Knight of the Burning Sword with his Esquire Yneril that having Travers'd many Leagues without knowing whether or which way they went they came at last into a great Forrest in which they Rode two whole days before they could find any way out Now towards the end of the second day as the Sun had finisht his Diurnal course they approacht the little Hermitage of a Pagan Moor who for the Austerity of his life was by those of his Law reputed an Holy Man He was then sitting before his door wherefore the Knight of the Burning Sword who had formerly heard of him assoon as he saw him immediately sat Foot to ground and with great humility saluted him offering to kiss his Feet The Good Man wondering at his Behaviour and seeing him to be so fair young and lusty a Knight graciously lifted him up and havâ—ng desir'd him to sit down and repose himself a little askt him whence he was and what Adventure had brought him to that unhabitable Desert For Son said he I believe 't is now above ten Years since any reasonable Creature besides you and I has passed by the Place where I now see you Father answer'd the Knight my Unhappiness being greater than ever befel any other that was born of woman 't is no wonder if you see in me what you would think strange in many since Fortune within these few days has made me certainly know the entire effects of her Inconstancy But were she other the Name she bears would be no way suitable to her seeing she sometimes Elevates one to the top of her Wheel without his having in the least merited it and presently tumbles another under her Feet against all Right and Reason Whâ—ch is clearly manifested in me whom she had for several years plac'd in the Throne of all Prosperity and in the twinkling of an Eye not three days since has so ruin'd and debas'd me that when I consider the State in which I am seeing my self in so great Infelâ—city methinks I am in a dream not being able to comprehend how why or in what manner this has befaln me having never done any thing to deserve the Evil I endure The Moor seeing his Youth and hearing him speak so appositly and with so much reason was wholly amaz'd and exceedingly pity'd his condition for as he utter'd these Words the Tears in very great abundance trickled down his Cheeks Wherefore he said to him Son the Gods to try those whom they love and who are dearest to them often permit many Adversities to come upon them for satisfaction of the Sins they commit as men giving them afterward instead of this transitory life Permanent and ever Blessed Glory It is therefore necessary you conform your will to their good pleasure rendring them glory and thanks for all they send you were it only for the Beauty and good Wit with which they have endu'd you which makes me think that many great things must pass in you as they have done in several who shall serve you for an Example as that King of great Brittain nam'd Amadis of Gaul and his Son Esplandian Emperor of Constantinople on whom the Divine Bounty heretofore bestow'd such Perfections as yours altho' they ever were and still are Infidels maintaining the Law of their CHRIST But as the Sun affords his Light as well to the Wicked as the Good so our Gods indifferently extend their Graces and Mercies upon all Persons hoping by that means to bring them to the true knowledge of their Salvation And tho' it be true that Amadis and Esplandian seeking strange Adventures as all Knights errant are wont to do very often fell into such Dangers that they many times despair'd of their own lives and safety and other whiles of ever having Joy or Pleasure as you do now yet after an infinity of Miseries and Perils which they escap'd Fortune or to say better the divine Pleasure has rais'd them to that height that the one is become a great King and the other a Potent Emperor neither the one nor the other having by their Birth any Right or Pretence to the Countreys they enjoy but having obtain'd them by the Magnanimity of their Courages accompany'd with Prudence Fortitude and Virtue Wherefore my Son endeavour to imitate them for you have Ability and Discretion enough to resemble them and our Gods are as powerful as ever to convert this your great Sorrow into Joy surpassing your extream Displeasure and the Evil that afflicts you into far greater Contentment and Good So many other Remonstrances made the Pagan Hermit to the Knight of the Burning Sword that he was very much comforted desiring the Good Man to remember him in his deâ—out Prayers promising him that he would thenceforward do all possible dammage to the Christians Religion since by them the Coelistial Court was offended Then without omitting any thing he acquainted the Hermit with the occasion of his Flight and Discontent but the poor Sancto assur'd him that the Event would be very good Then taking the Knight by the hand he led him to his Cell where he and Yneril abode eight whole days during which the Hermit fed them with such mean Provisions as he had giving them also for their Horses some Straw he kept for a Bull on which he sometimes rode when he went far from his Hermitage And it was commonly reported through all the Country that this Good Man by his exceeding great Sanctity often tam'd and rendred tractable the cruellest and fiercest Beasts CHAP. V. How Magadan King of Saba and his Son Fulurtin were Rescu'd out of the hands of the King of Tharsus by the Knight of the Burning Sword THe Knight of the Burning Sword after a Weeks Abode in that place taking leave of the Hermit entred with Yneril his Esquire into a Path which led strait to a Sea-Port Town belonging to the King of Tharsus where they determin'd to embark They Travell'd all that day without finding any Adventure till the morrow morning when they met an Horseman Arm'd Cap-a-pie whom the Knight of the Burning Sword saluted asking him what News and whether he was going The King of Tharsus my Prince answer'd the other is entred into the Countrey of Saba with his Army and they say King Magadan is marching with his Forces to give him Battle at which I will not fail to be This said he pass'd on and without making any farther stay left the Knight of the Burning Sword so melancholly that he began to say to Yneril I would have you good Sir go to the Sea-Port not far from hence which I hear is a Trading Town carry thither my Arms and change them for others that are black for I will not henceforward be known and in the mean time I will stay on the edge of the Wood expecting your return but pray Yneril make hast I shall willingly do it answer'd Yneril but your Harness being very good I know not what should make you desire to change it for a
him such a blow with his Staff between his two ears that he fell dead to the ground This gave me such Content that I determin'd in my self from that very hour to love him as he deserv'd and not without cause considering his Civility the Pains he had taken in coming from a far Countrey to see and serve me and the Danger to which he expos'd himself for to save My Life shewing himself tho' naked and unarm'd more couragious than those two who turn'd their backs with their Lances and Shields Wherefore I began from that time forward to treat him with more intimacy than I had done offering him my Estate and what ever a Woman of my quality can honestly offer Which gave him so much content that after a thousand thanks he said to me Madam tho' it will be impossible for me as long as I live to acknowledge the Favour and Honour you have been pleas'd and are pleas'd to do me I being such as I am and you so great a Lady and Princess yet will I with Protestation not to offend you take the boldness to make you a farther Request which I most humbly desire you to grant me hoping that the Effect will redound to your Glory and my Honour 'T is that you will be pleas'd to give me leave to go into Great Britain to King Amadis that I may of him at your request receive the Order of Knighthood This done forasmuch as that Countrey is said to be frequented with adventurous Knights than any other I will for Love of you and under the Favor of your Presence keep and defend a Passage during the Space of six Months against all those that shall attempt to pass it on condition that if I be vanquisht within the said time the Conqueror shall receive of you a Jewel of such value as you shall think fit to give him but if Fortune give me the Honour to get the better he or they that shall yield shall be constrain'd to leave their Shields in your Pavilion with their Names in writing for an assurance that they will come and serve you when you shall require them And if it happen that in this Enterprise I do any thing worthy your Love it will please you then to grant it me and not sooner for GOD for bid that a Princess of your high quality should have any Friend but such as she merits nor would it be Reason that I or any other having done so little for you should attain so great Happiness as by your Authority to call himself Yours This Request Sir I so willingly granted him that a few days after we set forth on our journey and for the Jewel he speak to me of I caus'd to be brought with me this Sword and Shield which you see with an Helmet which for its Goodness Beauty and Richness is not to be valu'd But by misfortune said she shewing one of her Women this Gentlewoman in whose custody it was staying behind us this morning was met by a Knight who askt her for whom she kept it She answer'd him for the best Knight in the world Then he more discourteous than Gentility desires took it from her by force saying that since it was dedicated to the best Knight in the world it belong'd to none but him And having gotten it from her against her will he fled thro' the wood so that she lost sight of him at which being greatly discontented she came to us weeping for the Outrage which she related to us These Knights who accompany me hearing it ran to overtake him but seeing they lost their Labor in searching for him being advertiz'd that you made your Abode in this your City we resolv'd to come and pay you our Respects and know whether you would please to command us any thing to King Amadis with whom we had long since been had not Fortune driven us into these Coasts This said she held her peace Madam answer'd the Emperor You have done me both an Honour and a Pleasure by this friendly Visit for which I heartily thank you and this Gentleman also to whom Our Lord if he please grant the Grace to accomplish so noble an Enterprise And as to the Villian who has done you the Injury about your Helmet believe me I am very much displeas'd at it as well that so base an Act should be done in my Countreys as that it should be committed against a Lady of your Rank During this Discourse Lucencio thought in himself that he would go to Revenge the Damsel and recover what she had lost Wherefore without any farther delay he kneel'd down and besought the Emperor that he would give him leave so to do which he readily granted him Then addressing himself to the Dutchess he said to her Madam I have all my life heard that Knighthood was principally ordain'd to preserve Ladies and Gentlewomen from Injury I entreat you therefore command her whom the Knight has thus wrong'd to conduct me till such time as we have found him and I promise you by the Faith I ow the Emperor to revenge her and you also or to dy in the attempt Truly Knight answer'd the Dutchess I very heartily thank you and immediately commanded the Damsel to accompany him saying to her And as soon as you shall have recover'd the Helmet fail not to come into Great Britain Then Lucencio having eaten something took horse and accompany'd only by Florindo who serv'd him for an Esquire and the Damsel departed out of the City in which the Dutchess made afterward but a very short stay for having thankt the Emperor for her good Reception and taken her leave of Him the Lords and Ladies she embarkt steering towards Hercules's Pillars for to enter into the Ocean Sea Now there were many upon the Shore looking after her at her departure when a Knight compleatly arm'd except his Head and his Hands entred the Palace and saluting the Emperor was known to be Sergil Esplandian heartily welcom'd him asking him how King Norandel did Sir answer'd he He humbly recommends himself to your good Grace and has sent me expresly to acquaint you that one sole Knight has valiantly conquer'd the Defended Mountain fought with and vanquisht Belleris Frandalon and Frandalo so that he and the King of Ierusalem are become Masters of the Fortress as we are certainly inform'd by two Souldiers of the Garrison who have made their Escape to Tesifanto May it please you therefore Sir to advise how you will have King Norandel govern himself in this Affair and to consider the importance of the Place easy to be regain'd before the Turks send Succour thither if you prevent them How reply'd the Emperor Is it possible that one only Knight has done so many Feats of Arms as you say And are my People all dead No Sir said he But never Knights better did their Devoir tho' they were in fine vanquisht and left without means to defend themseves GOD be prais'd for all answer'd the
that by brâ—ak of day he was come to the Sea-shore not knowing what farther course to take for the Water hindred his passing on and if he thought to turn on either side the high and inaccessible Rock shew'd him the Austerity of the Desart Beâ—â—g thus at a loss what to do all melancholy and as it were in despair he had a desire to drink and perceiving the Stream of a clear Spring passing between the Shrubs he went thither and climbing up the Hill found the head of it which was so pleasant that having taken in the hallow of his Hand what was sufficient to quenâ—h his thirst he put off his Helmet and lyâ—ng down on the green and fresh grass with his head leaning on his left hand fell so sound a sleep that at his awaking the Sun was now very high Nor had he awoke then had he not heard a noise on the other side the Thicket wherefore starting up he lac'd on his Helmet and soon after saw a Knight come along in exceeding fair and rich Armor accompany'd only by a Gentlewoman with whom he discours'd so that he was already upon the Bâ—ink of the Fountain when he perceiv'd the Knight of the Burning Sword Now Fame had already spread over all the Countrey the Loss of the Defended Mountain those that were fled telling every one how a Knight bearing in a Shield Argent a Sword Gules had vanquisht Frandalo and the other Guards so that by these Signs the Knight in the rich Arms immediately knew that he of the Fountain had perform'd that Enterprize For this cause he addrest himself to him and without saluting him us'd this Language Sir Knight are not you he who living against the Christian Law have not long since forc'd the Defended Mountain Certainly I will endâ—avour if I can to keep you from offending any more the GOD of Heaven and Earth of whom you pretend not to have any knowledge Having said this he took his Shield and ran upon him of the Burning Sword who without being any way dismaid answer'd him bravely By my Head I know not who you are but I have seen many as brave as you who at the end of the Fight have been cool enough and yet without choller therefore take heed lest the like befal you That will appear reply'd the other Then they so furiously assaulted each other that never two Stags heated at the Rut for love of the Hind shew'd themselves more furious So that after many blows struck Fortune would that he of the Fountain should have the better giving his Adversary two such strokes that whether he would or no he fell in a swound being depriv'd of all knowledge Which the Knight of the Burning Sword seeing he went on to take off his Helmet and afterwards his Head But Frandamella so was she nam'd who had long beheld them began to cry out and with the Tears trickling in abundance down her Cheeks askt pardon for the vanquisht Knight Damsel my Friend answer'd he of the burning Sword I will not refuse you but you shall be obey'd for I have never learnt to be discourteous to Ladies nor will I begin with you tho' the Knight deserves great Chastisement having assaulted me who never in my life injur'd him as I know of I shall only in recompence desire you to tell me his Name for by his Rich Armor joyn'd with the Valour and Goodness I have found in him I guess him to be some great Personage Ah Ah good Knight reply'd she this I will willingly do on condition that you also grant me a Gift which will not I think be any way displeasing to you for if you are he whose Renown flies thro' the whole World I am in a manner assur'd that you will without constraint accord it me when you know it Damsel said he you shall have of me whatever you will nor shall the Difference between your Religion and mine hinder it provided your Request be reasonable and discreet for I and all others who bear Arms and the Name of Knight are specially oblig'd to maintain Right and to do our utmost for Ladies otherwise the Strength given us by the Gods would deserve no more praise than that weakness and impuissance which is so peculiar in you that you cannot without us resist the Wicked Ah vertuous Knight answer'd she you have spoken so well that I shall esteem you for it as long as I live And as to what you desire to know concerning the Knight you shall understand that he is natural King of Sicily nam'd Alpatracy Husband to one of the most noble Princesses of Europe call'd Miramynia Daughter to the King of Metz in France and they two were some time since enchanted by the Sage Medea but about twenty years ago the best Knight and fairest Lady in the world deliver'd them out of that pain the Knight of whom I speak gaining an Helmet and the Lady a Crown of inestimable value But as one Unhappiness often accompanies another King Alpatracy and his Queen living peaceably in their Countrey blest with one only Daughter which GOD had given them more divinely accomplisht in all Perfections than any other Creature in the world it happen'd that the King of Metz died by whose Death Miramynia his sole Daughter and Heiress became Queen and Lady of his Countreys which are large and rich as having been given for Apennage to a second Son of France for from Pharamond who first took the Title of King over the French descended as I have many times heard Claudius and Meroveus This Meroveus had three legitimate Sons who when their Father was dead divided this great Monarchy betwixt them so that the Kingdom of Metz came to the second who was Father of the Queen that is VVife to this Knight And for this reason he was sometimes nam'd and entitled King of Metz in France Now it is not long since Alpatracy took possession of it and receiv'd an Oath of Fidelity from all his Subjects But as he was returning into Sicily he had News that a near Relation of the Queens was revolted and had taken by surprize the principal Towns of the Realm under color of a certain pretended Law establisht and ordain'd as they say by the said Pharamond by which the Traytor affirms that the Realm of France must never fall to the Distaff and that the Kingdom of Metz is subject also to the same Statute as being a Member and Part of the French Monarchy This News was as pleasing to the King as you may imagin it to be yet he hop'd to avenge himself throughly on the Traytor which he would easily have done had not a second and worse Misfortune diverted him VVhich was that the Queen Miramynia and her Daughter as they were hunting in the Forrest near Saragossa were surpris'd by Frandalon the Cyclops and his Son two horrible and merciless Gyants who mauger the Huntsmen and others sent away the two Ladies Prisoners into the Isle of Silanchy where
call'd Ciclops His Son who was much less in Stature than himself was Arm'd with a strong Haubergeon having a great Semiter at his Girdle and bearing a stiff Lance on his Thigh Now when they were come within a Career of the King the Giant cry'd out to him as loud as he could Surrender to me my Countrey if thou art wise and enter willingly into my Prisons or thou shalt dye piteously by my hands and the Villian also that accompanies thee Ho great Loggerhead answer'd the King dost think we have traverst so many Seas to be in such manner caress'd by thee No no I am come from Sicily with a good intent to break thy head as that of the vilest Traitor and wickedst Wretch that was ever born of woman Sir said the Knight of the Burning Sword I beseech you to let me dispute this Quarrel with him whilst you take the other to task I will do what you please answer'd the King At this word the Knight pull'd down his Visor and ran with such str ngth against Frandalon that he nail'd his Shield and Thigh together Nevertheless the Giant thought as he pass'd to be even with him and separate him in two but as he lifted up his Arm the Knight of the Burning Sword avoided the Blow and the Ax fell in vain their Bodies meeting with such force that Frandalon wounded and weakned in his Leg could not keep his Saddle no more than could the Knight who with this great Sheck and by the strength of his Lance the Girths and Bows of his Saddle breaking was carry'd over his Horses Crupper tho' without receiving any farther hurt Yet was he not at all contented with his Fortune but getting up in a rage set his hand to his Sword to strike Frandalon who being thus wounded as you have heard could not stand on his Feet but was fain to sit on the ground keeping nevertheless an assured look and giving the Knight at his approach so great a Blow that had he not supported himself by clapping down his right hand he had faln flat on the ground But before the Giant could recover his Ax the Knight of the Burning Sword taking him unprovided cleft his Head asunder he having neither Headpiece nor Cap to save it His Son who had not stir'd till then nor yet the King the better to behold the Combat of the two others seeing this was so surpriz'd and inflam'd with Choler that he ran with full speed against Alpatracy to whom he gave so great a blow with his Lance that wounding him severely in the Breast he threw him to the Ground At which the Knight of the Burning Sword exceedingly discontented as doubting him to be dead resolv'd to revenge him but the young Cyclops little car'd for it thinking soon to bring him to Reason And for this cause couching his Spear he thought at least by running his Horse over him to example him down when the Knight who was nimble and quâ—ck turn'd aside and in his turning gave the others Horse such a Blow that he ham-string'd him by which the young Frandalon was constrain'd to alight and figâ—t on foot But in the mean time the Knight of the Burning Sword seiz'd on the Giants Ax with which he made head against the other who thought with one Blow of his Semiter to hew him down which without doubt he had done had it not so turn'd in his Hand that the very weight of the Blow forc't it from him But the Knight of the Burning sword was more successful striking the Giant so home with his great Ax that cleaving down his right Shoulder he parted his Soul from his Bodâ— Then the Conqueror came to the King whom Frandamella held in her lap in a Swound nevertheless as soon as his Helmet was taken off that he might have Air he began to breath again Now the Queen Miramynia and Lucella had seen him overthrown and doubting him to be worse than he was wept and bewail'd him bitterly and so loud that the King heard them cry and lament Wherefore he took heart and to recomfort them got up feigning that he felt not either Hurt or Pain The same also he affirm'd to the Knight of the Burning Sword who ere he was aware felt the Blow of a Mace given him by the Giantess wife to Frandalon for she knowing the Death of her Husband and Son issu'd forth of the Castle and being full of Rage and Despair came secretly behind the Knight thinking to beat out his Brains and indeed the blow he receiv'd from her was such that it made the very Fire fly out of his Eyes He would not however strike her with his Sword but took a Truncheon of a Lane with which he made her such a Fly-slap that she began to Stagger as if she were giving up the Ghost Then the Knight left her and return'd to the King who embrac'd him saying to him Alas Blessed be the day of your Birth for besides my Life which you have sav'd I recover this day by your means what I most prize of any thing in the World Sir answer'd the Knight give thanks only to your good Right for I have done nothing but what I was oblig'd to by reason But does it not please you that we go to the Queen and my Lady your Daughter whom I see at the Windows of yonder Tower For I believe they expect you with very great devotion Let us go then I beseech you answer'd the King Then they went towards the Castle and when they were come nigh the Qugh call'd out to them that they should take the Keys from the Giantess since they could not otherwise get into the Tower in which she and her Daughter were enclos'd The King therefore sent Frandamella to ferth them and in the mean time they went on into the outer Court whither they were no sooner got but they heard their Damsel crying and calling out for help wherefore hasting towards her they perceiv'd her running with full speed from the Giantess who follow'd her with the Truneheon of the Lance so that the King and the Knight could not forbear laughing to see the Race that was between them Nevertheless fearing lest Frandamella might be out tag'd by the Giantess they stept forward to save her but the Giantess turn'd back cross the Fields carrying along with her the Keys of the Tower and running so fast that they could not overtake hee Moreover the better to secure her self she went so far into the Take which on one side environ'd the place that the Knight of the Burning Sword could not get near her but giving her to all the Devils return'd towards the King who had in the mean time sent Frandamella to the Shore to fetch thence Ten of his Knights who might force the Giantess They understanding in what manner the Fight was ended were fill'd with unexpressible joy They made hast then out of the Ship and went strait to the Castle where before their Arrival the Giantess
and kissing and Embracing him answer'd him thus In good Faith Son where there is no Offence there is no need of Pardon And moreover 't is I that have failed in having thro' Gayety of Heart foolishly undertaken that which I might well have let alone But if I have done it I heartily repent it since by the great Prowess which is in you every one may know that the worst of the Combat was on my side And therefore 't is reasonable that my Shield and Name should accompany the Rest you have conquer'd and that my Person sâ—ould henceforth be employ'd in the Service of the Dutchess whose you are Go now and pay your Respects to the Emperor of Trebisond your Cosin Lisvart and the other Knights to make them all Partakers of our joy My Lord said the Dutchess of Austria never was woman more discontented than I have been for a time For he left me and my Country without taking leave of me to go as I have since understoâ—d into Savoy whither I was already on my way to Follow him when News was brought me that he was in these parts where I have found him opportunely both for you and him Madam answer'd Florelus I beseech you to pardon me And as he would have made his Excuses the Emperor and the other Knights having heard and seen things as they pass'd between the Father Mother and Son were alighted and intending no longer to conceal themselves came to them the Emperor saluting the Dutchess of Austria and saying do her Madam you have reason to be contented with your Voyage for without your so seasonable Arrival the flower of your friends had this day been in wonderful danger The Dutchess made him a very low Reverence then the Emperor embrac'd Florelus as did also Lisvart the King of Sicily and all the rest I leave you to imagin the Ioy and Pleaâ—ure the Dutchess of Savoy receiv'd by this Knowledge especially when she had understood that her Friend was Son to Perion to whom she addrest her self and carrying in her Arms wrapt up in a Scarf the Rich Sword Shield and Helmet which were as you have been told to be the Reward of him that should vanquish at the Kay she presented them to him saying Sir receive these Arms which are justly due to you having done so well against our Knight Madam answer'd he it well becomes you who are aâ—most courtuous and beautiful Princess to say as you do and 't is my duty to return you my most humble thanks and to deliver you also my Shield according to the Custom to be enroll'd with those who are Oblig'd to serve you Then he took it from off his Neck and offer'd it to her But she humbling her self before him faid to him Sir your Shield is your own and these oâ—hers also with the Knight that conquer'd them And I yet more at your Command answer'd Perion Then the Queen of Sicily and Lucella who had hithâ—â—to kept themselves on Horseback approacht being just alighted to have part of this Pleasure They were receiv'd by the two Dutchesses with very great Respect principally Lucell by Florelus's Mistress who wondering at her extream Beauty said within her self thaâ— she had never seen any Woman who came near her Then they went into the Dutchess of Savoys Tent where the two Knights Father and Son were disarmâ—d and Chirurgions came to visit them And because their Cure took up a long time the Emperor sent for Balan from the Ship where he remain'd sorrowful and discontented for the Imprisonment of his Parents of whom if it please Heaven he shall soon have such News as will rejoyce him CHAP. XLI How Alquifa went to acquaint Queen Oriana with the News that Perion and Lisvart were in her Countrey WHen Alquifa who had seen the End of their Combat and the beginning of their Peace understood that â—lorelus was Son to King Perion the thought she would go and carry the first News of it to King Amadis and his Queen and therefore without saâ—ing a word to any of her Company she stole away and set forward strait for London But in the way she was assur'd that the King had not of a long time â—een in the Countrey which had so difcontented Oriana that she did nothing night and day but weep Yet Alquifa did not therefore forbear to proceed on her Iourney but about Sun-set reacht the Town Then she went up strait to the Palace and because she was cloth'd in a strange sort of Dress several followed her till she met the Damsel of Denmark who knew her and with stretch'd forth Arms went to receive her saying to her Ah my dear Friend Alquifa you are very welcome what good Adventure brings you now into these parts You shall know said she when you have introduc'd me to the Queen who will be pleas'd with the News I bring her Then she took her by the hand and entring into the Queens Chamber they found her at Prayers having in that manner spent all her time since the Loss of the King The Queen who knew Alquifa thinking that she came not without occasion felt a great Emotion in her heart wherefore she rose up and having gave her a fitting Reception enquir'd by little from what Countrey she came and whether she had heard any thing of Perion and Lisvart who were given for lost Which said she so much troubles me that I am ready to dye Madam answer'd she I have not seen your Majesty since their being in these parts where I assure you they still are being this day arriv'd where they have found an increase of kindred Ah good GOD said the Lady is it possible that my Children are alive and in Great Britain Ah my dear Friend tell me where and who this new kinsman is you speak of Madam answer'd she the Knight who has so long kept the Pass at the Kay for love of the Dutchess of Savoy was this day found to be Son to Perion and the Dutchess of Austria who is arriv'd in this Country by the greatest Adventure in the world for had it not been for her the Father and Son were in danger of Death Then she related to her the Combat that had been between them from the beginning to the end and also how the Emperor of Trebisond the King of Sicily the Queen the Infanta Lucella Prince Olorius and several others were in the Dutchesses Tents with Lisvart and Perion Alas said the Queen this is good News I beseech GOD to grant me the Grace that I may soon hear the like of the King The Noise of this ran immediately through the whole Palace so that it came to the Ears of Arban King of North-wales Angriot d' Estravaux and several other good Knights all which came to the Queen who made themselves partakers of her Pleasure nor did Alquifa forget to tell them in what a wonderful manner the Emperor and his Company had been disenchanted by the Knight of the burning Sword
the Forrest as he possibly could not ceasing to Travel till night when the Dew falling into his wounds much encreas'd their smart Being in this pain and trouble he saw by Moon-shine a Man coming towards him who at first seem'd to have his Face cover'd with a Linnen Cloth which nevertheless was not so that Apprehension being caus'd by the Whiteness of â—is Hair and his great Beard Then the Knight of the Burning Sword suspected him to be some Slave that was stoln away from his Master and therefore saluted him according to the Custom of the Country but the Old Man return'd his Salutation in Greek which the Knight understood as also all other Languages having learned them of his Master Mandaiar Wherefore he began to say to him in the same Language Honourable Father can you inform me of any Place near where I may find a Remedy for some Wounds I have on my Body If you were a Christian as I am answer'd the Old Man I should certainly satisfy you In good saith said the Knight this ought not to hinder you for Vertue is never lost in what place soever it is exercis d since it still continues Vertue If then it be in you I beseech you to tell me what I ask and since you are more oblig'd to your self than to any other delay not so good a work if you can do it for the Gods are reverenc'd only for the Good we hope to receive from them and which is in them And therefore tho' you are not of their Law cease not to imitate them in what is good since I my self who am not a Christian but a Pagan would follow your GOD in what should seem to meâ— just and equitable seâ—â—â—g the Vertue of which I speak in what place soever it be lodg'd is always vertuous making those in whom it is resemble the Divinity You speak so well reply'd the Old Man that you shall find in me what you desire alight then and I will succour you for it would go ill with you should you be known in this Countrey whence you would not afterward get easily out The Knight incontinently obey'd this Counsel wondering nevertheless to hear the Good Man's discourse of whom he demanded how he could tell it would be dangerous for him to be known Do not said he Enquire so far but let it suffice you that I know more of your Affairs than you do your self but at present I will say no more Then having apply'd such Remedies to the Places where he was wounded that the Knight found himself without pain the Old Man gave him some Victuals he had in a Pannier of which the Knight having eaten fell into so sound a Sleep that it was brode day when he awoke finding himself Arm'd not with the black Arms which Yneril had brought him in exchange for his own but with other white ones much richer and stronger with a Shield suitable to them in the midst of which was painted a Sword resembling that he Naturally had on his Body The Knight then exceedingly wondering how this had befaln him was so perplext that he much doubted whether he were not in a Dream especially when he no longer saw the Old Man that had cur'd him Being thus in a muse he spy'd coming along the Way a Damsel mounted on a Palfrey accompany'd by an Esquire whom he knew for it was Yneril This Woman as she came near him appear'd so Old and Feeble that she could scarce keep her self on her Horse He nevertheless g aciously saluted her who askt him If he could tell her any News of a very Ancient Man that went before her Indeed answer'd he I should be glad to hear some of him for the great desire I have to find him And greater you would have said the Old Woman did you know him as well as I do This said she smote her Palfrey and pass'd on leaving him to whom she spake very Anxious yet well pleas'd at Yneril's Arrival whom he askt who brought him thither On my Faith Sir said he I shall willingly tell you As I was going out of the Forrest where I left you the Old Woman which spake to you addrest her self to me bidding me in your name follow her and she would bring me whâ—re we should find you at this very hour Thus we came together she telling me by the way that her Old Husband was with you discoursing you about things which were of great importance to you and as far as I can understand she is nâ—m'd Vrganda and he Alquif Now the Knight of the Burning Sword had often heard them and their knowledge highly esteem'd in the house of King Magadan wherefore as if some new Accident had happen'd to him he cry'd out O Jupiter Is it possible that the Sage Vrganda and the Prudent Alquif should come to visit me As I live I know not any Inconvenience that can hinder me from following them wherever â—hey are and they shall tell me before I part with them whose Son I am Then taking Horse he gallopt after Urganda and Alquif whom he perceiv'd on the top of an hâ—gh Hill where he lost sight of them discovering them again afterwards on the Sea-shore as they were entring into a little Bark whâ—ch four Men began to Row He call'd after them as loud as he could thinking to make them stay but 't was in vain for the Vessel in less than a moment put off from Land steering towards an Isle a pretty distance off which fo displeas'd our Knight as nothing more yet he went on as far as the Shore where he found a little Boat with two Oars and some Victuals in it which certain Fisher-men had left there Then he askt Yneril whether he could guide him into the Isle he shew'd him Yes very well answer'd he but I doubt the Air of the Sea may prejudice your Wounds And this he said because the Knight had told him what had befaln him upon the deliverance of Magadan Trouble not thy self said the Knight I have no hurt that should hinder my Enterprize Since it is so answer'd Yneril let us alight and leave our Horses to feed till our return They did so and entred into the Skiff which Yneril began to Sail so tâ—at they Arriâ—'d at the Isle about Sun-set They Landed looking high and low for Urganda and Alquif but found not there any living Creature wherefore they return'd into their Vessel hoping by the light of the Moon to get back where they had left their Horses but scarce had they weigh'd Anchor when the Weather began to be Tempestuous and the Sea to swell so desperately that they abandon'd their Boat to the mercy of the Wind and Waves and not knowing which way they went they lost all sight of Land expecting every moment an unhappy End CHAP. VII How tâ—e Knight of the Burning Sword came to the Defended Mountain where he fought with Frandalo Frandalon and Belleris whom he vanquisht TEn Days and Ten
Malfadea lookt so carefully to him that he bagan to amend and his wounds to close and consolidate so that within three Weeks he was wholly cured and ready to bear Arms and take his Iourney And he was in a Resolution to return when there Arrived in the Port a Ship in which there Sailed several Knights who accompanyed a young Giant a Valiant Man named Lerfan of the Rock so called for a strong Castle he held an Island scituated on the Top of an high Rock Now Lerfan had been advertised of the Treason committed by Mascaron and for the Love he bare Malfadea undertosk to revenge her injury and restore her to her Countrey and to do this he swore never to rest till he had defeated Mascaron and those that belong'd to him For the performance whereof having prepared himself he came into the great Siclades with a good Troop of young Knights and other Persons Which being come to the knowledge of King Amadis he sent one of Malfadeas People to see what he wanted And by this Lerfan of the Rock understood the Traytors Death which gave him no small Pleasure though his Ioy would yet have been greater had he himself Arrived time enough to execute this Revenge for her wherefore he gave the Messenger this Answer Friend recommend me affectionately to your Mistress and tell her that I parted from my Countrey to chastise Mascaron and nevertheless since another has prevented me request her that I may at least see her before my Removal which will partly he a satisfaction to me for the pains I have taken for her sake The Messenger returned and did as he was commanded at which Amadis and Malfadea were so pleased that they sent back to tell him he should be very welcome Then he set forth towards them in good Order and they gave him a suitable Reception Leâ—fan would gladly have known the Knight that fought Mascaron and therefore enquired of Malfadea whether he were still in the Countrey The King who was present answered that 't was he and desired to know why he askt for him Sir Knight said Lerfan for no other Reason but to serve and honour you for besides the favour you have done my Lady by undertaking so much in her Quarrel I have understood that you have restor'd into her hands this land which belongs to her for which I give you very great thanks and beseech you that for your sake and for the Love I have born her all my Life you will pray her to love me and receive me for her Husband Amadis not knowing the Damsels Mind and could not tell what to answer But she took up the Discourse saying Indeed my Lord Lerfan I have long known the Affection you bear me so that if the King commands me he and you shall be obey'd Since you both consent answer'd Amadis I will not contradict it let us go to dinner that we may have the better Courage to perfect and give an End to this Beginning Then were the Tables cover'd and they were serv'd with a Banquet of such Provisions as could be gotten during which the Discourse grew so hot that bâ—fore Night came on the Contract was finisht and they lay together to the great Contentment of them voth And the King staid there till the first day of the next Week when he embarkt taking leave of the new marry'd Couple who would have given him a great Train to conduct him But he refus'd all except the two Mariners with whom he set Sail laching forth into the Deep CHAP. XLV How King Amadis sailing thro' the Mediterranean Sea to enter into the Ocean met Queen Buruca Wife to Magadan King of Saba who was in quest of the Knight of the Burning Sword to defend her against the false Accusation which Maudan had made of their Loves KIng Amadis being parted from the Port of the gâ—eat Siclades in the Guidance of his two Mariners pass'd ineontinently the Aegean Sea at the going out of which there join'd them a light Ship wherein there was a Pavilion of Cloth of Gold and under it a very rich Field-bed on which repos'd a Morish Queen having a Crown on â—er head cloth'd besides only with course Freez and appearing excessively discontented At her feet set two Damless leaning their Heads on their left Arms like Women opprest with Grief And by her side were two black Knights so weak that they were even double with Age and notwithstanding arm'd with Arms of great Value The King was in some sort amaz'd yet he curteously saluted them and one of them returning his Salutation said to him Good Champion GOD give you a favourable Adventure Can you tell us any News of a Person nam'd the Knight of the Burning Sword The King in whom the Desire of knowing what they would have with hâ—m increas'd more aâ—d more answer'd My Lords he parted from me not many dayes since and 't would be difficult for me to tell you at this time where he is and more difficult as I believe for you to find him But forasmuch as I greatly love and esteem him if you please to acquaint me with the Business you have with him I will endeavor to tell you farther what I know of him And if I can there is nothing how grievous soever that I will not in his stead undertake to do him Pleasure and Service On this assurance answer'd the old man and also because you seem to me a valiant man I will satisfy you Understand Sir Knight that this Lady whom you see lying here is Queen of Saba Wife to King Magadan whose near Kinsmen we are This King taking Pleasure to make use of white Persons some of his gave him about ten or twelve years since a Child call'd the Gentleman of the burning Sword for the Representation of a Sword which he has naturally printed on his Stomach red as blood with certain white Characters which have not yet been understood by any one as we know of The King did him so much Honor as to breed him up with his Son Fulurtin and gave them both Order of Knighthood so that instead of Gentleman he is at this day nam'd the Knight of the Burning Sword We are now seeking him and to find him are parted from Saba in the Equipage you see And to the end you may the better understand the Affair this Knight of the burning Sword being yet in Saba a Gentleman Son to one of the greatest Princes of Morona acquainted the King that he of whom I speak committed Treason against his Majesty abusing the Queen Beruca who is here present at which the King exceedingly displeas'd thought to ascertain this unworthy Act by surprizing them together but he was deceiv'd For the Knight of the Burning Sword was advertiz'd of it and absented himself so that since we have had no News of him And for this cause the King commanded the Queen to be taken and kept strickly till such time as he had recover'd the Adulterer to
Beauty which has so far emboldned me as to beseech her that she will permit me to serve her as I will do all my Life I say not but they are much better Knights then I am boâ—h here and else-where but 't is not you seeing Valor and Prowess are not commonly accompany'd with Pride and Arrogance Fair and softly fair and softly said Manasses have a care of injuring me any more otherwise I shall shew you that you are a Fool. Acayus whose Head and Anger had heated was so displeased that he thus answer'd Manasses Sir Knight if the Emperor does not command you to be chastised I will make you repent this word I would have you know that Acayus has an heart good enough and Means sufficient to punish you as you deserve Manasses trusting to a Croud of Kindred he had about him could dissemble no more but suddenly put his hand to his Sword charging the Prince of Thessaly said to him Rascal does it belong to you thus basely to threaten a better than your self Then he gave him such a Blow on the Head as kill'd him so that he fell dead from his Horse to the Ground at which there was a great Commotion For the Princes Attendants seeing such an Outrage ran upon Manasses but he was defended by his so that many on both sides there ended their Dayes And yet worse had it been had not the Emperor taken order who putting himself between the two Parties commanded both on their Lives to retire And seising Manasses caused him to be shut up in a strong Tower swearing he should pay for it In the mean time every one departed to his Lodgings as did also the Infanta Esclariana exceedingly discontented for having been the Occasion as it seemed to her of such a Murther And on the other side the dead Princes People made such great Complaints that the Emperor who was exactly just sent the next day to have him hang'd on the Walls of the Place where he was imprisoned But his Friends being exceedingly discontented took the Body and carryed it into the Countrey of Buillon leaving the Court in sorrow and very much troubled For tho' the Iustice of the Action was approved by all good People yet was it publickly said that the Duke might revenge it because he was a great Loâ—d and ally'd to more great Families than any other of the Empire CHAP. XLIII How the Duke of Buillon knew of his Sons Death And of the great Craft he used to kill the Emperor and his Son Diner pius and seise on the Empire MAnasses being dead as you have heard and his Body carryed by his kindred into his Fathers Dutchy never did man make such Lamentation for the space of fifteen dayes But as all things are forgotten or lessned by Time the old Mans sorrow was a little moderated but not the desire he had of Vengeance For when things were thought to be the most quieted â—e assembled those of his Image and having taken them aside said to them Gentlemen my good Friends and Allies you have seen and understood the Dishonor which the Emperor our Prince has not only done me but you all as well in particular as in general so that having no Regard to us who are so great and powerful as every one knows he has despitefully caused him to be Hang'd who might after me be named the head of your Arms and Duke of Bulloign for which I am so grieved that I dye an hundred times a day And as to you his good Kinsmen I believe for certain that Nature so stimulates you that your heart weeps and this wound will bleed as long as you and yours shall have the Names of Gentlemen Nevertheless if you will follow my advice we will not so long delay the Vengeance of it but I will give you such means to recover your Honour which is so much debased aâ— shall turn to your Glâ—ry and great Profit Then they all cryed out that tâ—ey would sâ—end their Lives and Fortunes in it My Friends said he are you resolved to follow my Counsel Sir anâ—wered the chiefest of them we swear to you on the Faith we ow to GOD that we will in this point obey you The Duke very affectionately thanked them and seeing their Good Will began to â—ay open hâ—s design as you shall understand Gentlemen and Kinsmen said he I am of Opinion that to attain to my purpose one of you shall go to the Emperor and present him with my most humble duty assuring him that the Justice he has Executed on my son is well pleasing to me seeing the Injury he had done his Majesty by killing the Prince of Thessaly so inconsiderately and that in his Majesties presence And that although Paternal Love causes in me some Regret yet when I think on the Equity which as a good Prince and as a just Emperor he has used I find my self so comforted that I not only approve his Justice as being exemplary to all but moreover humbly thank him for having eased me from being severe to my own Flesh Which 't was expedient I should have been desiring to preserve my Integrity and the Honour of my house These my Friends are the Artifices we must make use of to attain to our desires to which he giving Credit will properly resemble the Raven that held the Cheese whom the Fox allured to sing that he might make him let go his Prey For by this means he will have assurance of us and we may go and take him even in his Nest and at our pleasure seise on him and his letting not any one escape that can contradict my coming to the Empire to which I shall atâ—ain in spite of them you remaining rich with the Spoils of your Enemies and I revenged at the price of their blood Certainly this damnable Counsel and Advice had so much force that none of the Assistants contradicted it but approved it and commended it choosing immediately for the Bearer of that Message Madaran a Cousin of the Dukes and as honest a Man as himself who parted from them and being come to the Emperor knew so fitly to palliate his Message and Treason that the good Prince believed more than he should have done saying before all that the Duke of Buiiion was indeed one of the discreetest Knights in the World and who best deserved the Government of a Monarchy He gave therefore great Presents to the Messenger commanding him to tell his Master that he desired him to come to his Court where he would honour him as he deserved Madaran glad of such Assurance returned to the Duke who expected him with a great part of his Allies that kept themselves in a readiness according to the News they should have of their Messenger who entirely related to them the Emperors discourse And for this cause they removed the Night following going strait towards Mentz And they assembled the most secretly they could above a thousand who lay conceal'd all the day
given her such things as she should have need of True it is that for the little Room that this Square contained 't was not possible to see any thing Fairer or Richer For the Cielling and Floor were covered with great Plaâ—es of Gold and Silver curiously Damaskt and the VValls were covered with Hangings of Gold and Silk Divinely wrought for the excellence of the Manufacture In the midst there was a Bed of which the Canopy Curtains Coverings and Bases were of Crimson Satin Richly Embroidered and set with Pearls Rubies Diamonds and Emeraulds And beside it hung all sorts of Musical Instrumenes on which Onoria could play This Prison then being finisht as you have understood Branzahar appointed to be set before it a Pillar of Allabaster and on the top of it the Effigies of the Princess cut to the Life with a writing round about her Head in the form of a Ducal Cap which contained these words Onoria Lady of beauty This done he took the Infanta and shut her up under a strong padlock of which himself kept the key and leaving her Damsels without he said Here shall you be inclosed to Recompence the Cruel Prison of Love in which you keep me Captive and shall not come forth till such time as he comes who easing me of this pain shall himself receive a greater in seeing your over great and dangerous Beauty Then he fastned a Writing to the pillar the contents of which were these Thou Knight who by thy Prowess art come to this place where thou mayst see the Fairest Princess of the world be not so hardy as to take her forth before thou hast carryed this Image which represents her Person through the whole Earth and maintained by Force of Arms that she for whom it was made is the first in great Beauty And if thy Fortune is so prosperous that Victory always accompanys thee yet art thou bound to brâ—ng hither the Images of the Ladies Mistresses of the Knights vanquisht by thee with their Names written underneath Then and no sooner shalt thou be permitted to take the Fair One out of Prison But in case thou shalt find a better than thy self by whom thou shalt be conquered if thou shalt bring the Permission of such thy Conqueror signed and sealed with his Mistresses Name and Seal then may she go forth in Liberty at her Pleasure For such is the Covenant between the King of this Countrey and me Having fastned this Writing he caus'd another Pillar to be set up before the first and principal Gate of the Tower with a Roll containing what follows Let none henceforward adventure to pass any farâ—her unless it be by force of Arms Because the Countenance of Onoria Lady of Beauty shall no more be manifested till he shall come who shall wholly deliver her For Branzaâ—ar Prince of Clarence will defend this Passage even to Death And presently he appointed one of his Giants for the Guard of this gate and another for the second and himself for the third And they three Arm'd with very rich Armor undertook to fight all Comers At which the King exceedingly wondred that such and so great a Lord as Branzahar would put himself in such subjection and danger of his Person Now he was a good Knight and they whom he had chosen strong and hardy which made the speedy Deliverance of Oriana little expected But the King and Queen might see her when they thought good and this little she took as a great comfort in her Fortune Of which Birmartes advertiz'd immediatly thought according to the Renown of Branzahar that she for whom he undertook so great a Charge must needs be very fair Wherefore he askt some of the Countrey whether this Adventure had not yet been try'd by any one He was answer'd that above an Hundred Knights as well of the Court as Strangers had done their Endeavours but they had all been vanquisht by the Giant of the first Gate So that 't was now six Months since any one had dar'd to present himself before him Now the more that was said of it to Birmartes the more did his Desire of going to see this Fair One encrease so that he resolved what ever might happen to try his Fortune for the setting her at Liberty But he knew not what was contain'd in the writing fastned to the Pillar of the Image as you have been told For it was indeed unknown to all By occasion of which many good Knights put their Lives in hazard hoping to gain Honour and the love of Onoria So Birmartes and his two Companions Esquinel and Meander travell'd till they came to the City of Apolonia where he desired they would shew him Onorias Tower Which a Knight of the Countrey willingly did Then a gâ—eat Number following him some ran to acquaint the King that a Stranger woulâ— fight the Giant of the first Gate And believe it Sir said they 't would be impossible to find a more Fair Young and Dextrous Kâ—ight than he is The King vâ—ry glad of this News suddenly took Horse and went to see Birmartes who had just made an end of reading the writing on the first Perron Then they saluted one another and the King bowing himself said to him Good Knight if Fortune will so favour you that you can pull down the Pride of the Duke and deliver my Daughter assure your self I will greatly recompence you Birmartes seeing the good Reception the King gave him thus answered him Sir he in whose hands all things are knows the desire I have to serve you and such as you especially in such Acts in which besides the Honor that may be gain'd consists the liberty of such a Princess as my Lady your Daughter Not that I will presume to promise my self the putting an end to that to which so many good Knights could not attain but at least I will do my Endeavour being assured that so doing Death or Life cannot but be honourable to me imitating the Gallant Men who have tryed it before me and in comparison of whom I am nothing Then he prepared himself to begin the Fight because the first Giant stood ready to receive him They delay'd not therefore long to run one against the other neither of them missing his Blow For the Gyant struck him with such force on the Shield that he pierc'd it and his Spear passing under his Arm appeared above a yard on the other side But Birmartes who ran in a more even line aiming lower struck him between the Saddle-bow and the Stomach so that the Plates of the Gyant 's Armor not being strong enough to resist the Fierceness of the blow the Lance entred into his Guts and he fell dead to the Ground without stirring either foot or hand Of which all the Spectators were very glad douâ—ting nevertheless that Birmartes was cruelly wâ—unded But this Opinion lasted not long for he withdrawing his Lance march'd towards the second Gate where he found the other Guard exceedingly troubled for
to Magadan King of Saba excusing himself from what he had been charg'd with SVCH was the Issue of this perillous Combat as you have heard at the Return from which the Knight of the Burning Sword thinking sometimes on his Misfortune in not having been able to Vanquish his Enemy sometimes on his News of the King of Saba and the Obligation in which he found himself indebted to King Amadis being now sad then all of a sudden joyful Rode on to the Place where he had left Alquif 's Damsel And they two together that they might not be follow'd went to the Place where he expected to find his Mariners who waited for him But when the Damsel saw him to pensive she could not forbear asking him whence that Melancholly proceeded Ah! my great Friend answer'd he I was thinking to leave this Countrey for to go into Saba to find the King for some News I have this day heard which touches me very near And on the other side I am forc'd to break this Enterprise being call'd this way to an Affair on which my Honor depends Thus I see my self between two Extremities and know not which I should choose for the best If you think good said she that I should carry any Message for you to the East be pleas'd to give me your Bark and I will go where you shall command me and will carry any Letter for you to King Magadan whom I very well know I request it of you answer'd he assuring you Damsel that I will never forget this Courtesy I will Write then to the King and to morrow you shall set Sail if we find our People at the Port. Discoursing in this manner they came where the Bark was and that very night the Knight in the Starry Armor Writ a Letter to King Magadan the Tennoâ— whereof folloâ—â— Most High most Mighty and most Excellent Prince if future things were as present to men as they are unknown to them there would be few Persons deceiv'd and fewer Wicked that could deceive them by giving them false Intelligence But such a secret being out of our Power we should certainly more fear this malice of men than Death it self which can deceive us but once For that to which these Traitors and Villains lead us takes not only away the Life but the immortal Honour which every Person of Virtue may acquire blacking his Reputation and Honour by shameful and lying Stories with which they feed the ears of those who hear them And of this victorious King your Majesty can better judge than any other having been upon the Point of being reputed an unjust King by your intending to put the Queen to Death for the false Accusation made of her and your loyal subject and servant the Knight of the Burning Sword Not Sir that I will excuse my self of the Fault I committed in absenting my self from your Court according to the Counsel given me by Maudan for where my Innocence was Punishment could have no place And moreover instead of leaving my honour doubtful by my Flight I should rather knowing your Vertue and my Justice submit my self to your Chastisement than fearing your Fury and shunning death which I deserv'd not render my self thus suspected of Guilt Now the Gods as far as I understand have permitted that the Truth has since been discover'd by the same Person who had conceal'd it and the Queens honour and mine restor'd by the invincible Prowess of Amadis King of Great Britain who sustaining my Right has in your Majesty's Presence slain the Traitor in the plain Field of Battle And nevertheless Sir if there remains in you any spark of Displeasure against your humble servant I beseeech you to forget it and give me part in your good grace till such time as I have opportunity to return to your Majesty which I should have already done had it not been for the Promise I have made these Kings here assembled not to leave them till the War they have undertaken against two other Traitors is at an end Wherefore you will be pleased to excuse me who in all humility kiss your Majesties hands This Letter being thus written made up and well seal'd he delivered it to the Damsel whom he took aside and said to her Damsel my Friend since you will do me the favour to go for me to King Magadan I beseech you in presenting to him this Letter to tell him the occasion of my stay in these Parts and that as soon as I shall have an Opportunity I will not fail to repair to him and present him with my service as I am bound You will see also the Queen and Prince Fulurtin to whom also I desire you to give my most humble Respects Sir answerd she I will not fail to do what you command me but before my Departure I will acquaint you that the arms I presented you was sent you by the Sage Alquif who loves you and honours you more than any Knight he knows He has charged me to tell you that your father is a Greek by Nation and that you are the Issue of a most Illustrious Blood and herewith content your self for I can tell you no more except it be that he sends you word that before your Departure from Italy you shall recover one of the things you held most for lost The Knight of the burning Sword was much amaz'd more rejoyc'd when he understood that he was a Gentleman of Great Parentage and imbracing her who brought him this good News said to her Alas my great Friend for Gods sake tell me then my Fathers Name if you know it For 't is the greatest Desire I have in this world Assure your self answer'd she if I knew it it should not be conceal'd from you This said she took leave of him and embarkt the Knight intreating her that she would find Means to bring him back an Answer with all possible Speed And immediatly the Wind blowing the Sails the Vessel lancht forth into the Deep And at the same time the Knight of the burning Sword took his way towards Salerm intending as soon as he had recovered his strength to find out Birmartes and fight him to the utmost whatever should become of it Whilst he staid there musing from time to time on what the Damsel had said to him that his Father was a Native of Greece he resolved to take this surname from that Country and also his name from King Amadis to whom he thought himself more oblig'd than to all other Men in the World as having made him recover his Honor. Therefore he will henceforward be in several placâ—s called Amadis of Greece CHAP. LXII How News came to the Kings being at Naples of the great Preparation made by the Usurper of the Empire to come and give them Battle at Friuli And of the Rancounter they had with the King of Metz. THE King of Sicily pretending as you have heard to the Kingdom of Metz had ordinarily spies in the