lisuart departed from Windsore to the good Citty of London there to hold open and royall Court Fol. 185. Chap. 33. How King Lisuare would haue the aduise of his Princes and Lords as concerning his former determination for the high exalting and entertaining of Chiualrie F. 191 Chap. 34. How while this great and ioyfull assembly endured a Damosell came to Court cloathed in mourning requesting ayde of King Lisuart in a cause whereby shee had beene wronged Fol. 195. Chap. 35. How King Lisuart was in danger of his person and his state by the vnlawfull promises he made too rash and vnaduisedly Fol. 201. Chap. 36. How Amadis and Galaor vnderstood that King Lisuart and his Daughter were carried away prisoners wherefore they made hast to giue them succour Fol. 209. Chap. 37. How Galaor rescued King Lisuart from the ten Knights that led him to prison Fol. 216. Chap. 38. How news came to the Queene that the King was taken and how Barsinan laboured to vsurpe the Citty of London many dayes in which time sundry great personages were there feasted the greater part whereof remained long time after-ward Fol. 227. Ch. 41. How Amadis determined to goe combat with Abiseos and his two Sons to reuenge the kings death who was father to the faire Briolania and of that which followed Fol. 230. Chap. 42. How Galaor went with the Damosell after the Knight that dismounted him and his companions in the Forrest whom when hee found they combatted together and afterward in the sharpest point of their combat they knew each other Fol. 235 Chap. 43. How Don Florestan was begotten by King Petion on the faire Daughter to the County of Zealand Fol. 240. Chap. 44. How Galaor and Florestan riding towards the Realme of Sobradisa met with three Damosels at the Fountaine of Oliues Fol. 248. FINIS THE SECOND BOOKE Of Amadis de Gaule CONTAINING THE DESCRIPtion Wonders and Conquests of the Inclosed or Firme-Island As also the triumphes and troubles of Amadis in the pursuit of his fayrest Fortunes Moreouer the manifold Victories hee obtained and admirable seruices by him performed for King Lisuart And his notorious ingratitude towards him which was the first occasion of the broyles and fatall warres that no small time continued betweene him and Amadis Translated out of French by A. M. LONDON Printed by NICHOLAS OKES dwelling in Foster-lane 1619. TO THE RIGHT HONORAble Sir Phillip Herbert Earle of Mountgomerie And Knight of the most noble Order of the Garter AMadis in his first Booke kissing your noble hand the second followeth to finde the like fauour encouraged thereto by your euer knowne most honourable nature and affable graces affoorded to the very meanest deseruers The third and fourth Bookes successiuely ensue to make vp the first volume of so famous an history till foure more may in the like manner be finished to present themselues to you their
gracious Patrone Your Honours euer to be commanded A. M. THE SECOND BOOKE OF AMADIS DE GAVLE CHAP. I. The Description of the firme Island Who made the inchantments and placed those great riches which were found in the same THere was a King in Greece who was married vnto the Emperours daughter of Cōstantinople by whom hee had two sonnes excelling in all perfection both of body and minde Especially the eldest named Apolidon who was so well brought vp and conditioned that hee found not his equall in any vertuous quality wherein he exercised himselfe This Apolidon studied all sciences wherein he profited so much that hee was not onely counted one of the best knights in the world but also surpassed all men of his time for wisedome excelling them in learning as farre as the moone exceedeth the starres in light and chiefly in the art of Nigromancy by the which he brought to passe many great matters which seemed beyond the capacity of men Now was the King father of these two young Princes most mighty in lands and wealthy in treasure but very weake in body by reason of his age Wherefore knowing the end of his daies to approach he would before his death make partition of all his goods vnto his children because no contention or debate should happen betweene them after his decease And for that end he appointed the kingdome to Apolidon being his eldest sonne and heire the other he inuested with all his riches and moueable goods among which there was many excellent bookes of inestimable value Yet the youngest nothing liking this partition bewayled his estate vnto the King beseeching him most humbly to consider that his patrimony being so small hee was not onely left poore but in a manner disinherited Then the aged father perceiuing the discontentment of his sonne being the thing hee most feared was exceeding sorrowfull but yet would he not alter that which hee had done without the consent of Apolidon who beeing aduertised thereof came vnto him and in the presence of his brother saide thus It may please your Maiestie I heard within these few dayes that my brother is not content with that portion which it hath pleased you to appoint vnto him and therefore because I knowe how grieuous the same is vnto you seeing the brotherly loue betwixt him and mee likely to be broken I most humbly beseech your highnesse to take all that againe which it hath pleased you to giue vnto mee and dispose therof as it shal seeme best to your owne minde for I shall thinke my selfe thrise fortunate to doe any thing that may breede your soules felicity and very well apaid with that which to him was appointed When the King behelde the bounty of his sonne Apolidon and the obedience hee shewed vnto him hee was therewithall so pleased and exceeding ioyfull that his soule knowing it could not leaue his body in greater contentment fled vp into heauen leauing his two sonnes in such friendship as he desired Notwithstanding after the body was buried and all accustomed funerall rights ended Apolidon caused certaine shippes to he rigged and furnished for the sea wherein being embarked with diuerse Gentlemen of his friends seeing the winde and weather fauour them he commanded the ankers to bee waied and the sailes to be let fall the which were incontinently filled with so stiffe a gale as in lesse then one houre they were past the countrey of Greece And yet Apolidon had not dertermined to bend his course vnto any certaine coast but following his fortune driuen by the winde he discouered the Countrey of Italie whereunto approching he landed in a certaine port thereof The Emperour Sindan beeing aduertised of his landing sent many great Lords vnto him to request him to come to Rome where hee should be as royally entertained as might be deuised To which request Apolidon willingly condiscended and beeing there already arriued the Emperour receiued him with honor yet although at his comming hee determined to soiourne no more then eight daies with him hee changed his purpose and remained there a longer season in which time he accomplished such haughty deedes of armes and behaued himselfe so worthily that amongst the Romans he gained the reputation of the best knight in the world and obtained the loue of a young Princesse the onelie sister to the Emperour named Grimanesa the fairest Lady then liuing And although that their loue was alike yet was this faire Lady so streightly looked vnto that neither could her affection bee satisfied nor the common desire of them both bee performed Wherefore one day consulting more priuatly then they euer yet before had done loue wrought such a consent in them as they agreede to depart vnto such a place where they might without controle enioy the fulnesse of their content so as what they secretly intended they as suddenly executed For euen as they had appointed it so the faire Grimanesa came forth one night to meete her loue Apolidon who stayed for her at the water-side hauing prepared shippes ready for their flight and wherein they presently embarqued themselues Then by force of the winde they were in few dayes driuen to arriue at the foote of the Firme-Island which was then inhabited by a mighty Giant whereof Apolidon and those in the ship were ignorant Where-upon thinking they were in a place of safety came on shoare and tents and Pauilions were set vp wherein they might refresh them for Grimanesa who was not vsed to trauaile by sea was as wearie as might be But at that instant when they thought themselues most secure the Giant which had discouered them took them so suddainly that Apolidon had scant so much leisure as to arme himselfe where-with Grimanesa was so amazed that she was ready to die for feare for the Giant taking her by the hand said vnto Apolidō Base slaue although I am not accustomed to be kind vnto any yet am I content for this once to suffer thee to fight against me alone on this condition that if thou be ouercome this faire Lady shall be mine and then afterwards I shall cause thee to bee hanged vpon the pole of this tent When Apolidon heard that by fighting with such a monster he might both saue himselfe his mistresse his hart was so great as he thought it a very easie matter to ouercome him and esteemed himselfe happy that fortune had offered him so fit an occasion as to make known vnto Grimanesa how much was his courage and how great was his Knight-hood Wherefore without longer delay the combate began betweene them the which lasted but a while for the Giant was pursued so valiantly as hee fell downe back-ward Then Apolidon streight stepped ouer him and cut off his head Which the inhabitants of the Isle vnderstanding they all came and offered them-selues vnto him becheeching him to remaine with them and to bee their Lord and protector Vnto this their request he condiscended wherefore they conducted him with great triumph to the
vntill the moon began to shine and then they knew that they were in a great meddow in which they beheld many Pauillions set vp and people sporting all about them Then said the Gentlewoman vnto Amadis Sir because I see my father you may if it please you come faire and softly and I will goe before to aduertise him of your coÌ„ming that he may do you that honour as you deserue So saying shee gallopped her horse vntill shee came vnto the tents where she alighted Then shee tolde her father how these foure knights had followed her hauing a desire to trie the aduentures of the Firme Island which he vnderstanding came to meete them and receiued them very courteously afterwards hee led them vnto one of the Pauillions where they rested vntill their supper was ready When they were set downe the gouerner of the Isle discoursed vnto them the aduentures of such Knights and Ladyes which had proued the arch of loyall louers and the other nouelties thereof vntill it was time to goe to rest Whereupon they all with-drew themselues and when day appeared they mounting all on horse-back rode so long that they came to a place which was in breadth no more then a bow shoot of firme ground and all the rest was water And they went on in this straight vntill they came into the entrie of the Island the which was onely fiue leagues in breadth and seuen in length There might they see the sumptuous Pallace of Apolidon whose gates were open and as they drew neerer they perceiued more then an hundred targets or shields placed in three rankes the most parte leaning against two postes and tenne other nailed a little ouer them But there were three which were very high aboue the rest fastned vpon another post which stood forwarder then the first yet did they likewise differ in height for the highest was a faddom aboue the middle-most and the middlemost was a cubit ouer the lowest Then Amadis demanded why they were thus ranked Truely answered the gouernour according to the vallour and knight-hood of those which would haue entred the forbidden chamber their shields are honoured and these which you see neerest the ground belonged to such Knights which could not come neere the brasen piller but these tenne that are higher came vnto it they which ought these two other shields which you see seperated and placed aboue the rest haue done more for they haue passed the piller yet could they not come neere the other of marble as the other hath done whose shield is therfore placed aboue these two which are so much esteemed Then Amadis approched more neere to see if he might know any of them for there was none of them but had written vpon them the names of such as heretofore did owe theÌ„ and he cast his eye vpon the lowermost of the three which hung by themselues ouer the other tenne which had in a field Sables a Lyon Or fanged and armed Argent with a Cheife Gules this hee knewe to boe the shield of Arcalaus Then hee beheld the two vppermost the lower bearing in a field Azure a knight Argent cutting off the head of a Gyant the which hee remembred to bee the shield of king Abies of Ireland who prooued this aduenture two yeares before that Amadis did kill him in Gaule The third which was aboue all the rest had a fielde Azure three Flowers or which he could not know without reading the superscription which sayd This is the shield of Don Quedragant brother to king Abies of Ireland the which was set ouer all the others within these twelue dayes For Quedragant behaued himselfe so valiantly that he came vnto the Marble piller whereunto none other had before approached He by chance passed by the Firme-Island in seeking for Amadis with an intent to fight with him and to reuenge the death of King Abies his brother Much amazed was Amadis seeing the shields of so many good Knights which had all fayled in their purposed enterprise and hee greatly feared least hee might performe as little as they For this cause hee and his company with-drew themselues to goe towarde the arch of loyall louers the which was shewed vnto them Agraies suddenly alighted and approaching neere the forbidden place hee with an indifferent high voice thus spake Loue if eâ—er I haue beene constant let mee now be remembred This sayde hee passed on and entred vnder the arch Then the copper Image began to sound so sweetely as it greatly reioyced the hearers and Agraies stayed not but went on vntill hee came vnto the Pallace where the pictures of Apolidon and Grimanesa were which seemed vnto him as if they had been aliue And he came neer vnto the Iasper piller wherein he beheld two lines written The first contayned Madanil sonne to the Duke of Burgoine hath passed vnder the arch of loyall louers and ended that aduenture The other was the name of Don Bruneo de bonne mer or of the lucky Sea sonne to Vaillades Marques of Troques Scant had he read the last line but he beheld a third which coÌ„tained This is the name of Agraies son to Languines King of Scotland This Madanil loued Aquinda Countesse of Flanders Don Bruneo Melicia daughter to King Perion of Gaule When Amadis did see that his Cosen was entred without any let at all hee sayde vnto his brethren Will not you proue the aduenture as hee hath done No answered they for we are not so much subiect vnto this passion that wee deserue to make tryall of our loyalty Seeing then that you bee twaine keepe you one another company and I will accompany Lord Agraies if I can Then he boldly entered vnder the arch and as hee passed the copper Image sounded vpon his horne another sound far more melodious then hee yet before had done Moreouer in stead of fire and sâ—inking flame that it cast forth against the disloyall louers flowers and sweete leaues came forth of his horne in such abundance that the place were all couered therewith But for all this Amadis stayed not but passed on euen hard vnto the Images of Apolidon and Grimanesa the which seemed vnto him so well formed as they wanted nothing but speech When Agraies which was entered before perceiued him he came to him and sayde My Lord and Cosen me thinkes we should not hence-forth hide our loues from one another But Amadis without any answere tooke him by the hand and walking together they beganne to discourse of the excellency of the place In the meane season Galaor and Florestan displeased with staying so long for them did intreate Isania the Gouernour of the Isle to shew them vnto the forbidden chamber the which he did Whereupon Florestan sayde vnto Galaor my Lord are you determined to try yourselfe No answered hee for I neuer desired to prooue such enchantments I pray you then sayde Florestan to sport you whilest I haue tryed this aduenture Then commending him-selfe to God with his shield
vpon his arme his sword in his hand hee marched right towardes the forbidden place But he went not farre forward when hee felt him-selfe layd at so sore and so often ouercharged with the stroakes of Launces and swords as hee verily beleeued that no man was able long to suffer them notwithstanding bearing his head lowe mauger all the resistance he marched forward laying about him heere and there but knewe not vpon whom Yet he thought that which hee did hit were so well armed as his sworde could in no sort hurt them and hee passed the piller of Brasse euen hard vnto the other of Marble against the which hee fell downe not being any longer able to stand vp for hee felt himselfe so wearie and bruised with the forcible blowes which hee had suffered that he thought he should die And in the same instant he was so rudely lifted forth of the place that hee lost all his vnderstanding wherewith Galaor was so displeased that he thought himselfe worthie of blame if he did not reuenge his wrong And therefore hee betooke him to his armes and ranne right vnto the forbidden chamber yet his haste was not so great but that hee was as suddenly resisted smitten and so violently layde at as very hardly hee came vnto the Marble piller against the which hee leaned thinking to take breath Notwithstanding the stroakes which on all partes lighted vpon him were so many and so waighty that hee was inflamed with rage in such sort as hee went on somewhat further hoping yet to withstand them Then did he imagine his enemies to bee so many that for euery one blowe hee had before he now thought that hee receiued twaine so as his strength quite failed him and hee fell downe on the ground a great deale more weake then Florestan was All this while Amadis and Agraies beholding the pleasantnesse of the place wherein they were entered perceiued a new writing in the Iasper piller which contained This is Amadis of Gaule the constant louer sonne to King Perion At the same instant was Galaor throwne foorth from the pillars wherewith the Dwarffe began to cry Out alas my Lord Galaor is dead This voyce was heard of Amadis and Agraies who presently came forth to see what the matter was and they asked the Dwarffe what moued him to cry so loud My Lord answered hee I beleeue your two brethren are dead in prouing the aduenture of the forbidden chamber for they haue beene so rudely repulsed as see where they lie without moouing hand or foot Trust mee saide Amadis worse could not haue happened to thee Then he went vnto them and hee found them so sorely bruised that they lay speechlesse But Agraies thinking because fortune had fauoured him vnder the arch of loyall louers that shee would bee as fauourable vnto him against the perill of the chamber without staying to beholde his Cosens any longer hauing his shield vpon his arme and his sworde naked in his hand bearing his head lowe hee ran right to the brasen piller yet had hee not marched farre beyond it when hee felt so many blowes that hardly could hee resist them But his heart was so great as mauger all lets he passed euen vnto the marble piller and there was hee constrained to stay hauing no power at all to stand any longer vpon his feet being so astonied that hee lost his remembrance and hee was as rudely cast out as his Cosens had beene before the which Amadis perceiuing beeing much displeased hee began to curse the houre of that their fond enterprise and approaching vnto Galaor who was now come to himselfe he said In troth brother I perceiue I must of force followe though I should die therein Ah my Lord answered Galaor it should suffice you to take warning by our example I beseech you flie such diuelish forceries for nothing but mischiefe can come from them Come what will saide Amadis accursed may I be if I faint in the matter Then drawing his sword hee well couered him with his shield and hauing first made his deuout prayers vnto God hee cryed O my deare Lady Oriana from you onely proceedeth all the strength and courage that euer I had I beseech you now not to forget him who so constantly craueth your ayde and good assistance Which sayd hee ranne so lightly towards the chamber as in spight of all impeachments hee came without taking breath euen vnto the first piller althought hee felt so many strokes light vpon him that hee did thinke hee fought with more then a thousand knights together yet his courage so much increased with the onely remembrance of Oriana that there were neuer any knight before which could come neere him Then was there heard the voyces of an infinite number saying If this knight do not end this aduenture neuer may any knight performe the same But for all these things hee left not to pursue his fortune for the further he went the more encreased his desire to approach the chamber so as notwithstanding the force of the Diuels or inuisible company which gaue him many sore and heauy strokes hee gained the entry of the chamber from whence he beheld a hand and an arme couered with green wosted to come forth which drew him in And presently there was heard another voyce which sayde Welcome is the gentle knight that exceedeth him in armes which established so many maruailes in this place who in his time was second to none but this surpasseth him and therefore the signiory of this Island of right belongeth to him hauing aboue all other deserued it He which had seene this hand would haue iudged it to haue beene the hand of a very ancient mā it was so withered the which vāquished away so soon as Amadis was entred into the chāber where he felt himselfe so fresh and in so good estate as if he had receiued neither blow nor trauell in comming thither Wherefore hee tooke his shield from his neck sheathed his sword and to Oriana he ascribed the glory for the great honour which he had gotten for hee imagined that all his strength proceeded onely from her and no other The most part of the Inhabitants in the Isle with many other strangers had seene the prowesse he had showne and how the hand brought him into the chamber especially hauing heard by the words of the voyce the soueraignty of the countrey was attributed to him for which cause they all reioyced very greatly But none were so ioyfull as Galaor and his fellows who in stead of emulation where-with they might wrongfully haue beene suspected they were all so glad of the good and honour of Amadis as if the like had chanced particularly to euery one of them and they caused themselues to bee carried to him in the chamber where they were thoroughly and presently healed by the vertue of the place Thither likewise came Isania Gouernour of the countrey accompanied with many of the inhabitants who all did their duty vnto
Amadis as to their new Lord vnder whom they hoped not onely to liue in peace and rest but also hereafter to stretch their Dominions euen ouer their bordering neighbours and further Then euery one might view the rare deuises of this palace amongst which there was a wardrobe whether Apolidon his Lady did most commonly withdrawe themselues so beautifull and sumptuous as it was not onely impossible to make the like but also it was thought very strange and wonderfull how any man might imagine that hee could build so rare a peece of worke seeing that they which were within might see what any man did without very easily but they which were without could not perceiue any thing that was within the same Thus was the firme Island conquered by Amadis which had beene a thousand yeeres and more without a Lord since Apolidon had there set vp his inchantments and the next day the people came from all parts of the Island to offer their dutie and homage vnto their new Lord who receiued them curteously I leaue you then to imagine whether Amadis had occasion to be glad and content or no. They which haue oftentimes bin crossed with aduersitie may better iudge therof thē any others can for they know how to beare and when to bewaile their misfortunes more orderly then such who are accustomed with all prosperity happinesse Neuerthelesse I know not whether of these two extreamities are more cōmendable for the one commonly draweth vnto it an intollerable vaine glory and pride most damnable the other a continual care fraught with desperation very dangerous Therefore euery wise man considering there is nothing parmanent will neither bee proud with the prosperity that fauoureth him nor appaled for any aduersitie that befalleth him but he will swim vprightly as in a calm Sea betweene them both without abusing the one or affrighted with the other The which Amadis could not doe when inconstant fortune made him taste these poysons which for him shee prepared euen in the midst as hee thought of all his prosperities And euen as shee beyond all measure fauoured him holding him vp by the chinne in all chances that hapned to him without crossing him in any thing whatsoeuer in like sort did shee turne her face from him and brought him into such perplexity and sorrow that neither force of armes the continuall remembrance of his Lady nor the magnanimitie of his heart were once sufficient to procure him remedy but onely the grace and mery of our Lord God who in pittie regarded him after hee had sometime remained in the rocke of aduersitie in sorrow and tribulatiou as you may vnderstand from the which hee deliuered him and placed him in greater ease and contentment then before as by the sequel of this historie you shall perceiue You haue heard in the first booke of Amadis in what anguish the Princesse Oriana was for the false report of Ardan the Dwarffe at such time as hee returned backe from his maister to fetch the pieces of the sword which Gandalin had forgotten behinde him at his departure from the Court and how she sostered vp in her minde the hate which she had conceiued against Amadis not being able to accept any councell either from Mabila or the Damosell of Denmarke wrongfully suspected him of falshood who thought on nothing but only how he might serue and honour her with all faithfulnesse Now it resteth to shew vnto you what happened thereof Know you then that from the day wherein this ielousie was first imprinted in her it increased in such sort as it wholly made her forget her accustomed manner of life thinking thence forth on nothing so much as how she might sufficiently reuenge her on Amadis who had as she thought so grieuously offended her And hereupon seeing hee was absent and that shee could not declare vnto him by word of mouth the anguish of her soule shee determined to let him vnderstand it by writing So as one day amongst others beeing alone in her chamber shee tooke pen in hand and writ this letter which ensueth The letter of the Princesse Oriana to Amadis MY intolerable passions proceeding from so many causes compelleth my weake hand to declare by this letter that which my sorrowfull heart can no longer 〈◊〉 from thee Amadis of Gaule most disloyall and pertured louer-For sieing the disloyaltie and inconstancie wherewith thou hast abused mee who am infortunate and frustrate of all good ha◠onely in louing thee abone all things in the world which is now very apparent cheefely in that sowrongfully thou forsookest vs to go with her who considering her young yeeres and indiscretion cannot haue that kindenesse in her either to fauour or entertaine thee I haue also determined for euer to banish from mee this exceeding loue which I did bare vnto thee seeing my sorrowfull heart can finde no other reuenge And although I would take in good part the wrong which thou proferest me yet should it bee a great folly for mee to desire the welfare of such an vnthankfull man for the faithfull louing of whom I hate both my selfe all other things Alas I now perceiue very well but it is too late that most vnluckely I enthraled my liberty to a person so ingratefull seeing that in recompence of my continuall sighs and passions I finde my selfe deceiued and shamefully abused wherefore I charge thee neuer to come in my presence nor vnto any place where I doe remayne be thou assured that I neuer loued thee so exceedingly but now by thy ill deserts I hate thee farre more extreamely Packe thee henceforth else where and try if thou canst with thy falsified faith and hony speech abuse others as vnhappy as my selfe and neuer hope that hereafter any of thy excuses shall preuatle with mee but without further desire to behold thee I will bewaile the rest of my sorrowfull life with aboundance of teares the which shall neuer cease but by the end of Her who forceth not to die but onely because thou art her murderer This Letter being sealed Oriana called a young Esquire brother to the Damosell of Denmarke in whom shee greately trusted and commanded him very expressely without staying one onely houre that hee should goe finde out Amadis in the Realme of Sobradisa and then presently deliuer this Letter which shee had written to him but chiefly that hee should marke his countenance whilst he read the same and that he should bring backe no answere though Amadis would giue it him CHAP. III. How Durin departed to goe toward Amadis vnto whom hee deliuered the Letters from Oriana and what hurt happened thereby WHen Durin had at large vnderstood the will of the Princesse he mounted on horse backe and hasted him so well that the tenth day following hee arriued in the great City of Sobradisa where hee found the new Queene Briolania whom hee thought to be the fairest Lady that euer he had seene except the Princesse Oriana Then did he tell her how he
to rest him and vnarmed himselfe herewithall he beheld a very aged man clothed with a religious habit who tooke him by the hand as if he had pittied his trauaile spake to him certain words in a strange language which he did not vnderstand being in this trouble he awaked Vpon this dreame Amadis mused a great while thinking that oftentimes they foreshow some thing that followeth because he did see part of that which hee had dreamed to fall out Thus hee came to the gate where Gandalin and Isania stayed his with furniture there armed himselfe afterwards he mounted vpon his horse keeping neither way nor path vntill he came neere vnt an Hermitage then he demanded of Isania what place that was My Lord answered hee this Chappel is dedicated to the Vrgin Marie wherein oftentimes are diuerse strange miracles wrought For which cause Amadis allighted from his horse entred into the Church and kneeling downe with great deuotion hee made his prayers to God The which being ended hee rose vp called Gandalin to him whom he held a long time embraced in his armes not being able to speake one word yet in the end he thus said vnto him My deere Gandalin thou and I haue beene fostered vp with one milke and alwaies brought vp together and I neuer felt any paine or sorrow wherein thou hast not had thy part Thy father tok me vp in the sea whē I was yet but a small thing beeing but newly borne the very night before afterward he caused thy mother to cherish mee as tenderly as if I had their deeriest childe Now haue I oftentimes tried thy loyalty knowing very wel what seruice thou hast done for me the which I did hope in time with the fauour of God to haue recompensed but this great mis-fortune is fallen vpon me the which I feele more sharpe and cruell then death it selfe especially seeing I am constrained to forsake thee hauing no other thing to bestow vpon thee but the Isle which I haue newly conquered which I do giue thee commanding Isania with my other subiects vpon that faith and homage which they haue sworne vnto me to receiue thee as their Lord so soone as they shall be assured of my death Yet is it my wil that thy father and mother shal enioy the same during their liues and afterwards it shall remaine vnto thee which is in recompence of the good I haue receiued of thē whom I thought to haue better rewarded according to their deserts and my desire And as for you Lord Isania I pray you that of the fruits and reuenues of this Isle which of long time you haue had in your keeping you should build here in this place a Monestarie in the honor of the virgin Mary and to endow it with so much liuing as thirtie religious men may hence-forth liue vpon the same Ah my Lord said Gandalin I neuer forsooke you for any trauaile or perill which hitherto you haue suffered neither yet will I leaue you if God be pleased and if you dye I will not liue after you neither for all the world will I lose you Therefore you may if it please you bestowe this gift vpon my Lords your brethren seeing I will not haue it neither do I desire it in any sort Holde thy peace said Amadis let me heare these words no more vnlesse thou desirest to displease me but do as I would haue thee for my bretheren may prouide far greater liuings for thē and their friends then this small thing which I doe giue vnto thee But touching you my deere friend Isania it very greatly grieueth me that I haue not the means to gratulate you according to your deserts notwithstanding I leaue you amongst so many of my good friends as they shall supply that which I cannot I pray you my Lord answered hee suffer mee onely to accompany you that I may be partaker of any wealth or woe that shall happen to you Wherein you shall fully shew mee your loue and I rest satisfied to my liking My deere friend saide Amadis I doubt not but that you would follow with a good will notwithstanding my miseric is so excessiue as besides my maker none can ease it whome onely I humbly beseech to bee my conductour for I will haue no other companion And therefore Gandalin if thou desirest Knight-hood holde take it presently with my armour which I doe giue thee for since thou hast heeretofore so well kept them it is reason they should now serue thee considering how little I shall hereafter need them if not thou maiest receiue this honour of my brother Galaor vnto whom my Lord Isania here shall in my behalfe make request to the same ende and I entreate thee to serue him euen as faithfully as thou hast serued mee For my loue vnto him is so great as amongst all my most afflictions I shall bewaile his absence because I haue euermore foūd him an hūble obedient a louing brother You shall further request him to take into his seruice Ardan my Dwarffe whom I recommend vnto him to the Dwarffe say that I will him to serue my brother dilligently This sayd both hee and those to whom he spake burst forth into aboundance of teares comming vnto them he embraced them saying Now my friends seeing I neuer hope to see you any more I entreate you to pray to God for mee and vpon your liues I charge you that none of you doe follow mee Then hee got vpon his horse set spurres to his sides and galloped from them remembring not at his departure to take either Launce shield or helmet with him Thus he entred into a desert place at the foot of a mountaine taking no other way but whither his horse would carry him and so long hee rode vntill the most parte of the night was now spent when the horse entred into a little brook enuironed with many trees where he would haue drunken But as hee passed on further Amadis was strucken on the face with certaine branches of trees so rudely as it wakened him out of his study and therewithall looking vp hee perceiued that hee was in a couert and solitary place beset with store of thick bushes which greatly reioyced him because hee thought hee should very hardly bee found out in this thicket There he alighted tyed his horse and sate him downe vpon the grasse the better to meditate vpon his melancholy but hee had wept so long and his braines were so light that at the last hee fell asleepe CHAP. IIII. How Gandalin and Durin followed the same way that Amadis had taken brought the rest of his armour which he had left behinde then found him sleeping how he fought against a Knight whom he did ouercome AMadis beeing departed Gandalin who remayned in the Hermitage with Isania Durin as you haue heard began to make the greatest lamentation in the world and said Although he hath forbidden mee to follow him yet will I not stay
ended the which Isania performed For the day following when the Lords were ready to sit downe at the Table they perceiued that Amadis was absent and enquiring for him Isania told them that they should know after dinner where hee was become Thereupon they sat down thinking that he was gone somwhether for his pleasure After the Tables were taken vp Isania said vnto theÌ„ My lords the misfortune of my Lord Amadis is far worse then you thinke it is as I shall presently declare vnto you Then he recited in what order he deparded from theÌ„ the great sorrow wherein hee was and what he had commanded him to say vnto them especially how he had disposed of the Island and he earnestly intreated theÌ„ not to follow him seeing that he hoped for no remedy of his misery For his death was not to bee preuented When they heard these pittifull news there was not any of them whose eyes were not filled with teares and they began to make a most sorrowfull lamentation But Galaor made the greatest moane of all saying If I may releeue him from distresse the best knight in the world shall not in this sort die Although he hath commanded vs to stay yet shall he not be obeyed for me at this time but I will seeke vntil I shal haue found him wil know who hath wronged him that I may eyther reuenge it or die in the quarell Beleeue me answered Agraies we will not be far behinde you and if we cannot remedy his misfortune by force of courage or counsell yet at the least we will altogether die with him for company Moreouer said Isania he desireth you my Lord Galaor to make Gandalin a knight and take Ardan his dwarff into your seruice whom he recommendeth vnto you Then Galaor called the Dwarff and said vnto him Ardan thy master hath forsaken vs and willed that thou shouldst be mine assure thee that so long as I line I will not leaue thee for his sake How answered the Dwarffe is my Lord dead then So saying he fel down where he stood and began to teare his haires making so great sorrow as it was wonderfull said I might well be couÌ„ted a traytor to liue after my Master wherwithal he had slain himself if they had not takeÌ„ heed vnto him Florestan his heart was so ouercharged with griefe that he could neyther weep nor speak but sit leâ—iâ—g as if he had been in a traunce And when he recouered his speech he said vnto his fellowes my Lords it is no time for vs to weepe nor lament when we should rather indeuour to succour my Lord Amadis let women waile but let manly mindes conioyne together deuise how we may prouide a remedy for so great a mischiefe As for me I thinke that without longer delay we should all to horseback making as great speede as we may to finde him then we may know if there be any meanes to cure his malady for the time passeth his sorrow increaseth and he still goeth farther from vs. The Lord Isania as he saith hath brought him some part of his way he may shew vs then which path he hath taken but if we shall longer tarry wee may lose him without hope euer to see him againe Therefore my Lords I pray you let vs make hast to follow him Vnto the which they all agreed caused their horses to be presently brought Then Isania conducted them to the place where Amadis had left him and from thence they rode till they came whereas Patin lay wounded whom they beheld lying vpon the ground whilest his two esquires did cut down boughs and poles to make him a litter for he was so feeble with the losse of his blood that he could not sit on horseback nor answere one onely word vnto the knights who saluted him and enquired of him what he was that had done him such out-rage but he made a signe that his Squires should tell them Where-upon Galaor came and demanded the matter of them they answered him that he had iousted against a knight which came from the Firme Island by whom hee was ouer-throwne at the first encounter and how that afterwards thinking to reuenge him with his Sworde he sped so illas they might perâ—… by his hurt What is become of the knight said Galaor By our faith answered the squires we know not for we were not present at the coÌ„bat Notwithstanding we do think that we did meete him in our comming hither and he did ride ouer the forrest so fast as his horse could run hauing none following him but one Squire who wept bitterly carrying after him his Armour and shield vpon the which were 2. Lyons sables in a field Ore In faith said Florestan it is he whom we doe seeke Shew vs therefore what way he tooke the which they did Then the knights went after him and so long they rode vntill they came to a crosse way where they staid to aduise what was best to be done for there was not any body that might tell them any newes of that which they sought and therefore they determined to separate them-selues promising one vnto another to meete at the Court of king Lisuart vpon S. Iohns day next ensuing but if by that time they heard no news of Amadis then they would determine further what to do in the matter thus taking leaue of each other they departed with weeping and afterward they did what they might but it was all in vaine although they had ridden through many strange countries in which they found many great accidents perilous aduentures But you must know that so soone as Amadis had sent Durin away he set spurres vnto his horse neyther caring nor determining what way he should take he went euen as fortune guided him in the end hee came to the bottom of an obscure valley ful of vnderwood bushâ—s which place he thought most commodious to hide himselfe from being found out of any that might follow him Here did he alight letting his horse goe where hee would but vnbridled him not then he sate down by the side of a brook which descended from the mountaine and tooke a little water to refresh him withall By this time Gandalin had ouertaken him who had stayed behinde to deliuer Patin his Sword who finding Amadis laid all along vpon the grasse so still that he heard not one word to proceede from him hee durst not say any thing to him but sate downe hard by him and within a while after Amadis rose vp and beholding Gandalin laide vpon the ground by him hee pushed him with his foote saying sleepest thou Gandalin By my faith sir no answered he for instead of sleeping I thought vpon two things which concerne you greatly the which if it please you I will declare if not I will hold my peace Go to rise said Amadis and take our horses for I will get me gone because I should be very sory to be found of those who it may
that brought you into this extreamitie seeing that although shee were a woman so requisit as shee could not bee equalled yet for her such a man as you are to be cast away Father answered Amadis I aske not your counsell herein for I now neede it not but for my soules sake I desire you henceforth to receiue mee into your company which if you refuse to do I see no other remedy for me but to die amongst the beasts of this forrest The old man seeing him so resolute had such compassion of him as the teares fell down his long white beard and answered him Alas my son my abiding in a desert place and I liue a life too strickt for you my Hermitage is at the least seuen leagues within the sea vpon the top of a poore Rock vnto the which no liuing creature can come vnlesse it bee at the beginning of the spring time Notwithstanding I haue already remained thirty yeeres there exempted from all worldly pleasure liuing onely vpon such small almes which some people of this Countrey doe bestow vpon me I promise you father saide Amadis it is the life which I desire and I once intreat you that you would giue me leaue to go with you The which the Hermit at the last granted notwithstanding that he had a long time denied him Heere-withall Amadis kissed his feete saying father command whatsoeuer you shall please for to my power I will euer obay you Then the Hermit saide his euening seruice after the which because hee had eaten nothing all day hee tooke out of his wallet a little bread and fish dried in the sun which was giuen vnto him and willed Amadis to eate with him but he refused it although he had beene three daies without tasting any sustenance Wherefore the hermit saide vnto him My sonne you haue promised to obey me doe this then which I command you and eat for if you should die in this obstinacie your soule should be in very great danger For this cause Amadis durst not denie him but did eat a very little for hee sighed continually not being able to forget the great sorrow wherein he remained After he had taken this small refrection the good old man spread his cloake abroad and laid him downe thereon and Amadis at his feete who was a great while before hee could take any rest tumbling and tossing himselfe as a person ill at ease neuerthelesse in the end being heauie with long watching he fell asleepe and hee dreamed that hee was locked in a chamber so darke that he could see no light at all neyther could he finde any way to come out thereof wherewith he greatly lamented moreouer hee thought that his Cozin Mabila and the Damosell of Denmarke came vnto him hauing before them a beame of the Sun which gaue a great light in so darke a place they taking him by the hand said vnto him My Lord come forth from hence if it please you and follow vs into the palace the which he did But at his comming forth he thought that he did see Oriana inuironed with a great flame of fire which made him so afraid that hee cried out helpe helpe my Lady Oriana burneth and there withall he leaped into the fire to saue her Then he tooke her in his armes comming through the flame againe without any hurt at all afterwards hee carried her into a garden the greenest and pleasantest that he had seene At the lowde cry which Amadis did make the good Hermit awaked and taking him by the hand hee asked him what he ailed Father answered he I haue euen now in my sleepe felt such exceeding paine that I meruaile I am not dead Your cry hath witnessed the same said hee but let vs rise for it is time to depart Then he got vpon his Asse and tooke the way toward the Hermitage and Amadis followed him a foote talking together of many things at the last he prayed him to giue him one gift which should not bee hurtfull vnto him the which the old man granted I pray you then said Amadis that so long as we are together you would not tell any man who I am and hence-forth to giue mee another name such as it shall please you then after my death you may tell my brethren of me that they may come fetch my body and carry it into Gaule Your life and death answered the hermit are in the hands of God therefore speake no more thereof for therein you offend him very grieuously and therefore seeing you know him loue him and serue him as you are bound to do he wil succour and helpe you notwithstanding what other name wil you haue Such as it shall please you to giue me said Amadis And as they talked together the olde man had his eye continually vpon him and the more he looked on him the fayrer he thought him to be but he did see him so full of griefe as he determined to giue him a name conformable to his excellency and agreeable to his melancholy Whereupon he said vnto him my Sonne you are yong and of a faire complexion notwithstanding your life is obscure by reason of your sorrow therefore my will is that you bee called the Faire Forlorne Wherewith Amadis was contented liking very well of the Hermet his deuise who not without great occasion had imposed that name vpon him And euen as they were ouertaken with the night they came vnto the Sea side where they found a little boat which the day before was come to seeke the Hermet at his hermitage wherin they imbarked and within a small time after tooke landing at the poore Rock so called because of the barrennesse of the place as the old man had declared to him Who continuing his discourse said Sonne I haue heretofore followed the world as you haue done and my name was Andahod assuring you that during my young yeeres I studied many vaine sciences but in the end being wearie thereof I withdrew my selfe into this poore place where I haue already remained thirty yeeres and more and neuer departed thence vntill yeesterday that I was at the buriall of my sister who died within these few dayes When the Faire Forlorne came into this Solitary place he was exceeding glad hoping that in a very short time his sadnesse and his life would both end at once Thus he remained in the company of the hermit consuming his youth with weeping and continuall lamentations seting at naught all worldly honours especially the glory which he had gotten in fighting with Galpan Abies King of Ireland Dardan the proud and many others whom he had ouercome and he began to despise in himselfe all vanities considering the variablenesse of Fortune who not long before had so highly aduanced him that hee had entred into the forbidden Chamber of Apolidon as in the beginning of the History hath beene mentioned But if he had beene demanded what moued him so to do what would hee thinke you haue answered no other
depended or else hee would end his daies in the seeking of him CHAP. VII How Durin returned vnto the Princesse Oriana vnto whom he declared the sorrowfull news of Amadis and of the great sorrow which she made after she vnderstood of his despaire DVrin hauing left Patin in the forrest as you haue heard made such great hast to returne vnto Oriana to let her know what he had seen of Amadis as the tenth day following he arriued in the Citty of London But so soone as Oriana perceiued him her heart throbbed in such sort as she was faine to goe into her chamber lay her down vpon her bed before shee would speake vnto Durin and shortly after shee commanded the Damosell of Denmarke to cause him to come in and to see that while she talked with him no other should come where she was Then Durin beeing on his knees before her shee said vnto him Durin my friend by the faith thou owest vnto mee tell mee in what estate thou diddest finde Amadis what was his countenance whilest hee red my Letter and what thou thinkest of the Queene Briolania Madam answered he by my faith I wil tell you the very truth although I am sure that vnto you and others it will seeme in a manner incredible At my departure from hence as it pleased you to command mee I went without any stay vnto the Citty of Sobradisa where I found the Queene Briolania who in my opinion next vnto you is the fayrest princesse of the world and of the best grace There I heard news that my Lord Amadis and his fellows were departed to returne vnto this Court but vpon the way they did meete with a Gentlewoman who carried them vnto the firme-Island to proue the strange aduentures thereof whereupon incontinently I tooke my way thither and there I arriued euen as my Lord Amadis passed the Arch of Loyall-Louers vnder the which none might passe that had in any sort falsified his first Loue. How said she hath he so rashly enterprised such an aduenture hauing his disloyalty so fresh before his eyes I know not Madam answered Durin how you beleeue it but sure I am that it hapned better vnto him then you thinke for seeing that he hath gotten more honour then euer any loyall Knight receiued as many can witnesse by the signes which then appeared And although at that instant Oriana would haue seemed for to dissemble the pleasure which she conceiued of these news yet could she not so cunningly do the same but that with extreame ioy her sudden blushing did increase her beautie for the assurance shee had in the loyaltie of Amadis But Durin continuing his discourse said vnto her Madam he hath yet done greater things for after hee had finished this so strange aduenture he heard news that my Lords Galaor Florestan and Agraies thinking to winne the forbidden Chamber were so rudely repulsed from the marble Pillar that their liues were in great perill by meanes whereof my Lord Amadis desirous to reuenge their wrongs with an inuincible courage he passed through all the garded places and maugre all the inchantments hee entred into the Chamber yet was it not without great danger and trauaile Thus did he win the Signory of the firm Island and al the inhabitants there-of haue already sworne vnto him homage and fealty according to the custome of the Country which is one of the fairest and strongest places in the world And I assure you Madame that it is more then an hundred yeeres since any liuing creature hath passed the pillars but onely my Lord Amadis by whose force and strength we haue seene all the singular things and riches of the pallace of Apolidon and the aduentrous Chamber which is renowned thorow all the parts of the Earth During this discourse of his Oriana was almost rauished with the great ease and pleasure that she conceiued in the hope that one day she should bee Lady and owner of such singuler things to her owne and her louers contentment and said vnto Durin Truly Durin fortune hath beene very fauourable vnto him Ah Madame answered he nay rather too rigorous so as I would to God some other had carried him that vnhappy Letter which you writ I deliuered how said Oriana I pray thee tell me what countenance he shewed in reading it Madame I wil tel you since it pleaseth you answered he although I am sure that you will bee very sort when you shal vnderstand what consequence it turned vnto and the mischiefe it brought vnto the best and faithfullest knight in the world In what sort said she You are the cause of his death answered Durin Out Alas said Oriana what is it thou tellest mee You haue forged the sword that hath wounded him to death and I carried it to him so as we are both his murtherers Then declared hee the whole circumstance and manner how he deliuered the letter and the despaire hee entred into after he had read it so as said Durin he did shortly after that secretly departe from the Pallace of Apolidon with Gandalin Isania the Gouernour of the Isle and me and we brought him vnto an hermitage where hee charged vs steightly to follow him no further then hee mounted on horse-back and taking with him neither Helmet Shield nor Lance he fled ouer a mountaine like vnto a mad man Afterward hee rehersed vnto her all the talke which particularly he had vsed vnto them in taking his leaue of them and Durin made this discourse with so many teares as it was very hard to iudge whether hee or Oriana had the more sorrowfull heart And know you Madame saide hee that after his departure notwithstanding his command to the contrary Gandalin and I followed him and found him asleepe by the side of a fountaine yet his sleepe was not long for suddainly hee awaked and raising himselfe vp he began to make the greatest lamentation in the world bewaling King Perion his father then Mabila and others his friends All this while Gandalin and I had our selues for feare of his furie by meanes whereof without any impeachment of vs he passed the most part of the night in the like lamentations vntill about the breake of day that there chaunced a knight to come singing a song which he had made for the loue of you the which Durin recited vnto her as also that which happened vnto Patin which so ouer-charged the heart of Oriana that she remained in a swound looking like one that were dead The which Durin fearing he called the Princesse Mabila and the Damosell of Denmarke vnto whom he saide Goe helpe my Lady who is in a greate perplexitie for a thing which is now too late to be remedied and if shee hath mis-done the punishment is of due vnto her Herewithall he departed leauing the women much amazed for they knew not the cause of this inconuenience much lesse how they might remethe same neuerthelesse they vsed her in such sort that shee came againe
vpon them Now they were yong and strong so that they defended themselues stoutly notwithstanding at the last they could not long resist him that had charged them Who after hee had some smal time fought with them thrust his sword in the throat of the eldest and the other fled vp towards the top of the mountaine who was not long pursued by Guillan because hee was a little wounded whereupon he let him go and followed on his way along the which he rode so far vntill he arriued at a Castle belonging vnto a knight of his acquaintāce where hee lodged for that night beeing then very late But the next day as hee would haue departed from his lodging his host seeing him without a Launce gaue him one from thence hee rode so long that hee came neere a riuer named Guinon ouer the which there was a bridge no broder then for two horses to passe ouer afront And approching more neere thereunto he beheld a knight entering vpon the same whose shield was vert a bent Argent This he knew to bee his cosin Ladasin and on the other side hee saw another knight ready to fight who forbad Ladasin from passing ouer except hee would breake a Lance with him but Ladasin answered him that he would not stay for so small a thing and herewithall couering him with his shield he set spurres vnto his horse As much did hee that kept the passage who was mounted vpon a great bay courser and did beare in his shield Argent a Lion Sables and his helmet all blacke Their encounter was so strong that Ladasin fell into the water where without doubt he had beene drowned as well for the weight of his armour as also for the high of the place from whence he fell if he had not taken holde of certaine willowes by meanes whereof hee got vnto the banck side In the meane season he that had ouer-throwne him returned faire and softly from whence he was departed Then Guillan seeing his cosin in such danger ranne speedily to helpe him and caused him to be pulled vp by his squires and afterwards he saide vnto him trust me cosin without the helpe of these boughes you had beene in great danger and therefore all strange knights should feare to iust vpon such bridges for those which do keepe such passages haue their horses no small time experimenced for the purpose with whome more then by their owne prowesse they gaine the honour and reputation ouer a number of better knights then themselues are And as for me I would rather turne out of the way a dayes iourney then put my selfe in such hazard were it not to reuenge you if I can Now the horse of Ladasin had not followed his maister but was passed ouer to the other side of the riuer and the knight of the bridge his esquires were there ready to take him who caried him into a pleasant and strong tower seated in the middest of the water Wherefore Guillan tooke his shield and couched his Lance he called vnto the knight of the bridge that he should take heede of him who ran against him and they met together with a most strong encounter neuerthelesse it fell out so well for Guillan that he ouerthrew his enemy together with his horse into the riuer and himselfe had sped little better for he was vnhorsed as well as the other if in falling his horse had not slipped by the one side of him and he taken hold of certaine stakes by the which he got vpon the bridge again from whence he might perceiue the knight in the riuer who hauing cought hold by the taile of the horse of Guillan was brought to shoare on the one side and his horse came to the other side where the Squires of Ladasin were ready to take hold of him Thus against their willes the two knights made exchange of their horses and therfore Guillan sent vnto the knight to tel him that if he would restore his horse and his fellowes that they would send ouer his which their Esquires had taken and then they would depart What answered the knight vnto him that brought the message thinke they to escape so lightly from my hands yea truely said the other for they haue done as much as the custome of the passage requireth Not yet answered the knight because wee were both ouerthrowne and therefore they must win the bridge by the sword if they will passe ouer Will you then said the other compell them to fight I thinke you should be satisfied with this iniurie which already you haue done vnto them seeing that all bridges ought to be free for euery passenger I care not answered the knight go tell them they must feele will they nil they how my sword cutteth then hee leaped vpon his horse most lightly without any helpe of his stirrop afterwards comming neere vnto Guillā he said vnto him very fiercely and boldly knight your embassadour hath beene ouer tedious in deliuering his message but before you escape me you must of force tell me whether you be any of the subiects to a king called Lisuart or any of his houshould Wherefore answered Guillan I would it were my luck said the other to haue him no 〈◊〉 your steede for by my head he should not raigne one day longer When Guillan heard him say so none could be more angry then he was therefore answered him in good faith knight if king Lisuart my Lord were in my roome I am very sure that he would easily make thee acknowledge this thy great presumption but since he is absent and that I know the hurt that thou wouldst doe vnto him I haue a greater desire to fight against thee then euer I had against any other knight And if I can being his subiect and a knight of his house I will chastise thee in such sort that so good a Prince shall be hence-forth free from all thy malice I doe not beleeue that said the other for before it be noone I will make thee glad to carry a message vnto him notwithstanding before thou receiuest thy desert my will is thou shalt know both who I am and what presents I will send vnto him by thee Guillan was very much displeased with the knights words hardly would he haue deferred the combat so long had it not beene that hee promised to tell him his name wherefore he stayed a while to heare what he would say Know thou then said the Knight that I am Gandalod sonne to Barsinan late Lord of Sansuega whom King Lisuart most treacherously did put to death in the Citty of London The presents which I will send vnto him by thee shall be the heads of foure knights of his Court whom I keep pisoners and one of them is Giontes his nephew together with thy right hand also which I will hang about thy necke after I haue separated it from thy arme Vild traitor answered Guillan if thou canst performe that thou braggest of it were a great
to manifest himselfe in any sort vnto the Damosell of Denmarke who sayd vnto him My friend I haue been enformed by the Hermit that you are a knight and because all Gentlewomen are greatly bound vnto good knights for the benefits and pleasures that they commonly receiue at their hands in defending them and deliuering them from many and great dangers I had a great desire before I departed to see you to giue vnto you such prouisions as are in my ship that shall be necessarie for your health Notwithstanding he answered her nothing neither did hee any other thing but lament and sigh and because that in that little Cell wherein hee remayned there was little light the Gentlewoman did not know whether hee were a dying or no. Whereupon she was ware of a window which she opened by the light whereof shee might behold him more at ease but all the while that she beheld him hee neuer cast his eyes off from her neuerthelesse hee spake not one word but sighed without ceasing like vnto a wight whose heart was ouercharged with woe which moued the Damosel to exceeding pittie And comforting him in the best sorte she could by chance shee espied a scarre which he had vpon his face with a blow that Arcalaus the Enchanter had giuen him when hee rescued Oriana as hath beene recited in the first Booke Wherefore shee thought in her minde that without doubt this was Amadis whom shee â—ought and at the instant shee did know that he was euen the same for the same cause shee being grealy amased cryed out Alas what do I see My Lord you are he that hath made me haue many a weary iourney to find you this sayd she embraced him Alas my Lord sayd shee it is now high time to extend both pitty and pardon vnto her who procured thereunto by some sinister report hath brought you to this great extreamitie beleeue me doth now iustly endure a life worse then death then did she deliuer him the Letter that Oriana had written vnto him Hold sayd she your Lady sendeth you this and commandeth you by me that if you be the same Amadis that you were woâ—t to be and hee whoÌ„ she so much loueth that forgetting all passed faults you come vnto her to the Castle of Mirefleur where a full satisfaction shall bee made vnto you for the sorrowes and anguishes which you haue suffered for your ouer feruent loue Here withall was the Faire Forlorne so greatly rauished that it was a long time before hee could answer one word but hee tooke the Letter which hee kissed without ceasing and afterwards put it next vnto his heart saying O poore heart so long time passioned that hardly hast thou beene able to resist such a tempest notwithstanding the abundance of teares which thou so continually hast distilled that it hath almost brought thee euen to the point of death receiue now this medicine the which only is conuenient for thy health and come forth of this darknes which so long hath blinded thee taking thy strength againe vnto thee to serue her that of her owne free grace causeth thee to reuiue Then opened hee the Letter which contayned The Letter of Oriana to Amadis IF great faults committed by enmitie acknowledged afterwards by humility are worthy of pardon what ought those to bee which are caused by too much abundance of loue Neuerthelesse my loyall friend I will not deny but that I haue deserued exceeding punishment for I ought to haue considered that at such times when any are in the greatest prosperity and mirth then fortune commeth and ouerthroweth them into sorrow and misery furthermore I ought to haue remembred me of your exceeding vertue and honesty which was neuer yet found faulty and most of all though I had died yet should I not haue forgotten the great seruitude of my pensiue heart which proceedeth from no other cause but onely from the same wherein your owne is tyed being certaine that so soone as any flame had beene therein quenched mine had as suddenly beene there-withall acquainted in such sort as the care which it hath had to aswage the mortall desires thereof hath been the onely cause to encrease the same But I haue done amisse like vnto them who being in the top of their felicity and most assured of the loue of those by whom they are beloued not being able to comprehend in them so much good become iealous and suspicious more by their owne imagination then by any reason ouer shadowing this bright happinesse with tha cloud of impatience beleeuing the report of some men it may bee wicked slanderers of small credit and vitious sooner then the witnesse of their owne conference and certaine experience Therefore my constant friend I beseech you bartely to receiue this Damosell â—as beeing sent from her who acknowledgeth in all humility the great fault which she hath committed against you who shall better then my letter acquaint you with the extremitie of my life where of you ought to haue pittie not for any of mine own desert but for your owne reputation who are neither accounted cruell nor desirous of reuenge where you finde repentance and submition especially seeing that no penance may proceede from you more rigorous then that which I my selfe haue ordained for me and the which I doe bâ—re patiently hoping that you will release it restoring vnto me your good fauour and my life together which thereupon dependeth Herewithall a new ioy possessed the minde of the Faire Forlorne and hee quite banished the continuall melancholy which had so long tormented him neuerthelesse the perplexity wherein Oriana remained in expecting newes from him with held part of pleasure wherefore he praied the Damosell of Denmarke to aduise her selfe what she had to do for I feele my selfe said he so farre beside my selfe that I can thinke vpon no other thing but vpon the new restitution of my life which I haue receiued by your meanes I am of the opinion answered the Damosell seeing that these in my company do not know you to tell them that for pittie sake I will cary you to the Firme Island only to see if by changing the aire you may also change your malady the which was accordingly performed Notwithstanding the Faire Forlorne before his departure declared vnto the Hermit how the Gentlewoman had so long sought for him that now they were heere casually met together onely by meere chance and the storme which had brought her vnto the poore Rock And for this cause my father saide he I am constrained to leaue you and to follow her assuring you that so long as I liue I shall neuer forget the good which you haue done for mee for without your good help I had perished both body and soule And seeing that by your deuout praires as I beleeue I haue beene preserued hitherto I most humbly beseech you to haue your poore guest still in remembrance And moreouer to do so much for me that hereafter you would
defie the Giants as Landin had done him and became that the Court was troubled for these vnhappy newes the king desiring to make the company merry said vnto Galaor it is come into my remembrance faire knight to doe one thing princely for you that will greately delight you Then â—ie caused his youngest daughter Leâ—nor with all her Gentlewomen to be called who were all aparrelled in one liuerie each of them hauing chaplets of floures vpon their heads Whom hee commanded to dance and â—ing as they were accustomed to doe often-times And you my darling said he to Leonor begin with the same song that Amadâ—s made for the loue of you being your Knight Herewithall the young princessâ— did sing The Song Leonor sweete Rose all other floures excellâ—… For thee I feele strange thoughts in 〈◊〉 rebelling I lost my liberty when I did 〈◊〉 Vpon thâ—se lights which 〈…〉 And 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 free 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 become a 〈…〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 doe I 〈◊〉 this 〈…〉 〈◊〉 for that 〈…〉 〈◊〉 sweete rose c. For thee I 〈◊〉 c. I 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 in 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 â—ight My heart is 〈◊〉 thy selfe my chieâ—e delight 〈◊〉 yet I see the â—â—re that I doe loue More smart I feele more paine more griefe I 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 let loue râ—g◠〈◊〉 he be angry euer 〈◊〉 â—â—ke my â—…e for gâ—…e though I gaine neuer 〈◊〉 sweete rose c. And though 〈◊〉 you I manifest my â—…s My â—…e my smart another knoweâ— One vnto whom I secretly inuoke Who is the cause of this â—y â—ire my smoke She hath a salue to cure my endlesse griefe And onely she may yeelde me some reliefe Leonor sweet rose all other flowers excelling For thee I feele strange thoughts in 〈◊〉 rebelling And seeing that it happeneth out so conueniently I will tell you vpon what occasion Amadis made this song One day the Queene being talking with Oriana Mabila and Oliâ—da Amadis comming into her chamber shee called her daughter Leâ—nâ—r and saide vnto her that she should Princely goe and request Amadis to bee her knight and that from thenceforth he should serue her without bearing affection to any other but to her The little Princesse thinking that her mother did speake in good earnest did rise vp with a good grace came and made this request vnto Amadis whereupon all the Ladies and Gentlewomen began to laugh But Amadis taking her vp in his armes said vnto her My little Lady if you will haue me to be your Knight bestow some pretty fauour vpon me in token that you are my Mistresse and that I am your seruant I haue nothing answered shee but this carquent of gold that I were vpon my head The which she suddainly vntied gaue it vnto him wherewithal euery one againe began to laugh seâ—ing how verely shee beleeued the words of Amadis who for her sake did make this song And the same did Leâ—nâ—r and her playfellowes sing as you haue heard the which did greatly delight all the company which being ended they made a lowly obeisance returned vnto the place where the Queen sate Then the king tooke Galaor Florestan and Agraies apart who were desiring leaue of his Mastistie to accompany Corisanda some part of her way and he said vnto them My friends you are the three persons of the worlde vpon whome I doe chiefly rely You know the battaile that I haue agreed vnto with King Cildadaâ— which is to be performed in the first weeke of the moneth of August wherein wee shall finde against vs many strong Giants who are bloudy people full of crueltie Wherefore I pray you not to vndertake henceforth any matter or aduenture that may let you from keeping of mee company otherwise you shall doe me a most great displeasure because that by your ayde I trust in God that the pride and presumption of mine enemies shall bee abated and wee shall remaine conquerours and they quite ouerthrowne and discomfited Most royall King answered Galaor there is no neede to vse either prayer or commandement vnto vs to perswade vs to bee in a place so famous for although wee had not at all any such intention as we haue to serue your Maiestie yet the desire to fight against such personages should neuerthelesse not bee diminished in vs seeing that it is the onely duty of all good Knights to hazard them-selues in such enterprises where they may gaine honour and reputation Therefore your Maiesty may be assured that our returne hither shall bee very shortly and in the meane season you may communicate this matter vnto the rest of your knights to incourage and to confirm them in the same good will that now they haue to serue your Maiesty the which counsell the King liked well of and there-withall hee gaue them leaue to depart Thus they went together in the conduct of Corisanda as I haue already recited Now had Gandalin heard all this talke that had passed seene how the three knights were departed whereuppon hee went to Mâ—refluer to declare the same vnto Oriana Mabila who were very much disquieted with this new defiance that the Gyâ—â—ts had sent vnto the King Neuerthelesse Oriana sayde vnto Gandalin In good â—ooth seeing that Corisanda now hath Florestan so much at her commandement considering the vehement loue that she doth beare vnto him mee thinkes shee should bee very glad thereof and long may she so continue for she is a most sober and wise and vertuous Lady and such a one that deserueth it well Saying so she began to weepe with a deepe sigh she sayd Aâ— fortune why doest thou not yet permit me to beholde my Lord Amadis one onely day I beseeâ—h thee either to grant me this good or to spare my life no longer because my soule doth loath it Herewithall shee became so sad that it greatly pittied Gandalin to beholde her who notwithstanding dissembling his griefe faigning not to be content with this talke answered her Mâ—dame you must not bee offended if henceforth I come no more in your presence for I did alwaies hope that my Lord Amadis would haue returned hither again every shortly and now hearing you â—n these â—â—armes I am quite depriued of this benefit I pray thee good friend Gaudalin sayd shee be not angry I swear to thee by my faith that if I could looke with a merrâ—er countenance I would willingly doe it but I cannot otherwise do for my heart yet remaining in continuall heauinesse will in no sort permit me and were it not for the consolation which thou hast giuen me I assure thee that I should not haue the power to stand vpon my feet so much doe I feele my selfe grieued with this warre that my father hath vndertaken the successe whereof I doe exceedingly feare by reason of thy Master his absence Madame answered Gaudalin hee shall not now bee any where so secret but that hee shall haue newes thereof and I am very sure that notwithstanding all the disgraces and disfauours that you haue done vnto
knights ready to begin the search of Amadis according to the appointment of Galaor and Florestan and therefore she was determined not to depart from Queene Brisena vntil they were returned again neyther would she nor her women bee apparrelled with other Garments then of black cloth vntill he were found for such weeds did she weare at such time as hee did make her Queene and now would shee neuer change her manner of life if he were lost In your iudgment said Oriana is she so faire as the report goeth of her So helpe me God answered the Damosell except your grace she is the fairest woman and of the best behauiour that euer I did see shee was very sorry when she heard of your sicknesse and shee sendeth you word by me that she will come and doe her dutie vnto you so soone as you shall thinke conuenient Truely said Oriana I am more desirous to see her then any other that I doe know Madam answered the faire Forlorne beleeu me she well deserueth that you should shew her all the honour you may although heretofore you haue wrongfully sustayned some griefe for her sake gentle loue said the Princesse for Gods sake let vs speake no more of passed melancholies for I am assured that I did thinke amisse You shall yet be better assured answered he by the testimony that you shall receiue of those Iewels which we shall gaine the which will henceforth quite extinguish all those vnhappy fancies that you haue conceiued against me if they should chance to returne againe into your thought increasing in you the opinion of that zeale and dutie which I doe owe and beare vnto you My Lord said Oriana I am well assured that the kerchiefe shall make you beleeue that what wrong soeuer you receiued of me proceeded of no other cause but by the extreame loue which I did beare vnto you we shall see shortly said the Damosell of Denmarke what will happen For the king hath granted your request by Enil In this sort did Oriana and the test of her company passe away the time vntill the day came wherein they must depart to make triall of that which you haue heard which caused her to rise about midnight attiring her as the faire Forlorne had deuised and hee likewise was armed at all points that done they passed through the garden and came to the place where Gandalin held their horses in readines Then mounted they vpon them taking their way toward the Forrest right vnto the Fountaine of the three channels But there Oriana thinking vpon the enterprise which she went about foreseeing the inconuenience and danger thereof not onely if she were disclosed but also how if she failed in gaining the kerchiefe Amadis might haue iust cause to suspect her and by that meanes she might loose that good reputation which shee had gotten with him Herewithall she began to repent her forwardnesse and to tremble so extreamly that the faire Forlorne perceiued it who said vnto her Madam had I thought you would haue been so ill at ease with this voyage I sweare vnto you that I would rather haue died then haue brought you out of doores therefore if it please you let vs returne againe to Mirefleur So saying he turned his horse head neuerthelesse Oriana considering that by her an aduenture so recommendable should bee deferred changed her minde and answered him I beseech you sweete loue not to take any heede vnto the feare that a timerous woman may haue in the middest of this great wood but vnto the vertue and valor that remaineth in you Very sorry was the faire Forlorne because hee had spoken in such sort vnto her doubting lest he had offended her and he said vnto her Madam seeing that your discretion hath surmouted my â—olly I beseech you to pardon me for I assure you my meaning was not to speake any thing that should be offensiue vnto you As they had ended their conference they came vnto the fountaine being yet an houre from day where they had not long stayed before Enil came vnto them whereat they were very ioyfull Then the faire Forlorne saide vnto Oriana Madame behold the Esquire which I promised you to send vnto king Lisuart by whose answere we may determin what to do In faith my Lord answered Enil he sendeth you by me all the assurance that you demand and further he aduertiseth you that the triall of the aduenture beginneth this day after his Maiesties comming from the Chappell All the better said the faire Forlorne wee shall then haue no great cause of stay Hereupon hee gaue him his shield and launce and without putting off his Helmet at all they tooke the right way to London the people had already heard that the knight which did ouercome the Giants should come vnto the kings lodging they said one to another Heauens shield the faire Forlorne from all mischiefe for he is worthy of great praise and most happy may that Lady thinke her selfe to whom he remaineth a seruant These words might Oriana vnderstand very well wherewith she was not a little ioyfull knowing that she was Lady Mistris of him whom so many people did both loue honor afterward they came and alighted at the Palace where they found the king Queen Ladies and a great number of knights already assembled all together in a great hal to make trial who should gaine the old mans Iewels And as soon as they knew of the arriuall of the Faire Forlorne the King rose vp with his traine to receiue them wherefore the Faire Forlorne kneeling down would haue kissed his hands but the K. lifted him vp saying vnto him My good friend you are most hartily welcome hither where you shall be as free as you would wish for you haue done as much seruice for me in so small a time as euer any knight performed either for King or Prince The Faire Forlorne answered not one word but onely bowed himselfe to his maiestie in signe of thankes and without stepping one foote from Oriana whom he held by the hand they came towards the Ladies who did all salute them very courteously You may imagine if the young Princesse were not now in some feare to be discouered being in such an assembly for the Queene her mother stepped vnto her looking her stedfastly in the face although it was couered with a laune and she said vnto her Gentlewoman I do not know who you are for to my knowledge I did neuer see you neuerthelesse for the loue of this knight in whose custody you are that hath done the king so great sernice assure you that in this place shal be shewed vnto you all the honour and seruice that possibly may bee For the which the Faire Forlorne humbly thanked her Maiestie but Oriana without speaking one word held her head down continually Therewithall the king and all his knights withdrew them to one side and the Queene and her Ladies to the other And in the meane time the Faire
God both to grant you the victory against these traitors that haue in such inhumane sort tormented vs and also that he will bée pleased to haue mercy vpon our soules Great sorrow and compassion had the King for the losse of these 2. knights neuerthelesse seeing that for the present hee could in no sort remedie their misfortun he dissembled his griefe shewing as good a countenance as hee could because he would in no sort discourage the other Gentlemen there present he set before their eyes the accidents whereinto many others had fallen for the maintenance of their Honour of Knighthood from the which many times they haue with great glory and honour escaped But assure you my friends said the King that if wee doe gaine the Battaile I will take such reuenge hereof that the rumor thereof shall fill the eares of all the people in the World Therefore they who are appointed to goe with mee let them bee ready to morrow for I will depart to goe meete mine enemies And according as it was appointed so was all performed CHAP. XVI How that after the Faire Forlorne had brought Oriana back againe to Mirefleur he departed that he might be in the battel with King Lisuart and what happened vnto him THree dayes did the faire Forlorne remain with Oriana after the gayning of the sword and Kerchiefe and the fourth day following about midnight hee tooke his leaue of her and being armed at all points he rode all the night long Now had hee commanded Enil to goe and stay for him at a Castle scituated at the foote of a Hill neere vnto the which the Battaile was to be foughten and it belonged vnto an ancient knight named Abradan for in his house were all aduentrous knights often-times honoured and serued when they came thither to lodge And the same night did the faire Forlorne passe hard by king Lisuart his Campe not being perceiued at all afterwards hee rode so long that vpon the 5. day following he came vnto Abradan his house where he found Enil which was there ariued but a little before greatly was the faire Forlorne feasted by his Host and as they were talking together there entred in two of his nepheus that were returned from the place where the combat should be who assured them that already King Cildadan and his troop were there arriued and had set vp their Tents and Pauillions hard by the sea side In like sort Don Grumeda and Giontes Nephew to king Lisuart were there come with whom a Truce was concluded vpon eyther part to bee holden vntill the day of the battaile and that neyther of the two Princes should enter into the Combat with any more then one hundred knights in his company according as it was promised and sworne by them Nephewes said the host what do you thinke of the Irish-men whom God confound Vncle answered one of them they haue with them so many Giants that if God doe not miraculously assist our good king beleeue me it is impossible for him to withstand them Herewithall the teares fell from their Vncles eies and he said I hope that God will protect the best and iustest king in the world from falling into the hands of such wicked people Mine host answered the faire Forlorne be not afraid as yet for it happeneth out very often that courage and equity ouerthroweth the pride and presumption of the strongest But I pray you goe vnto the king and tell him that there is lodged in your house a knight called the Faire Forlorne and that hee desireth his Maiesty to send word by you when the day of the battaile shall be What sayd the olde man are you hee that of late did send Don Quedragant vnto his Court and slew Famongomad and his son when they had taken my Lady Lenor and her knights beleeue mee Sir if euer I did any pleasure vnto aduenturous knights I doe euen at this present acknowledge me throughly to be recompenced my house beeing now honoured with your presence and I will not faile to accomplish that which it hath pleased you to command me Then he mounted vpon his horse and tooke with him his two Nephewes and rode vntill hee came where king Lisuart was encamped within halfe a league of his enemies vnto whom he declared the message of the Faire Forlorne at the which all the company did greatly reioyce And the King answered seeing that we haue the Faire Forlorne on our side I doe also hope that wee shall haue the honor of the our enterprise And now see the number of one hundred knights very well furnished had wee but one knight more It may please your Maiesty said Grumedan you now haue the aduantage for the Faire Forlorne is well worth fiue This speech did nothing at all please Galaor Florestan nor Agraies for they hated the Faire Forlorne vnto death for the wrong which they thought he did vnto Amadis neuerthelesse they held their peace and Abradan hauing receiued his answere of the King returned to his guest vnto whom he recited the pleasure that euery one receiued at the newes that he brought from him and of the hundred knights there was no more then one missing but that they were all assembled The which beeing vnderstood by Enil hee did so much that he found his Master apart and falling downe vpon his knees he sayd vnto him My Lord although my seruice vnto you hath not beene such as it should and therefore haue I nothing at all deserued yet am I so bolde at this time to request one gift of you which I beseech you most humbly to graunt vnto mee Demand it sayd hee and rise vp My Lord sayd Enil I pray you thē make mee knight to the end that I may goe vnto the King to entreat his Maiesty that hee will bee pleased to accept of mee for the last knight of his number Friend Enil sayd the Faire Forlorne me thinkes that thou shouldst beginne to try thy prowesse in a place lesse dangerous then this battaile will bee not because I would deferre to make thee knight but in that I know it is too waighty a charge for thee My Lord sayde Enil I knowe that in all my life I cannot haue a better meanes to gaine honour for if I die amongst so many men of worth my reputation shall bee thereby encreased and if I may escape my renowne shall be perpetuall hauing been one in number with a hundred of the best knights in the world The Faire Forlorne hearing Enil speake so vertuously with a kind pittie that he had of him he ruminated these words to himselfe Thou dost well shew thy selfe to bee a kinsman vnto the good knight Gandales my second father Then hee answered Enil if thou haue so great a desire to proue thy self such a one as thou sayest I will no longer disswade thee And therewithall he presently went vnto his host and entreated him to giue him an armour for his Esquire who desired to bee made a knight
the Faire Forlorne seeing that his blow had so well profited as that therewithall hee had slaine such a Gyant and deliuered the King in like sort hee began to cry aloud Gaule Gaule here is Amadis who is yet aliue So saying hee entred amongst the thickest of his enemies who had in a manner lost their hearts by seeing two of the principallest of their army in that sort to be slaine especially knowing that Amadis whom they long before thought to bee dead was present to their confusion And had not Gandaturiell one of the strongest Gyants in their troupe encouraged them againe they had then surely turned their backs but hee valiantly made head against his enemies which being perceiued by Amadis who was desirous to reuenge his brother Galaor whom hee imagined to bee dead he thrust himselfe amongst his enemies and entred into the thickest of the presse so farre that there he had remained without the ayd which King Lisuart brought vnto him who had recouered his horse and there were in his companie Bruneo Florestan Guillan Laâ—asin Galuanes Olinas and Don Grumedan who carryed his standard which was cut asunder betweene his armes All those seeing Amadis in so great danger although the most part of them were very sorely wounded had such exceeding ioy when they knewe that it was hee that they bestirred them in such sort as notwithstanding all the resistance that these Irishmen could make they gaue ayde vnto Amadis and passing on further they found Agraies Palomir Branfil and Dragonis manfully fighting on foote against those that had throwne them downe Yet they were so neerely driuen that they could not any longer withstand the force of their enemies although they had already slaine more then sixe as well Gyants as Irishmen which would haue ouer-runne them and without doubt they had beene so handled had not these succours come vnto them So that they which would haue forced them had enough to doe to defend themselues because that Amadis in spight of them made them to recoyle backe and that in such sort as with the ayde of his troupe hee was the meane that his Cosen Agraies and his fellowes did remount their horses Then the forces of King Lisuart encreased and the Irish troupes decreased who dispairing of all helpe had recourse vnto their vessels which were afloate hard by the shoare to saue their booty if Fortune had not contradicted them but Amadis pursuing the victory chased them with such fury that the most part of the vanquished desired rather to be buried amidst the waues of the Sea then on the shoare which was so died and watered with their blood The which Gandaturiell perceiuing being esteemed amongst all the Gyants one of the stoutest without any feare at all of his death which hee saw ready prepared for him desiring before the end of his dayes to bee reuenged bearing his head somewhat lowe and holding his sharp sword in his hand he would haue stroken at king Lisuart but Florestan stepped before him who hit him so sound a knock with his sword vpon the Helmet that hee made it flie from his head and the King who was hard at hand seeing him bare diuided his pate into two parts Then was there a great slaughter of the Irishmen for they were all now ouerthrowne by Amadis Florestan and Agraies who persued them euen into the Sea where they were swallowed vp with waues wherewith king Lisuart and his people retyred And because that Amadis had marked the place where hee had seene Galaor stroken downe hee prayed his Cosen Agraies others that they would helpe him to finde him amongst the dead Neuerthelesse they had not found him without the helpe of Florestan who knew him by a greene sleeue which hee did weare wrought full of white flowers but hee was so couered with blood dust that they could scant knowe him And I doe not knowe so hard a heart which had then seene the mone that Amadis did make for him that would not haue burst forth into teares for he beholding him in this estate fell down all along vpon him Whereby his wounds did open against which the congealed blood was already setled and I thinke that Amadis had died vpon him if twelue Damosels had not by chaunce come thither suddenly who were very richly attyred and had caused a rich bed to bee brought by their Esquires these finding Amadis so desperate sayde vnto him My Lord wee are come hither to seeke your brother Galaor and if you will euer see him aliue suffer vs to carry him presently away otherwise there is no Chyrurgion in all Great Brittaine that is able to heale him Herewithall Amadis was greatly ashamed because the Damosels had found him in that order and although that hee knew them not yet hearing them speak of his brothers health hee determined seeing the extreame perill wherein he was not to refuse their request though it was to his extreame griefe And therefore he answered them my faire gentlewomen may in please you to tell vs whither you will carry him Not now said they but if you will desire to haue him liue giue him vnto vs without any longer delay otherwise wee will be gone Alas answered he I pray let mee followe you You may not and yet for your sake wee are coÌ„tent that Ardan the Dwarffe and his Esquire shall accompanie him Then they layd him vpon the bed all armed as hee was they caused him forthwith to be carried into the ship from whence they were come which was yet close to the shoare Afterwards they returned againe vnto king Lisuart to entreate him that hee would giue them king Cildadan who lay among the dead and to induce him thereunto they shewed vnto him that although Fortune had fauoured him in this exployt yet hee should not exteÌ„d his cruelty vpon his enemy The which the King considering permitted them to carry him away dead or aliue wherefore the Damosels took him vp and carried him away with Galaor and so soone as they came into the ship they set sayle hauing the winde so faire that suddenly they were out of all mens sight Thus king Lisuart remayned coÌ„querour ouer his enemies going quite through the field to find out as well such of his owne people as those of his enemies that were not yet thoroughly dead to cause them carefully to bee looked vnto by skilfull Surgeons And as hee went from one place to another hee met with Amadis whose face was all to be blubbered with tears vnto whom he had not as yet spoken since his returne and seeing him so heauy after he had knowne the cause of his mone hee shewed an euident signe of the sorrow that he sustayned for Galaors sake whoÌ„ hee loued as dearely as himselfe not without cause for from the first day that hee receiued him for one of his knights he alwaies serued him faithfully neuer forsaking him for any warre or debate that happened betweene his maiesty Amadis as hereafter
The King saluted them but they answered not the gentlewoman lifted vp the couering that he had vpon and looking vpon his wounds she dressed theÌ„ afterwards she gaue him somewhat to eate returned both she and the knights the same way they came not once speaking vnto him When the king beheld their maner of behauiour he beleeued that he was in the prison of such a one where his life was in no great safety neuertheles he took as good comfort vnto him as he could not being able otherwise to remedy his mishap But the gentlewoman that looked vnto Galaor seeing that it was time to dresse him went vnto him and asked him how he fared Passing wel answered Galaor I hope seeing the good beginning of my amendmen that I may be healed within the time that you haue promised There is no doubt thereof said she therefore I will that you promise me as you are a loyall knight not to depart from hence without my leaue otherwise your life may bee in perill of death Galaor did sweare vnto her so to doe beseeching her most instantly to tell him how she was called But she answered him How now Galaor doe you not yet know my name Truely now I am greatly deceiued considering the seruices that heeretofore I haue done for you when you are so forgetfull of me I am called The wise among the wisest saying so shee went forth of the chamber fayning to bee very angry and pulled the dore rudely after her Wherewith Galaor remained more pensiue then before and hee remembred him of the faire sword that Vrganda had giuen vnto him when his brother Amadis made him knight whereby hee suspected that it was she her selfe neuerthelesse hee was in some doubt because that when he saw her first she seemed to bee olde and crooked and this was young faire and in good liking And as he was in this study not being able to sleepe hee turned his head toward the place where the young Gentlewomen were accustomed to sit in keeping him company but in stead of them he perceiued Gasauel his esquire and Ardan the Dwarffe of Amadis at which he was no lesse abashed then ioyfull and he called them because that they slept Who at their awaking seeing their Maister they became no lesse amased then he and they rose vp doing their duty vnto him and hee demanded how they were come thither who answered that Amadis Florestan and Agrates had commanded them to follow him They further declared vnto him in what estate the Damosels tooke him vp for which cause Amadis seeing in what extremity you remained permitted them to carry you away together with King Cildadan What do you say sayd Galaor was Amadis in this assembly My Lord sayd Gasanel it was hee that was called the Faire Forlorne by whose strength and courage the battaile was gayned Then he recited vnto him the manner how he deliuered the King and killed Mandafabull and that then he made himselfe knowne crying Gaul with a loude voyce Thou â—…lest me wonders sayde Galaor but by my faith he was too blame to hide himselfe from mee This was the estate wherein Galaor and Cildadan remained who in few dayes felt so great ease of their wounds that they began to walke about the chamber Wherefore Vrganda in whose power they remained in her vnknowne Island made her selfe knowne vnto them saying vnto them That the feare wherein shee had put them had beene the meanes to effect their health the sooner otherwise they had beene in danger of their liues Afterwards she commanded her two Nieces to be fetched to keepe them company which were daughters vnto King Falangris brother vnto King Lisuart who had begotten vpon them the sister of Vrganda one of them was called Iâ—lianda whome Galaor did shortly after beget with childe of a son that was named Talanqua and afterwards proued a valiant Knight and the other was called Solisa who also had by King Cildadan Manely the Discreete And these two Knights staied with these two Damosels till Vrganda set them at liberty as hereafter it shall be declared vnto you In the meane time King Lisuart Amadis and the other Knights staied at Gonata and after they were healed of their wounds they determined to goe visit the Ladyes which staied for them in the Cirtie of Fenusa of whom they were receiued with great ioy But during their aboad there as Amadis talked with Queen Briolania in the company of Oriana she sayd vnto him My Lord I assure you I was so sorrowfull when it was told mee that you were lost that I can in no sort expresse vnto you the displeasure that I receiued therewith and at the last seeing that you staied so long before you returned I determined to come vnto this Court with a hundred of my Knights to cause the search of you to begin according to the appointment of my Lords your bretheren Neuerthelesse by meanes of the battaile which the King had appointed with King Cildadan my enterprise was stored and that in a good houre seeing that it pleased God so soon to bring you home againe Therefore aduise you now if it please you what you will that I shall doe for you for I will obey you all my life long Madame answered Amadis if you were in any perplexity for mee you had great reason for I am well assured that there is no knight in the world more ready to do you seruice then is Amadis of Gaul But seeing that it pleaseth you to refer all your affaires vpon me I pray you to tarry yet in this Court eight or tenne daies longer vntill we may heare some newes from my brother Galaor in the meane time you shall haue the pastime of a Combate which my brother Florestan must performe against Laudin and afterwards I will conduct you home into your Countrey and from thence I will take my way vnto the Firme-Island where I must needs be I will do saide Briolania what-soeuer it shall please you prouided that you doe tell vnto vs the wonders and nouelties that you haue there seene And as he would haue excused him Oriana tooke him by the hand and saide vnto him My Lord Amadis you haue some-what to doe for we will not leaue you in peace before you haue tolde vs something In faith my Ladies answered hee although I take in hand to reâ—…e the particularities of the whole yet do I finde it impossible neuerthelesse I may truely tell you that the forbidden chamber is the most faire richest in all the world and if it bee not gained by one of you two I verily beleeue that so long as we liue neuer may any other set footing therein Briolania remained a while without answering him in the end she said vnto Amadis truly I doe not thinke that I may deserue to finish such an aduenture yet notwithstanding such as I am if it were not to bee reputed a folly in me I would willingly make proofe thereof Madame answered
in recompence thereof that I had seene you both twaine hanged Saying so she departed and got into her ship very ioyful of the Sword which she had â—…e which so soone as shee was returned back vnto Ardan shee presented vnto him letting him know and Mâ—… also 〈◊〉 Amadis had consented vnto the combat which she had demanded of him Is it true answered Ardan let me neuer bee accounted a knight of any worth if I doe not then bring back againe my Lady to her honour and reputation deliuering henceforth her countrey from the attempts of king Lisuart and if I take not the head of Amadii from off his shoulders in lesse time then the best footeman in the world may haue run halfe a league I am content said he vnto Madasima not to deserue your loue so long as I liue But shee hearing him speake so rashly held her peace and although she greately desired to be reuenged of him for the death of her Father and brother whom Amadis had slaine yet did she so extreamely abhorre Ardan that shee a great deale rather wished his death then his life because hee pretended to marry her For she was exceeding faire and be a deformed villaine and voide of all humanity and this combat was not practised by her meanes but by the perswasion of her Mother who had sent for him for the defence of her Countrie vpon this condition that if he reuenged the death of her husband and sonne she would giue it vnto him and her daughter Madasima in marriage for hee was so feared and had in such reputation that shee thought she could not bestow her daughter better And to let you know his manners and perfections hee was descended from the race of giants borne in a Prouince called Canila the which was in a manner wholly inhabited by such kinde of people notwithstanding hee was somewhat lesse of body then they but not in strength his shoulders were narrow his necke and brest vnreasonable thicke his hands and thighes large his legs long and crooked his eyes holow flat nosed like an Ape his nostrels wide and lothsome his lips great his haire red and thicke bristelled in that sort as very hardly might it be cuâ—led To conclude he was so beset with freckles and blacke spots that his face seemed as though it had been of sundry sorts of flesh hee was of the age of thirty yeeres or thereabout bold and expert in armes furious spitefull and as vncourteous as might bee And yet since hee was twenty and fiue yeeres of age he neuer fought with any Giant or other knight eyther a foote a horseback or at wrestling that was able to resist him whom he did easily not ouercom such was the beauty fashion and gentle behauiour of Ardan Canila When the iniurious Damosell heard Ardan make such large promises vnto Madasima perceiued that shee made no account thereof she tooke vpon her to speake in her behalfe me thinks my Lord that you should thinke the victory very sure on your side seeing that Fortune is so fauourable vnto you and so contrary vnto your enemy as you may well perceiue in that shee hath caused him to lose the best part of his armes And this shee said in respect of the sword which she had stolne By my Gods said Ardan I am more glad of his displeasure for the want thereof then for any good that I hope to receiue thereby for although Amadis had the force of three such as hee is yet were hee not able to withstand the strength of my arme accustomed to tame his betters The next morning very early hee departed accompanied with Madasima and and the rest which should be deliuered vp as hostages according to the promise that the Damosell had made vnto king Lisuart before the Combat was agreed vpon and Canila did assuredly hope that he should easily obtaine the victory By meanes whereof hee departed with great ioy saying vnto those that were with him Amadis is famoused for one of the best knights in the world neuerthelesse I will haue his head if he dare enter into the lists against me and by that meanes my glory shal be the more increased in the ouercomming of him my Lady shall rest well reuenged and I remaine her husband and louer And because he would know before hee entred into the court whether Amadis had repented him or not hee sent the iniurious Damosell before to aduertise the King of their comming and in the meane season hee caused his tents to be set vp somewhat neere the Cittie where King Lisuart did remaine But you must know that incontinently after the Damosell was departed from Amadis his lodging Enil told him thereof therefore because he would prouide all things necessary for his enterprise hee withdrew him vnto his chamber accompanied with some of his most priuat friends and in like sort there came at that instant vnto him Florestan Agraies Galuanes without land and Guillan the pensiue who were altogether ignorant of the enterprise of this new combate But when they were aduertised thereof thinking that it should haue beene performed with a greater number of knights ther was not any of theÌ„ who were not displeased with Amadis in that he had not choseÌ„ theÌ„ to assist him therein especially Guillan who greatly desired to proue his man-hood against ArdaÌ„ Canila for he had heard that he was esteemed for one of the strongest Knights in all the West And as he was about to reprou Amadis in forgetting him FlorestaÌ„ preueÌ„ted him saying vnto his brother So God helpe me my Lord I now doe very wel perceiue the little loue and the small account that you doe make of me in that you would not send for me to be with you in this combate In faith answered Agraies if hee had thought mee any thing worth he would not haue left mee behinde and what of me said Galuanes My Lords answered Amadis I beseech you all to holde mee excused and not to bee displeased with mee assuring you that if it had beene in my choyse to haue elected a companion â—â—ssist mee in this encounter seeing the great prowesse wherewith you are all endued I could not tell which of you to chuse But Ardan desired to fight with mee alone for the hate hee beareth vnto mee and the loue he hath to Madasima and seeing that hee hath so required it I neither could nor ought to refuse it without shewing my selfe to be a recreant and a coward nor I could not make any other answere then that which was agreeable to his demand And when he should haue comprised any more Knights with him where doe you thinke I would haue sought for aâ—d and succour but with you beeing my friends seeing you know how my strength is redoubled when we are together In this sort did Amadis excuse himselfe praying theÌ„ all to beare him company the next day â—o go meete Madasima both to receiue her shew her as much honor as they might
went to 〈◊〉 his masters Armour And as hee would haue taken it downe he perceiued that some one had stoln his good sword forth of the scabberd which had almost made him the for anger seeing the fault that hee had done vnto Amadis towardes whom he ranne and at one beside himself he cryed My Lord I haue so much so grieuously offended you that you haue great reasoâ—… kill me forthwith Why â—answered Amadis art thou foolish or mad My Lord said â—…lin it had beene 〈◊〉 for you that I had died ten yeerâ— ago so much I haue deceiued you in your neede for I haue let your good sword to bee lost the which some body hath stolne since yesterday leauing only the scabbard where it did hang. Is this all thou makest this great stir for answered Amadis beleeue me I â—hought in hearing thee rage in this sort that some body had beene carrying thy Father to his graue Go go neuer care thou for I care not so much for the goodnesse thereof but onely because I did win it so honourably as euery one knoweth and by the meanes of my constancy in loue Yet see thou tell no body thereof but go vnto the Queene and tell her that I intreate her grace if shee haue yet that sword which Guillan found at the fountaine with my armour that she will bee pleased to send it vnto me And if thou meetest Oriana by chance tell her also that I desire her to set her selfe in such a place where I may behold her at my ease when I shall bee in fighting for I shall receiue by her â—ight more force by far theÌ„ she being absent I should So Gandalin departed who did wisely accomplish all that his master had commanded him And as he returned vnto him he met with the Queene Briolania together with Olinda who called him and said vnto him friend Gandalin what doest thou thinke thy master will doe against this deuil that will fight with him what answered he my Ladies doe you doubt that he shall not do wel enough with him I am sure that I haue seene him escape far greater dangers then this which now hee vndertaketh God grant hee may said the Ladies Herewithall hee came vnto Amadis that stayed for him who hauing the Sword that the Queene did send vnto him and being throughly well armed he mounted on horseback And as hee would haue entred into the field the king met him and said vnto him how now my most deer friend this day doe I hope to see some part of your courage to the cost of Ardan Canila In faith if it like your Maiesty answered hee there is a great mischance happened vnto me some one hath robbed me of the best sword that euer knight did weare Is it possible said the king Who hath done you this shrewd turne I know not answered Amadis but whosoeuer hath done it sure I am he is not my friend Truly said the king that is likely but take you no thought therefore for although that I haue made an oath neuer to lend mine in any combat that is made by two knights in my court yet am I content for this time to stretch my conscience so far as to giue it you Nay if it like your Maiesty God forbid that the oath of the best king in the world should be broaken for my sake What will you then do said the king The Queen answered Amadis hath done so much for me as to keep that sword which I left at the fountaine of the plaine field the which Guillan did bring with the rest of my Armour when I became a Hermit And it is the very selfe same which I had when I was cast into the Sea which is so fit for the scabbard of the other which is stolne that it seemeth to bee the very same By the faith that I owe vnto God answered the king I am very glad for by the vertue of this scabbard that is left you shall bee both defended from ouermuch heat or too great cold neuerthelesse the difference is great betweene the two blades but God shall supply this default if it be his pleasure And because it is already very late and that the night approacheth it were better to deferre the combate vntill to morrow morning I will sayde Amadis doe whatsoeuer shall please your Maiesty so that Ardan bee content I will goe send vnto him answered the King whereunto Ardan did easily agree and returned vnto his tents to vnarme himselfe afterwards he caused diuerse sorts of instrumens of musicke to bee brought all the night long both he and his neuer ceased from dancing feasting royalting But all that while was Amadis in the Church deuoutly praying After hee had like a Christian confessed his sinnes he beseeched God to assist and succour him in such sort continued hee vntill about day breake when he withdrew him to his lodging where shortly after the King came vnto him with a great troop of knights Who after they had bidden him good morrow they armed him and brought him with great triumph vnto the Cathedrall Church to heare seruice at his returne from thence Florestan presented him with an excellent faire courser which Corisanda had sent vnto him not long before Then euery one got to horsebacke to accompanie him to the field And Florestan carried Amadis his Launee Bruneo his helmet and Agraies his shield before theÌ„ did the King ride with a white truncheon in his hand he rode on a Spanish Iennet beeing as fine a made horse as proudly paced as any could be seene The Inhabitants of the City and many strangers were already standing all along the barriers the gentlewomen and Damosels placed in the windowes In this sort did Amadis enter into the field into the which he was no sooner come but that he did his dutie vnto the Ladies and amongst them all he spied out Oriana who the more to encrease his courage did put her head forth of the window And smiling kindely vpon him she made a signe vnto him that he should somethings do for her loue wherwith Amadis did imagine that all the force in the world was at that instant placed round about his heart and hee thought that Ardan Canila stayed too long before hee came In the meane time he buckled on his helmet retyred to that part of the field where they appointed Iudges were seated which were Don Grumedan Quedragant Brandoinas And shortly after came Ardan in richly armed mounted vpon a great strong horse and hee had about his neck a shield of fine steele shining as bright as burning glasse At his side did hang the good sworde of Amadis holding in his hand a great huge Launce the which he weelded so strongly that notwithstanding the thicknesse thereof hee shaked it with such force that he made it double in his fist Whereat Oriana Mabila and the other Ladies beholding the sterne countenance of Ardan as it often happeneth in those
Bruneo answered thou declarest in plaine tearmes that which is needfull for thy selfe Wherefore I pray thee as lustie as thou art not to spare mee a whit Art thou ignorant of the occasion of our combate Knowest thou not that either thy head or mine must cease this strife I doe assure thee that I am no more determined to listen vnto thy preaching wherefore if thou determine not to dy presently looke to thine owne defence better then thou hast done here-tofore Immediately without any further disputations hee assailed Madamain afresh but hee was already so weake as not being able so much as to defend Bruneo his blowes hee drew himselfe by little and little to the top of a Rock euen to the place where Amadis had cast the body of Ardan into the Sea And there Bruneo thrust him so rudely downe that he sent him to be buried in the Sea but before hee came to the bottome his body was torne in twenty seuerall peeces Which the iniurious Damosell perceiuing she entred into such fury and dispaire that as a mad woman shee ranne vnto the place where Ardan and Madamain were throwne downe headlond where finding Madamain his sword she set it to her breast crying so loud that all the companie heard her Seeing that Ardan the flower of chiualrie my brother haue chosen their graue in this raging Sea I will beare them companiâ—… And so casting herselfe downe headlong she was immediately couered with the water Then Bruneo mounting on horsâ—backe againe was conducted by the King and many other knights to the lodging of Amadis where hee desired to keep him company in whose honour hee had vndertaken the combate And because that the Queene Briolania perceiued that Amadis was not like to be cured in a short space nor to accompany her as hee had promised she tooke her leaue of him to goâ— see the singularities of the Firme Island wherefore Amadis commanded Enil to conduct her and to desire Isania the Gouernor thereof to doe her all the honour and giue her the best entertainement hee could deuise So Briolania departed bidding Oriana farewell assuring her that she should be aduertised what happened vnto her in trying the aduentures of the Island but shee was no sooner gone from the Court when it seemed that Fortune endeauoured the ruine of the kingdom of great Brittaine which had so long time liued in happinesse Yea euen king Lisuart himselfe who forgetting not onely the seruices hee had receiued of Amadis of his kindred and friends but especially the aduice and counsell of Vrganda listened to flatterers two ancient knights of his house to whom vnder the colour of the long education they had receiued as well of the King Falangris his eldest brother as of himselfe hee gaue credit beleeuing their vntrothes which he ought not to haue done as you shall presently vnderstand These two of whom I speake as wel by reason of their ancient age as of a kinde of hypocrisie cloaked with wisedome tooke more paines to seeme good and vertuous then to bee so in deede by meanes whereof they entred into great authority and were often-times called and made priuie to the most secret affaires of their Lord one of them was named Brocadan and the other Gandandell This Gandandell had two sonnes who before the comming of Amadis and of his followers into great Brittaine were esteemed two of the most hardiest knights in all the countrey notwithstanding the prowesse and dexteritie of the other did abate the renowne of those whom I speake of Whereat their father was so displeased that forgetting the feare of God the faith which hee ought to his Prince and the honour which all men of honesty ought to be endued withall determined not onely to accuse Amadis but likewise all those whom hee esteemed as his friends and did conuerse withall hoping to build his treason in such sort that by the ruine of so many good knights he would worke his owne his friends profit Wherefore finding the King on a time at leasure hee vsed speeches of like substance vnto him It may please your Maiesty I haue all my life long desired to bee faithfull vnto you as to my King and naturall Lord euen as my duty bindeth mee and will yet continue if it please God for besides the oath of fidelity which I haue sworne vnto you you haue of your gracious fauour heaped so many benefiâ—â— a vpon mee that if I should not counsell you in that which did concerne your royall Maiesty I should commit a great fault both towardes God and men In consideration whereof if it like your Maiesty after I had long weighed with my selfe that which I will declare vnto you I haue often repented that I deferred the matter so long not for any malice I beare vnto any man as God is my witnesse but onely for the damage which I see ready to ensue if your Maiesty do not speedily and wisely seeke remedy to preuent it Your Maiesty knoweth that of long time there hath beene great controuersie betweene the kingdomes of Gaule and great Brittaine because that the Kings your predecessors haue alwaies pretended title of soueraigntie thereunto And albeit that for some time this quarrell hath line dead notwithstanding it is likely that those of that Countrey calling to minde the warres and domages they haue endured by your subiects haue secretly determined to take reuenge thereof And in my opinion Amanis who is chiefe and principall amongst them all is not come into this Countrey but to practise and gaine your people who ioyned with the forces which he may easily land heere will so trouble you that it will be hard for you to resist them And I beseech you to consider whither the likelyhood there-of bee not already very apparent Moreouer your Maiestie may bee pleased to consider that he of whoÌ„ I speake and those of his aliance likewise haue done mee so much honour and pleasure that both I and my children are greatly bounden vnto them and were it not that you are my soueraigne Lord I would in no wise pleake against Amadis but in those things which concerne your person let mee rather receiue death then that I spare any man liuing were he mine own sonne You haue receiued Amadis with so great number of his parents and other strangers into your Court like a good and liberall Prince as you are that in the end their traine will become greater then your owne wherefore if it like your Maiesty it were good to fore-see this matter before the fire bee kindled any further When the King heard Gandandel speake in this sort he became very pensiue and afterwards answered him In faith louing friend I beleeue that you aduertise mee as a good and faithfull subject neuerthelesse seeing the seruices that they of whom you speake haue done vnto me I cannot be perswaded in my mind that they would procure or imagine any treason against me May it please your Maiesty answered he that is
could this her extreame greefe yet had shee not so much power ouer her selfe but that shee awaked Mabila and the Damosell of Denmarke with her loud sighes who thinking her to bee taken with some new disease came hastily vnto her and found that Amadis was already apparrelled Then they demanded of him what moued Oriana in such extreame sort to complaine Amadis tolde them the whole discourse in what sort hee was constrained to forsake the court and the seruice of the king wherefore my louing friends said he I pray you to go comfort my Lady Which said he tooke his leaue of them and dâ—parted leauing al the three Ladies accompanied onely with sorrow and extreame passion Now you must know that so soon as Agraies and Galuanes were come vnto Amadis his lodging they sent vnto all their friends particularly to intreate them to meet there the next morning the which they accordingly performed then they went altogether to the Church to heare seruice at their returne from whence they all walking in a great field Amadis began to speake vnto them in this manner My Lords because that some one may wrongfully blame my Lord Galuanes Agraies me some others here present for leauing the king his seruice as wee are determined to do they and I haue thought good to let you vnderstand what is the occasion thereof I beleeue that there is not any in this company that knoweth not whether since our arriuall in great Brittaine the authority of a Prince bee increased or diminished Wherfore without spending the time in rehearsing the seruices which wee haue done vnto him for the which we had great hope to haue receiued besides his good will a great reward I will declare vnto you particularly with what ingratitude he vsed vs yesterday eueÌ„ as fortune which is mutable inconstant doth often times ouerthrow all things so hath hee changed his conditions eyther by some bad counsaile which he hath receiued or for some sleight occasion wherof we are ignorant But this much I am sure that my Lord Galuanes did desire vs to bee a meanes for him vnto his Maiesty not past eight or ten daies since that hee would bee pleased to permit him to marry with Madasima and in so doing to suffer him likewise to inioy her lands vpon this condition that he should hold them of him and of his Crowne by fealty and homage the which wee promised to performe By meanes wherof so soone as I was able to goe I and others in this company did make this request vnto him but he without any regard eyther vnto vs that were sutors or vnto him for whom we sued who is as euery on knoweth brother vnto the King of Scotland as valiant and hardy a knight as possible may be such a one as in the late battell against king Cildadan hath not spared his life but hath done as much as any other that was there he hath not only refused our requests but also giuen vs such iniurious words as were far vnfit and vnworthy such a king And notwithstanding at the beginning wee made small account thereof vntill hee said vnto vs all as we shewed vnto him some reasons for our request that we shold goe seeke else where for such a one as would acknowledge and better esteeme of vs then he did and that the world was wide enough without importuning him any further Therefore my fellows and friends since that being in his seruice wee haue beene euer dutifull vnto him so for my part I am yet very well content in this case not to displease him and to get mee forth of his countrie But because it seemeth vnto mee that this his licence to depart doth not onely touch mee and those vnto whom hee spake but all others who are none of his subiects I thought it good to acquaint you therewith to the end that you might bethinke what to doe Much were these Knights amased at the words of Amadis considering that if the great seruises of him and his brethren were so badly requited that very hardly would that little which they had done be recompensed Wherefore they determined to forsake the King and to go seeke their fortune else-where especially Angriotta de Estraâ—aâ—x who to draw the rest vnto his opinion and to follow Amadis hee began to say with a loude voyce My Lords it is yet no long time since I knew the King and for that little acquaintance that I haue had with him I did neuer see a Prince more wise vertuous and temperate then he hath bin in his affaires wherefore I doubt mee greatly that this which hee hath done vnto Amadis and to these Lords present proceedeth not of his own fancy but he hath bin incited thereunto by some wicked malicious persoÌ„ who hath perswaded him to vse theÌ„ in that sort And because that for these eighteene daies I haue seen Gandandel Brocadan very often consulting with him and that so he hath been more priuat with them then any other I feare me that they are the men that haue bin the chiefe workers of this mischiefe for I haue known theÌ„ of long time for the most malicious persons in all the world Therefore I am determined euen this day to demand the combat against them and to maintain that fasly and wickedly they haue set discord betweene the king and Amadis and if they will make excuse because of their age they haue each of them a sonne which of long time haue borne Armes against whom I alone will fight if they dare bee so bolde to maintaine the reason of their wicked parents Ah my Lord Angriotta answered Amadis I should bee very sorry that you should hazard your body in a matter so vncertaine By my faith answered Angriotta I am very sure thereof and I haue perceiued it of long time so that if the king would bee pleased to tell but what hee knoweth hee would affirme them to be such as I say I pray you Gentle fâ—iend said Amadis deferre it yet for this time to the end that the king may haue no cause to bee discontented for if those whom you speake of who haue alwaies shewed to mee a friendly countenance haue beene so malicious as to play false play behinde my backe assure you that at length their wickednes shall bee discouered and their desert recompensed then shall you haue reason to accuse them Well answered Angriotta although this is against my will yet I am content to deferre it but beleeue mee that heereafter I shall both complaine and bee reuenged of them well enough For the rest my good friends saide Amadis if it pleased the King and Queene to vouchsafe to see mee I am determined to goe forthwith and take my leaue of them and so to retire vnto the Firme-Island in hope that those which will follow mee shall wholly bee pertakers with mee in all the good and pleasure which there I shall haue And as you doe know the Countrey is pleasant
and wealthy full of faire women store of forrests and many riuers fit for hauking furthermore diuers as well of our acquaintance as of strangers wil come and visit vs besides in our neede if we shall want any aide and that king Lisuart will attempt any enterprise against vs we shall bee supported by my father from the Countrey of little Brittaine and from Scotland especially from the Realm of Sobradisa the which the Queene Briolania will wholly yeelde into our hands at all times when wee shall please Seeing that you are in these tearmes answered Quedragant now may you know those which do loue your coÌ„pany from those which doe not By my faith said Amadis I am of the opinion if any loue his owne particular profit that hee should not forsake so good a Master yet those which will follow mee shall neither fare better nor worse then mine owne selfe And as they thus consulted in the meddow the king happened to come by them accompanied with Gandandell and many other knights and seeing them together he did passe on making as though he saw them not Then caused he a cast of Iackes or Hobbies to be let flie at a Larke and after hee had a while solaced himselfe with this pastime hee returned backe vnto the Citty without speaking eyther to Amedis or any other in his companie CHAP. XXI How Amadis with many others his confederats for sooke the seruice of King Lisuart and went as well to proue the aduentures of the Arch of loyall Louers as also of the forbidden chamber WHen Amadis did see that the king perseuered still in the euill opinion which he had conceiued against him and his according to his former determination at his coming forth of the meddow he went vnto the court and he found the king ready to sit downe to dinner Then approching vnto him he said may it please your Maiesty if in any thing I haue offended your grace God and your selfe can witnesse assuring you that although the seruices which I haue done vnto you haue beene very small yet the will which I haue had to acknowledge the benefits and honour which it hath pleased you to bestow vpon mee hath beene exceeding great You tell me that I should seeke abroad for one that would better requite me then you giuing me therby to vnderstand the small desire you haue that I should obey you not that I will depart from you as my liege Lord and Soueraign for I was neuer subiect to you nor any other Prince God only excepted but I take leaue of you as of him who hath done me great good and honour and vnto whom I doe be are affectionate loue and desire of seruice Scant had hee spoke this word when suddenly these in like sort did take their leaues viz. Galuanes Agraies Dragonis Palomir Bruneo de Bon'Mer Branfill his brother Angriotta d'Estrauaux Grindonan his brother Pinores his Cosin and Don Quedragant who stepped before all the rest saying vnto the King Your Maiesty knoweth that I neuer had come nor remayned in your Court but at the instance and request of Amadis willing and desirous to bee his friend for euer and seeing that by his occasion I became yours by the like reason will I now leaue your seruice and hereafter forsake you for what hope may I haue that my small seruices shall bee regarded when his being so many and great are so badly requited without remembrance how greately you are indebted vnto him in deliuering you from the handes of Mandafabull and for the victory also which you haue obtained of king Cildadan with the price of his blood and other of his kindred I could well remember you of the good turne which he did vnto you when hee deliuered you and your daughter Oriana as I haue many times heard it said from the hands of Arcalaâ—s and now of late my Lady Leonor whom Famangomad and Basigant his sonne the crullest giants in the world had taken prisoner with intent to put her to death for which cause the ingratitude which now you shew vnto him is so great that it quite depriueth you from all knowledge of the truth And therefore he ought to make no lesse account of this his short farewell then of the slow reward hee hath receiued for the seruices past As for me I am determined to follow him and to forsake your court togither with him Whereunto the king replied Don Quedragant your tongue doth well declare the little loue you beare vnto me yet notwithstanding mee thinks you are not so tied nor alied vnto Amadis as in accusing me you should excuse him as you do but your thought is otherwise you say more then you thinke Your Maiesty may speake what you please said Quedragant like a mighty Lord as you are neuerthelesse you much mistake mee in thinking me to be a dissembler or a counterfeiter of leasings as a number of others about you are by whom I am sure that in the end you shall finde your selfe but badly serued Moreouer before many dayes be past you shall perceiue who are the friends of Amadis Which said hee retired and Landin stepped forth saying to the king may it please your Maiestie I haue not found one in all your court that was able to giue any ayde or comfort to my wrongs but onely my Lord Amadis whom I now do see ready to depart from your seruice for the wrong that you haue done vnto him for which cause not desiring to forsake him nor my Vncle Don Quedragant also I do take my leaue of you Truly Landin answered the king so far as I perceiue wee are assured that henceforth you haue no desire to remaine with vs. Beleeue mee if it like your Maiesty said he looke what they are so will I bee for during my life will I obey them At that instant there stood in a corner of the hall whispering together Don Brian of Moniasta a most renowned knight sonne to King Ladasan and to one of the sisters to king Perion of Gaule Vrlandin son to the Earle of Orlanda Grandores and Madansill of Pont d'argent Listoran of the white Tower Ledaâ— of Fryarqua Tantilies the haughty and Don Grauat de Val Craintif All these came vnto the king and said Your Maiesty may be pleased to vnderstand that the occasion of our comming hither was to see Amadis and his brethren and to be their friends if it were possible And euen as they were cause of the seruice that you haue receiued of vs they also shall bee the meanes that we will forsake you and we do take leaue of your grace to keepe them company When the king perceiued that hee was so suddenely forsaken of such a great number of good knights hee was highly displeas'd for very spight he would not permit Amadis to goe take his leaue of the Queene who as much as in her lay did wholy oppose her selfe against the counsell of Gandandell and his companion And therefore Amadis intreated
the auncient knight Don Grumedan to make his excuse vnto her Maiesty Afterwards taking his leaue of the king with great reuerence he retired vnto his lodging with his friends and companions where they found their dinner ready and as soone as the Table was taken vp euery one went to arme him and they trouped altogether in a place where Oriana might behold them and their number was so great as they were thought to be fiue hundred knights and more the most part of them being Sons vnto kings dukes or earles Afterwards in very good order they all passed along hard by the Queenes lodging Then Mabila being in one of the windows called Oriana who was laid vpon her bed as melancholy as might be saying vnto her Madame I pray you forget your heauinesse and come see how many knights you haue at your commandement All the while my cosin was in the seruice of the king your father he was accounted but as a simple wandring knight but no sooner is he departed from him when hee sheweth that hee is a Prince and mighty Lord as you may now behold and if you haue power ouer him by greater reason haue you power ouer all his troope of whom hee is the chiefe and principall Leader Oriana was so greatly comforted with this sight that euer after she was more merry and at better hearts ease In this sort did Amadis and his followers passe through the Citty and there accompanied them king Arban of North Wales Grumedan a knight of honour belonging to the Queene Brandoinas Queuorant Giontes Nephew to the King and Listoran the good iouster All these were very sorry for the departure of so many good knights especially for Amadis who prayed them that in any matter wherein his honour might bee blemished they would shew themselues to be such friends for him as hee esteemed them And although the king without any occasion had conceiued a hate against him yet they should not cease for all that to be his friends without forsaking the seruice of so good a prince and they answered him that excepting their seruice and loyalty in the which they were by duty bounde vnto the king they would bee ready to pleasure him at all times and places when and where he would employ them for the which hee heartilie thanked them Afterwards hee saide vnto them If you finde the king fit to be spoken vnto you may aduertise him that which Vrganda declared to mee in his presence is now accomplished for shee told mee that the recompence which I should haue in gayning Dominions for another should be hate anger and banishment from that place where most I desired to remaine I haue conquered as euery one knoweth with the edg of my sword and the losse of my blood the Isle of Mongaza thereby enlarging the limits of the realme of great Brittaine and notwithstanding al this the king without cause at all hath requited mee with hate but God is iust and will recompence euery one according to his deserts By my faith answered Grumedan I will not faile to let the King know as much as you haue sayde And cursed be Vrganda for prophesing so right which saide they embraced one another and tooke their leaue but Guillan the pensil whose eyes were full of teares said vnto Amadis My Lord you know my occasion and how I cannot of my selfe doe any thing being subiect so the will of another for whose sake I suffer and endure strange greefes and anguishes which is the cause that I cannot follow you for which I am very sorry and ashamed so great a desire haue I to acknowledge the fauour and honour that I haue receiued of you being in your company beseeching you most humbly at this time to holde me excused Now did Amadis vnderstand in what subiection loue did holde him and hee knew very well by himselfe what paine hee might suffer by meanes whereof he answered him My Lord Guillan God forbid that by my occasion you should commit any offence vnto the Lady whom you loue so constantly but I rather counsell you to be obedient vnto her and to serue her as hitherto you haue done and the King likewise being sure that your honour saued you wil be vnto me in all places a faithfull friend and louing companion Heere withall he embraced him taking his leaue Guillan and his fellowes returned vnto the Cittie and Amadis and his followed on their way to the Firme-Island vntill at the last they arriued along by a riuer vpon the side whereof Amadis had sent before to cause his Tents and Pauillions to be armed and set vp There they lodged for that night praising God in that they had so happily been warned of the Kings ingratitude with whom if they had remained any longer space they had but lost their time But Amadis was so heauie for his banishment from Oriana ignorant when he should see her again that he knew not in what sort to dissemble his malancholie and thus they passed away the night vntill the next morning that they had rode forward on their way In the meane time King Lisuart was in his Pallace who after the departure of so great a number of Knights perceiued that he now was but meanly accompanied Then he began to acknowledge the fault which he had committed and to repent him greatly for the words which he said vnto Amadis At the very selfe same time Gandandel and Brocadan were aduertised what Angriotta had said of them whereat they were maruailously abashed fearing least the King and the rest should dislike of the bad counsell which they had giued vnto him neuerthelesse since there was no remedy they determined to passe it ouer and to worke such meanes that neuer any of those Knights who were departed should enter into the King his fauour againe And the better to bring it to passe they both came vnto him saying Your Maiestie ought greatly to praise God that you are so honestly rid of those men who might haue wrought you much mischiefe for your highnesse knoweth there is nothing more dangerous then a secret enemy Wherefore you haue now no other thing to trouble you neither neede you take any care for your affaires because that wee two will take order and warily prouide for any perill that may happen to this Realme When the king heard them speake so audaciously hee looked vpon them with a sowre countenance and answered them I do much meruaile how you dare bee so presumptuous to perswade me that I should leaue vnto you the gouernment not onely of my house but also of my whole realm knowing that you are nothing fit not sufficient for such a charge Doe you imagine that the Princes and Lords of this monarchie will obay you knowing the place from whence you are descended And if you thinke to play the good husbands desiring to enrich mee by sparing of my treasure vpon whom doe you thinke that I may better imploy it then vpon such Gentle-men
the death You haue heard what Imosel and his fellowes haue saide vnto mee which I doe thinke to be good right wherefore it is time that you determine what to do For by the faith that I owe vnto God I will not permit that any other of my knights shall fight with them if you look not vnto it you shall bee answerable for all and the Damosels deliuered If it please your Maiesty answered they to morrow we will be ready to maintain what-soeuer we haue saide And for that time they departed to their lodging greatly troubled for that which they were to do Neuerthelesse seeing that now there was no remedy they determined to perseuer in their daurned opinion by argument of words onely without putting themselues or their children in danger knowing assuredly that they were not able to resist any of those that were come from the Firme-Island But it happened out so well for them as the very same night newes came vnto the King that Grumedaâ—a the olde Giantesse was dead and that a little before her death shee had yeelded vp her strong places into the hands of the kings people beseeching him to haue pitty vpon her daughter Madasima Whereupon the next morning at their returne from church hee caused the twelue knights of the Firme-Island to bee called vnto whom he said My friends you may carry away with you the Damosels which you demand when it shall please you for I set them at liberty because that this night the Earle Latin hath written vnto me that he hath the Isle of Mongaza in his hands and that the olde Giantesse is deceased If any were glad here-of you may beleeue that the two traitors Broquadan and Gandandel were nothing sorry for as much as they did perceiue that if this had not happened their treason had bid discouered TheÌ„ Imosel answered the king If your Maiestie doe but Madasima right shee must not remaine poor nor disinherited seeing your grace knoweth that children are bound to obey their parents as shee hath done more by feare then free will And so if it please your Maiesty vsing your accustomed liberality you should shewe her some grace and fauour shewing thereby an example to all other vertuous and couragious Princes to do the like Imosel sayde the king let it suffice you that the Damosels are at liberty for I cannot reuoke the gift which I haue made to my daughter Leonor of the land which you demand I most humbly beseech your Maiestie answered Galuanes to haue pitty vpon her and mee who at this preseÌ„t ought to hold the place descended froÌ„ her ancestors of whom shee is the lawfull inheretrix especially of the land which you doe take from her and if it please your highnesse in remembrance of the seruices which I haue done vnto you you may restore them vnto vs to hold them of your grace by fealty and homage I haue said enough my Lord Galuanes answered the king that which is done cannot be vndone Trust me answered he seeing I can neither haue right nor reason of you I will trie if I may get it some other way Doe what you can said the king I am in good hope seeing I haue won if froÌ„ greater then you to desend it against those that are lesse theÌ„ they Sir answered Galuanes he which got it for you hath bin very badly recoÌ„pensed therefore Care not you for that saide the King if he of whom you speake dare but aduenture to aide you I dare bee so bolde as to withstand him and to make him beshrew himselfe Agraies hearing these threats was exceeding angry and in great choller answered Sir although my Lord Amadis was neuer other theÌ„ a waÌ„dring knight yet did he that good for you which as yet you neuer recompensed for he hath many times defended you and deliuered you from death Florestan did well perceine that Agraies entred into farther tearmes then was fit hee should for which cause he a little pulled him back and said vnto the king Sir although you be a king and a great Lord yet it may be you shall finde somewhat to do to vse my Lord Amadis in such sort as you threaten him By my faith said Brian Amadis hath done you too many seruices to be thus badly requited especially he being sonne vnto a Prince as worthy as your selfe Soft and faire Don Brian saide the king we know wel enough that you are one of his friends I am and so ought to be said Brian for euery one knoweth that I am his cosin german and therefore it were a shame not to succour him in his neede Truely answered the King for the same cause doe I hold you excused And as they were in these tearmes Angriotta de Estrauaux Sarquiles his Nephew came before the King who beeing armed at all points did their duty vnto his Maiestie but when the knights of the Firme-Island did beholde them they greatly wondred for they knew nothing at al of this their enterprise Then Angriotta with a loud voice began his speech in this manner May it please your Maiestie my Nephew and I heere preseÌ„t do beseech your grace to cause two traitors that are in your Court Broquadan and Gandandel to appeare before your Maiestie vnto whom I will declare the treason which they haue done against you Much affrighted was Broquadan and his companion hearing Angriotta speake after this manner who continuing his speech saide If it like your highnesse these two wicked persons of whom I speake without respect or feare of God or men haue falsly accused my Lord Amadis other of a matter wherein they neuer so much as in thoght offended By means whereof I dare well say that you haue banished from you the best Knights that euer entered into Great Brittaine therefore if those traitours dare maintaine that they be not such as I tearme them I alone by the help of God and the edge of my sword will make them confesse it And if they ought to bee excused by reason of their age there is neither of them both which hath not a sonne of long time bearing armes and well enough esteemed of amongst the Knights of your court against whom I will fight if they will maintain the quarrell of their wicked fathers Most mighty soueraigne answered Gandandel doth not your grace see the boldnes of this proud iniurious fellow who is come into this countrey to no other end but onely to shame the Gentlemen of your court By my faith if your Maiestie would haue beleeued me long agoe so soone as hee had entred into your Realme hee should haue bin hanged vp vpon the first tree that he had come vnto but seeing that your grace doth suffer him you must not hereafter be abashed if Amadis in his owne person doe come euen hither to iniurie your owne selfe Notwithstanding thus much I protest that by the liuing God if I were as young now as when I began to enter into the seruice
of the late deceased king your brother vnto whom I haue done many great seruices I am well assured that Angriotta durst not so much as haue dreamed to vtter halfe these iniurious words of me as hee hath proferred now before your Maiesty But the gallant doth well know that I am olde and crased as well by the great number of my aged yeeres as by the infinit wounds which I haue receiued in a manner in all the parts of my body in the warres of your predecessors witnes wherof are yet these relikes Saying so he opned his breast vpon the which were many scarres apparrantly to be seene Villaine said Angriotta thou doest thinke to defend thee with the eloquence of thy tongue But by the faith of a Knight if the King do but iustice vnto vs both hee shall apparrantly perceiue thy great treason There-withall Sarquiles stepped forth and kneeling downe hee said vnto the King It is long since I did aduertise your Maiestie that so soone as my Lord Angriotta heere present should come vnto your Court. I would let you vnderstand that which with my two eares I did hear spoken by the mouth of these two traitors heereupon hee recited word by word the whole consultations which he had heard whereat al they that were present did greatly wonder to heare such conspiracies repeated And for as much if it like your Maiestie said Sarqailes as they can in no sort excuse them-selues my Lord Angriotta and I will combate with their three sons if they dare maintaine the contrary Now were they present of whō they spake who seeing the iniury that was done vnto their aged fathers and that euery one gaue credit to the words of Sarquiles in a great rage they thrust through the prease and falling on their knees before the King they said May it please your Maiestie Angriotta and Sarquiles haue most falsly and wickedly lied in the words which they haue saide before your Maiestie and wheresoeuer or whensoeuer they doe say so they shall lie and therfore it may please you presently to grant vnto vs the combate which they haue demanded Truely answered the King it is now very late but I am content that to morrow after seruice you shall do that which you can as well on the one part as on the other Then Damas one of the sonnes of Broquadan by the sister of Gandandel a valiant and expert man at arms but wholly adicted to villany stepped forth saying vnto the King Sauing the reuerence of your Maiestie Sarquiles hath vniustly and leaudly lied in all that he hath said and I shall be one of them that will maintaine it against him By my faith answered Angriotta if there were a fourth here too he should be as wel handled as I hope thou shalt Go too then saide the King depart you all for this day and to morrow thinke vpon your businesse Afterwards hee called Grumedan and Giontes his Nephewe and after hee had consulted with them a little while hee commanded Gandandel and Broquadan to come before him vnto whom hee sayde Come hether you haue so many times declared vnto me that Amadis and his associates had determined to betray me and to vsurpe vpon mee the land of Great Brittaine yet neuerthelesse when it is come to an issue you excuse your selues from the combate setting your sons to maintaine your wickednesse who cannot doe therewithall notwithstanding God is iust by all that I do owe vnto him it is very lewdly spoken of you neuer would I euer haue thought you such as you are May it please your Maiesty answered Gandandel our children seeing vs too slow in our iustification put themselues forward to maintaine the honour of their fathers They had reason sayd Grumedan for hardly could you haue recouered any other no doubt but you are men of little worth or reputation for the Diuell could neuer haue inuented such wickednesse as you haue set abroach so as if the King should cause a thousand such as you are to be hanged yet could hee not holde him satisfied for the treacherie which you haue done vnto him but your children shall beare the punishment for you My Lord Grumedan said they although you wish it so yet shall it not haphen so if God please for our sonnes deliuering vs from shame shall obtaine the victorie with honour You shall see sayd Grumedan what the issue will bee And because this talke continued longer then the King liked hee sent euery man vnto his lodging And the same night those which the next morning were to performe the combate did looke that nothing might be wanting in their armour especially Angriotta and his Nephew who withdrewe them vnto a Chappell where they continued in prayer vntill the day breake And because the King had receiued iniurious speeches by the twelue knights of the Island they went vnto their tents with Madasima and her Damosels where they remained all that night But the day appearing they all moūted on horseback came to accompany their fellowes Angriotta and Sarquiles vnto the place of combate there were already arriued the King Princes and Lords with the Queen the other Ladies Thus the combatants entred into the field Angriotta and Sarquiles on the one side Tarin Corian and Damas on the other side Then the trumpets sounded whereupon each of thē pulled downe the beauer of his helmet and with their Lances in their rests they set spurs to their horses running with such force one against another that Corian and Tarin brake vpon Angriotta Damas vpon Sarquiles but Angriotta hit Corian so sound a stroke with his Launce that he vn-horsed him Then turning his face he saw Tarin ready with his sword in his hand who beholding his brother ouerthrowne came with great rage against Angriotta thinking to strike him vpon the top of the helmet the blow fell short and lighted vpon the head of his horse wherewith hee was grieuously wounded Notwithstanding Angriotta finding that he was neere his enemy he hit him so soundly with his sworde that with the stroke hee vnhorsed him and at the same instant he himselfe perceiued his horse waxed faint with the wound hee had receiued vpon his head forsooke him and leaped on the ground Then with his shield on his arme he came against him whom he had first ouer-throwne who was already risen vp marched against Angriotta And thus began the combate betweene thē two where shortly after came Tarin in like sorte and Angriotta was to answere them both neuerthelesse he did make knowne that he was not to seeke in such an extreamity for hee had led them so roundly that hee gaue them not so much leasure as to take their breath so that in lesse space then an houre their armour was hacked in peeces they so wounded that the blood ran downe on all parts I belecue there is none of you all that doth heare this History who vnderstandeth not well enough that Angriotta could not defend
entreated the Damosels that seeing hee went to the same place they did and in the Forrest kept men of euill behauiour therfore hee would not forsake their company whereof he made them promise Along they ride with sundrie discoursings where among other talke they desired in respect they met so happily together that he would bee content to let them know his name My name quoth he is Amadis but I pray you keepe it onely to your selues Proceeding on by vaste and vnfrequented places one day when furthest they were from doubt they beheld before them vnder a tree two Armed Knights prepared for the Ioust who seeing them comming stepped into the midst of the way the one saying to his companion Which of these two Damosels wouldest thou haue and the other I meane to take my selfe I will said the other haue the first And I her companion answered the other so without more words they came to lay hands on them Amadis who misliked such dealing without the Damosels consent addressed himselfe to the Knights demaunding what manner of behauiour this was to Ladyes comming from honest place Such quoth they as beseemeth women of their age What answered Amadis would you then force them Who shall let vs quoth they if wee please Marie that will I replyed Amadis then lacing his Hemet he tooke his shield Lance saying Let the Damosels alone you shamelesse men and defend your selues Without any more talke they gaue their spurres to their Horses meeting together with such puissance as the Knight brake his Launce and Amadis gaue him such an attaint that hee carryed him from his horse to the ground with his head vnder and his heeles vpward breaking the laces of his Helmet in the fall so that his head remained without shelter When the other saw his companion downe he would reuenge him and couching his Launce against Amadis met him so full as piercing his Armour wounded him a little and his staffe was shiuered all in pieces but the Prince falling with his Launce encountred him so fiercely with his body and Horse as he lay tumbling hard by his fellow thē comming to the Damosels he said I pray ye heere-after come no more behinde but for your better surety keepe ye before A while he taried to see if they would rise againe but perceiuing they made no shew thereof he forbare to charge them any further so rode on with his company Soone after they came to a faire plaine whereby a pleasant Riuer had his course and there they caused their Tents to be erected as well to regard the hurt of Amadis as also to refresh themselues But as they sate at meat the two dismounted Knights came riding thither saying to Amadis Sir Knight you haue won the Ladies at the Lance now must ye defend them by the sword otherwise we will cary them hence in despite of you But you shall not quoth he if I can let it so drawing his sword against him that first made offer in short time he brought him into such distresse as without the snccour of his companion he was vnable to hold out any longer which Amadis perceiuing said Ah Knight the Ladyes make slender account of you that you must come both vpon one man Yet notwithstanding he wold not forbare but as the patterne of vnconquerable valour gaue him likewise worke enough to doe so that all their wrong turned to his honor for he gaue the last such strokes on the helmet as the sword glaunsing on his shoulders cut in twaine the cuyrates of his armour sliced his flesh to the very bone which made him let fall his sword and run away halfe dead Then turning to the other he cut off his hand vnder his Shield the paine whereof was so yrkesome to him as he cryed Ah I am slaine Thus speaking he threw his sword to the ground and the Shield from about his neck All this auaileth not said Amadis for I wil not leaue thee except first thou sware neuer to offend Lady against her will Alas quoth he I promise faithfully and will performe it Here-with Gandalin came who gaue him his sword and Shield againe permitting him to go for helpe whether he would and Amadis returned to the Tent where the Damosels reioysing for his safe returne said In sooth Sir we had beene dishonored without your aide which is much better then we expected and such as not onely assureth your reuenge for Dardans iniurie but the Ladyes also if fortune permit you doe vndertake her quarrell Then was hee vnarmed and after his wound was drest he sate downe to meat againe At their departure thence they lodgded at a good Ladies Castle where they were most courteously entertained and on the morrow trauailed all day without any aduenture worthy rehearsal arriuing neere Windsore where King Lisuart lay when Amadis thus spake to the Damosels Faire Friends I would not be known to any one therefore til such time as the knight come to the combate I intend to with-hold my selfe from the place and when the houre is let your Squire bring me tydings thereof hither Sir quoth the Damosels as yet there wants two daies of the assignation therefore if you please we wil tarry with you and our Squire shall goe into the Towne and bring vs word when the Knight is arriued I am well content said he whereupon they pitched their Tent betweene a little wood and a Riuer and Amadis preently put off his armour Now did the Damosels change their opinion and thought it better for them to go into the Towne to see how things were in preparation saying they might returne when they pleased Amadis not misliking thereof willed them to do so in meane while being vnarmed he mounted on horse-backe intēding to stray abroad a little for his pleasure Gādalin guided him through the wood Riding along as they were on the side of a little mountaine he might easily behold the Towne and when they were at the highest they alighted from their horses when Amadis sitting downe vnder a tree cast his eye toward that part where he iudged the Princesse Oriana should be then regarding the walles the Towers and the whole Castle breathing forth a vehement sigh hee sayd Ah happy Towers within you is the onely flower of the world and thou faire Towne how fortunate art thou in containing that which all the harts and praises of men cannot comprehend High in diuine grace were he who for maintenance of this quarrell should spend his life but much happy he that without other combate then his small desert should reach a blisse so incomparable Then resting his head on his arme he entred into a deepe conceit which prouoked him to sudden silence and in this melancholly the teares trilled downe his cheekes in mean while Gandalin who knew his complexion standing where he was vnseene of any espied a goodly troupe of Lords and Ladyes comming toward them whereof he made hast to aduertise the Prince but he was
why he would know Because said the knight no friend of his shall passe here but I will kill him What is the occasion of your hatred replyed my husband I wish so much ill quoth the knight to that vngracious king as I would gladly haue him in my power to take vengeance on him at my pleasure and in despight of him heacefoorth shall I slay all such as are belonging to him Because he keepeth a knight that killed the valiant Daodan for whose sake I meane to deale in such sort as the king and his wel-willers shall receiue by me infinite displeasures and dishonours When my husband heard him as one agreeued at his villainous speeches he answered Know thou that I am one of his Court his vowed seruant who neither for thee or any other will deny him Highly displeased was the knight of the Bridge with this answere and without any more wordes charged my husband so that betweene them grew a cruell combate but in the end my Lord was brought into this hard extreamity and farre more worse in the knights opinion for hee reputed him to be slaine out-right coÌ„manding vs within three dayes to carry him before king Lisuart to despight him withall Lady quoth Amadis I pray you lend me one of your Squires who can shew me the knight when I come where he is for seeing your husband hath been so wronged for my sake it behoofeth me more then any other to reâ—enge the same What said the Lady are you hee for whose cause he so hateth the king Yea verily answered Amadis and if my hap prooue so good hee shall neuer heereafter abuse any other Ah gentle Knight quoth shee I will pray for your prosperous successe Afterward shee gaue him one of her Squires and committing him to GOD rode on with her husband and Amadis neuer stayed till hee came to the Bridge where hee sawe the knight playing at Tables with another but quickly leauing his pastime being ready armed hee mounted on horse backe calling for Amadis in this manner Holla holla Sirra I forbid ye to passe any further till yee haue swome What shall I sweare answered Amadis Whether thou be of king Lisuarts Court or no said the Knight for if thou belong to him heere must thou leaue thy head behinde thee It is a question quoth Amadis if thou canst doe so much but I assure thee I belong to the Queene his wife euer since not long agoe Since when replyed the knight since a disinherited Lady sayd Amadis came hither for her right But thou art not hee quoth the knight that foughtest the Combate for her I am the man answered Amadis who wonne her peace By my head said the knight now shalt thou loose thine if I can for thou didst kill the onely honour of my linage I killed him not said Amadis but made him discharge her of his outragious demand and afterward he became a murtherer of himselfe All this cannot profit thee quoth the knight for by thee and no other he dyed now for his sake shalt thou loose thy life Hereupon they gaue the spurres to their horses and breaking their Lances brauely met so furiously with their bodies as the knight of the Bridge was thrown to the ground whereof he was not a little ashamed but by reason the helmet of Amadis was vnlaced in the running while hee amended it the knight had leisure to mount him-selfe againe and to giue his enemie two or three strokes with the sword before he had time to draw out his All which afterward hee very well requited for striking full at his head hee brake away the skirts of his helmet and redoubling his blow meâ—â—e so directly with his necke as his head hung downe behinde his shoulders his soule passing to the Author of his pride and cruelty When his gardants of the bridge sawe him thus slaine they trusted to their heeles yet Amadis would not follow theÌ„ but returned to the Squire that coÌ„ducted him thither willing him to make haste to his Lady and let her vnderstand how he had reuenged her husbands iniurie which he immediately did not sparing the worthy attaints at Sword and Launce which he had seene Amadis bestow on the Knight of the bridge Amadis hauing there no more to do issuing forth of the Forrest entred on a large goodly plaine brauely beautified with violets sweete hearbs and all other deuises of natures tapistrie which presently prouoked the remembrance of his Oriana riding on in diuers amorous thoughts he saw come toward him an euill fauoured Dwarffe on a simple Palfrey whoÌ„ he called to know from whence he came My Lord quoth the dwarfe I come from the house of the couÌ„tie of Claire Hast thou not seene a young Knight sayd Amadis named Galaor No truely answered the Dwarffe but I know where within three dayes I can shew you the best Knight that euer bare Armes in these parts When Amadis heard this thinking hee had meant his brother he sayd I pray thee my friend conduct me to the place where I may see him With all my heart replied the Dwarffe on condition you will graunt me one request and goe with me whither I shall guide ye The great desire he had to finde his brother made him soone consent Come with me then quoth the Dwarffe and I will bring ye where you shall behold the good Knight So rode they on till darke night ouertooke them which the Dwarffe perceiuing he sayd to Amadis My Lord hard by is a Castle where we may lodge this night for there is a Lady who will friendly welcome vs. Thither they rode and had kinde entertainment when supper being ended Amadis was brought to lodge in a sumptuous bed but he could take no rest his thoughts so hammered on the perfection of his mistresse And taking leaue the next morning of their friendly hostesse continued on their iourney till about mid-day when they saw two Knights fighting against one then Amadis approching to them said Gentlemen may it please ye to pause a while and tell mee on what occasion your quarrell ariseth At these words they ceased one of the two thus replied It is because this Knight maintaineth that he alone is as able as we two together to bring a hauty enterprise to end In sooth sayd Amadis your difference is very slender for the bounty of the one diminisheth no iot of the other The Knights perceiuing he spake the truth ended their strife demanding of Amadis if hee knew the Knight in King Lisuarts Court who coÌ„bated for the iniured widdow whereby the good Knight Dardan was slaine Why aske ye quoth Amadis Because said the Knights we would gladly meete with him I know not answered Amadis whether your meaning be good or bad yet is it not long since I saw him in the Court of King Lisuart Hauing so sayd he rode on his way when the three Knights hauing conferred a little together they began to gallop after him he no sooner
heard them but turned againe then doubting they inded some harme to him he clasped on his Helmet and his Shield yet had he no Lance nor they likewise Alas my Lord quoth the Dwarffe what will ye doe consider you not they be three and you alone What matters that answered Amadis if they assayle me without reason why by good right I must assay for mine owne defence On these speeches they came to him in this manner Sir knight we would demaund one thing of you which we desire ye not to denie otherwise you may not so easily escape vs. The sooner shall I grant it quoth Amadis if it bee reasonable Tell vs then as you are a loyall Gentleman where you imagine we may find him that slew Dardan Hee who could doe no lesse then speake the trueth thus replyed I am hee albeit I would haue you thinke that I doe not so soone fulfill your request in respect of adding any praise to my selfe When the knights heard him they cryed altogether Ah traytour thou dyest and drawing their swords set violently vpon him Amadis offended to see him-selfe thus assailed by them whom ere-while he had so friendly pacified resisted them with such resolute courage as at the first stroke he smote one of their armes from the body the griefe whereof made him fall beside his horse the secōd also felt his sword so peizantly that hee cleft his head to the very teeth and sent to keepe his fellow company When the third beheld their bad successe hee put the spurres to his horse and got him away but Amadis being not so well mounted let him escape returning to Gandalin and the Dwarffe who thus spake Credite me my Lord hence-foorth will I trust better to your wordes then I did let vs therefore make haste hence if you please So riding along at length the Dwarffe shewed him in a pleasant valley two high Pine-trees neere which was a Knight mounted on a lustie Courser and two other whom not long before hee had vanquished they running to catch their horses there strayed about the field And looking againe hee espied another knight lay leaning on his helmet hauing his shield by him and twentie Launces reared against the Pines with two spare horses likewise ready furnished My Lord quoth the dwarffe doe you see the Gentleman that leaneth on his Helmet What then sayd Amadis He is replyed the Dwarffe the good Knight I promised to shew you Knowest thou his name quoth Amadis He nameth himselfe answered the Dwarffe Angriote distranans and is the best knight that I haue heard report of Tell mee then said Amadis why he keepeth there so many Launces I can therein answered the Dwraffe full well resolue ye listen then a while He loueth a Ladie of this countrey who hateth him aboue all other neuerthelesse he hath preuailed so much by fight as her parents were constrained to giue him her After he had gotten her into his power he thought himselfe the happiest man in the world but shee tolde him he should wade into no such fond opinion because hee tooke a yong Ladie against her will And albeit quoth shee perforce you haue enioyed me yet while I liue neuer shall I loue ye if you do not performe one thing for me What Lady answered Angriote is it within compasse of my puissance That is it said she Cōmand then sweete Madame replied Angriote for I will accomplish it euen to the death The Lady whose euill will was toward him exceeding great thinking to appoint him a place most conuenient for his death or else to get him there so many enemies as her Parents might enioy better assistance to take her from him intreated him and his brother to guard this vale of Pines against all knights errant that shold passe this way causing them by force of Armes to take an oath how they should afterward trauaile to King Lisuarts Court there to confesse her more beautifull thē the Ladyes they loued And if it so fell out that the brother to Angriote whome you see on horse-back were vanquished and could endure the combate no further then Angriote should keepe this passage alone during the space of one whole yeere 〈◊〉 this cause they depart not hence all the day time and at night returne to a Castle on the mountaine you see at hand hauing already maintained their enterprise three moneths in all which time Angriote neuer set hand to Sword against any Knight because his brother hath stil beene conquerour Trust me said Amadis I beleeue thou sayest true and so I heard in the Court of King Lisuart where not long since a Knight arriued who confessed Angriotes Lady to be more faire then his friend and me thought he called her name Grouonesa Very true quoth the Dwarffe but now seeing you are resolued remember your promise to me and bare mee company as you sayd you would With right good will answered Amadis which is the way Euen ouer this vale replied the Dwarffe but because of this hinderance as yet I thinke wee shall very hardly passe Care not thou for that sayd Amadis so giuing his horse the spurres he rode on and soone after he met a Squire who thus spake to him Go no further Gentleman if you will not grant the Lady vnder the Pine to be more beautifull then your Mistresse Neuer will I yeelde to such a slander replied Amadis without force or extreame constraint Returne then sayd the Squire otherwise you must combate with the twaine you see before If they assaile me quoth Amadis I must defend my selfe so well as I can so vsing no more words he rode on forward CHAP. XIX How Amadis combated against Angriote and his brother who guarded the passage of the valley against such as would not confesse that their Ladyes were inferiour in beauty to Angriotes choyce WHen Angriots brother saw him comming he tooke vp his weapons and met him saying Beleeue me Knight you haue committed folly in not graunting what our Squires gaue you warning of you must therfore enter combate with me As for the combate answered Amadis I like it much better then to confesse the greatest lye in the world I know well sayd the Knight you must do it with disaduantage in an other place And trust me quoth Amadis I thinke not so Stand on your owne defence then replied the Knight wherewith they gaue the carrire against each other meeting together so furiously as the knight was vnhorssed yet held he fast the raines of his bridle till they brake in his hand which caused him to fall on his necke to the ground where hee lay without remembrance of himselfe or any other Heereupon Amadis alighted and pulling the Helmet from his head perceiuing that he was in a sound wherefore he buffetted him in such sorte as he came to himselfe againe Thou art but dead sayd Amadis if thou yeeld not thy selfe my prisoner When the Knight saw the naked sword ouer his head fearing his death he yeelded Then