but hee was already so weake as not being able so much as to defend Brunco his blowes hee drew himselfe by little and little to the top of a Rock euen to the place where Amadis had cast the body of Ardan into the Sea And there Brunco thrust him so rudely downe that he sent him to be buried in the Sea but before hee came to the bottome his body was torne in twenty seuerall peeces Which the iniurious Damosell perceiuing she entred into such fury and dispaire that as a mad woman shee ranne vnto the place where Ardan and Madamain were throwne downe headlond where finding Madamain his sword she set it to her breast crying so loud that all the companie heard her Seeing that Ardan the flower of chiualrie my brother haue chosen their graue in this raging Sea I will beare them companie And so casting herselfe downe headlong she was immediately couered with the water Then Brunco mounting on horse-backe againe was conducted by the King and many other knights to the lodging of Amadis where hee desired to keep him company in whose honour hee had vndertaken the combate And because that the Queene Briolania perceiued that Amadis was not like to be cured in a short space nor to accompany her as hee had promised she tooke her leaue of him to goe see the singularities of the Firme-Island wherefore Amadis commanded Enil to conduct her and to desire Isania the Gouernor thereof to doe her all the honour and giue her the best entertainement hee could deuise So Briolania departed bidding Oriana farewell assuring her that she should be aduertised what happened vnto her in trying the aduentures of the Island but shee was no sooner gone from the Court when it seemed that Fortune endeauoured the ruine of the kingdom of great Brittaine which bad so long time liued in happinesse Yea euen king Lisuart himselfe who forgetting not onely the seruices hee had receiued of Amadis of his kindred and friends but especially the aduice and counsell of Vrganda listened to flatterers two ancient knights of his house to whom vnder the colour of the long education they had receiued as well of the King Falangris his eldest brother as of himselfe hee gaue credit beleeuing their vntrothes which he ought not to haue done as you shall presently vnderstand These two of whom I speake as wel by reason of their ancient age as of a kinde of hypocrisie cloaked with wisedome tooke more paines to seeme good and vertuous then to bee so in deede by meanes whereof they entred into great authority and were often-times called and made priuie to the most secret affaires of their Lord one of them was named Brocadan and the other Gandandell This Gandandell had two sonnes who before the comming of Amadis and of his followers into great Brittaine were esteemed two of the most hardiest knights in all the countrey notwithstanding the prowesse and dexteritie of the other did abate the renowne of those whom I speake of Wheâ—s at their father was so displeased that forgetting the feare of God the faith which hee ought to his Prince and the honour which all men of honesty ought to be endâ—…ed withall determined not onely to accuse Amadis but likewise all those whom hee esteemed aâ— his friends and did conuerse withall hoping to build his treason in such sort that by the ruine of so many good knights he would worke his owne his friends profit Wherefore finding the King on a time at leasure hee vsed speeches of like substance vnto him It may please your Maiesty I haue all my life long desired to bee faithfull vnto you as to my King and naturall Lord euen as my duty bindeth mee and will yet continue if it please God for besides the â—ath of fidelity which I haue swerne unto you you haue of your gracious fauour heaped so many beâ—… vpon mee that it I should not counsell you in that which did concerneâ—y our royall Maiesty I should commit a great fault both towardes God and men In consideration whereof if it like your Maiesty after I had long weighed with my selfe that which I will declare vnto you I haue often repented that I deferred the matter so long not for any malice I beare vnto any man as God is my witnesse but onely for the damage which I see ready to ensue if your Maiesty do not speedily and wisely seeke remedy to preuent it Your Maiesty knoweth that of long time there hath beene great controuersie betweene the kingdomes of Gaule and great Brittaine because that the Kings your predecessors haue alwaies pretended title of soueraigntie thereunto And albeit that for some time this quarrell hath linedead notwithstanding it is likely that those of that Countrey calling to minde the warres and domages they haue endured by your subiects haue secretly determined to take reuenge thereof And in my opinion Amanis who is chiefe and principall amongst them all is not come into this Countrey but to practise and gaine your people who ioyned with the forces which he may easily land heere will so trouble you that it will be hard for you to resist them And I beseech you to consider whither the likelyhood there-of bee not already very apparent Moreouer your Maiestie may bee pleased to consider that he of whoÌ„ I speake and those of his aliance likewise haue done mee so much honour and pleasure that both I and my children are greatly bounden vnto them and were it not that you are my soueraigne Lord. I would in no wise pleake against Amadis but in those things which concerne your person let mee rather receiue death then that I spare any man liuing were he mine own sonne You haue receiued Amadis with so great number of his parents and other strangers into your Court like a good and liberall Prince as you are that in the end their traine will become greater then your owne wherefore if it like your Maiesty it were good to fore-see this matter before the fire bee kindled any further When the King heard Gandandel speake in this sort he became very pensiue and afterwards answered him In faith louing friend I beleeue that you aduertise mee as a good and faithfull subiect neuerthelesse seeing the seruices that they of whom you speake haue done vnto me I cannot be perswaded in my mind that they would procure or imagine any treason against me May it please your Maiesty answered he that is it which deceiueth you for if they had heretofore offended you you would haue beene ware of them as of your enemies but they can wisely cloake their pretended treason colouring it with an humble speech accompanied with some small seruices wherein they haue employed themselues watching a time of more fit opertunity The King turned his head on the one side without answering any farther because there came some Gentlemen vnto him neuerthelesse Gandandel being as yet ignorant how the King had taken his aduertisement he practised with Brocadan and drew him
THE ANCIENT FAMOVS And Honourable History of Amadis de Gaule DISCOVRSING THE ADVENTVRES Loues and Fortunes of many Princes Knights and Ladies as well of Great Brittaine as of many other Kingdomes beside c. Written in French by the Lord of Essars Nicholas de Herberay Ordinarie Commissarie of the Kings Artillerie and his Lieutenant thereof in the Countrie and gouernment of Picardie c. Printed at London by NICHOLAS OKES 1619. TO THE RIGHT HONORABLE SIR PHILLIP HERBERT Knight of the Bath at the Coronation of our dread Soueraigne King James Lord Baron of Sherland Earle of Mountgomerie and Knight of the most Noble Order of the Garter c. HAuing already presented your Honour with the Third and Fourth Bookes of this famous History of Amadis de Gaule and standing engaged by my promise to translate so many more of them as time and your noble acceptance shall thereto enable me finding also those two imprinted parts to appeare as a body without an head because these former Bookes are the guide and dirction to them all I haue now finished them and therefore make a fresh representation of them all foure to your Honour The fift sixt seuenth and eight Bookes being already in good forwardnesse of translation with as much expedition as possible may bee and your worthy encouragement for their proceeding shall very shortly present themselues before you in the best habit that mine ability can put vpon them It is not vnknwne to your honour that the manifolde impressions of this history the Bookes thereof being now come to be fiue and twentie in number and printed in places farre distant a sunder through neglect in the publishers or defect of the Bookes which are perfect indeede many false volumes haue flowne abroade and the world thereby very much abused But by the helpe of that worthy Lady I haue had such Bookes as were of the best editions and them as I haue already begun I intend to follow In the meane time Noble Lord accept of these foure Bookes I beseech you and defend them from the venomous tongue of foule mouthde detraction burying all my imperfections heerein committed in the vrgent importunitie of that worthy Lady by whom I haue thus boldly presumed the rest will beare me blamelesse against your least mislike Your Honours in all duty A. M. THE FIRST BOOKE OF AMADIS DE GAVLE Discoursing the Aduentures and Loue of many Knights and Ladies as well of the Realme of great Brittaine as sundry other Countries c. CHAP. I. Of whence the Kings Garinter and Perion were and the Combate betweene Perion and two Knights as also how he fought with a Lyon that deuoured a Hart in their presence with the successe following thereon SOone after the passion of our Sauiour Iesus Christ there reigned in little Brittaine a King named Garinter enstructed in the lawe of veritie and highly adorned with many laudable vertues hauiug a Noble Ladye to his Wife by whome he had two beautifull Daughters The eldest beeing maried with Languines King of Scotts was commonly called the Lady of the Garland because the King her Husband taking great pleasure to behold the golden tresses of her haire would haue them no otherwise couered then with a faire circle or chaplet of flowers Languines enioying by his Queene Agraies and Mabila of whom this present History often maketh mentioÌ„ The other yongest Daughter to this King Garinter was named Elisena very much excelling the eldest in beauty though she had been ofteÌ„times desired in mariage by sundry Princes and great Lords yet as then she had no wil thereto but for her solitary and holy life was commonly called of euery one The lost Virgin in deuotion considering that in a person of such estate endued with such excellent beauty and solicited by so many great Princes this strickt religion was not conuenient King Garinter being sumewhat in yeeres for recreatioÌ„ tooke pleasure in Hunting wheÌ„ at one time amoÌ„g other it happened that hauiug appointed a meeting neere one of his Cities called Alyma a Hart was put forth in pursuite whereof himselfe wandred very farre wherefore seeing he had lost both his people and game commending himselfe to God he began to make sumwhat the more hast til hauing trauersed first one way and then another at the very entrance into a Wood he saw two Knights fighting against one Soone had he knowledge of the twaine in that they were his owne Subiects of whome he had heard sundry complaintes but slender order was taken in the cause by reaâ—on of the great alliance they had in the Country as also for that they kept themselues still in this greatforrest Who the third should be he meruailed and for that time he so well liked the valour of the one Knight as he feared not what might happen to the other twaine wherefore he withdrew himselfe a little further into the Forrest because he might the better beholde the issue of the fight which sorted to such effect as by the strength of the one Knight both the other were vanquished and slaine The King beholding what had happened came forth of the Wood when the Knight seeing one so neere him alone thus demaunded Gentle Sir what Country is this where Knightes errant are thus assayled by robbers and theeues Let this be no wonder to you Sir answered the King for this Country yeelds as others doe both good and bad as for them that thus assaulted you they haue done diuers villainous outrages not only in this Wood which hath been their accustomed receptacle but likewise in many other places and cheefely against their Lord King who could not execute iustice on them in that they were allyed to the best houses in this Realme And where may I find the King you speake of said the Knight for I am come to seeke him to bring him newes from a great friend of his Happen what shall answered Garinter I will tell ye so much as I know vnderstand then for a truth that I am the man you aske for At these words the Knight tooke off his Helmet and throwing downe his Sheeld ran to embrace him saying that he was King Perion of Gaule who of long time had been desirous to know him Greatly were these Kings contented that their meeting was in such fortunate manner and conferring together on many matters they tooke the waye through the Wood toward the Citie where they thought â—o find the Hunters but suddenly a Hart ranne before them which with some danger had escaped the toyles wherfore the Princes gallopped after the Deere hoping to kil it ere they gaue ouer But it fell out otherwise for in the pursuitâ— as they came into the thickest of the Wood a chased Lyon ran before them which in their sight seazed on the Hart and hauing with his strong pawes torne it in peeces turned againe when running furiously against the two Princes he watched his aduantage as if they had angred him which the King
Perion perceiuing in laughter saide You shall not be such a glutton maister Lyon but you shall leaue vs parte of the game And herewith presently he alighted because his Horse would not come nere the beast so drawing his Swoord and clasping his sheeld on his arme not regarding the cryes of King Garinter who laboured to disswade him from the attempt he marched to the Lyon who for defence of his pray ran eagerly against the King and so betweene them began a new warre But the Lyon being quicke and nimble did so much as he got his enemy vnder him yet was the Kinges heart so good that albeit he was in very great perill of his person he was not abashed one iotte but turned himselfe in such sorte as he thrust his Swoord into the belly of the beast which at that instant fel downe dead before him The King seeing what had happened was so ouercome with meruailing at this deed as he said within him selfe In sooth it is no shame to renowne one of the best Knights in the worlde In this meane while the rest of the traine came thether who for to finde their king had searched long time vp and downe the Forrest Then was their pray and Venison laid on two horses and caryed to the Citie where the Queene was immediatly aduertised of king Perions arriuall and therefore made speedy prouision of all things necessarye to welcome and feaste so great a Prince At their coming they found Dinner ready and the tables couered wherfore after the welcomes and reuerences done on all sides the two kinges sat downe so did the Queene and faire Elisena her Daughter Now had loue secretly ambushed him-selfe because he had long time assayled this yong Princesse without any power to ouercome her but now he saw her so vnprouided as at this instant hower he might touch her to the quick and thence forwarde hold a sure conquest of her The like in king Perion who thought of nothing but a friendly entertainment yet when he cast his eye on the Lady Elisena she in like sorte vpon him by vertue of this pearcing regarde her wonted chaste and holye life had no longer power to priuiledge this Princesse but she was wonderfully thralled in extreame loue to this yong king and he in selfe same manner to her albeit till that hower he had his hart francke and free without subiection in any other place In this sorte during dinner tyme they found themselues for each other in a strange opinion till the tables were with drawen wheÌ„ the Queene would departe to her Chamber wherefore Elisena arose to follow her but as she stepped forward she let fall a Ring which she had put in her bosome when she washt her handes and so had forgot it by reason of this new loue that made her thinke on other matters Now was king Perion somewhat neer her and desirous to let her know how willingly he would be hers stooped downe as soone as she to take it vp and so right did their handes meete together as the king had the meane to close her fingers yet feigning to take vp her Ring Wherevpon this amourous Lady began to change collour and notwithstanding by a sweete regard humbly thâ—â—ked him Ah Madame quoth he this shall not be the last seruice I hope to doe you for my whole life time shal be imployed to obey you CoÌ„strained was Elisena without answering him to follow the Queen her mother so surprized altered as very neere she had forgoten her selfe so that not able to endure this new fire of loue which so sudden vehemently had conquered her wonted chaste and choice determination with the teares in her eyes and her hart full of anguish shee went and discouered the same to a faithful Damoseloshers named Dartoletta praying her most instantly to councel her how she might safely know if King Perion had not else-where placed his loue and whether the affectionate semblaunce he had showne her might proceed from force of that impression which had so lately seazed on her hart The Damosell meruailing at this so sudden mutatioÌ„ in a person thought so farre from any such matter taking neuerthelesse compassion on her piteous teares thus answered I see well Madame that according to the extreame passion wherewith the tirant Loue hath tormented ye he hath left no place in your iudgement where counsell or reason may be entertained and therefore following not what I ought for your seruice but the will I haue to obey you I shall do what you haue commaunded me by the most honest meanes that my little discretioÌ„ and great desire I haue to please ye will permit me So without any more woords Darioletta went to the Chamber where King Perion was and at the doore she found his Squire who brought other garments for his Lord to weare which the Damosell tooke of him For quoth she it is necessary that I performe this seruice and you gentle Squire may goe if you please about your other affaires The Squire thinking it was the custome of the Country made no deniall but willingly suffered her to take the Garments whereupon she entred the Chamber where she found the King laid on his bed who seeing her enter and knowing well it was she whom he had seene to conferre with Elisena most priuatly in whom aboue al other she put chiefest trust he thought that she wold not come in that sort to him without bringing him some remedy for his mortall passions for which cause all in trembling he said Faire friend what demand ye If it may so like you my Lord quoth she I haue brought other garments for ye Much rather would I said the King that you had brought some comfort to my hart which at this present is left despoyled of all pleasure As how my good Lord answered the Damosell Thus quoth he When first I arriued in this country I was free from all passions and doubted nothing but of aduentures that might happen to Knights errand but now I know not in what sort entring this Court by some one of your Ladyes haue I receiued a deadly wound for which if you faire Damosell know how to giue me any remedy your recompence shall be so good as you shall repute your selfe beholding to me Certes quoth she I should imagine my selfe happy by doing seruice to so high a personage and so good a Knight as you are if I could tell wherein If you wil promise me said the King as you are a loyall Damosell not to discouer me but where it is requisite I shall tell ye Say boldly your pleasure answered Darioletta for by me without your liking it shall not be knowen to any Damosell and my friend quoth he I giue you to vnderstand that at what time I beheld the excellent beauty of Elisena your Mistresse I became extreamely tormented with her loue and in such sorte as I cannot excuse my selfe from death if I find not remedy for my greefe
she This shal be to serue vs saide the Damosell when we haue need Beleeue me answerd Elisena weeping but little doe I care for any thing that may happen for I feele my selfe too neere the losse of my good and all my ioy Very soone after the Princesse felt the anguish of traualle which was to her very strange troublesome oppressing her hart with sundry bitter passiōs yet notwithstanding al her yrksome plunges poore soule she durst not but be silent greatly fearing least she should be heard Her agonies thus redoubling the most mighty with-out danger of her person gaue her in deliuerance a faire Son which the Damosell receiued and as she held it it seemed to her of wonderfull feature and happy would she haue reputed him had he not bene borne to hard fortune where-to Darioletta was constrained to send him for the redemption of the sorrowfull mother and therefore she deferred it not But euen as before was concluded she wrapped the infant in riche clothes and after-ward brought it with the Cofer to Elisena which when the good Lady sawe she demanded what she would do therewith Madame quoth she herein shall your little Sonne be put then will I send it forth on the water and if it please God he may escape and liue Alas my sweete infant saide Elisena how full of danger is thy destiny In meane while Darioletta tooke inke and parchment and writ therein these words This is Amadis without time Sonne to a King by these words without time she meant that she thought his death to be neere at hand and the name of Amadis was of great reuerence in that Country because of a Saint there so ca◅ to whom this little infant was recōmended The letter beeing written and sealed was couered and wrapped in silke then with a little golden Chaine fastened about the Childes necke with the Ring that King Perion sent Elisena at his departure Each thing thus appointed Darioletta came to the wofull mother and in her sight put the Childe into the Chest laying by him the King his Fathers Sword which he threw on the ground the first night he came to Elisena and this is the cause wherefore the Damosell had so well kept it then after the Mother had kist her Sonne as her last farewell the Cofer was made fast very arteficially and Darioletta opening the iron dore commending the babe to the heauenly protection she set it on the water the course whereof beeing very speedy full soone caried the Cofer into the Sea which was lesse then halfe a mile from the place Now began the breake of day to appeare and the little infant followed his fortune now throwne heere then there according as the boystrous waues pleased but by the will of the highest who when he pleaseth makes impossibilities easie caused it so to fall out that at the same time as this was done a Scottishe Ship sayled on the Sea wherein was a Gentleman named Gandales who from little Brittaine sailed with his wife into Scotland she hauing beene lately deliuered of a sonne called Gandalin The morning was both calme cleere wherefore Gandales might easilye perceiue the Chest floting on the waues which he presently sent out for thinking it to be some matter of great value then the Mariners casting forth a Skiffe made toward the Cofer and tooke vp when they had brought it to Gandales he got open the couer and beholding the goodly infant within as also the rich clothes wherein it was wrapped he suspected that it came from no meane place as he gathered by the ring the good Sword So taking it in his armes he was filled with such compassion as he began to cursse the mother thereof who through feare had forsaken so cruelly such a beautifull creature and carefully did he cause al things to be kept which he found in the Cofer desiring his wife that this infant might be nourished as his owne Sonne She was heerewith very wel contented and so the two children were equally fostered together for neuer had yong Amadis suckt the teat but so soone as it was giuen him by his new nursse he made no refusall thereof but being very thirstie sucked very hartily whereat Gandales and his wife were exceeding glad Now had they the time so fauourable as shortly they landed in Scotland neere to a Citie named Antallia and soone after they came to their owne Country where little Gandalin and the Childe found in the sea were nourished together And because Gandales forbad his seruāts to vse any speech of his good hap requesting the like of the Mariners to whom the ship belonged and were to saile els where the two children were esteemed bretheren by such as were ignorant of their fortune CHAP. III. How King Perion parting from little Brittaine trauelled on his iourney hauing his heart filled with griefe and melancholie KIng Perion being on his way toward Gaule as already hath beene recited entred into a marueilous melancholy as well for the greefe wherein he had left his Elisena to whom in his hart he wished well as also for his doubtfull dreame being in such sorte as you haue heard So long rode he in this heauines till he ariued in his country and soone after he sent for all his great Lords as also the Prelates of his Realme giuing them expresse charge to bring with them the most learned Clarks in their Countryes and this he did to the end they might expound his dreame When his vassailes had made knowne his will not only those he sent for but many other came to the court shewing the desire they had to see him their readines to obey his command for they did so loue and reuerence him as oftentimes being fearefull to loose him they were for him in very great greefe and sorrow thinking on the dangerous perils that in chiualry to win honor he hazarded himselfe so that they would more gladly haue had him dayly with them which could not be because his hart was discontented til by armes he had brought the greatest aduentures to end The Lordes and Princes thus assembled the King conferred with them on the estate and affairs of the Realme but it was with so sad countenance as could be for the occasion of his dreame made him so pensiue as his Subiectes being abashed thereat were in meruailous doubtes notwithstanding after he had giuen them to vnderstand his will and appointed all requisite matters in order he gaue them leaue to departe sending each one home to his house only staying with him three Astrologers reputed the most skilfull in those actions and therefore he made choise of them These men he called into his chappell there causing them solemnely to sweare promise that with-out feare of any thing how dangerous soeuer it were they should interprete to their vttermost and truely expresse what he would declare to them whereupon he told them his dream as hath bin already before rehearsed then one of them being named
such paine for when all liuing creatures goe about it if I list they shall loose their labour In good faith Madame answered Gandales I now make no doubt thereof yet I beseech ye to be mindefull of the Gentleman who is forsaken of all but my selfe Doe not you trouble your selfe there-with said Vrganda this forsaking wil be a recouering of much more My loue to him in greaterthen you can imagine being she that shortly intendes to receiue by him two aydes which no other can giue me In recompence whereof I will giue him two likewise wherewith he shall thinke himselfe highly satisfied Let this suffise ye for this time because of necessitie I must be gone aduising ye that you shal see me againe sooner then you thinke for At these wordes the Damosell departed and Gandales who had not all this while regarded the Knight against whom he fought seeing him now bare-headed reputed him one of the goodlyest Gentlemen that euer he had seene who after he had taken vp his Sheeld and laced on his helmet followed the Damosel wherefore for this time we will let them goe continuing what happened to Gandales Vrganda being departed he returned toward his Castel meeting by the way with the Lady whō Vrganda had caused to be chased frō her friend and this sorrowfull woman was heard by a Fountaine where she wept lamented very bitterly when she espyed him that came toward her she easily knew him wherefore she thus spake Is it possible Sir Knight that the wicked creature whom you succoured hath done so much as to let you liue wicked she is not answered Gandales but wise and vertuous and if you be otherwise I will make you deny these foolish wordes Ah God said the Lady how can the villaine deceiue euery one How hath she deceiued you replied Gandales Alas quoth the Lady she hath taken from me the faire Knight that should be mine and so may I well say seeing he would be more content to be with me then with her This is meere folly answered Gandales for in mine opinion both you she doe loue without reason How euer it be said the Lady if I can I will be auenged You trauile in vaine quoth he thinking to iniurie her that knowes it not onely before you execute it but when you imagine it In sooth answered the Lady this afternoone ye may be gone when you please and neuertheles it often happeneth that those which thinke they know most by presumption fall into the greatest dangers Gandales seeing her so impatient commending her to God followed his way thinking more of the yong Gentlemans affaires then what the Lady had spoken to him Being come to his Castell and seeing the little boy come running towards him he tooke him vp in his armes and louingly embracing him remembred what Vrganda had saide to him which made the teares stand in his eyes with ioy saying within himselfe Faire Childe I pray God I may liue so long as to see thee such a one as I hope for At this time the yong Prince was about three yeeres olde who seeing his Lord weepe as one moued with compassion he wiped his eyes which made Gandales imagine great humanity in him and that as the childe grew in age strength so waxed he in will the better to helpe him if he had occasion Wherefore thence forward he was very carefull of him deuising all meanes for his best education and compayning continually with his play fellowe Gandalin he took very great delight in shooting He being come to the age of sixe yeeres King Languines and his Queene riding through the Country came to Gandales Castell where they were royally feasted But before they there ariued Gandales being aduertised of their comming caused the yong Prince and his companions to be hid in a backe Chamber fearing that in respect of his beauty and good grace the King would be desirous to take him away with him or else that the childrē would be troublesome to the house But it fortuned that the Queene being lodged in one of the highest roomes in the Castell as she looked forth at a windowe which was on that side where the Children were she espied the yong Prince and his play-fellowes drawing their bowes and marking him very well she liked him aboue all the other taking great pleasure to behold his countenance thinking he was Sonne to the Lord of the house yet being doubtfull and not seeing any of whom she might aske the questiō she thus called to her Ladyes Come and behold the fairest yong creature that euer was seene At these words they al came running and soone after the Childe being drye left his bowe by his companions going to drinke at a conduit pipe which was hard by in meane while one of them that was bigger then the Prince tooke vp his bow to draw it but Gandalin would not suffer him whereupon a great strife fell betweene them and Gandalin being the weakest cryed out Gentleman of the sea come helpe me When the Prince heard him he left his draught and ran to him that misused his brother taking his bowe from him giuing him there-with a great stroke ouer the head saying In an euill hower varlet dost thou outrage my brother The other not content therewith came to the Prince they fought together yet he that began the noyse was glad to run thence and by the way met their Gouernour who said Whether runnest thou Maister quoth he the Gentleman of the sea will beate me then the Gouernour cōming to the Prince rigorously threatned him saying What are you already so bolde to beate your companions you shall be talked withall by and by for it When the Prince heard his threatning he fell downe on his knees saying If you will appoynt that I shall be beaten more gladly will I take it then suffer my brother to be wronged in my presence With these words the teares trickled downe his cheekes which moued pity in the Gouernour wherefore he thus answered If euer you doe so againe I will make ye weepe in an other sorte The Queene who had heard and seene all the debate was greatly abashed wherefore they called the little boy the Gentleman of the sea CHAP. IIII. How King Languines caryed away with him the Gentleman of the sea and Gandalin the Sonne of Gandales WHile the Queene thus beheld the Gentleman of the sea the King entred her Chamber accompanied with Gandales of whom she presently demanded if that faire yong Sonne were his Yea Madame answered Gandales And quoth she why suffer you him to be called the Gentleman of the sea Because Madame said he that at returne of my last voyage into little Brittayne he was borne vpon the sea Truely quoth she he resembles you but little this was her opinion because the Prince was exellent faire and Gandales somewhat heard fauoured yet a most gentle companion It chanced during these speeches that the King cast his eye on the little Prince
to whom he seemed no lesse beautyfull then he did to the Queene wherefore he commanded Gandales to fetch him for when I goe hence quoth he I will take him with me and haue him brought vp with mine one Son In sooth my Lord answered Gandales he is yet to yong to leaue his Mother but hauing brought him presented him to the King who said Faire Child will ye go with me to the Court My Lord answered the Childe I will goe whether you please if my brother shall goe with me And I quoth Gandalin will not tarry here with-out him I perceiue my Lord said Gandales that if you take the one you must needes haue the other for they will not be seperated I am the better pleased answered the King then calling Agraies to him said My Son I will that you loue these two Gentlemen as I do their Father When Gandales saw that the King would haue them away in good earnest with the teares in his eyes he thus spake in his hart My childe that so soone beginnest to proue fortunate now I see thee in the seruice of them who one day may happily serue thee if it please God to guide and protect thee as I shall humbly pray for suffer that the words of Vrganda the vnknowne spoken to me may proue true making me so happy as to liue to see the time of those great meruailes promised thee in Armes The King who noted Gandales seeing that his eyes were filled with teares came to comfort him saying Beleeue me I neuer thought you had bene such a foole as to weepe for a Childe Ah my Lord answered Gandales it may be vpon greater occasion then you thinke for and if it please you to know the truth I will presently tell ye heere before your Queene So he tolde the whole discourse how he found the Gentleman of the sea and in what equipage and he had proceeded with that which Vrganda foretold him but that he remembred the oath he tooke Now my Lord said Gandales deale for him as you shall please for so God helpe me according to his beginning I thinke him to be issued of great linage Whē the King heard this he esteemed much the better of him that he had so carefully nourished the child he found and thus answered It is great reason seeing god hath done so much for him as to preserue him frō so great a danger that now we be diligent inhis education and endowe him with habilities when time shall serue In good faith my Lord said the Queene so please you he shal be mine during his young yeeres and when he comes to mans estate I will deliuer him to serue you Well Madame quoth the King I giue him you Now early on the next morning the King would set forward wherefore the Queene not hauing forgot the gift of her Lord tooke with her Gandalin and the young Gentleman of the sea whom she commanded to be so carefully attended as her owne Sonne for she tooke such pleasure in beholding him that dayly she would haue him neere her owne person because he had such a cheerefull spirit and so well gouerned withall as he was well liked of euery one so that whatsoeuer he did passed with generall allowance no other pastime had he but in shooting and cherishing dogges for the chase Now doth the Authour leaue this matter returning to that which happened to King Perion his new freind Elisena King Perion as you haue already heard being in Gaule where he vnderstood by his Philosphers the exposition of his dreame as also what the Damosell had told him That when he recouered his losse the Kingdome of Ireland should loose her flower he became more pensiue then before yet could he vnderstand nothing thereof As he thus sadly spent his dayes it chanced that another Damosell entred his Pallace who brought him a letter from Elisena whereby she gaue him to know that King Garinter her Father was dead and she remained alone and for this cause he should pitty her in that the King of Scots would take her Kingdome from her For the death of King Garinter was Perion somewhat sorrowfull but yet he comforted himselfe by thinking he should goe to see his friend towards whom he had not diminished one iot of his affection wherefore he quickly dispatched the Damosell saying to her Returne and say to your Mistresse that without staying one whole day I shall be in short time with her The Damosell well pleased with this answere returned and after the King had set his affaires in order he parted in good equipage to see his Elisena and iournied so speedily as he ariued in little Brittaine where he heard newes that king Languines had already gotten all the cheefe of the Country except those Cities which Garinter gaue to Elisena who now abode as he vnderstood at a place named Arcate whether he addressed himselfe If he were there well receiued I leaue to your iudgments and she likewise of him whom she loued so much After the welcomming feasting of one another the King told her that he would now marry her and for that cause she aduertised her kindred and Subiects which she did with all diligence could be deuised as also with so great contentation as her heart might desire for herein only consisted the summe of her affections Which being heard by the King of Scots and how to accomplish this King Perion was already arriued with his Sister he sent immediatly for all the noble men of his Realme to beare him company in doing honor and wel-come to the King his brother At his comming he was gratiously receiued by King Perion and after by embracings they had saluted each other and the nuptials likewise thorowly ended the kings derermined to returne home into their owne Countryes King Perion trauailing toward Gaule with his Queene Elisena somewhat weary with tediousnesse of the way he would refresh himselfe along by a Riuer side while the tentes were erecting he rode softly alone by the waterbancke imagining how he might know the truth whether Elisena had a child according as his Philosophertold him in expounding his dreame But so long continued he in this thought that riding on without any regarde he came to an Hermitage which was neere at hand wherefore finding him-selfe at a place of deuotion he alighted tying his Horse to a tree that he might goe in to say his prayers And entring the Church he found there a very antient religious man who comming to meete him said Knight is it true that king Perion is marryed to our kings daughter yea verily answered the king Praised be God said the good Hermit for I know certainly that she loueth him with all her hart How can you tell that replied the king Euen from her owne mouth said the good olde man The king then hoping he shoud heare of him the thing which he most desired to know said I pray ye Father tell me what you
At what time the two branches of one tree shall be ioyned which at this instant are seuered then did she tell me where I should find him of whome she spake and this is he I giue you in guard euen as you loue me By these meanes remained little Galaor in the holy mans charge and there he staied so long till he was of yeeres to receiue the order of Knight-hood as hereafter shal be recited to you At this time reigned in great Brittaine a king named Falangris who dying without children left one of his bretheren his heire no lesse prudent in all affaires then prompt at armes and Knightly chiualry being called Lisuart who maried not long before with Brisana daughter to the king of Denmarke the fairest Lady that then was to be found in all the North parts And albeit she had bene requested in mariage by great Princes of the country notwithstanding for feare of some the father durst not consent to the othâ—… which he would prouide 〈…〉 sing one himselfe and so 〈…〉 her to the yong Prince Lisuart who for loue serued him nor was he ignorant of the vertues harbouring in hiâ—… hart Now after the death of Falangris the Princes of great Brittaine knowing the right of Lisuart sent for him to succeed in the Realme for he being in a strange country whereby his hauty deeds and chiualry he was maried in so good a place therefore they pispatched their Ambassadours to him intreating him to accept the Realme and subiects of great Brittaine and to come to inuest himselfe therein CHAP. V. How King Lisuart sayling by sea landed in Scotland where he was greatly honoured and well entertained PRince Lisuart vnderstanding his Subiects desire for his short returne prouided his equipage by Sea being aided and assisted by the king of Denmarke his father in law and afterward set saile toward great Brittaine And because he coasted along Scotland he tooke landing there whereof Languines being aduertised came and receiued him very royally Now was this new king of great Brittaine accompanied with the Queene his wife and a faire Princesse their daughter aged as is thought about ten yeeres named Oriana one of the fairest creatures that euer was seene and therefore during the time of her aboad in Denmarke she was commonly called The only because her paragon was not to be found in beauty This yong Lady Oriana being not vsed to trauaile on the sea found her selfe some-what weary and her father fearing a worse mis-hap intreated the king of Scotland she might stay with him till he sent for her Right gladly did king Languines and his Queene accept this charge wherefore king Lisuart without longer stay in Scotland went to sea where weighing Anckers and hoising sailes in short time landed in his owne Country where being arriued before he could abide in quier as in such occasions it often falleth out certaine rebels were found whom in time he ouer-maistred which was the cause he could not so speedily send for his daughter that he left in Scotland In this place the author leaueth the new King peaceably ruling in great Brittaine and returneth to the Gentleman of the sea who by this time hath attained the age of twelue yeeres albeit in stature he seemed past fifteene and for his good grace both of the Queene and the other Ladies was loued and esteemed more then any other Now according as hath beene already declared the yong Princesse Oriana daughter to King Lisuart was left with the Queene of Scots to refresh her selfe till the King her father should send for her and to her did the Queene vse all the gracious curtesies could be deuised saying to her withall Faire Madame henceforth so please you shall the Gentleman of the sea serue you and be yours Which the Princesse Oriana willingly accepted wherefore the yong Prince made such an impression of this kindnsse in his spirite as during life he ment to serue nor loue any other and therefore for euer bequeathed to her his heart but so well it came to passe that this loue was mutuall and equall betweene them both Notwithstanding the Prince for a while hauing no knowledge thereof thought him-selfe vnworthy so great good reputing it a very bold enterprise to thinke thereon which was the cause he durst not speake but shew his good will in outward semblance The yong Princesse who was of the same minde and also in like paine forbare to talke more with him then any other thereby to auoyde all suspition but the eyes of the two louers doing their deuoire and office entercoursed the thing which most they esteemed and thus couertly they liued without acquainting each other with this amorous affectioÌ„ Soone after this yong vnknowne Prince seeing that to attaine the good grace of the Lady he loued it was necessary he should take Armes receiue the order of Knighthood he said to himselfe If once I were a Knight I would do such exployts as should deserue the fauour of my Lady or die in the attempt And in this desire one day finding king Languines at leysure for his request and comming to him in the garden where he walked he fell on his knee vsing these speeches My Lord might it stand with your pleasure I gladly would receiue my Knight-hood When the King heard him seeing his yong yeeres he was greatly abashed and thus answered How now Gentleman of the sea Do you thinke your selfe already strong enough for such a weightie charge Iâ—… sooth it is an easie thing to receiue honor but to maintaine it as behooueth it may be is more hard then you esteeme so that oftentimes a right good hart is troubled therewith For if through feare or cowardise he forsake what he ought to doe more better is death to him then a shamefull life therefore by mine aduise I would haue you yet a while to forbeare The Prince not contented with this answere replied I will not forgoe honor my Lord through any such feare as it pleaseth you to alleadge for if I had not the desire to doe all that appertaineth to Chiualrie I would not haue beene so bold to make this request but seeing by your gracious fauour I haue beene hitherto nourished most humbly I beseech ye to grant me this petition that I may receiue no occasion of loosing your seruice to seeke else where for obtaining my suite The king highly esteemed the courage of the youth and doubting least he would depart indeed answered Assure your selfe Gentle-man that I wil do it wheÌ„ I see it necessary for ye in meane while prouide your Armes and what else belongeth Yet tell me faire Sir to whome if I refused would you go for your order To King Perion said the Prince who is reputed a good and hardie Knight for he hath maried the Sister to your Queene who maketh me beleeue that he will not denie me when I shall let him vnderstand how shee hath nourished me and that I am her seruant It is true
behold your resolute countenances I am certaine they are nor able to endure yee let vs then enter among them for God is our defender At these words the most disheartened tooke courage concluding to stay and fight manly with their enemies who soone after in great furie set vpon them Now did King Abies make knowne his magnanimitie and hardly could Prince Agraies men endure the assault nor the Squadron that King Perion brought for King Abies maimed some other he ouerthrew while his Launce held he dismounted euery knight that met with him Afterward he layd hand to Sword wherewith hee carried himselfe so valiantly as the hardyest were amazed thereat for he made way where euer he came so that king Perions men not able longer to hold out began to retyre so fast as they could toward the Citie Whē the Gentleman of the Sea saw that Fortune was so contrary to them in great spight he entered the throng and fought so fiercely as the most part of the Irish-men were glad to stay while the Gaules with-out disorder retyred toward the Castle then turning his horse he followed them To defend this brunt there was also king Perion and the Prince Agraies who deliuered testimonie to their enemies by the keen edge of their Swords how well they knew to gouerne themselues in such extremities notwithstanding the Irish-men seeing they had the better stil pursued them with eagar courage driuing them confusedly into the Citie hoping that now would be the end of their warre Such was the retire of the Gaules still more and more pressed by their enemies as doubtlesse the Irish had entred the Citie after them but that they were hindred by king Perion Agraies and the Prince who wholly did repulse the throng till their people by them were gotten in But now was tydings brought to king Abies that his cousin Dagenel and Gallin Duke of Normandie were slaine whereat he waxed very displeasant and seeing King Perion with his people were inclosed in the Citie he resolued to take leysure for his reuenge wherein he was deceiued for soone after he was very strongly repulsed which made him almost mad with anger And as he thus raged vp downe one of his knights shewed him the Prince saying My Lord hee whom you see mounted on the white Horse is the man that slewe Prince Daganel and the Duke of Normandie with many other the best in our Armie When King Abies heard that he rode to the Prince with these words Knight thou hast slaine the man whom most I loued in the world but if thou wilt combate I hope to be reuenged so well as I shall haue cause to be quit with thee Your men answered the Prince are two little trauailed to meddle with ours notwithstanding if thou wilt as a Knight reuenge him thou louedst and declare the great hardinesse for which thou art renowned chuse of thy men such as thou shalt like and I if it please the King will doe as much of mine for being equall in number thou shalt gaine more honor then with so great an Armie which thou hast brought into this Countrey with-out iust occasion Beleeue me quoth the King thou talkest well go to chuse thou thy selfe the number of men how many or few thou thinkest good Seeing you leaue it in my choyse replied the Prince I will make another offer which it may be you will account more cōuenient You are mine enemy for that which I haue done and I yours for the wrong you haue done to this Realme so for our seuerall cause of anger it is not reasonable any other then our selues should suffer let then the battaile be betweene you and me onely and presently if you will without longer dallying yet shall you assure me from your men as I will do you from mine so that none shall moue whether the one or the other be vanquished Right well said King Abies do I allow of thy offer whereupon he choseten Knights on his parte to garde the field And as the Prince laboured to gaine the like of the King with his consent hee found King Perion and Agraies somewhat loath to grant the Combate as well for the consequence that might ensue as also because the Prince was much wearyed and sore wounded beside wherefore they entreated him to deferre the matter till the day following But the desirous affection he had to be conquerour as also to make a finall conclusion of the warre that hee might roturne vnder her obeysance from whom he came to serue king Perion would not suffer him to make any longer delay of the glory and honor which he saw so neere at hand For this cause he vsed so many perswasions to the king as in the end hee was granted the Combate and on his side likewise were tenne knights appointed for his guard and safetie in the field CHAP. X. How the Gentleman of the sea fought a Combate with King Abies on difference of the warre he made in Gaule YOu haue heard in what maner the combat was accorded betweene King Abies the Gentleman of the sea and now already is the greatest part of the day spent wherefore it was agreed by the Lords on either side very much against the wils of the two Combatants that all should be deferred till the morrow morning as well that they might refresh themselues and repaire their battered armour as also for regarding such wounds as they had receiued in the passed encounters Hereupon the two Kings withdrew themselues the one to his Campe and the other to his castle But such is the bruite spred through the Cittie what worthy exploits the Gentleman of the sea had done as he could not passe by them but thus they spake with generall voyce A◠famous Knight God giue thee grace to proceed as thou hast begun impossible is it to find a Gentleman so accomplished with beauty and Chiualrie as he is for our eyes are iudges of the one and our enemies full well haue felt the other But you must note that in the morning when they went to the field the King had giuen the Queene in charge that so soone as the Prince returned frō the warre she should send one of her Ladyes to him requesting him not to be vnarmed in any other place then in her chaber wherefore as he went neere the Kings lodging the Lady came vnto him saying Sir Knight the Queene desires you not to be elswhere vnarmed but in her Chamber where she stayeth your comming In sooth said the King you must needes grant this request and I desire it may be so The Prince condisending went where the Queene staied with her Ladies and no sooner was he entred but presently the Ladyes holpe to vn-arme him yet the Queene her selfe tooke the greatest paine of all and as shee had off his coate of Mayle shee perceiued he was sore wounded which she shewing to the King he said I maruaile Gentle-man seeing you are so hurt that you tooke no longer time
iniury they may carry me into my Country and dying like a Christian I may pay my debt both to God men Faine would I haue councel for my ouer burdened Soule then afterward shall I render to King Perion what I vsurped from him And as for thee who hast vanquished me I despise not to dye by the valiance of so gentle a Knight as thou art but withall my hart pardon thee my death wishing thou mayest continue honotable and yet hereafter to remember me When the Prince saw him in such debilitie he was exceeding sorowfull for his death although he knew assuredly that if he had woon the glory of the combate he would haue dealth much worse with him During these speeches the Knights appointed on each side came to them wherefore King Abies commanded his Captaines to render King Perion what he had conquered in Gaule which was accomplished and by these meanes the Irish men had assurance to carry home their King who dyed soone after order was gâ—for their affaires These matters thus ended King Perion Agraies and all the Lords of Gaule came to the Prince accompanying him with great ioy from the fielde into the Citie euen with such triumphant glory as to Conquerours is accustomed who by their prowesse not onely ouercome their enemies but restore the Country that is well neere ruinated Now must ye vnderstand that a little before the beginning of the Combate the Damosell of Denmarke who came from faire Oriana to the Prince was arriued at king Perions Courte and-before shee would make her selfe knowne she desired to behold the issue of the fight Afterward seeing him returne with so honorable a victory she shewed her selfe and taking him aside said Knight may it please you to heare a word in secret of such matter as doth verie neere concerneye Euen what you will answered the Prince with which words he tooke her by the hand and keeping her from the throng she thus spake The Princesse Oriana who is onely yours hath sent me to you and this Letter withall wherein you shall finde your name written When he heard her named by the remembrance of whom only he liued he was so perplexed that without vnderstanding what else the Damosel said hauing taken the Letter he â—et it fall being readie himselfe to â—eare it companie which the Damosell seeing shee tooke vp the Letter and came to him againe Euery one that beheld him in these passions meruayled what newes she brought to procure this alteration but she puld him by the arme so roughly as made him forget his former Traunce thus speaking What now my Lord Take you the Message in so ill part that comes from the onely Lady in the world and who aboue all other loueth you for whose sake likewise I haue taken so great paine to find you Ah Ladie quoth he on my faith I knew not what you sayd to me for euen as you began to speak I felt the paine to renewe in mee which heretofore you haue seene me endure It is true said the Damosell but now it is needlesse for ye to conceale your selfe any longer from me for I know more of your affayres and my Ladies then you imagine because her selfe hath bewrayed them to me And if you beare her affection you neede not be ashamed thereof in that she loueth you beyond all other in respect whereof she telleth you by me that she must goe to the King her father requesting after your departure from this warre you would come see her in great Brittaine appointing all things in such order as at your arriual you may remaine there in the Court vntill more a mply you vnderstand her mind Beside she gaue me charge to tell ye how she certainly knowes you are Sonne to a King wherewith she is no lesse pleased then shee thinkes you will be and seeing being ignorant of your Linage you haue proued so good a Knight now vnderstanding your Nobilitie you should labour to increase your Fame if you can And then againe shee gaue him the Letter saying Take here the Letter wherein your Name is written and which you had hanging about your necke at such time as you were found in the Sea The Prince tooke the Letter and when he looked on it remembring to what good purpose his Lady had taken it from him fetching a vehement sigh somewhat softly he thus spake Ah happy Letter most diuinely wast thou found in respect thou hast beene kept by her who hath my heart in her custodie and for whom I haue so often assayed to die yet cannot For thinking on her perfection I seeke to augment it by strength and commendation but of so slender value is my puissance found that striuing thereby to gaine her fauor the least paine I feele surpasseth a thousand deaths which neuerthelesse are now recompenced by this present benefite O highest God when shall I see the time wherein I may giue her to vnderstand how great my deuotion is to obey her by some agreeable seruice Hauing finished these words he opened the Letter and saw his Name written therein which was Amadis then thus spake the Damosell againe to him I was charged Sir when I had done my Message to returne with all speed to her that sent me to you therefore be-thinke your selfe if you will command me any thing You shall not depart so please you in such haste answered the Prince but stay with mee two or three dayes during which time for what occasion so euer it be you shall not forsake me and then will I conduct you whither you please In obeying you sayd the Damosell I trust I doe seruice to my Ladie Oriana Their talke thus breaking off he returned to the King and Agraies who stayed for him him at the entrance of the Citie where the people were wonderfully assembled in the streetes Then came the Queene with her Ladyes Gentle-women to vnarme him and the Chirurgions to visite his wounds which when they had regarded albeit they were many and yrkesom to behold yet were they to bee healed without any great daunger of his person For this night the king desired that he and Agraies would supp with him but the Prince making his excuse by his wounds went to his Chamber willing to haue no other company then the Damosel to whom he did all the honour that could be deuised hoping through her to finde remedie for part of his griefes This Damosell soiourned with him certaine time and in respect of the good Newes shee brought him no wound could hinder him from visiting the great Hall there walking and conferring with euety one but most with her whom he caused to stay attending his dispositioÌ„ till he might beare Armes And betweene them happened a strange occasion which was cause of his longer abode in Gaule then hee expected so that the Damosell returned to Oriana without him as you hereafter shall vnderstand CHAP. XI How the Gentleman of the Sea was knowne by King Perion his Father and by
good wil hath alway beene with him and gladly would I prouide for his griefs and mine owne if I were able to compasse the meanes Doe then Madame what you may answered Gandalin if you loue him as I am sure he doth you and begin at this instant to let him know how hee shall behaue him-selfe in this Countrey Oriana then shewed him a Garden which was vnder the window where they talked saying Returne to thy master and tell him that this night he must secertly come to the place thou seest remember this withall how the chamber vnder where we stand is the same that Mabila and I lodge in and there is a crosse barred window neere the ground where-through we may easily discerne ech other and talk together for his Cozin is acquainted with mine affaires nor is it necessarie they should bee concealed from her Then taking a costly Ring off her finger shee thus proceeded Deliuer him this token from mee as the onely Iewell I most esteem and ere thou goest thou shalt see the Princesse Mabila who is so wise and discreet as she will easily vnderstand thee yet thou must say some-what loud to her that thou hast brought her tydings from her mother Here-upon Oriana called her to talke with the Squire whom the Queene of Scots her mother had sent to her but when she saw it was Gandalin she then suspected how matters went wherefore Oriana went to the Queene leauing them in deepe talke together In meane while the Queene demaunded of her daughter if the Gentleman were to returne shortly or no For quoth she I would send a token to the Queene of Scots by him Madame answered Oriana the chiefe cause of his comming into this Countrey was to seeke for the good Knight Amadis Son to the King of Gaule of whom you haue heard such famous report And where is he said the Queen The Squire saith quoth Oriana it is more then ten moneths since hee heard that he was heere and now he maruaileth to misse of him in this Court. Now trust me answered the Queene right glad would I be to see so good a Knight in the Kings company for it would be a great comfort to him many wayes hauing to deale with so many Countres wherefore I assure ye if he doe come hither hee shall finde here such honourable entertainment as he shal haue no cause to depart in haste Of his Prowesse Madame replyed Oriana I know little but what common bruite hath blazed abroad but heereof I am certaine how hee was one of the most braue yong Gentle-men that euer I saw when in the King of Scots Court he serued Mabila and me All this while Mabila continued with Gandalin enquiring if his master were as yet arriued Yea Madame answered Gandalin the same was he that vanquished Dardun and expresse charge hee gaue me to salue you on his behalfe The name of Heauen be for euer praysed quoth shee hauing preserued our Kinsâ—man from such exceeding danger and now sent him hither to honourably Ah Madâ—… said Gandalin hee were happy indeed if the force of loue made him not in worse case then dead for Gods sake therefore doe you assist him being thus fully perswaded that if he finde no ease to cure his afflictions you shall loose the best Knight in the world and the vpholder of your fathers fame He may be well assured answered Mabila how hee cannot with greater desire employ mee then I haue to doe him pleasure and will him not to faile in what the Princesse hath commanded him as for thy selfe being iudged to come from the Queene my mother thou mayest come and speak with vs at al times as need shall require Gandalin tooke his leaue for that time returning toward Amadis who attended the answere of life or death and into such debilitie was he brought by these extreams as hee had scant force enough to support himselfe for the short sight hee had of his Ladie at the Combate encreased such a desire in him to see her at more libertie as euery houre seemed to him longer then a yeare When hee saw that Gandalin was returned in hope of happy newes hee came and embraced him not daring to demaund any thing of him fearing least matters should not fall out to his contentation but Gandalin with a cheerfull couÌ„tenance told him that he brought no sadde tydings and rushing into the matter at first said My Lord God make yee as constant as you haue cause to be content for if you haue that vertue you are the most happy and accomplished Knight in the world Ouer-whelmed with ioy Amadis caught him in his armes demaunding what he had done seene and heard I haue seene and heard answered Gandalin the felicities of Paradise and know that they are prouided for you if you hinder it not your self Ah Gandalin quoth Amadis iest not with me but tell me the very trueth Then Gandalin declared word by word how euery thing happened first of the counterfeit Letter and next the appointed meeting at the window and by the way reported some part of his owne speeches moouing a change of conntenance in Oriana then her answere euen to the conclusion before rehearsed likewise how he talked with Mabila and how willing she was to assist him with her vttermost habilitie Amadis was so fed with content by these reports that hee made him rehearse one thing ten times and I cannot tell which of them was most affectionate either Gandalin in reporting or Amadis in hearing for both the one and the other seemed insatiable in the end Amadis thus spake My faithfull Companion I thought my self altogether indebted to thy Father who saued me from the daunger of drowning in the Sea but I confesse that duty belongs more necessarily to thee because by thy diligence and discretion thou hast giuen me a better life then he preserued But tell me now didst thou take good marke of the place to which she commuanded me Assure your selfe thereof quoth Gandalin for she her self shewed it me Ah God sayd Amadis how shall I deserue the great good she doth for me Away from me now all sorrowe and complaining Yet this is not all my Lord quoth Gandalin See here a token she hath sent ye as a testimonie of her honourable loue to you so he gaue him the Ring which came from Oriana and after he had long beheld it kissing it a thousand times put it on his finger saying Faire Ring that hast beene so happy as to be caried and accounted deere by the most accomplished creature in the world albeit thou be now in a place of much inferiour honor yet hast thou not changed thy mistresse for both thou and I are hers and she doth compasse my heart hith greater force theÌ„ thou canst possibly binde in my finger Let vs leaue this talk answered Gandalin and returne to the Damosels who tarry for vs in the Tent but you must dissemble conningly for if they see you altered
you which if you grant me not a sudden and cruell death will take hold on me These words were accompanied with such aboundance of teares as was no small griefe to her to behold Alas my Lord quoth she forbeare these often repetitions of your death the thought there of is insupportable to mee for should you die I were vnable to liue one houre after considering all the pleasure I haue in this world is in the ioy of your health and welfare Nor can I but be assured of your words by reason mine owne case is sufficient therein being copartner with you in euery torment but if yours seeme more violent this is the reason my will being equall with yours wanteth the strength you haue in suffering cannot effect the desire of our hearts which vrgeth loue and griese more in you then me albeit my share is not one iote the lesse But this I promise you on my faith if fortune or our owne endeauour can compasse no meane to yeelde vs content my selfe will search some way whatsoeuer happen bee it hate of Father Mother Kinred Friends for we may not thus procrastinate our ioy and groane vnder the weighty burden of desire the flame whereof climeth so high as the martyrdome of our hearts may easily bee discouered No doubt these wordes were pleasing to Amadis and gaue such cheerefull life to his hope that hee was rauished with inwarde conceit thereof when shee seeing him mute trode vpon his foote saying Diseomfort not your selfe my Lord for I will not fayle what I haue promised nor shall you depart till you perceiue it and shortly will the King hold open Court when both he and the Queen must depend on your assistance knowing well that your presence shall honour the company As they would haue continued in longer talke the Queene called Amadis causing him to sit downe by Galaor for the King was gone to his chamber Then began the Ladies to censure on the brethren but they resembled each other so like as little difference could bee discerned betweene them euery one being of the opinion that these twayne were the most perfect amongst all Knights both in beauty noblenesse bounty and good grace but Galaor was somewhat whiter in complexiion and Amadis of bigger bone his locks more crispt and faire and hauing a little more red in his face then Galaor had Soone after the Queene willed Galaor to go see her daughter and the other Ladies when he regarding the excellent beauty of Oriana imagined such another was not to be found in the world and by her often sighing with alteration of colour he suspected her to be the onely cause that his brother liked so well to stay in King Lisuarts Court Right courteously was hee welcommed among the Ladies and diuerse familiar speeches passed betweene them till the King being set to meate sent for Amadis and Galaor to beare him company as also Agraies and his vnckle Galuanes CHAP. XXXII How King Lisuart departed from Windsore to the Cittie of London there to hold open and royall Court IN the beginning of this book it hath been declared how the diuine bountie calling Lisuart to the Realme of great Brittaine soone after of a disinherited Prince made him the peaceable King of such a Monarchy by the death of his elder brother Falaugris who dyed without any heire of his body begotten Likewise how he was reputed such a great Lord through the world as many Knights came from strange Countries to serue him not thinking themselues happy except they might bee named Knights of his Court But within a while after whether this fortunate king forgot the author of his good or else it happened by diuine permission this happy Realme fell into persecution and the illustrous state of King Lisuart was troubled and obscured that all men might know how he onely is Lord and King of all liuing creatures who exalteth and abaseth when him pleaseth according as you shall here vnderstand For King Lisuart hauing cōcluded to hold the most royal and stately Court that euer king did in the Realme of great Brittayne commanded that on the 5. day following all the Lords of his Kingdom should appeare personally at London there to determine on matters of chiualrie which he intended to maintaine with all honour might be deuised But in the selfe same place where he thought the greater part of the world should yelde him obeysance began the first mutabilities of Fortune bringing his estate and person in danger of vtter ruine according as you shall vnderstand at large King Lisuart departing with all his traine from Windsore to keepe his Court at the famous Cittie of London it was wonderfull to beholde the Lords Ladies and Gentlewomen that gaue their attendance especially so many young Gentlewomen beeing there present some to regard the magnificeuce of the Court other to do seruice to their louely mistresses and nothing now generally minded but pastime and pleasure The King likewist for greater maiestie of his Court ordained that none of this assembly should lodge in the Cittie but to erect their Pauillions in the fields and meddowes along the banckes that hemmed in the faire riuer of Thames least the extreame heate might be hurtfull to them all which being done according to appointment the fields seemed as a most royall Camp or as if the greater part of the world were there assembled But because the king arriued there two or three daies before the feast he went to his Pallace accompanied onely with his Queene Amadis Galaor Agraies Don Galuanes and certaine other his most fauoured the rest kept themselues in their tents according as the herbingers had in quarters limited them With sundry sorts of pastimes was the King entertained which continued till fortune enuying his felicitie changed them into griefe tears by the meanes of a Lord no subject to the King but his neerer neighbour then friend named Barsinan a man opulent in riches and endued with few vertues as may be gathered by the matter ensuing This Barsinan was Lord of a Countrey called Sansuegua and very familiar with Arcalans the enchanter who not long before came to him and conferred with him in this manner My Lord quoth hee the great desire I haue to doe you seruice hath made me inuent the meane if you like thereof to deliuer in short time the Realme of great Brittaine quietly into your hands without much hazarding your person or any great expence When Barsinan who was a very ambitious man heard the wordes of Arcalaus who promised to make him King if he would he thus replied In good faith my deere friend Arcalaus if thou canst performe the thing thou vauntest of no feare shall hinder me to hazard my person much lesse will I reckon of expence if I see any likely-hood in the compassing It is a thing saide Arealaus very easie to bee done and presently shall you vnderstand by what meanes prouided that you sweare to me after you are seated in the
parle with him whereto king Arban willingly agreed and silence being made on both sides Barsinan began in this manner I euer thought til now my Lord that you were one of the best aduised knights in the world but by proofe I perceiue a man may finde the contrary yet this I think withall that what you doe is for the safetie of your honor Herein you appeare of simple iudgement considering in the end it will bee but the losse of you and your men in respect king Lisuart your late Lord is dead for proofe whereof euen he that slew him will ere long send me his head Sith fortune then hath dealt so hardly with him and I at this instant am the greatest Lord in this countrey dare you denie to make me king Alas you abuse your selfe the best will be for you to yeelde your selfe louingly and I shall entreate you so well as any Prince in my Realm suffering you still to enioy the countrey of Norwales and particularly beside will so honor you as you shall haue great reason to be content Auaunt villaine answered king Arban full wel doost thou manifest thy horrible treason for beside thy treacherie in compacting the death of my Lord thou wouldest haue mee become a traitour to his friends as thou thy selfe hast prooued Thou art deceiued doe the worst thou canst thy villainie onely will tâ—â—e vengeance on thee according to desert with such good helpe as we will put thereto What said Barsinan think'st thou to hinder me froÌ„ sitting as king in London Neuer shall traitour replied Arban bee king of London by Gods leaâ—e while the most honourable king of the world liueth I called for thee quoth Barsinan in respect of thine owne good because I fauoured thee more then any other imagining thou wert of sound discretion but as I haue said I finde my selfe deceiued wherefore reason requireth that thy ouer-weening should fall and in despite of thee I will reigne king in great Brittain Assure thy selfe answered Arban I will keepe thee froÌ„ such climbing as if the king my maister were here personally present Then began the assault afresh king Arban with-drawing himselfe to harden his men being maruailously offended at Barsinans words Now though he were very sharpely assailed yet stood hee brauely on his defence many being slaine and sore wounded neuerthelesse he was euer-more formost in the fight and last in the retreits which was caused by the night ensuing Nor neede wee doubt considering the puissance of Barsinan and they fewe on the contrary side but king Arban would take his aduantage in resistance by compelling them to narrow streets where foure on a side could hardly deal together which turned to the great disaduantage of Barsinan because Arban well fortified euery place in good order and with fresh supply still encouraged his men The retreit being founded and either side with-drawne King Arban seeing his souldiers sore wearied by the hotte skirmishes they had endured as is the office of a good Captaine indeede hee came and comforted them in this manner My louing companions and friends this day haue you worthily fought as none of you but deserueth estimation among the most forward men in the world and hauing begun so well I hope you will proceede better and better Remember the cause of your fight not onely to maintaine your good king but your owne liberty against a tirant traitour and what worse who would buy his vsurping in this Kingdome with the blood of you your wiues and children Saw you not how he vsed them hee tooke in the Tower Beholde you not the end of his purpose which is to ruinate this noble Realme that hath by diuine prouidence beene so long time preserued and euer-more continued in reputation flourishing with loyal subiects to their Prince Heard you not the flattering perswasions which the Rebell vsed before the assault thinking to coÌ„quervs by his golden tongue In vaine is his labour I am right well assured that no one of you but will die a thousand deathes before he shall conceiue any other minde in you I see by your resolued countenances if I should thinke or say otherwise I were a monstrous offender for if he haue more men then wee wee haue more hearts of courage then he which forbiddeth all accasions of dismaying setting before your eyes the famous account you shal liue in hereafter By their looks you might diserne at their retire how vnwillingly they wil be to trie you againe and respect not the traiterous words of Barsinan our king liueth and will right speedily come to succour vs. In meane while I intreat as my friendly companions let nothing dismay your hope but continue as you haue begun with famous resolutioÌ„ that is more honourable to die for liberty then to enioy a life by thraldome and slauerie vnder a wicked iniurous and traiterous Prince When the king had ended his oration there was no one in the company how sore hurt soeuer he was but would couragiously encounter Barsinans power and bid him brauely good-morrow next day in the Tower wherewith the king not a little contented returned to the Queenes lodging his face couered with sweate and his armour all bloody by reason of fiue woundes he receiued in fight The Ladyes seeing him in such pittious plight were maruailously abashed especially the Queene who well neere dead with griefe and fear together then as a woman in middest of despaire she said Alas deer Nephew what shall wee doe wee are all but dead Madame answered king Arban all will go well if God be pleased in vaine doe you thus discomfort your selfe for I hope to heare good tydings of the King and his traytours that seeke to vsurpe the kingdome by your good and loyall subiects shall receiue deserued punishment God grant it quoth she but you are so wounded as I thinke it impossible for you to bee at the battell if Barsinan come tomorrow againe nor can our men doe any thing without you Be not you troubled therewith Madame replyed king Arban for while my soule sucks her spirit from the ayre I will not forsake my charge So bidding her good night hee went to haue his wounds dressed and afterward turned to his souldiers merrily passing the night among them Barsinan on the other side got into the Tower of London which he had wonne and numbring his men found that his power was greatly weakened yet would hee make no shew thereof for dismaying the rest but shewing a dissembling countenance thus spake to them My friends it sufficeth that I haue shewen mine enemies what you are and they if I think good to stand at my mercy wherfore I am determined without any further losse of you to rest our selues fiue or sixe dayes till Arcalaus send me the head of king Lisuart and then the sight therof wil make theÌ„ not dare to resist mee any longer but in hope of fauour will yeeld themselues Each of you therefore reioyce and be of good cheere for when I
to lament the losse of my Lord for hee was your graces most humble seruant Nay rather my good friend and protector answered she and I would it were the Lords pleasure that wee might heare such speedy newes from him as might giue vs cause to reioyce And as they talked together Gandalin cast his eye vpon Florestan who was talking with Corisanda whome Gandalin knew noâ— but hee thought her to be one of the fairest Ladies that euer he had seene therefore hee beseeched the Queen to tell him who shee was the which shee did and the occasion wherefore shee was come into great Brittaine as also the loue which she did beare vnto Florestan for whose sake she staied at the Court if she doe loue him said Gandalin shee may well â—aune that her loue is implâ—… vpon him in whome all â—ounâ—â— remaineth and he is such a one that hardly â—…ay his equal be found in all the world and moreouer Madame I assure you that if your grace did know him so well as â—â— you would not eâ—â—â—e â—e any knight more then he for he is of a most valiant heart and high resolution He seemeth to be such a one answered the Queen further-more hee is of so good a grace and alied â—o so many good knights that it is impossible but that hee should bee such a gentle knight as thou hast reported him to be In tho meane season Florestan entertained his Lady and Mistris whom he loued most â—eruently not without a cause 〈◊〉 for shee was passing faire a rich Lady and alied to the noblest houses in all great Britaine Who hauing remained yet some few dayes in the Court after his returne shee determined to depart and taking her leaue of the king and Queene she took her iourney toward her own countrey Two whole daies together did Florestan accompany her who promised her that so soone as he heard any newes of Amadis and that 〈◊〉 baâ—â—aile was past betwixt the two Kings Lisuart and Cildadan if he remained aliue hee would come vnto her to â—arry with her a long time then taking his leaue of her hee returned vnto the Court But you must vnderstand that Oriana who had not forgotten her determination of going to Mirâ—… departed the next morning with her traine where shee had not long remained but that she perceiued the amendment of her health and with the some her hope increased to see him whom shee so greatly desired And because that the king had appointed that dâ—…g her aboade in that place of Mireâ—â—eur the gaâ—e should continually bee kept and that no body should enter thereiâ—â— Oriana foreseeing for the great desire shee had that it should be so the comming of Amadis shee sent to tell the Abbesse that shee should send vnto her the keyes of the Nunnerie gardens to walke thither sometimes for her recreation the which shee accomplished which were hard adioyning to the Castle but yet inclosed with very high walles And one day as Oriana walked there accompanied onely with Mabila seeing the place fauourable and fit for her purpose as if Amadis were returned she began to thinke of him in such sort and vpon the pleasure she should receiue by his presence that in speaking to herselfe she sayd Ah my onely hope my sollace and my intire refuge wherefore art thou not beere with mee seeing at this present I haue the meanes both to giue vnto thee and also to receiue of thee such ease and contentment as we haue so oftentimes desired to receiue one of another At the least I wil not depart from hence vntil I haue wholy satisfied the hurt which by my ouer-great folly I haue procured vnto you but I will here attend your comming And if Fates or fortune doe permit mee to beholde you here shortly I promise you sweete loue to giue you the sure contentment that your feruent loue hath promised vnto you a long time but if my misfortune shall bee an hinderance vnto your speedy returne your only absence shall bee the meanes to hasten my end wherefore I beseech you to take pitty on this my weakenesse and to succour mee for I liue and yet languish in extreame bitternesse And seeing that euer hitherto you haue beene obedient vnto mee without contradicting me in any sort now the necessity beeing such I pray you by that power which you haue giuen mee ouer you that you would come to deliuer mee from death which I feele to approach and â—arry not otherwise your delay will cause you ouer late to repent my vnhappy end In this sort did she speak as if Amadis had beene present when Mabila brake off her thought and Oriana changing her talke sayd to her Cosen seeing that wee haue the keyes of this place it were 〈◊〉 that Gandalin should make some other like vnto them to the code that your Cosen beeing returned may goe and come hither when as often as hee shall please It is wel aduised answered Mabila And as they were consulting there was one of the Porters sayd to Mabila Madam Gandalin is without who desireth to speake with you 〈◊〉 him come in answered Oriana for he hath beene brought vp with vs a long time and also he is foster brother vnto Amadis whom God preserue God so doe sayde the Porter it were a great damage that so good vertuous a knight should sustaine any hurt Then went he forth to goe seeke Gandalin and in the meane time Oriana said vnto Mabila I pray you see how your Cosen is beloued and esteemed of all men yea euen of the basest sort of people that are in a manner voyde of all vertue it is true answered Mabila Then Oriana sayde what would you haue mee doe but die hauing beene the onely cause of the ruine of him who is more worth then all the men in the world and who did better loue me then his owne selfe Ah accursed be the houre wherein I was borne seeing that by my folly and light suspition I haue done vnto him so great and so much wrong Madame answered Mabila I pray you forget these imaginations and onely arme you with hope for all this which you both say and doe serueth in no sort to ease your dolour Here with all Gandalin entred in whom Oriana caused to sit downe by her and after some conference which they had together she recited how she had sent the Damosell of Denmark to seeke Amadis vnto whom shee had written a Letter containing that which you haue heard and what words also she had giuen her in charge to say vnto him therfore said the Princesse in thy opinion doest thou thinke that he will pardon me Madame answered Gandalin Me thinks you are little acquainted with his heart for I am sure for the least word that is in the letter hee will teare himselfe into an hundreth peeces for you if you do but onely command him by more likelyhood may you imagin whether he will be glad to come see you
haue vnderstood of her and me for I am King Perion Truely Sir answered the wise man herein shall I greatly fault and iustly might she repute me an heretique if I should manifest what she hath told me vnder confession suffise your selfe with that I haue declared namely the true and sincere loue she beareth you But seeing I haue met ye in a place so conuenient I will that ye know what a Damosell in mine opinion very wise said to me at the time you came first into this country yet spake she to me so darkely as I neuer knew well how to comprehend her words for she said That from little Brittaine should come two great Dragons that should hold their gouernment in Gaule and their hearts in great Brittaine and from thence they should go to deuoure the beastes of other Countryes but against some they should be braue and cruell and against other some humble and gracious as though they had neither nayles or hart At these words I became very pensiue nor could I euer since learne the signification hereof Nor did the King at this instant vnderstand them but was in no lesse meruaile then the Hermite notwithstanding no long time after he found this prophesie to be true Now the king hauing commended the holy man to God returned to his tents where he saluted his Queene yet would he not tell her as then any thing of that wherewith his mind was troubled but dissembled the same till they were in bed and after their accustomed embracings the king by an apt meane recouÌ„ted to her what his Astrologers had said on his dreame earnestly desiring her to tel him whether she had any Child by him or no. When the good Lady heard this she was surprised with shame in such sorte as willingly she could haue wished her selfe dead and therefore altogether denied the truth so that at this time the king might not know what he desired On the morrow they departed thence and arriued in Gaule where this noble Queen was generally receiued with great ioy And because that as it hath bene heretofore rehearsed the king bare hersinguler affection he did for her sake stay more in his Realme then he was wont to doe so that not long after the Queene brought him a Sonne who was named Galaor and next a daughter called Melicia Bâ—…e little Galaor being two yeeâ—… and a halfe olde it chaunced that one day the king his father soiourning not farre from the sea side in one of his Cities named Orangill standing at a window toward the Garden where was then the Queene with her son Ladies sporting there entred at a postern dore such a horrible Giant as no man that euer saw him but was exceedingly affraide bearing on his neck a huge mighty Mace When the company of women espied him some fled among the trees and other not to see him fell on the ground but the Giant made no reckoning of them only he came to little Galaor whom he tooke in his armes and in a laughter said By my faith the Damosell said true So without any thing else taking away the Child returned the same way he came and entring a Brigandine that there stayed for him departed vnder saile In meane while the sorrowfull Queene who saw her son caryed away Forgetting through motherly loue the feare of the Giant followed him very neere hoping to recouer her little Galaor but when she saw him enter the Brigandine God knowes in what anguish she was for her Sonne in crying said Ah helpe me mother Alas she could not and more strange then death she tooke it to see him caried away 〈…〉 she loued as her owne life â—…s extreame dollour she 〈…〉 her other Sonne throwne into the sea wherefore the wofull mother fell downe in a swoune King Perion her husband who saw all this in the pâ—…ce where he stood from whence he could not quickly come to aide the Queene or her Son at last came to the Queene finding her in that case and did so much as he recouered her againe Then began she to make the most grieuous mone in the world regreeting this new losse by whom she before hoped to vnderstand of the first and dispayring euer to heare any newes of comfort moued great compassion in all that beheld her All this while the king laboured to perswade her whereby at last she reobtained the reason that before was absent whereupon the king said Madame we must thank God for all and cheefely in this case for now I euidently see hath happened the effect of my dreame whereof sometime I tolde ye thus is little Galaor the last hart that must be taken from vs against our will Henceforth therefore feare not to declare what is become of the first for considering the estate you then were in you ought not in reason to be blamed At these words the mournefull mother forgetting none of the fault committed told him the mis-fortune of her first borne Sonne entreating him to pardon her seeing she did it throw feare of death according as was the law of the Country In good faith Madame answered the king well may ye assure your selfe that while I liue I will not be offended with ye on your behalfe therefore I pray ye take their desteny so secretly as you may for I trust in God that seeing it hath pleased him at our beginning to afforde vs so little ioy and comforte by our children in time to come he will recompence vs with better successe and it may be yet one day that we shall heare good tidings of them Now leauing this ye must note that the Giant who bare away the young Prince was of the Country of Leonois Lord of an Isle named Gandalan wherein he had two strong places He was not a bloudy man as many other were but of a gentle and peaceable conuersation except when he was offended for in his fury he would doe great cruelties At one instant was the little barque so caried by the wind as he arriued in his country which he had caused to be peopled with Christians there he kept a Hermite of most holy life to whom he went saying Father take this child and nourish him for me teaching him all that is conuenient in a knight for I assure ye he is the son of a king and a Queene Ah said the Hermet why haue you doone such a cruell deede I will tell ye answered the Giant Being minded to go combate with the Giant Albadan who most vnhappily killed my father as you know and at this present forcibly holds from me the Rocke of Galteres which by right appertaineth to me being thus embatqued to exccute mine intent there came a Damosell to me who said Thou abusest thy selfe for what thou goest about must be done by the son to king Perion of Gaul who is much more strong and hardy then thou art I demanded by her faith whether she told me true or no. That shlat thou see quoth she
euen so it fell out for I deliuered my Father vnknowne to me being then at the very point of death So without any other reply the Damosell turning bridle rode backe the same way she came and the King into the Citie with Amadis his Sonne so lately recouered for which cause he assembled all the Princes and Lords of his Realme meaning to keepe a more magnificent Court then euer he had done before to the end that euery one might behold Amadis in regard of whose honour and happie comming there were Knightly Tourneys daily vsed beside great store of other pastimes and delights During these pleasures Amadis was aduertised in what manner the Gyant had carryed away his brother Galaor wherefore hee determined happen what might to goe seeke him and if possible hee could to recouer him either by force of Armes or otherwise Notwithstanding his heart being dayly mooued to goe see her that hourely expected his presence one day he entreated the King his Father seeing now he had peace with his enemies that with his leaue he might goe seeke aduentures in great Brittaine because he was loath to remaine idle But little pleasing was this request to the King and much lesse to the Queen yet by opportunitie hee obtained permission for his Voyage nor could they all haue power to with hold him by reason of the loue he bare to Oriana which made him obedient to none but her Herevpon being clad in such Armour as he promised the Damosell of Denmarke he set forward on his iourney embarqing himselfe at the neerest Port of the Sea where by good happe he found passage readie Not long was his cut into great Brittaine landing at Bristow a most noble and auncient City of that Countrey where hee heard that King Lisuart soiourned at Windsore royally accompanyed with Knights and Gentlemen for all the Kings Princes his neighbours did highly fauour and shew him obey sance which made Amadis shape his course directly to the Court Not long had he ridden on the way but he met with a Damosell who demanded of him if that were her readie way to Bristow Yea marry is it answered the Prince I pray ye then tell me quoth she if I may finde any shipping there for my speedie passage ouer into Gaule What affayres calles you thither sayd Amadis In sooth replyed the Damosell I goe thither to finde a Knight named Amadis whom King Perion not long since had knowne to bee his Sonne Greatly did Amadis meruaile hereat for hee thought these newes had not been so farre spread abroad wherefore hee demaunded how she heard thereof I know it qouth she from her to whom the most secret things of all are manifest for she knew Amadis before he knew himselfe or that his Father heard of Amadis and if you would vnderstand what shee is her name by common report is Vrganda the vnknowne She hath at this time especiall affayres with him and by no other can she recouer that which shee now standeth in feare to loose Beleeue me Damosell answered Amadis seeing she who may command euery one doth now please to employ Amadis I assure ye it is needlesse for you to trauaile any further for I am the man you are sent to seek and therefore let vs goe whither you thinke conuenient What sayd the Damosell are you Amadis Yea verily am I answered the Prince Come then and follow me quoth she and I will conduct yee where my Mistresse is who attendeth your arriuall in good deuotion Heere-with Amadis rode after the Damosell and thus are they gone together in company CHAP. XII How the Gyant bringing Galaor to King Lisuart that hee might dubbe him Knight mette with his brother Amadis by whose hand hee would bee Knighted and no other THe Gyant of whom sundry times we haue spoken heereto-fore causing yong Galaor to bee instructed in managing horses all other exercises beseeming a Knight found him so capeable of euery thing as in lesse space then a yeere hee was growne meruailous perfect so that now nothing remained but to know of him by whom hee most willingly would receiue his order of Knight-hood Notwith-standing before the Gyant mooued this matter to him one day among other Galaor came to him in this maner Father quoth he you haue dayly promised me that I should be Knighted I desire you would bee so good as your word for there is too much time spent since I ought to haue had it In sooth my son answerd the Gyant you haue reasō for your words yet tell me by whō you would receiue your Order King Lisuart quoth Galaor is reputed a gentle Prince and a right good Knight wherefore if so it like you I shall be contented to haue it at his hand Wel haue you aduised sayd the Gyant so presently preparing all things in order they set forward on their iourney About fiue dayes after their departure by good hap they came neere a very faire and strong Castle named Bradoid seated on the toppe of a mountaine enuironed about with Fennes and Marishes as also with a salt water that ran before it wondrous swiftly so that without a Barque it was impossible to get thither And because the Marish was very long there was to passe ouer it a faire long Causey being so broad that two Chariots might well meet together on it and at the entrance of the Causey was a draw-bridge where-under the water ran with such a violent fall as no one was able by any meanes to passe it Heere must ye note that equally facing this bridge there grew two goodly Elme trees where-under the Gyant and Galaor beheld two Damosels and a Squire with a knight mounted on a black Courser this Knight was armed bearing figured in his Shield two Lyons rampant and because the bridge was drawne vp hee could passe no further but called with a loude voyce to them within that some should come to giue him entrance which Galaor perceiuing sayd to the Gyant My Lord if it please you I would grady see what this Knight will doe here Soone after they espyed at the further end of the Causey by the Castle side two other Armed Knights accompanied with tenne Halberders who came and demaunded of the knight what he would Marie enter in answered the Knight It may not be said one of the two Knights except you meane to combate first I will not sticke for that answered hee that would enter cause you the bridge to bee let downe and come to the combate which presently they did But one of the twaine more hasty then his companion aduanced himselfe first and placing his Launce ran with a swift carreer against the knight who receiued him so brauely as he sent both Horse and man to the ground The friend to the dismounted knight thinking to reuenge his iniury gaue forth to meete him and failing in the attaint with their Launces so furiously encountered with their bodies as the knight of the Castle fell into the water
of her tongue she thus answered the Damosell Alas my friend did I raue or toldest thou me that Grindaloya testified to the Queene how Amadis is not dead In good faith quoth the Damosel I came but euen now from her highnes chamber where Grindaloya declared how Arcalaus had deceiued theÌ„ Happy bee this houre sayde Oriana but I pray thee goe tell my mother that Mabila entreates her to sende the Lady to comfort her which she did returning right soone with Grindaloya to Oriana I leaue to imagine whether shee were well entertained or no with all the modest courtesies so glad tidings deserued likewise whether Oriana and Mabila gaue her audience when she recounted Amadis deedes of armes at Valderin the misery of her and many other the danger whereinto he fell afterward by the enchantments of Arcalaus from which hee was deliuered by two strange Damosels The discourse hereof so pleased contented them that I think Grindaloya had an endlesse taske in the reporting for Oriana must heare euery thing often redoubled But repeating the dangers of Amadis and the misery from which he deliuered the poore captiues caused teares so thick as winters haile to trill downe her cheekes Thus taried Grindaloya all day wiih the two Princesses and had not so soone departed but that shee was aduertised how that King Arban of Norwales who loued her deerely expected her returne in the Queenes chamber Good reason had she to take leaue of Oriana and seeke him from whom shee suffered such sorrow But when these loyall louers met together each one was delighted so substantially as Grindaloya thought her griefes well recompenced Now because the Queene vnderstood how shee was daughter to King Ardroyd of Seralis and all her miseries had been for the loue of king Arban with instant intreaty shee procured her stay in the Court doing her all the honour and fauour could be deuised Grindaloya was not curious in granting the Queenes request because king Arban was partaker in the same suite by this occasion the Queene was aduertised that shee had a maruailous faire sister named Aldena who was nourished in the Duke of Bristoyaes castle which made her presently dispatch a Gentleman thither with request that the Dutchesse would send her to the Court This Aldena was the friend to Galaor shee for him suffered such iniurie by the Dwarff as you haue heard before discoursed We haue a long time continued with Amadis now let vs returne againe to Galaor leauing King Lisuart in hope to see him soone in his Court whom Arcalaus said he had slaine in combat CHAP. XXII How Galaor came very sore wounded to a Monastery where hesoiurned fiue dayes attending his health and at his departure thence what happened to him shall be declared in this Chapter FIue dayes together aboade Galaor at the Monastery whether he was conducted by the Damozell he deliuered from prison attending there the recouery of his wounds but when hee found himselfe able to weare his Armor he tooke leaue of the sisters and rode on his iourney euen which way fortune pleased to guide for he had minde to no part more then another About mid-day he arriued in a valley in the middest whereof stood a fayre fountain where he found a knight armed hauing no horse Galaor maruailing thereat demanded if hee came thither on foote the knight returning this answere Beleeue me no but riding through this Forrest to a Castle of mine I met with certaine theeues that slew my Horse thus am I brought into the flate you behold me by reason my seruants heare not of my misfortune Why You shall haue my Squires monture answered Galaor I thanke you fir quoth the Knight yet before wee part hence you shall know the great vertue of this fountaine for there is no poyson in the world so strong that hath any force against this water wherefore by reason of so soueraigne a benefit often times enuenomed beasts doe drink here-of and are presently healed beside diuerse of this Countrey vse to come hither and finde redresse for all their infirmities In sooth you tell me meruailes replied Galaor and seeing I am now so neere it I will alight to drinke thereof as others haue done Good râ—ason you should answered the Knight because you are ignorant of comming this way againe Galaor leaped from his Horse bidding his Squire alight to drinke as he did but while they were drinking the knight clasped on his owne head Galaors helmet and taking his Launce mounted on his Horse when leauing the Prince drinking he rode away saying Farewell Knight I must be gone tarry thou here to beguile another as I haue done thee Galaor lifting his head from the water and seeing the Knight make such hast away thus called to him Ah villaine neuer did theefe such a tteacherous pranck as thou hast done for thou hast not alone deceiued me but committed an act of great disloyalty which thou shalt well know if euer I meet with thee Yea mary answered the knight rest your selfe there till you recouer some other meane to combat with me Gone is the Knight so fast as he could gallop leauing Galuor chafing like a mad man but seeing there was no remedy he mounted on his Squires horse and pursued him til at length he came to a double way when not knowing which of them to take because he had lost the sight of him hee stood still in great pensiuenes till at length hee saw a Damosel come riding a pace toward him of whom hee demanded if she met not a knight mounted on a bay Courser bearing in a white sheeld a vermilion flower What would you with him replyed the Damosell I would quoth he recouer again my horse Armes for they be mine and by false villanies hee hath carried them from me When happened this said the Damosell wherewith Galaor told her all the discourse Well quoth the Damosell what can you doe to him being thus vnarmed for I thinke hee tooke them not away to restore them againe I care for nothing else said Galaor but to finde him once more Trust me answered the Damosell if you wil grant me one boone soone shall I bring ye together againe Galaor being very desirous hereof agreed to any thing she would demand Follow me then quoth she so turning her horse rode the same way she came keeping coÌ„pany a while together but the Damosell being better mounted then he left him behinde with his Squire rid before so fast that they had lost the fight of her trauailing the space of 3. miles without any news of her but at last on a great plain they saw her returne againe here you must note that the cause of her riding thus before was to aduertise the other knight being her deere friend of their comming and hee had expressely sent her to fetch Galaor to deceiue him of the rest of his Armour which he imagined easily to do without danger seeing hee had gotten the chiefest thing of his defence
somwhat noted yet imagined his Sister Mabila was the cause and that he was desirous to talke with her wherefore she thus spake to him My Lord Agraies will ye not see your sister whom you loue so deerly Yes Madam quoth he so it please you to giue me leaue Here-with he arose and came to Mabila who stepping forward to meet him you must think Oliuia was not one iote behinde her but welcoÌ„med him both with semblable reuerence But Oliuia louing him as you haue heard ouermastring her will with reason as a most wise well aduised Princesse gaue little in outward shew till after sundry amiable speeches passing betweene them three they had some leysure to stand a while asunder from all the rest Yet did Agraies keep neere his Mistresse taking her by the hand and playing with her fingers often sent her a sweete kisse in imagination so that by intire regarding her he was transported with such singuler delight as he neither heard or made any answere to his sister She being ignorant as yet of his disease knew not well what to thinke for notwithstanding all her courteous speeches his minde was otherwise busied then on her yet in the end she discouered the cause of this suddaine mutation perceiuing that Oliuia and her brother were surprized with each others loue Whereupon she thought it best to fauor them with more libery seigning a desire to speake with her Vnckle Galuanes which she prettily coloured in this manner Brother quoth she I pray ye intreate the Queene that my Vnckle may come hither because it is long time since I saw him and I haue somewhat to acquaint him with all secretly I hope to obtaine so much of her answered Agraies whereupon he went to the Queene thus spake Madam if you could spare mine vnckle a little you might doe his Neece a very great pleasure for she is desirous to talke with him And reason good said the Queene at which words Galuanes went with him which Mabila seeing she humbly met him making great reuerence when Galuanes vsing the like to her began in this manner Fayre Neece I am glad to see you in such good disposition but tell me I pray ye do you like Scotland or this Countrey better We shall confer quoth she more conueniently at the window because I haue many things to tell ye which were needelesse for my brother to vnderstand nor shall he they being of such importance as they are These words shee vttered smiling and with a marueilous good grace cheefely because her brother might court his friend alone And well said Neece answered Galuanes our secrets are so great as they must needes bee kept from him So taking her by the hand they went aside to one of the windowes by meanes whereof Agraies and Oliuia were left alone When the Prince perceiuing hee had liberty to speake trembling in aboundance of affection he began thus Madam to accomplish your commandement when you parted from mee as also to satisfie my heart which neuer enioyeth rest but in the gratious contentment conueyed thereto through mine eyes by your presence I am come hither to serue and obey you assuring you on my Faith that being neere your person my spirits seek themselues viuified in such sort as they suffer with great strength the anguishes of continuall affection which makes them dead in time of your absence Therefore I desire ye if it bee your pleasure to limit mee some better hap hereafter in place where I may often see and doe you seruice And as hee would haue proceeded further Oliuia interrupted him in this manner Alas my Lord I am so assured of the loue you beare me and also of the griefe you endure we being absent one from another as no other proofe is required then what mine owne heart doth plainely testifie smothering a displeasure worse then death it selfe whereto oftentimes I could very gladly submit my selfe did not a cheerefull hope rebacke this despaire how one day our loue shall meet together with happy contentation And perswade your selfe that I daily trauaile in remeÌ„brance of our mutuall loue meane while sweere friend remporize and dismay not Mistresse sayde Agraies you haue already so bouÌ„d me to you as I must in duty temporize till time you please but I desire yee to consider how I haue no forces but such as you must fortifie mee withall so that if you couâ—…y your graces to me as you haue begâ—… I shall haue strength to sorue according to your deserts While I liue my Lord quoth she neuer will I faile yee be you then so well aduised as euery one may loue and esteeme yet whereby I may striue to loue you more then any other can in respect you are none of theirs or your owne but mine onely And if it happen some to speake of you you must thinke I receiue incomprehensible ioy therein for it cannot bee without recital of your haughty courage chiualry yet my heart dreading the dangerous occurrences which may ensue by ouer bold venturing accompanieth the former pleasure with as great a paine Agraies abashed to heare himselfe so praised vayled his lookes and shee loath to offend him altred her speech demanding what hee was determined to doe On my faith Madam quoth he I wil do nothing but what you please to comand me I will then sayd Oliuia that hence-forth you keep company with your Cosen Amadis for I knowe hee loueth you intirely and if he counsell you to bee one of this â—ouâ—â— deny it not Beleeue me Madam answered Agrayes both you and such good counselling will I obey for setting your diuine selfe aside there is no man liuing whom I wil more credite with mine affaires then my honourable Cosen Amadis At these words the Queene called him and Galuanes likewise hauing hnowledge of him in her fathers kingdome of Denmark where hee performed many braue deedes of armes and likewise in Norway so that fame reported him a right good Knight They being with her the Queene remembred Galuanes of her auncient acquaintance at which instant the Princesse Oriana came to them wherefore Agraies arose to salute her leauing Galuanes with the Queene and setled himselfe to conferre with Orianaâ— who entertayned him maruailous kindely as well for Amadis sake whom hee loued as also the curtesie hee shewed her for Scotland when king Lisuart left her there at his returne from Denmarke as you haue heard before declared the Princesse speaking to Agraies Cosen we haue daily desired your presence I heere 〈…〉 your sister who nor many dayes since was in great grief by 〈◊〉 newes that came hither of Amadis death your kinseman as truly you would haue wondered 〈…〉 Good reason had she Madam quoth Agraies to be sorrowful and nor she alone but all the rest of his â—â—â—age were bound to no lesse knowing when our Cosen dyeth the chiefe and most excellent of 〈…〉 yâ—â— the best 〈◊〉 that 〈…〉 mour on his body and you must thinke his death
It may be Lady you can tell me who hath caryed away the dead knight that lay vnder the tree not farre hence If you wil promise me quoth she to reuenge his death which is an exceeding great griefe to many I will resolue you therein I will not stick for that answered Galaor for it seemeth by your words it is an act of iustice to do it Very true said the Damosell mount vp before me on my Palfary and I shall direct ye to your desire WheÌ„ they had ridden about two miles shee shewed him a maruailous faire castle and alighting at the gate she bad him enter But remember quoth she what you haue promised And because I haue solicited you heereto I pray yee let me vnderstand your name I am called Galaor quoth hee and thinke you shall heereafter finde mee in king Lisuarts Court then any where else I am satisfied said the Damosell to God I commend yee then shee turned bridle and rode away but Galaor entred the castle where he found the dead laid in the middest of the Court by him stood many making great lamentation Neuerthelesse Galaor approching neere and stepping to an anciant knight demanded of him what the dead knight was Sir answered the olde man while hee liued hee was such a one as all the world may bemone his mis-fortune Do you know his name saide Galaor He is called Anthebon replied the other one of the most vertuous Gentlemen that euer liued in Gaul When Galaor heard he was a subiect to king Perion his father his heart began to storme and as hee pittied him the more so his desire encreased to reuenge his death whereupon hee entreated the knight to acquaint him with the truth of this tragicall accident Sir quoth he this infortunate Gentleman which you see was in respect of his bounty and vertue maryed to a wife who now lamenteth for him she being the Lady of this Castle In time they had a very faire daughter and she growing in yeeres was beloued by a knight our too neere neighbour but the young Damosell euer hated him and aboue all other could not abide him Where-of the getting intelligence determined by some meane or other to steale her hence and being so resolued forgetting God as also his owne honour watched when this good knight as customely he vsed should goe to the cornered street there to sucour such as often were distressed because it is the most dangerous place in this countrey Knowing him thus to bee from home the disloyall wretch entred this Castle and finding the maiden in company of her mother with diuerse Gentlewomen heere disporting mauger them all forcibly hee tooke her away before wee could fall the bridge to succor her Hereupon as wee afterward vnderstood shee did nothing day and dight but grieuously mourne despising all the inticing blandishments the knight vsed to her which in the end displeased him so much as hee began in this sort to reprooue her Lady you know that I loue yee with all my heart desiring onely to haue the like of you meaning no otherwise then honorably to make you my wife but you scornefully disdaine me albeit I am discended of a more noble house then your father is which maketh mee maruell very much what should moue you thus to bee mine enemy In good faith I will tell yee quoth shee I heretofore made promise to my mother and such is still my deliberation that I would neuer match with any husband if hee were not so good a knight and comparable with my father in chiualry for which shee made choyce of him among all other knights to which wordes he thus answered By heauen I see you loue me now for ere it bee long I will make sufficient proofe that I am a better man at armes then he Within a while after hee left his Castle beeing well mounted and armed placing himselfe vnder the tree where you sawe this knight dead to what intent I cannot tell but vnhappily the Lord of this Castle came that way hauing left his horse and Armour because bee onely intended to take the ayre The cowardly wretch seeing what aduantage hee had of him and remembring the promise hee made his Lady thought it place commodious to get him reputation and no witnesses by to report the contrary so without giuing him warning or speaking one word to him stealing behinde him smote his Launce thorough his necke as you he ere beholde Thus vnprouided of defence likewise suddenly and most villainously was this good knight slain and yet the blody traytour not farisfied alighting from his horse gaue him many needlesse cruell woundes with his sworde and so despitefully left him there In good faith answered Galaor the deede is monstrous vnable to passe with-out common reprehension but seeing you haue vouchsafed mee this fauour I pray ye tell me why was he afterwarde laide on such a costly bed vnder the tree Because it being a continuall pastà ge for knights errant said the olde man to try if any would be so honourably prouoked as to reuenge an act of such shame and tontempt after wee had acquainted them with this sad discouse I found him alone at the tree replyed Galaor what was the cause then you left him so Your deâ—…d is nor amisse quoth the olde man for foure Squires were euer wont to guarde him but because the knight who did the murther came and threatened to kill them we were coÌ„strained to bring away the body hither I maruell sayde Galaor that I heard not the noyse it may well bee sayd I slept soundly Are you he replyed the old man whom we found leaning asleep on your helmet The very same man answered Galaor Why did you rest so homely there quoth the old man To reuenge his death sayd Galaor if by reason I might doe so much Ah worthy Sir answered the old man heauen grant the finishing thereof to your honour then taking him by the hand he brought him to the bed whereon the dead man lay thus speaking to the sorrowfull Lady Madame this knight saith to his power he will reuenge the death of your Lord. Alas gentle knight quoth she the God of heauen keepe you in that good minde for I can finde no kinred or friend in this countrey who will doe so much for me because my Lord was a stranger yet whlie he liuid euery one shewed great friendship in lookes but now their kindnes is cold enough Lady answered Galaor in respect both he and I were borne in one countrie my desire is the greater to reuenge his death Are you said the Lady the sonne to King Perion of Galaoe whom my deceased Lord often told me was in king Lisuarts Court Neuer came I there Madame replyed Galaor in all my life but tell me what he is that did this treason and in what place I may find him Gentle Lord quoth she you shall be conducted thither if you please neuerthelesse I stand in doubt considering the perill you will
regiment to make me super-intendent and cheefe maister of your house-holde That will I answered Barsiinan with any thing else thou shalt desire Marke then the platforme quoth Arcalaus You know how King Lisnart hath openly published this feast of september to holde open Court whether you must goe well accompained with knights then shall I order the matter in such sort that I will carry away the King prisoner no man aliue being able to succour him in like manner will I carry thence his Daughter whom you shall take to wife and afterward will I send ye the Kings head Thus in respect the Princesse is right heire to the Crowne and you enioying her in Mariage being well accompanied with Knights as I tolde ye easily may you make seizure on the Realme nor shall you finde any to speake against it In sooth answered Barsinan if such an enterprise might sort to effect I would make thee more rich and mighty then euer were any of thy linage as also the chiefe cōmander my house It sufficeth said Arcalaus your selfe shall soone perceiue that seldom I enterprize any thing but it comes to passe then faile not to bee present in the assembly at London So came the traytour Barsinan to King Lisuart seighning his intent to do him honor wherefore the King sent many of his knights entertaining him as a most noble friend appointing his lodging and all things else necessary for him and being with the King in his pallace he entred into these speeches My Lord vnderstanding what royall magnificence you meane to keepe in your Court as also the good Knights and braue men were here to be seene this day I intended to honour you with my person not as your vassaile or subiect holding my Countrey of God and by the Sword but as your good neighbour and friend if you please Trust me quoth the King you do me very great pleasure and honour and I thanke you for this gentle paines that you would bee seene in so good company assuring you Lord Barsinan and my friend this courtesie shall bee remembred in what I may for I make very especiall account of you Your Maiesty dealeth very kindely with me replied Barsinan and I protest on my faith to bee ready in councelling your affaires for the best according as I haue a long time desired See how the traytor lied in euery word but the good king misdoubting nothing requited his offer with many thankes and to do him the greater honour appointed his lodging in his owne Palace himselfe and his Queene going forth of the Citty with their Tents and Pauilions immagining he could not do too much for the traitour And first he acquainted him with the whole enterprize and wherefore he caused this great assembly declaring the names Sir names of the best commended Knights their haughty prowesse and resolutions among whom hee forgot not Amadis and Galaor whose hardines was impossible to be equalled they two being accomplished with all the vertues required in Chiualrie When the king was withdrawn to his Tents and Barsinan to the Pallace he began to consider on the strength of his Maiesty as also the loue and obeysance so many great Princes shewed him which made him vnable to enioy and rest and often times he repented his foolish enterprize seeing how hard is would proue in execution Now he minded to alter his determination when sodainely another opinion entred his braine so that wauering vp and downe in his thoughts he could not resolue one any certainety On the next morning he came to the King who was now clothed in his royall ornaments because it was the first day of open Court and he commended one to goe to the Queene willing her to send him the Crown he had of the Knight and shee to clothe her selfe in the sumptuous mantle Hereupon she presently sent for the Cofer and opening it found nothing therein whereat she was greatly amazed considering shee trusted no body with the key thereof but her owne selfe and euermore carried it about her But knowing not how to remedie this mishap shee acquainted the King therewith who in great displeasure came to her saying I meruaile Madam you haue kept so badly the Iewel which would haue so greatly honoured this time considering vnder what condition it was left with vs. On my faith my Lord quoth she I know not what to say I found the Cofer fast lockt and none but my selfe hath kept the key of it But in a dreame this last night me thought a Damosell willed mee to shew it her which I did afterward she demanded the key and I gaue it her when opening the Coffer shee tooke forth the Mantle and the Crowne locking it againe and laying the key where I tooke it This done she put the Mantle about her and the Crowne on her head they beseeming her so well as I receiued great pleasure in beholding her and thus she spake That her selfe or she from whom she came before fiue dayes should rule in the Countrie of a mighty King who at this time laboured to defend it and to conquer it from other Hereupon I demanded what shee was and she answered You shall know at the time I haue spoken of So she vanished from me with the Crowne and the Mantle but on my faith I know not if this vision came to me sleeping or whether it be of truth The King was now in greater meruaile then before willing her to dissemble the matter and not to reueale it to any body then taking her by the hand they left the chamber comming among the knights and Ladies in the place appointed for the ceremonies of the Day where sitting down in the 2. chayres of state the King called his Knights about him and the Queene her Ladies with whom she communed Now had his Maiesty giuen order that neerest his person should be Amadis Galaor Agraies and Don Galuanes and at his back King Arban of Norwales well armed holding his Sword ready drawne and two hundred Knights for his guard then by a Herald hee commanded silence But as the King began to speake there entred a most beautifull Lady vere richly attired and with her twelue other Damosells in like brauery for in those dayes the great Lords and Ladies were wont to bring their people to such assemblies clothed according to their owne persons without any difference at all betweene them this fayre Lady adressed her speeches to the King deliuering them in forme following My Lord most humbly I beseech you to grant me audience and giue mee reason in a matter of difference which I haue against the Knight that standeth by your Maiesty meaning Amadis Longtime haue I beene requested by Angriot d'Estrauaus to be his wife who I am assured is in this royall presence hereto she added how euery thing happened the cause why hee kept the vale of the Pines and how Amadis trauailing that way made him perforce to abandon Armes Neuer thelesse quoth she they departed friends
and Amadis sollemnely promised Angriote that he should enioy me as his Wife wherof when I attained knowledg I withdrew my selfe to a Castle of mine where I kept such a strong guarde and custome as it was thought impossible for any strange knight to enter there without licence but that knight comming thither vanquished my guardants and hath vtterly abolished the drift I intended Yet afterward of his owne good will he promised mee to cause Amadis recall his offer to Angriote then chanced an vnhappy combat betweene him and this knight mine Vnckle who being at the latest extremitie of his life at my request he was spared on this condition that on the first day your Maiesty held open Court I should here present my selfe to grant a request he must demand of me To satisfie my promise I am come hither and desire to know what he will command me At which words Amadis stepped forward saying My Lord the Lady hath told ye nothing but truth concerning the seuerall promises at the Combats therefore am I ready here to accomplish that Amadis shall call back his word to Angriote prouided she performe her owne promise On my conscience quoth shee if you effect what you haue said you pleasure me more then you can imagine and to let you know I am ready to fulfill my offer demand what you please for if it be in my power you shall preuaile I request nothing else answered Amadis but that you would accept Angriote as your husband he louing you so deerely as he doth Out alas cryed the Lady what maner of demand is this I wish Madame said Amadis that you would marry with such a one as is well worthy to haue so faire a Lady In sooth knight quoth shee this is not according to the promise you made me I promised nothing replied Amadis but I will performe it for if I stand bound to you to cause Amadis discharge his word to Angriote herein I accomplish it I am Amadis and I reuoke the promise I made him wherein you must needes confesse your selfe satisfyed hee gladly would enioy you as his Wife and I ioyne with him in the same request thus stand I free discharged to you both May it be possible quoth she that you are the man so highly renouned Credit me Lady answered the King this is Amadis Ah wretch that I am said she now do I wel perceiue that art nor cuning can preuent what God hath appointed for I haue done my vttermost to escape Angriote not onely for the euill I wish him disdaining his good and vertuous deserts but carying this resolution that keeping my selfe chast and single I would not bring my liberty into subiection and now when I thought to be furthest from him I am come neerer then euer I intended Lady quoth the King you haue great occasion to reioyce for you being faire and rich he is a yong and braue disposed knight as you are rich in goods and possessions euen so is he in bounty and vertue not onely in deedes of Armes but in all other good qualities beseeming a knight therefore your mariage together is very requisite and I thinke all in this presence are of mine opinion heereupon shee stepped to the Queene saying Madam you are esteemed one of the most vertuous Princesses in the world most humbly I desire your councell what I shall do Faire friend answered the Queene according to the reputation Angriote had gotten among the good he well deserueth not onely to bee aboundant in riches but to bee loued of any Lady he shall chuse Why Lady said Amadis think you not that by accident or affection my promise was made to Angriote for had he compelled me to one of these twaine then might you well haue condemned mee of folly but making tryall of his valour and hardinesse yea to mine owne cost I dare assure ye and knowing likewise his earnest loue to you me thinkes the iustice of the cause commands that not only my selfe but all such as are acquainted with him ought to 〈◊〉 in seeking remedy for you both in him the extreame passions hee endureth through your loue in you by making his restlesse griefes known to you Now trust me Sir quoth shee such prayse haue I heard of your vsage to euery one as I imagine you would not say before such an assembly otherwise then truth wherefore following your counsell as also the pleasure of the King and Queene I will forget my former stubborne opinion and am ready to accomplish what you shall command mee Then Amadis taking her by the hand called Angriote and presenting him his loue said Sir Angriote I promised to do my vttermost in this matter say now is this the Lady you would haue Euen she quoth Angriote is the life and essence of my Soule and I am deuoted to none but her Then here I giue her you replied Amadis on this condition that you shall be forth with married together and continue in honourable loue to her as she deserueth I thanke you my Lord quoth he with all my heart and will obserue your gentle commandement Presently the King called for the Bishoppe of Salerne who conducted them to the Church where they were espoused in the presence of many great Lords Afterward they returned to the Citty and there the wedding was solemnized with great ioy and Triumphs wherefore wee may well say that hot men but God appoynteth mariage who perceiued the honest and continent loue which Angriote euer-more bare to this selfe-willed Lady For albeit hee had her in his custodie neuer did he meane dishonorablie against her but by vertuous cogitations bridled vnlawfull desire onely to expresse how intirely he loued her and by obeying her seueere charge lost his life wel-neare when he combatted with Amadis CHAP. XXXIII How King Lisuart would haue the aduise of his Princes and Lords as concerning his former determination for the high exalting and entertayning of Chiualrie AFter the end of this mariage which by diuersity of opinions caused much talke as commonly it happeneth in such cases the King commanded silence againe by his Herauld when euery one being attentiue to heare what he would say he thus began My friends no one of you is ignorant of the heauenly fauour toward me by appointing me the greatest earthly Lord that liueth this day in the Isles of the Ocean Wherefore I thinke it conuenient that as wee in this countrey are the chiefe so should we be second to no other Prince in rendring immortall thankes by good and vertuous workes whereof we are now minded to determine In this respect I intreate command albeit Kings are the heads of their Monarchies you the members that you would altogether take aduise and giue mee counsell euen from your consciences what you thinke most expedient for mee to do as well for the benefit of my Subiects as also for our estate And I assure ye I am minded to beleeue your opinions as proceeding frō loyall and
to staggering by the mighty blowes of his monstrous enemy yet at length the Prince smote at him so furiously as he was faine to lie along vpon his horse neck when redoubling his stroake betweene the helmet and the brigandine he parted his head from his shoulders Being thus cōqueror of all the Damofells and they not a little meruailing at this strange victory the Knight who had beene their host the night before spake to Florestan My Lord this Damosell haue I long time loued and she me with like affection but for the space of this yeare more the great knight whom last you slue hath forcibly detained her yet beeing now recouered by your worthy prowesse I beseech ye Sir I may enioy her againe If it be so as you say answered Florestan my pains haue stood you in some steede at this time but against her will neither you or any other can get her from me Alas my Lord quoth the Damosell no one but he hath right to my loue then sunder not them that should liue together Nor will I said Florestan you are Lady at your owne liberty and may depart with your friend when you please They both required him with manifold thanks then taking leaue of Galaor Florestan the knight rides home ioyfully with his new conquered Lady The other two Damosells desired the Princes to accompany thē to their Ants house which was not far off Galaor questioning with thē by the way why they were kept in such sort at the Fountaine where-to one of the Damosells thus replied Vnderstand my Lord that the great Knight who was shine in the combat loued the Lady which your host carried away with him but she despised him aboue all other fancying no other then him who now enioys her But in respect this knight was so puissant as none in this country durst contend with him he kept her violently whether she would or no yet offering her no iniury because he loued her decrely and one day among other he thus spake to her faire Mistresse to the end I may compasse your gentle affection and be esteemed of you the only knight in the world listen what I will do for your sake There is a Knight named Amadis of Gaule accounted the onely man for valour this day liuing who slew a Cozin of mine in the Court of king Lisuart a knight of great fame called Dardan the proud him for your sake will I seeke and by cutting off his head conuert all his glory to mine owne commendation But till I compasse what I haue said these two Ladies meaning vs and these two knights of my linage shall attend on you and each day conduct you to the fountaine of Oliues which is the only passage for knights errant through this Countrey if any dare be so bold to cary you thence there shall you see many braue combats what the honor of your loue can make me do to cause the like opinion in you towards me as your diuine prfections haue wrought in me to you Thus were wee taken and giuen to the two Knights who were first dismounted and with them we haue abode the space of one whole yere in which time many combats they fought for vs yet neuer conquered till this present In sooth Lady answered Galaor the knights intent was too high for him to accomplish because he could not deale with Amadis and escape the Fortune now fallen vpon him but how was he named He called himselfe Alimias quoth she and had not ouer-weening ptide too much ruled him he was a most gentle courteous Knight By this time were they come to their Aunts Castle where Galaor and Florestan found gracious entertainement the old Lady being very glad to see her Neeces as also to vnderstand the death of Alimias After they had taken leaue of the friendly Ladies they iourney toward the Realme of Sobradisa where they heard before they entred the Citty how Amadis and Agraies had slaine Abiseos and his Sonnes by meanes whereof Briolania ruled as a peaceable Queene which news highly contented them made them reioyce for their happy fortune To the palace they come vnknown of any till they were brought to Amadis Agraies whose wounds were already indifferently recured and they deuising with the Queene at her arriuall Here you must note how the Damosell that conducted Galaor to finde Florestan left them after the combat and comming before to her Mistresse told her and Amadis how Galaor and Florestan knew each other and what issue their combat had which made Amadis very kindely to embrace them both and Florestan offered on his knee to kisse his hand which Amadis would not permit but causing him to arise sate downe communed of their aduentures past But one day among other the new enstalled Queen Briolania after many honerable feastings she had made thē seeing these foure knights determined to depart considering the good she had receiued by Amadis and Agraies that she being before a disinherited Princesse was by their meanes restored to her Kingdome beholding likewise the wheele of fortune turned and how such personages were not alone to aide and defend her Countrey but puissant enough of themselues to be Kings and mighty Lords falling on her knees before them first rendring thankes to God who had done her such grace as to regard her in pitty continuing her discourse she said Thinke my Lords these mutations are the meruailes of the Almighty which are admirable to vs held of great accoūt but to him they are in manner nothing Let vs see if it be good then to shun Signories riches which to obtaine we take such paine and trauaile and to keepe endure innumerable anguishes and distresse as superfluous therefore vtterly to deiect them because they are torments of body soule vncertaine and haue no permanence As for my selfe I say no but affirme that they being lawfully begotten modestly vsed according to Gods appointment they are in this world rest pleasure and ioy and the way to bring vs to eternall glory The End of the first Booke A Table for the ready finding of the Chapters Contayned in this Booke directing by the Number to euery seuerall Leafe CHAPTER 1. OF whence the Kings Garinter and Perion were the Combat betweene Perion and two Knights as also how hee fought with a Lion that deuoured a Hart in their presence with the successe following thereon Fol. 1. Chap. 2. How the Princesse Elisena and her Damosell Darioletta went to the chamber where King Perion was lodged Fol. 6. Chap. 3. How King Perion parting from little Brittaine trauailed on his iourney hauing his heart filled with griefe and melancholy Fol. 12. Chap. 4. How King Languines carried away with him the Gentle-man of the Sea and Gandalin the Sonne of Gandales Fol. 19. Chap. 5. How King Lisuart sayling by the Sea landed in Scotland where he was greatly honoured and well entertained Fol. 24. Chap. 6. How Vrganda the Vnknowne
Fortresses of the Countrey all which he found so well fortified and furnished as from that time forward hee nothing feared the power of the Emperor if he shold attempt war against him for the taking away of his sister Afterwards by the perswasion of Grimanesa he caused to be builded in that place one of the fairest places that was to be found in all the Isles of the Ocian the which he beautified so gorgeously and furnished so righly that the greatest monarch of the earth would haue found it a very difficult matter to haue builded the like But it chaunced that fifteene daies after his there arriuall the Emperour of Constantinople his vnckle died without heirs of his body by meanes whereof they of the Countrey dispatched Embassadors vnto Apolidon to beseech him to take vpon him the Empire the which hee willingly accepted being as most men are neuer contented with their estate but still desirous of change especially of a pettie Island for an Empire Yet Grimanesa sorrie to leaue so pleasant an Island did most instantly entreat her Lord that before their departure in remembrance of the pleasure which they had enioyed in this Palace the first witnesse of the full fruition of their loues hee would worke such a meanes by his Art and great knowledge that from thence forth none might bee Lord thereof except hee were as good a Knight as he and as true in loue as hee was Truely Madame answered Apolidon I will doe more for your loue then so for not onely no man shall enter into this Pallace except he be such a one as you haue sayde but further no Lady nor GeÌ„tlewoman shall set her foote therein vnlesse she be as faire and excellent in all perfections as your selfe Then at the entrie of an Orchard planted with diuerse sorts of trees he caused a vault to bee made ouer the which hee placed the image of a man made of copper holding a horne as though hee would winde it and vpon the gate of this Pallace he set vp his owne and Grimanesa her picture so artificially wrought that they seemed verie liuely right ouer against which he planted an high stone of Iasper and about half a bow shoot off towards the garden hee set a piller of iron fiue cubits high These things beeing in this sort framed hee asked Grimanesa if she knew what hee had done No surely answered shee I will tell you then presently sayde Apolidon assure your selfe Madame that no man nor woman which hath falsified their first loue shall passe vnder this vault for if they aduenture to enter the same the image which you see shall blowe such a terrible blast shall cast through this horne such a flame stench that it shall be impossible for them to passe on further moreouer they shall bee cast forth with such force that they shall bee throwne downe and remayne in a swound before the vault But if it chance that any loyall louer man or woman doe assay this aduenture the image shall sound a tune so melodious as it shall greatly delight the hearers there may such faithfull louers passe without any impechment Furthermore they may beholde our portraytures their own names writteÌ„ in this Iasper yet shall they not know by whom they were in grauen For tryall whereof if it please you wee will proue the same forthwith Then hee tooke Grimanesa by the hand and passing vnder the arch the Image of copper beganne to sound marueilous sweetly but when they came to the Iasper stone they beheld their names newly ingrauen therein which greatly pleased Grimanesa And to beholde what would be the successe of such as followed them they called certaine Gentlemen and Gentlewomen to make tryall of the aduenture but as they thought to haue passed thorough the vault the Image blew such a hideous blast and cast forth fire smoake and flame so horrible that they all fell downe in a swound were throwne foorth most rudely Wherewith Grimanesa began to laugh knowing that they were in more dread then danger than king Apolidon most heartily for that which hee had done for her sake But yet my Lord sayde she what shall become of this rich chamber in which you and I haue enioyed such great coÌ„tentment You shall knowe by and by said hee Then caused hee two other pillers to bee brought one was of Marble which hee had placed within fiue paces of the chamber and the other of Brasse was set fiue paces before that Afterwards he said to Grimanesa Madame henceforth there shall neither man nor woman enter into this chamber vntill that hee who shall surpasse mee in prowesse and knight-hood or she which shall excell you in beauty bee first entered into the same but when fortune shall bring hither those which shall be worthy of a place so excellent all men after-wards without any let may therein enter Then he wrote vpon the piller of Brasse these words Euery knight which shall make proofe of this aduenture shall passe some further then other according as they excell each other in chiualrie courage Vpon the Marble piller thus Let no man aduenture to passe this piller to enter the chamber except hee passe Apolidon in knighthood And ouer the entry of the chamber Hee which shall enter herein shall exceed Apolidon in armes and shall succeed him as Lord of this countrey Before any man could come neere the chamber hee must of force touch the two pillers there trie his manhood He likewise ordayned that they should bee disarmed which hereafter should aduenture to passe vnder the arch of faithfull louers if they receiued the repulse and that all such should bee driuen forth of the Island as false and disloyall men but such as were faithfull should bee entertertayned with all honour and seruice that might be deuised Such as aduentured to passe the pillers to enter the forbidden chamber if they did not passe the Brasen piller they should bee vsed neither better nor worse then those which were false in loue If by chance they went beyond it because there should bee a difference betweene them and the others their swordes onely should bee taken from them And if there came any better knight which attayned not vnto the Marble piller hee should lose but his shield yet if hee passed on further and entered not the chamber his spurres onely should be taken from his heeles And touching the Ladies and Gentlewomen married or vnmaried which should proue the aduenture of constant louers if they were repulsed hee willed that they should be constrayned to tell their names that they might be written vp at the entry of â—â—e vault with the iust number of paces that each of them had entred forward in the same When the time is come said Apolidon that this Isle shall recouer such a Lord as is promised vnto it these enchantments shall no more be hurtfull vnto any and the place shall be free for all men but yet it shall not bee so
Lisuart to present those spoyles vnto Queene Brisena being assured that shee would be no lesse sorrowfull then he for the sad mischance and wee likewise do follow after him to thanke the Queene for the good which Guillan hath done for vs for her sake as he hath commanded vs to do Then Gandalin bid them farewell assuring them that hee would finde him vpon whom his death or life depended or else hee would end his daies in the seeking of him CHAP. VII How Durin returned vnto the Princesse Oriana vnto whom he declared the sorrowfull news of Amadis and of the great sorrow which she made after she vnderstood of his despaire DVrin hauing left Patin in the forrest as you haue heard made such great hast to returne vnto Oriana to let her know what he had seen of Amadis as the tenth day following he arriued in the Citty of London But so soone as Oriana perceiued him her heart throbbed in such sort as she was faine to goe into her chamber lay her down vpon her bed before shee would speake vnto Durin and shortly after shee commanded the Damosell of Denmarke to cause him to come in and to see that while she talked with him no other should come where she was Then Durin beeing on his knees before her shee said vnto him Durin my friend by the faith thou owest vnto mee tell mee in what estate thou diddest finde Amadis what was his countenance whilest hee red my Letter and what thou thinkest of the Queene Briolania Madam answered he by my faith I wil tell you the very truth although I am sure that vnto you and others it will seeme in a manner incredible At my departure from hence as it pleased you to command mee I went without any stay vnto the Citty of Sobradisa where I found the Queene Briolania who in my opinion next vnto you is the fayrest princesse of the world and of the best grace There I heard news that my Lord Amadis and his fellows were departed to returne vnto this Court but vpon the way they did meete with a Gentlewoman who carried them vnto the firme-Island to proue the strange aduentures thereof whereupon incontinently I tooke my way thither and there I arriued euen as my Lord Amadis passed the Arch of Loyall-Louers vnder the which none might passe that had in any sort falsified his first Loue. How said she hath he so rashly enterprised such an aduenture hauing his disloyalty so fresh before his eyes I know not Madam answered Durin how you beleeue it but sure I am that it hapned better vnto him then you thinke for seeing that he hath gotten more honour then euer any loyall Knight receiued as many can witnesse by the signes which then appeared And although at that instant Oriana would haue seemed for to dissemble the pleasure which she conceiued of these news yet could she not so cunningly do the same but that with extreame ioy her sudden blushing did increase her beautie for the assurance shee had in the loyaltie of Amadis But Durin continuing his discourse said vnto her Madam he hath yet done greater things for after hee had finished this so strange aduenture he heard news that my Lords Galaor Florestan and Agraies thinking to winne the forbidden Chamber were so rudely repulsed from the marble Pillar that their liues were in great perill by meanes whereof my Lord Amadis desirous to reuenge their wrongs with an inuincible courage he passed through all the gâ—â—ded places and maugre all the inchantments hee entred into the Chamber yet was it not without great danger and trauaile Thus did he win the Signory of the firm Island and al the inhabitants there-of haue already sworne vnto him homage and fealty according to the custome of the Country which is one of the fairest and strongest places in the world And I assure you Madame that it is more then an hundred yeeres since any liuing creature hath passed the pillars but onely my Lord Amadis by whose force and strength we haue seene all the singular things and riches of the pallace of Apolidon and the aduentrous Chamber which is renowned thorow all the parts of the Earth During this discourse of his Oriana was almost rauished with the great ease and pleasure that she conceiued in the hope that one day she should bee Lady and owner of such singuler things to her owne and her louers contentment and said vnto Durin Truly Durin fortune hath beene very fauourable vnto him Ah Madame answered he nay rather too rigorous so as I would to God some other had carried him that vnhappy Letter which you writ I deliuered how said Oriana I pray thee tell me what countenance he shewed in reading it Madame I wil tel you since it pleaseth you answered he although I am sure that you will bee very sort when you shal vnderstand what consequence it turned vnto and the mischiefe it brought vnto the best and faithfullest knight in the world In what sort said she You are the cause of his death answered Durin Out Alas said Oriana what is it thou tellest mee You haue forged the sword that hath wounded him to death and I carried it to him so as we are both his murtherers Then declared hee the whole circumstance and manner how he deliuered the letter and the despaire hee entred into after he had read it so as said Durin he did shortly after that secretly departe from the Pallace of Apolidon with Gandalin Isania the Gouernour of the Isle and me and we brought him vnto an hermitage where hee charged vs steightly to follow him no further then hee mounted on horse-back and taking with him neither Helmet Shield nor Lance he fled ouer a mountaine like vnto a mad man Afterward hee rehersed vnto her all the talke which particularly he had vsed vnto them in taking his leaue of them and Durin made this discourse with so many teares as it was very hard to iudge whether hee or Oriana had the more sorrowfull heart And know you Madame saide hee that after his departure notwithstanding his command to the contrary Gandalin and I followed him and found him asleepe by the side of a fountaine yet his sleepe was not long for suddainly hee awaked and raising himselfe vp he began to make the greatest lamentation in the world bewaling King Perion his father then Mabila and others his friends All this while Gandalin and I hid our selues for feare of his furie by meanes whereof without any impeachment of vs he passed the most part of the night in the like lamentations vntill about the breake of day that there chaunced a knight to come singing a song which he had made for the loue of you the which Durin recited vnto her as also that which happened vnto Patin which so ouer-charged the heart of Oriana that she remained in a swound looking like one that were dead The which Durin fearing he called the Princesse Mabila and the Damosell of Dâ—nmarke
from thy 〈◊〉 â—ild 〈◊〉 answered Guillan if thou 〈◊〉 â—…forme that thou â—â—â—ggest of it were a great deale but I beleâ—â—â— thou shalt proue thy selfe a liâ—â— and so saying hâ—◠〈◊〉 at 〈◊〉 Then there began 〈◊〉 on them 〈◊〉 sharpe and cruell Coâ—… 〈◊〉 without any breathing they laid at each other so fiercely that Ladâ—sin and his esquireâ— who were present did not thinke that any of them could escape the death Neuerthelesse they behaued themselues so valiantly that one could not iudge who had the best for they were expert knights hardy and exercised in armes so that knowing how to defend themselues few blowes could hurt them to the quicke Now when their battaile was at the hottest they heard the winding of a horne from the top of the tower where withall Guillan was abashed thinking it to be some new supply come to his enemy and on the other side Gâ—ndalod suspected it to bee some reuolt of the captiues which he had in his prisons And therefore either of them did their best to vanquish his enemy before the succours should come so that suddainnly Gâ—ndalod rushed vpon Guillan thinking to vnhorse him but Guillan embraced him so hard that they both fell to the ground tumbling one ouer another yet holding their swords fast in their hands but it happened so well for Guillan that he had his enemy vnder him By meanes whereof before the other could rise hee gaue him fiue or six great blowes with his sword which in such sort amazed him that from thenceforth he waxed more feeble Notwith-standing getting vp vpon his feet hee both well defended himselfe and better assailed his aduersary giuing sufficient knowledge of the little good will he wished vnto his enemy who so sorely oppressed vpon him that hee was constrained to recoile and turne his back Therefore Guillan marking where he was worst armed did hit him such a blow with his sword vpon the â—…e that â—oe quite parted it from his shoulder So 〈◊〉 with the extreame grieâ—e thereof he cast foâ—… a loude crie â—â—lyinâ—… towards the tower but Guillâ—â— ouertooke him and laide so fast holde vpon his helmet that hee pulled it from his head Then sâ—â—ting his sword to his throat hee saide vnto him Beleeue mee Sir you shall now goe to the king to present him with other heads then you determined but if you will not obey me your owne shall satisfie me Alas answered Gandalod I had rather yeelde my selfe to the mercy of the King then to die presently Where upon after hee had giuen his faith vnto Guillan they mounted on horseback and Ladasin with them At that instant they heard a great tumult within the tower and beheld one of the warders running away whoâ—â— they staied to know what the â—…ter was who told them that the prisoners had found the meanes to vnbinde themselues and to come forth of the dungeon wherein they were kept afterwards hoâ— they were armed and had already slaine the most part of his fellowes Hee had no sooner ended his speech when hee behelde some of those which he spake of ouer the gate of the tower and three or foure others which pursued a knight and seuen halberders that fled towards a wood hard by and when those which had gained their liberty perceined Guillan and Ladasin they cryed vnto them that they should kill those tratours that had scaped froÌ„ them Wherefore Guillan his cosin ran before and slew soure of them the rest â—aued theÌ„selues with their lightnes excepting onely the knight who was taken Then came the prisoners to salute Guillan whom they all knew after some talke which they had together Guillan said vnto them my Lords I cannot tarry long with you for I am constrained to goe forthwith to King Lisuart but my cosin Ladasin shal beaâ— you company vntill you haue refreshed you and afterwards I pray you to come vnto the Court to bring with you these two knights whom I deliuer into your keeping vntill king Lisuart haue taken such order for them as to his Maiestie shall seeme best and let one of you remaine here for the guard of this place vntil I haue otherwise prouided for it The which they promised him to performe thus taking leaue of them hee tooke his shield from his neck and gaue it vnto his esquires and taking the shield of Amadis as he was accustomed the teares stood in his eyes Where-withal the others being much aâ—ashed demanded of him what mooued him thus to take his shield froÌ„ his neck and place another in steed thereof with so great sorrow Ah answered he this shield belongeth to the best knight in the world theÌ„ he rehersed vnto them the manner how hee had found it with the rest of the armor of Amadis whom he had since searched for through all the countrey without hearing any newes of him wherewithall euery one of them were very sorry seating least some great mis-fortune had happened him Thus Guillan followed on his way and rode so long that without any further trouble hee ariued in the Court of king Lisuart where it was already known how Amadis had ended the aduentures of the Firme-Island gained the signorie thereof in like sorte how hee was departed from thence secretly in great anguish Neuerthelesse they knew nothing of the cause thereof except thosâ— whom I before haue tolde you of Thus Guillan entred into the hall hauing about his neck the shield of Amadis who was presently known of all the assembly wherefore they flocked about him to heare what he would say but the king was for most who demanded what neweâ— hee had of Amadis It may please your maiestie answered Guillan I knowe none neuerthelesse if it please you I will before the Queen recite how I did finde his armour sword and his shield which heeâ—… you may see Truely said the king I am very well pleased for since 〈◊〉 was her knight it is reason that 〈◊〉 first know what is become of hâ—… Saying so hee tooke Guillan by tâ—… hand led him where the Queen was Then Guillan kneeling dowâ— said vnto her weeping Madame not many daies since I found al the armour of Amadis with his shield left all alone hard by a fountaine which is called the fountain of the plaine fielde wherewithall I was so sorrowful that euen at the same instant I fastned the shield vpon 〈◊〉 trâ—e leauing in it the keeping of two Gentlewomen that were in my company vntâ—l that I had gone through the countrey to enquire where hee was become But I was neither so fortunate to finde him nor so happy to heare any 〈◊〉 of him wherefore knowing the disert of so good a knight who had neuer any desire but to imploy himselfe to doe you seruice I determined seeing I could noâ— bring him to you to bring you his armes as witnesse of the duty which I doe owe both to your Maiestie and also to him the which you may command if you please to â—ee
others did take their rest and he also perceiued a shippe at Anchor well appointed The Sun was already vp when he heard the Hermitage bell to ring which made him go vp thither Where he found the Hermit making him ready to goe to seruice vnto whom he tolde that there were people newly arriued in the Rock and that if it were his pleasure hee would willingly goe call them to heare Mattins Goe then answered the Hermit and I will stay for them And as he went downe the Rocke he met the Lady whom the knights carried toward the hermitage wherefore he returned to helpe to make ready the Hermit who seeing the Lady was come began seruice Then the Faire Forlorne being amongst the women began to remember the time when he was in the Court of king Lisuart and of the pleasure hee was won to haue with the Princesse Oriana there-withall he began to weepe so bitterly that the Gentlewomen perceiued it and did very much wonder thereat Notwithstanding they thought that it was for the contrition of his sinnes and seeing him young fayre and comely they could not thinke what to presume thereof When the Hermit had made an end of seruice they came to salute him praying him for Gods sake to lend them some little chamber for their Lady who was wearie of the Sea and extreamely sicke wherein she might take her rest for a day or twaine In truth faire Ladies answered he there are here no more then two small Cabinets in one of them I remaine and if I can so long as I liue neuer woman shall come therin and the other is for this poore man which doth such great penance wherein sometimes he sleepeth and I would be very sory that he should bee put out thereof against his will Father said the Fare Forlorne do not let for me to doe them a pleasure for I am very well content for this time to haue no other lodging then vnder the Trees Well said the hermit let it be so a Gods name Then the Faire Forlorne conducted them vnto his Cabinet where the Gentlewomen set vp a rich bed for their Mistresse who was forthwith carried thither And because it was told the Faire Forlorne that her sicknesse proceeded of extreame loue he tooke more heede to her behauiour then to any of the rest and he perceiued that her eyes were still full of Teares and her â—ighs were at commandement Wherefore hee drew the two Gentlewomen apart whom in the morning hee had found playing on the Lute earnestly entreated them to tell the occasion of the great sicknesse that their Mistresse sustained Friend answered they if you marke her well you shall find that she is very faire although that now her disease hath abated a great part of her beauty for shee hath neither comfort nor ioy by reason of the absence of a knight that shee goeth to seeke in the house of King Lisuart whom she so feruently loueth that if short time doe not graunt some ease to her passion it is impossible that her life should continue long When the Faire Forlorn heard king Lisuart named hee could not refraine from teares and hee had a greater desire then before to know the name of the knight that she loued therefore he requested them very earnestly to tell him his name in good sooth answered the Gentlewoman hardly may you knowe him for hee is not of this countrey yet is hee esteemed the best knight in the world next vnto two other of his kin Alas my faire gentlewoman sayd hee for Gods sake name him vnto me and the two other whom you so much exâ—oll Truely answered they we are contented vpon this condition that first when wee haue done you doe tell vs whether you bee a knight or not and afterward your name I am content therewith sayde the Faire Forlorne so great is my desire to knowe that which I demand of you Then one of them sayd vnto him the knight which this Lady loueth is called Don Florestan brother to the good Knight Amadis of Gaule and to Don Galaor and hee is the sonne of King Perion of Gaule and of the Countesse of Salandria You say true answered hee and I verily beleeue that you cannot say so much good of him as hee deserueth What sayde the Gentlewomen doe you know him then It is not long sayd he since I did see him in the house of Queen Briolanie for whom his brother Amadis and his Cosen Agraies did fight against Abiseâ—s and his two sonnes and thither hee with his brother Galaor arriued some fewe dayes after the combate and I thinke him to be one of the fairest knights in the worlde As couâ—â—rning his prowesse I haue many times heard Don Galaor himselfe speake thereof who fought a combate with him as hee sayde This combate sayde shee was the cause that hee left my Lady in the selfe same place where they first knew one another I thinke then answered the Faire Forlorne that shee is called Corisanda You say true sayd the Gentlewomen In truth answered he I am no lesse sory for her sicknesse then before for I knowe Florestan to bee so wise and of so good behauiour that I am sure hee will doe all that which she shall coÌ„mand him God grant it sayd shee but seeing wee haue satisfied you acquire you of your promise and tell vs who you are Gentlewoman answered the Faire Forlorne I am a knight who haue heretofore had more pleasure in the vanities of the worlde then now I haue for the which I heere abide sharpe penance my name is the Faire Forlorne By my truth said one of them you haue taken a good course if you are able therein to continue And because there is no reason now to leaue our Mistresse all alone in this her great melancholy wee bid you farewell and doe goe vnto her to passe away the time with such musicke as you did heare this morning Then the Faire Forlorne departed but hee was presently called backe againe for as soone as the gentlewomen had played two or three songs they rehearsed vnto Corisanda all that hee had saide of Florestan and that the poore man which did penance had seen him not many dayes before Wherefore she sent to pray him to come vnto her and in the meane while shee sayde vnto her women assure you this Hermit that knoweth Florestan must needs be some great personage disguised At the same instant the Faire Forlorne was come and she sayd vnto him my friend my women tell me that you know Don Florestan and that you doe very well loue him I pray you by the holy order that you professe to tell me what acquaintance you haue had with him and where you did last see him Then the Faire Forlorne told her more of him then hee had tolde vnto the Gentlewomen and how hee knew very well that he and his brethren with their Cosen Agraies had beene in the Firme-Island for he had there left them and
bee the losse of the most gentle knight in the world but of the neorest kinsman that you haue and ouer and besides it will be vnto you a great blemish Therefore my Lords I beseech you in performing the duty of a brother a friend and a companion to begin his search a fresh without sparing therein at all either time or toile This perswasiō did Gandalin make in weeping so extreamly that it greatly pittied the three knights to behold him so as they concluded after they had beene in the Court if they heard not news of Amadis to begin a new pursuit to compasse the whole world about till they had found him and vpon this determination after they had heard diuine seruice they departed from the hermitage and tooke the way towards London But as they approched nere vnto the Cittie they were ware of the King who was already in the fields accompanied with many noble men and valiant knights for hee celebrated that day with all magnificence because that vpon the same he was crowned peaceable king of great Brittaine which was the principall occasion that many knights came to serue him Who beholding Galaor and his fellowes comming towards them shewed the king thereof and they in the mean season were hard at hand But because Florestan had neuer before seene such an assembly Galaor said vnto him Brother behold the king Now had they all three their head-pieces off wherefore some in the company did know them all forth-with except Flotestan the King imbraced them demanding how they fared Then Florestan alighted to kisse his hands the which he refused And because he was the Gentleman that did most of all resemble Amadis and that heretofore he had heard speaking of him he began to suspect that it was his brother and therefore he saide vnto Galaor I beleeue that this is your brother Florestan It is he indeede if it please your Maiestie who hath a great desire to doe you seruice Ah saide the king I would Amadis were now heere that I might see you all three together what saide Galaor hath your grace heard 〈◊〉 newes of him No saide the king but what haue you heard It may please your Maiestie answered he wee haue all three sought him a whole yeere yet haue we done no good but lost our labour and we did thinke to haue found him here in your Court wherefore seeing your grace hath certified me to the contrary I am in worse hope of his recouery then before So am not I saide the king for I am perswaded the heauens haue not endued him with such perfections to forsake him after this manner which maketh me to beleeue that we shall very shortly heare some tidings of him Whō they had ended their talke they entred into the Cittie where the Queene and the other Ladies were incontinently aduertised of their arriuall wherewith they were as glad as might bee especially Olinda the friend to Agraies who very lately was aduertised that he had passed vnder the arch of faithfull louers and shee expected his comming with as great deuotion as Corisanda did the arriuall of Florestan Then Mahila imagining to do Oriana a pleasure ran to aduertise her but she found her with-drawn into her chamber where shee sawe her leaning her head vpon one of her hands and reading in a booke to whom she saide Madame will you please to come downe to see Galaor Agraies and Florestan who are now newely heere arriued Whē she heard her speake nothing of Amadis a new feare strook at her heart so that she knew not what to doe and the teares distilled from her eyes in such aboundance that her speech failed Neuerthelesse in the end not beeing able to dissemble her griefe shee answered Mabila my cosin and sweet friend how would you haue me to go see them in good sooth I haue not my minde so well setled that I may dissemble or hide that which in their presence I ought to doe Moreouer mine eyes are ouerswollen with much weeping and that which worse is it is impossible for to behold those whom I did neuer see but in the company of your cosin whom I haue so highly offended Heerewithall her heart was likely to haue left her sorrowfull body and she cryed My God how doe you permit mee wretched woman to liue being so worthy of death Ah my deere loue I doe now feele a double griefe for your absence seeing Galaor the rest to returne without you whome you loued as deere as your selfe who knowing the iniury and wicked act that I haue cōmitted against you shall haue iust cause to procure my ruine whereunto I consent with a good will seeing that so vnaduisedly I haue beene the meanes of your losse Herewithall she had fallen downe all along if Mabila who streight espied it had not staied her vp saying vnto her Madame will you alwaies continue these strange passions I know well that in the end you will publish that to your shame which we doe most desire should be kept secret Is this the constancy which you ought to haue especially seeing that day by day we expect to heere good newes by the Damosell of Denmarke Alas answered shee you speake at your pleasure is it possible that shee may finde him hauing the charge but to seek him onely in Scotland seeing that his brethren haue in a manner compassed all the West without hearing any newes at all of him You abuse your selfe saide Mabila it may bee that they had found him but that hee kept himselfe secret from them the which he wil neuer do frō your Gentlewoman knowing that she is priuie to both your loues And therefore be of good cheere vntill her returne and then doe as you shall thinke good and for this time let vs goe if it please you towards the Queene who demandeth for you Well answered Oriana I am content to doe what you will Then shee dried her eyes and went in the Queenes chamber into the which the three knights were already entred who seeing her comming did their duty vnto her at the same time the King held Galaor by the hand vnto whom he said behold I pray you how your good friend Oriana is impaired since you did last see her In good faith answered Galaor your Maiestie saith true and I would with all my heart that I might doe her any pleasure that might purchase her former health Herewithall Oriana smiled saying vnto Galaor God is the only comforter of all men so that when his pleasure is my health shall bee restored and your losses recouered which no doubt are great for so deere a brother Amadis was vnto you And I would that the trauell which you haue taken to seeke him in farre countries had brought some fruit as well for the good of you and yours as also for the seruice of the King my father vnto the which hee was wholly adicted Madame answered Galaor I trust that wee shall very shortly heare some newes of
Patrone Your Honours euer to be commanded A. M. THE SECOND BOOKE OF AMADIS DE GAVLE CHAP. I. The Description of the firme Island Who made the inchantments and placed those great riches which were found in the same THere was a King in Greece who was married vnto the Emperours daughter of CoÌ„stantinople by whom hee had two sonnes excelliâ—… in all perfection both of body and minde Especially the eldest named Apolidon who was so well brought vp and conditioned that hee found not his equall in any vertuous quality wherein he exercised himselfe This Apolidon studied all sciences wherein he profited so much that hee was not onely counted one of the best knights in the world but also surpassed all men of his time for wisedome excelling them in learning as farre as the moone exceedeth the starres in light and chiefly in the art of Nigromancy by the which he brought to passe many great matters which seemed beyond the capacity of men Now was the King father of these two young Princes most mighty in lands and wealthy in treasure but very weake in body by reason of his age Wherefore knowing the end of his daies to approach he would before his death make partition of all his goods vnto his children because no contention or debate should happen betweene them after his decease And for that end he appointed the kingdome to Apolidon being his eldest sonne and heire the other he inuested with all his riches and moneable goods among which there was many excellent bookes of inestimable value Yet the youngest nothing liking this partition beway led his estate vnto the King beseeching him most humbly to consider that his patrimony being so small hee was not onely left poore but in a manner disinherited Then the aged father perceiuing the discontentment of his sonne being the thing hee most feared was exceeding sorrowfull but yet would he not alter that which hee had done without the consent of Apolidon who beeing aduertifed thereof came vnto him and in the presence of his brother saide thus It may please your Maiestie I heard within these few dayes that my brother is not content with that portion which it hath pleased you to appoint vnto him and therefore because I knowe how grieuous the same is vnto you seeing the brotherly loue betwixt him and mee likely to be broken I most humbly beseech your highnesse to take all that againe which it hath pleased you to giue vnto mee and dispose therof as it shal seeme best to your owne minde for I shall thinke my selfe thrise fortunate to doe any thing that may breede your soules felicity and very well apaid with that which to him was appointed When the King behelde the bounty of his sonne Apolidon and the obedience hee shewed vnto him hee was therewithall so pleased and exceeding ioyfull that his soule knowing it could not leaue his body in greater contentment fled vp into heauen leauing his two sonnes in such friendship as he desired Notwithstanding after the body was buried and all accustomed funerall rights ended Apolidon caused certaine shippes to he rigged and furnished for the sea wherein being embarked with diuerse Gentlemen of his friends seeing the winde and weather fauour them he commanded the ankers to bee waied and the sailes to be let fall the which were incontinently filled with so stiffe a gale as in lesse then one houre they were past the countrey of Greece And yet Apolidon had not dertermined to bond his course vnto any certaine coast but following his fortune driuen by the winde he discouered the Countrey of Italie whereunto approching he landed in a certaine port thereof The Emperour Sindan beeing â—…sed of his landing sent many great Lords vnto him to request him to come to Rome where hee should be as royally entertained as might be deuised To which request Apolidon willingly condiscended and beeing there already arriued the Emperour receiued him with honor yet although at his comming hee determined to soiouâ—â—e no more then eight daies with him hee changed his purpose and remained there a longer season in which time he accomplished such haughty deedes of armes and behaued himselfe so worthily that amongst the Romans he gained the reputation of the best knight in the world and obtained the loue of a young Princesse the oneâ—â—e sister to the Emperour named Grimâ—â—sa the fairest Lady then liâ—ing And although that their loue was alike yet was this faire Lady so streightly looked vnto that neither could her affection bee satisfied nor the common desire of them both bee performed Wherefore one day consulting more priuatly then they euer yet before had done loue wrought such a consent in them as they agreede to depart vnto such a place where they might without controle enioy the fulnesse of their content so as what they secretly intended they as suddenly executed For euen as they had appointed it so the faire Grimanesa came forth one night to meete her loue Apolidon who stayed for her at the water-side hauing prepared shippes ready for their flight and wherein they presently embarqued themselues Then by force of the winde they were in few dayes driuen to arriue at the foote of the Firme-Island which was then inhabited by a mighty Giant whereof Apolidon and those in the ship were ignorant Where-upon thinking they were in a place of safety came on shoare and â—ents and Pauilions were set vp wherein they might refresh them for Grimanesa who was not vsed to trauaile by sea was as wearie as might be But at that instant when they thought themselues most secure the Giant which had discouered them took them so suddainly that Apolidon had scant so much leisure as to arme himselfe where-with Grimanesa was so amazed that she was ready to die for feare for the Giant taking her by the hand said vnto Apolidon Base slaue although I am not accustomed to be kind vnto any yet am I content for this once to suffer thee to fight against me alone on this condition that if thou be ouercome this faire Lady shall be mine and then afterwards I shall cause thee to bee hanged vpon the pole of this tent When Apolidon heard that by fighting with such a monster he might both saue himselfe his mistresse his hart was so great as he thought it a very easie matter to ouercome him and esteemed himselfe happy that fortune had offered him so fit an occasion as to make known vnto Grimaâ—esa how much was his courage and how great was his Knight-hood Wherefore with-out longer delay the combate began betweene them the which lasted but a while for the Giant was pursued so valiantly as hee fell downe back-ward Then Apolidon streight stepped ouer him and cut off his head Which the inhabitants of the Isle vnderstanding they all came and offered them-selues vnto him becheeching him to remaine with them and to bee their Lord and protector Vnto this their request he condiscended wherefore they conducted him with great triumph to the cheefe