this glorious Conquest thou hast made for that variable fortune hath advanced thee before all others and thou hast obtained the honor whereunto so many good Knights could never attain notwithstanding all their prowess Esplandian having read and again perused the Contents of the writing for a time stood musing thereon and in the end perceived thereby that although he had brought the Adventure of the Sword unto an end yet he should be constrained to attend the time appointed according to the Contents of the Writing nevertheless he knew not the meaning thereof being as then at liberty and free from all passions of love Notwithstanding the cruel tyrant Love afterward obtained so great a Conquest against him that he made him fall in love with her that he never had séen nor never was in her company as reading further in this History you shall at large perceive Then he laid hand upon the scabberd and put the Sword in it thanking God devoutly for the grace he had obtained After that he went divers times about the Tomb to sée if he could open it without breaking but he perceived the christal from whence issued part of the brightness to be covered with another plate coloured like azure so wonderfully wrought that it would scarce be judged whether it were marble mettal or any other stuff whereupon he left off his enterprize and returned into the hall where the dead Serpent lay but as then neither the Sword nor the Scabberd yielded any such brightness as before they did because it was day Then going out he went down again towards the Hermitage where he had left his Squire who being melancholly and amazed at the long absence of his master fearing some danger happened unto him was gone out of the Hermitage to séek him and he had not travelled far but he perceived him coming with the sword by his side whereat he made such joy that being yet far from him he cryed out and said O my lord blessed be God that hath given you so good a beginning whereat every man shall wonder Friend said Esplandian he hath yet done more for me then thou wouldest think and with that he began from point to point to shew him the danger wherein he was and being in that discourse it waxed dark even then when they arrived at the Hermitage wherefore they determined not to travel any further that night but layed them down under the next trées they came unto still speaking of the strangeness of the place whereat Sergil being more abashed then before could not refrain to say As God help me Master by good reason you may be esteemed a better Knight then Amadis your father that came into this place and saw the Image at the Hermitage the writing that standeth upon the Arch of stone the Serpent the Sword that stuck in the gate where you found it and the shining Tomb yet durst he never prove any of these adventures and he said true for Amadis knew well by the Contents of the Letters written in Gréek that those adventures were ordained for his Son Esplandian and therefore undertook them not but all others onely Gransador and Urganda knew it not till then but although Sergil thought to please his Master using such words in his commendation yet Esplandian took it not so well saying I pray thée Sergil never use such spéeches for if the prowess and knightly adventures of my Father had béen as well employed to the advancing of the Christian faith as they were to win and obtain honor in this world I think his like would not be found but having passed his youth in things so vain and transitory doubtless his glory is the less not that I presume in any thing to accuse him and God forbid I should yet is he known in so many places to be so valiant a Knight that whosoever he be can second him may well estéem himself happy among the happyest wherefore I pray thée let us talk of other matters Thus sometimes talking and other whiles sléeping day began to appear when they rose up taking their way towards the Sea-side descending down the Rock till they came where the two dumb men stayed for them one within the ship the other in a little bark wherein Esplandian entred according to the sign the dumb man had made and Sergil went into the Serpent and with that they departed and the bark sailed so swiftly that in short space they left the sight one of the other But we will leave Sergil with his dumb man making extream sorrow to sée himself bereaved of his Masters presence and will shew you of Esplandian that from this time forwards shall be called the Bâ—ack Knight by reason of the arms he bare who being in the little bark with his conducter sailed so long that they took landing néer the Port where King Lisuart lay prisoner CHAP. III. How the bark wherein the black Knight and the dumb man sailed arrived in the borders of Turky hard by the place called The defended Mountain and of the discourse that an hermite and the Knight had together TEn days and as many nights together the Black Knight and the dumb man sailed on the Sea not knowing in what parts they were for if he had enquired of his guide it had béen but labor lost the eleventh day they discovered a great and pleasand Island where the Knight being wearied with the impetuosity of the waves desired his guide to put his bark on shoar but he regarding not his words thrust it néer unto a high Rock by nature cut in such manner that it séemed a wall purposely made for the defence thereof and the country was so full of woods and bushes that it might be estéemed unhabitable Then the dumb man shewed him a path that led him up to the Rock and made him a sign to go thither wherewith he issued out of the Barque armed at all points and began to mount up the weather was then extream hot whereby the Knight was so chased in his harness that he was constrained to put off his Helmet and carry it in his hand till he perceived a little Hermitage among the bushes and before it stood a high cress which pleased him well not onely for the hope he had to finde some one of whom he might enquire in what country he was but because he was assured that there dwelt a Christian and with that he perceived a man apparelled like an Hermit so old and withered that his long white beard hung down to his girdle carrying in his hand a pitcher of water that he had drawn out of a fountain not far from thence and was passing by when the Knight spake unto him saying Father God save you which when the good man heard he was in so great amase that for fear his pitcher fell out of his hand and brake in pieces Nevertheless by little and little he came to himself again and perceiving him that spake unto him answered and said My
the Empire as he pretended determined not onely to revenge himself upon this little childe but to kill the Emperor likewise if ever he have the means By God said the king of Denmark he is a wicked and cruel-hearted man but assure your self that God will not permit it to be so Nevertheless I am in doubt this childe will endure much woe séeing you have no means to give it suck Let me alone with that said Urganda for I have certain herbs about me with the juice whereof I will nourish it if néed be eight days together What said he will you then stay here so long No said Urganda for as soon as it is day I will return unto my Boat that stayeth here at the shoar But Madam said they what shall become of us for we are arrived here not knowing who brought us hither But for Gods sake if you have heard any news of our Companions let us know it and where we may go to finde them My friends said she you must first let destiny have his course and endure many hard adventuces when time serveth you shall have your desires And in that manner sometimes talking and sometimes sléeping they passed the time away till day began to appear when they thrée together went to the Sea-side where they entred into Urgandas Boat wherein four Gentlewomen and two Dwarfs stayed for her CHAP. XVII How Vrganda departed from the two Knights and being guarded by two Dragons went unto the Emperors Court to deliver them their young Son for the loss whereof all the Court was in an uproar FOr a time Urganda stayed with the two Knights not minding presently to ease the Emperors minde with the recovery of his Son in the end she caused them to return unto their Barque willing them from that time forwards to arm themselves against the assaults of fortune although she séemed never so variable and unconstant For said she therefore was the Order of Knighthood instituted and appointed that thereby it might appear more excellent And they were no sooner departed but she set foot on land and mounted on a palfrey with the childe in her lap she rode forward with two Dragons to guard her one upon her right hand the other upon the left that bare her company till she came to Triol where the Emperor held his Court. And approaching the Town she met great companies of knights that went to séek the childe who séeing those horrible beasts casting fire out of their mouthes for fear they began to flie whereat Urganda smiled At last Florestan King of Sardinia coming that way having ridden a great compass about to pursue Garadans son and returning as then all weary and sore travelled with his horse tyred perceiving the people to run so fast asked them the cause wherewith they shewed him a far off what they had séen but he not abashed went towards the Dragons thinking if it were possible to fight with them and as he came nearer unto them he knew Urganda and spurring his horse he thought to salute her but the more he prickt him forwards the more the horse gave back whereby he was constrained to light down and saluting her he took her by the hand but the Dragons vanished away whereat he was abashed which Urganda perceiving said unto him In faith sir knight they have good cause to give you place knowing well the magnanimity of your invincible courage And for my part I estéem my self better guarded being in your company then I did before wherefore I pray you leave me not till I have delivered this childe unto his mother which I have recovered from the villains that had stollen it from her Is it possible Madam said Florestan that the Emperor should receive so great a pleasure by your means Shew me I pray you if it pleaseth you how you procured the same You shall know it said she when time serveth till then content your self and mounting on horse-back I pray you bring me to the City of Triol With that they rode together till they came to the Emperors Court where they found the Empress half dead with sorrow but when she heard the good news Urganda brought her sorrow turned to excéeding joy And for that the Emperor being armed was ridden out to séek the childe as others did she sent men on all sides to certifie him thereof he having intelligence thanked God with all his heart and turned back to sée Urganda that told him in what manner she found the childe as you have heard before Where we leave her and return to shew you of Manley and the King of Denmark who in the mean time were at Sea in so horrible a tempest that they thought to have béen drowned CHAP. XVIII Of the strange adventures that the King of Denmark and Manley had after they departed from Vrganda and what pastime they had with two great Apes in an Island where by chance they arrived AFter the king of Denmark and Manley departed from Urganda they entred into their Barque where their two Squires stayed for them and so imbarqued presently hoised sayl and put to sea the weather very peaceable calm but they had not sayled long when a contrary wind began to rise wherewith the waters grew so high and the sea began to swell so big that one while it séemed to mount to the skies again to descend as low as the bottomless pit of hell wherby their little barque was oftententimes covered with water having neither Mast Sail nor Cable but all rent in pieces And that which abashed them most was that night coming upon them it was so dark they could not sée the length of their boat in which torment they continued for the space of thirty days together till at the length it cast them upon an Island where being arrived about San-setting they landed Then commanding one of their Squires to keep their boat being armed at all points they went into the Island to sée if they could finde any fresh water or other victuals for they had not sufficient in their barque to serve them for a wéek at the last they found a goodly fountain shadowed with many great trees whereby they sat them down and putting off their helmets for to drink Argenton their Squire that was with them said unto them if you think good you shall stay here while I go up this high rock where it may be I shall find a house or some countrey man that will shew us in what place we are arrived Go said the King of Denmark but take héed thou loosest not thy self With that the Squire left them and took his way through the wood but he had not gone a long bowes shot when he perceived a great Bear coming towards him wherewith he was in such fear that with a loud voice he cried out for help and finding no other remedy he was constrained to climb into a high trée The knights hearing their squires cry supposed he
knight at the last Tourney that I ran a lord of greater power hath intertained me into his service whom I wil serve during my mortal lose seeing it hath pleased him to shew me so great favor being wel assured that when you know him as I do you wil esteem me happy how cowardly or villainous soever you account me now What is he said she tell me of your faith it is Iesus Christ said Frandalo yet will I never faile to do you all the honor and service that I can as also now at this time so my companion be content for without him I cannot do it Frandalo said Esplandian you may command me for I am ready to do what pleaseth you Wherefore delay not to do all the pleasure service you can unto this lady if it be your will Wherewith Frandalo thanked him most heartily and said to Heliaxe Madam seeing he will have it so I pray you from henceforth put all your trust in me and I will not faile to be careful for you Mean time I pray you get upon your palfry that I may bring you to a place where you may see far better tourneys then any at your wedding afterward if it pleaseth God to favor us you shall easily perceive how much I esteem and have in remembrance the favors you have heretofore shewed unto me being but a simple knight and you a great Princes to command far better then my self for never was Princess more honored and esteemed among her own subjects then you shall be of them to whom I mean to bring you which may be an example unto Kings and mighty Princes to whom God hath given power and authority who being advertised of the honorable and good intertainment made to you by us they may be moved hereafter to take pleasure in entertaining the meaner as well as the greater considring the mutability of fortune as by your self it well appeareth Frandalo said she you may make as many excuses and fair promises as you list yet can you not deny but you have done me wrong yet in doing as you say you will your reputation will be better to the world although your faith hath fayled to our goods wherefore let us go where it pleaseth you With that she got upon her palfrey and Frandalo bare headed leading her horse till they came neer unto the town where they heard a great noise that made the two knights think either their enterprise to be discovered or that their Souldiers assailed the Town And fearing they had bin repulsed began to repent themselves of their long staying with the Princess to whom Frandalo in most courteous maner said Madam Is it not your pleasure mean time that I and my companion go unto the town to stay here for us with this Gentlewoman and my cousin Foron I truly said Heliaxa and I will not depart from hence before I hear of you again With that Frandalo and Esplandian ran in great haste towards the Town where they found their companions fighting with those of Alfarin among the which were Talanque Ambor the King of Denmark Gandalin Lazinde that had given the town a hard skirmish on that side thinking to give them so much to do that in the mean time the army by sea might assayl the water gate but they were too soon discovered whereby they found great resistance on all sides Nevertheless Norandel and Belleris had gotten the Barriers and repulsed the enemies unto the pallisadoes Which Esplandian and Frandalo perceiving they lighted on foot and being covered with their shields their swords in their hands passed through the prease and with bold courage went so far that they slew great number of the enemies for the Alfarins to defend their city issued out of the gates and the Christians to win it did most valiantly but the place was so narrow they could not hurt their enemies so much as in the oopen field Whereby it happened that Frandalo and Esplandian minding either to win or loose stepped so far forward that the Alfarins flying into the town and they after found themselves alone within the same among their enemies and that so far that had it not bin for Frandalo Esplandian that took no care but only to kill and overthrow the enemy had ben inclosed by them put he pulled him back Whereby the two Knights perceived the danger they were in wherefore by little and little they got unto the steps that went upon the wall where they sustained many hard assaults without being hurt although the enemy ceased not to throw Launces Stones Darts and all other weapons at them they could find none of them daring come to handle strokes for if any advanced himself to shew his prowess it cost him his life or else was thrown down headlong Mean time Norandel and his company that had séen Frandalo and Esplandian shut into the town sought by all means to scale the walls or else to break the gates but all in vain for they within defended it so with Oyl scalding Water Logs and Stones that divers of them were overthrown and ended their lives most miserably And fighting in that sort a knight all armed came from the Haven crying with loud voice and said Be of good courage my children be of good courage defend this quarter well for our enemies on the sea-side have not as yet found means to set one man on land and yet have lost above two hundred of their men By God said one of them I sée not one that standeth idle yet can we not overcome these two knights Why so said the other They are said he entring in among us and we have bin these two hours fighting with them but all in vain for the youngest of them fighteth so valiantly that we dare not approach them And which is more he and his companion in despight of us all have gotten those stairs where they now defend themselves and that so wel that we can find no means to drive them thence although many of our men have béen slain by them others cruelly wounded I am of opinion said the knight that we receive them unto mercy for it may be they are such men that for to have them again the enemy will be glad to give king Armato in change and return again into their country Whereunto they all agréed and therewith the Knight that had given them that counsel made signs unto Esplandian that they would parley with them whereby the assault ceased for a time and the knight spake unto them in this maner Sir knights you sée it is impossible for you to escape from hence and it were great pity that two so valiant knights should die so young now in the flower of your ages But this we will do yield your selves and we will save your lives Sir knight said Esplandian if we die at this time we are quit for ever after but so much there wanteth thereof and we have so good hearts and so sure a confidence in
Iesus Christ in whose quarrel we fight that we hope he will give us means not onely to escape this danger but to spoil the Town and lead you prisoners with us Wherefore take this counsel for your selves and yield you unto us before the wrath of God be further moved against you When they that stood about them beard those words both great and small began to cry with a loud voice saying Stay that villain let him die or we will die here at his féet wherewith they assailed them so fiercely that they were constrained to get upon the highest steps But not long after they repulsed the enemy so valiantly with stones whereof they sound great quantity upon the Portal that from that time forwards they had no longer stomacks to assayl them But Norandel and the rest being without understanding the noise and the voice of their companions whom they estéemed dead or taken prisoners determined to set fire on the gates while the rest assailed the town Wherewith every man ran to fetch wood which the Alfarins perceived but to conclude they could not shun it but whither they would or not the Draw-bridge and the gates were set on fire wherewith they were so abashed that most part of them began to flie unto the great temple of Jupiter the principal place of strength within their City the rest staying behind with full determination rather to die then suffer the Christians to enter the Town And séeing the gates burnt down so many of them ran to fetch water that not long after the Christians had means to assayl the town on that side which assault continued so long that day failed yet could they not enter by reason of the great resistance the Alfarins made but the two Knights that were above did them so much hurt with blockes and stones that not any of them durst appear whereby the Christians became masters of the town Wherein great number of people both men women and children were put to the sword more had died had it not bin night specially on the water side where Gastilles and his army entred with most great fury Nevertheless fearing lest the Alfarins should assemble again and in the night they might be repulsed be commanded a retreat to be sounded being well assured the next day to have the town at their pleasure And for the same cause he sent to the army on land that they should do the like wherewith every man retired serâ—ing watch in those places where most néed required The town in this sort being conquered and the people gotten into the great temple of Jupiter Esplandian minding not to lose the Princess Heliaxe nor the Giant Foron that he and Frandalo left with Carmelle desired Grandalin and Lazinde to go fetch them and with them he sent Sergil his Squire to bring them to the place which they presently did and made such haste that they found her sitting by a great fire that Foron had made where lighting off their horses saluting Heliaxe Grandalin said Madam my lord Esplandian prayeth you to come unto the place where he stayeth for you My friends said she I know him not true it is I was brought hither by two Knights whereof one is Frandalo that I have known long time but for the other I assure you as far as I remember I never saw him before Madam said Carmelle he is Son to the valiant Knight Amadis de Gaule whose same is spread so far about the world Truly said Heliaxe I have heard of him so have you as I think said Carmelle of my Lord Esplandian his Son for he alone conquered the castle the defended mountain and now lately hath taken king Armato your father in law and I can assure you he is one of the courteous knights living-in the world I am much abashed then said she how he shewed himself so uncourteous in my behalf not speaking unto me while I was in his company yet me thinketh being his prisoner he could have done no less then comfort me either with good speeches of fair promises whereof he hath used so few that while I live I shall never think well of him Madam said Carmelle you take the matter otherwise then it is for if he refrained to speak unto you it was by reason of the great acquaintance he perceived Frandalo to have with you unto whom he is so great a friend that he was not onely content to give him leave to entertain you but much greater favor would he do unto him if he can You may say what you will said she Nevertheless if he have no other excuse then that you alledge in his behalf he shall never lose the disliking he hath gotten at my hands Madam said Gandalin I am well assured he will amend that fault when it pleaseth you wherefore I pray you determine what you mean to do for he hath commanded us to do as pleaseth you My friends said Heliaxe I would gladly sléep till it be day then I will be ready to go where you think good but I pray you tell me what noise it was I heard of late within the Town Madam said Lazinde It is not yet thrée hours since the Town was taken by assault Good God said she what miserable fortune was that for the poor inhabitants I think they are all put unto the Sword No madam said Lazinde the greater part have saved themselves in the great Temple of Jupiter but they will hardly escape when it is day for our Generals are determined to burn the Temple If it be so said she that Frandalo hath any credit with his companions and that he that sent you be so courteous as this Gentlewoman report him to be I hope they will take pity on the poor people at least if not for the love of them I trust upon request for my sake they will not refuse it And to the end I come not thither too late I pray you when day appeareth let us presently depart wherewith laying her down upon a cloke she passed the rest of the night not greatly to her ease CHAP. XXX How Gandalin and Lazinde brought the Princess Heliaxe and the Giant Foron into the Town of Alfarin to Esplandian and Frandalo and of the honorable entertainment they had HEliaxe that had not slept all that night being grieved for the loss of the town of Alfarin the ordinary abiding place of Alphorax her husband and withal the pleasantest and most delicious place of all Turky perceiving day to appear waked the two Knights making her account if she might get into the town before the destruction of the temple the people that were fled into it by her request and humble supplication to Esplandian and Frandalo should be saved With that they all mounted on their horses and made such haste that they entred into the town as the Christians began to assault the fortress and when Frandalo perceived the Princess Heliaxe he rode unto her bidding her God morrow and taking her palfry
likewise as he will suppose the pleasure that you do me would bréed a danger no further but turn back again Frandalo knew her counsel to be good wherewith he committed her to God leaving her in the guard of his cousin Foron and therewith returned the same way that he came It was then somewhat late wherefore Heliaxe having travelled unto the adventurous fountain and finding her pavillion as yet standing up determined not to depart from thence till the next day in the morning that she took the way that led to Tesifant And having ridden till noon she met the Prince Alphorax with a great number of Knights that all night had stayed upon the way to the Castle the defended fountain thinking thâ—se that had taken his wife would lead her thither to have her in safe kéeping such was their opinion that brought him news thereof But they met not any man in the way wherfore they returned again to go unto the advanturous fountain much grieved when they perceived the Princess Heliaxe coming towards them to whom Alphorax ran and imbrasing him with a loving kiss asked her how she had escaped from the enemy My lord said she when I shall have told you how yet am I in doubt you will hardly believe it And to say the truth it séemeth fortune hath taken pleasure in one day to make me know both the good and evil she could do unto me Then she shewed him of the overthrown of her Knights the words that passed betwéen Frandalo Esplandian and her and lastly the honest entertainment they used in her behalf Truly madam said Alphorax it is very strange and I cannot imagin how these Christian dogs having taken my Town of Alfarin by assault having used so much humanity not onely to these people but have saved your honor being such and so beautiful a Lady as you are But it is to be thought that our gods having compassion on me have preserved you as the thing I love and most estéem off in this world Pet if I live but one year longer I swear and promise unto you to assemble so many men together that the City of Constantinople and her perjured Emperor shall suffer and indure much woe in such manner that the memory thereof shall not be extinct for one thousand years after my decease Heliaxe that perceived him enter into choller to pacifie the same answered him and said My Lord you may do it when it pleaseth you but at this present you sée here a great number of poor desolate people I beséech you speak unto them and comfort them as well as you may for their whole trust is in you with that Alphorax going unto them gave them many gracious and comfortable spéeches and with them returned to the City of Tesifant CHAP. XXXI How Gastilles took his leave of Esplandian and sailed to Constantinople and of the arrival of Palomir Bransil and other Knights of great Britain at the town of Alfarin THe town of Alfarin brought under the subjection of the Knights of the Castle the defended fountain as yet heard before Gastilles having prepared himself to return to Constantinople went unto Esplandian and said unto him My Lord when I departed from the Emperor he gave me express commandment with all spéed to advertise him what I had done to the end he might determine either to come himself in person if occasion served with the army he is already preparing or else wholly to break off his enterprise for it now beginnineth to be Winter and séeing as it is Gods will that your affairs on this side are in good estate I am determined as to morrow to depart hence to Constantinople that the Emperor understanding by me what hath passed on this side the Sea he shall not be forced for this year to be at further charges whereof before this time I had willingly certified him had it not been the daily expectation I had to sée the end of this our last enterprise which God be thanked is fallen out as we desired My lord said Esplandian séeing the Emperor as you say by your return may receive both pleasure and profit you shall do well to make haste thither one thing I beséech you do forme that is most humbly to commend me unto his Grace assuring him that not any subject he hath is or shall be readier to obey him than my self and as touching our prâ—céedings for that you have personally both séen and béen an actor in the same you can advertise him at large Shew him likewise I pray you that I kéep King Armato as his prisâ—ner attending his pleasure what shall be done with him but not the Castle of the defended mountain for I have conquered the same in favor and under the protection of the Princess Leonorine kéeping the same at this present onely to her use and as her servant as I mean to continue during life But if it pleaseth his Grace to give the Town of Alfarin to Frandalo not only thereby to increase his will and desire to serve him but also for that he deserveth a greater reward sâ— doing me thinketh he shall therein shew the part of a liberal Prince considering the service he hath done and shewed in all places where he hath béen employed You shall tell the Emperor also that according to my Fathers will and commandment I hope shortly to be in Constantinople to present my self before his Grace and the Lady Leonorine as by the Gentlewoman Carmelle I have given theÌ„ to understand wherewith I think you are not unacquainted praying you in the mean time to make my excuse unto them in that I have deferred it off so long for in a manner you are not ignorant what hath béen the cause My Lord said Gastilles the Emperor my Vncle so much desireth your company that I never saw man more grieved nor woman than the Princess my Cousin when they perceived the great Serpent pass before Constantinople to crâ—ss the Straights of Bosphore I will shew them what you say and in the morning about break of day I mean God willing to set sayl Will you not said Esplandian first go visit Frandalo Manely and others that lie wounded in their beds to know if they will send any message to the Emperor That I will said Gastilles Go then said Esplandian and I will bear you company With that they went to Frandalo's lodging where they were no sooner entred but the watch that stood upon the Tower over the water gate discovered about thrée miles in the sea a great Ship that with full sayl made towards the Town whereby they advertised Gastilles who presently caused two Brigandines to go forth to sée if they were friends or enemies and they were not long before they returned again with the great Ship in their company wherein were Palomir Bransil Helian le delibere Garvate du Val Craintif Bravor son of the giant Balan that king Amadis had newly made Knight Imosel de Burgoigne Ledarin de
few days after went to Tesifant to Armato where she declared at large the effect of her embassage which heard by king Armato and considring with himself that for Urganda he might recover one of his greatest friends and thereby cause the Christian Princes for a time to refrain the overrunning of his country sent presently for Melie desiring her in all affection for his sake to grant to his desire and the pleasure of the Christians considring the offer made by them was both advantage unto him and his Melie desirous to please Armato brake her inchantments and without delay Urganda was delivered unto Carmelle upon condition that she being arrived in the city of Constantinople should likewise set the Souldan of Liquie at liberty which she swore and promised to do which done taking their leave of Armato they travelled so long that they came unto the castle the defended mountain where Urganda caused them to leave Carmelles ship to enter into the great serpent that as yet she found there which presently of it self began to sail as it had always done before Urganda was in prison in such manner that without impeachment they arrived in the Haven of Constantinople where the Princes and lords being on shoar descended to the water side to receive Urganda And thinking to bring her to the palace she desired them to stay there till a prophesie were accomplished that should be done before the sun went down which they agréed unto not onely to please her mind but likewise desiring to sée what it should be With that they were abashed that the great serpent began to leap and labor in the water as if it had bin in the greatest storm that ever was although the sea was very calm but only about the serpent where it raged in most horrible maner but that which most abashed the beholders was that the vessel cast forth such horrible cries that not one among them but his hair stood upright upon his head for fear And having continued in the maner about half an hour more the serpent thrust his head into the water wherewith it sunk and never was séen again And with that they perceived a far off a great rock which being driven by the waves came within half a bow shot néer unto the shore on the top whereof stood a woman bareheaded and câ—vered only with a linen cloth to hide her privities being invironned by more then a thousand serpents as well great as small which stung her in such sort that she wept lamented in most pittiful maner wherat the knights of great Brittain had so much compassion that they thought to enter into the ships to go help her which Urganda forbad them For said she besides the dangers that may happen you shall lose your labors because she whom you behold which is the inchantress lady hath ordained it to be sâ— With that the rock sunk into the water the gentlewoman vanished out of sight but not long after she appeared again upon the waves flying from the fury of a monster of the sea that with his throat open followed after ready to devour her in such manner that she came right unâ—o the haven crying with a loud voice unto Esplandian Gentle Emperor I pray you help me for none but you can do it wherewith Esplandian stepped forward and holding the sword he conquered in the old pallace of the inchanted Râ—ck in his hand ran unto her and thinking to go neer the Monster the Gentlewoman that fled from it caught hold of his sword and whether he would or not took it away wherewith she threw her self into the sea and the monster after her Whereat every man began to laugh saying to the Emperor that if a gentlewoman had predestinated the same unto him and kept it long time another gentlewomen or she her self upon a sudden had taken it from him again With that Urganda was led unto the palace accompanied by the Emperor with all the kings and knights where not long after the Souldan of Liquie was delivered and sent to Tesifant and about the beginning of the next wéek after the western pinces took shipping and being imbarqued with Urganda recommending the Emperor to God sailed forwards till at the last every man arrived at his desired haven namely king Amadis that found Oriane very sad for the death of her mother newly deceased which much more increased when she knew her father king Luisart was dead But in the end time made her to forget her sorrow but not so soon as Amadis could have wished CHAP. LV. How the Emperor Esplandian sent Norandel to take possession of the country he had given him and of the taking of Tesifant NOt long after the western princes were departed into their countries the Emperor Esplandian would that Norandel should go unto the Castle of the defended mountain and other towns that he had given him to make war against king Armato for which cause he gave him a great number of soldiers with the which to make short he assailed the king of Turky and had battel together wherein many a valiant knight lost their lives nevertheless the victory fell on Norandels side whereby he caused Armato to fly away retiring to his city of Tesifant which being known unto the Emperor he departed from Constantinople and with a great army going into Turky joyned with Norandels power and besieged Tesifant but fear seized so wel upon Armato that he found means to flie away and leave the town which not long after was taken and the Princess Heliaxe brought unto the emperor who used her courteously and sent her again unto her fathr Ampheon king of Medea giving her divers rich Presents News being spread throughout the country of Turky of the fight of king Armato as also of the taking of Tesifant divers towns and cities yielded to Esplandian that gave them likewise to Norandel because winter came on he returned into Thrace where two of his nephews sons of Galaor came to visit him and to receive the order of knighthood which he gave unto them with both armor horses minding to request them to travel to Tesifant unto Norandel there to begin their first intrance into arms but they desired rather to take the way to Californie where Manley and Talanque had great war against their neighbors which the Emperor perceiving caused all things necessary for so long a voyage to be given them with so good Pilots that in the end they arrived at their desired Haven where they attained to great honor and estimation among the best Knights But not to enter further to discourse of them we will for this present let them rest And let it suffice you to know how that as time passed Perion succéeded in his fathers seat and Garinter married in the east parts with Heletria quéen of Citharee and was the best knight in all the world And because it is declared at large in the sixth and seventh books of this our Histdry we will pass it over at this time CHAP. LVI How Vrganda sent to desire king Amadis the Emperor Esplandian Don Galaor king of Sobradise and others to come unto the Firm Isle and of the marvellous inchantments that she made over them URganda being in her Isle not as yet discovered taking great pleasure to read Melies Books knew by her art death to be near unto the Kings and Princes whom she most loved and haing great sorrow that worms should consume the flesh of so valiant Knights devised to prevent the same which to do she took sea accompanied of her two cousins Juliande and Solisde with divers other Gentlewomen and went unto the Firm Isle where being arrived she sent to the Emperor Esplandian Amadis Galaor Florestan Agraies and Gransador praying them most earnestly to come unto her to the palace of Apolidon for matter that touched them most near otherwise she sent them word if they did it not that before long time past evil would happen unto them and that master Elizabeth should bring with him the book that he made of the Adventures of the knights living in his time as also that they should the space of thrée quarters of an hour those whom she had caused to sit down as you heard before remained in a trance without all knowledge as if they had béen dead and with that there appeared a cloud so obscure and thick which invironed the place that never after it could be séen till Luisart of Greece son to Esplandian brought that inchantment to an end by means of a sword which he conquered as it shall be declared to you in the sixt Book wherein is described one of the most pleasant and delectable Histories that ever was read At which time all the Princes and the rest were revived again and not before The Emperor Esplandian at that time had a son after his grandfathers name called Luisart as then about the age of eight years King Amadis a son and a daughter the son named Perion and the daughter Brisene that married the eldest son of the Emperor of Rome King Galaor two sons the one named Perion and other Garinter of whom I have shewed you before Florestan the King of Sardaigne two sons the one named Florestan after his father that raigned after him and the other Palmindan of Almain after his grandfather Agrayes Earl of Salandry two sons the one called Languines the other Galmenes King Brewneo one son named Vallade and a daughter named Helisenne that married Quedragants son and bare his fathers name King Childadan two sons the eldest called Abies of Ireland after his grandfather whom Amadis slew the first day he entred into Knighthood And although these princes left such heirs as you heard before yet would they not during their fathers absence take on them the names or titles of Kings hâ—ping by Gods help that they should once return as well as ever they were For the which cause they having attained to the age and strength to bear arms passed into Ireland there to be made Knights bâ— King Childadan being as then very weak and withered with age which done they followed strange adventures doing many valiant feats of Arms which are at large declared in the Book that follow which in time may come unto your hands when it pleaseth God FINIS