liking howbeit I make no doubt but that they will serue you in all loyalty You haue said well answered the King but wee are not now to stand vpon these tearmes I doe not craue your counsell whether I should determine peace or warre but only would know of you by what means I may be best reuenged Sir quoth hee by my former speeches you may easily knowe that Assemble your forces send to your friends for assistance especially to the Emperour of Rome because this case concerneth him as nearely as you Afterward your Army beeing ready march on without any dallying towardes them whom you meane to assault But before you doe this it were good in mine oppinion to practice some meanes whereby you may call home some that are farre off from your seruice partly through discontentment partly by wrongs offered I vrge this motion because if they be not willing to ayde you they should not resolue to offend you For being forth of your Land it would fal out dangerous if they should conspire and bend themselues against you if Fortune doe lowre that day vpon you For many times it comes to passe that distastes and dissents led by length of time doe soonest make their outward appearance when his power against whom the conspiracy is meant growes weake decayed Wherefore Sir this is one of the chiefest points whereof you are maturely to consider Truly said the King I know that you haue spoken to the purpose will do therein what I can Sir said Grumedan Amadis hath bin here-tofore so well accepted in your Court as no man posibly could be more and I could heartily wish that those villaines which caused this so long separation had neuer been borne into the world And although I am his friend intirely so shall I bee no enemy to you if you desist from beeing his Wherefore according to the aduice giuen you by King Arban it were good that aboue all other things you reconcile them to you that pertake with him winning their hearts and willes by little and little as easily you may doe giuing them good lookes and gracious language Then hauing the help of Rome and other your allies as the Kings of Ireland Suetia I make no question but you may with little ease attaine to your intention euen according to your owne minde But my good Lord said Guillan before any matter at all be attempted it were good to know if those men may bee resolued on whom you haue named Are you sure that the Emperour will meddle in the cause He is a man of very slender faith and as ill affected of his owne people as can be Are you certaine also that the King of Suctia will doe as you say If his Maiestie were so pleased Ambassadours should be sent to them speedily to entreate their fauour in this case shewing them apparantly that if reuenge for such a wrong were iustly inflicted it would with-draw any from attempting the like In good sadnesse saide the King you haue very well aduised and because you Lord Guillan doe sufficiently vnderstand the businesse I pray you take the charge vpon you to the Emperor for I know no Knight more able to preuaile with him then you are Sir saide Guillan I was not borne but for your seruice when and where you shall please to commande mee Make ready then quoth the King to morrow you shall haue Letters of credence only and the rest remaine to your owne report So they arose from Councell and each man returned to his lodging till the next morning when the King sending for Guillan saide vnto him Lord Guillan according to our conclusion yester-day you must depart towards the Emperor and with as much expedition as may be To him make knowne how matters haue come to passe that hauing deliuered my daughter to his Ambassadours shee was afterwards surprised from them and forcibly carried to the Enclosed Isle his men all slaine or taken prisoners whereof hee ought to haue respect this iniury redounding as much to him as me If he offer aid and will leuy an Army to be reuenged say that on my part shall be no defailance in any thing my power can stretch vnto If you find him willing to proceed effectually returne againe with all possible diligence that our enemies may haue no leasure to fortifie themselues as I am certaine they intend to doe Sir answered Guillan God giue me grace to accomplish your will in this and any thing else you shall please to employ mee in Worthy friend said the King there are your Letters of credence and if it bee possible set away to morrow morning early for one of my best Ships is made ready for you and waites your comming in the hauen Sir replied Guillan there shall bee no want of duty in me And so taking his leaue and giuing order for his further affaires he went aboard and set away The very same day Brandoynas also was dispatched for Galuanes in the Isle of Mongaza and from thence into Ireland to King Cildadan to make ready so many men as he could Philipinell was sent to Gasquilan King of Suetia who sometime came into Great Brittaine to approue his manhood against Amadis King Lasuart sent him word that if his spleene as yet continued hee should now haue better meanes then euer because the warre was intended against him So farre did these newes fly abroad that they came to the vnderstanding of Archalaus the Enchanter to his no little ioy and comfort intending by this occasion the vtter ruine of King Lisuart and likewise of Amadis And for his speedier attaining thereto he went presently to King Aramyne who hearing of his ariuall gaue him most royall entertainement presuming peremptorily that hee would not come into his countrie but vpon some very vrgent occasion Beeing priuately seated together Archalaus thus began Sir some few dayes since I receiued credible information that King Lisuart and Amadis de Gaule two of the deadliest enemies you haue are fallen vpon such a quarrell as without any hope of peace euer to come betweene them they muster men for a maine battell out of which they cannot escape but with the finall destruction of the one or other perhaps of them both together And because occasion doth expressely call you as wel to reuenge your former losses in times past as also to extend your limits by peaceable making your selfe King of Great Brittaine me thinkes you should not delay the mustering of your men and summoning all your friends together that while they cauill maintaine their quarrell so farre off you may take so apt an aduantage and make an easie entrance into Brittaine If they chance to meet and fight the field then without giuing the least leasure to the conqueror to breath or refresh his followers you may set vpon him so opportunately and bid him so hot an vnexpected battaile as none of them can escape with life Now Sir to acquaint you with the cause of
for hauing a while absented my selfe from Armes whereby it appeareth to many that I am growne cold in the pursuite of aduentures for the dangers elsewhere hapning where-of I neuer dreamed Therefore that euery one may take true notice of me if heauen be so pleased I will in such affaires make such reall apparance of my duty that my renown which seemeth to lye buried shall reuiue it selfe againe and with much more glory then euer it yet gained Sonne quoth the king you well know that I haue euer beene a louer of good men and goodnesse and perceiuing king Lisuart to bee one of that number I haue iust cause to affoord him any ayde and fauour wheresoeuer I am able to compasse the meanes And if I should deferre it this instant the cause is easily knowen onely the difference betweene him and you But seeing that your intention is changed and that you will make one in so worthy a busines I will goe along with yee for company grieuing at nothing else but that the time is too short for leuying our people For if I had the leysure to prepare an Army assure your selfe I would leade along with me a Royall assembly But that defect shall not stay my present purpose I will onely take such knights as are readiest for me and so away vpon my iourney When Florestan heard this deliberation hee stood silent a long while as vnable to vtter a word but at last he said to the King By my faith Sir when I consider the cruelty of king Lisuart which but for the fauour shewen to vs by Lord Galaor in the Isle of Mongaza had cost the deare price of all our liues I hold it impossible for me to doe or wishe him any good Your Highnesse is not ignorant how long a time before then he deadly hated vs many times making his vaunt to bee the vtter ruine and extirpation of vs all Neuerthelesse seeing matters stand on such tearmes as now they doe I am wel contented both in the honor of you and for you are thereto so nobly affected to forget all iniuries at this time and will follow you as it is my duty to doe Moreouer by our agreement made at the Burning Lake for the space of two yeares I may beare no armes against him whereby I stand partly bound that if I will bee seene at all in the action I must needes bee for him Sir said Amadis the best course that we can take then is closely to pursue our enterprise without any other company then we three onely For if our number should be greater whatsoeuer we can doe will but deserue the latest welcome and therefore if it were possible in mine opinion wee would not willingly be knowne of any Let it be so then replied the king I like the motion well and I haue three Armours alike in all respects very apt and proper to our intent for our better knowledge and assisting of one another let vs goe presently and make proofe of them So leauing the Chamber they descended downe into the Court where presently entred before them a Damosell very richly attired mounted on a beautifull Palfray shee being accompanied with three Squires onely each bearing a goodly square Chest before her and the king thinking she demaunded for him went towards her with Amadis and Florestan saluting her courteously and demaunding if shee would speake with the Queene No Sir quoth she my errand is onely to you and these two knights to whom I am sent by the Lady of the Vnknowne Isle with these three presents which heere you behold Then causing the chests to be set downe and opened three Shieldes three Helmets and three Coat-Armours were taken out of them The Shields were Siluer seamed all ouer with golden Serpents so artificially wrought that they appeared neere to life The Coat-Armours were all alike but the Helmets differed for one was white the other greene and the third gold The white was presented by the Damosell to the king and the Coate-Armour thereto belonging the green to Florestan and the gold to Amadis with these words Sir my Lady hath sent you these Armes and desires you by me that you will heere-after imploy them better and your selfe also then for too long a time you haue done heere Amadis hearing her so forward in speech stood in feare lest his loue affaires with Oriana should be discouered therefore to breake her off from any further language in that kinde hee answered Faire Damosell I pray yee most humbly thanke your Lady on my behalfe and tell her I make much lesse account of her counsell sent me then I doe of her present which I will imploy according to my power My Lords replyed the Damosel she hath sent armes to you all three to the end that you may know and helpe one another if need bee in King Lisuarts warre How quoth the King doth your Mistresse know that we meane to be there and wee our selues within lesse space then an houre did not so much as dream thereon I know not that answered the Damosell but she assured mee that at this very houre I should finde yee all heere and in this very place further commanding me that after I had deliuered ye these Arms I should passe hence into Great Brittaine whither she hath likewise sent mee wherefore bethinke your selues if you will command me any seruice Now trust me Damosell replyed the King you shall not depart hence vntill you haue dined And so conducted her further into the Castel where the best entertainment that could be deuised was bestowed on her Hauing sustayned Nature and taken leaue of her three knights she set onward on her way to the Sea-side and instantly imbarked her selfe After her departure Amadis considered with himselfe that the day of battell was not farre off and that not without great cause Vrganda had sent them those Armes in regard whereof his desire grew much more earnest to be there then formerly it had done and therefore to hasten the enterprise he caused Gandalin secretly to prouide Shippint wherewith acquainting both the King and Florestan they resolued to set away the night ensuing Being all aboord the winde sate so conueniently for them that vnespied by any they launched forth into the maine Sea coasting about the Isle of Great Brittaine where very soon after they landed so neere as possibly they might to the place where the seauen Kings lay encamped hoping after they had once noted their disposition to ioyne them-selues with King Lisuart And to that intent they entred a Forrest where their Squires erected them a Pauillion and where they attended more ample newes of the Army sending daylie one of their followers to the enemies Campe to enquire when the day of battel should be Also they sent another to Galaor by whom they gaue him to vnderstand that they were in Gaule And the Squire had expresse charge to tell him that he left them al three together and earnestly desired that after
the victory hee would write to them concerning his owne good health and their other friends Wisely did the Squires fulfill the charge committed to their trust so that on the third day following the first returned to them and reported that the Army of the seauen Kings was very great and strong by reason of infinit numbers of strangers who were lately there arriued and that they layed sharpe siege to a Castell which was said to belong to certain Ladies And albeit it was very strong and almost impregnable by power of Armes yet they were in great danger of yeelding it because food and sustenance greatly fayled therein And further quoth the Squire as I crossed thorow the Campe I heard Archalaus the Enchanter conferre with two of the Kings saying as hee walked along with them that within sixe dayes they would bid theÌ„ battel because no further order should bee taken for bringing them in any victuals by Sea and that their munition began to fayle them also Yet all goes well answered Amadis in the meane while we shall haue good leisure to refresh and recreate our selues The very same day the other Squire sent to the Campe of King Lisuart returned likewise who declared that he met with Galaor and what countenance hee shewed in reading the Letter And trust mee quoth he very hardly could he refraine from teares when he vnderstood that you were all three in Gaule for he made a setled assurance of the victory if the King could haue enioyed yee in his company Moreouer he sends ye word by me that if hee escape with life from the field he wil forthwith make haste to see ye But what quoth Amadis is thine opinion of their Army Trust me my Lord answered the Squire so few fighting men as they be yet are they al marshalled in exceeding good order and diuers worthy knights are said to be among them but they are all ouer few in regard of the others mighty multitude Notwithstanding King Lisuart is not daunted a iote but intendeth as I heard it credibly reported within two dayes to meete them or else the Castell of Ladies will be constrayned to yeeld it selfe hauing no supply of men nor meate Well said Amadis we shall see what will ensue on this busines Thus they continued in the Forrest vntill such time as they had intelligence that the two Armies prepared to ioyne whereupon they dislodged and drew neerer to the Campe of King Lisuart which was seated on the ridge of an hill and so neere to the enemy that but a little Riuer diuided them running thorow the plaine where King Aranigne earnestly desirous of fight had passed his men This King last mentioned to ye was chosen the chïefe and Coronall of the whole Army belonging to the seauen Kings and to him all the principall Captaines of the band had made solemne oath and promise the day before to obey him without any contradiction For he desired nothing else as he said neither could haue any iote more but onely the honour of the enterprise referring all the spoyle and booty to his companions the common Souldiers And that he might the better accoÌ„plish his intent he ordained nine battalions in each of which hee appointed twelue thousand knights reseruing to his owne charge fifteen hundred and more commaunding on the morrow by breake of day the Trumpets Clarions to giue summons for all to set themselues in order and bee in readinesse Before he would dislodge seeing his men forward to their deuoire for their encouragement he thus spake What need it Gentlemen that I should vse any great perswasion for your bold fighting considering you are the only authors of this war and wherein you haue elected mee for your chiefe conducter And that is the only reasoÌ„ mouing me to speak to the end you may the more heedfully fixe before your eyes the cause why you are assembled in so great a multitude Resolue your selus that it is not to defend your Country your liberty your wiues children nor your goods But it is to conquer and subdue a nation the most proud and arrogant people this day liuing who make of vs dwelling somewhat farre from them so small esteeme as of nothing lesse Neuerthelesse as neere as they are I hardly thinke that they dare abide vs for though they carry a kinde of fury in their marching yet if you note well their lookes there appeares an apparant testimony of doubt and difficulty in dealing with vs which may moue giue ye more heart to fight then all the words of â—â—â—ng men can do yea althougâ— ye were then ill ordered hâ—lâ—e tired We are heere the very stoure ful strength of most part of the Ocean Islands in such a gallant number that it were almost a sin to make any doubt of our certain victore And for our further assurance let vs remember that wee are in a strange Country a large long distance from our own not among our louers and friends but euen in the very midst of our enemies that euery houre expect our ruine death A matter which we cannot auoid if we be once broken disseuered For they haue worthy horse-men by whom we are certain to be pursued without any meanes oâ—retâ—â—ing to our ships wherefore we must resolue to conquer or dye because the necessity wherein wee are is much rather to be feared then their power Let each man therfore do his duty and I make no doubt but before darke night do check our forwardnesse we shall be Lords and Maisters of the whole Country and thereby be held dreadfull in other parts of the world King Aranigne hauing thus encouraged his Souldiers hee caused them to march in good order toward their enemies who likewise marched in maine battell on the hill top making such a glittering radiance with their Armes that it was a most goodly sight to behold And they were diuided into fiue squadrons the first being guided by Brian de Moniaste with a thousand knights of Spaine The second by King Cildadan with the like number of knights The third by Galuanes The fourth by Giontes And the 〈◊〉 by King Lisuart accompanied with Galaor and two thousand 〈◊〉 knights who seeing so great a 〈◊〉 titude come marching against him began to be very doubtful of the victory Neuerthelesse like a pâ—…nt and magnanimious Prince he went from battation to battalion to perswade his Cheualiers to fight brauely And for their better encitation thereto be gaue them to vnderstand that with great shame he was thus assayled by these enemies without any quarrell at all against them but onely through the perswasion and procurement of Archalaus the most disloyall traytour and villaine that euer liued they were thus entred his Country with an absolute hope of conquest And therfore my louing friends quoth he right being on our side God who is most iust in whose hand are all victories wil vndoubtedly assist vs. If they say that they war thus vpon
and would make vse of him in our hunting When the reuerent man heard him speake so confidently he grew as resolute in perswasion and going neerer to Esplandian saw him kisse the Lyonnesse euen as familiarly as shee had bin a Spaniell Heereupon the Hermite said vnto him Sonne would you giue her somewhat to eate Yea Father answered Esplandian if I had any thing to giue her With that the Hermit tooke out of his Scrip the legge of a Deere which a Hunter had bestowed on him and giuing it to the Lad he threw it to the Lyonnesse saying Heere Dogge eate this The Lyonnesse tooke it and while shee was feeding on it Esplandian played with her eares pawes and taile euen as familiarly as himselfe pleased the beast offering him no other dislyking then if hee had bin one of her whelpes Such perfect knowledge did she take of him and euen by naturall instinct loued him so dearely as she followed him thence to the Hermitage and from that time forward would neuer willingly leaue his company except when she went to seeke some prey which she would also bring home with her euen as if she had beene a houshold seruant And both the Laddes grew into such familiarity with her that they would leade her oftentimes in a Leasse on hunting with them as if she had bin a Greyhound for game Which Nascian well noting prouided them Bowes fit fot their strēgth wherewith they continually vsed to kill Harts Hindes Roe-bucks and such like sending still the Lyonnesse after such game as they had wounded But heere wee purpose now to leaue them for a while returning to Amadis who being departed from Gaule entred the Country of Alemaigne where he perfourmed such rare actions of Chiualry that euery tongue talked onely of him and there he was commonly called the knight with the greene Sword or the knight of the Dwarfe because Ardan still attended on him and there he spent foure whole yeares before he returned to the Enclosed Island not hearing any tydings from his Oriana which was his very greatest affliction because hee found no pains labor or ill successe any way comparable to the want of her presence So long he trauailed from one part to another that about the beginning of the Spring-time he arriued in Bohemia neere to King Tafinor on whom Patin the Emperour of Rome made sharpe warre who hated Amadis more then any man else for the reason formerly declared in the second Booke Hee ryding purposely toward the camp King Tafinor who for a time had taken truce with his enemy was then flying his Gerfaulcon at a Heron which fell at the horse feete of Amadis Now because none of the horse-men could come at her in regard of the moist and marshie ground hindering them the knight of the greene Sword alighted and tooke her vp demaunding the Falconers if they were displeased thereat And they answered no. Soon after came the King who had coasted all along the Riuer for passage and seeing the knight so compleatly armed stood in some suspition of himself till he further noted the greene scabberd of his Sword being the same which he had in lone of the ancient knight as hath bin formerly declared The King had many times heard much fame of his prowesse and was so well pleased with his happy arriuall that he entreated his company to the City which Amadis denied him not but ryding along with him the King thus spake Sir I haue a long while desired that I might be but worthy of such a companion as you seeme to be My Lord answered Amadis the liberal renown of you and your bounty which makes you famous in many kingdomes drewe me hither onely to offer you my seruice if any way it may be acceptable to yee because I haue heard that you are warred on by a potent Prince that giues ye no meane molestation You say very true replied the King but I trust in heauen and by the meanes of your helpe to see a short issue out of these troubles Fortune hauing so conueniently guided you hither By this time they were arriued at the Palace where the King commanded he should be lodged and Grasandor his Sonne to keepe him company Now in regard that the truce taken betweene the two Armies was vpon the point of ending each side stood on their best defence and the seuerall Campes prepared for all attempts whatsoeuer King Tafinor walking one day abroade to vnderstand some tydings from the enemy hee beheld afarre off twelue knights come riding towards him and as they drew neerer he knew the Shield of Garadan borne by his Squire himselfe being a neere kinsman to the Emperour and they came not to fight but to parlee The King bare little affection to this Garadan because hee procured and raised this warre and well he knew that his comming was but to occasion some fresh grieuance which made stearne anger mount vp into his face so that hee could not forbeare but said Ah trecherous villaine thou hast already done me so many mischiefes that I haue iust occasion to hate thee so long as I liue Sir answered the Knight of the greene Sword it may be he commeth to yee for some good end therefore it shall well become ye now to dissemble all passion entertayning them with good lookes not taking offence at any thing they say in regard they come to yee as Ambassadours from the Emperour their Maister Kinde friend quoth the King I allow of your good aduice and wil be directed thereby though it is no meane griefe to me to haue so great an enemy neere me Scarcely were these words ended but Garadan and his troupe saluted the King who gaue them kinde welcome desiring them that before any speeches passed they would goe along with him to him to his Palace But Garadan made refusall shewing himselfe as brauely proud and presumptuous as formerly he was wont to do speaking thus King Tafinor thou must vnderstand the occasion of our comming to thee and before thou partest from this place thou must make vs answere such as shall seeme best to thy selfe without aduice or consulting with any one but thy selfe For in thee onely lyeth the conclusion of two things wherewith I am to acquaint thee from the Emperour otherwise assure thy self before three dayes can be passed ouer the battel will fall out to be so cruell and bloody as it exceedeth all possibility but thou and thy Country will bee vtterly lost With these wordes he deliuered him a Missiue of credence for further confirmation of his speeches Beleeue me Lord Garadan answered the King I hope that the Emperour and you wil be more kinde to me then appeareth by your message wherefore deferre no further time but deliuer the remainder of your Commission that I may yeeld you satisfaction to my power Garadan hearing the King to answere so mildely began somewhat to qualifie his owne choller replyed thus King Tafinor the Emperour my Maister hauing power sufficiently to
were commanded to conduct him thorow the Army 〈…〉 named so many friends that Arquisil began to 〈◊〉 doubtfull of the Romanes victorie accounting his owne fortune none of the best that he could doe his Master no seruice in so great a necessitie But then hee began to consider in the instant that perhaps if hee desired Amadis to set him at liberty vntill the businesse was passed ouer he would not deâ—â—â—â— him knowing him to be one of the 〈…〉 and gentle Knightâ— in the world Whereupon 〈…〉 beeing in the lodging of King Perion who had then the very chiesest of his Campe in his companie setting his knees to the ground thus he spake Sir I most humbly beseech you to permit me that I may â—â—eake one word to you in 〈…〉 Lord Amadis and these otâ—er Knights here Speake quoth the King whatsoeuer pleaseth you Then Arquisil rising began to relate at large the manner of the Combate betweene Garadan and Amadis and afterward of the eleuen Romanes against as many other Knights belonging to King Tassinor and all that which you haue formerly heard Moreouer that himselfe being in the greatest danger of death that euer hee had been before that time Amadis saued his life by taking him prisoner sending him safely away vpon condition he should appeare againe before him at all times and as often as he should receive summons from him in which respect and to 〈…〉 it pleased my Lord Amadis vsing but his wonted gentlenesse and 〈◊〉 〈…〉 he may 〈…〉 whereby he shall binde me all my life time to be wholly his because there can no greater crosse befall me then the losse of such an honour And to the end he may iudge that I speake for no other reason I sweare to come and yeeld my selfe againe vnto him on the morrow after if I be left among them that lâ—ue Amadis beeing very desirous to let all men perceiue how little hee stood in doubt of the Emperour or any helpe that Arquisill could giue him returned him this answer Arquisill although the Emperour your Master is too lauish of his tongue and ouer glorious and presumptuous without any occasion yet notwithstanding being not willing at this time to reuenge my selfe on him by any means of yours I am content to giue you libertie and that you shall be with him on the day of battaile Vpon condition if you scape with life you shall come againe to mee on the tenth day following in any place wheresoeuer I am to doe such seruice as I shall command you For which fauour Arquisill most humbly thanked him swearing on the Kings hand that hee would keepe his promise faithfully and beeing very earnest in desire for his return taking leaue of all the company hee mounted on horse-back and without any stay in any place came to the Emperours Camp who was not a little ioyfull of his returne demanding by what meanes he thus escaped Then Arquisill reported to him all that which you haue all-ready heard what powerfull strength Amadis had for sight and lastly the gracious curtesie and lâ—…â—ee had vsed towards him But beleeue mee Sir quoth he he will be ready to meet you as soone as 〈◊〉 shall set sooting in his countrie Whereat the Emperor was much amazed for hee imagined till then according to the trust he reposed in King Lisuarts perswasions that Amadis was voyde of all meanes for recouering of men whereby to resist so great a power and made full account to besâ—â—ge him in the Enclosed Isle and to regaine it by force or famine But vnderstanding now the coutrary â—ee concluded on other prouisions and 〈◊〉 King Lâ—… â—…dge thence 〈…〉 breake of day 〈◊〉 muster made of 〈…〉 â—orse as foote whereâ—… ded Vpon view of the Army they found of the 〈◊〉 three thousand horse and seauen thousand foot whereof two thousand were Harquebuziers Of King Lisuarts countrie two thousand horse and foure thousand foot fiue hundred whereof were good Archers The rest amounting to the number of a thousand coÌ„prehending two hundred from King Cildâ—dâ—â— were brought by Gasquilan King of Sâ—ctiâ— and the whole were ordered in this manner To the Emperour was apointed the auantgard which hee accepted and because his troupes were ouer-grâ—â—â— in regard of the rest hee leâ—t fiue hundred horse and as many foot referring them to the rereguard King Lisâ—â—rt led the maine battell accompanied with the men of his owne country 〈◊〉 Noranâ—… 〈…〉 goodly shew in marching â—…ir parting thâ—… Coroâ—all of the foot in thâ—… had ordered his 〈…〉 square the first â—…hereof were very richly armed and all of them excellent Souldiers In the midst of the Army the Ensignes waued pleasingly with the wind wel guarded with Halbardiers and on the flankes were two thousand Harquebuziers couducted by Arquisill wel fitted with Casks and Gorgets On the sides were the wings of the Emperours forces and himselfe in person and in them were so many Ensignes Guydoâ—s Banderoles as it was impossible to beholde a brauer troupe because the most part of them had their horses barbed and the Archers who neuer seperated from the rest all so well mounted as there appeared but little difference Betweene the men on horseback and foot marched a band of Artillerie with a great number of Pioners and the Carriage bearing powder and bullets only The rest wherein were the Cordages Cables Lanternes Cressets Iauelins Pâ—kes Shouels Spades Bils Axes Hammers Axeltrees Tents and all other things needfull for carriage came in the end of all the Armie sided by the bagadge The battaile proceeded on in very good order and the rereguard following comming to encampe three miles from thence CHAP. XVI How King Perion was aduertised of the dis-lodging of his enemies And what order â—ee tooke to march before and fight with them AFter that the Armie for the Knights of the Enclosed Isle had mette together and were wel refreshed by generall consent the good King Perâ—on was apointed chiefe head and conducter of this enterprise and each man swore obedience to him Hee was a gentle Prince wise and well foreiudging whereupon he considered in his owne thoughts with whom hee had to deale and of what importance such a battels losse would bee if fortune should not speake faâ—…ely to him Hereupon some few daies after he dispatched scouts and spies to all parts to vnderstand the day of setting forward and other tydings of his enemies receiuing certaine intelligence that without all doubt they bent their course for the Isle Whereupon he resolued to meet them before and to fight with them by the way if he should finde occasion conuenient which that hee might the better doe hee ordered his Army in such manner as shall be related to you First of all the charge of the auantgard was committed to Amadis accompanied with Agraies Bruneo two thousand three hundred hardy bold warriours on horse backe the most of them beeing Gaules Qâ—edragant had the charge of foure thousand foot of the like nation but mingled with
hee purposed to expect succour if hee should be pressed thereto stealing on by little and little from the mountaine and marching on vpon the plaine Which when Esclanor noted he sent to bid king Aranigne that hee should put on with all haste by the the most secret passages but the way was so straite and narrow as they could not march but two together at the the most By which meanes before they could attaine to king Lisuart hee and his were very neare to the Citie whereat Arauigne began to despaire fearing to faile vtterly in his enterprise By this time also Esplandian and Sergill whom the Hermite had sent to king Lisuart finding his Campe dislodged made such speed that they sawe the men both horse and foot descending downe the mountaine Then they presently coniectured that this was the Armie of king Arauigne whereof they heard the Queene Brisania speake before they parted from her Wherefore fearing this power to be ouer great for that of king Lisuart who had beene almost vtterly ouerthrone in the precedent battailes they grew to great dismay so that Esplandian said to Sergill Brother I pray you that wee may returne to Lord Amadis and let him vnderstand what wee haue seene Sergill was very willing and returning the same way they came they rode so dilligently that by the breake of day they alighted in king Perions Campe where hee had newly receiued intelligence that king Arauigne and his people marched thorough the countrie and therefore kept his Armie for the most part all that night in order of battaile Esplandian and Sergill going to the Tent of Amadis found there the Hermite Nascian who was not a little amazed to see thē so quickly returned demanded of them whither they went Father answered Esplandian it is very needeful that I should speake with Lord Amadis to let him know some matters that do greatly concerne king Lisuart and his troupes Now Amadis had but withdrawne himselfe a while only for a little refreshing because all the night hee had been in Armes notwithstanding when hee heard what the young Gentle-man had saide hee called him to him demanding of him the estate of the matter My Lord quoth he king Arauigne hath besieged the King my Master neare vnto the city of Lubania with such a power as if you send him not succour that speedily I thinke you shall neuer see him while you liue but either taken or slaine and all that are with him Wherefore I pray you doe so much for him as you are wont to do for many others who it may bee are not in such deepe distresse as hee When Amadis heard these news remembrance of displeasing his Ladic Oriana if her father should be discomfited and by his most deadly enemy in the world through defect of assistance from him enflamed so his soule that without answering so much as a worde hee went to king Perton speaking thus My Lord for ought I heare king Arauigne hath turned his backe on vs to fight with king Lisuart and is already so neare him that it is a great aduenture but hee will bidde him battaile Whereat I shall not be a little displeased knowing well that they of Great Brittaine haue lost so many of their men against vs as they are not able now to outstand a fresh force Moreouer if they should bee ouerthrowne being come forth of their Campe in hope of future peace betweene them and vs it will appeare to many that this ambuscado was laid for them by our inuention and that by our meanes king Arauigne was thus treacherously set vpon them to our most high disparagement among all them that shall so imagine of vs. Wherefore I entreate you Sir that with a part of this Armie I may go before and giue them succour Sonne answered King Perion doe what you think best and if you goe before I will follow and backe you if by mischance you should be preuented Amadis most humbly thanked him and parting thence met with Florestan Quedragant Garuate and Gastilles whom he acquainted with his enterprise where-to they gaue good allowance Here-upon they forthwith set their men in order marching directly for Lubania fully resolued to fight with king Arauigne and his men if they might meet them in the field CHAP. XXII How King Lisuart was assaulted by King Arauigne brought into great danger And of the succour giuen him by Amadis in his necessity WE haue heretofore very amply declared how King Lisuart had intelligence by his vant courers that the Armie of King Arauigne pursued him by meanes whereof hee dislodged hoping to gaine the Citie of Lubania before the fight For he knew well enough that he had not strength sufficient to stand against so great an hoste of men and freshly come into the field but he was suddenly set vpon and followed so hotly as hee had small meanes of helping himselfe The two Camps began to skirmish together continuing fierce assaults eace against other vntill darke night ouer-tooke them wherefore they were constrained to remaine encamped near one to another in expectation of the morning to beginne againe in better manner then before they had done King Lisuart by no meanes would retire as fearing to affright his followers and wholy disharten them and therefore making a vertue of necessity so soone as the night was spent he ordered his battaile so well as hee could determining to die among his men rather then blemish his honor in the least degree Barsinan who led the vantguarde for king Arauigne first gaue the onset with his troupes but before they came to handy blowes many were laide on the earth with the great Ordenance which plaied vpon then without ceasing Neuerthelesse at length they entred fight pell mell and Grisall who was Ensigne bearer to Archalaus was ouer-throwne in this first encounter by Norandell albeit Archalaus laboured his vtmost to releeue him But king Cildadan accompanied with many of his chiefest men began to breake through the prease whereby Barsinan had beene instantly foyled but for the re-enforce which king Arauigne sent by the Duke of Bristoy Now might you haue seen many Launces shiuering in the ayre and both horse foot weltring in their blood on the ground a sight most pitifull to beholde For king Lisuart playing at double or quit attended by the rest of his Armie came vpon the flankes of his enemies and the first hee met withall was the brother to Aluinas whom Florestan slew at the Fountaine of Oliues where the three Damosels were guarded by the Dwarsse whō hee vnhorsed so lubberly that hee brake his necke by his horses falling vpon him Pursuing on his purpose Archalaus espied him who knew him very perfectly and followed on so fast that hee shewed him to Barsinan saying You haue no other worke to doe but instantly to reuenge your fathers shamefull death for that is hee which made him so suffer Then Barsinan called to him ten of his Knights with whom hee came and set
vpon King Lisuart and ouerthrewe him to the ground where hee was enclosed on all sides by Archalaus and a great many more who laboured their very vttermost as hoping to take him But Philipinell with them that had the day before discouered the Armie of Arauigne came and succoured him notwithstanding their lot had fallen soule but for king Cildadan Arquisill Norandell and Brandoryas Now grew the fight fiercer and fiercer for these foure rushed thorough the croudes so boisterously that they bare downe horse man before them and notwithstanding al resistance the enemy could make they remounted the King vpon Norandells horse for he had alighted that the King might haue him Then taking a Sworde in both his hands which he found by good fortune hee performed therewith such extraordinarie deeds of Armes as in meere despite of Barsinan and his followers hee horsed himselfe againe wherein Brandoyuas was no meane help to him Archalaus then wel perceiued that they must needs haue the worst except king Arauigne came vppe with his troupes wherefore hee sent a young Squire of his and bad him goe tell him that hee was much amazed why he should leaue him thus in so serious a businesse The Squire ranne presently and performed his charge but Archalaus answered him that he thus delayed hoping to draw King Lisuart and his men further off from the Cittie that hee might be the more easily encompassed at pleasure But now hee marched on with his squadron which furiously brake in vpon King Lisuarts forces who were then so wearied and few in number as they were repelled to retire euen within the gate of the City where they saued themselues by the meanes of king Cildadan Arban Grumedan Norandell Guillan Arquisill and others who followed in the traine Now if these worthie men declared thus rescuing their greatnesse of spirit you must conceiue that king Lisuart as plainely witnessed that hee forgot not his honour in such a necessity for neuer was any Knight seene that more forwardely aduentured his person to perill then he did nor with more allacrity of courage intending to reuenge his owne death if such should be his fatall disaster And as hee was in this extreamitie Grumedan who carried the standard and King Arban were beaten downe before his face and taken prisoners whereat he became most impatient and with all his force would needs enter into the throng to succour them But some of his beeing more discreetly aduised kept him backe and finding meanes to get him into the Citie and then shut vp the gates So king Arauigne remained master of the field not without great losse of his men which yet were but few in regarde of them belonging to king Lisuart who found then by experience what dismall harme hee had endured by giuing ouer-much credit to the persawsions of Brocadan Gandandell by whose treacherous meanes hee had banished Amadis from his Court and many other worthie Knights for which he now intirely grieued And not without good cause considering what slender hope he had to free himselfe from the danger which round had engirt him By this time king Arauigne was withdrawne into the middest of his troupes to take counsell whether they should now instantly assault the Citie or deferre it till the morning Now as in such affaires opinions are diuerse so some gaue aduice to refresh their people already much wearied Others spake to the contrarie alleadging that they should not permit their enemies thus to rampire in themselues or let them take heart but liuely and without any delay to followe vpon them to encrease their feare and weaken their courage Wherupon king Arauigne commanded Barsinan and the Duke of Bristoy to leade their troupes vp one side of the Citie while he and his gaue the assault on the other and that either side should striue for soonest entrance Then Drums and Trumpets sounded the assault and men on all sides ran to the wals where they found king Lisuart his men with the inhabitants of the Citie that gaue them two or three stout repulses with Harquebuze sâ—oâ—â—e Darts and Crosbowes All which discouraged not King Arauigne a iot but rather did whette him on more and more and had not darke night preuented them king Lisuart had beene shrewdly enforced and the Cittie surprised But the obscurity was so great as they could not discerne one another in regard whereof king Arauigne caused retreate to be sounded hoping to begin againe at the breake of day or else that they within the Citie should yeeld to his mercy CHAP. XXIII How Amadis came to the succour of King Lisuart And of the valiant ouerthnow of King Arauigne BY the precedent chapter you haue heard how the young Gentleman Esplandian Sergill hauing discouered the Armie of Arauigne and doubting that king Lisuart was not strong enough to fight with him made a short returne to Amadis entreating his succour whereto he willingly yeelded Notwithstanding hee could not proceed on so speedily albeit hee trauelled night and day but King Lisuart was fallen into great perill of his person as euer before had happened to him which danger thus befell him only by meanes of vnhappy guides that conducted Amadis and his troupes wandring about mid-night farre out of the way without knowing where they were which much displeased Amadis Hereupon he demanded of them if they were farre from the mountaine or no. The guides answered that in their opinion considering how farre they had alreade gone they could not bee neare wherefore hee commanded Gandalin to ride so farre on either side as hee might reach some matter of discouery Then he got vp on the highest part of all to try if hee could see the fire in king Arauignes Campe beeing led all the way by one of the guides and far they had not gone but Gandalin descried the enemies fires in their Camp which he shewed to the guide demanding of him if now hee could giue them better direction without any more straying wherein he warranted him therefore bad him boldly followe him Returning backe to Amadis they declared what they had seene to his no little contentment as hoping to take king Arauigne napping Moreouer he was partly desirous to let King Lisuart perceiue how willing hee was yet to doe him seruice notwithstanding all his former hatred to him and therefore rode on hard all the night Yet could hee not ariue there so soone but King Arauigne had begunne the assault againe so sharpe and hotly as gaue great danger to them within the Citie because the enemies were become masters of the principall part by meanes whereof they entred in by such numbers as king Lisuart was compelled to betake himselfe to a very little street or passage being followed by some of his chiefest Knights and there he resolued to liue or die rather then hee would yeeld himselfe a prisoner to his proud foe Here began extreamitie to shew it selfe apparantly for like men despairing of any helpe or remidy they
the ancient Adage Grumedan answered king Lisuart smiling I know very wel that whosoeuer contests with you in matters concerning the honour of Amadis shall finde worke enough to doe but much more to defende himselfe if extreamity should question the case by weapons Sir said Amadis Lord Grumedan hath reason to wish mee well for he hath neither friend or kinsman that oweth him more dutie and obedient seruice then I doe and for such a one I am certaine he will acknowledge and esteeme me By this time king Perion drew nearer and nearer and thereupon king Lisuart made forth to meete him whereof Amadis aduertised him by Durin wherefore he commanded his men to march a slowe pace and taking Gastiles Grassandor Brian de Moniaste and Tiron with him left Agraies to conduct the troupes because king Perion wel knew the ill-will he bare to king Lisuart and feared least discourteous language might passe between them at their meeting whereby the purposed peace should bee quite made frustrate So the two Kings went to meete each other giuing the spurre to their horses and embraced together very louingly king Perion speaking thus to king Lisuart My Lord and brother me thinkes your Armour is much impaired since you departed from the camp albeit I am well assured it lay not rusting in your Armourie while the fight lasted betweene your men and mine And for ought I haue heard they that brought it thus out of fashion haue receiued a payment beyond their expectation and little to their liking So they haue answered king Lisuart thankes be giuen therefore to God and the good helpe that you Amadis and these other Knights brought mee in so vrgent a necessitie as I am sure you haue heard already In good faith said king Perion I haue all my lifetime desired that my children might bee yours in peace and true amity I hope replied king Lisuart that so they shall be before wee parte and our kindnesse neuer to faile especially on my behalfe But seeing Prince Agraies not to be one among them hee enquired expresly for him hauing vnderstood his hatred towards him and desirous to reconcile him and make him his friend if possible it might be Whereupon king Perion made answere that hee stayed behinde as a conduct to the rest of the Armie which followed I pray you Sir said king Lisuart that hee may bee sent for because I purpose not to parte from this place before I haue both seene and embraced him My Lord answered Amadis then I my selfe will goe for him It is well aduised quoth king Lisuart because hee will doe more for you then any other whatsoeuer So Amadis rode directly to Agraies whom hee met not farre off and tolde him what you haue heard already earnestly entreating him that forgetting all discontentment hee would goe with him and giue king Lisuart so good lookes as could be My Lord and Cosen said Agraies you know that my liking or disliking lasteth vpon your pleasure and I heartily desire that the succour which you haue giuen him of whom you speake may be better acknowledged then all the better acknowledged then all the former haue been And further I assure you I am content to requit all the wrongs done to you mee and many more meerely offered in despite of you and without any occasion at all Then they rode on together to King Lisuart who so soone as he saw Agraies left all the rest going to embrace him saying Cosen doe you thinke this embracing as dangerous to me as that was which you gaue mee on the day of our last being together Before God Sir replied Agraies I hope to find this much better then the other for I was neuer to my knowledge in the like danger We will talke therof said the King at better leasure But now you see the king my brother tarries for vs let vs goe conduct him to Lubania where I will make you all the best entertainement I can So they returnd to king Perion and tooke the way towards the Citie King Lisuart had receiued diuers wounds in his bodie but the Chirurgions hauing seene them gaue him hope of speedy recouery yet hee kept his bed ten daies together beeing often visited by the Princes and Lords of his owne country as also the other who to delight him had almost no other talke but of the tricks and stratagems of Archalauâ— by meanes whereof hee compassed his purposes especially when hee carried the Princesse Oriana away prisoner and after-warde King Perion Amadis and Florestan by the subtiltie of Dinarda also in what sorte hee escaped from Galaor and Norandell faining himselfe to bee Branfiles Cosen-germaine to Grumedan But most of all his proiect plotted by the helpe of Arauigne against them all which surely had preuailed but that Amadis was the onely hinderance Such accidents answered king Lisuart doe often come to passe by such wicked wretches as hee is who dare endanger themselues in doing euill and therein make their most delight finding the entrance sweete and easie onely by the instigation of the Diuell who depriues them of all apprehension concerning what dishonour may happen to them beside misery of life which makes death much more welcome to them then life can be As Arauigue himselfe hath now some cause to confesse being in the power of his chiefest enemies and may well serue as an example to all other that are to be taxed with the like vice As hee ended these wordes the good olde Hermite Nascian came to them who had softly followed after king Perion and finding the Princes in such peaceable quietnesse praised God for it and the good aduice of young Esplandian causing Amadis to depart so speedily when hee came to the rescue of king Lisuart as king Perion made knowen before them all In troth saide king Lisuart I would gladly know who gaue the youth so good counsell Sir replied Esplandian my father Nascian sent mee to you to tell you what hee had concluded with king Perion but I could not finde you in the Campe wherfore Sergill I passing on further discouered the Armie of king Arauigne as they descended downe the mountaine Then I called to mind what I heard the Queene my Mistresse say at my parting from her that hee was your enemy and fearing what afterwards happened to you I made haste to aduertise Lord Amadis to the end hee might giue you succour as he did Before God sweet youth saide king Lisuart I shall not while I liue forgette so great a blessing happening to mee And folding Esplandian in his arms sweetly kissed him on the cheeke At that time king Gasquilan was brought thither in a Litter hauing softly followed as beeing vnable to sit on horsebacke by reason of the shrewd fall hee had when he would needes trie his manhood against Amadis on the first day when the two battailes met Into a reserued chamber hee was conducted by some of the chiefe in the companie especially Amadis who came saluted him saying
which pleased Grumedan so highly that hee said to the other Knights If you speed no better then your companions haue done I am of the mind that at your returne to Rome they need not breake downe any part of the walls to let in the glory of your triumph Beleeue it Sir answered Gradamor before the sport is ended you shall see a contrary turne of chaunce to his disaduantage that you make so much account of who accidentally hath ouer-throwne two of our friendes I know not said Grumedan what may happen but for ought I yet see he meanes to defend his Shield manfully and conquer yours for cariage of them to the Enclosed Isle as he said not to be placed in ranke of those belonging to loyall loouers but among such Knights as left their armes more vpon compalsion then with their owne good wills Therefore it stands you now vpon and that very needfully to display the strength of your arme that I be not troubled to day to arme my selfe to defend the honor of our knights on whom you haue throwne such foule aspertions and scandalous imputations At these words Gradamor laughed hartely and nodding his head as in derision replied Lord Grumedan it likes you to be pleasant and to imagine mee of no more might or courage then to combate against your brauing speeches bewell assured that before day light shut in I shall make you to repent them I heare you say so answered Grumedan but hee that hath begun to feast your fellowes will dresse a better dish for you before it bee night very much offended was the Queene Sardamira to heare Gradamor contest thus vpon no occasion In this time Florestan had recouered the downe-cast Knights horse and hung his Shield vp by the other Then returning to his first place and taking a new Lance hee stayed the comming of another Then came forth the third knight who with a stearne countenance shooke his staffe so strongly as if he would haue doubled it together and giuing the spurres to his horse ranue against Florestan But Florestan who was one of the most actiue Knights in the world met him with such direct encounter on the Helmet that it fell off from his head and the shocke was so violent as if he had not quickly caught hold about his horse necke hee had falne to the ground Then turning bridle he tooke his Launce by the steele head intending to smite him with the great end thereof but hee turned aside from the blow couering himselfe with his Shield wheron Florestan caught such fast hold that he core it from his neck beating him so often about the pace as hee was enforced to fall downe Where Florestan left him crying out that euery one might heare him By my faith Knight it was ill done of you to beginne so badly with triumphing ouer our Shields at Rome when yours must keepe company with theirs that I must send to the Enclosed Isle The like successe befell to the fourth man who in falling from his horse brake his legge Now there remained none but Gradamor who continuing still his presumptuous speeches said to Grumedan See you bee ready to answere me so soone as I haue disciplinde vonder saucie companion in whose behalfe you haue spoken somewhat too liberally this day and I if I doe not make you to vnsay those words let me neuer here after backe a horse that may bee worthy any thing That will appeare by and by replyed Gramedan but I dare beleeue nothing till I see it and if you come fairly off from the strange Knights entertainement you and I shall haue leysure to talke together the better Gradamor would then returne no answere but in a great rage passed ouer the Riuer and cryed to the Knight to guard himselfe Then Florestan ranne against him and the shocke was so violent betweene them both that Gradamor bended his Shield together but Florestan tooke him at such apt aduantage that hee threw him quite out of his Saddle into a quagmine full of stinking soyle and dirt Now I dare sweare said Gramedan speaking then to the Queene for ought I yet know I shall haue leysure enough to breathe my selfe whâ—… Gradamor haue made cleane his Armour and recovered another bone to deale with me Beleeue me Sir quoth she he hath but badly maintained those great words which he spake to you but hee did like them to whom deâ—serued chastisement is due and therefore you may well hold him excused All this while Gradamor laboured very painfully to get himselfe out of the filthy bogge wherein he feared lest he should bee drowned but at last hee came very fowlly forth so ashamed of his misfortune as death could haue bin more wel-come to him Then â—ooke he off his Helmet for he was almost poisoned with the smell of the puddle as being no way able to endure it And as he stood to recouer breath Florestan in a mocking manner said to him Knight thou that canst skill so well of threatning men that thou knowest not if thou canst handle thy Sword no better then thy Launce thou art not the man that must carry my Shield to Rome as of late thou madst thy brag to doe Before God answered Gradamor mine arme is yet strong and my Sword keeue enough to take reuenge on thee and the very boldest Knight in all Great Brittaine if hee offer mee any iniury as thou shalt presently perceiue if thou darste maintaine the custome of this country against mee Now albeit Florestan was there with much better acquainted then Gradamor could be yet he demaunded of him what it was It is conuenient quoth hee and agreeing with the order of Armes that thou shouldst either restore me my horse or else alight on foote that our manner of fight may be equall then he that shall gaine the better let him deal with his enemy as likes him best without any admission of mercy Trust me replied Florestan I will fulfill thine owne desire although I am well assured that thou wouldst not shew such courtesie to mee if thou hadst mee at the like aduantage as now I haue thee But because it were very vnreasonable that so goodly a Romaine Knight beeing â—oylde with such filth and dirt should make his horsein as bad a case as hee is himselfe I will dismounte from mine at thine entreatie So he alighted on foote and couerieg himselfe with his Shield marched boldly against Gradamor who made no doubt now but to reuenge his iniury very sufficiently The fight began and continued for some while betweene them very sharply and cruell notwithstanding it lasted not long for Florestan who was one of the most skilfull Knights then liuing brought his enemie to such extremity that hee drew him so farre as to the Queenes Pauilion where he fell downe by reason of a mighty stroke deliuered on the toppe of his Helmet and lay so bere ft of al his sences as he could stirre neither hand nor foote Then Florestan set his
saying to her I pray you go to your daughter for notwithstanding all the meanes I can vse to her she will not be sent to the Emperour and I cannot reuoke my promise to the Ambassadours Now you must obserue that the Queene had practised all possible wayes to breake off this intended mariage till such time as at her last mouing the matter the King grew so offended that he charged her to motion it no more except shee meant to endure his heauy displeasure Wherefore as not daring to incense him any further without returning him any answer she went to Oriana whom she found so full of sorrow as none could be more Oriana leaned on her left arme beating her other hand against her brest when the Queen said to her Daughter the king is wonderfully offended with you I pray you be obedient to him seeing all that he doth is for your good and honor Ah Mother quoth she I see now that I am lost for euer for I feel death so nere approching as it is impossible for me to liue any longer Speaking these words she fell down in a swoun and the Queene likewise hard by her which made the Ladies cry out so loud that the King heard it came thither imagining that Oriana was dead indeed But finding it no otherwise then a traunce he would needs haue her caried so aboard the Ship notwithstanding all the Ladies teares mourneful entreaties Being thus brought into the Cabine appointed for her the Ladies were likewise ledde thither that should go with her among whom was Olinda strugling and striuing with all her might crying to the King that she might not be so violently forced and abused Notwithstanding he would not lend her any attention but suffered her so to be hurried thence so great was his distraction of spirit Before they weighed ankers he called to the Prince Saluste Quide and other the choisest of the Ambassadours to whom he recommended his daughter praying them to entreate her in all honourable manner Which they promised to doe and taking a solemne farewell each of other the King returned to his Court and the Romanes launching forth into the Maine soone lost the Coaste of Tagades Oriana not knowing or perceiuing any thing such was her rapture quite from her selfe The Ambassadours to the Emperor had bequeathed Mabila onely to keepe company with her in her Cabine and the Queene Sardamira with the rest of the women were bestowed in another Shippe and so in no litle ioy sayle on the Romanes till at length they descryed on the Sea a great Fleete of Shippes making directly towards them But at the first sight taking them to be either Merchants or some such other peaceable people they made no further reckoning of them By and by they beheld them to diuide into three seuerall bands and make fast on them by the helpe of oares which gaue them good cause to prepare for defence if they should assaile them But I am sure you perceiue that this was the succour for Oriana led by noble Amadis and a great number of worthy Knights as well of the Enclosed Isle as diuers other of his friends thus met together all determining to dye rather then to permit the Ladies to be thus forcibly carried away When they perceiued so many sailes together and in such martiall manner prepared especially for so great a conuoy there grew a iealous doubt among some of them which Amadis perceiuing and fearing lest their suspition might disharten the rest he spake to them in this manner My honorable friends and companions were I not fully assured of the vertue and magnanimity remaining in you I should doubtlesse be slow enough in hazarding the fight against the enemie that comes so strongly prepared for vs. Neuertheles knowing you to be such as you are and alwayes haue beene especially the iust occasion that hath called vs all hether it appeareth to me that we should not insist on the least delay but setting aside all seruile feare goe couragiously to the busines The captiuity of so many desolate Ladies stand as inciting obiects to our eyes and honour calles vs to their rescue by our solemne oathes taken for their freedome Wherefore I earnestly entreate you that we may brauely boord their Ships and make such expression of our duty that setting the Ladies at libertie the conductors of them may carry no tydings to the Emperour No sooner were these wordes thus spoken but Drummes and Trumpets sounded chearefully for the two Fleetes were so neere each to other as there could be no shrinking backe from fight Now Darts Slings Arrowes wilde fire balles and other offensiue engines flew liberally â—â—â—oad and the fight in the beginnâ—… was so fierce as no iudgment could be giuen which side had the better or worse Notwithstanding they of the Enclosed Isle by the meanes of that exquisite Pilot Master Elisabet got before the winde and sunke two or three of the Shippes of the enemie At the very same instant the Ship wherein Agrates and Quedragant were by the meanes of grapling yrons caught hold on that of the Prince Saluste Quide and the men entred into her But if Agraies and Quedragant made ample proofe of their manhood Florestan and Garnate of the Dreadfull Dale did no lesse hauing boarded another Ship hard by For they assailed the Marquesse of Ancona and the Archbishop of Tarente while Amadis fought with the Ship wherein Brandaiell was whereto hee had most minde because it seemed the best disposed and had a goodly Lanterne with great store of Flags and Streamers bearing the armes of the Emperour euen as Admirall of the whole Fleet which made him imagine that the Princesse was there Great and stout resistance was a long while made but Amadis and his followers plyed them so hotly that they cut so many in pieces as they met withall crying out aloud Amadis Amadis Gaule Gaule As he pursued on in this good successe he met with Brandaiell to whom hee gaue such a stroke on the helmet as he ouerthrew him and tearing it from his head made shew as if he would smite it off Alas Sir cryed out Brandaiel take such ransome of me as you please and saue my life Tell me then said Amadis what hast thou done with Oriana You shall finde her quoth 〈◊〉 in this Cabine accompanied â—…ly with Mabila As he was going thither Angriote stept in to whom he gaue the charge of his prisoner and going neere the doore he found it strongly barde with an iron chaine but running with his foot against it he made it violently flye open Mabila being in the Cabine with the Princesse had formerly heard the voyce of Amadis and Gaule and said to Oriana being laide much trobled in mind vpon a rich Couch and had heard nothing al this while of the fight Madame beleeue that heauen hath sent vs helpe for me thinkes I heare your Amadis enquiring for you therefore raise vp your spirits and reioyce At the
very fiercely And here you may be well assured that there was not only sharpe assailing but likewise as manfull defending some beeing grieuously wounded others slaine outright and many troden to death among the horses feet For King Cildadan came freshly in vpon them with a great number of his Irishmen and Gastiles also so well accompanied as heere now was the maine violence of the battaile because both the horse and foot were mingled together Neuerthelesse King Lisuarts side foūd themselues sorely oppressed by reason that Amadis Lasinde Gandalin Balays Landin and diuerse others their followers charged them in the rere and had driuen them to flight but for Floyan who shouldred vppe the re-enforce of the Romanes by him freshly rallied together againe Notwithstanding this hotte resistance lasted not long for Amadis meeting with Floyan slew him in the Emperours presence who hoping to reuenge his death ranne in vpon Amadis who knowing him well enough redoubling his strength only in the hatefull spleene he bore him as the Emperour lifted vp his arme with intent to smite him on the head Amadis aymed at him so directly that hitting iust in the shoulder ioynt hee parted it quite from his body and the griefe therof was so violent to him that instantly hee fell downe dead to the ground By meanes whereof the Romanes growing into great terrour and dismay began to turne their backes flying away so confusedly as neither King Arban or any other beside had power to stay them what-soeuer good wordes they spake vnto them Now did King Lisuart apparantly perceiue that Fortune stood not fauourable for him and his that day and the losse of the battaile could not bee auoided yet notwithstanding desiring rather to die with his sword in his fist than to saue life by a shamefull flight hee would needes enter in among the prease but King Arban staying him spake thus Alas Sir lose not your life desperately and with your owne consent Will you fight alone against a whole Armie doe you not see the Romanes in a confused disorder and the most parte of our owne men discomfited Oh let it please you to retire and saue the rest with whom wee may at some other time better deale with the enemy then now we can doe Wel knew King Lisuart that he spake no otherwise then true wherefore while his people retired he such as hee could best assure remained still vpon the rere defending them-selues against all pursute Slender warrant of safety had this beene to him or them but for Amadis who foreseeing what discontent it would bee to Oriana if the King her father should be vnterly foyled said to King Perion My Lord our enemies flie I pray you without arther hazarding our owne fortune let vs content our selues with the honour wee haue already this day receiued for if wee pursue on after him darke night will ouertake vs and it may bee like desperate men in reuenging their great losse wee may fall into no meane danger Leaue them then to their owne shame and let vs retreat our owne men that are ouer spent and wearie Be it so answered King Perion How said Agrates now that victory sweetely presents herselfe vnto vs shall wee willfully refuse her By God deare Cosen you are well worthie to be no better accounted of then as filly Knight errant Would you replied Amadis haue your men murder one another for lack of others to fight withall Is not the Sunne set and night so neare as if wee should holde on any further in fight wee shall not knowe our enemies from our friends I pray you Sir let vs rest thus satisfied Well knew Agraies to what end Amadis made this excuse wherefore without vrging any further reply in great choller hee turned bridle and gallopt on the other side because Amadis had caused retreate to be sounded Then euery man fell backe and King Perions Armie encamped in the same place where they had fought as a signall of victory hoping the next day to finish finally what they had begunne But soon after an Heralde came to demanded the the Emperours bodie and another truce for foure daies during which time they might bury their dead It was consented vnto contrary to the opinion of many but onely by the meanes of Amadis CHAP. XIX Of the conference which King Lisuart had with the Romanes after the fought battaile And how the holy man Nascian who had nourished Esplandian in his younger yeares hearing of this warre departed from his Hermitage to come to the two Kings to make peace betweene them THe truce confirmed as formerly hath been said King Lisuart gaue commande that the Emperors body shold be brought with the greatest magnificence that could be deuised and so to be placed in his owne Tent. Now because hee stood in some feare that the Romanes would fight no more because their chiefe commander was dead hee resolued to speake vnto them as well to encourage them as to vnderstand how they were affected Hereupon the day following hee sent to entreat Arquisill that hee would conduct them in order of battaile for their better apprehending what hee had to say vnto them Whereunto Arquisill gladly condiscended and hauing assembled them in a goodly meadow King Lisuart came vnto them and placing himselfe in the middle squadron spake as followeth Honorable and worthie friends you haue seene and experimented in these two encounters how Fortune hath showen herselfe our heauie enemy so that in bestowing her frownes on vs shee triumphes in the death of my kinde brother and your royall Master besides many other valiant Knights who by effects in seeking reuenge on his enemies were willing to finde what they sought for because it was the very fairest experience they could make of their vertue for gaining the glory they haue aspired vnto And for their better attaining thereto the hazard of their liues seemed as a matter of no moment vnto them but that it was much more honourable to die in defending themselues valiantly thē to escape by a shamefull recoile So that to auoide falling into such a high dishonour they rather gladly desired by expressing the very greatest magnanimity of courage to endure Fortune then yeeld to feare Nor doe I hereby vrge any taxation against them that haue escaped with life knowing well how worthily they haue all carried themselues but rather to entreate them that in preferring honour before sorrow for the losse of your friends companions you would essay the truce being ended to reuenge their misfortune fighting couragiously against them who swell in heart too proudly of their victory I am verily perswaded that wee ought no lesse expose our selues to hazards and dangers then if wee had preuailed against them as they haue done against vs nor to declare any abatement of courage either in assayling them or defending our selues if fortune should continue her disfauour to vs. Considering that if wee all die here it is an immortall glory to vs and a more honourable