of seeing his Court any more It greatly grieued Galaor to heare these newes considering what harme might ensue thereby in time And on the other side hee had continually beene so affected to the seruice of King Lisuart as hee could not forsake him notwithstanding his loue to Amadis or any other and being vnable to conceiue what should mooue him thus to estrange himselfe from the place he sometime so highly esteemed hee desired to vnderstand the cause Brother answered Amadis you may well think I doe it vpon vrgent occasion and I would to God I could no more remember it seeing the thought thereof is death to me and therefore I pray yee spare any further speech in this case Where-to Galaor gladly yeelded and finding discourse on contrary matters they arriued at Monstrel where they went on shoare because they vnderstood that King Perion soiourned there for it was the neerest Towne that he had in Great Brittaine and there he made expressely his aboad to heare tidings of his Sonnes Amadis and Galaor No sooner did hee behold the Ship put into the Port but hee sent to know who were in it and the Messenger deliuering his errand to Amadis was answered that King Cildadan and Bruneo were come thither onely to doe their duty to the King who was not a little ioyfull of the newes hoping that they would informe him in what he further desired So mounting on horseback they rode on to the Court but Amadis and Galaor went another way for they desired first to see their mother to trye if shee would acknowledge them or no. So as the King came forth of the Towne they entred the Castell where they met an Esquire to whom they said Friend we would intreate if you were so pleased to acquaint the Queene that two knights of her kinred desire to doe her reuerence and to see her The Squire was quick in deliuering the message and brought them answere that they might enter Heere you must obserue that the had not seene Galaor since such time as hee was carried away by the Gyant being then but two yeares old Neuerthelesse so soone as they came before her beholding Amadis instantly she presumed the other to be Galaor and was so rapt with extremity of ioy that as shee was about to embrace them she fell forward on them as entraunced being vnable a long while to speak vnto them at last she said Ah blessed Virgin Mary what do I behold deare ioyes hath Heauen so fauoured mee as to let mee see you both together So she swouned againe betweene their armes but shee was quickly recouered by her Ladies and then came to Melicia who had no meane part in this nouell ioy Thus the Queene had now her three children with her and called to mind her passed misfortunes not onely in respect of Amadis but also of Galaor the one escaping the dreadfull shipwrack on the Sea the other from the hands of the Gyant Albadan and now what with sorrow past and ioy in presence so strong a warre fought with her affections that her chearefull countenance became quite changed Notwithstanding after she had recouered her spirits and some ordinary discourse past betweene them shee demaunded if they came alone into Gaule Madame answered Amadis King Cildadan came with vs in the Ship and Bruneo also in company who by great misfortune chaunced to bee wounded some few dayes since He is a good knight valiant and hardy and my desire is he may find entertainement fitting his desert Trust me Sonne quoth she he shal haue heere all the honor and respect may best be deuised as well for his owne sake as for your faire affection towards him And I will command your Sister who knowes right well how to cure all kinde of wounds that shee shall bee carefull of his health Sister saide Galaor I ioyne with my Mother in this suit to you for he is worthy of all helpe and I know no Gentleman liuing more forward then hee in the seruice of faire Ladies Witnesse the Arke of loyall Louers where he made proof of his loue to one that well may esteeme her selfe most fortunate to be honoured with the seruice of so loyall a man as neuer could be taxed with any disloyalty When Melicia heard these words of her brother Galaor in behalfe of him whom she loued as dearely as her owne life she could not auoid blushing neuerthelesse being discreetly wise she modestly excused this alteration and said to her Brother Galaor Sir since it stands so well with the lyking of you and my Mother heere I promise yee that I will vse my very best endeauour in his seruice At this pause entred the Kings Cildadan and Perion who as yet had not heard of his Sonnes arriuall that kneeled downe and did him humble reuerence Enfoulding them louingly in his armes he demaÌ„ded what fortune had broght them thus together considering the generall report that Galaor was lost on the day of battaile which King Cildadan had against King Lisuart You say very true Sir replyed Amadis and so began to discourse how he and Brunco arriued at the Sad Isle Alas quoth King Cildadan can we talke heâ—re of Bruneo and wrong him so much as leaue him so long a while in the Ship when it were much better for him to bee on land In sadnesse answered the Queene there is nothing more contrary to a greene wound then coldnes of the water And therefore instantly commaunded that hee should be conueyed into one of the best Chambers in the Castell which accordingly was done forth with Then came the Ladies to visite him and the Queene gaue him most gracious welcome desiring him to be of good cheere For heere is my Daughter quoth she right skilfull in the Art of Chirurgerie that meanes to bee your often visitant But Bruneo tooke these words otherwise then the Queene meant them because as formerly hath beene related he affected Melicia with his soules best integritie and for her loue onely and none other had approoued and ended part of the aduentures of the Enclosed Island Nâ—uerthelesse at this time he knew how to gouerne his passions thanking the Queene most highly for this her kinde and gracious offer So she withdrawing left her Daughter and some other of her Ladies to prouide such things as were needfull for him By this aduantage of time and place Melicia seated her selfe so apparantly in his eye as he might perfectly apprehend the raâ—â—â—y of her beauty which fed his â—â—pes with such ease and happiâ—es thâ—… he coueted no recouery of his new receiued wound feeling the smart of the olde one and gâ—uen him by loue so long agoe And no little comfort did he receiue by the sweete speeches of the faâ—e young Prâ—ncesse who gaue him assurance that in very short time his wounds would be cured prouided that he perfoâ—med wholly what sheâ— appointed him For otherwise quoâ—h sheâ—… you may fall into farre greater danger I trust Madame quoth he not to disobey
hee was there ready to enter Combate with him Notwithstanding either because he was valiant and therefore much feared or whether the whole assembly ioyned with him in opinion there was no one would contradict him By which meanes I bare away the supreme honour from all the fayrest Ladies in Romania to my no small pleasure and contentment as is very easie for you to imagine And now Sir if by your meanes I might attaine to a further passage and reach to that heighth which my heart hath euer since aymed at and desired I should account my selfe the happiest Lady in the world Madame quoth he commaund mee what you please and if it be in my power to performe bee well assured you shall finde mee ready in obedience Heereupon she thus proceeded My Lord I haue heard that in the Court of King Lisuart are the onely bright beauties not to be matched if you please to conduct me thither and there to au ouch as much for me either by Armes or otherwise that I may haue the honour aboue them as already I enioy ouer those of this Country I shall confesse my selfe more beholding to you then to all the other Knights in the world for I haue no other motion then this to make vnto you and which most earnestly I beseech you to graunt Whereto if you condiscend I haue resolued on a speedie parting hence and to be attended with such a company as shall highly honor so good a knight as you are And this may the more encourage you because in the presence of the King of Great Brittain and all the Lords and Ladies of his Court you must maintaine that the Lady you haue brought thither which shall bee my selfe is fairer then any Maiden there to be found which if any one dare gainsay by force of Armes you will compell him to deny it And for further enlarging the glory of the Conquerour you shall weare a Crown vpon your Helmet which I will cary along with me and he against whom you contend shall haue another that the conquerour in signe of triumph may also weare that of the conquered Wherein if Fortune stand fauourable to vs and that you finish this enterprise according to my minde then I must further entreate you to conduct mee into the Firme Island where as I haue heard is an enchanted Chamber that no Lady or Gentle-woman can enter into except shee excell Grimenesa in beauty who neuer could be equalled by any Then will my chiefest desires be accomplished and you discharged of your promise made mee therefore aduise well with your selfe whether you intend to deny me or no. When our Knight had heard this discourse he suddenly changed colour and thus replyed Alas Madame you haue vndone me in vrging a mater so far out of my power and haue euen strooke me dead with your words This he spake considering what wrong he should offer Oriana in attempting a labour so highly to her dishonour And on the other side he was well assured to finde an infinite number of good Knights in King Lisuarts Court who by any perill that might happen would not endure so deepe an indignitie beside this was the readiest way whereby he might fall into his Ladies dis-fauour and perhaps procure his owne death by this meanes In consideration of all these inconueniences he called to minde also his kinde entertainments receiued by Grasinda what a helpe she had beene to him in so vrgent a necessity and how he had bound him-selfe to her by voluntary promise these contended so mainly with his other cogitations that when his seruice to Oriana checkt him from pursuing this enterprise reason re-required and enforced him to the contrary Heereupon he fell into such a perplexitie that he wished hee had neuer beene borne and cursed Fortune who was so contrary to him in all occasions Then suddenly he called to mind that Oriana was no Maide but a troth-plighted wife hauing had a child as Mabila had sent him word and therefore he that should maintaine a fairer Maide then Grasinda was a faire wife should receiue shame and so by good reason he might enter the Combate with him Which either before or afterward as he found time place and oportunitie to fauour him he would make knowen to the Princesse And therfore as one awaked out of a serious studie or escaped from some melancholy dungeon he began to eleuate his spirits and with a smyling countenance thus he spake to Grasinda Madame most humbly I beseech you to pardon the fault wherein I haue offended which proceeded not from any feare to vndertake the very greatest matter that you can command me or the most difficult danger wherein you please to imploy me but my heart hauing sole soueraignty ouer mee sought to make vse of me elsewhere had not the obligation wherein I standmost strictly bound to you for so many high and gracefull fauors done me preuailed against him in crauing leaue to obey your disposition which I am ready â—o performe conditionally that without any regard of my indiscreete answere you will vouchsafe to remit this errour In good faith Sir knight answered Grasinda I was much amazed to see your sudden alteration and heare your refusall of such a matter as cannot but redound to your honor and my glory But perceiuing you are now in so good a deliberation I pray you to continue it being assured that by your meanes I shall gaine the like honour ouer the maydes of Great Brittaine as I haue already wonne from the Ladies of Romania and that I may afterward iustly weare the two Crownes as hauing gotten the prime place of beauty by conquest Beleeue me Madame answered our Knight the way you purpose to passe is greatly to be doubted and you must needes goe through so many straunge Countries as trauaile may be very offensiue to you and diminish much of that goodly feature and liuely colour wherewith Nature hath most liberally enriched you So that by gaining in the one you may perhaps lose in the other wherefore consideration is very requisite before repentance ensue too late Sir said shee counsell is already taken and my resolution certainely set downe for notwithstanding whatsoeuer may happen I am not able to be altered without spare of gold siluer paine or perill any way ensuing And whereas you say that we must passe through many strange Lands the Sea in this case can best releeue vs as I haue learned by Maister Elisabet Well then Madame quoth he take order for your other affaires and let vs part hence when you please That shall be said she so soone as wee may in the meane while bee no way iniurious to your selfe but passe the time as pleasantly as you can for I haue Hawkes Hounds and Huntsmen to yeeld you pleasure and therefore I would aduise you this day to chase the Hart Hinde or nimble Roe or any other game that may best delight you Whereto hee willingly gaue consent so that after
to vse his Sword and stand as defence for all such as are in need no doubt but Heauen will be his helpe in defending him from all harme and encreasing his great renowne Then came Leonorina the onely daughter to the Emperor with the two daughters to Barandel King of Hungarie 〈◊〉 who was so rich in beauty and all choyce perfections that she seemed a rare pearle among the very fairest Princesses of the world And that which most of all did illustrate her rarities was her extraordinary wisedome and delicate carriage in regard whereof euery one tooke delight to behold her but much more to keepe her company Hauing done a gracious reuerence to the Emperour and afterward to her Mother shee sate down at her feet Then our Knight looking on her remembred when Oriana was left by King Lisuart in SCOTLAND being then about her age at which time Loue depriued him of his liberty and gaue him wholly as her seruant Immediatly all the fauours of amitie gracious entertainments since their first acquaintance presented themselues to the eyes of his soule and his affection being no way weakened or impaired either by length of time or distance of place but rather much more encreased threw such a sudden amorous affliction vpon him that he was wonderfully pensiue in this melancholy fit he thus spake to himselfe silently Oh happy prison which by good reason tooke my spirit captiue for more admittance into greater libertie Oh sweet death occasion of a double life Oh quick remeÌ„brance that canst keepe such an affectionat â—oue so couert Poore Amadis farre off from thy louely felicity what canst thou hope for heereafter wouldst thou hinder the issue of thy life whereby thou mayst be rid of so many miseries Ah Oriana the true exemplary of all vertue thy absence is so grieuous to me as I can neuer hope to recouer ioy With the conclusion of this priuate imparlance he breathed forth a loud-speaking sigh which the Emperour perceiuing became full of maruaile thinking some strange accident had befalne him But instantly they noted a chearefull reuiuing of his spirits and his lookes to bee as fresh and faire as before yet as ashamed of his soules sudden rapture in this kinde to lay his passions so open to euery eye the new tincture in his countenance gaue euident testimony This raised a more earnest desire in the Emperor then before to know whence such a sudden vnexspected mutation should proceed vrging the opinion of Gastilles therein Trust me Sir quoth he I am not able to iudge in this case but ratherstand as one confounded to see that such a man as he is should declare so little discretion in such an assembly Assure your selfe replyed the Emperour this passion proceeded from some intimat affectioÌ„ to her that hath the highest command ouer him It may be so answered Gastilles but to clear all doubt let M. Elisabet be questioned in this case Then was he called the Emperor said to him Elisabet my long-loued friend I am desirous to know one thing of you which I charge ye by the faith you beare to God to resolue mee in if you can And I sweare to you vpon my soule that by mee it shall neuer bee discouered Sir answered Maister Elisabet you may well perswade your selfe that I will not lye to a personage of your greatnesse but will tell you freely any thing I know Can you quoth the Emperour yeeld a reason why our new-come knight both sighed and wept so lately I desire you not to conceale it from me for if hee stand in need of any thing whatsoeuer assure your selfe hee shall be supplied in such good sort as he shall haue iust cause to shake off all melancholy Sir replyed Elisabet heerein I can say nothing to you for he is such a man the very closest in such maters as he will not haue manifested as I neuer saw the like No man can better dissemble his priuate fantasies yet I haue often seene him in such extremities that if a man might gather iudgment by sighing I haue imagined that his heart must needs split in sunder yet neuer was it possible for me to know the cause But thus much I verily conceiue that it must needs be the controulling power of loue which torments him in such tyrannicall maner being perhaps far off from her whoÌ„ he affecteth I iumpe with you in opinion said the Emperour and I could well wish that his loue were to some Lady of this country for I would be so liberall in bountie to him as there is neither King Prince or Lord so potent but might repute himselfe happy to match his daughter in marriage with him that thereby we might be the more certaine of his company And if you Maister Elisabet my hearts true friend can worke this mater out of him by your wit rest thus resolued that you shall well vnderstand my acceptation of the seruice which you may doe in this kinde and therefore let me perswade you to pursue it Sir quoth he you shall perceiue that I wil do my vttermost heerein So the Emperor rising went to the Empresse taking her aside said Madame you haue lately seen as wel as my selfe what sadnes our knight of the greene Sword suddenly fell into we cannot gatherwhat should moue him thereto therfore I entreat you to deuise some meanes wherby we may know it likewise if hee will consent to stay here still with me I wil not be sparing to him in any demaund whatsoeuer My Lord said she it were best in my iudgement that to morrow we should attempt this enterprise for I will take him at such apt oportunitie as he shal haue work enough to deny me In the meane while I will allow such gracious fauours towards him as both you and I will preuaile in that wee would haue So they spent out the whole day entertaining the knight beyond all compas and on the morrow after Dinner the Emperour caused the Ladies to meet there againe where at the first encounter hee was charged by the Empresse who the better to gaine her intent smyling as it were by way of deuising said Sir Knight since you came into this Court I wel remember that a mightie melancholy fitte seazed on you suddenly and it is no longer since then yesterday let me entreate ye fair Sir to tel me whence it should proceede for if it were occasioned by any iniurie either done heere or any-where else within the Emperors commaund bee well assured that you shall bee righted And if it might stand with your good liking to abide heere with my Lord the Emperor no knight in all his house can find better welcome I would perswade you thereto if I might Madam quoth he if I had so much power as to commaund my selfe I should thinke it a happines for me to haue so gracious an offer but being compelde to obey mine owne hearts affections which no way may permit
Emperour as I am enformed three dayes more to keepe him company Faire Knight let me entreate ye to afford me two dayes beside his during which time you shall be dayly if you please with me and my Gentlewomen because without any impeachement wee may the better gouerne you Therefore aduise your selfe with a good heart we hauing you heere among vs will compell you thereto perâ—â—â—ce As shee thus spake shee made a signe to her Gentlewomen to lay hold on him Seeing himselfe thus engirt by them all what amiable graces and milde forces they seazed him with by a voluntary importunity he promised to obey them in this or what else they would command him and smyling hee thus speke vnto the Princesse Leonorina Why Madame being vnable to escape so sharpe an imprisonment as is heere presented to my face doe you imagine that I dare any way contradict you or yours In good faith Sir answered one of the Gentlewomen you doe the wiser for if you did the contrary you would be in greater daunger then when you fought with the Monster Endriagus Truely Ladies quoth he I beleeue ye assuredly considering it is certaine that a man shall haue more labour in offending such Angels then if he contended against twenty worse Deuils then he was Wherefore I had much rather attempt againe such another like warre as that then fall into the perill of your displeasure Remember then Sir answered Leonorina what you haue promised and looke that you bee carefull in keeping it Thus our knight continued in Constantinople fiue dayes longer then he purposed during all which time he was a good companion among the Ladies and Gentlewomen who neuer ceased to enquire of him concerning the singularities of the Firme Island the Defended Chamber the Arche of lorall Louers and also the Portraitures of Apolidoâ— and Grimenesa Likewise concerning the Ladies of King Lisuarts Court the fashion of their garments their manner of behauiour and a thousand other things such as ouer curious women most commonly couet to know And as hee made answere stil to his best power in cases of this nature he considered with himselfe that if his Oriana could haue made one in this faire company he should haue thought that all the bright beauties in the world were there congregated together At last he grew so distracted in his soule that words began to faile him and he stood as falne into a traunce Which the Queene Menoressa Lady of the Isle Gabasta perceiuing shee held him so strongly by the arme that immediatly hee came to himselfe againe Then he well perceiued that hee had fayled in some one kinde or other wherefore in excuse of him-selfe he said vnto them I beseech ye Ladies thinke it not strange that hauing before mine eyes so many admirable beauties wherewith both God and Nature hath bounteously enriched you all I should finde my sences quite transported from their vsuall course by remembring one of whom I did sometimes receiue so many gracious fauours that finding my selfe now to bee farre off from her I endure a torment worse then death my spirit being rapt out of my body and liuing in her to serue and obey her as I ought to do Wherefore Loue being to blame for the fault wherein I haue offended before you should deseruedly receiue the punishment and not I whom hee tormenteth with too much rigour Great compassion tooke all the Ladies and Gentlewomen on the affliction which they beheld our Knight continually to suffer and euery one stroue to comfort him so well as she could But the day being come when he must needes take leaue for imbarquing himselfe the Queene Menoressa who bare him an intire secret affection said vnto him Sir Knight by something that I know your long absence hence will scarcely be well taken but seeing wee must needes endure your losse I pray yee to accept a gift of me which I am very desirous to bestow vpon you Then shee called for sixe Swords the very fairest and best tempered that euer were seene desiring him to furnish his friends with them and not to be vnmindfull of her Madame quoth the Knight your gift is such that for your sake they shall come to the hands of sixe knights the best in mine opinion this day liuing and of whom you may and shall dispose at all times and in all affaires you will please to command them That is the matter said the Princesse Leonorina which wee all together moue vnto you By my faith Madame quoth he all my life-time I shall be yours ready in obeisance when you please to imploy me I thanke you Sir replyed the Princesse and doe more-ouer entreate you that you would please so much to honour vs as to send hither someone of your linage to remaine particularly ours and to serue vs all as need shall require Madame quoth hee I make no doubt but before any long time to send you a neere kinfeman of mine who being in your seruice you may well vaunt that you haue one of the best knights in the world This he spake as thinking of his Brother Galaor whom he intended to cause to come and serue the 〈◊〉 perour both for the augmentation of his renowne and the bigher honour of the Princesse But it fel out otherwise for in steed of Galaor Esplandian arriued there some while after who for the loue of the I'rin cesse Leonorina fought many a braue fight as you shall vnderstand when we come to speake thereof Let it suffise vs now that the knight of the greene Sword was shipt as that day and setting sayle with Master Elisabet launched forth into the maine bound with prosperous gales for his returne to Remania Wherefore we will be a while silent of him to tel ye that much about this season the Prince Saluste Quide the Queene Sardamira with their traine arriued in Great Brittaine to conclude with King Lisuart the marriage of the Emperour and Oriana And perswading themselues that the voyage should answere their owne intention they published in all places as they passed along that they should shortly returne backe with the Empresse But GOD in whose hand all things are declared heerein that hee doth oftentimes dispose matters quite contrary to the opinion of men who neither loue or repose any confidence in him but thinke to command both times and the starres according as it commeth into their owne braine Wherein they finde themselues both mockt and deceiued â—euen as these Ambassadours did who were entertained with the greatest triumphes and honour that the King could possibly make them CHAP. XII How the Knight of the greene Sword departed from Constantinople to satisfie the promise which hee formerly had made to the faire Grasinda And of that which afterward happened to him OVr knight of the green Sword being on Shipboord and set foorth from the Port of Constantinople as already hath beene related to yee the windes were so fauourable to him that in lesse then twenty dayes
hee arriued at the place where the faire Grasinda liued in exspectation of him And albeit hee was yet farre off from Great Brittaine yet notwithstanding finding himselfe approaching towards the place that gaue his heart best life and encouragement his hopes did so heighten themselues and his spirits were so graciously cheared as not anything seemed now impossible to his apprehension though in fiue yeares absence he had endured a world of afflictions And now euen as if he felt the heauenly ayre of Great Britaine his foule laboured with an infinity of discourse concerning what things he was to performe what meanes he should compasse to wâ—nne but a sight of his Oriana Now long before his landing Grasinda had heard by many what worthy deeds of Chiualrie he had done in all the Islands of Romania wherefore being certified of his arriuall accompanied with many knights Ladies and Gentlewomen of the Country shee went to wel-come him as honourably as might be Then conducting him to her Palace there wanted no entertainment that best could expresse her affection towards him and thus she spake Beleeue me Sir Knight if formerly I held a good opinion of you at this present it is much more encreased considering how faithfully you haue kept promise with me in being returned from your long voyage before a yeare is fully compleated Which armeth mee with a perfect perswasion that hauing not fayled in the first you will doe the like in the next which according to some conference passed betweene vs a little before your embarquing for Greece I purposed to acquaint you with all at your returne Madame quoth he God forbid that during al my life-time I should any way shew my selfe vnthankfull to you for you haue so farre obliged me to you that I must in dutie confesse that next vnder God and Master Elisabet who by your command hath kept mee company I meerely hold my life by your meanes and therefore you may dispose of me as shee that wholly hath power ouer me Surely Sir said shee if hee haue done you any acceptable seruice I repute it as mine and take it in as kind part as if it were performed to mine owne selfe Now because Supper-time drew neere and the whole day had beene somewhat contagiously hot shee commanded the Tables to be couered in a most delightfull Arbour where all varieties of possible pleasures were plenteously to be seene and all delicate viands so sumptuously serued in as it exceeded the compasse of any expression Supper being ended they went discoursing together so long about the faire walkes that night ouer-took them which caused Grasinda to conduct him to his Chamber where in honorable manner she tooke leaue of him Our Knight being in bed in steed of sleeping he fell into his accustomed melancholy and as if Oriana had bin there present hee thus discoursed with himselfe Alas faire Friend my long absence from your person hath loaded my soule with so many dolorous passions that but for feare of displeasing you Death had long since wrapt mee vp in my graue and depriued me of my onely happines which consisteth in the sight of you Oh mine eyes are you not ashamed to exhauste by throwing forth teares the scarcitie of humour wherein my â—ad heart nourisheth it selfe in exspectation of my returne towards her for whose seruice onely my spirit contents it self to breathe in this toyling body Alas the more hope you haue of seeing her againe the higher do you attaine to happines by such fauours as she hath extended to you farre beyond your merit Moreouer you may well remaine assured that her loyaltie is so constant as by any accident that can happen she will neuer varie vnderstanding my fidelity in her owne soule to be such as I had rather dye an hundred thousand times then to lose the least glimpse of her kind fauour These words were so loudly deliuered by our Knight that Gandalin who slept soundly awaking at the noyse started vp and asked if hee would commaund him any seruice Alas Gandalin quoth he I pray thee take no heed of mine vnruly passions but rest contented that I must suffer them seeing Loue hath brought mee into this extremity You are a strange man replyed Gandalin thus to afflict your selfe when you should be most comforted and cheared in heart considering that we are well on-ward in the way of returning to your Lady Oriana for whose sake you suffer all these torments And me thinks you should doe well to throw off these disturbing passions which present ineuitable perill of life and draw on danger of sicknes when you should haue most need of health for grief begets ouer-hasty infirmities which will hardly be auoided at the largest leysure therefore good Sir take rest if you can How quoth hee canst thou talke of rest or returning to Oriana considering what a promise I haue made to Grasinda which may commaund me further off from her then hitherto I haue beene I cannot thinke so Sir answered Gandalin but am rather perswaded that her motioÌ„ may draw you nerer to her then you can imagine What sayst thou Gandalin replyed our Knight doest thou thinke that Fortune can be so fauourable to mee Assure thy selfe if so great a good might befall me I could bee well content to forgiue all her former cruelties which since I was cast vpon the Sea she hath infinit wayes imposed on me And if euer I happen to such a place where I may compasse any meanes for sending thee to Oriana wilt thou doe so much for me to carry her immediate tydings of me and make mee once more as happy as when thou wentst first to her at my returne from Gaule How sayst thou doest thou remember it That doe I Sir said Gandalin and can as well speake to her and make discourse of all your life as euer I did if you dare repose so much trust in mee for I know both the Saint and shrine she is deuoted to and therefore in the meane while Sir let me entreat you to be of good courage Thus spent they out the most part of the night deuising together on such attempts as might happen by the way in their returne to Great Brittaine Earely the next morning our Knight arose and went to finde the Ladies who were hearing Masse which being ended Grasinda tooke him by the hand and leading him somewhat aside began in this manner Vnderstand Sir knight that about a yeare before you came into this Country I happened into an assembly procured by the Duke of Basile whereto al the faire Ladies and Gentle-women of these parts were summoned As we were in the chiefest of our good cheare I know not by what occasion but my Brother the Marquesse Salender a man whom you well know and in whose custodie I then was spake out aloude before all there present that my beauty was so highly excelling as no one in all the company might be compared with me and if any Knight durst maintain the contrary
first to bee done before I present my selfe to the Ladies of this Country Then Master Elisabet called for a Skiffe which instantly was broght whereinto they entred and as they made towards the Shoare they esspied a Ship lying at Anker Herevpon our Greeke Knight being desirous to know who was in it commaunded the Mariners to get neere it which being done Angriote called to them in the Shippe demaunding whence they were whether they were bound and who was aboord Surely Sir replyed our Patrone our Shippe is come from the Enclosed Isle and heere are two Knights aboord who will gladly tell ye what you desire to know When our Greeke Knight heard speech of the place whereto he was so much affected and that two of his companions were there his heart leapt with ioy and Angriote continuing his questions desired the Patrone to cause the two Knights to come vp on the Deck and in the meane while to tell him how they were named That may not I doe answered the Patrone lest they should grow discontented with me but I will call them vp to you and performed his word accordingly Then they came vp on the Orelop and Angriote saluting them demanded if they knew where King Lisuart lay Trust me Sir answered one of them wee will gladly instruct you in any thing we can but first we would entreate you to resolue vs in one matter if it consist in your power for which wee haue vndertaken this voyage and purpose not to soiourne in any place vntill wee can be therein satisfied If wee know it said Angriote you may be well assured that we will not conceale it from you Sir Knights quoth the other haue you heard any newes of a Knight named Amadis de Gaule in search of whom many of his friends haue endured much paines and trauaile and haue left few places without enquirie These wordes did so touch our Greeke Knight with ioy and compassion that hee could not refraine from teares considering what affection so many worthy men did beare him and what sorrowes they suffered for his sake First tell me said Angriote what and who you are and afterward you shall vnderstand so much as I know Then the other who all this while had bin silent stepping forward said Such as know me call me Dragonis and this my companion is named Enill both resolued to ore-run the whole Ocean and question Port by Port vntill we finde the men wee speake of Gentlemen quoth Angriote God be your speed and for your sakes I will gladly enquire of our Shippes wherein are straungers of many Nations what they can say to this demand of yours Our Greeke knight vrged him to this answer because hee would not be knowen so soone Angriote then began again saying I pray you Sir where may we finde King Lisuart and what newes is in his Court Sir answered Dragonis he is now in a certain City of his called Tagades an excellent Port of the Sea confronting Normandie And there is a great assembly of his knights sitting in coūsell about a motion made by the Emperour of Rome to enioy his Daughter Oriana in mariage wherto no one will giue consent Already there are arriued many Romanes to conuey her thence with them among whom is the Prince Salusta Quide Duke of Calabria other the greatest Lords of the Empire beside a worthy traine of Ladies and Gentlewomen and shee is already called Empresse of Rome But she mournes incessantly for it is much against her mind that this marriage should be so much as talked of We may well imagine that this was more then Greek to our Greek Knight for neuer was man strooken into such an astonishment especially vnderstanding the great regrates and grieuances of the Princesse Notwithstanding his spirits recouering chearefull vigour and being resolued withall that it was quite against her consent and contrary to the liking of the Lords of Great Brittaine hee might the more easily helpe her by Sea or Land wherein hee would not faile the very meanest Gentle-woman in the world Much greater duty then he owed to her without whose grace and fauour hee could not liue one houre as he was verily perswaded in his soule And highly thanked God for vouchsafing his arriuall in a time so opportune that hee might doe her any seruice As not doubting but to compasse the height of his attempt getting her into his power and without any blame by her and to ouercome all his misfortunes together And here in his soule he read a lecture to his Ladie discoursing his bitter sufferings and languishments the paines and perils by him endured since the time he saw her last and now the catastrophe of all contentment after a more then Herculean labour Now said Angriote to Dragonts you are sure that the Romaines are already come about this businesse On my faith quoth he it is yet but foure dayes since wee parted from the Enclosed Isle on the very same day there arriued Quedragant Landin his Nephew Garnate of the Dreadfull Dale Mandacian of the Siluer Bridge and Helye the Deliberate who came to know of Florestan Agraies when they should begin the quest of Amadis de Gaule And because Quedragant purposed to send to the Court of King Lisuart to vnderstand there some tidings by strangers Florestan made him answere that it wold be but lost labor in regard that himselfe had made the like question could know nothing But wee heard by one of his Squires that there happened some difference between them which he corrected in such sort as he is much commended in all places for it I pray you Sir quoth Angriote tel vs what is that Florestan He is answered Dragonis one of the sons of king Perion of Gaule who sufficiently resembleth the goodnes and worth of his two other brethren Hereupon at large he recited the contention between him the Romanes in presence of the Queene Sardamira how his Squire after-ward came to the Enclosed Isle with their Shields wheron in bloody caracters was written each mans name And because they were so shreudly handled by Florestan the Queene sent after to entreate him to be her conduct to Mirefleure whether shee went to see the Princesse Oriana These newes were highly pleasing to the Greeke Knight his associates neuerthelesse when he heard him name Mirefleure his hart began to tremble remēbring what delight and pleasure hee had there somtime receiued Wherfore with-drawing himself aside he called Gandalin to him saying My friend Gandalin thou hearest as wel as I these tidings concerning Oriana doest know withal that if they should take effect I could not liue one houre after therefore let me preuaile with thee to doe one thing which I will aduise thee and this it is Goe thou with Ardan to Grasinda and tell her that you two with these other Knights heere present will trauaile to finde out Amadis de Gaule Being come to the Knights secretly tell them that I am heere
there after the mariage was sollemnized between the Princesse Oriana and Amadis Moreouer there were many Ciuet and Maske-cattes which made the ayre so extraordinarily sweete as nothing could bee therewith compared and sometimes the Pellicane also made her sent there Great store of other worthy creatures liued there also as Harts Hindes Roes Goates Hares Connies c. withall diuersitie of Birdes and Fowles as it was wonderfull to heare the varietie of their noates especially the Nightingale and the solitarie Owsell affecting alwaies to be alone From forth of a nere neighbouring high Rocke descended a great water which filled the Lake whereof you haue heard iâ— the second Booke where the Hart lost his life narrowly pursued by the hounds as hath beene already related And thither vsually resorted the Beuer to bathe himselfe with an infinite number of Swannes Cignets Cranes Storkes Cormorants Heronnes with a plentifull store of all other Birdes But all these made not this Lake so singular as the frequent resort of a Mare-maide which was heard there were neere continually singing as neuer was heard more delectable hermony From this Lake issued many Riuers and Currents which made diuers little Islands in this Meadow In one of them was a Dedalus or Labyrinth contayning onely foure Acres in square planted with the most precious Balme that euer grew in Engadia And it was continually kept by two Serpents bred of his kinde that watcht the golden Apples in the Garden of Hesperides day and night Directly in the midst of this Dedalus was a Colossus of guilded Brasse contayning the height of sixe score Cubites holding in his left hand raised vp on his head a Lanterne of Christall and in it the rod yet burning wherewith Prometheus kept the fire which he stole from heauen yeelding such a bright splendour day and night without diminishing that for the space of an hundred miles round in compasse the Mariners made their resort thither as they did to Pharos neere Alexandria This flaming Rod Apolidon had gotten by great industrie from the Priests and Magitians of Chaldea And whosoeuer could looke on this vnextinguishable fire in his true nature and without couering in this manner hee should attaine to most mighty prouidence But the Serpents kept the place very strongly without doing any harm to them that tooke delight in the Parke prouided that they presumed not to enter the Dedalus for then they would belch forth such fire and flames as was able to daunt the boldest spirit And all this was thus ordained by Apolidon who was as you haue formerly heard one of the very greatest Enchanters in all the world yet when the matchlesse beautie entring into the Defended Chamber should come neere to this Colossus the Enchantments must cease and easilie might this admired fire bee looked on Now gentle Readers consider seriously with your selues if the like Pallace can now a dayes bee easily found accompanied with such plentie of singularities as Oriana saw there To proceed on now in our Historie the Ladies and Gentlewomen being brought to their seueral lodgings the Knights of the Enclosed Isle departed from them committing them to their good rest because in deed it was somewhat late Neuerthelesse the Princesse Oriana all that night could not sleepe partly through wearinesse on the Sea and partly by her fearefull conceite of harme that might ensue to Amadis vpon this bold and hardie aduenture which gaue her some reason to fore-thinke of an intestine warre betweene him and King Lisuart And now she beganne to consider with her selfe that to palliate the earnest affection betweene them there was necessarily required that she should gouerne her selfe much more discreetly then formerly she had done to kill all occasion of ill conceiuing of her Hereupon the next morning shee sent to Amadis and the other Knights requesting to haue a little conference with them and they who desired nothing more then to serue and honour her came immediatly vpon her commande and after courtesies past on either side Quedragant who had charge from the whole companie to vnderstand her will said Madame as we are enfourmed you haue sent to speake with vs let vs know what you will please to command vs In good faith Sir answered the Princesse commaunds are no matters for mee especially to them in whose power I am as a prisoner you may speake your pleasure Madame quoth hee but there is not a man among vs who is not willing to do you any seruice Oriana returned him many thankes and then replied thus Let mee entreate you then to bee so pleased that during the time of my residing in this place my women and I may be seuered from all other company and also to promise vs that none of you whosoeuer it bee may come to see vs without our leaue and permission for you well know that the surprizall you haue made of vs and of the Emperours people being once divulged abroade it will be hard to comprehend the end of your intention and our innocence but speeches may passe to disaduantage But when they shall heare the religion wherein we desire to liue till such time as the King my father recall mee into his good opinion I am perswaded that easilie they will conuert their harsh language into honest excuses for vs all who together make this request so reasonable to you wherein we hope you will yeeld vs no deâ—…ll being the first that euer we made to you Mâ—… answered Quedragant we are hâ—… to â—o other end but to obey you and beleeue that in this and all things else you shall please to commande vs no one of vs dare or will gainesay you Euery man among them affirmed as much allowing highly of her wisdome and prouidence And albeit Amadis imagined this their seperation a little too rigorous hauing no other felicity in the world then to be in her presence yet he was feigne to dissemble it being a matter so reasonable and for the conseruation of her honour whom he affected as his life Hoping notwithandsting that though the day time denied him such an happinesse yet the night would blesse him somewhat better albeit not so often as hee could wish it CHAP III. Of the Councell held among the Knights of the Enclosed Isle touching the businesse for the Princesse Oriana and what they further determined to doe YOV haue formerly heard the victory which Amadis had against the Romans by meanes whereof he got Oriana into his possession and the other Ladies that bare her companie which he accounted the happiest of all his other fortunes albeit he fore-saw in his soule that very hardly hee should appease the iniury which he had done not onely to King Lisuart but also to the Emperour In regard where-of questioning with his owne thoughts that it would require no meane might to withstand such potent Armies as from either side would be made against him yet notwithstanding hope conducted by the power of loue gaue him this resolution rather to die
order By my faith Madame said Briolania to Oriana vpon this discourse of Grasinda I now call to minde how when I came first to see you at Mirefleure Lord Amadis passed by the Tents and Pauillions there raised on the way while I tooke the fresh ayre Diuerse Knights were then in my company who fell into the like fortune as her Brandasidell did for they thinking to cause him come speake with mee vpon compulsion were all disgraced sore wounded You haue tolde me that oftentimes answered Oriana who receiued all these reportes to her owne aduantage as being well assured that this melancholy humor of Amadis had no other ground but only by his ardent affection to her So instantly they went all to rest because it grew to be very late CHAP. X. Of the report deliuered by Quedragant and Brian to the Knights of the Enclosed Isle concerning their Embassie to King Lisuart And of that which thereupon was resoluedly determined QVearagant and Brian Ambassadours sent to King Lisuart being returned back againe to the Enclosed Isle as hath already been amply declared beeing desirous to render a reason of that they had done mette on the morrow at Councell purposely so appointed by Amadis and the other Knights Whereupon Quedragant beeing to speake for himselfe and his companion began at large to rehearse his speeches to the King and the answer thereon made him Which quoth Quedragant was so short as wee can conceiue no otherwise but that he will deale with vs as hardly as hee can considering his prouiding of men for all partes making full account to shew vs no mercy And we haue no great cause to be agreeued thereat because our honour and chiualrie will thereby bee more renowned more then at any other time we can attaine vnto for if we beare away the victory it will bee spoken of through the world to our fame his reproach Now as oftentimes in the like attempts men declare themselues to bee of diuerse opinions so here it fell out for some allowed of war and others were more leaning to peace But Agraies who bare but little loue to King Lisuart for those reasons before alleadged vndertaking to speak for them all beganne thus Honourable Lords I know not how with any honesty we can giue ouer our intention of warre considering what iust occasion wee haue and beside our enemy is in some forwardnesse to come against vs. Notwithstanding it is no wisdome in vs so to suffer him but rather to muster our forces speedily and march directly into his countrie to let him wel vnderstand what wee are For if wee permit him to come seeke vs heere beleeue it vndoubtedly it will so puffe him vp with pride that hee who of his owne nature is presumptuous enough will thinke he hath wonne the day at the very first landing Besides we shall runne into our owne dis-reputation many waies in giuing occasion to the ill-iudging world not only to msconster the iustice of our cause but also to throwe some sinister opinions on Madame Orianaes iniuries for which wee are thus entred into Armes For my selfe I sweare to you vpon mine honour had not her earnest and incessant entreaties to me not to speake against peace been so vehement I had neuer consented that any Embassie should haue bin sent to Great Brittaine beeing so much abused as wee are But seeing our enemy makes such manifest shew of his mallice towards vs I am now discharged of my promise and absolutely resolued neuer to enter league of loue or friendship with him vntill hee haue felt how well wee can stand vpon our owne defence beeing enabled by as warlike powers as any hee can bring against vs. Therefore my Lords I am on the minde that wee should conclude on warre and without any further deferring so soon as our supplies are come to set away directly for London and there bid him battaile if hee dare come forth to resist vs. This resolution was wonderfully pleasing to Amadis who til then was in a continuall perplexity as fearing that warre would be deferred and hee enforced to render backe his Oriana than which no greater misery could befall him Wherefore seeing the greater part ioyned with Agraies to aduantage farther this opinion thus he spake Noble Cosen as yet I neuer noted any man in this company but hee was alwaies as forward to these affaires as any one could be If any man haue questioned those inconueniencies which commonly doe happen in warre hee is not therefore to be taxed as one that would exempt himself from the businesse but vseth rather such prouident speeches as in these cases are fit and iust And whereas you think it conuenient that wee should enter into King Lisuarts countrie rather then giue him the least leasure to seek vs here that deliberation hath alwaies dwelt on my thoughts if the rest of you my Lords and worthy friends will haue it so For by these meanes perceiuing vs to come so neare him hee may suddenly alter his former opinion and yeeld to that which wee haue requested There was not a man in the whole assembly but freely gaue his voice to this conclusion And warre being fully agreed on men were sent forth and scouts appointed to all places as well to heare newes from Great Brittaine as also for mustering men together CHAP. XI How Master Elisabet ariued in the countrie belonging to Grasinda and passed from thence for Constantinople to the Emperour according to the charge giuen him by Amadis AFter that Master Elisabet was embarqued he had so good a gale of wind as in few daies he landed in Romania where sending for the chiefest lords of the countrie hee gaue them to vnderstand his charge expressely commanding them to make ready a sufficient number of horse and foot for passing thence to the Enclosed Isle so soone as he should be returned from the Emperour to whom hee was going for the same cause Which they promised effectually to performe and hee leaft a Nephew of his named Libeo a young Knight and of good spirit still to solicet them in the businesse and hee set sayle for Constantinople where hee ariued without any impeachment Being landed he went to the Emperour whom he found accompanied with many Princes great Lords and doing him humble reuerence hee presented him a Letter from Amadis de Gaule The Emperour who had known him a long time welcomde him very graciously demanded of him where hee had mette with Amadis de Gaule of whom hee had heard so many great speeches Sir answered Master Elisabet I deale plainly with you I neuer knew his name to be Amadis vntill we were ariued in the Enclosed Isle and then he declared it himselfe vnto vs. For before that time hee called himselfe the Greek Knight as fearing to be knowne by his other borowed name of the greene Sword after his departure from you And that was in regarde of his promise to my Lady Grasinda for conducting her to the
one of those which you receiued in Greece from Queene Menoressa well then said Amadis seeing it is so it shall be fittest for you that the night before you goe to the battel you performe the watch in the King my fathers Chappell in the morning I will present you Armed to him according as to order appertayneth because I holde it impossible to receiue your knighthoode from a wortheir man Vpon my faith my Lord quoth Gandalin I neuer had any other desire but to receiue it from your selfe Be it said Amadis as you please Lasiuda Squire to Brunâ—â— replied Gandalin not long since tolde me that his Master had likewise yeelded to his knighthâ—od and that hee and I should performe our watch together and so be companions in the battaile Aâ—adis answered him not a word but went into the Kings Tent who had giuen order that the Campe should march on earely the next morning because his scouâ—es and spies had assured him that the enemie approached neare So marched the two Armies each against other and on the third day following they came in sight halfe a mile off and there encamped performing many aduenterous skirmishes as well on horsebacke as on foot especially the Romanes who still pressed them of the Enclosed Isle to fight because they found the place aduantageable for them But King Perion vnderstood their meaning well enough fortefying his Campe with great trenches defending all passages with his artilery Thus they maintained them-selues three daies together skirmishing well-neare from morning to night and longer time they had thus temporised but that they receiued information how Archalaus had induced King Aranigne to the leuying of a powerfull Army and marched on speedily to encounter with them Hereupon the two Camps grew iealous of one another not knowing to whether side they inclined for King Lisuart imagined they came in ayde of Amadis and Amadis presumed the like for King Lisuart and this was their onely motiue of their falling to fight according as you shall heare hereafter But before it came so to passe Gasquilan King of Swetia who had expressely left his courtrie to fight with Amadis sent a Trompet to him who being come into his presence spake in this manner Lord Amadis the King of Swetia my Master sends you worde by mee that at such time as King Lisuart vndertook the warre against Galuaues in the Isle of Mongoza he then departed from his kingdome with intention onely to approue his manhood against you not for any hatred or malice hee beares you but onely in regarde of your great fame and renowne And being no way able to meet with you he was enforced being then wounded to returne home againe frustrated of his expectation And hee had not now left his owne lande againe but that hee was aduertised by King Lisuart of your vndertaking this hardy enterprise And continuing still in his former deliberation hee entreates you in meere curtesie that to morrowe you would breake three Lances with him for if you delay it till the day of battaile hardly shall you approue your selues each against other according to his honourable desire Trompet answered Amadis I haue long since heard of this which thou tellest me and of thy Masters earnest desire and doe also verily beleeue that it proceeds from true magnanimity of spirit in him Now although there is great difference betweene my actions and the fame noysed abroad of mee yet I am well contented that hee should holde such reputation of me as he doth and knowing him to bee no lesse then he is I could rather wish that his proofe of mee might be in some such place where hee might receiue more seruice by me My Lord said the Trompet he well remembers how matters past between you and Madraque the Giant of the Sadde Island and albeit they concerned him somewhat neare as a sonne to a father yet being aduertised of the curtesie you extended towards him hee reputeth you rather worthie of commendation then any manner of reuenge So this desire in him of triall with you is not for any enuiâ— he beares to your iust reputation but only thus that if hee happen to preuaile hee shall winne that which by no meanes else he could attaine vnto If hee sâ—staine the â—oylâ— yeâ— hâ—â— will holde his eâ—… the lesse the worlde beeing so 〈◊〉 ently informed of your maniâ—odâ— victories not only against the â—ery â—toutest and strongest Giants but likewise against most cruell and supernaturall beasts Depart then replied Amadis and to morrow morning thy Master shall fiâ—de me here ready on this plaine to accomplish his pleasure and so the Tromper returned thence before we passe any further I wil reporte the principall cause which mooued this great Prince Gasquilan to trauaile through so many countries onely to approoue him selfe against Amadis In the third Booke of our History hath been related to you that he was the soâ—ne of Madraque and of the sister to Laucine King of Swetia which Laucine dying without heires Cosquilan beeing knowne in many places to bee one of the most gentle Knights that the worlde yeelded was called by them of Swetia and elected to bee their King Afterward he fell in loue with a yong and beautifull Princesse named Pinela who was both an heire and orphane by death of her father and mother and many lands Seigneuries bordering and adioyning to them of Gasquilin belonged to her as her right and inheritance His extreamity in affection to her prouoked him to vndertake many bolde aduentures which hee worthily effected not without great perill to his person neuerthâ—lâ—sse kindnesse in her was but coole to him in regarde hee was deriued from a Giant so proude and cruell as by no meanes thee would accept him for her husband notwithstanding his most earnest and honest pursuâ—e Whereat Gasqâ—ilâ—â— growing discontented threatned intire â—…ine and detestation both of her and hers which one of her faithfull subiects fearing aduised her to vse a little dissimulation and to temporise hereon so well as shee could She lent such liking to this perswasion that at one time among many other Gasquilan vsing his wonted opportunities with goodly discourse protestations as louers in like afflictions can easily performe she as a Lady discreet and quicke of apprehension answered him in this manner My Lord seeing Heauen hath endowed mee with such riches as I now enioy no dread of danger or of death it selfe can make mee falsifie the promise I made to my deceased father which was neuer to marrie but vpon one especiall condition What was that sayde Gasquilan I solemnely swore quoth she to him before hee died neuer to ioyne in marriage but with the best Knight in the world if it lay in my power to winne him and although he were neuer so poore yet I would haue no other husband Hereupon I made diligent inquisition who might be this only man of men and haue receiued credible intelligence that Amadis de Gaule cannot be seconded