I have no power over this Knight to pray him or command him considering the State we are in wherefore I am of opinion that you your self speak to him and know what he thinks of it It shall not stick there said the Damsel Then turning her Face towards him in the white Arms she said to him Knight the Old Man who found you in the Forrest after you had deliver'd King Magadan desires you for a reason to fight no more against him to whom I have addrest my self but to remember the Discourse you had with him when you said that Vertue was never lost in what place soever it were exercis'd Damsel answer'd he I am so much bound to the old man that I will believe his Counsel and would gladly be in place where I may do him Service as I desire Now he had taken notice of the Honour she did the black Knight which made him conjecture that he was some King or other great Personage wherefore he said to him My Lord pardon me I beseech you if in my Behaviour and Words I have not been so courteous to you as I ought and do me the Favour to tell me who you are that I may hereafter better know by name him in whom there is so much Goodness and Prowess Knight answer'd he your so glorious Discretion makes me entirely lose the ill will I have hitherto born you and summons me to leave you the Place since our dispute can take no other course Yet I will first satisfy your Request and tell you who I am on condition that afterwards neither you nor any other shall hinder my Departure Of that you may be sure said the white Knight and I promise you it upon my Honour Understand then said he that you may now see Esplandian Emperor of Constantinople who came hither hoping alone to recover what your self have gain'd from me and mine but finding what is in you and knowing the Strength of the Place I make no farther acccount of getting any thing what Power soever I can bring O Iupiter cry'd out the Knight of the Burning Sword is it possible that the Prince whose Renown is the greatest and most glorious of any in the whole world has done me this Honour On my faith I may at present well stile my self the happiest man on earth having had the Means to prove my self against the best Knight living Ah! Ah! most Excellent Emperor You are such that the Praises which are given you are far short of what is due to your Merits And would to our Gods the Law you hold were conformable to their Honour that you might in time see with what affection I would do you Service instead of the Displeasure you have receiv'd thro' my ignorance for which I entreat you and this Damsel to excuse me Now he believ'd her to be still behind him but she was already departed which he perceiv'd as he thought to give her thanks wherefore with much discontent he chang'd his discourse and askt what way she had taken My Lord said one from within She is gone forth and we saw her descend strait to the Sea Ah! said the Knight she does me wrong Now he thought to know of her where he might find the good old Alquif by whom he hop'd to come to the Knowledge of his Parents And for this cause leaving the Emperor he went hastily out of the Castle running after her and the farther he went the more he said within himself By my Head I have no wound that shall hinder me from following you and if once I catch you you shall tell me where your Father is But notwithstanding his Diligence Fortune guided him far another way as you shall hereafter be inform'd CHAP. XIII How the twenty Turks which Yneril had brought from Natolia for the Relief of the Defended Mountain set themselves to kill the Emperor Esplandian and of that which hapned FRandalo who was come down out of the Galleries to listen to the Damsels discourse having heard from the Emperor Esplandians own mouth that it was he who had fought with the Knight of the Burning Sword presently kneel'd down to kiss his Hands the King of Jerusalem also making him a very great Reverence The Emperor receiv'd them very kindly and embracing the King said to him In good faith Brother your Liberty is I believe more happy than you expected being deliver'd and freed out of Prison by the best Knight I ever saw in my life Ah Sir said Frandalo your Presence gives me an incomparable Joy and a Regret even to Death My good Friend said the Emperor you have always be esteem'd so discreet that you need not any Comfort but what you can give your self But they had not long continu'd this Discourse when the twenty Turks lately arriv'd for Defence of the Place calling out to Arms ran upon the Emperor who more astonisht than before and that not without cause said to the King of Jerusalem whom he suspected to be the Head of this Treason How Brother Dare you indeed do an Act so injurious to your Honour and the Right of Chivalry On my faith you not only wrong your own Person but all others who bear the Title of Gentlemen for you cannot be ignorant that I entred into this place with Security from him who had power to give me it The King of Jerusalem very sorry for this assault took suddenly his Sword in hand and severely menac'd these Rascals who to shew how little they would do for him began in such manner to let fly their Arrows that they seem'd like Hail pouring down from Heaven This so chaf'd the Emperor that without any farther delay he cover'd himself with his Shield and with Sword in hand entred pell mell amongst them striking so on the right and left that he gave the first he met with such a blow that he never spake after and following the rest brought three of them with their Noses to the ground Nevertheless this could not have preserv'd him without Frandalo who weak and feeble as he was got hold of a Battle ax and follow'd by two of his Squires so well seconded the Emperor that whether the others would or no they were forc'd to give back to their great shame and loss And as we often see a campany of Pies persue an Hawk that taking his flight from off his Masters hand pearches upon some Tree at his departure from which being provok'd by their beating and pecking at him he not only seizes upon one two or three of them but furiously scatters the Remainder in the like manner these Rascals having done their endeavour against the Emperor betook themselves to flight some falling dead and others putting all their hopes in the entrance of a stair case whether they retir'd for their Defence But this weak Resistance lasted scarce a moment the Emperor and Frandalo following them so close that there did not one of them escape The King of Jerusalem was then in very great
his Cosins death to revenge whom he coutch'd his Spear and setting spurs to his Horse mist his blow But so did not Birmartes who met him so roughly that his Lance flew into shivers and with the shock their Horses gave each other they both fell and their Masters under them Nevertheless Birmartes got speedily up again on his feet and taking his Sword in his hand perceived the other who lamented exceedingly for the extream pain he felt having his left Leg bruis'd in three or four places and his Steed so lying on him that he was not able to stir Wherefore Birmartes coming to him said Giant thou art dead if thou dost not yield thy self vanquisht and permit me without any further hindrance the Entrance of this Gate as I shall think good Ah answered he that you may well do and I yield my self wholly to your Discretion Then Birmartes pass'd on and perceiv'd Branzahar mounted on a great black Horse who came to meet him Now he was hard-favor'd and ill-shapt and had nevertheless in himself many good Conditions and Courtesies as he then shewed saying to Birmartes Knight thou hast already gain'd so much Honour that the Glory of it will remain with thee for ever and tho' it has been against my Will and my Heart cannot be contented with the Loss of my Friends whom I so much lov'd and whom thou hast slain but I am call'd to revenge them Nevertheless considering that this Misfortune is befaln them through thy only Prowess as thou wast doing what thou oughtst to do for the obtaining Renown amongst valiant men I cannot forbear using to thee the Courtesy that Reason commands me seeing thee weary without Spear and without Horse so that if I should have the better of thee equipp'd and mounted as I am such a Victory would rather turn to my Disgrace than Glory wherefore I choose rather to alight and being equal in Arms to let Fortune play her part stretching forth her hand to which of us two she pleases Saying this he set foot to ground and embracing his great and strong Shield with his naked sword in his hand march'd towards Birmartes who having heard him speak so graciously answer'd him in this manner My Lord Prince your Courtesy has more amaz'd me than the greatness of your Body and the strength and largeness of your Limbs for the Magnanimity of Hearts consists not in the Mass of Flesh but in Generosity and Vertue of the Person who loves Honour and desires to perpetuate his Memory not by boasting and Arrogance but by doing his Duty with few and gentle Words and Vigorous Execution so that having already found in you one of these two points which is Courtesy I make no doubt but the second is not far from it seeing they are seldom or never asunder no more than Fire is from Heat and Heat from Fire VVherefoâ—e if it were honourable and reasonable for me I should rather and more willingly make Friendship with you than pass any farther to the tryal of our persons one against the other But there being no Remedy neither you nor I can refuse the course that is offered Forasmuch as it would be an Injury to you to leave the Enterprise you have begun and I should be greatly blam'd not to persue the Fortune which has given me such a beginning as every one may have seen Let the Victory therefore be to him on whom it shall please Fortune to bestow it At this word they would no longer spend the time in Discourses but charg'd each other with such fierceness that all the Beholders stood amaz'd One great Advantage Birmartes had over the other He was so nimble dextrous and active that of ten blows which Branzahar struck not one did any Dammage to his Enemy so well could he shield himself or slip from them But it was not so w th his Adversary who was so big that his Legs were scarce able to bear the weight of his Body Insomuch that Birmartes began to treat him so roughly as made him doubt the Issue of the Fight and with good reason foâ— the loss of his blood that streamed forth from the many wounds he had received and which by little and little so weakned him that after several great blows given on both sides he fell down in a swound Wherefore Birmartes setting his foot on his Stomach pulled the Helmet from his Head But as soon as he had Air his spirits returned and Birmartes said At thiâ— blow shall thy days be ended and the Love thou hast born the fair one unless thou grantst me the Entrance into her Chamber at my pleasure And to the end I may be as gracious to thee in effect as thâ—u hast been to me in words granting me what I ask thee I will give thee thy life without taking to my self the Honour of the Victory which indeed I could not have over so good a Knight as thou art Branzahar seeing himself in this Extremity had his heart much oppressed but not knowing how to remedy it he thus answered Birmartes I now well know that 't is a great Folly to attempt the breaking and forcing what Fortune has ordained who has hitherto been so contrary to me that by making me love her who is fairer than beauty it self I am reduced to the shame in which every one may see me therefore Knight do with me what thou pleasest since 't is in thy power if thou thinkst good to give me my death which considering the Misfortune of my life I desire more than thou imaginest Go then at thy ease to see her whose look alone has such Power that the force thou hast had against me and mine will not perhaps be able to preserve thee from dying at the sight of her Then mayst thou know how much greater a benefit thou wilt do me in taking away of my life by a sudden death than in leaving me to dye so many times a day as I shall if I live any longer When Birmartes heard him speak thus he had so great Compassion of him that he humbly besought the King to cause him to be lookt after by his Chyrurgeons But Branzahar refusing it commanded his Servants to provide a Litter for him and the other wounded Gyant and without any farther stay took his way to Clarence where he led afterwards the most melancholly life in the world having always before the eyes of his mind Onorias Beauty and the shame he had received by loving her too much CHAP. LV. How Birmartes went to see the Fair Onoria in her Prison and the Discourse they had together BRanzahar Prince of Clarence being carry'd out of the Field and Birmartes remaining gloriously Victorious the King came to embrace him saying to him Ah! fortunate Knight and more couragious than can be express'd let us go if you please to my Daughter whom I hope thro' your Prowess shortly to see at liberty and my self quit of the promise I made the Prince who kept her so
Burning Sword might easily without much more Labour have put an end to his defence yet he drew a step or two back and leaning on the Pommel of his Sword as if he would take breath began to say Frandalo thou canst not but certainly know that thy death is near if thou contendest any longer against me yield then I pray thee good Sir and I will save thy Life so good an Opinion have I of thy Person I had rather answer'd he dy a thousand Deaths together than do any thing that should in the least blemish my honour You may perhaps kill my Body but as to my Intention none but our Lord in whom I put my Trust can change it Compleat then thy Victory without expecting any thing else from me since I am resolv'd to end my Days that I may perpetuate my Renown keeping the Faith I ow to GOD and my Prince as well knowing how great an Honour it will be to me hereafter that I have with so much glory paid the Debt to which I was oblig'd from the first moment of my Birth and which we all ow to our Soveraign that has created us and plac'd us on the Earth So well was the Knight of the Burning Sword satisfy'd with this Remonstrance that he said withâ—n himself I should indeed be very much to blame should I endeavour any farther to force him who being depriv'd of all Strength has already vanquisht himself so as rather to choose Death than never so little to prejudice his Loyalty and Virtue And certainly it would be no other than Treason to perseâ—ute any more so Noble Faithful and Magnanimous an Heart as his and therefoâ—e I will leave off Scarce had he finisht this discourse in his mind when Frandalo fainting fell down to the Ground without stirring either foot or hand At which the Knight of the Burning Sword being much griev'd ran hastily to untie his Helmet to give him breath Nevertheless the King of Jerusalem thought he would cut off his head wherefore he cry'd out with a mournful Voice Ah! Knight I request you by the Virtue that is in you to spare him At this cry the other left Frandalo and taking off his Helmet addrest himself to the King kneeling down before him to kiss his hands but the King embrac'd him saying Indeed I do not know that ever I have seen you before Therefore pray do me the favour to tell me what knowledge you have of me and who you are Sir answer'd he be pleas'd to command some one from within to bind up the Wounds of these Knights before they dye for it would discontent me seeing their Prowess that any of them should perish for want of help This done I will answer you the best I can to what you please to know of me Indeed said the King there is not any one here that understands how to dress the Wounded but below at the Monastery there is Then he call d a Servant whom he sent to fetch one of the Religious that was skill'd in Chirurgery In the mean time he gave Order for disarming Frandalo and the Gyant Frandalon who were carry'd and laid in the best Chamber of the Castle And the Knight of the Burning Sword desiring to know who the first was that assaulted him at the Entrance of the Castle they told him he was nam'd Belleris a courteous Personage and Nephew to the Admiral Frandalo As God shall help me said he it will be then a great Loss if he be dead Go see for him and if he be living let him be put with his Uncle Then some ran thither and finding him come to himself out of his Swound took him up gently and laid him in another Bed near Frandalo Then the Knight of the Burning Sword retir'd into another Chamber and put himself between the Sheets that the Monk might apply some Remedies to the Wounds he had Receiv'd Presently after entred Yneril who having heard how all had pass'd was unspeakably glad especially after he had spoken with the Religious man who assur'd him that all the danger was over And indeed he so dextrously dress'd the wounded Applying to them proper Remedies that their Pains being mitigated they all slept quietly till the morrow morning which was an Apparent sign of speedy Cure CHAP. VIII Of the Discourse the King of Ierusalem had with the Knight of the Burning-Sword concerning his Liberty and afterward with Frandalo and Belleris THe next day after these things had thus faln out the King of Jerusalem went to visit the Knight of the Burning Sword whom he found walking about his Chamber for none of his Wounds were such as to oblige him to keep his Bed And therefore seeing the King enter he went to receive him and with great Reverence besought him to sit down in a Velvet Chair and placing himself near him began his discourse in this manner Alas Sir how shall I ever be able to acknowledge the Honour your Majesty is pleas'd to do me who am but a simple Knight and as yet unknown And nevertheless you take the pains to come and visit me who have never done you any service My Friend answer'd the King he that can deliver Kings out of Prison deserves well to be honour'd by the greatest Lords in the World and for ever to be thanked by them Is it not then reasonable that I whose Liberty you have so valiantly obtain'd should offer my self to you and continue all my life your Oblig'd Pardon me Sir reply'd the Knight 't is a small matter to pay an Obligation due by necessity Now there is nothing more certain than that such as Your Majesty are born into this World to be Reverenc'd and serv'd by all all being naturally oblig'd so to do but that Obligation brings along with it this Benefit that whoever satisfies it is thereby honour'd for as much as the Honour he pays his Superior or any other is of such a Nature that it returns to the place whence it proceeded as the Rivers and Streams do into the Sea out of which they came So that Sir you do me wrong to thank me so much since it is abundantly sufficient to commend him who does well without giving him thanks For if he did otherwise than well he would not in reason deserve to be call'd a Man but a brute and senseless Beast The King hearing this goung Victorious Knight speak so wisely and with so good a Grace made him only this Answer My great Friend I see in you so much good Wit that 't would be a Folly for me to think of vanquishing you either in word or effect setting aside therefore this Contest I desire you only to give me your Advice how we shall henceforward govern our selves here where there is not one in whom you trust but your Esquire and my self And I much fear that some or other is fled to King Norandel with News of the Conquest you have gain'd over Frandalo Now he is so near us that
Emperor We must endeavour to provide for it Then he call'd the Prince of Brandalia and the Marquess Saluder to whom he gave Order for the Equipping and Arming all the Vessels they could assemble with Souldiers and other Persons necessary for the Voyage He also presently sent back Sergil with speed to Norandel to the end he might march by Land the Army he had with him to hinder his Enemies from giving Assistance to the King of Jerusalem But let us leave them providing for their Equipage and return to Lucencio who goes inquest of the Knight that took the Helmet from the Damsel whom he afterwards found as you shall understand CHAP XI How Lucencio fought with the Knight that took by force the Helmet from the Dutchess of Savoy's Gentlewoman and vanquisht him LUcencio with his Company going forth of the Town took their way towards the Forrest after the Knight t at had robb'd the Damsel of the Helmet and as they rode he enquir'd of the Damsel who He was that the Dutchess her Mistress so much commended and why she thus conceal'd his Name Sir answer'd she my Lady has told you as much bâ—fore the Emperor as I know for on my Faith he hath ever since his Arrival in Savoy so well conceal'd himself that if he has not discover'd himself to my Mistress I dare aver there 's none of us who knows him As GOD shall help me said Lucencio he is one of the handsom'st young men I ever saw and of whom I hope much His Behaviour answer'd the Damsel would yet more please you had you convers'd with him as I have done for his Disposition is no less noble and courteous than his Stature comely and graceful Thus discoursing they entred the Forrest on the edge of which they met a poor man loaden with wood of whom the Damâ—el enquir'd whether he saw a Knight pass by riding on a Roan Horse and having his Shield Or in a Field Azure He is before answer d the Clown and cann't be above two leagues off turn on your Right hand at the next cross way and you may easily overtake him before night if you make hast Lucencio very glad of this Account spur'd after him yet did he Travel two days and two nights before he had any farther News of him The third day following as he came forth of the Wood in a long and spacious Plain he saw two Knights fighting furiously one against the other Ha! said Lucencio then to the Damsel Never trust me if there ben't your man I pray you fair Lady go no farther lest he know you for if it be he 't is to be fear'd he will flye to save his Theft keep your self therefore conceal'd with my Esquire till I have spoken with him Having said this he rode on a great Gallop and being come near to those that were sighting they stood still to know what he lookt for But Lucencio easily knowing the Knight he sought for by the Marks that had been given him cry'd out to him Ill-bred Knight who robbest travelling Damsels restore the Helmet or thou shalt dy an evil Death The Helmet answer'd the other It belongs so justly to me that you shall never have it seeing it is mine In faith said he with whom he fought neither he nor you deserve it but I alone who have set my self to gain it by force of Arms besides she who carry'd it said it was for the best Knight in the world Now neither of you are any way equal to me wherefore I advise you to follow your way and without contending any farther to do me Justice of your selves else my Sword shall do it me to your Disgrace and Damage On my word answer'd Lucencio you both sufficiently shew your Follies But tell me in good earnest for what Reason the Damsel should lose it from whom it was taken by violence Come come leave this Quarrel and restore it willingly to her otherwise I will endeavour to make you do it by force Truly Knight reply'd he that took it I no longer wonder at your being so lean since you trouble your self about so many things In troth if he will be rul'd by me we will cudgel you so well that you shall be more sensible of your Folly on your Shoulders than you are of it in your Head If you promise me said the other that I shall share with you you shall see how I 'l order him presently I promise you answer'd the first By this word Lucencio well knew that 't was at him their Discourse was levell'd wherefore he retir'd a little back the better to give his horse a Career and couching his Lance ran so directly upon them that he met him of the Helmet wâ—th such force that his Staff breaking in pieces he tumbled him on the ground yet he held fast the Reins of his Steed and soon after got up again In the mean time Lucencio turn'd his Bridle and setting his hand to his Sword there began so sharp and dangerous a fight of two against one that Lucencio presently knew the Peril he should be in if he did not look the better about him Then altho' he had never been at such sport before mov'd nevertheless with a natural Instinct to imitate those of whom he was descended he had so good and vertuous an Heart that his Adversaries soon perceiv'd it the Field being in many places dy'd with their Blood But our Gamester was pretty well matcht for the two Assailants treated him so ill that he felt himself so wounded as to doubt of his Death at which he became so furious that he entred pell mell betwixt them iust as a chafed Bull does amongst those who provoke him in the Place where he is to be baited And thus striking on the right hand and on the left he met not with the Knight that had robb'd the Damsel but the other whom he gave such a Blow on the ear with the Pommel of his Sword that it made him bow his Head as low as his Saddle-bow and before he could recover himself Lucencio redoubling his Stroke with the edge of his Sword smote his Head from his Shoulders his Body falling reaking to the ground Of which Lucencio glad cry'd out loud enough In good faith Master you will now have no more need of a Night-cap much less of the Helmet you so greatly desir'd When the other saw his Companion in so ill a Condition he no longer desir'd to try the Force of him he had injur'd the better therefore to secure himself feigning to revenge his Fellow he drew near and lifting up his Arm gave Lucencio's Horse such a Blow with his Sword between the two Ears that he kill'd him then giving his own Horse the Reins he turn'd his Back flying as if a thousand Devils were at his heels You may easily believe that Lucencio was not a little displeas'd for he saw himself without an Horse and out of hopes as it were to recover what he sought which
will swear it by the living Gods for I saw it with my own eyes Ah Ah! said the King fetching a deep sigh Since the Traytor has so far forgotten himself as I heretofore prefer'd him before all that were in this Kingdom so will I now cause him and the Strumpet his Companion to be put to the cruelst Death that ever wretched Creatures suffer'd Then the King commanding Maudan to keep secret what he had told him retir'd to his Chamber as full of discontent as the Villian was of joy for having so well accomplisht his design As the Love of a Father to his Son is incomparably greater than common Amities so the hate of the one to the other when it grows vigorous is undoubtedly more extream than can be exprest In like manner the King who was so affectionated to the Knight of the burning sword that he had almost equall'd him with Fulurtin having heard the discourse of this Whisperer grew so disturb'd that he had much ado so to govern his Passion as to forbear sending him at that very moment to receive his last Punishment which yet tho' not without putting a gâ—eat constraint upon himself he for a while suspended hoping to surprize him in the Fact Now such is commonly the Nature of Sin that 't is no sooner brought into the Woâ—ld but 't is attended by Repentance which was the cause that Maudan mixing water with his wine began immediately to know his offence insomuch that considering the many Pleasures and Courtesies he had receiv'd from the Knight he had accus'd he wisht he had never spoken ill of him but when the Steed is stoln 't is too late to shut the Stable door Yet did remorse of Conscience conducted by Reason gain so much upon him that he purpos'd at least to save his life by giving him notice tâ—at the King sâ—ake of doing him a displeasure and advising him therefore to absent himself from his Fury This thought he put in Execution A thing probably proceeding from GOD not for the sake of so wretehed a Person as Maudan but for the preservation of the Innocent for which cause we sometimes see the Wicked contrary to his Nature to leave Evil and give way to Good The Sun was already retir'd behind the Mountains and the Night approacht when the Traytor found out the Knight of the Burnâ—ng Sword to whom concealing from him the Poison which lay hid in his heart he thus spake My dear Friend so much do I desire your Good that there cannot any inconvenience befall you at which I should not be as much troubled as if it hapned to my self 'T is therefore necessary you retire with all possible speed for I certainly know that the King is resolv'd to put you to death for which purpose you will be Arrested at your Entrance into the Palace The particular cause indeed I cannot learn but some story has been told him for which he hates you to extremity The Knight of the burning sword as you will easily believe was not a little astonisht at this Advertisement the truth of which as not having any way offended he would soon have question'd had not Maudan always pretended a particular kindness for him He gave therefore so much credit to this Traytor 's words that he immediately commanded Yneril his Esquire to bring his Arms and taking Horse went secretly forth of the Town without any other Attendance Riding all Night in marvellous discontent Thus Maudan wove the Web which afterward cost him his life as shall be declared to you In the mean time the better still to cover his design he went very late in the Evening to the King to whom he said Sir I doubt Yneril may have over heard some part of the discourse I had with Your Majesty about his Master for I am certainly inform'd he was listning under the window Which may be the more easily credited for that I have not since seen the Knight of the burning sword whom I believe you will find to be fled That would be ill reply'd the King therefore pray know the certainty of it and that without delay At these words Maudan went strait out of the Palace to the Knight's Lodgings returning soon after as in amaze to tell the King he was gone Magadan hearing this sent hastily to apprehend the Queen Buruca swearing he would have her burnt alive at which the poor Lady who knew not for what occasion was very much troubled and casting her self at the Kings feet besought him with hands held up to tell her the cause of his displeasure Wicked woman answer'd he you shall know too soon to your cost Then commanding her to be lock'd up he set Guards upon her charging them on peril of their lives to keep her safe After this he sent forth men on all sides to look for the Knight of the burning sword and bring him either alive or dead For said the King he has acted against me the greatest Treason in the world Fulurtin wondering at this so suddain change found means to know the cause â—f it which the King would not conceal from him that he might irritate him the more against the Knight who had done him so many Services not letting him however know from whom he had receiv'd his Information But the Young Prince being well advis'd endeavour'd what he could to pacify all and disswade Magadan from believing any such thing which 't was impossible for him to do Not long after those who had been in quest of the Knight of the Burning Sword return'd without hearing any news of him at which the King was so enrag'd that he wanted lâ—ttle of putting the Queen to death But by the Advice of his most intimate Counsellors he delay'd it till such time as he recover'd the Knight At that very instant there Arriv'd a Courier bringing him News of the Spoil the Enemies made in his Realm into which they were entred This made Magadan whose Army was now ready march forth to meet them and give them Battle the Man being led by Fulurtin and the rest of his Forces by the King himself whose Army was divided only into two Squadrons The Kings of Tharsus and Arabia advertis'd of Magadans approach drew up their men in a Pâ—sture to receive him After a long and fierce Fight Magadan and his Son were in fine taken Prisoners and their whole Army discomfited the greatest part e caping to the Neighbouring Towns and the rest being put to the Sword These Kings having thus gotten the victory consulted betwixt themselves to send Magadan and Fulurtin where they might be safely kept Of this the King of Tharsus would take the Charge attended only by ten chosen Knights not being willing to trust such a Prey with any other Person but himself and in the mean time the King of Arabia advanc'd to Besiege Saba CHAP. IV. How the Knight of the Burning Sword found a Moorish Hermit and of the discourse they had together SO long travell'd the
worse Go said the Knight thou shalt know when thou com'st back Then they withdrew into the privat'st part of the Forrest where the Knight disarming himself gave his Armor to Yneril who rode strait with it to the Town where having found at an Armorers what he desir'd he return'd to his Master who having Arm'd himself and mounted his Steed said to Yneril Pray stay for me at the Town and come every Evening to this place to see whether I am returned or not For I must help the King and Fulurtin else the Nourishment they have given me would be very ill bestow'd if in a time of such necessity I should not hazard my Person to preserve them How Sir answer'd the Esquire will you put your self in such danger to preserve his life who seeks to deprive you of yours He shall not know me reply'd the Knight and besides I have always heard it Averr'd to do Good for Evil is double Merit And therefore since the Gods give me this good will I will employ it and my Person also in doing Service to the King to whom I am oblig'd Yneril seeing him so resolv'd durst not contradict him wherefore recommending him to the Protection of his Gods he took one way and the Knight another following the course he had seen kept by the Horseman he met the day before Now he had not rid far ere he met a Courier coming full speed whom he askt what News he brought Sir Knight answer'd he rejoice our Prince the King of Tharsus has defeated the Army of King Magadan and taken him and his Son Prisoners bringing them along himself with a Guard only of ten Knights which are not far behind me and for this cause I am going to Advertise those of the Town that they may come forth to receive them Then he pass'd on and the Knight of the Burning Sword still keeping his way said within himself God never prosper me if I don't deliver them or dye in the attempt And that he might not tire his Horse he rode leisurely on till he came to the top of an Hill whence he might easily see those that conducted the King and his Son who were set upon two little Nags having each of them an Esquire behind him which for greater security held them about the middle The Knight was so mov'd at this spectacle that without any farther delay he let down the Visor of his Helmet and seeing his opportunity rusht in amongst them crying with a loud voice Stay Traytors stay the Injury you do such Noble Princes shall cost you dear The King of Tharsus and his Brother who rode foremost seeing themselves assail'd thus on the sudden put themselves in a posture of Defence breaking their staves on him that ran against them but with so much force did the Knight hit the King that piercing with his Launce both his Shield and Breast-plate he threw him out of the Saddle his Arm in the fall breaking short in two Then passing farther he entred pell mell amongst the seven others who environ'd him on every side For of the ten two were retir'd aside with Magadan and Fulurtin Now the Knight of the Burning Sword was not at all dismay'd but striking on the right hand and the left gave not any home blow but what Death follow'd Which when the King of Saba and his Son saw they greatly wondred not being able to imagine who it should be that perform'd so high an Enterprâ—ze but saying within themselves that they had never seen so much Prowess acted by one sole man And with good reason might they say it for this Dispute continued above the space of four hours during which the seven assaulted Knights were so ill treated that the King of Tharsus's Brother lost his life there and three others with him The rest turning their backs fled through the Wood whether the Knight of the Burning Sword car'd not much to follow them but turn'd his Bridle doubting lest those who guarded Magadan and Fulurtin might kill them but they had seen their Fellows so well rubb'd that to avoid falling into the same danger they made use of their Horses heels Thus were the Prisoners left without any Guard to whom the Knight of the Burning Sword turning himself cut the Cords with which they were bound saying to the King Sir may it please you now to give me leave for as far as I can see you have no longer need of my assistance Ah! good Knight answer'd the King I beseech you tell us who you are to the end we may bear you good Will all our lives for the favour and succour we have receiv'd of you Sir reply'd the Knight I am one that ow you far greater service than this and I hope the time will come when you will by experience know the great Respect I have for you and yours In the mean time be pleas'd not to trouble your self any farther with enquiring what I am but cause the King of Tharsus who lies wounded to be set on Horseback and sent into one of your nearest Towns for as for me I must get my wouâ—ds lookt after The King perceiving he would not reveal himself importun'd him no farther but very affectionately thanking him committed him to the Protection of his Gods as the Knight also did him hasting without any stay through the Woods Then the King and Fulurtin made a sâ—ift to catch two of the Steeâ—s which were loose and having arm'd themselves wâ—th the best Arms theâ— could find tâ—ey went to the King of Tharsus and seeing that he was not dead bound up his wou ds and ha ing set him upon one of their little Nags conducted him thence to the Town of Teâ—rina where being arriv'd and understanding that the King of Arabia had planted h s Camp near Saba Magadan sent him word by a Trumpet that if he did not retreat he would strike off the Head of his Prisoner the King of Tharsâ—s The King of Arabia hearing this and being inform'd how all had pass d rais'd his Siege and without any longer stay return'd into Arabia as Magadan did to Saba attended by a great Troop of Knights and taking along with him the King his Prisoner of whom he had afterwards not only Peace but also a great Tribute and Ransome CHAP. VI. How after the Knight of the Burning Sword had Resâ—u'd the King of Saba and his Son he entered into the thickest of the Forrest where he met with an Old Man and of the Discourse they had together THe Knight of the Burning Sword having as you were told deliver'd Magadan and Fulurtin turn'd back the way he came and tho' he was cruelly wounded yet did not this so much trouble him as that he did not know the place where he was and less how to find any help for the Neighbouring Country appertain'd to the King of Tharsus whom he had defeated which made him greatly fear being known by them that fled wherefore he kept himself as close within
Religious Persons such as I am to contribuâ—â— in any manner whatsoever to the death of any one Since it is so answer'd the Knight do as you please I will then find it by some other means This said he and Yneril went out of the Church taking theâ—r way along a little Path and seeming very joyful that they had found an occasion of acquiring Honour by doing Service to their false Gods They had not Travell'd long before they met a Man dâ—iving two Mules laden with barrels of Water of whom they askt the way to the Castle which the honest Country Man willingly shew'd them Then they began to ascend the Mountain not without great Pain And because Yneril appear d more pensive than ordinary the Knight of the Burning Sword askt him on what he mus'd on so much Certainly answer'd he were I not afraid of displeasing you I should willingly tell you for the Love I bear you accompany'd with the desire I have to serve you Friend reply'd the Knight thou canst not say any thing that will be disagreable to me since in all things the Intention is more to be regarded than the Effect which proceeds of it And moreover since the Counsel of an Enemy is sometimes good that of a Friend as you are to me ought well to be esteem'd wholsome and salutary Speak therefore boldly and if thy Advice be reasonable assure thy self that I will follow it for I will not imitate many obstinate Persons who knowing themselves to be in Fault do yet disdain the counsel of others committing therein two Offences the one thro' their little sense the other thro' their want of knowledge Truly Sir said Yneril your Arguments are so prevalent that I will freely lay open my Thoughts not concealing from you any thing I have in my mind You are not ignorant that you were found by the Sea-side neither your self 〈◊〉 I believe nor they who bred you up knowing whether the Country whence 〈◊〉 â—ere taken be Christian or Pagan wherefore methinks you are much to blaâ—e in what you undertake since peradventure you are son to some Christian â—ho ' at present you profess another Religion And then if it be so are not you oâ—ligâ—d to follow the way of your Parents Yes indeed are you and you ought to hearâ—en to the counsel of this poor Sancto till you know better what you are than as yet you do for the hands often act wrong tho' the intention be right Now Yneril said this because himself was descended of Christian Parentâ—gâ— tho' he were then a Pagan but his heart perpetually earn'd to return to the Faith of his Ancestors and he would willingly have diverted his Master from passing any farther as well for the fear he had of his Person as for the Evil which might follow if this Country where GOD was so devoutly serv'd should bâ— conquer'd by him and reduc'd to its first Error The Knight of the Burning Sword hearing Yneril speak with such Affectionâ— could not forbear smiling but said to him Indeed Yneril I may as you say be descended of some Christian but I doubt it whereas I am certain that the King Educated me in the Pagan Law and in doubtful things we must follow the most apparent Now I have always liv'd amongst those of Saba and receiv'd Knighthood according to their Faith in which I will persevere to my death except my Judgment alter otherwise I should properly resemble him who having his s ght perfect knowingly makes himself blind or to say better leaving the High-way known to all I should take the Path that will lead me to Perdition Believe me that Wise men advance only with the Time and follow their good Fortune when it presents it self and to these two Time and Fortune are all Persons naturally subject Put case therefore that my Parents were Christians or still are so it is nevertheless for me to choose that Religion which shall seem best to me and not to imitate them knowing that they Err. For this cause have the Gods made men differ from Beasts giving them Reason to choose the Good and Avoid the Evil. Wherefore I am resolv'd till such time I am otherwise inspir'd to endeavour by all means the Augmentation of the Pagan Religion and the Destruction of its contrary were I therefore to dye a Thousand Deaths for such Death ought properly to be nam'd the beginning of Life And moreover it is probable that our Gods have cast us upon these Coasts and deliver'd us out of danger expresly to force us to do them some agreeable service here in destroying this Rabble which has so long resided in this place And as to what you have laid before me saying that I am bound to follow my Parents to this I answer that I am yet more oblig'd to them to whom I ow my Education as I will presently prove by an Example which was on a time amongst other things told me by Mandaiar who was my Instructer whilst I liv'd with Magadan There was and still is at Sobradise a King nam'd Don Galaor who being a Knight errant was entertain'd in the House of a Prince which then Reign'd in great Britain call'd Lisvart Now it happen'd that a certain Difference arose between this Lisvart and Amadis Brother of Galaor touching the Isle of Mongaza for defence of which Amadis with his Father the King of Gaul another Brother of his nam'd Don Florestan and many of their Kindred Friends and Allies went into it and to such an height grew this Quarrel that there follow'd many fierce and cruel Battels in which Galaor was always found on the side of the King by whom he had been entertain'd giving by his Prowess a certain Testimony of his acknowledgment for the great Benefits and Favors he had receiv'd of him preferring the Amity and service he bare him before all Right of Affinity and Parentage tho' it were against his own Father And by this thou may'st judge that every Personage of noble Spirit is more indebted to his Honour and Reason by which he ought to govern himself than to Father Friends Kinsfolks or even his own self Discoursing in this manner they came to the Bridge adjoyning to the Fortress which they were a pretty while in Viewing and there the Knight took his Helmet and Shield commanding Yneril to stay there for him and not to pass any farther which was very grievous to him Then he marcht bravely on till he came near the first Tower at the Window of which he perceiv'd two Knights playing at Chess the one bigger than the other each of them about Fifty Years of Age and both clad in Black The lesser had his Hair exceeding long and his Beard below his Girdle twisted with Threads of Gold which made the Knight certainly believe him to be as indeed he was the King of Jerusalem But when the greater descryd the Knight of the Burning Sword compleatly Arm'd ready for Fight and climbing up the Steps cut in the
Rock he put his Head out of the Window and speaking to him in Greek said loud enough Knight pass no farther before we know what you are otherwise the Custom of this place requires that you be made go down whether you will or no. He to whom he sâ—ake was not at all frighted at these menaces but without taking any farther notice of them came as far as the Gate and then gave him this Answer Sir Knight cause the Castle-Gate to be open'd and let me in and I will satisfie you and the Custom By my Head said the other it shall be open'd time enough to your cost for it is probable that you come not into these Coasts for any good will you bear us wherefore you shall not escape my staying of you for a Spy As he finisht his Speech there presented himself another Knight younger but so big that he of the Burning Sword was somewhat amaz'd at him yet made he no semblance of any such thing but said to the other You may peradventure be deceiv'd for if I can I will renew the Good of which you have depriv'd this Country to sow therein so much Evil. In what manner said he of the Fortress The Gods answer'd the Knight of the Burning Sword displeas'd with your wicked Life contrary to their Glory will permit me to chastise you and drive you hence How said the young Grant Art thou then one of those Fools that believe in more Gods than there are sands in the Sea Stay a little and thou shalt see the Event of it Scarce had he utter'd the Word but they retir'd from the Window and a little after there was a Postern open'd at the entrance of which an Arm'd Knight presented himself who hoâ—ding his Shield ready for Combat said to him of the Burning Sword Come in poor Man and perhaps I will have Mercy on thee I know not what Mercy you may shew me answer'd the other but I have not yet any part about me that inclines me to ask it the Execution also Arms lâ—es not in the Tongue but in the Hands Then he of the Burning Sword entred and soon after began such a Combat between them that to hear the Blows they gave each other you would have taâ—en to be two Smiths beating on an Anvil The Knight of the Castle gave the other such a Blow with his Sword that he made his eyes sparkle but the other in Revenge struck at him with so great foâ—ce that he cleft his Shield asunder and tâ—e Point of the Sword falling upon the crest of his Helmet wounded him so severely that he fell backward as if he were dead Which being seen by those that beheld them they were very much troubled believing him to be slain nor did the Knight of the Burning Sword think any less Wherefore he left him and pass'd on till he came in to the Court where he found ten Servants Arm'd with Brâ—gandins who ran upon him crying out Wicked Infidel Enemy to GOD and his Faith thou shalt now pay for thy Rashness which has brought thee hither and immediately they environ'd him on all sides But he as being the best Knight in the World fac'd them with so much Courage that they soon felt the weight of his Blows whoever he struck being assur'd either of Death or a Wound wherefore they began to retreat by little and little and not without cause for Three of them were in a little time lay'd dead on the place which so mov'd the others to revenge that they resolv'd either to kill him or to lose every man of them their Lives pressing therefore more close upon him than they had â—itherto done he nevertheless knew so well how to defend himself that before the parting of the Game two more of them were overthrown shaking their Heels But the Five which were left gave him afterwards so much work that it is incredible how he could preserve himself for one of them closing with him thought to get him down but the Knight of the Burning Sword with a Blow of his Fist brake his teeth and jaws the extremity of the pain making him let go his hold and fall flat with his face on the ground which the rest perceiving fled to the Tower of the Castle crying out Come forth my Lord come forth we are all dead men unlesâ— you assist us So close at the Heels were they follow'd by the Knight of the Burning Sword that they had not time to shut the door but he entred after them into the midst of the place where he heard the voice of one that said to him Devil Enemy of GOD thou shalt dy by my hands the most cruel Death that ever brought Wretch to the End of his days Then he perceiv'd the Gyant he had seen at the Window who being compleatly Arm'd and holding his Sword drawn in his hand came to assault him And thâ— the strange Knight had more need of Repose than Fighting and morâ— occasion of Fear than Assurance seeing this great Loggerhead so inclin'd to mischief him he was nevertheless so magnanimous that bowing down his head he march'd against him and being come within a yard or two of him spake to him in this manner Gyant the Vastness of thy Body did at first put me in some fear who am as it were but half a man in respect of thee but when I heard thy Threats I felt my heart so swell and risâ— that it wholly confirm'd me sorting before miâ—e eyes that it is far more seemly for all Knights how Good and Valiant soever to do than talk At the finishing this Discourse without expecting any answer they joyn'd battle with such cruelty that never two mortal enemies shew'd greater Desire of Killing each other so that in this conflict the Plates and Pieces of their Harness were scatter'd about the ground their Helmets batter'd and not only their Shields but their Flesh also so cut that the Spectators wondred at their long resistanee eâ—pecially the King oâ— Jerusalem wâ—o seeing the Blood trickle along the Gyants Armor sometime thought him vanquisht and suddenly again chang'd his Opinion so well did the Gyant know how to handle his Adversary Nevertheless after this Skirmish had continu'd the space of two long hours the worst was seen to fall on the Gyants side altho ' he dâ—d his utmost to resist it Just at this point came in another Knight compleatly Arm'd and wearing about his Neck a Shield on which in a Field or was a Cross Gules and this Knight was bigger and stronger than any that had hitherto combated Now as he was coming into play â—he of the Burning-Sword knew him to be Frandalo by the Description the Monk had made of him wherefore stepping back a little he said to him Conform I pray thee Frandalo thy Actions to thy Renown and think that thou wouldst wrong thy self by medling any farther in this Combat which was undertaken by one against one Let us then finish it and if Fortune
Mother was who will recover the Ioy she has lost when it shall please GOD. In the mean time the little Lucencio grew up from day to day thinking himself to be Son to the good Widow Florisma and Brother to Florindo whom he lov'd as his second self They were both now come to such an Age that they were strong enough to go an Hunting Now as they sat sometimes during the Heâ—t of the day under the shadow of the Trees expecting the Cool of the Evening when they might better find their Prey Lucencio would in this manner discourse his Companion Brother there is nothing in this world I should more desire than if it were possible to be of the Order of Knighthood But what I see not any likehood of ever being so for our Father was not a Gentleman but a Labourer tho' a rich and honest man nor are we noble but Rusticks and People of this Condition are reputed unworthy to follow Arms at which I am ready to dye for spight So frequent was this discourse with Lucenio that the good Widow being Advertis'd thereof by Florindo which made her from that time doubt lest coming to understand the truth of his condition he should leave her therefore to obviate this she us'd her utmost endeavours to conceal it from him But it happen'd one time as he and his Companion were an Hunting having each of them a Bow in his hand they met an Hind at which they shot and wounded her yet not so but that she fled through the Thickets whether the Dogs follow'd her she doubling so with them that they came to a Fault and a little after began again their cry so that Lucencio and Florindo thinking they had run her down made hast in to ' em They perceiv'd them environing a naked Woman who was so disfigur'd that she seem'd rather a Phantasm than an humane Creature at the sight of which Florindo was so frighted that he turn'd his Face flying and trembling like the Leaf But Lucenio whose blood could not deny the place from whence he was descended advanc'd and taking his Staff drave away the Dogs from about this woman to whom he said By my Fathers soul I will now see whether you are an Hobgoblin or some Devil disguis'd The poor Creature wholly astonisht as thinking he would beat her cast her self on her knees and joyning her hands answer'd him Ah Gentleman I beseech you by the Faith you owe to GOD to leave me in peace without adding farther Affliction to the Misery in which I have now liv'd these thirteen or fourteen years and shall live as long as it shall please him who has given me Being Lucencio not without cause wondering to hear her speak so discreetly whom he just now took for a Phantasm took a more distinct view of her than he had hitherto done and judg'd by the Lineaments of her Face that she must have been heretofore handsome wherefore he askt her how she came to make her Repair to this Place inhabited only by wild and savage Beasts Alas answer'd she I pray you desire not to know it for my Misfortune is greater than you can comprehend Wherefore I desire you to take away your Dogs and not importune me any farther Lucencio had such pity of her that he graciously made her this Reply Dame I will readily obey you altho' you would have more reason and greater joy if leaving this Austere Life you would come with me to my Mother whither I will willingly conduct you for the Desire I have to serve you and all others that would employ me My Child said she I thank you and you will do me a Pleasure to tell me your Name and who you are to the end I may pray to our Lord so to keep you that the Renown of your good Works may be conformable to your Beauty I am answer'd he call'd Lucencio my Father was Sinofry who dy'd long since and my Mother who yet lives is nam'd Florisma Scarce had he utter'd this Word but she began tenderly to weep and sigh And Lucencio thinking that these her Tears proceeded from her hearing of Sinofry's Death askt her if she ever knew him Indeed my Child answer'd she I have many times seen your Father and know perhaps more of your Affairs than you do your self since I can assure you that Sinofry nothing concern'd you When Lucencio heard this he was more mov'd than before thinking her to be some Fairy or Magicâ—an wherefore he said to her Dame I request you with all the earnestness I can to declare more fully what you have began to tell me for according to your discourse my Mother must have play'd him false whose Son I esteem my self Your Mother answer'd she never did your Father any Injury but if you will promise me one Gift I will tell you a thing shall make you glad Indeed Dame reply'd he I promise it you whatever you please to ask me My Child said she assure your self that your Father and Mother are of such noble Blood that you are descended of an Emperor and a King The Gift you have granted me is that you forbear to question me any farther concealing from all Persons your having found me and the discourse I have had with you and to the end it may not be discover'd make your Companion also promise you the same to whom nevertheless you may relate what I have told you And you will find means between you to know whither two Knights the one call'd Lisvart of Greece and the other Perion of Gâ—ul lost about fourteen Years since together with the Emperor be return'd into this Country and bring them both hither to me or at least one of them for this greatly imports you and me also Then having embrac't and kist him she ran so swiftly thro' the Thickets that Lucencio who wâ—s in a muse presently lost fight of her joyful nevertheless that he knew himself to be the Issue of such Noble Parents in favour of whom he might one day hope to be a Knight Then returning the way he came he heard a little after Florindo calling him with a loud and mournful Voice for he thought him to be dead and for this reason bitterly wept and discomforted himself but Lucencio took his Horn which he winded so loud that his Companion heard him and being wholly reassur'd came to meet him saying to him at his Arrival with Tears still in his eyes Alas Brother I was greatly afraid of the Wild Beast believing she had outrag'd you On my faith I lookt upon you as gone nor can I tell what made you so hasty to cast your self into her Paws Lucencio smillingly answer'd him Have I not often enough told you that the Sons of such as you and I are cannot be Knights for they have naturally fear for a Companion instead of Assurance as you have experimented in your self Yet if you will promise me never to report what I shall tell you you shall presently hear a
who before they began the Combat said to him Knight if thou wouldst leave thy foolish Belief and follow me to a Place where thy Strength and Courage would be better employ'd for his Glory and Honour of whom thou hast receiv'd them believe me I would easily forbear this Contest not for any doubt I have of thee but only to the end we might be Friends so much do I commend and esteem thee Ah! answer'd the other This Request is so much out of Reason that I ought by no means to dispute it with thee Therefore amuse thy self no longer to preach but regard for what end thou com'st to sâ—ek me Is it so said he in the black Arms Come on then And uttering this word they charg'd one another with such vigor that there was never seen a fiercer Fight for during the space of above two long hours they ceas'd not to cut and thrust unjointing each others Armor and paring their Shields in such manner that the Place was up and down cover'd with the Pieces which flew from them so that it could not be judg'd to which of them the Victory was promis'd for the longer they fought the more eager they seem'd to be whence it hapned that they were by the heat of the Sun it being now Noon so scalded in their Harness that they were forc'd to draw back and lift up the Visors of their Helmets to take breath But this lasted not long ere they charg'd again with more Fury than before yet could not either of them gain any advantage over the other at which being extremely vext within themselves they let go their Swords leaving them hanging at their wrists in Silver Chains and closing endeavour'd each by his strength and skill in wrestling to throw his Adversary on the ground which 't was impossible for them to do both of them standing so stifly that the King of Jerusalem running to Frandalo whose weakness caus'd him to keep his Chamber said to him If you can but come into these Galleries you will see perhaps the cruelst Fight that can possibly be beween two persons Frandalo wondring what it might be made a shift to crawl thitâ—er and came just as they were falling one upon the other yet without any way letting go their hold Then they strove who should get the advantage but in vain for one was no sooner got uppermost but he presently found himself again underneath Thus strugling sometimes above sometimes under they grew so out of breath that they separated and rising up took their Swords again with which they acted so valiantly as if they had not striken a stroke all that day before Which made Frandalo to who the King of Jerusalem had related all the beginning of this Dispute conjecture that he in the black Arms was Amadis of Gaul But he soon chang'd this Opinion for Amadis was indeed of less Stature and in too far a Countrey wherefore he suspected that it was rather Lisvart of Greece who had made this attempt And was sâ—ying so to the King of Jerusalem as the Knight in the black Arms lifting up his head spy'd Frandalo at which he was both Glad and Sorry Glad to see him alive and Sorry that his Colour was pale and wan which was caus'd by the continual Pain he suffer'd in his wounds This made the black Knight so much desire to revenge him that fâ—etting in himself for having been already so long about it he could not forbear saying between his Teeth By my Head I have been too long fighting for so desir'd a Victory and I must surely believe that this is some Devil let loose from the Bottom of Hell for if he were other I should long since have brought him 〈◊〉 reason And at that instant his Courage intreast in such manner that he struck him in the white Arms so outrageously that he forc'd him to set knee to ground yet he got suddenly up again and the better to be quit with his Adversary took his Sword in both hands with which he gave him so strong a blow that had it not meâ— with the Shield which he oppos'd against it 't would have been his last neveâ—â—heless the Point fell upon his Helmet and so stunny'd him that he was constrain'd to lean against the wall or else he had tumbled on the ground But this Astonishment lasted but a little ere they made a fresh charge with more violence than before tho' indeed the black Knight began visibly to grow faint and heavy however he still vigorously perform'd â—â—s Devoir yet was it easily discern'd that he could not long hold out Wherefore he in the white Armor drew a little back and said to him Knight be not thine own Murtherer but yield for it were great Pity thou shouldst dye being so valiant a man as I know thee to be In good faith answer'd the other thy Courtesy summons me as it were to follow thy Counsel but my Honour contradicts it so that nothing but Death shall finish this Dispute between us two And altho' he had not then so much Shield left as would cover his Arm and tho his Helmet and Armor were unriveâ—ted and broken so that his bare Flesh appear'd in many places yet as he answer'd his Antagonist he entred into such a Fury that stepping forward he gave him such a blow with his Sword upon the Shoulder-piece that the Blood in that place dy'd his Harness This exceedingly inâ—â—nst the white Knight who was about to make him very sensible of his Resentment when a Servant came running to tell the King of Jerusalem that there was a Damsel at the Gate who desir'd to be let in for a matter which greatly imported the two Combatants The King commanded her to be immediately brought in and she instantly presented her self before the Knights to whom she said My Lords I beseech you if you please to delay your Fight and hear the Message I have to deliver to you At this word they drew back principally he in the Black Arms who knew her for it was Alquisa who since the Loss of Lisvart and Perion had kept company with Urganda in the Isle of Apes and was by h r Father sent towards the two Knights to prevent their death which was very near if their wrath had continu'd as it was begun To obviate which she prostrated her self at the Feet of him in the Black Arms speaking to him in this manner Sir my father who loves and esteems you commanded me to do you this Honour assuring me that 〈…〉 first word you would know me tho' I have never seen you as I know He intreats you that the Combat between you and this Knight may pass no farther and this for a Reason he will one day let you understand and for which you will thank him Damsel answer'd he if you know me not at present I know very well who you are we having often discours'd together at a more agreeable time As for the rest you may easily see
they are yet at present And these Devils have sent word to the King that he shall never recover them unless he come with another and fight with them concerning the Right they pretend to the Realm and Countrey of Sicily which they say belongs to them as having been at first peopled and inhabited by their Ancestors and if they shall be vanquisht they will restore the Ladies but if the King and his Second shall have the worst he shall be constrain'd and oblig'd by Oath to surrender into their hands the Countrey they claim to be enjoy'd by them as their own without Contradiction Thus you see how this poor Prince has been treated by Fortune which has in a moment depriv'd him of Countrey VVife and Child which he loves and esteems dearer than his own Person so that he has been even ready to dye thro' excessive Sorrow Desirous however to shew the Magnanimity of his Courage and that not Time but Vertue appeas'd his grief he has so far recomforted himself that he has undertaken the Combat against the two Gyants And for this Reason he was sailing towards Constantinople hoping to obtain of the Emperor some Kinsman of his to second him against the Cyclops Now it hapned that traversing the Strait of the Hellespont we met a Galley that was bound for Great Bâ—itain the Master of which acquainted us that the Defended Mountain was newly conquer'd by one sole Knight whom by the marks I heard given him I believe to be your self The King was so troubl'd at this news for the Amity there is between him and the Emperor that he would come ashore and landing over-against the mouth of this stream saw the Forrest so shady that thinking to find pleasure in it he has been more severely handled than I should have imagin'd I have now so well satisfied your Demands that there remains nothing but the Accomplishment of your promise which will serve only to augment your glory and renown My humble Request therefore is that you will be pleas'd to accompany the King into the Isle of Silanchy and contribute your Assistance for the Deliverance of the Queen my Mistress Which will be easie for you to effect considering the Prowess I have with mine own Eyes seen to be in you who have in this manner subdu'd him whom I have heard esteem'd one of the valiantest men on earth In good faith Damsel answer'd the Knight of the burning Sword this I so willingly granted you that had you not desir'd it I should my self have requested it of you having heard the Nature of the Affair which if I could bring to an end I should assuredly account my self one of the happiest Knights living For supposing that those who have forc'd away the Queen and her Daughter be of the same Religion with my self yet would I not support them in their wickedness having receiv'd Knight-hood with no other Intention but to employ my Endeavors for the Relief of those that suffer wrong and injustice And therefore let us go where you please and I shall willingly accompany you whatever Business I have in these Parts During this Discourse the King who had all this while lain in a swound began to open his Eyes which the Damsel espying went to lift up his Head and with a smiling Countenance said to him Ha! Sir chear up for GODS sake Fortune is at present more favourable to you than you would have ever thought having so â—ear you him who will ease you of your Journey to Constantinople to find a Second against Frandalon and his Son How so said the King Sir answer'd she this good Knight is contented to accompany you into Silanchy and to employ himself for the Râ—covery of your loss Then she punctually related to him all the Discourse that had pass'd between them at which the King was so overjoy'd that he rose up of a sudden and streching out his Arms went to embrace the Knight of the Burning Sword saying to him Certainly good Knight I now well know that you are no less endowed with Vertue than with Prowess and Courteâ—â—e And if you will do me so much Favour as this Damsel assures me you shall always have a King for your Friend and ready to do you any Pleasure for I have such Hope in your high Prowess that I am in a manner secure by your means to recover the thing which I love and esteem dearer than my self and for loss of which I have already undergone a Discontent and Sorrow worse than Death Sir answer'd he I will follow you where ever you shall command me not so much to accompany and serve you as to acquit my self of what Reason enjoyns me for altho' by reason of the Real Dignity that is in you every inferior Person ought to serve you nevertheless the difference of the Religion I profess from that in which you live forbids me to favour or assist you but not to succour the Afflicted in whose Number I reckon you and for this good work alone I will put my self in hazard of death when occasion shall offer Now Alpatracy was so wounded that he was scarce able to stand upon his Legs wherefore the Knight and Damsel took him under the Arms and with exceeding great difficulty got him back to his Ships where his wounds were viewed by the Chirurgions who took such care of them that they were soon heal'd as were likewise those of the Knight of the Burning Sword who had also had such a share in the Cake that he was fain to keep his Bed In the mean time the King acquainted his Attendants with the Danger he had been in telling them that he brought the best Knight in the World to fight against Frandalon the Cyclops and that therefore their Voyage to Constantinople should be excus'd Wherefore he immediately commanded his Pilots to set sail for Silanchy but storms arising drove them far from thence CHAP. XV. How Alpatracy and his Fleet were driven by tempest into Great Bâ—itain where they fought with a Knight that kept a Passage for love of the Dutchess of Savoy FIfteen days and as many nights did the King of Sicily and the Knight of the Burning Sword sail on the Sea with so favourable a Wind that they made account they should soon be in Silanchy But Fortune who cannot continue long in one estate to follow her usual Inconstancy rais'd so great a Tempest that both Knights and Pilots were in frequent expectation of the Hour that burying them in the depth of the Waves should make them becâ—me Food for Fishes For there was nether Rope nor Sail which was not torn in pieces so that bring wholly in deâ—â—air they abandon'd their Ship to the mercy of the Winds by which they were driven about for the space of two Months not knowing whether or which way they went Yet the Divine Clemency was so propitious to them that one Sunday morning they found themselves near the Edge of a Forrest on which the Sea
the Emperor has written you word after the Damsel Alquifa and we never knew what became of him He will be found again some other time said the King and went immediately to visit the Knight of the Kay into whose Tent he had scarce set foot when there entred a Damsel Sister to Farineus of Carsantum who having left her Brother in the Chirurgeons hands came to give the King notice she had met the Knight of the Burning Sword for she knew by Report that he had conquer'd the Defended Mountain And for this cause as soon as she saw Amadis she fell down on her knees and said to him Sir the Knight who as they say fought Frandalo and his People is to my certain knowledge in this Country Is he so said the King and have you seen him Yes Sir answer'd the Damsel Then she related to the King how she met him in the Forrest as she was carrying her Brother And for the greater certainty said she he had yet his Shield with the Burning sword and was accompany'd by another in the richest Armor I ever saw in my Life Never trust me answer'd the King if it were not he that thus severely treated our Knight having chang'd his Arms the better to conceal himself But had I known him I would have given him the Honour and good Entertainment he merits Yet he spake against his own Conscience for he would have undoubtedly put him to death not being able to forget the Childs Threatning which I just now mentioned for which cause he would have sent after him had he not remembred the Request the Damsel made him to return to his Ship Now there were many good Knights who knowing that the Knight of the Burning Sword was thus escap'd without being any farther try d in Great Britain were very much displeas'd for they would willingly have combated him to know by experience whether what Fame reported of him were true And he of the Kay promis d himself that after he had recover'd his Health and acquitted himself of his Oath to the Dutchess he would not stay in any place till he had found him and fought him again Nor was it long ere he was strong enough to bear Arms which being come to the knowledge of King Amadis he told Orizenes and Bâ—avartus that he would on the mâ—rrow give them the Order for which cause they kept the watch and in the morning were made Knights the Queen her self girding on their Swords And to the end she and the other Ladies might thenceforth better and with more ease see the Iusts and Combats which should be perform'd at the Kay the King commanded a Seaffold to be erected on which they continu'd not long idle before they perceiv'd six Knights come out of the Forrest marching leisucely towards them The Dutchess seeing this sent her Messenger to acquaint them with the usual Covenants whom they answer'd that they would for this reason pass the Kay Then they made themselves ready to fight as did also the Dutchesses Knight who so furiously encountred the first that he threw him to the ground But he soon got up again and putting his hand to his Sword had the Knight of the Kay alight or he would kill his horse for he would essay whether Fortune would not be more favourable to him on Foot than on Horse-back This the Dutchesses Friend would noâ— contest with him but leapt down on the ground and there began between them a Combat fierce enough at first but with this end that the Stranger was forc'd to leave his Name and Shield accoâ—ding to the Agreement And to the end I may not hold you any longer in suspence who it was he was call'd Atalio Son to Oliâ—as and the others that accompany'd him were Garimont Son to the King of North-Wales Brucellis Son of Brandoivas Ysany Yrguian Son of Count Gandalin and Brianses his Brother all which were in such manner receiv'd by the Knight of the Kay that they had no cause to brag of their Entertainment Nevertheless making the best of their Iâ—â—-Fortune theâ— came and paid their Reverence to tâ—e King and the Ladies converting their Disgrace into pleasant and delightful Discourses which lasted not only that day but even to the third day following when eight other Knight thinking to revenge this injury fell into the like Mishap for they left there their Names Reputations and Shields At which King Amadis amaz'd and in a mâ—nner jealous deliberated from that time to know by Name the Dutchesses Knight very much importuning her to tell him it but she refus'd it with so good a Grace that he was contented to expect still that he might see whether his Fortune would continue as it was begun CHAP. XVIII How the Knight of the Kay vanquisht Orizenes and Bravartus who came to assault him in disguise and of that which hapned THe Overthrow of the six foregoing Knights gave such an Example to light Vndertakers that for four days after not one presented himself to hazard his Reputation against him whom they nam'd The Wont to overcome Nevertheless before the Week was out as King Amadis newly risen from Table was walking along a Gallery he descry'd far enough off two Knights advantageously arm'd and mounted To whom the Dutchess according to the Custom sent her Damsel Messenger to acquaint them with the Place by which they were to pass and the Conditions to which they were oblig'd She who was no Apprentice in such Ambassades did what she was commanded but the Knights answer'd her that they came for no other purpose wherefore she return'd Soon after the Dutchesses Knight took one of the biggest Lances he could find and setting Spurs to his Horse ran so vigorously against him who presented himself that their Shields were pierc't and their Staves broken to the very Gantlet disjointing their Armors even to the Flesh without receiving any other hurt as they well gave to understand for at the end of their Career they turn'd about and putting their hands to their Swords began to treat one another not as in a Tourney for Pleasure but as if they had fought for some Quarrel which they were obliged to maintain with their Lives Nor was it a little Honour that the Knight of the Forrest gain'd there for during the Space of a long hour and above he behav'd himself so valiantly that the Dutchesses Knight knew not where he was Wherefore irritated with extream Choler he lift up his Sword and thinking to beat down the other rusht upon him with all his force but he wâ—th his Shield warded off the blow which was so violent that making way through all oâ—position it fell upon the Horses head who immediately dropt down dead carrying his Master along with him and so disadvantageously that he was not able to get up again the Beast lay so heavy on his Right Leg. And as the Knight of the Kay was alighting to make him swear the Performance of the usual Covenants the other cry'd
Lucella in such manner comforted her that moderating her Passion she no longer dispair'd but govern'd her self with Patience knowing there was no other Remedy Then the Marriners askt the King whither he would have them steer their Course To France answer'd he for I design not to return into Sicily before I have fought the Villian who has so treacherously caus'd my Kingdom of Metz to revolt at least if it please you said he to the Knight of the Burning Sword to bear me company This he willingly granted him not so much to do him service as for the Pleasure he took in the Presence of his new Mistress who infected with the like Disease could not forbear meditating day and night on his Perfections And tho' they bore about them the Remedy proper for their intire Cure yet they conceal'd it for a time but at last the Box was open'd and the Vnguent so fitly apply'd that their Pain had some ease as you shall hereafter fully understand CHAP. XXI Of a Wonderful Adventure that befel the King of Sicily the Knight of the Burning Sword the Queen Lucella and Frandamella by which they were separated from their Fleet and in danger of being drown'd SIx whole Weeks Sail'd King Alpatracy and his Company with so favourable a Wind that all things went according to their Wish and the King was so carefully lookt after by his Chyrurgions that his wounds were wholly Cur'd But that of the Knight of the Burning sword grew daily worse and worse seeing so near him and yet so much out of his Command Lucella whom he most affectionately lov'd and what yet more griev'd him was that the Queen never let her be out of her sight Thus had they not any means to Confer familiarly with one another but liv'd in hopes that Place and Time would one day afford them a better conveniency And in the mean time their sole Delight was to discourse together contenting their Affections with Amorous Glanses shot from their Eyes which often carry'd News to their passionate Hearts of what they most desir'd In this manner they continu'd their Courte till one Evening about Sun-set they discover'd within a League of them a little Island which seem'd to them so pleasantly planted with Trees and water'd with an Infinity of little Rivers that the Queen weary of the Sea desir'd the King to Land there and refresh them which was no disagreeable Request He therefore caus'd a Boat to be let down into the Sea into which He and the Queen went accompany'd only by Lucelia Frandamella and the Knight of the burning Sword who took his Arms as the King also did together with their Steeds to defend themselves if any Adventure should give them occasion Then Frandamella who serv'd for Pilot set her self to row for she had heretofore handled the Oar for Divertisment By means whereof she in a moment carry'd them off from the Principal Ship which the King commanded in the mean time to ride at Anchor intending to make a speedy Return They had not Sail'd long e're driven and master'd by the Wind they came within a Bow shot of a very high Rock high and steep I may well call it for it in a manner toucht the Clouds and was cut either by Nature or with such Artifice that it seem'd to have pass'd the Hatcher or Chisel On the Top were an Old Woman and an Old Man holding each other by the Collar and wrestling with so much Agility that at every turn the one or the other appear'd likely to be thrown And in fine they mutually tript up each other with so great Violence that they both without letting go their hold fell into the bottom of the Sea and immediately also the Rock sank with such an Emotion and Tempest that the Waves swell'd up with so great a Contrariety of Winds that the Boat which was guided by Frandamella was above an hundred times tover'd with Water and ready to be swallow'd up greatly terrifying them and taking from them all hopes of ever getting to Shore for their guide was so astonisht that abandoning Rudder Oar and whatever was serviceable to them she fell down without stirring either Hand or Foot This when Lucella saw trembling like the leaf of the Tree she knew no better Place of Security than the Arms of her Knight into which as her last Refuge she cast her self Then tho' the Inclemency of the Weather presented them with so Evident a Danger this Favor of his Mistress was so agreeable to him that as one Nail drives out another he forgot the Peril of Shipwrack to let her understand that in which his life was through the excess of his love unless she took pity of his Person For the obtaining of which he began to make her this Remonstrance Madam I humbly beseech you to believe that the Rigor of this Sea cannot be so cruel or dreadful to me as is the Violence of that Flame which consumes me who love you with such an Affection that none but my self can feel or comprehend unless he will measure it by the Greatness and Excellence of your Beauty And in this case every person of good Judgment will bear me witness that tho' I should dy an hundred times a day yet would not these Deaths be sufficient to merit the least Favour of your good Grace If then you know with what Affection my Heart has undertaken to serve you 't is Imposible but you should accept it whiâ—h I humbly request you to do fâ—r your own Honor who are and ever shall be my only Lady Mistress These Remonstrances were intermixt with Sighs accompany'd with such abundance of Tears that the Fore-part of his Armor was all wet with them Nevertheless she made a shew of not understanding him but dissembling the great Pleasure she took in hearing him grounded her Extreme Fear on the pâ—esent Danger and under this Color she began to shut her Eyes and lean back her Head on her Lovers Bosom as if she were in a Swound But love let him then know that all this made for his Advantâ—ge Wherefore seeing her so much desir'd Face and Mouth lying so fit for his purpose â—e could not forbear kissing her above a thousand times Ah! ah Happy Tongue and Contented Mind How can my Pen at this time express the Ioy the Satisfaction the Content the Bliss the Paradice in which you then were whilst you were so near one another Certainly such Felicity is so far from being utterable that it is unimaginable and he alone who has approacht such Pleasure ought to be esteem'd happy for this is the strait way leading to the Garden where is the Rose Bush and Bud the Fruit and Recompence of all loyal Lovers for the obtaining of which so many Persons have labor'd some in vain and others with content In this manner receiv'd Lucella these sweet Caresses the Obscurity of the weather the Rain and the Trouble they were then in keeping them from being perceiv'd by the
immediatly they began in assault each other with such Fury that at the two first Blows they both fell down as dead Whereâ—re the Watch of the third Tower cast forth a louder and more pitiful Cry than any of the rest and incontinently absented Lucella then certainly thought that she had lost her Love at which she so exceedingly tho' inwardly griev'd as to wish her self dead when she saw him get up again and run upon the Gyant whom he thought to be only stunny'd But his Condition was much worse For his two Eyes were started out of his Head and his life wholly gone Then the King brought the Conqueror his Horse and the Ladies drew near to know how he did So well answer'd he that I have no Hurt to hinder my passing on if nothing worse befalls me In good faith said the Queen if you continue as you have begun you will with good right gain the Name of the best and happiest Knight that ever was Saying this they paâ—s'd the Tower and the Watch of the fourth sounded as the others had done Then of a sudden there presented himself a Knight of a wonderful Stature having his Head like to that of an English Mastiff his Armor being a Shirt of Mail with a great and strong Shield a Semiter by his Side a Bow in his Hand and at his Back a Quiver hangingfull of Arrows one of which he held râ—ady to shoot And because he was of an Isle nam'd Cynocephalia where all the Inhabitants have the Faces of Dogs he had thence taken his Name being call'd Cynocephal Now he came to fight on foot which made the Knight of the Burning Sword think he should have enough to do with this new sort of Arms nevertheless bowing down his Head he resolv'd to expect his Fortune which was such that Cynocephal seeing him march strait towards him before his Approach let fly an Arrow with such strength that piercing the Horses Frontal it entred into his Brain and kil'd him Then he took another wherewith he wounded the Knight in the thigh which so enrag'd him that feeling nothing at present of the Wound he got hastily up again and ran upon his Enemy being well cover'd with his Shield in which he receiv'd two Shots more from the Dogs-face with whom in fine he came hand to hand and their Combat was so sharp and cruel that the Pieces of their Armor fell thick to the ground And thus striking on the right hand and the left the Knight of the Burning Sword sorry and asham'd at so long a Delay of his Victory especially in the presence of his Lady and Mistress stept forward and lifting up his Arm as if he would strike the Cynocephal on the Top of his Head seiz'd with his left hand on his Shield which he pull'd to him with so much strength that plucking it from his Neck he brought him with his Nose to the Ground Nevertheless he suddenly got up again and thinking to revenge himself let fall his Semiter with all the force he could at the Knight of the Burning Sword but he stepping aside avoided the Blow and as he turn'd gave the Dogs-face such a Thrust in his Throat as cut his Wind-pipe At which the Watch of the fifth Tower wondering wound his Horn and crying out with a piteous voice disappear'd whilst the King and the Ladies advanc'd doubting their Knight to be more wounded then he was To remedy which Frandamella instantly alighted and bound up his wound with a clean Linen Cloth The Blood was no sooner stopt but the Guard of the fifth Tower presented himself no less furious than the rest for besides that he was a Giant of a very fierce Counteance he would have the Combat to be with Axes bringing for that purpose two upon his Shoulders of which he gave the choise to the Knight of the Burning Sword who in fine discomfited him and the Sentinel sounded afterwards as the former had done The fifth Tower being then conquer'd and the King with his Train having pass'd there came forth of the sixth a young Knight about thirty years old having no other Arms but a sword and a Cloak with which he hop'd to defend what he was appointed to Then he marcht towards him who had already Conquer'd so much and at his approach began to say to him Certainly Sir Knight you ought in reason to be much esteem'd having defeated five such that it is difficult to find their Equals And to shew the Truth of it it is not within the Memory of Man that ever any besides yourself got by force to the third Tower but since Fortune has been so favourable to you and you are as I see resolv'd to follow it you must observe the Conditions requir'd in this place which are such The Combat between us two is to be with Sword and Cloak without any other Arms whatever Therefore you may well ease your self of all this Armor which is I believe very burdensom to you Now the Knight of the Burning Sword was excellently well skil'd in fencing and for this cause not willing to refuse the others Offer made him this Answer In good faith I am displeas'd at the Death of your Companions tho' you cannot but know that it was not so much thro' my Fault as their own and the perverse Custom of this Place for which I am sorry that if you think sit to leave it at present without constraining me any farther to fight assure your self you will lay an Obligation on me for ever For besides that you seem to me a valiant man you have in the beginning so prais'd me that I know not what Thanks to give you Truly said the other were I Master of my self our Accord would be easily made but I have given my Faith to her that brought me into these Coasts to defend the Tower to my death And I was indeed much surpriz'd when I oblig'd my self to it For she askt me a Gift which I granted her without knowing what whereof I have had leisure enough to repent me Since it is so answer'd the Knight of the Burning Sword I would not for any thing desire ought of you that may blemish your Honor. Then he call'd Frandamella to help him off with his Harness of which when he was devested the Knight of the Castle seeing him so fair and well-proportion'd conceiv'd a very great Esteem for him Now he wanted a Cloak or Mantle but Lucella who heard all the Discourse sent him hers by the Damsel whom she charg'd in her Name to desire him that he would for her saâ—e be very careful to defend himself It is for you perfect Lovers to judge how great Pleasure his Soul then receiv'd Did not Love then do much for him manifesting to him at that time and so apparently the Good she desir'd him for whom he dy'd day and night Truly you must confefs that this sole Favour was sufficient to inspire him with so much Courage as he would not only
not from me the Cause of your sorrow for I assure you if I can remedy it you shall find me ready to serve you At this word she open'd her Eyes and seeing him so near her rous'd up her self as one throughly frighted answer'd him with great wrath Ah! rash and premsuptuous wretch hast thou then dar'd to attempt the Coming up hither Thou shalt indeed presently receive thy Reward Then stretching out her Arm she gave him such a Blow with the Sword as pierc't his Shield Armor and Body to the very Hilt the Knight falling all along on the Place But then as if she were come to her self out of a deep Sleep she presently cry'd out O Iupitor Alas what have I done I have cruâ—lly slain him on whom my Life depended Then sitting on his knees she took the Knights Head in her Lap and having fixt her Eye on it her Sorrow grew so strong as if Heart would have cleft asunder And in this Passion she fell down in a swound upon the wounded Body Lucella was not then asleep but sollicited by the Love she bare her Friend had him continually before the Eyes of her Imagination and heard the Damsel 's Regrets and Cries Wherefore not knowing what to think of it she look't strait towards the Place where she had seen him ly down but he was no longer there at which surpriz'd with an unusual Iealousy she rose up and ran hastily towards the stair-caâ—e whence in her opinion the Lamentations proceeded which gave her this Trouble She went up to the Perron where she again heard a Voice saying pitifully Ah ah poor miserable and unfortunate Gradafilea What will become of thee having with thine own hands slain the Person thou most lovedst in the world and whom thou hast taken so much pains to find O thou most unhappy of those wretches that live banisht from all Felicity how is it possible that seeing with thine own Eyes the Death of him caus'd by thine own Act who was more dear to thee than thy self thou shouldst any longer continue in this World out of which thou hast driven him Ah Queen of Argenes thou greatly deceivdst me when at my entrance into this place of Tribulation thou assuredst me that at the time my Hope should be wholly lost my heart should have Repose seeing him whom I desir'd to find But alas this promise of thine is quite overthrown and I cannot well imagin what displeasure I have ever done thee that thou shouldst purchase me so intolerable a Discontent One Remedy there is which thou cannot deprive me of which is the death that I will give my self to follow and bear him company in so severe cruelty as has parted from these hands stain'd with the blood of my Friend When Lucella had some time hearkned to her and perceiv'd she spake of the death of a Friend her Blood was in such a Commotion that she could no longer bear what she thought so that she went up to her who was endeavouring to pluck out the Sword for to murther her self Where seeing the Knight stret'ht out at his length she cast forth so loud a Cry that the Lion who was asleep awak't and fell a roaring in the most dreadful manner that ever was heard so that Lucella with the Fright was flying away when the Beast caught hold of her Gown by which with his Sharp claws he so violently pluckt her to him that she was ready to fall down backwards The poor Lady was then in certain expectation of death nevertheless whether thro' Courage or thro' excess of Fear she had recourse to the Sword that she saw in the Body of her Lover which she so strongly pull'd at that she got it out of his Body not without great Mystery for the burning Door instantly flow open with such impetuosity that the Inhabitants ten Leagues round assuredly believ'd the Ruine of the Place and of the whole Island And the Flame so evidently pass'd thro' the Halls and Stair-cases that the King and Queen who were asleep awake but not without being frighted Because this Brightness pass'd away like a Shadow leaving the Place so dark and full of Smoak that for above a quarter of an hour there was nothing to be discern'd but Obscurity and Blackness During which the Knight whom Gradasilea and Lucella thought dead rose up well and lusty and yet more amaz'd to see them both stretcht out on the Grownd not stirring either Foot or Hand Now take my word for 't he paid Vse for the Displeasure his Mistress had receiv'd For seeing her in such Condition he was ready to despair and make himself away when taking her in his Arms to give her a Farewel kiss no sooner were their two Mouths joyn'd together but that her vital Spirits return'd to their Natural Head so that coming again to her self and knowing him to be alive whom she esteem'd as bead she said to him Ah ah my dear Friend Do I dream or did I not just now see you wounded thro' the Body I take GOD to witness that I verily thought your Life at an end Madam answer'd he there is nothing more true than that from you alone I hold my Life and that you only have Power to give it me or take it from me when you please as being she on whom all my Good all my Happiness and all my Fortune depends As he finish't this Word Gradafilea who had likewise been in a swound rose up and seeing the Knight of the burning Sword well and on his feet cry'd out a loud O Infanta Gradafilea Now certainly I esteem all the Affliction thou hast pass'd thro' well employ'd since the Promise which heretofore the Queen of Argenes made thee is truly accomplisht Then câ—sting her Arms about the Knights neck she said O my sole Friend Lisbart of Greece how many ill nights and worse days have I endur'd to recover you but thanks to the gods now that I hold you embrac'd this Torment of mine is wholly turn'd into pleasure and repose During these Caresses the Knight of the Burning Sword could not imagin whence they proceeded having never seen Gradafilea nevertheless he thought that perhaps she knew his Father and Mother and that his name was Lisvart as she call'd him But Lucella who found her self concern'd was not so satisfy'd perswading her self that she alone and none else ought to have share in her Lover who loving Gradafilea had thus conceal'd himself from her And to say the truth the precedent Lamentations and Regrets gave her a great Mistrust which was much augmented when she saw him let himself be embrac'd without contradicting it tho' his Intention tended to another end being only desirous to know of Gradafilea where she had seen him to know him so as she made a shew of and for this reason he said to her In good faith Madam I believe that you take me for another for I never in my life had any Acquaintance with you as I know of How answer'd she
the Emperor of Trebisond Lisvart of Greâ—ce Perion of Gaul and the Prince Olorius of Spain who had till then been Enchanted and laid asleep under that Plate without the knowledge of any one but the Queen Zirfea Certainly I cannot well tell who was most amaz'd Whether the King of Sicily aâ—d his Company to see these four Persons thus resuscitated or the Emperor and his to find themselves in so unknown a Place and amongst Knights arm'd and ready for fight So that if the Emperor being without Arms fâ—ar'd they should be assaulted those of the other side thinking them to be Phantasms were not over-well assur'd when Gradafilea knew Lisvart yet doubting that she was in a dream she durst not at first approach him but sixt her Eyes upon him as he did upon her yet without speaking one Word for a pretty while Now these four Knights had been so depriv'd of their Vnderstanding by Zirfea that without knowing any thing of one another they were brought from Trebisond and put in so strait a Place by such means as you shall presently hear CHAP. XXV How Zirfea enchanted the Emperor of Trebisond Lisvart Perion and Olorius in the Castle of the Isle of Arâ—â—enes Where she afterwards stay'd Gradafilea being in quest of Lisvart THe History of Lisvart of Greece recited at large in the sixth Book of Amadis of Gaul Records that at the Siege of Constantinople where King Amato was in person himself with the greatest paâ—t of the Pagan Princes has an End put to their Days by the high Chivalry at King Amadis of Gaul his Son Esplandian and others whose never dying 〈◊〉 registred in the said volumes Now among these that were thus â—â—â—n by this King of Great Britain was Zarzafiel Soldan of Babylon who had a Sister nam'd Zirfea a Woman of great Skill in Magick which she had in her younger years learnt of the Infanta Melia. In this â—â—t she became so expert that disdaming the Court of the Soldan her Brother she relir'd into the Isle of Argones where the better to experiment her Science she did many incredible things in the Castle of Treasure as we have already discrib'd it to you From which she could not by any Intreaties or Letters sent her by the Soldan her Brother be withdrawn whilst he liv'd Now Zirfea writ several times to him that he should by no means go to the Siege of Constantiople assuring him that he would infallibly be slain there with all who should Accompany him But he made flight of this Advertisment thinking that it proceeded from her Fear of losing him which she preferr'd before the Honor and Glory he might get there so that he went and was there slain as you have been told Of which Zirfea his only Heir being advertis'd she incontinently set forwards towards Babylon hoping to gain possession of the Country where she found one that her Brother had left there for Governor who either thro' Love or Force had already receiv'd the Crown and obedience of the Subjects And for this cause he commanded her to be gone and void the Realm or else he would â—ut her to death This Message seem'd to her very hard of Digestion but seeing there was no Remedy she packt up her Baggage takiâ—g with her for all her Inheritance the Body of Zarzafiel into the Isle of Argenes where being arriv'd she Sacrific'd it to the God Mars causing the Ashes to be carefully gather'd up and enclos'd in the clâ—ft Head erecting him the Sepulchre we have already told you of And to the end a Death which so nearly toucht her might not go unreveng'd she deeply and solemnly vow'd to procure all the Dammage and Displeasure she possibly could to King Amadis and the other Christians she accordingly us d all her Endeavor to put in execution this Resolve Wherefore being one day advertiz'd that Lisvart of Greece and Perion of Gaul were in Trebisond she put to Sea and as she was sailing invented for their Surprizal the Deceit recorded in the said sixth Book of Amadis of Gaul laying her Project so well that in fine she not only brought away them but also the Emperor and Olorius all which she would have instantly put to death had she not foreseen by her Magick that from them should proceed one by whom her Lineage should in time to come be greatly illustrated tho' she neither knew when nor how For this only cause were the four Knights preserv'd and put into her Bark where she was afterwards enamor'd of Olorius with whom she had such Converse that her Belly began to swell she being with chield yet being no more willing to pardon him than the rest being arriv'd in her Isle of Argenes she enchanted them and put them all under the Soldans Tomb unknown to any one even to their own selves Then she conjur'd the Chambers and clos'd the Doors by the Fire which continually burnt there Now it hapned some time after that Gradafilea understanding the loss of Lisvart put her self in quest of him And having travers'd many strange Countries without learning any Fews of him she come at last to Zirfea to whom she entirly declar'd the Occasion of her Travel very earnestly beseeching her that she would please to deliver her out of his Pain Zirfea promis'd her she would and de facto having fasted her some dayes brought her to see the burning Doors before which was plac'd Lisvarts Sword She then askt her if she knew it Alas Yes answer'd Gradafilea For GOD's sake tell me what is become of him whose it was I will tell you reply'd Zirfea you shall keep it till his Return For it is reasonable since you are so much his that you should have the Enjoyment of it Then she took it out of the Place where it stuck and put it in Gradafilea's Hands conjuring her in this manner Your abode shall be in this very place till such time as being in despair of ever seeing him any more you shall recover him to your great Ioy and Pleasure The Queen having utter'd these Words the Infanta was so firmly enchanted that she remain'd still there at the Arrival of Lucella by whom the Conjurations were brought to an end Which yet Zirfea did not imagin but made account that very difficultly would meet there at the same time the best Knight and the fairest Lady in the world at least that should murally bear each other such perfect Love as she had establisht by her Magick And to make the Entrance into the Place yet more strange and difficult she built a little lower the Perron where were the seven statues holding their writings and other Singularities Then she found the means to procure five Knights of excellent Prowess to whom she gave the keeping of the five first Towers expresly praying and commanding them that no person of what Estate or Condition soever should arrive in Argenes without being stay'd and taken Prisoner whence it happned that several pass'd there many ill Days Having
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
understood that the Accusation which is brought against this Noble Lady was invented with the greatest Malice in the world I am ready to fight the Traytors to and prove against them by force of Arms that they have falsly and maliciously accus'd her and that in all the Evil they have said of her and the Knight of the burning Sword they have ly'd in their Throats No sooner had he finisht this Discourse but Maudan stept forward and holding his Cosin by the Hand answered with great Boldness By my Head poor Stranger thou art mightily deceiv'd thinking thus to save the Queen who deserves to be burnt that she may serve for an Example not only to the noble Ladies of Saba but to those of the whole Earth For 't is certain and we will maintain it that she has offended against the King by the Adultery which the Wretch who is flâ—d and she have committed together And because thou art so forward I tell thee that thou thy self ly'st and that you both deserve the Fire or else to be drawn by four Horses thro' the street of this Town Ah Villain answer'd he in the red Arms if thou knowest as well how to fight as to rail thou must be a brave Fellow Nevertheless one thing perswades me that thou art no such since to second thee in so wicked an Act thou tak'st as honest a man as thy self Thus are you both nothing worth and against both will I maintain the words I have spoken before the King's Majesty and so many Lords here present and here is my Pledge to defend it in open Combat and that presently if it please the King Then he stretcht forth the fore-part of his Armor which Maudan took hold of and pull'd so roughly to him that King Amadis was ready to fall at which he was so displeas'd that putting his hand to his Sword he was about to draw had not the Consideration of the Place where he was with held him as also that King Magadan concern'd himself in it And knowing the wrong and injury the other had done him spake this to Maudan in great Wrath How now Is it fit for you to be so presumptuous in my Presence By all our gods if I take you in hand I will make you repent it Be gone and never offer to contest so much any more in my sight Let the Combat be to morrow as this stranger has requested to whom I swear on the Faith and Word of a King I will cause such exact Justice to be done that he shall have no Cause to complain Then he rose up and went very angrily into the Chamber with Fulurtin and the others that were most intimate with him In the mean time Maudan and his Cosin returned home the Vermillion Knight also retiring himself in the Company of those who had brought him with great Honour and good Entertainment expecting the Time appointed for the Combat CHAP. XLVI How King Amadis fought Maudan and his Cosin Azaruc whom he defeated and then embarkt to return into the North. NOw the Story says that Amadis armed himself betimes the next day devoutly bâ—seeching GOD that he would be pleased to preserve him from the Danger into which he was entring as he had several times done especially seeing the Iustness of Buruca's Quarrel whom that he might the better defend one of the Kings Vncles sent him by an Esquire a very Stately Steed on which he mounted And to conduct him to the Field there came Seniel one of the Iudges whom King Magadan sent thither accompanyed by five Hundred Knights So Seniel bare his Lance and the two Old Dukes his Helmet and Shield Thus they marcht together in good Order to the Place appointed for the Combat which when they had rid thrice round with the found of Trumpets and Clarions they placed him at one end under a Pavilion expecting the two Assailants Maudan and Azaruc who in like State entred a little after into the Lists without which a little aside there was a great Fire kindled and near to it the Queen with some Gentlemen appointed for her Guard and behind her the Executioner ready to perform his Office if the Vermilion Knight should be vanquisht But Buruca had so good and so assur'd a Constancy that every one prayâ—d for her reputing her innocent and wrongfully accus'd To the which the better to perswade them she wore that day all the most precious Ornaments she had So she had on the Crown and Diadem according to the Custom of Saba which so augmented her Champions Courage that he thought long till the Heralds gave notice for the beginning of the Combat Which was done soon after for by the Command of Magadan Maudan and Azaruc being on the one side accompany'd with two Counts their Kinsmen who serv'd them for Sureties and the Vermilion Knight on the other between the two old men who had brought him thither a King of Arms made Proclamation aloud that none should be so daring or presumptuous for any Good or Evil that might befal the Combatants to give them any sign by any Look Word or otherwise either to incite or discourage them And this on pain of Death Then he cry'd out with a loud voice three several times in these following words Let the good Combatants go and do their Duty At this Cry the Sureties on both sides retir'd and the Trumpets began to sound Then the two Cosins set forward against the strange Knight who ran directly against Maudan whose Death he desir'd for the insolency he had shewn at his presenting him the Pledge of Battle and met him so fiercely that breaking his staff even to the handle a Truncheon stuck in his Shoulder-piece and pierc't him through with so much Pain that he fell out of his Saddle to the Ground Which Queen Buruca seeing was very glad tho' this Ioy lasted her but little For Azaâ—uc couching his Spear low wounded Amadis's Horse in the Shoulder so that he fell down and his Master under him who nevertheless got up again before Azaruc had finisht his Carreer and taking his Sword in h s hand went towards Maudan who was already on his feet and as if he felt no Pain from the wound he had receiv'd in his Arm fiercely pull'd out the Truncheon and threw it far from him Then the Knights fell cruelly on each other But Azaruc who was alone on Horseback spur'd up and thinking to beat down Amadis and trample him under his Horse-heels came furiously against him The King who perceiv'd him stept aside and with great Address as the Horse that was in motion pass'd on struck him on the Ham so that his Leg being lam'd he fell down yet not so suddenly but Azaruc found Means speedily to quit his Stirrupâ— and al got to assist his Companion whom the Vermilion Knight fiercely pursu'd and as one who was no Apprentice at the Trade bestirr'd himself so couragiously betwixt them that every one began to judge he would gain the Victory
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
in a Forrest near the City into which about Evening they entred without being discovered The Empeâ—or who doubted not in the least of any Treason seeing the honest Message the Lord of Buillon had sent him by Madaran was in his Palace discoursing with the Empress and several Knights that accompanyed him when the Duke came in compleatly Armed and with him twenty or thirty more who putting their hands to their Swords ran on those they met At which the Emperor much affrighted endeavoured to get away but Madaran stept before him and striking him on the head said Stay Emperor stay and remember the Injury thou hast done the house of Buillon The blow was Mortal and the good Prince fell dead in the place Which Dinerpius seeing he entred into such Fury that disarmed as he was he flew at the Murtherer Arm'd striking him so firmly that he cleaved him to the very brains Then the bustle grew hot for many Gallant Men who were there present wrapt their Cloaks about their Arms and with their naked Swords a long time resisted the Traytors Now Dinerpius knew that he could not avoid present death wherefore he resolved to sell his Life dear so that he met not any Man but he fell without speaking a word more notwithstanding by misfortune one of the Traytors got behind him and wounded him through the body Ah! said Dinerpius Villain thou hast slain me And turning about separated his shoulder from the rest of his body Then they both sell at the Feet of the Duke who fearing lest Dinerpius should get up again cut off his head Thus the one Assailing and the others defending Brisenna and Esclariana who were in there Chambers heard the noise and sent suddainly a Damsel to know what the matter might be but as soon as she came into the Hall she perceived the Emperor dead and the Empress in a Swound on the body At which being greatly affrighted she returned to the Ladies to whom she said sighing and weeping Alas alas Ladies Would you know the matter The wicked Duke of Buillon has murdered the Emperor and all those that accompanyed him At this cry the Princess Brisenna found no better remedy than to take her Daughter and flying under the Vaults of the Palace came to a Sally-port on the side of the River where they perceived a Fisher-boat into which they entred and setting it a drift the Stream began to carry it down with so much swiftness that they came to the Sea before it was day In the mean time those who lay concealed in the Dukes House and who only waited for the Slaughter ran forth strait into the Market-place killing and wounding all they met There was a pittiful and horrid Spectacle for these wicked Men often spared not the poor Women who with their Hair about their Ears lamented one for her Husband another her Father or her Brother And nevertheless the Fury of the Traytors did not decrease till it was day and the Duke commanded every one should endeavour to find out the Princess Brisenna and her daughter Esclariana for he had the Empress and all her damsels in safe custody Then was search made in every place and nevertheless they could have no News of them At which the Duke being exceedingly vext caused it to be publisht by sound of Trumpet that they should be brought forth on pâ—in of death and that if they should be found after the Proclamation those that should have concealed them should be hanged But 't was in vain the Good Ladies were out of his power and of the Mercy of GOD and the Waves By means whereof the Traytor s ized on the Empire and sent to raise Soldiers on all sides to destroy who evâ—r should contradict him And for this cause there were assembled in a little time above twenty thousand men with whom he did innumerable Evils commanding before he went forth of Mentz that the Emperor and his Son should be Hanged in the same place where Mâ—nasses had been before And there they stayed many days as you shall hear about the end of this Book CHAP. XLIX How the Princess Bâ—iâ—ennâ— and her daughter Esclariana were lost at Sea and taken by Pirates VEry lamentable it is to describe the Fortune of Brisenna and her Daughter who being carried down the Stream of the Water in the little Vessel weeping and lamenting came into the deep Sea just as the dawning of the day began to appear and in less than a moment they were driven in such fort that they lost sight of Land But litâ—le did the two good Ladies care for they more dead than living and without thinking on the new Danger into which they were faln held each other embraced desiring for their better Comfort their approacâ—ing death And thus being driven too and fro as it pleaâ—ed the Wind and the Waves they remained two days and two nights without eating or drinking or any way minding themselves All they were meâ— by a â—hipâ— in which were two Hungarian Pirats who accompanyed by fifteen as honest Persons as themselves and whom they had in their pay Robbed and Pâ—llaged whoever fell into their lands They thâ—n wondring to see in this little Boat thefe two Ladies in so good Equipage and shedding so many tears immâ—diately thought that they should get a good Ransom for them and went therefâ—re to â—eâ—e them before they perceived it but being amazed at Esclarianas great Beauty they were moved to so much Compassion that they courteously saluted tâ—em Now the Princess Brisenna was still so disturbed that she certaâ—nly thought they were some of the Duke of Buillons Men wherefore exasperating her self against them she began to cry out saying Traytors Murderers disloyal to your Natural Lord what will you have with me or this poor Maiden who is Fatherless and depriv'd of all things Make an end Wretches of killing us and let your Rage be glutted with our blood for to live any longer is troublesome to us Then she held her peace and soon after began again her Lamentation more bitterly than before and with so many Complaints that the very Tyrants could not forbear weeping wondring nevertheless what caus'd in her such a Passion Wherefore they graciously answer'd her Lady there is none in this Company that will do you any displeasure nor have we ever as I believe seen you before and yet we should be glad to avenge you on those of whom you complain if we had an Opportunity wherefore tell us if you please who they are and the Occasion of your Discontent At this word Brisenna recoverâ—d a little her Spirits and knowing for certain that she was mistaken having taken them for the Duke's Soldiers earnestly desir'd them to excuse her thanking them heartily for the Offers they made her And think it not strange said she if my Sorrow is extream For I see my self at this day without help without wealth and wholly ruin'd nevertheless I hope that at length the Pleasure we shall receive
his Prize and ran to take his Arms saying By my Head Sir Knight the Joy you have made me lose shall turn to your Displeasure This said they charged one another and their Combat was at the beginning very fierce for the Pirat was nimble and dextrous yet could he not long resist the Knight but was forced whether he would or no to give back and the other entred into the Skiff Then began the break of Day to appear and the Infanta perceived that he who fought for her Defence was Tall Well-proportioned and Armed in black Armor without any Device except in his Shield where he bare Or an Heart divided Gules And because the Victory began to appear visibly on his side she devoutly praâ—ed our Lord that he would preserve him to the end which happened soon after For the Knight of the Boat gave the other two such blows together with his Sword that he was fain to put his knee to the ground which being redoubled Death followed and he fell into the Sea Which Esclariana seeing said aloud Henceforth Villain shall Damsels be delivered from thy hands and out of thy Power Now the Sun began then to display his Beams the Knight of the Boat not having yet minded Esclarianas Beauty but when he beheld her Love so strongly surprised him that forgetting the Anguish and Discontâ—nts he had so long suffered for Love of her who had first deprived him of his liberty and for whom he had put himself into an Infinity of Dangers Tra ersing so many strange Countreys where he put an end to several fair Adventures be fell so in love with this that he began to change Colour and to become Thoughtful and Pensive At which she being grieved as thinking â—im wounded she said to him Alas good Knight I beseech you bear your self up for to see your Looks I can have no Joy in my heart seeing the Obligation I have to you and what you have done for me Alas if you are wounded shew me where that I may remedy it in the best manner I can At this gracious word the black Knight found himself unspeakably eased and putting both his knees to the ground answered her Pardon me Madam if I have not at first shewn you the Respect I ought for your excellent Beauty so alienated the soundest Parts both of my Heart and Spirit that I found my self in an instant free and immediately a Captive wounded with so mortal a Wo nd that no other Remedy can do it good but your gracious Favour which I beseech you to grant me telling me your Name and what Adventure brought you hither that I may serve you as you shall command me She who had seen him Fight so well hearing him speak with such a Grace and perceiving him to be one of the fairest Knights in the World wisht suddainly within her self that he were of a Family worthy to be her Husband nevertheless she at that time dissembled this Thought and feigning not to understand him made him this Answer Indeed good Knight I cannot sufficiently thank you for the obliging Offers you make me to help me in my Affairs which within these eight days have been so strange that I my self in whom they are pass'd cannot comprehend nor understand them Save that I can swear to you there never was a more poor and desolate Damsel than I am hoping nevertheless in GOD's mercy that the good Succour you have given me in my great Necessity shall not remain long unacknowledged but shall in time be recompensed since 't is impossible Fortune should continue long so severe to me as she has been at the beginning Wherefore I entreat you to Conduct me into great Britain For you cannot easily have me back to the Place whence this Villain stole me as I was sleeping near a Lady who will be greatly discontented at my Absence And being come before King Amadis you shall intirely know my Descent and who I am In the mean time your self will do me the Favour to tell me who you are to the end I may not fail to give you the Honour and Respect that is due to you When the black Knight heard she would go into Great Britain he had a more desire to know her than before nevertheless fearing to displease her he would not importune her any farther but answered her thus Madam I am so much yours that I will not disobey you in any thing but will conduct you into Great Britain or elsewhere as you shall think good My Name since you desire to know it is the Knight of the Divided Heart and this Shield well signifies the sorrow in which I have to this day lived till it was almost stifled by length of Time But I have now found it in such manner renewed in me that this Name is more sutable to me than ever And have you no other Name said Esclariana Yes indeed Madam answered he Lady of my Heart For it is yours and it would not be reasonable it should conceal any thing from you that you desire to understand and therefore I acquaint you that I am Florestan Son to the King of Sardinia who has not this long time heard any News of me because I have Traversed many strange Countreys enduring so many Passions for the Love of a Lady to whom I had given my heart and who has so severely treated it that never any Knight sufferâ—d so much even to this day that I am faln from one Disease to a greater And may Heaven be pleased to give you knowledge of the Good I wish you and the Evil I suffer for your Love which indeed burns fiercer in my Soul than ever did the Heat that heretofore tormented me for being Loyal to her who left me sorrowful and without any Joy And this indeed was the Truth For the Emperor of Trebisond having Marryed Griliana to the Duke of Breigne he grew so discontented that he went incognito wandring through the World and had a Combat with Lisvaâ—t as you may find in the Sixth Book of Amadis of Gaul after which he pass'd into many Islands finishing several Adventures by which he gained great Honour under that disguised Name And he was yet following his Fortune at Sea without desiring any Company but the Mariner that conducted him when he came seasonably to the Rescue of Esclariana But forasmuch as our History is principally designed for another We have not amused our selves with Relating his Valiant Acts as what would have been too tedious and little to our purpose You may be pleased to be informed that as soon as Esclariana understood he was Son to the King of Sardinia whom she knew as having often seen him in the Court of the Emperor her Father and to whom she was Related her Purpose of never having any other Husband was fully confirmed Wherâ—fore lifting him up from his knees on which he had long been she said to him My Lord Florestan if I have not been so respectful to you
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 serve and love you which he shall pay dear for if I find him â—r it shall cost me my Life Having said this his Fury in such manner encreas'd that he rose hastily out of the Bâ—d and seeing that Gradamart was asleep he put on his Armor and having himself bridled â—nd sadled one of the Horses which Galeotes had given him he rode to wards the Shore where his Marriners were waiting who all wondered to see him at such an hour Then entring into his Vessel he commanded them to weigh Anchor and follow Fortune which could not he said be so contrary to him but that 't would guide him to the Place where he should meet the Knight that had parted so well from him Then those of the Ship askt him whether he would please to stay for Gradamart No answered he He shall no more hinder me from executing my Will so to disgrace me as he has done This Command they durst not any further dispute but letting loose their Vessel without either Rudder or Oar went away with the Curent of the stream being driven along by the Wind and Waves six days together at the End whereof they met a Ship on the Deck of which sat a very ancient Man whom the Knight of the burning Sword saluted saying to him Honorable Father GOD preserve you I desire you of Courtesy to tell me if you have seen met or know any News of a Knight that sails along this Sea in an unusual manner for I must find him dead or living Then he gave him the best Description he could of Birmartes whâ—ch the Old-man having heard made him this Answer Your finding of him Sir Knight will perhaps be much more to your Dammage than Profit he being such an one that there are few better or indeed so good to be found in the world Nevertheless since you so affectionatly request it I will tell you what I know He has taken his Course towards Naples in the way to which I met him and that is all you can at this time learn of him GOD give you a good Voyage said the Knight of the burning Sword You have greatly satisfied me Then commanding his Steersman to make strait for Naples they soon lost sight of each other In the mean time Gradamart who had fetcht a long sleep awoke and finding neither his Companion nor his Arms was exceedingly discontented Then he went strait to the Shore thinking to meet the Vessel in which they came but there was not the least Sign of it Wherefore he began to curse and ban his Fortune which was so contrary to him that having on so Good an Occasion preserv'd two of the Best Knights in the World from Death he should Receive for it so much Displeasure And in this discontent he cry'd out Ah ah Knight of the Burning Sword how ill do You know the great Amity your Friend Gradamaâ—t bears You You had surely little reason thus to forsake me Little Reason did I say No no You had great Reason since I bear such Affection to him who so little esteems me having so strangely absented himself from me But let what may befal me I will never cease Travelling till I have found you that I may complain of you to your self As he was thus venting his Discontents he perceived on the Shore a Fisher-Boat into which having put some Provisions he entred and having unfastned it from a Post to which it was ty'd abandon'd it to the Waves that in a little time carry'd him out of sight of the Land so discontented that he every moment wisht his own Death when he met the same Old-man that had spoken to the Knight of the Burning Sword whom he askt whether he could tell him any News of a Knight great of Stature and Armed in white Harness who Sailed in a Boat accompany'd only by two Marriners In truth answer'd the Old Man you enquire after him in finding whom you shall have greater Joy than you imagin and you your self shall be more sought after by him than he is by you and more I will not tell you at this time Gradamart greatly wondred at this Discourse and would have desir'd him to tell him what he meant but the Old Man had scarce finisht his speech when a brisk Gale of Wind carry'd away the Vessel he was in so that Gradamart could no more get near him Wherefore he resolved to follow his Adventure and not to leave seeking his Companion who steering as you have been fold strait towards Naples bethought himself to change his Name commanding his Marriners to call him thenceforward only the Knight without Fortune Now it happened that the second day after he had spoken to the Old-man the Sea grew so Temâ—estuous that he was forc'd to take Port in Civita Vecchia near Rome where he went ashore bidding his Marriners to go and stay for him near Naples whither himself would go by Land Wherefore he mounted his Steed and took the great road along which he perceived a Damsel coming accompany'd by one only Squire carrying a Pacquet wrapt up in red Camblet The Knight of the Burning Sword courteously saluted them and they returned his salutation the Damsel saying to him Perhaps Sir Knight you are one of those who have slain the Emperor of the Countrey Why do you say this to me answer'd the Knight Because reply'd she that if you are of that Faction I advise you to take another way than this of Rome for the Marquess of Mantua is entred into it with a good Number of Soldiers and keeps it for the Empress Leonorina and her Grand-daughter to whom the Empire comes by right of succession And whatever Knight or other Person he finds holding the part of the Duke he certainly puts them to death I pray you Damsel said the Knight of the Burning Sword to give me an Account of this Emperor's Death For I never heard of it but from you Then she began to relate to him the Dukes Treason as you have heard it And said she the Marquess has within these few days had News that King Amadis is arriv'd at Naples to revenge the Death of the Emperor his Son-in-law at which several of this Countrey are very joyful and expect great Forces from all parts as is reported As the Gods may help me Damsel answer'd the Knight of the burning Sword I am very glad that I am arriv'd in time to do service to the King you speak of for I greatly love and esteem him Ah! said she You have Reason and as far as I see my way is shorten'd because I was charg'd to address my self to the first Knight I should meet on this way making me such Discourses as you do and present him what is in this Pacquet And nevertheless I will cause it to be carried for you to the City of Naples whither I will accompany you as I am charg'd and there I will tell you who it is that sends it to you and other things
sent them what secur'd thâ—m for 't is certain that had it not been for the goodness of their Harness they had been â—oth slain But they could not draw any blood but only bruise one another by tâ—e Blows they mutually interchang'd To return then to our Knights Birmartes hearing with whom he had to do his heart so swell'd that he thus answer'd the Knight of the Burning Sword by my head 't is a great Pleasure to me to know who thou art that I may have more occasion to abate thy Arrogance nor do thou think that thou hast any Advantage over me For before the Game is ended thou shalt find that I am better able to revenge my self than thou to threaten Having said this word he rusht upon the other and struck him so fiercely on the top of his Helmet that he constrain'd him to put his knee to the ground but he soon got up again and in revenge gave his Adversary such a blow in the same place that his two hands serv'd him for a support on the Grass tho' he made there no long stay but resettling his Helmet they began again better than before not but there was always discern'd some little Advantage on the side of the Knight of the burning sword And indeed he was descended of the most illustrious and glorious blood at that day on the Earth having to his great Grand father King Amadis who considering that if he let them Fight any longer the Death of the other was near said to the three Kings which were sitting by him that 't was better to go and pray them to part seeing the great Loss there would be in losing them Which they approv'd and going down from their Scaffolds went to the two Knights who at their coming drew back and King Amadis and the King of Sicily address'd themselves to the Knight of the burning sword to whom they said Knight be pleas'd to do so much for our sakes as to proceed no farther in this Combat for 't is not reasonable that two such gallant men as you are should dye on so small an occasion He who presently thought that by refusing so courteous a Request made him by such Persons as they were particularly by the Father of her whom he lov'd better than his own soul he might be blam'd thus answered them For certain my Lords 't is grievous for me to retire thus nevertheless desiring to obey you in all things let us know what mine Enemy thinks of it against whom I am the most unfortunate Knight that ever was for this is now the second time that he has escap'd from me with more honour than I desire I assure you said King Amadis that he will do what he shall be requested to by the Kings of Naples and Sardinia Who in the mean time was perswading Birmartes to consent to the same To which he willingly gave ear knowing he had the worst altho' he bravely conceal'd what he thought of it And for this Cause he said to them My Lords the Quarrel beâ—ween this Knight and me is such that I should rather choose to lose my Life than leave this Combat but for your sake whom I desire to please I will obey your Command So they led him into his Pavilion leaving the King of great Britain and Alpatracy with the other whom Amadis indeed thought to be the Knight of the Burning Sword and had already acquainted the King of Sicily with his Suspicion of which that he might know the Truth he made Alpatracy a sign with his Eye to ask him who therefore thus spake to the Knight I desire you Sir of Courtesy to tell me your Name For I suspect you to be a Gentleman whom I greatly love and esteem And if you are the same you would be to â—â—ame to conceal your self especially from King Amadis who has done that in Saba for him whom I take you to be that he will be for ever oblig'd to him This he said to draw the sooner from the Knight of the burning Sword what he desir'd who was at first so astonisht at this News that he was a long time without answering and would willingly have discover'd himself had it not been for the Desire he had to be reveng'd of Birmartes whereever he could find him thinking that he lov'd Lucella Wherefore he thus answered the King Sir I know not what Love you bear me nor whom you think me to be but if you wish me any Good 't is not altogether without Reason since I have all my Life desired to do Service to You and such as You are You will therefore be pleas'd to name to me him for whom you take me that I may better know who he is In good faith said the King he is nam'd the Knight of the burning Sword and I well believe that you are none of he For he would never concel himself from me Certainly Sir answer'd he 't is not long since I left him and I am so much his Friend that I desire you for his sake to tell me what it is that King Amadis has done for him in Saba to the end that if I find him again he may have News of it Then Alpatracy related to him at large how Queen Buruca had been accus'd and what became of it Ah! said the Knight of the burning Sword in the mean time within himself Traytor Maudan the Gods have had too much pity of you for without toiling such a Prince you deserv'd an Halter Nevertheless he gave no knowledge of this Fault and less of his Person but thus answer'd King Alpatracy Sir I am very glad for the sake of the Knight of the burning Sword of such good News with which I will assuredly acquaint him and that before it is long Wherefore your Majesty will be pleas'd to give me leave assuring you if I can meet him that we will bear you Company in the VVar you undertake whether against the Emperor or the King of Metz. In the mean time be pleas'd to pardon me if I conceal from you at present who I am For I resolve not to discover my self before I have put an End to an Affair which highly concerns my Honor. In this manner did he stop the Mouths of these two Princes who afterward importun'd him no farther tho' they had still a Fancy that 't was he himself Nevertheless not willing to constrain him any farther they thank'd him however for the Succor he promis'd them And forasmuch as it began apace to grow dark and Night was driving away the Day they seeing the Kings of Saâ—dinia and Naples return from Birmartes's Pavilion gave him the good night to go and join themselves with the two others And they four together took their Way to the Town and the Knight of the burning Sword went to the Place whence he parted in the Morning CHAP. LXI How the Knight of the Burning Sword arriv'd in his Tent where he had left Alquif's Damsel by whom he sent a Letter
Nights were the Knight of the Burning Sword and Yneril in the Condition you have heard putting all their hope of Life in the Good Pleasure of their God Neptune and others whom they incessantly invok'd till that one morning the Sun began to get the Mastery and the Sea to become calm Then they discover'd an high Coast to the Foot of which it pleas'd Fortune to drive them The Country seem'd to them so Pleasant and well adorn'd with tall Trees that to Refresh themselves they determin'd there to enter into harbour and know whether the place were Inhabited For this reason they went ashore where they sound a little path that led them to a Monastery before which there was erected an high Wooden Cross Now the Knight of the Burning Sword had never seen such a Sign wherefoâ—e he askt Yâ—eâ—il if he knew what it meant Assure your self Sir answer'd he that we are on Christian Ground for to such a Tree was their GOD heretofore fastned This News greatly pleas'd the Knight of the Burning Sword who hop'd to find some Adventure and prove himself in such sort as to do some glorious Act of Chivalry to the Augmentation of his Religion Wherefore passing farther they found the door of a Church open in the front of which were three fair Altars adorn'd with Sacerdotal Ornaments together with some Representations of Saints accordiâ—g to the Custom of the Faithful and presently they heard several Voices of Men singing tho' they saw not any one at which being wholly amaz'd they came as far as the Quire of the Church where they saw a Sepulchre of Alabaster cover'd with a very clear Crystial under which was the Effigies of a Knight compleatly Arm'd and round about were engraven these following Words Here lies the Valiant and Magnanimous Matroco who before his death had thro' the Grace of GOD knowledge of the Eternal Life and as a Champion of JESVS CHRIST made himself with his own Blood the sign of the Cross which he ador'd dying very happily in the Faith of the Elect. The Knight of the Burning Sword knew well by the Contents of this Epitaph that Yneril had told him the Truth and that this was indeed a Christian Countrey when at the very instant came forth a Religious Man prepar'd to say Mass who seeing this Stranger so fair young and well proportion'd knew not well what to think of him however without long amusing himself he began the Divine Service in which the Knight took so much Pleasure that he had the Patience to stay till the Ceremonies were ended the good Father easily perceiving by his Behaviour and the little Reverence he shew'd that he was indeed no Christian Having therefore put off hâ—s Alb and finisht his Orisons he Addrest himself to the Knight saying Sir Knight I desire you not to conceal from me of what Country you are who without any regard to so holy a Place have made no accout of Divine Service whilst I was celebrating Mass In truth if you are a Pagan I wonder how you durst enter into this Countrey so contrary to your Law Father answer'd the Knight I am a Pagan both by Religion and Nation â—o less admiring at my Arrival here than you do to see me Nevertheless I earnestly desire you to tell me what Countrey this is and under what Prince or Lord you live Son reply'd the Good Man the Pity I have of your ignorant Youth makes me willing to satisfie you This Land is p rt of the Realm of Natolâ—a call'd the Dâ—fended Mountain but now held by the Emperor of Constantinoplâ— who conquer'd it by force of Arms. Then he particularly related to him in what manner Esplandian got possession of it as it is recorded in the fifth Book of Amadis of Gaul The Knight gladly hearkened to him for he had often heard of this Emperor and his great Feats of Arms. Nevertheless he thought soon to essay by all means the Reduction of the place to its former Obedience and of the People thereabout to the Religion under which they had heretofore liv'd for the attaining of which design he askt the Religious man by whom the Place was Guarded By a Knight answer'd he nam'd Frandalo who having been a Pagan as you are submitted himself to the Knowledge of GOD having since shewn himself so Valorous especially in the keeping of this Isle that the Emperor has made him a Count as also Admiral and Governour of the Fortress into which as being impregnable the King of Ierusalem was not long since brought Prisoner the Garrison being reinforc'd by one only Knight nam'd Frandalon whom Frandalo whose Kinsman he is lately sent for as we are assur'd by one of our Convent who was there within this few days and these two together would as 't is said well undertake to keep the Place not only against the Neighbouring Kings but also against all those of Asia should they attempt to force it And are they alone said the Knight No answer'd the Religious Belleris keeps them company and they have with them their Servants and Esquires with some Serjeants and Laborours But should they have need King Norandel who is at Tesifanto would be here in a days time with his Army which is very great as also the Emperor of Constantinople should it be necessary for it is not far by Sea from hence thither therefore I advise you to retire else you will fall into danger of Death or Captivity I will first reply'd the Knight view a little nigher the strong Place of which you tell me so many things And what will you get by it said the Good Father except it be the Prison of which I have given you warning That 's more than I know answer'd the Knight I will try at least whether the Gods are as much displeas'd with me as they were with those who heretofore lost it Which as you may judge could never have been effected by the effort of one single man had not the Divine Goodness consented to this Infelicity for the offences of the Wicked who at that time possest it And now perhaps our Gods are appeas'd and will as I hope permit that their holy Law which has since bin profan'd by you Christians shall there be renew'd and restor'd to its former state Ah Sir Knight said the Good man have a care lest the Devil deceive you under colour of the Sanctity of which you speak so as to make you attempt that which you neither can nor ought to do for your Honour and less for the Salvation of your Soul 'T is a mistake answer'd the Knight may not Fortune be as favourable to me as she was to him that conquer'd it according as you have related it to me Therefore pray good Sir shew me the way thither without Preaching to me any longer That indeed I will not do said the good Father for tho' you are a Pagan and wholly contrary to the Faith of IESVS CHRIST yet is it not lawful for
have we esteem'd you even to the day of your Absence during which your Prowess and high Feats have been publisht in all places so that you are and will be an Admiration not only to the present but future Ages which makes me devoutly thank our Gods for having granted me the Favor to be born during the Age wherein I might see you and which is one of the greatest Felicities I could obtain of their Divinity have the hopes sometime to try my self against you who are the Miror of all Chivalry with whom I desire to combat not for any Glory I expect by it except in being able to vaunt my having been so far honor'd that the Flower of all Goodness has vouchsafe'd to sâ—t his Hand to Arms and exercise his Valor against me Nevertheless kâ—owing the Time to be now so little fit I shall put it off to some other when we shall mâ—â—â— postponing all Danger that may befal me by it For otherwise had I ended the strangest Adventures without having Combated you I should think my self not to have finisht but only to have begun what might turn to my Praise since the End and Beginning of Knighthood is in you and by you must be terminated so â—hat whatever good Countenance Fortune hath hitherto shewn me yet have I great Reason to blame her since she has call'd me upon the Consummation and End of the Height to which Arms can ascend you having left nothing behind to illustrate those who came after you obscuring by the Sun-beams of your Prowess what ever can for the future be attempted Whilst he was making this Harangue Lisvart view'd him as one whom Nature would have taught him to know for the Father was speaking to the Son and the Son to the Father and yet both the one and the other was Ignorant of this Proviâ—ity of their Blood They had indeed a certain Instinct which caus'd them to bear each other a more than common Love and Respect Nevertheless when Lisvart who was a no less discreet than stout and valiant Knight heard himself at the same time both prais'd and challeng'd to Fight desiring to satisfy him that speak to him with as much Magnanimity as Courtesy he made him this Answer Knight I thank you for the good Testimony you give me yet will all these Praises return to your Glory by the Combat you so much desire to have with me when a convenient Opportunity shall offer which if you think fit shall not be any farther delayed provided I can recover Arms and Equipage necessary or if you will put it off to another time let it be as you please For I accept and grant it you at the day and hour you shall assign and of this present you my Pledge Then he threw down a Glove he had in his hand and the Knight of the Burning Sword stept forward to take it up But King Alpatracy caught him hold by the Arm saying to him My dear Friend I beseech you that in this time of Pleasure there be no mention of any thing which may cause our Discontent You will hereafter find a fitter opportunity in the mean time I entreat you both for my sake to defer it Let it be as you please Sir answer'd the Knight of the Burning Sword Then they both without shewing any Alteration obey'd the Kings Pleasure not without good hopes when Conveniency should serve to let each other know by experience the Prowess that was in them turning themselves at that time to other Discourses and to behold the Singularities of the Chamber out of which at last they went And they were no sooner forth but the Doors shut of themselves not being open'd of a long time but so Transparent indeed and Diaphanous that whatever was within might be seen thro' them Thence they went down to the Perron which when they had view'd and read the Inscriptions that were there Alpatracy who had yet Lisvarts Sword presented it to him who was not a little glad of it for he thought it had been lost The King then told him how he found it and before their Departure thence they all related what had befaln them even to Lucella her self In good faith said Lisvart then to the King if I have heretofore done you any service in delivering you from the Conjurations of Medea my Lady your Daughter has so well recompensed me that I shall be her Servant as long as I live Now so long did they amuse themselves in comtemplating the Particularities of the Place that the Dawning of the Day began to appear wherefore they went down into the Chamber in which the King had slept where they found some of the Castle whom the Fright had awaked when the forementioned Images sounded their Trumpets amongst which a Servant stepping forward told the Knight of the Burning Sword that Gradamart he whom he had fought with at the last Tower desir'd to see him before he dy'd For said the Servant he is very weak by reason of the blood he lost last night and has so great an esteem for you that he will think his soul much at ease if you do him the favour to visit him Gradafilea hearing the Name of Gradamart and doubting as the Truth was that it was her Brother of whom the Messenger speak cry'd out pituously O Iupiter what can this be Is it the Son to the King of the Giants Island whom this Misfortune has befallen Yes Madam answer'd the Servant 't is the same Alas said she I well know that Fortune is not yet weary of tormenting me Alas it is then mine own Brother who as you say lies a dying For Gods sake Friend conduct me where he is and perhaps his Death and mine will without delay accompany each other Let us all go said the King be deserves we should do him honour Then went they all to him whom they found lying on a Bed having a great many Wounds but all small ones except that in his Leg which could not be stanâ—â—â— wherefore Gradafilea more dead than living fell down between his Arms where she continu'd a long time without being able to utter one word so much was her heart opprest But if she were thus troubled Gradamart was not less comforted and so well pleas'd that notwithstanding his Pain and Weakness he rais'd himself up a little and kissing and embracing his Sister began to say to her Ah! my dear Sister How oft have you been desired by me In Truth my Heart which was ready to dye feels it self in a manner reviv'd seeing you so near your Brother who so dearly loves you O immortal gods your great Names be prais'd for it has pleas'd you to permit me before I leave the World this day to embrace her whom if I dye I more regret than mine Life Gradafilea hearing her Brother still speak with so much strength took heart again and having recover'd her Speech made him this Answer My dearest Brother your Life and Death are at their Disposal
but if they have ordain'd the Removal of you out of this World I desire you before I see your Eyes clos'd to put an end to my days with your Hands that our Spirits may accompany each other before them and never be separated whether in Hell or in the Elysian Fields as it shall please them to ordain Then she renew'd her Lamentations that Lisvart mov'd with Compassion took her back from Gradamart whom her Grieving exceedingly disturb'd and so comforted her that seeing her self entertain'd by the Person whom she most lov'd in the World she appeas'd her Sorrow In the mean time the Knight of the burning Sword drew near to Gradamart who to excuse his having sent for him said to him Sir Knight the Cause which emboldned me to entreat a Visit from you before my Death is the Esteem I have of you above any other I know as well for the Prowess that is in you as for the Courtesy you us'd yesterday towards me giving me my life when you might have taken it away upon the Place And in this you will shew the Conformity there is between your Virtue and your Valour no less knowing to pardon the vanquisht than to vanquish the proudest most and robust And for this cause whether I dye or whether my days be reserv'd for a longer time I shall be for ever yours desiring above all things your Friendship whom I will obey and serve whereever and whenever it shall please you to command me letting the whole World by this understand that Vertue can do more than all the Force and Valour of the greatest Champions for by Vertue you have conquer'd my Will over which none but the Gods have power The Knight of the Burning Sword considering the Honour which Gradamart did him would in Complacency grant him what he with so great Instance desir'd which was his Friendship in doing of which he made use of the like gracious Speeches and Expressions as the other had done saying to him By my Head Sir Gradamart if the Glory of Victorious Combats ought to be presented to him whose just Due it is I ought in reason to offer you my Sword for you have gain'd so much upon me that I am henceforth wholly yours very well knowing that Vertue alone is indeed more powerful than all the forces of men Having said this he drew his Sword out of the Scabbard and setting his Knee to the Ground presented it to him But Gradamart who was not able to rise that he might return this Honour join'd his Hands and stretching out his Arms said to him For God's sake Knight never do me this injury after having so much oblig'd me but honouring me as you have begun let us if you please embrace and let our Friendship be henceforth irrevocable This the other so willingly granted him that it continu'd a long time after as by the sequel of this our History you may understand Then all the rest made themselves known to Gradamart every one offering himself to him when Word was brought them that Axiana would presently be there This made them all run to their Arms and strongly bar up the Gates Whilst they were thus making themselves ready one brought Lisvart the Scabbard of his Sword which had been found amongst the other Harness in the Armory where Zirfea had laid it up of which he was so glad that he would not have chang'd it for the best City of Asia Now the King of Sicily kept still with Lisvart with whom falling from one Discourse to another he relaâ—ed to him all that he had understood of the Knight of the burning Sword even to his Conquering of the Defended Mountain which Augmented his Desire to fight with him if ever he found an Opportunity But if this were his Intention the others Inclinations were not at all different tho' he then thought of nothing but keeping Company with Gradamart who in the mean time acquainted him with the manner of his Coming into the Isle of Argenes Understand then said he that my Sister having been above two Years absent from the Country of the King my Father I being troubled that I could not see her went in quest of her and having Travell'd over many strange Countreys I was at last inform'd that the best Way to have speedy and certain News of her would be to address my self to the Queen of this Island to whom I repair'd and having got Admission punctually related to her the Occasion of my Arrival She promis'd me that if I would grant her one Gift she would make me recover her The Gift I willingly granted her as loving my Sister no less than my self The Queen then pray'd me to keep the sixth Tower of this Castle during â—he space of six Years with such Arms as I should best like at the Expiration of which Time I should have of her what I would Now I had all my life been addicted to fencing with Sword and Cloak at which I thought my self more excellent than any that could come wherefore chose that manner of fighting in which I have vanquisht many till yesterday when Fortune treated me you know how In good faith answer'd the Knight of the burning Sword the Queen made you pay dear for the Desire you had to see your Sister and I wonder how she fell into such ill hands Then Gradamart who was present related to them from point to point all her Adventure in such manner as we have declar'd it to you in the foregoing Chapter They all together then fell a cursing the Enchantress who had so mâ—â—fortunately inclos'd the Emperor and the rest unâ—nown to any Body even to Aâ—â—â—ana her self It was now about Noon and neither the Emperor nor any of his Company had yet eaten any thing Wherefore Gâ—adamart who knew better than any of the rest how Victuals was to be procur'd call'd a Servant whom he commanded to make ready Dinner and conduct them into the next Hall keeping only his Sister and the Knight of the burning Sword to eat together with him The Servant speedily anâ— diligently did as he was commanded and they went to take their Repast When they were risen from Table the Emperor and the rest came again to see him whom they found discoursing of the Prisoners that were shut uâ— some having been there a long time and others not many dayes according as Fortune had brought them thither He commanded them immediatly to be sercht being to the number of Fifty all lodg'd in a deep Dungeon chain'd with greaâ— Tâ—â—â—â—s and having Manacles on their Hands and Fetters on their Feet so that they endur'd a Life more miserable than a thousand Deaths together When therefore the Goaler made them ascend by a Ladder he let down to them they thinking that they were going to receive their last Punishment fervently desir'd him to tell them in what manner they were to end their dayes Since it cannot said they be so cruel as not to be more agreeable to us