who before they began the Combat said to him Knight if thou wouldst leave thy foolish Belief and follow me to a Place where thy Strength and Courage would be better employ'd for his Glory and Honour of whom thou hast receiv'd them believe me I would easily forbear this Contest not for any doubt I have of thee but only to the end we might be Friends so much do I commend and esteem thee Ah! answer'd the other This Request is so much out of Reason that I ought by no means to dispute it with thee Therefore amuse thy self no longer to preach but regard for what end thou com'st to sâ—ek me Is it so said he in the black Arms Come on then And uttering this word they charg'd one another with such vigor that there was never seen a fiercer Fight for during the space of above two long hours they ceas'd not to cut and thrust unjointing each others Armor and paring their Shields in such manner that the Place was up and down cover'd with the Pieces which flew from them so that it could not be judg'd to which of them the Victory was promis'd for the longer they fought the more eager they seem'd to be whence it hapned that they were by the heat of the Sun it being now Noon so scalded in their Harness that they were forc'd to draw back and lift up the Visors of their Helmets to take breath But this lasted not long ere they charg'd again with more Fury than before yet could not either of them gain any advantage over the other at which being extremely vext within themselves they let go their Swords leaving them hanging at their wrists in Silver Chains and closing endeavour'd each by his strength and skill in wrestling to throw his Adversary on the ground which 't was impossible for them to do both of them standing so stifly that the King of Jerusalem running to Frandalo whose weakness caus'd him to keep his Chamber said to him If you can but come into these Galleries you will see perhaps the cruelst Fight that can possibly be beween two persons Frandalo wondring what it might be made a shift to crawl thitâ—er and came just as they were falling one upon the other yet without any way letting go their hold Then they strove who should get the advantage but in vain for one was no sooner got uppermost but he presently found himself again underneath Thus strugling sometimes above sometimes under they grew so out of breath that they separated and rising up took their Swords again with which they acted so valiantly as if they had not striken a stroke all that day before Which made Frandalo to who the King of Jerusalem had related all the beginning of this Dispute conjecture that he in the black Arms was Amadis of Gaul But he soon chang'd this Opinion for Amadis was indeed of less Stature and in too far a Countrey wherefore he suspected that it was rather Lisvart of Greece who had made this attempt And was sâ—ying so to the King of Jerusalem as the Knight in the black Arms lifting up his head spy'd Frandalo at which he was both Glad and Sorry Glad to see him alive and Sorry that his Colour was pale and wan which was caus'd by the continual Pain he suffer'd in his wounds This made the black Knight so much desire to revenge him that fâ—etting in himself for having been already so long about it he could not forbear saying between his Teeth By my Head I have been too long fighting for so desir'd a Victory and I must surely believe that this is some Devil let loose from the Bottom of Hell for if he were other I should long since have brought him 〈◊〉 reason And at that instant his Courage intreast in such manner that he struck him in the white Arms so outrageously that he forc'd him to set knee to ground yet he got suddenly up again and the better to be quit with his Adversary took his Sword in both hands with which he gave him so strong a blow that had it not meâ— with the Shield which he oppos'd against it 't would have been his last neveâ—â—heless the Point fell upon his Helmet and so stunny'd him that he was constrain'd to lean against the wall or else he had tumbled on the ground But this Astonishment lasted but a little ere they made a fresh charge with more violence than before tho' indeed the black Knight began visibly to grow faint and heavy however he still vigorously perform'd â—â—s Devoir yet was it easily discern'd that he could not long hold out Wherefore he in the white Armor drew a little back and said to him Knight be not thine own Murtherer but yield for it were great Pity thou shouldst dye being so valiant a man as I know thee to be In good faith answer'd the other thy Courtesy summons me as it were to follow thy Counsel but my Honour contradicts it so that nothing but Death shall finish this Dispute between us two And altho' he had not then so much Shield left as would cover his Arm and tho his Helmet and Armor were unriveâ—ted and broken so that his bare Flesh appear'd in many places yet as he answer'd his Antagonist he entred into such a Fury that stepping forward he gave him such a blow with his Sword upon the Shoulder-piece that the Blood in that place dy'd his Harness This exceedingly inâ—â—nst the white Knight who was about to make him very sensible of his Resentment when a Servant came running to tell the King of Jerusalem that there was a Damsel at the Gate who desir'd to be let in for a matter which greatly imported the two Combatants The King commanded her to be immediately brought in and she instantly presented her self before the Knights to whom she said My Lords I beseech you if you please to delay your Fight and hear the Message I have to deliver to you At this word they drew back principally he in the Black Arms who knew her for it was Alquisa who since the Loss of Lisvart and Perion had kept company with Urganda in the Isle of Apes and was by h r Father sent towards the two Knights to prevent their death which was very near if their wrath had continu'd as it was begun To obviate which she prostrated her self at the Feet of him in the Black Arms speaking to him in this manner Sir my father who loves and esteems you commanded me to do you this Honour assuring me that 〈…〉 first word you would know me tho' I have never seen you as I know He intreats you that the Combat between you and this Knight may pass no farther and this for a Reason he will one day let you understand and for which you will thank him Damsel answer'd he if you know me not at present I know very well who you are we having often discours'd together at a more agreeable time As for the rest you may easily see
thing at which you will sufficiently wonder Then Florindo having made such an Oath as he desir'd First said Lucencio you must never speak to any person of the Beast we found neither is she indeed a Beast but a wise and discreet Woman Then discoursing to him from point to point all that you have heard they came out of the Wood. Ah! Ah! said Florindo I beseech you at least let me always continue in your Company and make use of me as your Esquire for I shall think my self happy if I can come to such honour This Lucencio easily granted him and coupling their Dogs they return'd into the Town CHAP. X. How Lucencio and Florindo fled secretly from Filina to Constantinople where Lucencio receiv'd Knighthood at the hands of his Uncle the Emperor Esplandian THe discourse which the Damsel of the Forrest had with Lucencio so rais'd his Heart that he rested not an hour after without thinking how he might attain to be a Knight Sometimes he determin'd to speak of it to his Nursing Mother Florisma then all on a suddain he chang'd his Opinion so that having debated all things in his Interiour he resolv'd as the best to go to Constantinople and there humbly to supplicate the Emperor Esplandian of whom he had many times heard speak that he would give him the Order with Horse and Arms hoping seeing the Reputation he had to be the most affable and courteous Prince in the world that he would not refuse him The Emperor was at the time of their Arrival in the great Hall of his Palace attended by many Valiant Knights all clad in mourning for the Death of the Old Emperor and his Wife deceas'd not long before Close by him was the Empress Leonorina and her Daughter Luciana being then about twelve Years of Age and so fair withal and well behav'd that she was a Pearl amongst the Grecian Ladies And tho' Lucencio had been all his life time bred up amongst Shepherds and other Mechanical People yet was he not amaz'd at the sight of so great an Assembly but getting near the Emperor and making him a very low Reverence with an assured Countenance he set knee to ground and spake to him in this manner Most Potent Prince the Fame of your Goodness which fills the whole World has emboldned me to come to your Court that I might beseech you to give me the Order of Knighthood with Horses and Furniture necessary for tho' my whole Estate at present is no more than what you may see about me yet dare I assure your Majesty that I am descended leneally of great Lords nay even of Kings as I have been told But Fortune who will not make all equal has plac'd me in so poor a Condition that I have not so much as to procure me an Horse unless your Majesty please to bestow one on me The Emperor seeing him so fair young and wel-demean'd lookt on him with such an Eye that he was mov'd to pity and answer'd him Truly my Friend I will do what you desire me for I believe as far as I can guess by your Person that Knighthood will not be ill imploy'd in you And turning to the Marquess Saluder he said to him My Lord Marquess I give you this Gentleman for a Guest take him with you and furnish him with all that shall be necessary for himself and an Esquire Lucencio rose up and having made his Reverence to thank the Emperor went along with the Marquess who the same day provided him a Suit of rich white Armor such as was usually worn by new Knights And altho' he had never before been so accoutred yâ—t was it so fit for him and did so wâ—ll become him that he seem'd to have been altogether born for it That night he watcht in the Chappel with Florindo and on the morrow the Emperor accompany'd by the Ladies after Divine Service was over gave him the Order the Infanta Luciana to do him the more honour girding on his Sword Then taking him by the hand she led him into the Hall where the Tables were cover'd for Dinner But scarce were they entred when there presented her self a beautiful Lady clad in Cloth of Gold having â—er Hair which was fairer than the Sun spread upon her Shoulders and on her Head a Gaâ—land set with an infinite Number of pâ—ecious Stones She caâ—ry'd in a Scarf a Sword and Shield so richly adorn'd with Gold and Pearls that it was wonderful to behold and was led under the Arms by two Knights so old and feeble that each of them seem'd above an Hundred Years of Age. By her went a Gentleman between sixteen and seventeen years old very fair and so excellently shap'd that he seem'd a Master-piece of Nature A little behind came two other Knights compleatly arm'd except the Hands and the Head with four Damsels in very good Equiâ—age Then she who appear'd to be the Lady of this Company humbly saluted the Emperor and making him a Reverence endeavour'd to kiss his hands as the Gentleman also did but he graciously lifted them up asking them if they had any Business with him Sir answer'd she Your Majesty will be pleas'd to understand that I am Dutchess of Savoy nam'd Grimarta and as to this Gentleman neither You nor any other can know his Name before that be accomplish'd for which we are come forth of our Country and with which I am now going to acquaint you Your Majesty then may understand that the Duke my Father dying without any Heirs but my self I was incontinently crown'd in the City of Chambery where this Gentleman was then newly arriv'd who vanquisht with Love of me had lest his own Countrey hoping after he should have seen me so to employ himself in serving me that his Travel and Good Will should be in such manner acknowledg'd by me as he might attain to the end of his Desires And indeed if my Fame had caus'd in him any Affection for me 't was little in respect of the Ardor he found in himself as soon as his Eye had given him the enjoyment of my Presence Which Zeal was yet much more augmented after he had begun familiarly to discourse with me It hapned then that one day amongst the rest the Fire of this Love encreasing by little and little as we were a hunting with a good Company of Gentlemen Ladies and Damsels dispers'd about the Woods some this way others that way I was at a certain Stand accompany'd only by four of my Women and two Knights with this Gentleman Now so it was that a chafed Bear came running so furiously towards us with open Mouth that the two Knights in whom lay the Safety of our Persons were so srighted that they fled with all their might thro' the Forest Your Majesty will easily believe the Fright I was then in But this Gentleman alighting from his horse shew'd himself so valiant that at the approach of the Bear who thought to lay hold of him he gave
than this long and hard Prison My Friends answer'd the Gaofer you will be better us'd than you expect follow me He then guided them to Gradamarts Chamber into which six of them entred first dragging along their great Iron Chains Being come in they put their Knees to the Ground and prostrated themselves saluting the Company by whom they were presently known one of them being Adariel Prince of Naples the rest the two Brothers Suycias and Abies of Ireland Sons to King Cildadan Vaillades Son to Don Bruneo the Count of Alastra and Alarco who being in quest of the Emperor and the other Knights after they had pass'd through many Adventures too tedious to tell you fell into the Hands of Zirfea who imprison'd them with the rest she had before The Emperor and the rest them embrac'd them rejoycing and wondring both at their bad and good Fortune Neither was their any Prisoner who did not recount how all had befaln him the Misery and great Hunger they had so long endur'd In fine they prais'd GOD for their Deliverance concluding together that they who fear serve and honor him shall never be forgotten by him CHAP. XXVII How one single Knight fought against six before the Castle of the Isle of Argenes and what befel them NEws then being brought that the Infanta Axiana drew near her Castle the Emperor with the other Knights entred into Consultation what was best to be done Some were of Opinion to run upon her and surprize her with her Company But Perion of Gaul one of the most courteous and gentle Princes then living advis'd the contrary saying it would be better to send one of them who might acquaint her with what was befaln the Guards of her Fortress but that nevertheless if she pleas'd to lodge there she should be receiv'd with all the Honor and Reverence her Greatness and Beauty merited For said he I shall always commend the treating an Enemy with respect principally when he is in greatest Adversity leting every one understand that honour is inseparable from a Noble and generous Heart shewing it self no less in the depth of Misfortune and Infelicity than in the height of Prosperity and Happiness So that tho' Fortune may often enough bring to nothing earthly Goods which are subject to her Inconstancy yet has she no Power over the Merit and Vertues of the Person which reside in the Soul To this Resolution every one agreed and as they were considering who was fittest to carry the Message to Axiana the King of Sicily remonstrated to them that none could be more proper than Frandamella For said he Axiana receiving this dispeasing News by a Woman the Fury which may surprize her cannot bring a long with it such speedy Vengeance as it might against one of us but will be mitigated seeing with whom it shall have to do So that all will go the better For this reason was the Damsel sent who being amply instructed for her Ambassy and having an Esquire to guide her set forth on her way towards the Infanta that was come to dine in an House of Pleasure she had situated by the Sea-side But Frandamella was soon perceiv'd to turn back in great hast and ascend the Castle stairs till she came into the Chamber where all the Knights were still discoursing together whom she thus bespake My Lords if you please to see the Combat of one Knight against six come to the first Tower where I have left them and you shall there have that Diversion Lisvart Perion and Olorious hearing the News ran thither armed as they were as did also the Knight of the Burning Sword and being arriv'd where Frandamella had directed them found the six fiercely assaulting him that was alone who was a comely and couragious Knight mounted on a sturdy steed and so valiantly behav'd himself that he had already wounded the other in several places Now he was arm'd in black Armor without any Devise save that on his Shield there was in a Field Or a Castle Gules and he so bestirr'd himself that they who beheld him could not say otherwise of him but that he was a gallant man for he had in an instant slain out-right two of the stoutest yet the four that were left displeas'd at this loss spar'd him so little that it was to be wondred how he was able to resist them He nevertheless shew'd them such play striking on the right hand and the left so thick and home that he soon dispatch't likewise the third Wherefore their Companions growing more Outragious fell in upon him and by strength of Arm threw him whether he would or no out of his Saddle upon the Grass but he carried two of them along with him holding them so closely embrac't that they could no way offend him which greatly amaz'd the Beholders The last seeing this hastily set foot to ground thinking to relieve his Companions and murther the other which he had questionless done had he not been hindred by those that were looking on who call'd out to him to Retire or they would certainly fall upon him The Gallant much astonisht at this Menace and doubting worse suddainly took Horse again returning with full speed the way he came In the mean time those that were thus linkt together so long strove and struggled sometimes upper sometimes under that they were forc'd for want of Breath to let go their Hold and get up again yet not ceasing their Fight which they began again with their Swords as if they had done nothing all the day Whence it came to pass that after many Charges given and receiv'd the Assailants had the worse being brought to that Condition by the single Knight that they now did no more but ward his blows CHAP. XXVIII How the Knight which fled return'd to his Companions bringing with him Lucencio who fought against the Knight of the Burning Sword THe two Knights being thus handled and as it were ready to lay down their Arms he that had fled was seen to return accomyany'd by another mounted on a great black Horse and clad in Green Armor powdred all over with Quivers and Arrows of Gold and bearing in his Shield a Ladies hand holding a Bow with an Arrow ready fixt He was no sooner come thither but he Alighted and embracing his Shield drew his Sword out of the Scabbard which was all over cover'd with Pearls Rubies and Diamonds But the Knight of the burning Sword doubting he would fall upon him in the black Armor whom he judg'd within himself to be one of the bravest men in the World covering himself with his Shield and having his Sword in his hand stept forth and said to the new Commer 'T is with me Knight 't is with me you have to do and not with him who is already tir'd by having so gallantly performed his Duty Nor would it be reasonable that you who are fresh and unlabour'd should assail him so much to your Advantage How answer'd he Will you then hinder me
Malfadea lookt so carefully to him that he bagan to amend and his wounds to close and consolidate so that within three Weeks he was wholly cured and ready to bear Arms and take his Iourney And he was in a Resolution to return when there Arrived in the Port a Ship in which there Sailed several Knights who accompanyed a young Giant a Valiant Man named Lerfan of the Rock so called for a strong Castle he held an Island scituated on the Top of an high Rock Now Lerfan had been advertised of the Treason committed by Mascaron and for the Love he bare Malfadea undertosk to revenge her injury and restore her to her Countrey and to do this he swore never to rest till he had defeated Mascaron and those that belong'd to him For the performance whereof having prepared himself he came into the great Siclades with a good Troop of young Knights and other Persons Which being come to the knowledge of King Amadis he sent one of Malfadeas People to see what he wanted And by this Lerfan of the Rock understood the Traytors Death which gave him no small Pleasure though his Ioy would yet have been greater had he himself Arrived time enough to execute this Revenge for her wherefore he gave the Messenger this Answer Friend recommend me affectionately to your Mistress and tell her that I parted from my Countrey to chastise Mascaron and nevertheless since another has prevented me request her that I may at least see her before my Removal which will partly he a satisfaction to me for the pains I have taken for her sake The Messenger returned and did as he was commanded at which Amadis and Malfadea were so pleased that they sent back to tell him he should be very welcome Then he set forth towards them in good Order and they gave him a suitable Reception Leâ—fan would gladly have known the Knight that fought Mascaron and therefore enquired of Malfadea whether he were still in the Countrey The King who was present answered that 't was he and desired to know why he askt for him Sir Knight said Lerfan for no other Reason but to serve and honour you for besides the favour you have done my Lady by undertaking so much in her Quarrel I have understood that you have restor'd into her hands this land which belongs to her for which I give you very great thanks and beseech you that for your sake and for the Love I have born her all my Life you will pray her to love me and receive me for her Husband Amadis not knowing the Damsels Mind and could not tell what to answer But she took up the Discourse saying Indeed my Lord Lerfan I have long known the Affection you bear me so that if the King commands me he and you shall be obey'd Since you both consent answer'd Amadis I will not contradict it let us go to dinner that we may have the better Courage to perfect and give an End to this Beginning Then were the Tables cover'd and they were serv'd with a Banquet of such Provisions as could be gotten during which the Discourse grew so hot that bâ—fore Night came on the Contract was finisht and they lay together to the great Contentment of them voth And the King staid there till the first day of the next Week when he embarkt taking leave of the new marry'd Couple who would have given him a great Train to conduct him But he refus'd all except the two Mariners with whom he set Sail laching forth into the Deep CHAP. XLV How King Amadis sailing thro' the Mediterranean Sea to enter into the Ocean met Queen Buruca Wife to Magadan King of Saba who was in quest of the Knight of the Burning Sword to defend her against the false Accusation which Maudan had made of their Loves KIng Amadis being parted from the Port of the gâ—eat Siclades in the Guidance of his two Mariners pass'd ineontinently the Aegean Sea at the going out of which there join'd them a light Ship wherein there was a Pavilion of Cloth of Gold and under it a very rich Field-bed on which repos'd a Morish Queen having a Crown on â—er head cloth'd besides only with course Freez and appearing excessively discontented At her feet set two Damless leaning their Heads on their left Arms like Women opprest with Grief And by her side were two black Knights so weak that they were even double with Age and notwithstanding arm'd with Arms of great Value The King was in some sort amaz'd yet he curteously saluted them and one of them returning his Salutation said to him Good Champion GOD give you a favourable Adventure Can you tell us any News of a Person nam'd the Knight of the Burning Sword The King in whom the Desire of knowing what they would have with hâ—m increas'd more aâ—d more answer'd My Lords he parted from me not many dayes since and 't would be difficult for me to tell you at this time where he is and more difficult as I believe for you to find him But forasmuch as I greatly love and esteem him if you please to acquaint me with the Business you have with him I will endeavor to tell you farther what I know of him And if I can there is nothing how grievous soever that I will not in his stead undertake to do him Pleasure and Service On this assurance answer'd the old man and also because you seem to me a valiant man I will satisfy you Understand Sir Knight that this Lady whom you see lying here is Queen of Saba Wife to King Magadan whose near Kinsmen we are This King taking Pleasure to make use of white Persons some of his gave him about ten or twelve years since a Child call'd the Gentleman of the burning Sword for the Representation of a Sword which he has naturally printed on his Stomach red as blood with certain white Characters which have not yet been understood by any one as we know of The King did him so much Honor as to breed him up with his Son Fulurtin and gave them both Order of Knighthood so that instead of Gentleman he is at this day nam'd the Knight of the Burning Sword We are now seeking him and to find him are parted from Saba in the Equipage you see And to the end you may the better understand the Affair this Knight of the burning Sword being yet in Saba a Gentleman Son to one of the greatest Princes of Morona acquainted the King that he of whom I speak committed Treason against his Majesty abusing the Queen Beruca who is here present at which the King exceedingly displeas'd thought to ascertain this unworthy Act by surprizing them together but he was deceiv'd For the Knight of the Burning Sword was advertiz'd of it and absented himself so that since we have had no News of him And for this cause the King commanded the Queen to be taken and kept strickly till such time as he had recover'd the Adulterer to
permits me to out-live it thou mayest then do with more Reason what Knighthood permits thee for Satisfaction of thy mind otherwise the vengeance thou shouldst attempt to execute upon me might turn to the disadventage of thy Honour so that thinking to kill me thou mightst perhaps put an end at the same time to thy virtue and thy own Life since the Hazard may assoon fall upon thee as on me Frandalo who at the first hearing himself nam'd stood still perceiving the Pagan discourse with so much Reason made him this answer Indeed Knight I must confess that I had very much forgotten my self but the grief which surpriz'd me seeing the death of my Nephew whom thou defeatedst at thy entrance into this place as thou didst afterward my People even to this Knight my Cosen made me think to revenge my self on thee without any farther delay preferring my Choler before the Reason which every man of Honour ought to have before his eyes as thou hast made me Remember yet can I not imagine what knowledge thou hast of me Nevertheless who ever thou art it will be a Pleasure to me to know thy Name and much more if thou wilt leave thy foolish Belief and follow the Faith of IESVS CHRIST This doing I will not only quit thee the Combat betwixt us but will also find means that the Emperor my Master shall receive thee in his house according to thy Merits Frandalo said the Knight of the Burning Sword I was upon the point of perswading thee to the same thing It is then time lost to think of giving Counsel to him who comes nâ—t to receive it but to give it to another Therefore retire and let the Knight and me finish our Enterprize for we lose a fair Opportunity to no purpose My Lord said he who had the worst to Frandalo he has Reason I beseech you let him and me try our Fortune and if I am vanquisht then govern your self as you please Thus Frandalo stood aside and the two others began again their Combat more severely than it had been all the day so that in less than a quarter of an hour the Knight so endammag'd the Gyant 's Shield that he had no more of it left in his hand but the Handle by which he held it And so closely did the Gyant find â—imself prest that the goodness of his Armour could not secure him from the edge of his Adversarys Sword which drew Blood from him in such abundance that the pâ—ace before brown and dry became red and moist nevertheless he did not cease doing his duty for he had an heart so couragious and resolute that the Knight sometimes thinking their Battle at an end found himself still at the beginning But as much as the one grew heavier the other shew'd himself light and lusty At which Frandalo wondering said within himself that he had never seen any man equal in Prowess this Stranger altho' he thought he had known the best Knights in the World In the mean time the Gyant whose strength decreas'd by little and little desiring to bâ—ing the matter to a short Issue threw the little he had left of his Shield upon the ground and taking his Sword in both hands advanc'd to give such a Blow on his Enemies Helmet as he thought might cleave his head in two Nevertheless it hapned not so the Knight bearing it off with his Shield into which the Sword entred above an hands breadth and the yet point fell so heavily upon his Helmet that it was batter'd to his very head And as the Gyant thought to draw out his Sword he found himself so weak that he had much ado to keep himself from falling with his nose to the ground the other stepping aside with so much dexterity that as he drew back his Shield he carried away his Adversarys Sword that stuck in it and he was now lifting up his to give the Gyant his deaths wound when Frandalo putting himself between them said thus Ah! Knight if there be in you as much Courtesy as good Language spare the Life of this poor vanquisht person And as he finisht this word the Gyant wholly enfeebled fell flat upon the ground so that they thought him to be dead at which the Knight being somewhat sorry said to Frandalo In faith I wish you had not been so slow in asking me this Pleasure which I would willingly have accorded you and if it be not too late do yet grant you For tho' I repute you as my Enemy yet may I use to you all the Courtesy and good Language I possibly can Truly answer'd Frandalo you speak so well and I have such an esteem for you that if it were possible to hinder the Combat between us I would willingly do bit uâ— I look upon you as one that would not for any thing delay it Nor indeed would it be for the Honour of either of us to put it off There is nothing then but the death of one of us or perhaps of both together that can terminate this Difference One only thing I would have you grant me for your own great Profit and which I desire more for the duâ—y I owe to Chivalry than to your Person being an Enemy to our Faith It is that you repose till to morrow morning for I see you so tâ—r'd and harrass'd that the victory I hope to get of you will go for nâ—thing This offer made the Knight of the Burning Sword have a very great Esteem for Frandalo whom having thank'd for his Civility he return'd him this Answer Frandalo believe me that I am not yet so debilitated as to stand in need of Repose so that I do not see now any cause â—o retard our Combat wherefore look to your Defence Since it is so reply'd he come on Then they set themselves to Outrage each other making the place sound with the clashing of their Swoâ—ds and the sparks of Fire fly out of their Harness so that for the space of half an hour they were not seen to take breath their Fight being so incessantly furious that they had neither Shield nor any part of their Armour left entire the ground being sown with the pieces of it and water'd with their Blood At which the King of Jerusalem being amaz'd continually pray'd for the Knight of the Burning Sword hoping by his Victory to regain his Liberty Nevertheless considering the shocks he had already sustain'd and what he must suffer more he very much doubted of that which he would most secure himself of seeing him in his Opinion as brisk as if he had not handled his Sword that day By means of which Frandalo began to distrust himself and being seiz'd with a chill and unusual fear perceiv'd his strength to diminish and that of his Adversary to encrease and redouble Thus they continu'd above four hours till Frandalo was so wounded tâ—at instead of offending his Enemy he had enough to do to defend himself And tho' the Knight of the
him such a blow with his Staff between his two ears that he fell dead to the ground This gave me such Content that I determin'd in my self from that very hour to love him as he deserv'd and not without cause considering his Civility the Pains he had taken in coming from a far Countrey to see and serve me and the Danger to which he expos'd himself for to save My Life shewing himself tho' naked and unarm'd more couragious than those two who turn'd their backs with their Lances and Shields Wherefore I began from that time forward to treat him with more intimacy than I had done offering him my Estate and what ever a Woman of my quality can honestly offer Which gave him so much content that after a thousand thanks he said to me Madam tho' it will be impossible for me as long as I live to acknowledge the Favour and Honour you have been pleas'd and are pleas'd to do me I being such as I am and you so great a Lady and Princess yet will I with Protestation not to offend you take the boldness to make you a farther Request which I most humbly desire you to grant me hoping that the Effect will redound to your Glory and my Honour 'T is that you will be pleas'd to give me leave to go into Great Britain to King Amadis that I may of him at your request receive the Order of Knighthood This done forasmuch as that Countrey is said to be frequented with adventurous Knights than any other I will for Love of you and under the Favor of your Presence keep and defend a Passage during the Space of six Months against all those that shall attempt to pass it on condition that if I be vanquisht within the said time the Conqueror shall receive of you a Jewel of such value as you shall think fit to give him but if Fortune give me the Honour to get the better he or they that shall yield shall be constrain'd to leave their Shields in your Pavilion with their Names in writing for an assurance that they will come and serve you when you shall require them And if it happen that in this Enterprise I do any thing worthy your Love it will please you then to grant it me and not sooner for GOD for bid that a Princess of your high quality should have any Friend but such as she merits nor would it be Reason that I or any other having done so little for you should attain so great Happiness as by your Authority to call himself Yours This Request Sir I so willingly granted him that a few days after we set forth on our journey and for the Jewel he speak to me of I caus'd to be brought with me this Sword and Shield which you see with an Helmet which for its Goodness Beauty and Richness is not to be valu'd But by misfortune said she shewing one of her Women this Gentlewoman in whose custody it was staying behind us this morning was met by a Knight who askt her for whom she kept it She answer'd him for the best Knight in the world Then he more discourteous than Gentility desires took it from her by force saying that since it was dedicated to the best Knight in the world it belong'd to none but him And having gotten it from her against her will he fled thro' the wood so that she lost sight of him at which being greatly discontented she came to us weeping for the Outrage which she related to us These Knights who accompany me hearing it ran to overtake him but seeing they lost their Labor in searching for him being advertiz'd that you made your Abode in this your City we resolv'd to come and pay you our Respects and know whether you would please to command us any thing to King Amadis with whom we had long since been had not Fortune driven us into these Coasts This said she held her peace Madam answer'd the Emperor You have done me both an Honour and a Pleasure by this friendly Visit for which I heartily thank you and this Gentleman also to whom Our Lord if he please grant the Grace to accomplish so noble an Enterprise And as to the Villian who has done you the Injury about your Helmet believe me I am very much displeas'd at it as well that so base an Act should be done in my Countreys as that it should be committed against a Lady of your Rank During this Discourse Lucencio thought in himself that he would go to Revenge the Damsel and recover what she had lost Wherefore without any farther delay he kneel'd down and besought the Emperor that he would give him leave so to do which he readily granted him Then addressing himself to the Dutchess he said to her Madam I have all my life heard that Knighthood was principally ordain'd to preserve Ladies and Gentlewomen from Injury I entreat you therefore command her whom the Knight has thus wrong'd to conduct me till such time as we have found him and I promise you by the Faith I ow the Emperor to revenge her and you also or to dy in the attempt Truly Knight answer'd the Dutchess I very heartily thank you and immediately commanded the Damsel to accompany him saying to her And as soon as you shall have recover'd the Helmet fail not to come into Great Britain Then Lucencio having eaten something took horse and accompany'd only by Florindo who serv'd him for an Esquire and the Damsel departed out of the City in which the Dutchess made afterward but a very short stay for having thankt the Emperor for her good Reception and taken her leave of Him the Lords and Ladies she embarkt steering towards Hercules's Pillars for to enter into the Ocean Sea Now there were many upon the Shore looking after her at her departure when a Knight compleatly arm'd except his Head and his Hands entred the Palace and saluting the Emperor was known to be Sergil Esplandian heartily welcom'd him asking him how King Norandel did Sir answer'd he He humbly recommends himself to your good Grace and has sent me expresly to acquaint you that one sole Knight has valiantly conquer'd the Defended Mountain fought with and vanquisht Belleris Frandalon and Frandalo so that he and the King of Ierusalem are become Masters of the Fortress as we are certainly inform'd by two Souldiers of the Garrison who have made their Escape to Tesifanto May it please you therefore Sir to advise how you will have King Norandel govern himself in this Affair and to consider the importance of the Place easy to be regain'd before the Turks send Succour thither if you prevent them How reply'd the Emperor Is it possible that one only Knight has done so many Feats of Arms as you say And are my People all dead No Sir said he But never Knights better did their Devoir tho' they were in fine vanquisht and left without means to defend themseves GOD be prais'd for all answer'd the
so cover'd that there was nothing but her Eyes to be seen she was accompany'd by ten Knights compleatly Arm'd and four very fair Damsels She saluted them courteously and they return'd her salutation asking her whither she was going My Lords answer'd she we are going to see the Wonders done by a Knight who keeps a Kay hard by and whose Renown is such that I am come expresly from my Countrey to see him In truth said the Emperor we will then accompany you thither for some of ours desire to try themselves against him In good time answer'd the Lady I am very glad of it we shall see whether 't is true that is said of him As they were discoursing thus they went out of the Forrest and perceiv'd in the Plain two Rich Tents set up in a Grove of Elms against one of which there were many Lances leaning and under the shade was a Chair of State in which was sitting a very fair Damsel and near her a Knight compleatly Arm'd who seeing this Company approach set her immediately on a stout Nag which two Esquires held by the Reins which done she rid directly to the Emperor and his Company and said to them Sirs the Dutchess of Savoy my Mistress sends you word if you resolve to pass the Kay it must be on the same Conditions that all others do which she declar'd to them Perion who was the first to enter into play took the word before all the rest and answer'd her Damsel we are come on no other occasion and therefore 't is not needful to say any more of it wherefore return to your Mistress and tell her that we will keep the Law which is establish'd So much the better said she and suddenly turning her Horse went back In the mean time the Knight of the Kay knowing that Perion was making himself ready to Iust charg'd a great Lance and covering himself with his Shield march'd slowly to meet him but approaching the Career they ran so stifly one against the other that their Staves flew in shivers themselves meeting with Shields Bodies and Head so that they both came to the Ground and their Horses under them Nevertheless they got up again and putting their hands to their Swords began to Assault each other so outragiously that they well shew'd themselves to be no Prentices in that work For this first Assault continued above two hours without their taking breath or without its being known who had the better or the worse and their Shields were so hack'd and their Armor so endammaged that not being able to resist any longer the edge of their Swords the pure blood was seen to trickle down from their Bodies to the Grass The Dutchess who piteously beheld her Knight chang'd colour every moment because the longer Perion continu'd the more brisk and couragious he appear'd making himself so much dreaded by his Enemy that he thought he never found any Man except the Knight of the burning Sowrd that put him so much to it aâ—d for this cause praying within himself he said O GOD who hast so long kept my Honour abandon me not I beseech thee to this devil who will dishonour me if he can A devil certainly he is though he has the shape of a Man for if he had been other he could not have treated me so rudely wherefore permit me not O Lord in five days which remain to accomplish my Oath in the keeping this Pass to fall into any shame or danger of my body Now Perion thought no less on his side Nevertheless he would rather have chose never to have been disenchanted than to be so unhappily vanquisht and that in Great Britain the thoughts of which so enrag'd him that he redoubled his blows whereof the Dutchesses Knight made little Account nor could any Advantage be discern'd more on the one side than on the other tho they were hath so dy'd with blood that their Harness before bright was become red which very much displeased Lisvart who thought 't would be impossible Perion should not hâ—ve an ill Issue of it And for this cause he lookt on him with a piteous eye which Perion perceiv'd and thinking that he accus'd him of faint-heartedness suâ—priz'd with shame mix'd with Anger he lift up his Arm and thinking to strike his Enemy with all his force on the head his Sword entred so far into his Adversaries Shield that it cleft it the point only reaching to his Forehead which it wounded in such manner that he stagger'd two or three Paces backward This when the Dutchess saw she chang'd Colour which was perceiv'd by her Knight who desirous to recover his Reputation and rejoyce her who was almost dead at the sight of his misfortune flew at Perion giving him such a blow on the Helmet that if it had not been one of the best in the world his life had been infallibly gone But by misfortune his Sword brake leaving nothing in his hand but the hilt yet through the great fierceness of the blow the Laces of Perions Helmet brake so that his head remain'd disarmed and he was fain to clap one hand on the Ground to keep himself from falling But rising nimbly up he took his Sword in both hands and was ready to give his Enemy the like when the Damsel whom they had met in the way attended by so fair a Company alighted from â—â—r Horse and catching hold of Perion stopt him saying Ah! ah my Loâ—d 't is enough for GOD's sake forbear for he whom you are going to kill is your Son Don Florelus and she that holds you is his Mother Perion much astonisht at her Words suddenly knew her to be the Dutchess of Austria who came to seek him in Trebisond to defend her Land which he re-conquer'd for her as you have been told in the sixth Book of Amadis of Gaul whereat he then receiv'd great Ioy. And nevertheless as if he had been in the Presence of his Lady Gricileria he could not forbear to blush fearing she would be discontented at it But finding Florelus to be so good a Knight that there was not known any Difference between them he perswaded himself she would easily forgive him this Fault Florelus then understanding by his Mothers Discourse that he was Son of Perion was the joyfullest man in the world she had indeed formerly told him of it but he had never seen him and therefore resolv'd as soon as his Enterprise was finisht to go and seek him where-ever he might be Wherefore seeing himself deliver'd from this Travel and the Offence he had committed he threw his Helmet on the Ground and kneeling down to kiss his Hands said to him with Tears in his Eyes Alas My Lord pardon me this Fault for which I am certainly very well chastis'd tho' I esteem my Wounds as nothing and less the Resistance I have made against you For if there is any Goodness in me it proceeds from you who are my Father Perion being unspeakably glad took him up
understood that the Accusation which is brought against this Noble Lady was invented with the greatest Malice in the world I am ready to fight the Traytors to and prove against them by force of Arms that they have falsly and maliciously accus'd her and that in all the Evil they have said of her and the Knight of the burning Sword they have ly'd in their Throats No sooner had he finisht this Discourse but Maudan stept forward and holding his Cosin by the Hand answered with great Boldness By my Head poor Stranger thou art mightily deceiv'd thinking thus to save the Queen who deserves to be burnt that she may serve for an Example not only to the noble Ladies of Saba but to those of the whole Earth For 't is certain and we will maintain it that she has offended against the King by the Adultery which the Wretch who is flâ—d and she have committed together And because thou art so forward I tell thee that thou thy self ly'st and that you both deserve the Fire or else to be drawn by four Horses thro' the street of this Town Ah Villain answer'd he in the red Arms if thou knowest as well how to fight as to rail thou must be a brave Fellow Nevertheless one thing perswades me that thou art no such since to second thee in so wicked an Act thou tak'st as honest a man as thy self Thus are you both nothing worth and against both will I maintain the words I have spoken before the King's Majesty and so many Lords here present and here is my Pledge to defend it in open Combat and that presently if it please the King Then he stretcht forth the fore-part of his Armor which Maudan took hold of and pull'd so roughly to him that King Amadis was ready to fall at which he was so displeas'd that putting his hand to his Sword he was about to draw had not the Consideration of the Place where he was with held him as also that King Magadan concern'd himself in it And knowing the wrong and injury the other had done him spake this to Maudan in great Wrath How now Is it fit for you to be so presumptuous in my Presence By all our gods if I take you in hand I will make you repent it Be gone and never offer to contest so much any more in my sight Let the Combat be to morrow as this stranger has requested to whom I swear on the Faith and Word of a King I will cause such exact Justice to be done that he shall have no Cause to complain Then he rose up and went very angrily into the Chamber with Fulurtin and the others that were most intimate with him In the mean time Maudan and his Cosin returned home the Vermillion Knight also retiring himself in the Company of those who had brought him with great Honour and good Entertainment expecting the Time appointed for the Combat CHAP. XLVI How King Amadis fought Maudan and his Cosin Azaruc whom he defeated and then embarkt to return into the North. NOw the Story says that Amadis armed himself betimes the next day devoutly bâ—seeching GOD that he would be pleased to preserve him from the Danger into which he was entring as he had several times done especially seeing the Iustness of Buruca's Quarrel whom that he might the better defend one of the Kings Vncles sent him by an Esquire a very Stately Steed on which he mounted And to conduct him to the Field there came Seniel one of the Iudges whom King Magadan sent thither accompanyed by five Hundred Knights So Seniel bare his Lance and the two Old Dukes his Helmet and Shield Thus they marcht together in good Order to the Place appointed for the Combat which when they had rid thrice round with the found of Trumpets and Clarions they placed him at one end under a Pavilion expecting the two Assailants Maudan and Azaruc who in like State entred a little after into the Lists without which a little aside there was a great Fire kindled and near to it the Queen with some Gentlemen appointed for her Guard and behind her the Executioner ready to perform his Office if the Vermilion Knight should be vanquisht But Buruca had so good and so assur'd a Constancy that every one prayâ—d for her reputing her innocent and wrongfully accus'd To the which the better to perswade them she wore that day all the most precious Ornaments she had So she had on the Crown and Diadem according to the Custom of Saba which so augmented her Champions Courage that he thought long till the Heralds gave notice for the beginning of the Combat Which was done soon after for by the Command of Magadan Maudan and Azaruc being on the one side accompany'd with two Counts their Kinsmen who serv'd them for Sureties and the Vermilion Knight on the other between the two old men who had brought him thither a King of Arms made Proclamation aloud that none should be so daring or presumptuous for any Good or Evil that might befal the Combatants to give them any sign by any Look Word or otherwise either to incite or discourage them And this on pain of Death Then he cry'd out with a loud voice three several times in these following words Let the good Combatants go and do their Duty At this Cry the Sureties on both sides retir'd and the Trumpets began to sound Then the two Cosins set forward against the strange Knight who ran directly against Maudan whose Death he desir'd for the insolency he had shewn at his presenting him the Pledge of Battle and met him so fiercely that breaking his staff even to the handle a Truncheon stuck in his Shoulder-piece and pierc't him through with so much Pain that he fell out of his Saddle to the Ground Which Queen Buruca seeing was very glad tho' this Ioy lasted her but little For Azaâ—uc couching his Spear low wounded Amadis's Horse in the Shoulder so that he fell down and his Master under him who nevertheless got up again before Azaruc had finisht his Carreer and taking his Sword in h s hand went towards Maudan who was already on his feet and as if he felt no Pain from the wound he had receiv'd in his Arm fiercely pull'd out the Truncheon and threw it far from him Then the Knights fell cruelly on each other But Azaruc who was alone on Horseback spur'd up and thinking to beat down Amadis and trample him under his Horse-heels came furiously against him The King who perceiv'd him stept aside and with great Address as the Horse that was in motion pass'd on struck him on the Ham so that his Leg being lam'd he fell down yet not so suddenly but Azaruc found Means speedily to quit his Stirrupâ— and al got to assist his Companion whom the Vermilion Knight fiercely pursu'd and as one who was no Apprentice at the Trade bestirr'd himself so couragiously betwixt them that every one began to judge he would gain the Victory
sent them what secur'd thâ—m for 't is certain that had it not been for the goodness of their Harness they had been â—oth slain But they could not draw any blood but only bruise one another by tâ—e Blows they mutually interchang'd To return then to our Knights Birmartes hearing with whom he had to do his heart so swell'd that he thus answer'd the Knight of the Burning Sword by my head 't is a great Pleasure to me to know who thou art that I may have more occasion to abate thy Arrogance nor do thou think that thou hast any Advantage over me For before the Game is ended thou shalt find that I am better able to revenge my self than thou to threaten Having said this word he rusht upon the other and struck him so fiercely on the top of his Helmet that he constrain'd him to put his knee to the ground but he soon got up again and in revenge gave his Adversary such a blow in the same place that his two hands serv'd him for a support on the Grass tho' he made there no long stay but resettling his Helmet they began again better than before not but there was always discern'd some little Advantage on the side of the Knight of the burning sword And indeed he was descended of the most illustrious and glorious blood at that day on the Earth having to his great Grand father King Amadis who considering that if he let them Fight any longer the Death of the other was near said to the three Kings which were sitting by him that 't was better to go and pray them to part seeing the great Loss there would be in losing them Which they approv'd and going down from their Scaffolds went to the two Knights who at their coming drew back and King Amadis and the King of Sicily address'd themselves to the Knight of the burning sword to whom they said Knight be pleas'd to do so much for our sakes as to proceed no farther in this Combat for 't is not reasonable that two such gallant men as you are should dye on so small an occasion He who presently thought that by refusing so courteous a Request made him by such Persons as they were particularly by the Father of her whom he lov'd better than his own soul he might be blam'd thus answered them For certain my Lords 't is grievous for me to retire thus nevertheless desiring to obey you in all things let us know what mine Enemy thinks of it against whom I am the most unfortunate Knight that ever was for this is now the second time that he has escap'd from me with more honour than I desire I assure you said King Amadis that he will do what he shall be requested to by the Kings of Naples and Sardinia Who in the mean time was perswading Birmartes to consent to the same To which he willingly gave ear knowing he had the worst altho' he bravely conceal'd what he thought of it And for this Cause he said to them My Lords the Quarrel beâ—ween this Knight and me is such that I should rather choose to lose my Life than leave this Combat but for your sake whom I desire to please I will obey your Command So they led him into his Pavilion leaving the King of great Britain and Alpatracy with the other whom Amadis indeed thought to be the Knight of the Burning Sword and had already acquainted the King of Sicily with his Suspicion of which that he might know the Truth he made Alpatracy a sign with his Eye to ask him who therefore thus spake to the Knight I desire you Sir of Courtesy to tell me your Name For I suspect you to be a Gentleman whom I greatly love and esteem And if you are the same you would be to â—â—ame to conceal your self especially from King Amadis who has done that in Saba for him whom I take you to be that he will be for ever oblig'd to him This he said to draw the sooner from the Knight of the burning Sword what he desir'd who was at first so astonisht at this News that he was a long time without answering and would willingly have discover'd himself had it not been for the Desire he had to be reveng'd of Birmartes whereever he could find him thinking that he lov'd Lucella Wherefore he thus answered the King Sir I know not what Love you bear me nor whom you think me to be but if you wish me any Good 't is not altogether without Reason since I have all my Life desired to do Service to You and such as You are You will therefore be pleas'd to name to me him for whom you take me that I may better know who he is In good faith said the King he is nam'd the Knight of the burning Sword and I well believe that you are none of he For he would never concel himself from me Certainly Sir answer'd he 't is not long since I left him and I am so much his Friend that I desire you for his sake to tell me what it is that King Amadis has done for him in Saba to the end that if I find him again he may have News of it Then Alpatracy related to him at large how Queen Buruca had been accus'd and what became of it Ah! said the Knight of the burning Sword in the mean time within himself Traytor Maudan the Gods have had too much pity of you for without toiling such a Prince you deserv'd an Halter Nevertheless he gave no knowledge of this Fault and less of his Person but thus answer'd King Alpatracy Sir I am very glad for the sake of the Knight of the burning Sword of such good News with which I will assuredly acquaint him and that before it is long Wherefore your Majesty will be pleas'd to give me leave assuring you if I can meet him that we will bear you Company in the VVar you undertake whether against the Emperor or the King of Metz. In the mean time be pleas'd to pardon me if I conceal from you at present who I am For I resolve not to discover my self before I have put an End to an Affair which highly concerns my Honor. In this manner did he stop the Mouths of these two Princes who afterward importun'd him no farther tho' they had still a Fancy that 't was he himself Nevertheless not willing to constrain him any farther they thank'd him however for the Succor he promis'd them And forasmuch as it began apace to grow dark and Night was driving away the Day they seeing the Kings of Saâ—dinia and Naples return from Birmartes's Pavilion gave him the good night to go and join themselves with the two others And they four together took their Way to the Town and the Knight of the burning Sword went to the Place whence he parted in the Morning CHAP. LXI How the Knight of the Burning Sword arriv'd in his Tent where he had left Alquif's Damsel by whom he sent a Letter
his Prize and ran to take his Arms saying By my Head Sir Knight the Joy you have made me lose shall turn to your Displeasure This said they charged one another and their Combat was at the beginning very fierce for the Pirat was nimble and dextrous yet could he not long resist the Knight but was forced whether he would or no to give back and the other entred into the Skiff Then began the break of Day to appear and the Infanta perceived that he who fought for her Defence was Tall Well-proportioned and Armed in black Armor without any Device except in his Shield where he bare Or an Heart divided Gules And because the Victory began to appear visibly on his side she devoutly praâ—ed our Lord that he would preserve him to the end which happened soon after For the Knight of the Boat gave the other two such blows together with his Sword that he was fain to put his knee to the ground which being redoubled Death followed and he fell into the Sea Which Esclariana seeing said aloud Henceforth Villain shall Damsels be delivered from thy hands and out of thy Power Now the Sun began then to display his Beams the Knight of the Boat not having yet minded Esclarianas Beauty but when he beheld her Love so strongly surprised him that forgetting the Anguish and Discontâ—nts he had so long suffered for Love of her who had first deprived him of his liberty and for whom he had put himself into an Infinity of Dangers Tra ersing so many strange Countreys where he put an end to several fair Adventures be fell so in love with this that he began to change Colour and to become Thoughtful and Pensive At which she being grieved as thinking â—im wounded she said to him Alas good Knight I beseech you bear your self up for to see your Looks I can have no Joy in my heart seeing the Obligation I have to you and what you have done for me Alas if you are wounded shew me where that I may remedy it in the best manner I can At this gracious word the black Knight found himself unspeakably eased and putting both his knees to the ground answered her Pardon me Madam if I have not at first shewn you the Respect I ought for your excellent Beauty so alienated the soundest Parts both of my Heart and Spirit that I found my self in an instant free and immediately a Captive wounded with so mortal a Wo nd that no other Remedy can do it good but your gracious Favour which I beseech you to grant me telling me your Name and what Adventure brought you hither that I may serve you as you shall command me She who had seen him Fight so well hearing him speak with such a Grace and perceiving him to be one of the fairest Knights in the World wisht suddainly within her self that he were of a Family worthy to be her Husband nevertheless she at that time dissembled this Thought and feigning not to understand him made him this Answer Indeed good Knight I cannot sufficiently thank you for the obliging Offers you make me to help me in my Affairs which within these eight days have been so strange that I my self in whom they are pass'd cannot comprehend nor understand them Save that I can swear to you there never was a more poor and desolate Damsel than I am hoping nevertheless in GOD's mercy that the good Succour you have given me in my great Necessity shall not remain long unacknowledged but shall in time be recompensed since 't is impossible Fortune should continue long so severe to me as she has been at the beginning Wherefore I entreat you to Conduct me into great Britain For you cannot easily have me back to the Place whence this Villain stole me as I was sleeping near a Lady who will be greatly discontented at my Absence And being come before King Amadis you shall intirely know my Descent and who I am In the mean time your self will do me the Favour to tell me who you are to the end I may not fail to give you the Honour and Respect that is due to you When the black Knight heard she would go into Great Britain he had a more desire to know her than before nevertheless fearing to displease her he would not importune her any farther but answered her thus Madam I am so much yours that I will not disobey you in any thing but will conduct you into Great Britain or elsewhere as you shall think good My Name since you desire to know it is the Knight of the Divided Heart and this Shield well signifies the sorrow in which I have to this day lived till it was almost stifled by length of Time But I have now found it in such manner renewed in me that this Name is more sutable to me than ever And have you no other Name said Esclariana Yes indeed Madam answered he Lady of my Heart For it is yours and it would not be reasonable it should conceal any thing from you that you desire to understand and therefore I acquaint you that I am Florestan Son to the King of Sardinia who has not this long time heard any News of me because I have Traversed many strange Countreys enduring so many Passions for the Love of a Lady to whom I had given my heart and who has so severely treated it that never any Knight sufferâ—d so much even to this day that I am faln from one Disease to a greater And may Heaven be pleased to give you knowledge of the Good I wish you and the Evil I suffer for your Love which indeed burns fiercer in my Soul than ever did the Heat that heretofore tormented me for being Loyal to her who left me sorrowful and without any Joy And this indeed was the Truth For the Emperor of Trebisond having Marryed Griliana to the Duke of Breigne he grew so discontented that he went incognito wandring through the World and had a Combat with Lisvaâ—t as you may find in the Sixth Book of Amadis of Gaul after which he pass'd into many Islands finishing several Adventures by which he gained great Honour under that disguised Name And he was yet following his Fortune at Sea without desiring any Company but the Mariner that conducted him when he came seasonably to the Rescue of Esclariana But forasmuch as our History is principally designed for another We have not amused our selves with Relating his Valiant Acts as what would have been too tedious and little to our purpose You may be pleased to be informed that as soon as Esclariana understood he was Son to the King of Sardinia whom she knew as having often seen him in the Court of the Emperor her Father and to whom she was Related her Purpose of never having any other Husband was fully confirmed Wherâ—fore lifting him up from his knees on which he had long been she said to him My Lord Florestan if I have not been so respectful to you
as I should excuse if you please my ignorance and the little knowledge I had of you but so it is that I now well see GOD has not wholly forgotten me since he has made me fall into the hands of such a Knight as you Now I again pray you to conduct me into great Britain For till then you shall know no further what I am Thus much indeed I will tell you that if you love me I also bear you such Affection that none but you shall ever be my Lord if you will honour me so much as to receive me fâ—r your Wife Which may be accorded with King Amadis for I have at present no other Father but him Wherefore it is necessary he consent to it else both you and I should be to blame Which makes me humbly request you to defer it till then Madam answered he the Assurance you give me brings me so much Joy that I know not well what Thanks to return you And as to the rest I swear to you never to transgress what it shall please you to command me but I will conduct you into great Britain where we shall be welcome because the King is my Fathers Brother I am very glad of it said the Princess Whilst they were thus Discoursing a Storm began to arise which hourly increasing so tossed their little Vessel which their Mariner was fâ—in to leave to the Mercy of the Winds that they were often in hazard of Drowning for during the space of eight days they knew not which way they went and yet Florestan was so contented with having his Mistress near him that he minded not the Danger he was in Being thus Driven by the Tempest they were carryed at last to a very fair Island well planted with Trees where they went ashore Then Florestan took Esclariana by the Hand and as he was walking with her to refresh her under the shade listning to the Notes of many little Birds there flew over their Heads two great Griffins who so frightned the Princess that without the Assurance given her by Florestan she had dyed Yet did they not therefore stop but went on to a Clear Fountain which issuing from the Rock made a little Lake in the midst of which was placed an high Pillar of Marble having on it the Effigies of a Lady carved in Porphry with a very fair Crown on her Head and in the Marble were engraven certain Caldean Letters which Florestan though skilled in many Languages could not read The Water of this Fountain appearing very Fair and Clear Esclariana had a desire to drink but she had scarce swallowed the first Draught when she was changed into an horrible Serpent which beating its Wings and shaking its Tail leaped into the Depth of the Lake leaving â—lorestan the most amazed Man in the World But presently after rising up again she came upon the Water where she stayed not long before she entred into the Hollow of the adjoyning Rock Wherefore Florestan in a manner Desperate followed her saying in himself GOD never help me if I thus forsake my Lady Then running after her he had no sooner set his Foot within the Rock but met the most terrible Monster imaginable for he resembled a Wild Man save that he was without an Head and had his eyes in his Stomach being bigger than the talest Giant that ever were seen In his Hand he had a great Club with which he struck Florestan such a blow on the Head that being ready to fall he was forced to put his knee to the ground Nevertheless he got easily up again and approaching of the Monster gave him such a blow with his Sword that he separated one of his Legs from his Body so that he fell down to the Ground giving a great Cry Then Florestan fell upon him and made an end of killing him when he perceived near him a Lady having on long white Vails and leaning on a Staff who said to him in great Wrath In an ill hour Sir Knight had you ever so much Power as so lightly to kill the Guard of my Cave This said she stretched out her Arm and with all her strength struck him on the Helmet saying Well you shall serve me then and shall be put in his place Scarce had Florestan received the blow of the Staff but he stood upright and like a Man deprived of his Senses thought on nothing but keeping the Entrance of the Cave Then the Lady returned whence she came And in the mean Time the Mariner who stayed in the Boat seeing that Florestan and Esclariana did not return brought his Vessel to an Anchor and went to look for them Then he sought every where till he came to the Fountain where he drank and was immediately without any knowledge of himself only perceiving that two Damsels carryed him away he knew not whither till at length he found himself in an Obscure Dungeon Imprisoned with several others whom he could not see for the Darkness of the Place Now let us leave them all Three in this Condicion and return to the Princess Brisenna who had lost her Daughter as she was asleep CHAP. LI. How the Princess Brisenna when she awaked not finding her Daughter was exceâ—dingly discontented and of what happened and the manner how she was at last delivered YOu have heard in what manner the Infant Esclariana fell into the hands of the Villain who would have forced her and how she was carried away as she was sleeping near her Mother without her or any others perceiving it Now the good Lady awaked soon after the Trouble of her mind not permitting her any long Rest Then she stretched forth her Arms to perceive how her Daughter did but not finding her rose up and with a Torch that was burning in the Chamber looked all about to see whether she had not hid her self that she might sleep more securely Then she well knew she was stolâ— away Wherefore going forth on the Deck she began to cry and roar like a mad Woman so loud that Maragnon so was the principal Pirat named heard this Noise and wondring at it askt the Princess what she ailed Alas Sir answered she what have you done with my Daughter She has been lâ—tely taken from me Maragnon was exceedingly surprised to hear of this Loss and doubted his Companion Brutus had plaâ—ed him some â—rick And for that he speedily armed himself and witâ—out answering Brisenna took a Torch and went to Brutus's Cabin who seeing him comâ— in that manner asked him who disturbed him Who answered Maragnon You your self who have taken away the fair Damsel we took Yesterday Faith said the other it is not so but you your self have stoln her And immediately would have her sought for even in the retiring place hoping to defeat Maragnon's Design and recover Esclariana But if the one was disturbed the other was not at rest Nevertheless they laboured in vain as you have understood In the mean time the Diâ—conâ—olate Mother made