me think you that for fear of death I will refuse to do that whereunto by Knighthood I am bound No no likewise what reason or what excuse should move me being as I am both fresh and well disposed to refuse the Combate alone against one simple Knight I deny not Madam but confess that affection causeth you to use these words and shew the nature of a woman but you must conceive and think with your felf that I answer you as it becometh me prefeirving mine honor before your tears wherefore I beseech you suffer me to take the small vengeance I can upon the villain that hath so much offended me Matroco said the Knight thou reckonest before thine host I would not for al the gold in the world lose such an occasion offered as I now have both for mine honor and advantage Believe me that neither thy mothers tears nor the duty thou owest unto her as being her childe can by any means prolong the end of thee or me if without dissimulation thou dost not by oath promise and assure me to live in as good sort from this time forwards as in times past thou hast lived wickedly Wherefore it were better for thée to make me know by effect the Prowess thou vauntest thy self to have and for me to let thée sée the courtesie which it may be thou shalt finde at my hands if I overcome thée When the Lady perceived that her prayers could take no place she left them and the two Knights began to run one upon the other so bravely and with such fury that King Luisart beholding them thought he never saw so cruel a battel and the which abashed him more was that he could not presume how or in what manner the black Knight had found him in so strange a place and yet he knew him not sometime he thought him to be Amadis but when he remembred the love he bare unto the Lady Oriana that he had newly married he was otherwise perswaded and likewise he remembred very well the Combates he had séen Amadis De Gaule make at Windsore against Dardan le Superbe and after that with Ardan Canile wherein he used all his forces yet were they not comparable to those of the black Knights who as then found himself as fresh and well disposed to fight as if he had not fought all the day before Again when he thought it to be his nephew Esplandian for that Urganda had foreshewed many wonderful things of him he was soon disswaded from that opinion by reason be left him with the Queen his Mother not once séeking to receive the order of Knighthood and although that since his departure out of Britain he might have obtained that honor yet did he estéem it impossble for Esplandian to do so valiantly at the first Further Urganda had always prophesied of him that the first valiant acts he should atchieve should be renowned and spoken of by his strange and fearful navigation in the great Serpent wherein he should be imbarqued and for the black knight he knew he arrived there in a little Barque unfurnished whereby he esteemed it unlikely to be his nephew Esplandian But he thought he never had séen so valiant and and hardy a Knight for the longer he fought the more he wearied and labored Matroco Nevertheless he continued fighting for the space of two hours together before it could be judged who should have the victory but in the end the Giant feeling himself wounded in so many places his armor altogether broken and his shield half cloven in two began to mistrust his own force Wherefore stepping back he stayed his hand and said Knight I pray thee let us breath our selves a while and hear what I will offer thee which cannot be other then to thy honor and advantage With that the Knight stood still and Matroco began to speak saying I wonder sir Knight what moved thee to venture in this manner upon this Rock wherein never any but thy self durst enterprise to come during my Fathers life neither yet sithence that by his death I have been Lord thereof and besides this thy enterprise wherein thou hast done the thing that all others feared to do before thee thou hast also slain three of my friends whereof two of them as I think were the best Knights in their time living on the earth whereby I have just cause to hate thee more then any man living But when I call to minde that thou hast done therein like a valiant and hardy Knight I have some reason to pardon thee and to esteem thee for one of the valiantest Champions that ever I saw in all my life although I have both proved and vanquished many others longer practised in arms and stronger then thy self Wherefore if the onely cause of thy arrival in this place was to deliver the King that looketh on us I am content thou take and lead him hence in safety and for the same cause likewise I quit thee of the combate upon condition that without longer sojourning here thou shalt presently depart out of this castle that belongeth unto me When the black Knight had â—eard him be answered him and said Giant as far as I perceive thou esteemest it a great enterprise that I have done to come hither and finde thee here within thy Castle where by me those that thou so much lamentest have been slain but if thou knowest the master that I serve to whom as duty bindeth me I am obedient thou shouldst presently perceive and plainly see this enterprise by thee estéemed much to be nothing in comparison of that he is able to do and bring to pass for that from him onely and none other procéedeth all whatsoever I have done whereby of good right the glory belongeth unto him and to the contrary you that are idolaters serve thâ—se that are accustomed to rock and lull you asléep in all kind of vices cruelties outrages thefts murthers and infinite other wickedness which for a time do prosper with you whereby you live in honor riches and all worldly pleasures and so are nusted in all filthiness but surely such manner of life may well be compared to buildings erected upon the sands that cannot continue long but are most sure to have an evil end even then when they are esteemed to be at the top of all their worldly felicity like as it happened unto Lucifer and his fellows whereof it may be thou hast heard spoken Nevertheless if thou wilt acknowledge thy former life and of a wicked wretch as thou hast always lived become a vertuous Knight and as thou hast béen most cruel and inhumane become courteous and pitiful forsaking thy vain and foolish faith to believe in my God who is the most true and mighty Lord of all Lords I will not onely pardon thée the Combate whereof thou hast the worst but will leave thée thy castle frée unto thy self so wil be thy friend upon condition nevertheless that from hence forth both thou
ships flying towards Tartaria in all the haste they could whereof the Emperor of Constantinople being advertised sent Frandalo and divers Gallies with him to follow them but all in vain in the mean time the hurt Knights and soldiers were brought into the City and the dead buried each according to his degree wherein the Emperor shewed great affection especially as touching the burial of the Kings Perion and Luisart for whom Esplandian coming to the Empire and those that succeeded after him caused two Pyramides to be made not any thing inferior to those which sometime were erected in the City of Memphis as well for the Kings Miris Chemnis as others and hard by them they buried the bodies of the valiant knights Balan Helian Polimner Enil Grumedan the good old man and divers other knights that died in that battel fighting in the defence of the faith of Iesus Christ with whom their blessed souls do now remain in joy And because no mention hath béen made of Quéen Calafre since her captivity neither of the aid that she had brought unto the Pagan kings it séemeth th◠reason that I should declare the occasion why her women fought not with the rest you must understand that the Quéen perceiving her in one day to be taken not onely with the love of the knight Esplandian but by the force of his father king Amadis not long after she had béen in the company of the Princess Leonorine to whom Gandalin brought her she sent unto her Sister Lyote to will her with her women to return to sea keeping a part from all the Pagans without once stirring from thence for any thing whatsoever should fall till she received further news from her which was partly the cause of the enemies overthrow for they doubting some treason being separated in that sort from that time forward were in some fear and in greater suspition than before and not without cause for that if Lyote had aided king Armato both by sea and land as she might have done if her sister had not forbidden her it is likely her esquadron of women being twenty thousand strong and somewhat more had done great mischief to the Christians but God of his goodness provided better for them CHAP. LIIII How after the Pagans were driven out of Thrace the Emperor of Constantinople renouncing his Empire invested Esplandian therewith marrying him to his daughter the princess Leonorine THe Obsequies and Funerals of the Kings Princes Lords and others that died in the battel being finished the wounded cured and all things set at rest the Emperor of Constantinople knowing that Amadis and those that were come with him from the Western parts would return again into their countries desired them to assemble shewing them that his meaning was to let them know what he determined to do before they went from thence The next day in the morning they all met in the Emperors great hall and he standing in the middest spake unto them and said My brethren Lords and good friends the bond wherein I stand bounden unto you is so great that although it hath pleased God to make me Emperor of all Grecia yet I am well assured it is far beyond my poor ability to satisfie you for the same estéeming the honor and riches that I now have next under God be it little or much to procéed from you I am now thréescore years of age wholly aged and decrepit by reason of the pains that in my youthful years I have continually taken in following arms so it is I have but one child which is a Daughter the onely staff and hope of my old years whom I have determined if you think good to give in marriage unto the valiant Knight Esplandian and with her likewise to invest him with the Empire and Government of all my Countreys And the better to live solitarily and to separate my self from worldly company I have determined to go with the Emperess my Wife into the Monastery that I caused to be made there to live religiously calling upon God and doing pennance for the evils I have committed heretofore Wherefore my good Lord and friends I pray you if this my determination like you well let every man give consent and you first said he unto king Amadis to whom the matter toucheth nearer than to any of the rest as being father and son My Lord said he my son shall do as you command him I will tell you said the Emperor I remember that among other Prophecies which ought to happen in this our time there is one that maketh me as I think agrée with you in one consent Esplandian hath on his body as I have understood certain characters which shew his name and others that in no wise can be read but only by the woman that is ordained to be his wife let us now sée if it be my daughter or not with that he sent for the Princess Leonorine who being brought thither by the Emperess and divers other Ladies the Emperor desired Esplandian to open his doublet and shew them the letters he had born upon his body from his mothers womb which he refused not but before them all shewed them openly where every man might easily perceive the white characters containing this word Esplandian but they could not know the red wherefore the Emperor caused his Daughter to come néer asking her what she could do therein My Lord said she not long before Melie betrayed Urganda she and I being alone in my chamber she sent to fetch one of the books that had bin taken from her covered with gold whereon the Enchantress was engraven and I remember that I saw therein the like characters that Esplandian beareth on his body and over them their signification which is nothing else but his name and mine Daughter said the Emperor if you have the book still cause it to be brought hither whereunto she obeyed The book being brought she shewed him the place that Melie had read unto her containing that which followeth The happy knight that shal conquer the sword and the great treasure inchanted by me shall from his mothers womb bear his name in white characters and the name of her that shal be his wife in red characters upon his body which red characters shal be so difficult to understand that no man living in that time how wise or learned soever he be shall express the same without he see this book which will teach him what the seven characters do signifie representing the seven words that follow Leonorine Daughter of the Emperor of Greece In good faith said the Emperor here is a strange case and sheweth well that the Enchantress Lady had more knowledge in art magick then any that lived in her time séeing my daughter hath so well divined I am determined that you said he to the Archbishop of Thrace do grant unto Esplandian that which nature before his birth had promised to him which is my daughter Leonorine By which means
did them wrong and likewise if any man would accuse Leonorine of folly or inconstancy I answer him again that she is most easily to be excused both of the one and the other for although she never had séen Espladian before that time and that in reason she should have known him better before she shewed her self so private unto him you must suppose as it is true that love had of long time before so well ingraven him in her minde that she ceased not to sée him every day with her inward eyes And as Nature had studied to make her most perfect in all perfections whatsoever love had likewise taken pleasure to make her the best beloved and the truest lover that ever was before her time Wherefore it is not to be marvelled if at the first she shewed so good a countenance to her friend considering the pain and grief she had endured since the time Carmelle brought her news These two lovers being thus before each other Esplandian still knéeling séemed to be ravish'd that quéen Minoresse could not refrain to say to Leonorine Madam me thinks you should do well to command the Knight to rise up and lead him into your chamber where you may talk together while the night endureth if you think good but to let him knéel still on the ground in good faith it is not well My good friend said Leonorine he hath fled from us for almost two years together now I mean to kéep him so néer me that she shall not easily escape away with that she took him by the hand to lift him up but he would not stir but said unto her Madam Gastilles not long since sent me word being at Alfarin that you were much offended with me I pray you shew me the cause for if ever I committed fault against you it hath bin onely in loving you with all my heart as I am bound to do Nevertheless if in your advise I séem to have presumed over-much pardon me I pray you and give me what punishment you shall think good My friend said she your absence hath procured me so great cause of grief that I both pray you and command you from henceforth not to absent your self from me long again Madam said Esplandian having with your leave made another voyage to my companions that may think ill of me leaving them in their chiefest néed to come hither for my pleasure I swear unto you of my faith I will never offend you more in that manner or any other way whatsoever I am content to grant you that said she so you return as soon as possible you may And for the rest I will that from henceforth you love me in such sort that not any other but my self shall have power over you and that you be my Knight Now I pray you stand up and I will shew you further of my mind With that Esplandian rose up and Leonorine taking him by the right hand led him into her chamber where she set him a chair and she sat by him there they began to shew the pains each of them had indured in what manner their love did first begin who was the mean thereof and the end whereunto they pretended which was their future marriage In which discourse they grew into such alterations that if quéen Minoresse had not béen there as witness to their talk considering the heat they then were in I think not but in time they would have easily procéeded to a further matter In that manner the two lovers passed the night till day began to appear which Quéen Minoresse perceiving went to Leonorine and said unto her Madam the secretest follies are always best it is almost day and it may be the Empress may send some one of her women or come her self in person to visit you for that yesternight very late it was told her you were not well I pray you give this knight leave to depart and let us shut him in the Chest as we found him at the first Alas how hard were those words unto Esplandian and no less unto the Princess who foreséeing the danger that might fall out if they were sound together said unto him My good friend this happy night that hath favored us so much shall cause you if you think good to remember the promise you have made unto me I pray you let me sée you again as soon as possibly you may And as she ended those words the Quéen that stood as a stout watch heard some body come up the stairs wherewith being in great fear she told the Princess Lenorine which made Esplandian presently go into the other chamber and without having time to take any longer farewel laid himself down into the Cedar Chest yet Leonorine could not abstain but must of force kiss him before he was shut in and as they laid the Christal Plate upon the tomb Carmelle knocked at the door and with her Gandalin and Enil and the rest of the company that the night before had brought him thither With that Quéen Minoresse opened the door and they entering in the chamber Carmelle saw Leonorine that came unto her to whom after she had done her reverence she said Madam I am commanded by him that sent me unto you not to stay any longer here is it not your pleasure to give me leave to depart and cause the chest to be delivered unto me according to your promise Gentlewoman said the Princess I have made you promise thereof and I will kéep it althâ—ugh I had rather it should stay together as it is then to separate it asunder Take it when you will you shall find it in the same place where yesternight you caused it to be set with that the Ladies and gentlewomen being advertised of her rising came into her chamber which hindered Leonorine to speak so secretly with Carmelle as she would have done but onely gave her the key of the chest which she caused to be taken out of the tomb that done Gâ—ndalin and Enil and the two Squires took it up betwéen them and carried it away Leonorine saying to Carmelle I pray you thank the knight in my behalf that hath had me in so good remembrance And find the means if it be possible that according to the promise and messages he hath often sent unto the Emperor part whereof have bin done by your self he will as soon as he can come hither to sée us Madam said she I will do it with all my heart as she that desireth to please serve and obey you Fail not then said the Princess and so God have you in his kéeping That done Carmelle followed them that carried Esplandian leaving Leonorine accompanied both with joy sadness with joy to have séen him that she held dearer then her self and with sadness for his so sudden departure But the hope she had of his spéedy return eased her grief much Carmelle having brought her purpose to pass as you heard before desiring not to omit any thing
the great Serpent were among them Wherefore said Norandel I bring him said she a letter from the chief and most courteous knight in all Asia Norandel desirous to understand the contents of the letter said he was the man Then look upon it said she at your leisure And if you think it good return an answer with that she turned her horse and rid the same way that she came Which done Norandel opened the letter the contents whereof are these ROdrigue Great Souldan of Liquie Friend to the gods and Enemy to their Enemies Defender of the Pagan Law To thee that callest thy self Knight of the Great Serpent greeting Know thou that the cause of our long Voyage by Sea to enter into these Countries hath been in hope to be revenged of the Outrages that my Uncle Armato King of Turky hath received at the hands of thee and thy companions not having once offended thee and although we are most sure of the destruction of the wicked Emperor that favoureth thee in thy so wicked and damnable enterprizes and that before long time be past both he and his shall end their lives by our hands yet should I be much grieved that this misfortune should happen unto thee before I have proved my body against thine because of the renown that is spread of thee throughout the world Wherefore chuse whether thou wilt accept of the Combate between us two alone of ten to ten a hundred to a hundred or of greater number as thou thinkest good Swearing unto thee by all our gods that those thou shalt bring with thee for that cause shall receive no more displeasure than thy self unless it be by such as are ordained to fight with them according to the Agreement we shall make Wherefore make me an answer worthy such a Knight that thereby thy honor be not stained Norandel having read this Letter shewed it to his friends who were all of advice to grant the Souldan his request But Norandel would determine nothing before he made the Emperor acquainted under whose conduct during the siege he had submitted himself whereupon he went to speak with him and having shewed him the Contents of the Letter he had received in Esplandians name and the counsel of his companions the Emperor asked him what he thought therein My Lord said he if it pleaseth you that I and nine others which I will chuse shall undertake this combate you shall do us much favor My good friend said the Emperor you sée the estate wherein I am and the time wherein I ought to kéep not onely you and others wherein I put my whole affiance but the meanest souldier in this City Nevertheless I wil so much agrée unto your will that if you and your companions think it good I am content you do it My Lord said Norandel both I and they most humbly crave it of your Grace Well then said the Emperor if it pleaseth God you shall win honor thereby as you have done before in many as perillous adventures as this is Norandel thanked the Emperor and the same day caused his Knights of Great Brittain to be assembled together by whose advice there was an Answer framed to the Souldans Letter the contents whereof do follow THe Knights that are servants to Jesus Christ being at this time with the Emperor of Constantinople for the defence and augmentation of the Christians name to thee Rodrigue Souldan of Liquy like greeting thou hast sent unto the Knight of the great Serpent A Gentlewoman that saith she belongeth unto thee that hath given us a Letter directed unto him the contents whereof are in two points In the first thou complainest of the enterprises he hath made against thine uncle King Armato in the other thou shewest a desire thou hast to prove thy person against his or a greater number against a greater as he shall think it good But for that the Knight thou writest unto at this present is not here nor in place whereas he can return thee answer we thought it convenient in his behalf to satisfie thy request and to accept the offers thou hast made unto him assuring thee that here is the son of a King and nine other Knights with him that will fight with thee and as many more of thine if thou be content therewith Advise thy self then herein and having received thy answer with safe conduct safely to go and come we will not fail to be in the place where you shall appoint This Letter sealed up Norandel gave it to one of his squires to bear it to the Souldan who made him answer that he desired onely to prove his body against the Knight of the great Serpent and no other But said he if those that sent you hither have any desire to fight against ten of my Knights they shall finde them ready being as great gentlemen and of as high a linage as they are And as touching their safe conduct I will so well provide for it that they shall have occasion to think well of me wherefore return thou unto them and let me know their answer With that the Squire having his dispatch went and came so often betwéen them that in the end the combate of ten to ten was fully agréed upon and the Lists appointed hard before the Town whither the next morning the ten Knights went whose names were as followeth Norandel Garvate of the dreadful Dale Talanque Manley Ambor de Galdel Elian le Delibere Bravor son of Balan Trion cousin german to Quéen Briolany Imosil de Burgoigne and Listoran of the silver bridge CHAP. XLIX How the ten Christian Knights entred into the Lists and of the Combate between them and ten Pagan knights that belonged to the Souldan of Liquie ALl that night the ten Knights watched in the principallest Church of Constantinople confessing themselves and praying unto God as if they should presently die The next day as the Sun began to appear the Emperor accompanied of divers Noblemen the Emperess the Princess Leonorine Quéen Minoresse with divers other Ladies and Gentlewomen came unto them where they heard Masse devoutly that done they returned unto the Pallace where Norandel and his nine companions armed themselves the Ladies serving them for squires in such sort as Norandel received such favor at Quéen Minoresses hands that she sound means to help to buckle on every piece of his Armor one after the other As she was busie about him he found means to say unto her Madam the honor that you do me maketh me so couragious that this day I hope to make it known to those that shall behold us fight how much my strength is now increased by your means But if it pleaseth you to bestow some favor upon me that I might bear the same about my Armor I should account my self for one of the most happy Knights living on the earth My good friend said she the most precious Iewel that I can give unto you is my heart that shall accâ—mpany yours to
THE FIFTH BOOK OF THE Most Pleasant and Delectable HISTORY OF AMADIS De GAULE Containing the first Part of the most strange valiant and worthy Acts of ESPLANDIAN Son to Amadis De Gaule As his strange sayling in the Great Serpent the Winning of his Sword the Conquest of the Castle of The Defended Mountain His Warres with Armato King of Turky his Love to Leonorine Daughter to the Emperor of Constantinople with divers Services done in her behalf The Besieging of Constantinople by the Turks and Pagans with their Overthrow by the Princes His Marriage with Leonorine his Investing in the Empire of GREECE And lastly His Inchantment with divers other Princes in the Pallace of Apollidon devised by Vrganda London Printed by T. J. for Andrew Kembe at St Margarets-Hill in Southwark and Charls Tyus at the Three Bibles on London-Bridge 1664. THE PRINTER TO THE READER Courteous Reader IT is not long since I printed the History of Palladine of England in the Advertisement whereof I promised the sudden publishing of this which is now perfected and I now intend to proceed in the performance of what I therein further promised which was not onely to proceed in the printing and publishing of more Parts of this History but also in publishing that so much desired and long-expected Piece called The Second Part of Don Bellianis of Greece which I now assure you is in the Press and will be finished about a month hence And the Author of that hath proceeded not onely in continuing that History in a third Part which I am confident will be very pleasant and delightful but also in translating more parts of this excellent History which shall all be published with all convenient expedition And now Gentle Reader hoping that the Book-seller and my self shall receive so good Encouragement in these Pieces already published that we shall not have occasion to repent our selves of our pains cost and trouble which is all intended for thy delight I remain thine in all friendship T. J. THE FIFTH BOOK OF AMADIS DE GAULE Containing part of the valiant Acts of Esplandian his Son and others CHAP. I. How Esplandian sleeping in the great Serpent when he awaked he found himself to be at the foot of the Rock of the Enchauntress and what happened unto him ESplandian that had fallen asleep in the Serpent by means of the melodious noise of trumpets that the six Gentlewomen sounded along the shoar after he had received the order of Knighthood as it hath béen declared unto you in the end of our fourth book when he awaked was much abashed that he saw not any of the company that were there present when the Giant Balan dubbed him Knight but found himself alone betwéen the wings of that monstrous beast at the â—oot of a rock unknown to him which rock was so high that he thought it impossible to climb up but he was perswaded that Urganda la Descogneve whose works and enterprises were most wonderful had ordained it to be so and thereupon he comforted himself going down into the body of the ship where the day before that great assembly had béen but he found no man and séeking further he went into the chappel where he espied Sergil his squire fast sléeping and hard by him two old men with rolls on their heads apparelled like Turks with that he went to Sergil and with his foot gave him such a thrust that on a sudden he started up and speaking to his master as though he had never seen him before asked him what he meant whereat Esplandian began to laugh and said unto him Good God Sergil hast thou béen in my company all thy life time and knowest me no better and taking him by the hand he drew him in such manner to him that therewith he awaked much ashamed to have committed such a fault whereof séeking to excuse himself he said unto his master By my faith sir I was so fast asléep when you called me that I neither remembered you nor my self and I am now more a bashed then I was before to think how I fell into so sound a sléep That cannot I tell answered Esplandian although as much hath happened unto me Then he told him that he had slept and when he awaked he found himself alone betwéen the wings of the Serpent without any of the company that were with him when he received the order of Knighthood and now said he we are arrived at the foot of the highest rock that ever I saw and withal it is so hard and difficult to climb up that I can finde neither path nor way how to do it yet have I beheld it long but as I perce give it is environed with the Sea in such manner that consider in the scituation of the place I certainly believe it is the Rock of the Enchauntress whereof in times past thou hast heard by Amadis my father And as they were in this manner speaking Sergil heard the two old men snort that as yet they had not once perceived and demanded of Esplandian if he knew them not As God help me no said Esplandian for as far as I remember I never saw them before but I judge that Urganda hath left them here to help us if we need I pray you said Sergil let us awake them then he called them so loud that they rose up Esplandian asking them who brought them thither but they made signs that they could not speak It was then about twelve of the clock and Esplandian would willingly have eaten if he had found meat and said unto Sergil Friend never in all my life had I so good an appetite to eat as I have now but I doubt we shall find no victuals in the ship I pray the Sergil let us go sée for as I perceive if we trust unto these dumb men we are like to fare but hardly but the dumb men perceived well what he meant wherefore going out of the chappel they entred into a chamber that joined to the hall from whence they presently returned bringing with them such quantity of meat that Esplandian and Sergil were never better satisfied in all their lives having dyned and the tables uncovered they went into the place where Esplandian had slept from whence he shewed Sergil the rock whereof he had told him before saying Assure thy self Sergil séeing the serpent stirreth not from hence it is a sign that I must go upon this high rock to sée if there be any adventures and if I can bring them to an end I know not answered Sergil what you will do but if you trust to the counsel of our dumb men we shall stay long enough here before we have any words of them Let us land said Esplandian and with that he made signs to the old men that they should hoise out the boat whereunto they willingly obeyed which done the first that entred was Sergil then Esplandian armed in the same armour he ware when the great Balan dubbed him
unto him Thou accursed slave is it thou that so cowardly hath slain my uncle my brother and the porter of the Castle When the Knight heard him he answered him and said I have done my endeavor to make thee know that it belongeth not to such as thou art either to imprison Kings or to molest and grieve so many men as continually thou doest By all my Gods said Matroco fortune favoreth thee too much when at my arrival I finde thee armed with the walls of this my Castle for if I had thee here upon the shore I would soon send thee fishing into the Sea as I have done many other rash and bold fools like thy self that hast enterprised without cause to inforce my Castle but if I continue here ten years together I will never depart hence till I have thee in my hands then shalt thou know how I use to handle such as thou art Stay a while said the black Knight there is much more difference between saying and doing then there is distance of place betwéen thée and me Thy threatnings make me more assured wherefore now I fear thée lesser then I did before and that thou mayest well know it to be so take thy choice whether I shall come down to sight with thée or thou come up to me Then shalt thou plainly sée to whom God will give the victory either to thée that trustest in thy own strength or to me that trust onely in him The greatest oxen and the fattest bulls are oftentimes brought unto the slaughter as well as lesser beasts So thou great beast I advise thée to remember thy former life before worse happen unto thée forsaking thy accursed faith which thou now holdest and with might maintainest otherwise be thou assured the wrath of God will fall upon thée as it hath already done upon thy friends That shall be séen said Matroco and if thou hast the courage to stay for me I assure thee thou wilt be glad to deny the villainous words thou now hast uttered Therefore cause the gate to be opened for seeing thou puttest me to my choice I will come up to thee were it into the dungeon from whence thou hast delivered that villain standing by thee and therewith leaving his company behind him being all armed he began to mount up the Rock and went unto the Castle but when he came to the Iron-gate which he found open because the watch had left it and were gone and saw Argantes lying dead he was in a manner out of his wits nâ—t so much for the prowess he knew to be in him as that he had from his youth béen nourished and bred up in the Castle by the Giant his Father Nevertheless he dissembled his grief hoping to be revenged at his pleasure and going further in an other place he found the Giant armed all in green dead and freshly bléeding wherewith he was so moved that he stayed and stood still and casting forth a great sigh began to cry out and said alas Arcalaus my good Vncle how néer doth the loss of thée go to my heart wheresoever it had happened but especially being done within mine own Castle wherein I thought long time to live and make merry with thee Alas is fortune so cruel unto thée that after so many travels and dangerous adventures with infinite perils that in the flower of thy youth thou hast sustained thou must in thine old years come and receive so cruel a death within my house which I esteemed as an assured hold and defence not onely for me but for thee and the rest of our kindred and friends O immortal Gods what vengeance can I take upon the Traitor that hath so much offended me seeing that to cause him to die each day a hundred times were nothing in respect of the mischief he hath done unto me At the least if it were Amadis De Gaule so much esteemed of all men or any of his two brethren or all they three together my grief would be somewhat eased by reason of the sorrows I would cause them to indure But what Now I am constrained to fight against one alone who by reason considering the travel he hath taken all this day ought already to esteem himself overcome and vanquished What glory then can I obtain by winning victory against him Truly as much as if I sought against a simple woman being as by nature she is both weak and feeble so he unworthy of my presence will be much prouder if I do but make a countenance to fight with him nevertheless what blot sâ—ever may happen unto mine honor of force he must die In this manner did the Giant lament over the body of Arcalaus his dead Vncle not moving from thence till at last he perceived the black Knight that stood to hear him wherewith being somewhat ashamed he marched towards him thinking without hinderance to enter into the dungeon but he found the black Knight at the gate that boldly thrust him back and said unto him Thou brutish and unreasomable beast thinkest thou to enter in by force Whereat the Giant all abashed stayed without and said Thou biddest me to come up have I then done thee wrong to come at thy commandment No said the Knight but beholding thy countenance it seemeth thou wouldest enter by authority and therewith stepping aside he said Now come in and do what thou canst When the old woman with whom King Luisart talked perceived them ready to fight in great fear she ran out of the Hall and fell down at her Sons feet crying out and said Alas Matroco I pray thee and by the duty a childe oweth unto the mother I command thee not to enter into this Combate for thou knowest well that of all thy brethren thou art onely left alive wherewith my heart is so grieved that had it not been for the love I bear thee thou hadst found me now at thy return in as pitiful estate as thou seest thy brother Frerion neither is there any woman at this present living in the world that ought with better reason to wish for death then I. Alas what fortune is this that now again I must renew the sorrows which both time and long patience as I thought had buried in oblivion Alas miserable woman that I am I onely have forged the weapon that hath given the wound whereby at this present I receive this dammage for upon the day of my husbands decease thinking to revenge the grief that my soul sustained I have to the contrary advanced mine own shame and utter ruine justly receiving the reward that belongeth unto such as refusing the better part think to remedy one mischief by procuring a worse upon themselves Madam said the Giant if at this present you have received great loss by the death of some of your friends nevertheless you ought not to take it so offensively seeing they have ended their days in honorable Combate as behoveth all worthy Knights such as they were And as for
I shall imploy our forces to overthrow and destroy all those that as thy self do walk in darkness from whence if thou wilt believe me thou shalt come out This answer of the black Knight moved the Giant in such manner that like a wilde Bear he began to fome at the mouth and said unto the Knight Thou accursed wretch and of all others the most vile doest thou so little estéem my force that thou thinkest me already overcome and vanquished And therewith he pulled away the pieces of his Shield that hung about his neck and threw them on the ground and taking his sword in both his hands he struck at the black Knight thinking to cleave his head but he perceiving the stroke stepped under the blow and closed with the Giant whereby the sword passing over his head hir upon the pavement with so great force that it brake in pieces and therewith the pummel fell out of his hand so that the two Knights being closed together could not hurt one the other but with their fists or pummels of their swords whereby the black Knight much grieved the Giant before he could finde the means to recover the handle of his sword but in the end he found means to unlose himself from the Knight and as he recoiled back shunning the fury of his enemy the old woman séeing her son in so great danger went between them and wéeping most bitterly said unto the Knight Alas Gentleman if ever you came of woman or have compassion of a poor widows estate I beséech you for the honor of him in whom you believe to pity my misery and leaving me this onely son content your self with the death of those that most cruelly you have slain before my face Lady said the Knight then cause him to ask mercy and he shall finde it in me otherwise you labor but in vain To ask mercy of thée said the Giant I can never be dishonored thereby knowing it by experience to be most true that such power and strength as I I finde in thée cometh not from thy self but proceedeth and is onely caused by the favor of thy God for without his help thou hadst no more béen able to endure against me than straw against the flaming fire therefore it were great folly in me to fight both against God and man but I had rather perceiving my end to approach ask him mercy and forgiveness then believe any longer in those in whom I have hitherto put my trust whereof I am right sorry so that whether I fight or fight not or whether I live or die I protest and make a vow from henceforth never to worship other then Iesus Christ thy Lord and Master Meanest thou as thou sayest said the Knight I truly answered Matroco and therewith kneeling on the ground and lifting both his eyes and hands unto heaven he cryed out and said Jesus the Son of the Virgin Mary I most certainly believe thee to be the onely infallible true and living God and that all others whom during my life I have worshipped and adored are of no power wherefore forsaking their false doctrine to worship thee according to thy holy Law I most humbly beseech thee to be merciful unto me and making the sign of the Cross upon the ground he stooped down and kissed it Which the black Knight beholding for joy thanked God with all his heart taking his sword by the point presented the handle to Matroco saying unto him Truly valiant Knight among so many triumphant victories that in times past you have obtained there never happened any one so honorable as this for that herein you have not onely vanquished me but your self also that for strength of body are invincible wherefore as a victorious Knight I present my sword unto you It shall not be so said Matroco but the contrary for I being vanquished submit my self unto your pleasure and from this time forwards dispose of me my goods and honor as you shall think convenient I pray you then said the black Knight have pity upon the poor prisoners that even now I saw bound within your Gallies and let them be sent for hither that I might speak with them With all my heart said the Giant and therewith calling his mother said unto her Madam I pray you send down unto the ships to fetch the prisoners that the Knight desireth to sée and let none of my men set foot on land till I send them further Commission which she presently did But when Master Elizabeth Libee and the rest of the prisoners heard the message they made no little sorrow thinking the best comfort they could have would be a most miserable and cruel imprisonment but when they entred the first gate of the Castle where the Porter and Arcalaus lay dead they were somewhat revived and in better hope than at the first especially when they saw the black Knight that came to meet them who without making himself known to any but to Master Elizabeth took him by the hand and said unto him My good friend because I will not that any but you alone shall know who I am I pray you in the morning come and â—isit me in an Hermitage that standeth at the foot of this hill where I will stay for you in the mean time you shall find King Luisart in the Castle who I leave behinde me but as you love your life be secret and tell him not who I am Master Elizabeth was much abashed when he knew him to be Esplandian and willingly would have had more conference with him had it not bin for the charge he had given him before as also that at the same time a Gentlewoman came unto him and said Sir Knight if ever you will sée Matroco alive make haste and come unto him for he is even now fallen upon the ground and as I think is dead he hath lost so much of his blood Go said he to Master Elizabeth and help him what you can for your help will do him more pleasure at this time than my presence can comfort him wherewith he left Master Elizabeth with the Gentlewoman and went unto the Hermitage where the night before he had lodged but he got not thither before the Sun went down being so weary and sore with fighting all the day that he could not go further where he found the Hermit and the dumb man fitting together by whom he was presently unarmed and meat set before him for all that day he had not eaten and having supped they layed him in a bed where the Hermits daughter when she came to sée her Father used to lie and visiting his body to see if he were hurt they found it much bruised and black in divers places but not wounded by reason of the goodness of his Armor which no Sword or other weapon could pierce then they annointed him with certain ointments that appeased the soreness of his bruises wherewith he fell on sleep till the next morning CHAP. VI.
into his heart that oftentimes he changed colour but for the time he covered his intent as much as he could and entering into another matter asked master Elizabeth how he found the means to leave King Luisart As well as I would wish said he for as soon as he had dined he lay down to sléep in the mean time I came hither to you I pray you said the Knight let him know nothing touching me And wherefore said master Elizabeth will you hide your self from him séeing there is no Prince living in the world worthier then he to be honored and served of all good Knights It is true said the Knight but I have done so little as yet that I am ashamed he should hear no better news of me séeing I am in hope that in time I shall do great matters which of themselves will set forth my renown without the praise of other men Séeing it is your pleasure said master Elizabeth I will do so although it would rejoyce him much to hear that such unexpected aid should come unto him onely by your means That shall be at another time said the Knight and not now Wherefore lest he should miss you when he awaketh I pray you return unto the Castle and when you sée convenient time come hither again to visit me Wherewith master Elizabeth took his leave vidding him farewel and went the same day he came towards the Castle CHAP. IX How Carmelle the Hermits Daughter found the black Knight sleeping in the Hermitage and thinking to kill him perceiving him so fair she fell in love with him MAster Elizabeth gone from the Hermitage where he left the black Knight went so fast and made such haste that he came again unto the Castle not missed of any yet the King was awake before he came who leaning in a window and séeing him below in the Court asked him if he had slept No and it liketh your Grace said he I have béen abroad walking along the country which I finde environed with the goodliest meddows that ever were séen come up hither said the King and we will talk with you but he was no sooner entred into the Chamber when Carmelle the Hermites Daughter came to the King and knéeling down before him said May it please your Grace to entertain me into your service that am one of your natural subjects and will be during life wherewith the King took her up and said Gentlewoman if you desire any thing at my hands assure your self it shall not be denyed for I did never during my life but honor and pleasure such as you are and although such favors have oftentimes turned to my great trouble therein do I blame no man but my self for that God justly sendeth both good and evil when where and to whom it pleaseth him wherefore I pray you shew me who you are Then Carmelle made a long discourse how from her youth upwards she had served her mistriss Arcabonne and what occasion moved her father to become an Hermit as you heard before Truly Gentlewoman said the King if you will return into great Britain I will take you with me I will do said she what your Grace commandeth in the mean time I pray you grant me leave to give my father intelligence who you are for he will be most ready and glad to do your Grace service With a good will said the King and tell him I desire to sée him wherewith Carmelle thanked his Grace and because it was late she went again into her Chamber till the next morning that she rose and issuing out of the Castle about break of the day went down a certain path she ordinarily used to go whereby she came into the Hermitage at such time as the Hermite and the dumb man were gone to the Barque to fetch such necessaries as the black Knight wanted who in the mean time slept in his bed for after that master Elizabeth had given him intelligence what the Princess Leonorine had said he could not rest till the very same time when she entered into her Fathers cell wherein she found him and not doubting any thing went into the Chamber where she heard the black Knight sâ—ort wherewith being abashed she opened the window and perceived him asléep his Sword hanging at his beds-head which she took down and softly drew out of the Scabberd finding it freshly spotted with blood whereupon she suspected it was he that had slain Frerion Matroco and others in the Castle and as she looked about her she knew his black Armor wherewith she was in such a fear that she had almost fallen down and let the Sword fall out of her hands but taking courage she went néerer to the bed to know him better being fully determined if it were he to kill him as he lay and therewith began by little and little to uncover his face but he shewed so fair that suddenly the fury she had changed into so burning a love that during her life it was never quenched in such manner that the more she beheld him the more did her love increase and as he fell on sléep when his minde was busied with the imagination conceived of Leonorine after Carmelle had beheld him long he turned towards her and without waking cast forth a great sigh saying in his sléep Alas poor wretch what shall become of me The Gentlewoman knew well he had not séen her wherefore she imboldened her self to kiss him and found his face all wet with tears whereby she feared he had some melancholly humor that troubled him and although she estéemed not thereof féeling her new disease much more then his grief taking all to her advantage she hoped from that time forwards to find the meanes to obtain his love yet did she fail thereof for that love to shew his power had wounded them both diversly in one place and at one time a thing almost incredible for who would ever think that little god would enter into such a place Where a poor Hermit lived all alone in most strict manner with a few cold roots and not his belly full of bread yet did he overcome them both in the most unfit time as it may be thought that could be found for the black Knight had indured so great travel in fighting and the Gentlewoman séen so many of her friends slain at one time that the one had not so much néed of comfort but the other as much cause to rest If then it be so as it is most true that we are all subject to this Tyrant he that hath past the flower of his youth not tasting of his fury may not think himself in any thing more happy séeing it is his manner to constrain young men to love and oftentimes old fools to dote In that sort the Gentlewoman did pennance for the evil she conceived against the black Knight and had continued longer there had it not been for fear to be discovered Wherefore with the sword in her hand she returned
Talanque we séek after a Knight armed all in black of whom as yet we can hear no newes Do you know his name said the king That we do said Ambor for it is your Nephew Esplandian that contents me said the king do but follow me and I wil bring you where he is With that Ambor who before was alighted to honor the king mounted again on horsback and Talanque on the Giants horse for his own was slain and all thrée together rode the way the king came thither till such time they espied the Gentlewoman that stayed for him who perceiving them to ride in such haste towards her was in minde to have fled away fearing they had taken the king and forcibly had him with them but perceiving them by their gestures to be his friends she stayed till they came to her saying to the king My Lord where hath your Grace gotten company so soon Gentlewoman said he you shall know it all in good time but what have you done said he with the man that I left with you Let us know what news he hath told you Truly said she I had no sooner assured him of the death of Matroco and the rest of the Castle but he fled over this hill as if all the devils in hell had been behind him yet he told me that the Giant his master had heard some rumor thereof and for the same cause was coming to the Castle to know the truth accompanied onely with two Knights that he caused to ride before him but to their hard fortunes for he found them both slain not knowing who had done it but onely that not long after he met with two strange Knights that assayled him and left them fighting as he said together By God said the King if the first two Knights sped hardly their master that followed after them had little better entertainment for they are all slain upon the way and here are the Knights that did it whom I pray you let us take with us for they are friends and companions unto that Knight you have promised to shew me Let us go then said she seeing it is your Graces pleasure and therewith they rode unto the Hermitage at the entery whereof they found the Hermit set upon a stone who being abashed to see his daughter in such company asked whither she went Father said she here is King Luisart your Prince and mine whom I have brought to see you And althought the Hermit had not seen him in long time before yet he presently knew him wherewith he stepped to kiss his feet which the King would not suffer him to do but imbraced him and lighting off his horse followed the Gentlewoman till he met the dumb man that hearing the noise and trampling of horses came to see who they were and perceiving the king he bowed his head before him Nevertheless the king went foward not staying to speak unto him entring presently after Carmelle into the Chamber where he found the knight set upon the beds-side Wherewith Esplandian presently knew him but the king taking him up weeping for joy imbraced him With that Talanque and Ambor entred in and perceiving their companion that they so long had sought were marvellous glad and coming to imbrace him the King said unto Esplandian My son although you have sought by all means to hide your self from us yet God hath so wrought that at one instant we have all three found you out wherefore I pray you let us depart hence and go with us unto the Castle where you shall be better at your ease than in this simple Hermitage My Lord said he I am at your commandment with that he went to imbrace Talanque and Ambor asking them and they him what had happened unto them since Urganda caused them to be dubbed Knights By Gods help said the King you shall stay to hear the sequel until we be in the Castle for then you shall have better leisure to declare the same With that he called Carmelle willing her to return with all dilligence to the Castle and command Libee to bring one of Matroco's Horses for Esplandian My Lord said Ambor it will be late before he cometh hither he shall rather have my Horse and I will go on foot but you shall not said the King get you upon Carmelles Horse and let her sit up behinde you In which manner they rode unto the Castle after whom the Hermit and the dumb man followed as fast as they could But they scarce alighted off their horses Ambor and Talanque being unarmed but Carmelle moved with the extream passions of love she bare unto the black Knight had almost slain her self with the sword that the day before she had stoln from him the occasion whereof procéeded from a conceit that he would disdain her as unworthy of him he being the son of Amadis de Gaule as she understood yet in the end she remembred the promise the king had made wherefore she determined to desire so much of him to be a means unto Esplandian that he would grant she might never be absent from him but would serve him during her life with all fidelity and to the same end putting her determination in effect as they sat all together she kneeled before the king and said My Lord now your Grace séeth I have kept my promise That is true said he and while I live I shall not be unmindful of it My Lord said she then I trust your Grace hath not forgotten the gift you promised me and to perform your word I pray you be a means to the black Knight that he will grant me my request Gentlewoman said the King be you assured I will do it with all my heart Your Grace said she as yesterday gave me leave to visite my father in the Hermitage who as it fortuned when I came thither was gone forth whereat I was abashed because he never used to be far from thence And finding the door open I went into a chamber that I caused to be furnished wherein sometimes I use to lie when time or foul weather would not permit me to return unto the castle where I found this Knight pointing to Esplandian which you also much desired to sée fast sléeping his Sword hanging at his beds-head wherewith not long sithence he hath slain those that from my infancy had brought me up and being moved by reason of my no little loss with a desire to revenge both my self and my friends I thought to kill him and was so néer the point to execute my will that as I held the Sword drawn in my hand and began to lift up mine arm to give the blow he séemed so fair within mine eye that suddenly I was surprised with love and that so fervently that were it not for the promise you have made me I had not béen alive at this present time Nevertheless having sithence understood that he by whom I am in this extremity in estate and degrée not to be my
equal whereby I perceive my self unworthy either to be wife or companion unto him I have somewhat moderated my first deliberation in such manner that I will hold my self more then satisfied if it please him I may only continue with him to serve at his commandment during my life which in reason he cannot well deny me for let him do what he will so long as life is in my body I will never forsake him if I be not constrained thereunto Wherefore my Lord for the honor of God I beséech your Grace to finde the means my poor request may once be granted and you Gentlemen said she to Ambor and Talanque I pray you put to your helps that by your favors the life of me poor lover not beloved may be prolonged The King hearing the Gentlewoman that while she spake sometime blushed and other whiles waxed pale make this discourse could hardly abstain to laugh thinking how inconsiderately she had fallen into so great extremity whereby he feared if he should make an answer other then pleased her she would kill her self but with courteous spéech he said unto her Gentlewoman your request is so reasonable that I am of opinion he will not deny it and for my part I will intreat him as much as possible I can My Lord said Esplandian I will do what your Grace commandeth Grant her then I pray you said the King what she craveth at your hands that from henceforth she may be called your faithful servant her honor always saved as in the Knighthood you are bound I will do it answered Esplandian and thereof I assure you saith he speaking to Carmelle who knéeling on the ground kissed his féet and thanked the King and him most heartily reputing her self most happy in obtaining so great favor CHAP. XI How Talanque and Ambor shewed the King what adventure they had found seeking for Esplandian their companion after they had received the order of Knighthood YOu heard before in what sort King Luisart was delivered cut of prison by his nephew Esplandian but as yet he knew not the manner how he received the order of Knighthood Wherefore as they rose from dinner the King desired him to tel him how he was made Knight as also what happened unto him since that time to the end said he that Talanque and Ambor may do the like Then Esplandian told how Urganda came unto the Ferm Island in the great Serpent what spéech she had with Amadis De Gaule and others that were with him the order she used to dub him Knight together with Talanque Ambor Manely and the King of Denmark The sléep wherein they fell and that when he awaked he found himself at the foot of the Rock of the Enchantress in company of Sergil his Squire and two dumb men also how he conquered the Sword with his arrival at the mountain where he found the Hermit that disswaded him from fighting with the Giants By my head said the King I never heard stranger things And now Ambor said he what became of you My Lord said Ambor my companion and I were likewise asléep and when we awaked we found our selves in a little Barque with our two horses in a Haven of the Sea called Armata in the Countrey of Norway as then unknown to us where we landed before a Town not onely to know in what countrey we were but also to séek for victuals And as we went towards it the watch of the town by reason of certain dissension not long before moved betwéen them and their neighbors sent to know what we would have Wherewith we made them answer we were Knights adventurous that came from the Ferm Isle cast upon that shore by tempest of weather In good truth said he that spake unto us our king hath so great cause to use your helps that if you go unto him I am well assured he will bid you welcome We asked him the Kings name and what Countrey we were in My Lords said he the Countrey is called Norway whereof Adroni father in law to Agraies son to the King of Scots one of the best Knights in the world is our King I know not whether you know him And what cause said we hath your King to use our help I will tell you said he he is so old that one of his nephews his Sisters son procured thereto by evil counsel is risen in Arms against him séeking to have the Government of the Countrey in respect as he saith his Vncle is no more able to rule the same And under that pretence hath already usurped a great part thereof and now lieth in Camp before one of the best Cities in this Land which the King by no means can relieve by reason that most of his trustiest friends have forsaken him and hold with the young presumptuous fool that winneth them by fair promises a thing that oftentimes happeneth unto such as fortune favoreth not and when men are fallen they are not onely abandoned of strangers but by their own kindred and friends that properly may be tearmed friends for the present time In good faith said we if the Town will give us victuals and one to guide us we will gladly go and present our service unto him not only for the love of Agraies to whom we are companions but for the right he hath as you have told us That shall be done said he and therewith desired us to stay till he came again from the City where he stayed not long but he brought what we desired and a guide that conducted us so well that the next day about dinner time we arrived where the king lay Who being advertised of our coming and that we were of Agraies companions entertained us most courteously commanding one of his Gentlemen to unarm us in one of his best chambers whither he came and after he had bidden us welcome began in the same manner to shew us all what the watch had before declared unto us and what an unnatural part his Nephew shewed unto him procured thereunto by two Knights in whom onely he putteth his whole trust because said he they are well assured that not any of my Knights dareth enter into combate with them they are estéemed so valiant and hardy But who hath moved them and your cousin said we to undertake so foul an action Because said the King I have no issue male and my cousin alledgeth I am over old to govern the country saying it is fitter for him then for me to do it but if I can I will hold him from it and kéep it for my daughter Olâ—nde and Agraies her husband By my soul said I I am of this opinion that séeing this war is begun onely to try the title you both pretend in one thing it were good your quarrel should be ended by the Combate of two Knights of both parts without the death and destruction of so many poor innocent people as daily perish by the same means remitting the issue thereof to those
whom it shall please God to make victorious and if it pleaseth you I and my companion will be the two Knights that shall fight for you But when he heard me speak in that manner he paused a while séeming very pensive till in the end he answered me and said Sir Knights I am not yet so well acquainted with you that I should venture to hazard so great a Kingdom as this is upon your valor Nevertheless if you will assure me for a truth that you are Knights of the Ferm Island I am content to stand to it whatsoever may chance For there can none but valiant Knights come from thence being assured as I suppose that otherwise the Lord of the place would not give them intertainment Then we swore unto him that what we had said was true Whereupon he presently dispatched a trumpet with message to his enemy to offer him the combate who hearing the news séemed very glad making account that his two Knights so much estéemed would easily overcome any two of the best Knights the King had So that returning the messenger again he sent one of his trumpets with him to conclude the combate with the day time and place where it should be done as also what pledges should on both sides be given for performance thereof so that on the day appointed after each party had solemnly taken their oaths we entred into that lists where we had a cruel and dangerous Combate one against the other but in the end right lying in our sides we wan the victory And as we would have stricken off their heads the kings nephew desired us most earnestly to grant them their lives which we agréed unto upon condition that from that time forwards he should suffer his uncle to raign in peace not molesting him any more which he promised to perform In this Combate we were so wounded that of force we continued in Norway longer then we meant to do where during our abode certain Merchants arrived in the City that had séen as they told us upon the Sea néer unto the Rock of the enchantress a Serpent greater then any vessel which so much astonished them that they knew not what to do whereby we heard news of Esplandian With that although we were not altogether healed of our wounds yet we besought the King to cause us to be conducted thither which he willingly granted and we took Sea with so good a wind that within six days after we approached the Rock where the Serpent stayed that at the first made us somewhat abashed although we had seen it oftentimes before Nevertheless we found it flashing such flames of fire out of the mouth and nostrils thereof that we feared the fire would fall into our Ship whereby not without much pain and trouble we procured our Master and Mariners to approach it and perceiving no creature aboard to speak unto we began to hollow unto them with so loud a voice that at the last Sergil appeared upon the hatches and wéeping told us what had happened unto his master on the Rock of the Enchantress and how after that one of the dumb men had caused him to enter into a little Barque and therewith put to Sea so that he knew not if he were dead or living for he had heard no news of him and there he stayed with another dumb man in the greatest care that might be With that we willed him to call the dumb man unto us and when he came by signs we made unto him we shewed him what pleasure he might do us if he would bring us to the place where his fellow had carryed Esplandian which as it séemed he was content to do for presently thereupon he entred into our vessels and sailed so well that the tenth day after he set us on land hard by the place where we slew the Giant and the two Knights and so your Grace hath heard what fortunes we have passed since we received the order of Knighthood Truly said the King if those of Manely and the King of Denmark be as strange it may well be said there never happened the like beginning unto six young Knights CHAP. XII How one night as King Luisart was in his bed thinking how he might return again into great Britain he heard so pleasant a sound of instruments that he rose up to see where it might be and what happened after that KIng Luisart continued so long in the Castle on the mountain that at the last he waxed weary not so much for the desire he had to be in his own country as for the grief he certainly knew the Quéen would conceive by reason of his long absence which kinde of pensiveness he continued certain nights together that by mean thereof he could take no rest till at the last one night among the rest about half an hour before day he heard the swéetest musick that ever played wherewith he arose out of his be◠and without making any noise opened the window to hear it better But as then it was very dark and the wind blew so hard that the Sea rising therewith beat against the hollowness of the Rock in such sort that the noise thereof and the sound of musick made a new kind of harmony wherewith he was so much delighted that he awaked Esplandian Ambor and Talanque that slept soundly as yong men without melancholly humors are accustomed to do But when they heard the musick they stayed not long in their beds but went to the window to sée whom it might be but they could sée nothing till day began to appear Wherewith they perceived the great Serpent surging on the shoar wherewith they were excéeding glad making full account that the arrival thereof brought them some good news Wherewith they made them ready and without longer staying issued out of the Castle to sée who was in the same and as they stood on the shoar they perceived a small Boat and a Gentlewoman coming out of it bearing in her arms a Packet covered with Laffary who coming unto the King with most humble reverence said unto him M◠Lord and it pleaseth your Grace Urganda recommendeth her unto your Majesty and hath commanded me to give you intelligence that being busied to aid the Emperor and the Empress your Daughter in a certain thing of great importance she hath not had the means to come and visit you Then presenting the packet to Esplandian said unto him Gentle knight my Mistriss that loveth and favoreth you as it is well known giveth you those Arms and sendeth you word by me that as she gave you the black Arms that hitherto you have born to testifie thereby the sorrow for the loss of the king that as then was common among all his true subjects and friends so in these you shall finde the device of the Lady that in beauty and comliness of person surpasseth all the Ladies in the world as Amadis your father in time past well proved when she set the
the Empire as he pretended determined not onely to revenge himself upon this little childe but to kill the Emperor likewise if ever he have the means By God said the king of Denmark he is a wicked and cruel-hearted man but assure your self that God will not permit it to be so Nevertheless I am in doubt this childe will endure much woe séeing you have no means to give it suck Let me alone with that said Urganda for I have certain herbs about me with the juice whereof I will nourish it if néed be eight days together What said he will you then stay here so long No said Urganda for as soon as it is day I will return unto my Boat that stayeth here at the shoar But Madam said they what shall become of us for we are arrived here not knowing who brought us hither But for Gods sake if you have heard any news of our Companions let us know it and where we may go to finde them My friends said she you must first let destiny have his course and endure many hard adventuces when time serveth you shall have your desires And in that manner sometimes talking and sometimes sléeping they passed the time away till day began to appear when they thrée together went to the Sea-side where they entred into Urgandas Boat wherein four Gentlewomen and two Dwarfs stayed for her CHAP. XVII How Vrganda departed from the two Knights and being guarded by two Dragons went unto the Emperors Court to deliver them their young Son for the loss whereof all the Court was in an uproar FOr a time Urganda stayed with the two Knights not minding presently to ease the Emperors minde with the recovery of his Son in the end she caused them to return unto their Barque willing them from that time forwards to arm themselves against the assaults of fortune although she séemed never so variable and unconstant For said she therefore was the Order of Knighthood instituted and appointed that thereby it might appear more excellent And they were no sooner departed but she set foot on land and mounted on a palfrey with the childe in her lap she rode forward with two Dragons to guard her one upon her right hand the other upon the left that bare her company till she came to Triol where the Emperor held his Court. And approaching the Town she met great companies of knights that went to séek the childe who séeing those horrible beasts casting fire out of their mouthes for fear they began to flie whereat Urganda smiled At last Florestan King of Sardinia coming that way having ridden a great compass about to pursue Garadans son and returning as then all weary and sore travelled with his horse tyred perceiving the people to run so fast asked them the cause wherewith they shewed him a far off what they had séen but he not abashed went towards the Dragons thinking if it were possible to fight with them and as he came nearer unto them he knew Urganda and spurring his horse he thought to salute her but the more he prickt him forwards the more the horse gave back whereby he was constrained to light down and saluting her he took her by the hand but the Dragons vanished away whereat he was abashed which Urganda perceiving said unto him In faith sir knight they have good cause to give you place knowing well the magnanimity of your invincible courage And for my part I estéem my self better guarded being in your company then I did before wherefore I pray you leave me not till I have delivered this childe unto his mother which I have recovered from the villains that had stollen it from her Is it possible Madam said Florestan that the Emperor should receive so great a pleasure by your means Shew me I pray you if it pleaseth you how you procured the same You shall know it said she when time serveth till then content your self and mounting on horse-back I pray you bring me to the City of Triol With that they rode together till they came to the Emperors Court where they found the Empress half dead with sorrow but when she heard the good news Urganda brought her sorrow turned to excéeding joy And for that the Emperor being armed was ridden out to séek the childe as others did she sent men on all sides to certifie him thereof he having intelligence thanked God with all his heart and turned back to sée Urganda that told him in what manner she found the childe as you have heard before Where we leave her and return to shew you of Manley and the King of Denmark who in the mean time were at Sea in so horrible a tempest that they thought to have béen drowned CHAP. XVIII Of the strange adventures that the King of Denmark and Manley had after they departed from Vrganda and what pastime they had with two great Apes in an Island where by chance they arrived AFter the king of Denmark and Manley departed from Urganda they entred into their Barque where their two Squires stayed for them and so imbarqued presently hoised sayl and put to sea the weather very peaceable calm but they had not sayled long when a contrary wind began to rise wherewith the waters grew so high and the sea began to swell so big that one while it séemed to mount to the skies again to descend as low as the bottomless pit of hell wherby their little barque was oftententimes covered with water having neither Mast Sail nor Cable but all rent in pieces And that which abashed them most was that night coming upon them it was so dark they could not sée the length of their boat in which torment they continued for the space of thirty days together till at the length it cast them upon an Island where being arrived about San-setting they landed Then commanding one of their Squires to keep their boat being armed at all points they went into the Island to sée if they could finde any fresh water or other victuals for they had not sufficient in their barque to serve them for a wéek at the last they found a goodly fountain shadowed with many great trees whereby they sat them down and putting off their helmets for to drink Argenton their Squire that was with them said unto them if you think good you shall stay here while I go up this high rock where it may be I shall find a house or some countrey man that will shew us in what place we are arrived Go said the King of Denmark but take héed thou loosest not thy self With that the Squire left them and took his way through the wood but he had not gone a long bowes shot when he perceived a great Bear coming towards him wherewith he was in such fear that with a loud voice he cried out for help and finding no other remedy he was constrained to climb into a high trée The knights hearing their squires cry supposed he
the order of Knighthood my companion and I were never in any place where we have had any great occasion to try our forces You lie fasely said he that accused them I know you better then you think I do and to justifie the same said he to Frandalo the Gentlewoman that you now hold prisoner will satisfie you more By my great God said Frandalo you shall then dearly buy it You will do no more then you can said Manely and for my part I assure you I am well content séeing you will have it to be so that you say we have slain your cousin although it be not so Nevertheless the glory thereof will redound to us in your behalf and it may be death to you said Frandalo And therewith caused the Gentlewoman to be called up who perceiving the Knights armed in like arms Talanque and Ambor had said Alas what may this mean these arms belâ—nged to two Knights great friends unto my lord and master For Gods sake Gentlemen I pray you tell me said she how you came by them for if they of whom I speak were here they would not leave me long in this captivity Gentlewoman said the King if it pleaseth you to name them and that in any sort we are acquainted with them whereby the bond of amity may bind us for their sakes assure your self we will not fail to do for you the best that possibly we may The one said she is called Talanque and the other Ambor companions to the Knight which I serve Manely hearing that answered her presently and said Gentlewoman tell us I pray you when we depart from hence where we may finde them My lords said she if you can do so much with this Giant that he grant me liberty I will conduct you thither and shew you strange adventures they have done which I am sure if they be your friends will like you well With that Manely desired the Giant Frandalo to give the Gentlewoman liberty but he séeing him so earnestly intreat began to laugh and said unto him Before you escape out of my hands it may be her intreaty for you will much more avail with me then yours for her shall do In the mean time I will provide you both of an honorable estate within my Gallies making you Knights of the order of mine eares with divers others that have béen there long time You speak at your ease said Manely being in a place for your advantage so do not we that expect not any favor either on land or sea having neither boat nor victuals to receive us but if you be the man you boast your self to be either come out to fight with us or else send us a boat and which of us two you chose shall come and heal you of the pride that maketh you so hardly know your self Vpon condition nevertheless that you alone shall fight with him and as fortune favoreth the combattants the gentlewoman shall go with him that remaineth victor Content said Frandalo although I know full well I shall win but little honor to fight against such lacquies as you are which he said in respect the eldest of the two Knights had not above seventéen years of age wherewith he cal'd for his shield and entring into the Barque he took from the Gentlewoman went on land where calling the two Knights unto him he said Children pity your own yong years and rather yield your selves unto me otherwise you are both dead without all remedy Thou art mad said Manely we are yet strong and in good health and how estéemest thou us to be dead that were never sick In good truth I hope before the cake be parted to make thée King of the unhappy wretches Wherefore choose either me or my companion to fight with thée mean time the other shall enter into thy Barque to kéep the gentlewoman thou hast refused me Alas poor man said Frandalo it appeareth well thou knowest not what is good for thée for if two of the best Knights in all Asia had undertaken this combate against me I would make no more account of them then a wolf doth of the shéep By reason then you that are such beardless boys what can you look for at my hands We look to break thy idly head said Manely Truly said Frandalo séeing thou hast so good a courage I will give thée the honor to fight with me for the last that ever thou shalt have And if thou thinkest good send thy companion to entertain the Gentlewoman for as I suppose he is better made for such a matter With that Manely took the King of Denmark aside and said unto him You have heard Frandalos words I pray you grant me the combate and go you into the ship and as it pleaseth God to prosper me do after what you shall think convenient The king of Denmark perceiving it in vain to strive entring presently into the boat wherewith the Giant landed and with the same boarded the ship wherein the Gentlewoman was With that the two knights prepared themselves to fight but before any blows striken Manely said to Frandalo Giant I pray thée leave us the Gentlewoman her Barque and before thou spéedest worse we give thée leave to sayl where thou thinkest good Art thou afraid already said Frandalo Ask me mercy and I will save thy life otherwise be thou assured I wil hang both thée and thy companion upon the top of these high trées Defend thy self then said Manely wherewith they covered themselves with their shields and began the combate though as it séemed far unequal for that Frandalo on his mothers side issued from the strongest race of Giants in all Turky of his father of the valiantest knights in all the world And Manley yong unexpert in arms having never béen in fight but when he succored Urganda yet the valiant blood of Childadan king of Ireland his father wrought such force in him that he had rather die then indure the least spot of dishonor and well perceived Frandalo he had not to deal with a childe as he estéemed but rather a Knight hardy as a Lion and one that used him in such manner that his shield being hewed and his armor all unbuckled at every stroke he drew blood from his body in such abundance that the grass was died therewith whereat those in the ship were much abashed especially the king of Denmark that never thought to finde such prowess in his friend Manely but the Gentlewoman that knew Esplandians force as likewise their 's she left in the castle on the mountain séeing Manely and his companion armed in the like arms made her full account if they were of the Ferm Isle Frandalo could not long resist Wherefore she said to the King of Denmark In good faith sir knight I am well assured it will not be long before I be delivered for Frandalo waxeth very weak sée you not how he beginneth to recoil You poor slaves said she what think you
again leading them into the Princess chamber where they found her in company of Quéen Minoress with divers other Ladies and Gentlewomen but she was easie to be known among them for in beauty she surpassed them all Manley and the king of Denmark thinking they had never séen a fairer Princess whatsoever men reported of Oriane Olinde or lady Briolaine And as they entred into the chamber she stepped forth to receive them wherewith they knéeled down to kiss her hands the King of Denmark speaking unto her and said Madam we are two knights of the Ferm Isle that by strange adventure were driven into the Mediteranian Sea where we expected nothing else but death but in the end having indured a great tempest for the space of thirty days and as many nights together when our victuals began to fail we landed in an island unhabited where our vessel brake in pieces so that we perceiving nothing but death before our eyes and altogether desperate of any succor by fortune the ship wherein this knight and this Gentlewoman pointing to Frandalo and Carmelle sayled was by the same tempest of weather cast upon the Isle where we not long before had landed where there happened a marvellous combate betwéen him and my companion and my self with some of his Pirates in the ship who by force I overcame and my companion was victorious of the Giant And understanding by this Gentlewoman that she had a message to deliber unto you from a Knight armed all in black whom we sought after we determined to bring her to your presence and withal to salute and honor the Emperor your father in regard of the service that my Lord Amadis oweth unto you whose singular friends and welwillers we are and always will remain And for that at this time we have not any thing besides our selves more worthy the presenting to your Grace then Frandalo our prisoner we most humbly beséech you to receive him into your service and be a means to save his life as we have promised him The Princess Leonorine glad of that present for the renown of the Pirat being accounted a man of great power and experience thanked them most heartily and calling one of her officers she commanded him to entertain the two Knights in the best manner he could as also to look unto Frandalo until the Emperors return who said she will be glad of their arrival specially to understand by them some news of Amadis mean time she kept the Gentlewoman with her CHAP. XXI How Carmelle declared her message to the Princess Leonorine and what conference they had touching Esplandian THerewith the King of Denmark and Manley departed from her presence the Gentlewoman remaining with the Princess that led her into her privy chamber asking her of what place she was and from whom she brought a message unto her Madam said Carmelle being perswaded that as yet you know not him with whom I serve I most humbly beséech your Grace to pardon my holdness if before I name him I give you to understand that whereas he is accounted among the ranck of the most valiant Knights living in the world of whom by reason of his great courtesie and valor he is no less estéemed then feared redoubted of all villains that hear him named Notwithstanding one thing overcometh him and vanquisheth his most couragious heart which is your Grace my goody Lady said she whom he loveth honoreth and desireth to serve while life indureth But knowing not if his service would be accepted of he durst not presume to come himself in person to offer you the same although by him that next after your self may most command him he had express charge to present it unto you as bound thereto by promise And to the end you may give credit to my words he sendeth you this ring which is the very same you gave to Amadis being in this Court if your Grace can call it to remembrance With that Leonorine took it in her hand and beholding it long time she said unto the Gentlewoman Truly this ring was sometimes mine which I gave unto the best Knight now living in the world In faith said the Gentlewoman a better Knight then he hath sent it you again and that is my Lord Esplandian his son I never saw him that I know of said she True it is master Elizabeth told me of a yong Gentleman son to the Knight with the gréen sword that not long since was made Knight in the Ferm Isle Urganda being present and the next day was carryed away in a strange ship of whom as then they could hear no news Madam said Carmelle I know not who the Knight with the gréen sword may be but he whereof I shew you hath had such a beginning in arms that if it be your pleasure to hear it you will be abashed thereat tell it I pray you said the Princess But as the Gentlewoman began to speak one brought the Princess news the Emperor her father was come from hunting and asked for her wherewich she knowing what pleasure her father would take to hear news took Carmelle by the hand and led her into the Emperors Chamber and doing reverence unto him she said My Lord here is a strange Gentlewoman that can tell you news of the good Knight with the gréen sword and of his son likewise of whom master Elizabeth made a long discourse and she hath béen conducted hither by two Knights of the Ferm Isle whereof one of them hath fought with Frandalo and hath presented him unto me and staying your return I have sent them into a chamber to refresh themselves Daughter said the Emperor both they and the Gentlewoman are most heartily welcome My Lord said Carmelle God preserve your grace and without further honor unto him she stood still and help her peace whereat all the company began to smile thinking that want of civility caused her to forget her self But not long after they changed their opinion Carmelle beginning to speak in this maner My Lord I have béen nourished all my life among the best Knights living in the world yet let not your grace find it strange if at the first being in your Majesties presence I have used so little honor to your Grace whereby your Gentlewomen should have cause to laugh at me For that want of understanding how to behave my self in presence of so great a Prince is not the cause thereof but onely the joy I conceive in my self to be a servant unto him whom I more estéem then any man living and I onely hold for my lord and master not knowing any worthier then he And if it pleaseth your Grace to know who it is together with the cause of my arrival in this country I pray you send for the two knights brought that me hither I wil shew such things whereat it may be your Grace will be abashed Gentlewoman said the Emperor you shall therein do me great pleasure Wherewith he commanded a
hardier then thy self cannot once remove me Esplandian hearing his great brags made no account thereof but in mockery said unto him Those thou hast already â—lain can never hurt thée but I that come for to revenge them hope before that we depart to send thy soul unto the Devil to whom thou hast commended it so often although it were much better for thée to take the counsel thou hast given me and shun thine own misfortune being well assured that in thy great mis-shapen body there resteth nothing but a base and servile heart that causeth thée to speak in such sort as thou doest That shalt thou presently sée said the Giant and couching his launce ran towards Esplandian who did the like against him But the Giant missed his blow so did not Esplandian for with the force of his blow he made the Giant double his body in such sort that his Gaul brake in his body and ran out at his mouth wherewith he presently died They that beheld it were thereat abashed specially the Giants Squires who presently began to flie but they had not run far when Esplandian overtook them threatning to slay them if they would not shew him the place where their master kept his prisoners which they promised to do And leading him along by the foot of the Hill from whence he had descended they came into a narrow way full of stones where stood a watch of twenty men all armed each man with a hatchet in his hand to defend the passage when the captain of that band perceived the Giants squires coming towards them he asked them where they found that unhappy fellow and saying so thought to lay hands upon Esplandians bridle but with a blow of his sword he cut his arm in sunder wherewith the rest set all upon him But in short time he dealt so well among them that he laid most part of them dead upon the ground But he had so many men about him that in the end his horse was slain and he in danger to be overthrown Yet he behaved himself so valiantly and with so great a courage that he remained Victor his enemies flying as fast as possibly they might and among the rest the lacquy that he found kéeping the four horses who saving himself in a vault cried with a loud voice and said Come forth my Lord come forth your son Bramato is slain and all our companions likewise With that there appeared a great old Giant with a long white beard who séeing Esplandian with his sword bloody in his hand and most of his men lying dead about him he cast cut a great sigh and said O immortal Gods wherein have I so much offended you that you should suffer my onely son and all my men to be slain in such manner by this one knight But I hope your wraths will not be so much increased against me as that yeu will not give me leave to be revenged on him And as he uttered these words being covered with his shield he went unto Esplandian and holding his sword in hand stroke him flatling with the same upon the arm in such maner that he was astonished and with the force of the blow the sword sliding down upon a stone brake in thrée pieces wherewith Esplandian stepped to him and with great dexterity struck him so fiercely on the face that the blood in great abundance ran out of his forehead Whereat the Giant was in such a rage that casting down his Shield took the piece of his Sword in both his hands and with all his force stroke at Esplandian that stept aside and perceiving the Giants arm coming towards him with one blow cut off his hand whereby his Sword fell down Nevertheless he séemed not abashed but imbracing Esplandian with his left arm thought to crush the breath out of his body but it happened otherwise for as he held him Esplandian having his right arm at liberty thrust his Sword into the Giants body wherewith he died Then calling Bramatos thrée Squires that he brought thither to shew him the prisoners he asked where they were My Lord said one of them on that side the vault is the two Giants lodgings that you have slain and under it are the prisoners that you séek in a most dark prison above a hundred paces long and but two paces broad whereby the prisoners in great number have no means to rest themselves being constrained to stand upright for the narrowness of the place Go before said Esplandian with that the Squire went forward and Esplandian followed after and they had not gone long but they entred into a goodly pallace and going lower he heard the lamentable voices of the poor prisoners dying for want of food whereat he took such compassion that the tears ran down his eyes asking the Squire for the keyes There they hang said he upon a nail Open the door said Esplandian which he presently did wherein they entred and Esplandian calling the poor wretches that lamented said unto them My good friends come all forth and thank God for your liberties You may well judge if they were glad to bear those news for that some of them had remained therein above thirty years together being in all twenty Gentlewomen thirty Squires and fifty Knights among the which Esplandian knew Grandalin and Lazinde who by evil fortune after the conquest of Sanfuegue travelling the country were met by the Giants and kept in prison with the rest where they indured great misery CHAP. XXV How Esplandian commanded the prisoners he had delivered to go unto Constantinople there to thank the Princess Leoâ—orine the Emperors Daughter keeping onely Gandalin and Lazinde with him THe Giants slain and the prisoners set at liberty Esplandian that as yet had not taken off his helmet not long after made himself known to Gandalin and Lazinde that were no less abashed to sée him in so strange a place then wondered at the great prowess he had shewed for their delivery It was then about Sunsetting and Esplandian had neither eat nor drunk of all that day wherefore he determined not to depart thence till the next day in the morning for he found great store of victuals in the place Commanding Sergil with one of the Squires to go séek the Bay horse he left at the house where he slew Bramato for his own was slain which they presently brought unto him passing the night in the Giants house with the best victuals they could finde The next day in the morning Esplandian called the prisoners that he had delivered asking them what they meant to do Sir Knight said they we are wholly bent to do as pleaseth you Then my friends said he you shall go to Constantinople and there give thanks unto the Princess Leonorine for the grace it hath pleased God to give you by means of a knight that belongeth unto her And if she asketh you my name tell her onely what manner of arms I bear shewing her that I willed you to
Iesus Christ in whose quarrel we fight that we hope he will give us means not onely to escape this danger but to spoil the Town and lead you prisoners with us Wherefore take this counsel for your selves and yield you unto us before the wrath of God be further moved against you When they that stood about them beard those words both great and small began to cry with a loud voice saying Stay that villain let him die or we will die here at his féet wherewith they assailed them so fiercely that they were constrained to get upon the highest steps But not long after they repulsed the enemy so valiantly with stones whereof they sound great quantity upon the Portal that from that time forwards they had no longer stomacks to assayl them But Norandel and the rest being without understanding the noise and the voice of their companions whom they estéemed dead or taken prisoners determined to set fire on the gates while the rest assailed the town Wherewith every man ran to fetch wood which the Alfarins perceived but to conclude they could not shun it but whither they would or not the Draw-bridge and the gates were set on fire wherewith they were so abashed that most part of them began to flie unto the great temple of Jupiter the principal place of strength within their City the rest staying behind with full determination rather to die then suffer the Christians to enter the Town And séeing the gates burnt down so many of them ran to fetch water that not long after the Christians had means to assayl the town on that side which assault continued so long that day failed yet could they not enter by reason of the great resistance the Alfarins made but the two Knights that were above did them so much hurt with blockes and stones that not any of them durst appear whereby the Christians became masters of the town Wherein great number of people both men women and children were put to the sword more had died had it not bin night specially on the water side where Gastilles and his army entred with most great fury Nevertheless fearing lest the Alfarins should assemble again and in the night they might be repulsed be commanded a retreat to be sounded being well assured the next day to have the town at their pleasure And for the same cause he sent to the army on land that they should do the like wherewith every man retired serâ—ing watch in those places where most néed required The town in this sort being conquered and the people gotten into the great temple of Jupiter Esplandian minding not to lose the Princess Heliaxe nor the Giant Foron that he and Frandalo left with Carmelle desired Grandalin and Lazinde to go fetch them and with them he sent Sergil his Squire to bring them to the place which they presently did and made such haste that they found her sitting by a great fire that Foron had made where lighting off their horses saluting Heliaxe Grandalin said Madam my lord Esplandian prayeth you to come unto the place where he stayeth for you My friends said she I know him not true it is I was brought hither by two Knights whereof one is Frandalo that I have known long time but for the other I assure you as far as I remember I never saw him before Madam said Carmelle he is Son to the valiant Knight Amadis de Gaule whose same is spread so far about the world Truly said Heliaxe I have heard of him so have you as I think said Carmelle of my Lord Esplandian his Son for he alone conquered the castle the defended mountain and now lately hath taken king Armato your father in law and I can assure you he is one of the courteous knights living-in the world I am much abashed then said she how he shewed himself so uncourteous in my behalf not speaking unto me while I was in his company yet me thinketh being his prisoner he could have done no less then comfort me either with good speeches of fair promises whereof he hath used so few that while I live I shall never think well of him Madam said Carmelle you take the matter otherwise then it is for if he refrained to speak unto you it was by reason of the great acquaintance he perceived Frandalo to have with you unto whom he is so great a friend that he was not onely content to give him leave to entertain you but much greater favor would he do unto him if he can You may say what you will said she Nevertheless if he have no other excuse then that you alledge in his behalf he shall never lose the disliking he hath gotten at my hands Madam said Gandalin I am well assured he will amend that fault when it pleaseth you wherefore I pray you determine what you mean to do for he hath commanded us to do as pleaseth you My friends said Heliaxe I would gladly sléep till it be day then I will be ready to go where you think good but I pray you tell me what noise it was I heard of late within the Town Madam said Lazinde It is not yet thrée hours since the Town was taken by assault Good God said she what miserable fortune was that for the poor inhabitants I think they are all put unto the Sword No madam said Lazinde the greater part have saved themselves in the great Temple of Jupiter but they will hardly escape when it is day for our Generals are determined to burn the Temple If it be so said she that Frandalo hath any credit with his companions and that he that sent you be so courteous as this Gentlewoman report him to be I hope they will take pity on the poor people at least if not for the love of them I trust upon request for my sake they will not refuse it And to the end I come not thither too late I pray you when day appeareth let us presently depart wherewith laying her down upon a cloke she passed the rest of the night not greatly to her ease CHAP. XXX How Gandalin and Lazinde brought the Princess Heliaxe and the Giant Foron into the Town of Alfarin to Esplandian and Frandalo and of the honorable entertainment they had HEliaxe that had not slept all that night being grieved for the loss of the town of Alfarin the ordinary abiding place of Alphorax her husband and withal the pleasantest and most delicious place of all Turky perceiving day to appear waked the two Knights making her account if she might get into the town before the destruction of the temple the people that were fled into it by her request and humble supplication to Esplandian and Frandalo should be saved With that they all mounted on their horses and made such haste that they entred into the town as the Christians began to assault the fortress and when Frandalo perceived the Princess Heliaxe he rode unto her bidding her God morrow and taking her palfry
by the bridle bareheaded brought her to Esplandian and his company that did her great honor knowing her to be a Kings Daughter wife to so great a Prince With that she asked Frandalo which of them was Esplandian Madam said he pointing unto him here he is ready to do you any service that he can as he hath assured me But when she perceived him to be so yong and of so great beauty she was abashed to think how nature had furnished him with so many good perfections especially of so great and incomparable force whereof he had the commendation among the most valerous Knights wherewith she said unto Frandalo In good faith I have heard him commended in divers places for one of the best Knights living in the world and of mine own knowledge I have séen him considering his yong years so that if he abound as much in courtesie as he doth in valor and beauty I think him to be the bravest Gentleman that may be found which I shall presently sée if he grant me one request Madam said Esplandian blushing at the praises she used in respect of him If I do it not you shall be the first that ever I refused gift unto all my life and considering your great beauty and most courteous behavior how should it be possible for me to disobay your will I pray you then sir knight said she to pardon the poor people that are within the Temple grant them unto me with leave to send them where I shall think good not hurting them any more In good truth madam said Esplandian you shall not be refused for so small a matter and I will do so much with the other Knights that they shall give consent as also to your own liberty and the Giant Forons to guide you where it pleaseth you which Frandalo did most earnestly at your hands before you arrived here And for his sake look what else you will command at our hands we are ready to perform it with all our hearts For the which the Princess Heliaxe thanked him most heartily turning to Frandalo said unto him Sir Knight the good that you and your companions do unto me shal never be forgotten on my part but I will by all means séek to acknowledge the same although presently I cannot do iâ— wherefore if it pleaseth you cause your souldiers to retire that these poor distressed people may come forth according to your promise In the mean time I will go comfort them for I am in doubt most part of them are rather dead then living with that she desired Carmelle to bear her company they two going to the Temple gate which they found fast shut and rampired up then she called so loud that some of them spake unto her but never did men by pardon from their Prince brought back again from the Gibbet more rejoyce nor were better comforted then they when they knew her thinking the Prince Alphorax had made some agréement with their enemies Wherefore they opened a little wicket whereat she and the Gentlewoman enrered into the Temple they sking the Princess how it was her chance to come thither in so good a time to succor them that looked for no other favor then most cruel death My friends said she I have done so much with the Christians by Frandalos means whom I have known lâ—ng time that they are content to let you issue forth your lives saved and go where it pleaseth you and my self likewise that had fallen into their hands as well as you wherefore chuse whither you will follow me to Tesifant where my lord Alphorax is who for my sake will shew you all the favor and câ—urtesie he may When the poor people understood the agréement made for them by the Princess Heliaxe they all agréed to go with her and not forsake her giving her most hearty thanks for the good she had wrought them Then said Heliaxe let those that have armor put it off and come all forth with me Then sâ—e being accompanied in that manner came unto Esplandian and shewed him great numbers of women little children that stood about her said unto him I pray you sir knight behold the good whereof you are the cause and think what dammage it had béen if these poor filty souls had suffered death for no offence wherein you are worthy great commendations And yet said she smiling while I live I shall not forget the small account you made of me when Frandalo and you found me before my pavillion after the overthrow of my Knights Wherefore Madam said Esplandian I marvel said she why you ask me such a question séeing you might well conceive what grief I had in mind yet did you not so much as once salute me or use word unto me in good truth it was but discourteously done of you Madam said he I beséech you pardon me for the fault I committed in your behalf was not done for want of bringing up but fearing to bréed some jealousie in Frandalos mind séeing him so much affected to do you service together with the good countenance you shewed unto him although you had lost your men This excuse said Heliaxe is not to be accepted neither shall you escape so easily therewith which she spake with so good a countenance that her seeming to be offended contented all the company wherefore Esplandian said unto her Madam I am content to make amends for this great fault or to do what pennance it pleaseth you The pennance said she that you shall have shall be that according to the promise of mercy you have made unto these poor people as also of favor in mine own behalf you give us leave to go unto the City of Tesifant to my husband that for the same we think the better of you Madam said Esplandian you have already understood our minds wherefore you may freely go whither it pleaseth you and I my self will be your guide if it be your pleasure With that Heliaxe gave them many thanks and taking her leave got upon her palfrey and being accompanied of Foron with a great number of the poor people took the way that went to Tesifant Frandalo going with her above a league and more and further would have gone although he were wounded in divers places of his body but she desired him to go back again For said she although like a good courteous knight you have had the means not onely to serve me bâ—t also to save the life of me and mine it may be I shall not have so the like to do the same for you if you fall into my Lord Alphorax hands who as I think e're now is advertised of my misfortune whereby I am in doubt he is already in the field with great number of men to succor me And if it should be so I know him so impatient that if he méet with you being already moved with the loss of Alfarin as alsâ— the injury my Knights have received and my self
beginner in arms for that like a valiant and hardy knight he entred among the Christians and being seconded by his men did most valiantly defend themselves and assailed the enemy although at their first encounter ten of their bravest soldiers were unhorsed and overthrown And as Eiraca entered into the prease Norandel and he met together with such force that Norandel was wounded in the left shoulder but not sore hurt and the Captain of Tesifant loosing his stirrops was thrown over his horse with so great strength that with the fall he was forced to lie upon the ground and could remove neither hand nor foot which the Lurks perceiving to relieve their Captain did so valiantly that they overthrew four of the Brittish Knights who nevertheless rose presently again and with their swords in hand thrust so many of the Turks horses into the sides and flancks that in short space more than twenty of the Turks were overthrown likewise and many slain outright at that charge Enil and Gavarte were hurt and the rest so bardly handled that without Frandalos company that came to succor them they had all béen overthrown and in truth they had almost strayed too long but the squire that Belleris sent unto them could not overtake them before they were in the valley where they should have met And although they had heard the sound of their blowes yet did they not suspect any such peril until the squire had done his message wherewith they ranne with all the spéed they could unto the place where Belleris and his companions being out of breath did nothing but recâ—il and defend themselves against their enemies blows that had slain divers of them but that the captain of Tesifant would have them to be taken and presented to the Prince Alphorax Nevertheless Frandalo Esplandian and the rest of their company made them change opinion for when they perceived their companions so hardly matched by the enemy they entered among them with such fury that had it not béen for Eiraca who at that time behaved himself most valiantly they had overthrown the Turks at their first on-set but by reason of the great resistance he made they continued fighting half an hour after wherein he maintained himself so well that Esplandian could never take him before he had overthrown him and pulled off his Helmet wherewith he yielded mean time Frandalo and his companions being in the midst of their enemies laid so well about them staying horses pulling away shields and doing so valiantly that wonder it was to behold them yet did not the Turks once séem abashed but still fought most couragiously until such time they perceived their Captain taken prisoner which caused them to flie and turn their backs but not all of them for there lay more then one hundred and fifty of them dead upon the ground the rest saved themselves by means of the dark night It was then about an hour before day and Frandalo fearing that those of Tesifant hearing of the overthrow would issue forth to cut off their passage presently caused Captain Eiraca to be remounted and all the Christians that wanted horses and with all spéed rode back again to Alfarin not the same way they came but another way somewhat farther about wherein they travelled so long that about Sun-rising they entred into a great wood where they alighted to refresh both themselves and their horses and staying not long there lest they should be surprized they made such spéed that about sun-setting they arrived in the town mean time news came to Tesifant of the overthrow of their men wherewith Alphorax was in such a rage that in a manner he séemed desperate But for this time we have sufficiently discoursed of Martial affairs now me mean to bring Love in place who desiring to minister some comfort to the Princess Leonorine that lived in great pain expecting the arrival of her friend Esplandian caused him to depart from Alfarin to visit her in the City of Constantinople as in the Chapters following you shall hear CHAP. XXXIII Of the great grief Esplandian had understanding by the messenger that Gastilles sent unto him what displeasure the Princess Leonorine had conceived against him YOu heard before how Gastilles shewed the Emperor what Esplandian had done and what message he sent unto him and to the Princess Leonorine as also what answer she made which Gastilles by his Squire writ and sent unto him having charge from the Emperor so to do thereby to procure his spéedier Arrival in Constantinople The Squire with his Letter made such haste that he arrived at Alfarin about five days after the taking of Eiraca and méeting Carmelle at the gate asked her if he might find Esplandian at convenient leisure to deliver him a Letter from Gastilles but Carmelle being subtil suspecting it to be some news from the Princess Leonorine that might move Esplandian who as then séemed discontent answered him said My good friend you can hardly speak with him at this time but fâ—llow me and give me the letter and I will present it unto him and cause him to return you an answer The Squire did as she willed him and followed her to Esplandians lodging where entring into his chamber she found him sitting on his bed talking with the king of Denmark and delivered him Gastilles letter which when he read the tears ran out of his eyes and therewith cast forth a great sigh saying O Lord but Carmelle that beheld him doubting the cause to be as she suspected asked him if he were ill at ease Ill said he I that I am and so ill that I would to God I were dead and look I pray you said he whether I have cause or not wherewith stretching forth his hand he gave Carmelle the letter and turning his face began to make the greatest sorrow in the world but when she had read the contents she estéemed not thereof but said unto Esplandian What my Lord are you abashed at so small a matter By my soul I now perceive very well that the affections and loves of men are far different and much unlike the passions that we simple women endure when we fall into the like extremities and know you how you men do most commonly take pleasure to manifest and make known your love either by word of mouth or outward shews and many times dissemble more than you mean to do and which is worse how much the more the Lady or Gentlewoman you love is of great desert or high linage so much more glory do you take to make it known not onely that you bear her affection but that you are beloved and favored of her above all others which is clean contrary to the nature of women I mean such as may be tearmed wise and of good understanding for how much the greater their parentage is so much more fear they have to manifest their amorous passions in such manner that most commonly hath in word gesture and countenance they outwardly
King of Denmark assailed to do it but what strength so ever he used it was impossible for him the like did Gandalin and Enil but they sped no better then the King whereat Esplandian began to laugh and taking it by the two ends lifted it up so easily as if it had béen a piece of dry wood yet was it a piece of Christal of thrée fingers thick and about ten or twelve foot long under it they found an azure stone the fairest and most orient colour that ever was séen that covered a Ceder chest which smelt as swéet as any Balm the Chest being shut with a lock of Emerald-stone having a key of Diamonds that hung by it at a Chain of fine Gold all most artificially composed the stone taken up and the Chest opened they found the Image of Jupiter lying therein all of massy Gold garnished with many Pearls Rubies and other inestimable rich Iewels especially a Crown that he ware on his head about the which were placed certain Carbuncles in form of Gréek Letters with these words Jupiter is great God of all Gods and in his right hand he bare a Table containing this prophesie When time shall come that my art and knowledge shall faile the heart of the hand inclosed herein and life restored by them that were the cause of death the Grecian sheep long time nourished in pleasant pastures shall be constrained to feed on a herb bitterer then Gaul by meanes of the extremity the hungry Sea-Wolves shall put them unto whose number shall be so great that they shall cover the Sea in divers places in such wise that the poor sheep inclosed in their great Forrest and divers of their lambs being dead and torn in pieces their shepheard having in a manner lost all hope of restoring them again with anguish of heart and mind in abundance of tears shall lament their great misfortune Then shall come the brave Lions whelp by whose means the great troop of wolves shall be driven away and destroyed Nevertheless he shall take from the shepheard his great power and the best beloved of his sheep whereupon he shall seize in such sort that his strong teeth and sharp clawes shall enter into her heart and the entrailes of her body the rest of the flock resting in the power and government of him and his fierce company whereby not long after it shall come to pass that the great deceitful Serpent the Inchanted Sword and this high Rock shall sink into the bottom of the Sea and shall never after be seen again of any man But although Esplandian understood the Gréek tongue yet could he not give any interpretation or exposition to this prophesie no more could any of his company wherefore they determined not to stay long about the same but were more busied to behold the stones and great riches they saw within the tomb which they determined to take with them and return unto their ships without staying any longer for their victuals began to fail wherefore Esplandian willed Carmelle to take the Lion he and the king of Denmark took the plate of Christal Gandalin and Enil the azure stone and the Squires the Ceder Chest with the Image of Jupiter And in that sort they issued out of the pallace descending down the rock till about evening they came unto the hermitage where they stayed all night the next day they went on till they found their ship wherein about Sunsetting they imbarqued themselves and because Esplandian would not be séen in Constantinople without the great Serpent he commanded the master of the Ship to direct his course to the castle called the defended mountain whith he did But having sailed about two days and more as the King of Denmark sat talking with Esplandian about the Letter that was sent unto him he asked him if he thought not good that he should make a voyage unto the Princess Leonorine to understand the truth of her affection towards him For said he it may be Gastilles hath mistaken her words or the Emperor himself hath commanded him to write unto you in such sort that thereby you should make the more haste to go thither at the least I should know of her what her pleasure is and how you shall govern your self in respect of her Ha my good friend said Esplandian you have toucht me now even at the quick if you would do me so much favor you shall bind me for ever unto you mean time I will stay for you in the gulf where I found you with Frandalo when we raised the siege of the castle the defended mountain Assure your self said the King I will do my good will There was belonging to their ship a little Pinnace which the master took with him besides the boat to save himself and his people if any tempest should happen wherein the King with certain marriners to guide him entred and taking their leave of Esplandian sailed forwards with so good a winde that in short space they lost the fight of the great ship But the next night following there happened such a tempest that at the break of day their Pilot knew not where he was and without knowledge of the place he was constrained to abandon the Pinnace unto the mercy of the waves which continued for the space of forty days together in which time they indured so many fortunes that it would be over-tedious to recount them and we should likewise digress from the matter whereunto we are entered to bring our History unto an end Let it therefore suffice you to know that their victuals being spent they chanced to arrive in the Island of the Giant Drapheon where the King of Denmark and his squire lost their wits and became mad by force of a water that they drunk out of a fountain called the fountain of Forgetfulness that sprang in that Isle where they were taken and kept in a cruel prison from whence in short time after they were delivered by the meanes of a Gentlewoman that fell in love with the King and caused him to recover his health armes horse and a ship with all things necessary for himself and his Squire and having done she with them put to Sea and coasting the country of Trevisane they came unto an Island where the people of the countrey would have burnt a Gentlewoman because she could not finde a Knight for to maintain her quarrel but the King fought for her and overcame him that accused her and taking the Gentlewoman with him put to Sea again and sailing six days together along the coast he perceived a maid out of a tower wherein the Lord of that countrey kept her prisoner for the cause which she declared to the King out of a window that looked into the Sea for whose sake the king took land to fight with the Lord till he delivered the poor Gentlewoman out of prison such were the adventures of the King of Denmark which are rehearsed at large in the great Chronicles that master
singular a present CHAP. XXXVI How Esplandian was put into the Cedar Chest and with the tomb carryed into the Princess Leonorines Chamber and what conference they had together THe Emperor and his company gone as it is said before Carmelle called Esplandian that in the mean time lay in the bottom of the Ship and told him the manner of their procéedings as also the spéech the Emperor had with Gandalin and Enil and all what had happened as it is before rehearsed By my soul said Esplandian I was never in the like pain for hearing all you speak onely the Lady Leonorine I could not tell what to think but when the Emperor told you she was not in the City believe me it comforted my heart Did not I play my part well said Carmelle That you did and as well as one could wish said Esplandian and if it be true which is commonly said That a good beginning makes a good ending I hope I shall not fail to bring my purpose to pass And while they devised together it waxed night so that the Empress returned into the City which Carmelle understanding caused Esplandian presently to lie down in the Cedar Chest in such sort that the air entred therein on all sides and covering it with the Azure and Christal Stones Gandalin Enil and their Squires took the tomb and with the Gentlewoman went out of the ship and came unto the pallace where they found the Lady Leonorine being already advertised of the goodly Present sent her by Esplandian in great devotion staying for Carmelle for it had béen told her that in the evening she would bring it to her lodging wherefore she had no sooner espyed it but she with many other Ladies and gentlewomen no less curious to behold the same met her in the hall With that Carmelle perceiving her come stepped forwards and doing reverence unto her said Madam the good knight Esplandian sendeth you this Present that not long since he conquered in the Rock of the Enchantress according to the good fortune and happy destiny above hundred years past predestinated of him which he sendeth unto you expresly to give you to understand the great desire that daily more and more increased in him to be your faithful Knight But before you procéed further it is convenient you grant me two requests the one that neither you nor any other shall look into the tomb until the morning that I return again with the key to open a Cedar chest that you shall finde therein the other that after you have opened it you shall give it me to carry with me to the place where my father kéepeth his hermitage therein to bury the bones of Matroco that died a Christian as you have understood Carmelle my friend said the Princess that am I content to do nevertheless I am much abashed why Esplandian deferreth the time so long before he cometh to sée the Emperor Madam said she I will tell you that to morrow mean time I pray you determine where you will have our men to set down their charge In the Great Hall said Leonorine that my Gentlewomen may sée it at their ease In faith Madam you shall pardon me said Carmelle this place is too open and over common to leave so precious a thing standing therein I deny not to let them have the pleasure to behold it but having séen it for the more safety it shall be set into your own chamber whereof you and none other shall have the key With that they that bare the tomb entered into the hall and set it down till Leonorine and the rest of the Gentlewomen had beheld it long and if Carmelle had not béen there assure your selves it had béen better visited than it was but she would not depart from thence till it was shut up Which done taking her leave as she went out she took the Princess aside and giving her the key of the Chest wherein Esplandian lay said unto her Madam I leave you in this tomb two inestimable treasures although their difference be great as you may well perceive you being alone for it is sure that under this key lyeth the thing that in all the world you most desire to see and without staying Leonorines answer she went out of the chamber and with Gandalin and his company returned to the ship leaving the Princess in a marvellous doubt by reason of the words she used unto her therewith did so certainly perswade her self that her friend Esplandian lay dead within the same that she was constrained to cause all her gentlewomen to depart the chamber onely Quéen Minoresse that stayed to beaâ— her company with that she threw her self on the bed and almost drowned in tears began to make the greatest sorrow in the world Quéen Minoresse abashed at so sudden alteration knew not what to think but perceiving her grief to increase still more and more went unto her and said Madam I pray you hide the cause of this sorrow from me no longer for I swear unto you of my faith if by any means I may relieve the same I well deal therein as for my self Leonorine that never ceased sighing could not answer her one word but with much importance at the last answered her and said Alas my good friend for Gods cause let me be in rest and let it suffice you that you know that I never was so desirous for to live as I am at this present to die What Madam said the Quéen will you tell me nothing else No said she In good faith then said the Quéen you shall do me wrong and I shall have good cause to think the love and favor that in times past you have shewen unto me to be altogether fained whereat I am much grieved séeing I have born such a mind to you that I would never have failed to hazard not only my honor but my life and soul both for your sake when the Princess heard her spake with such affection she was somewhat better assured and thereupon said unto her Séeing you are so desirous to know the cause you shall hear it presently upon condition you shall promise me to be a means rather to hinder my days than any ways to further them séeing I am fully determined to die You may yet well remember said she the first time that Carmelle came hither to bring us news of Esplandian son to the good Knight with the gréen Sword that had commandment from his father as she said to come hither to serve us in his place according to the promise he had made unto us being in this court Carmelle said that for that cause onely Esplandian had sent her unto Constantinople to give the Emperor and us to understand thereof but there were other matters in the wind for she came expresly to intreat me to be good unto her master who for the great love and affection be bare unto me lived in the greatest pain that pâ—ssible could be Whereupon it happened
that séemed necessary to be done and to avoid all suspition sent Gandalin and Enil before unto the ships and went unto the Emperor whom she found walking in the gallery who no sooner perceived her but he asked if the Present that Esplandian sent unto his daughter were yet in her ship No my Lord said she I caused it yesternight to be carried into her chamber as I promised you and have left it all with her onely that which was given me for my part What is that said the Emperor The Cedar Chest said she wherein if it pleaseth God I will cause the body of Matroco to be buried that as yet lieth in my fathers Hermitage But my lord because as this morning I determined to sayl unto the Castle the defended mountain to him that sent me hither I pray you give me leave to depart Gentlewoman said the Emperor when you were last here I sent him word by you what joy and great pleasure it would be unto me for to sée him here I pray you once again shew him what I said Assuring him that being here he shall have of me all honor and good entertainment we can devise My Lord said Carmelle God preserve your Grace and send you life And therewith taking her leave she returned into her ship where Esplandian and his company stayed for her CHAP. XXXVII How Esplandian put to Sea thinking to arrive at the Castle the defended Mountain and of the great adventures he found ESplandian entred into his ship and Carmelle being returned as it is said before they determined not to stay longer fearing to be discovered wherefore they caused ankers to be hoised and setting sayl made towards the Castle the defended mountain but fortune by a great storm and contrary wind carried them another way driving them along the coast of Alfarin where the wind ceased they sayling almost hard by the shore and at the same instant when they espyed among the Rockes certain horse and footmen fighting together whereat Esplandian marvelled and said unto Gandalin and Enil I pray you séeing we are arrived here at this instant let us go sée from whence the occasion of their combate procéedeth and if we may help them that have the justest quarrel Let us go said the two Knights wherewith they presently landed and mounting on their horses commanded the sailers to stay for them and in great haste ran unto the place where the combate was and apprâ—aching the same they knew their companions by the white crosses they bare upon their armor and séeing them in danger and inclosed on all sides by great number of Turks Esplandian spurred his horse over the stones and entered into the prease but not very far by reason the Turks kept a strait place where he must pass from whence at the first he was repulsed Nevertheless in the end Gandalin and Enil seconded him so well with the help of those that fought on the other side that notwithstanding the great resistance the Turks made they inclosed them on all sides and beat them down yet some of them by the swiftness of their horses saved themselves whereby the Christians remained victors not losing one man The knights that had béen aided in the manner could not imagine which way the other thrée knights came but when they knew them never were men gladder praising God of his great mercy shewed unto them Wherewith Esplandian asked them how they came thither My lord said Elian le delibere I and my companions had so much intreated Belleris to lead us into the country that all this night he hath ben our guide we being issued out of Alfarin thinking to surprise the town of Galatia that lieth upon the sea-side not far from hence and to the same end we stayed in ambush but perceiving our enterprise to be discovered thinking by little and little to retire we were inclosed in such manner that if God had not helpen us by your means without doubt we had al béen overthrown and destroyed By the faith of a knight said Esplandian if you had considered the country where we are and that the loss of one of our men is greater to us then a thousand others if we were in Christendom you would not have hazarded your selves so much but what is past cannot be undone And to the end we spéed no worse let us enter into my ship that stayeth for me My Lord Esplandian said Belleris Occasion is offered now unto us and let him go that refuseth it when time serveth You sée the overthrow of the Turkes which is such that I certainly believe there is not one man left within the Town Wherefore I am of opinion that we ride thither in as secret manner as we may then if we sée occasion we will set upon the gates and it may be shall enter the Town without resistance mean time send one of your Squires to certifie your saylers that they sayl unto Alfarin or else that they stir not from thence before they hear news of us This counsel liked them well and they all agreed unto it with that Belleris marched on before Esplandian and the rest following after riding close together upon a Causie where not far from thence they espyed one sitting upon a sharp Rock most hideous to behold whereat they spurred their horses thither to see what it might be where they saw a woman so old impotent and withered that her breasts hung down beneath her navil apparelled in a Bears skin whereon hung her long white and knotted hair where she had lived among those Rockes in all tempests and stormy weathers for the space of six score years together By which means her naked body shewed like the bark of an Elm trée or some ancient Oke whereby not one of them but began to laugh asking Belleris if he had heard of her before I truly said he for she is so near of linage to King Armato that she was his great Grandfathers Sister And although that in her yong years she hath béen indued with all the gifts of nature yet would she never marry what means soever her friends could use but gave her self continually to study the Art of Magick in such short that none could surpass her in the same whereby she hath foreshown long time since that before she died the land of Turky should be overthrown and brought in subjection unto strangers And for this cause she hath caused this Rock to be hewen wherein she hath made two chambers where continually she abideth apparrelled in the same manner you now behold her and as it is commonly reported she is very near ninescore years of age and that you may know her better it is she that caused the gilt pillars with the Tables hanging at them to be set up at the adventurous fountain which you my Lord Esplandian said he might peradventure sée when you found the Princess Heliaxe and overthrew her guard in that place Truly said Esplandian I would gladly know how
being advertised of their misfortune to comfort them spake unto them and said My friends I am not a little sorry for your losses whereunto if our gods permit us I will take such order and he revenged in such sort that it shall be spoken of so long as the world endureth For I hope not onely to drive these thieves out of my country but to go in person to spâ—yl and utterly destroy the City of Constantinople with his wicked and accursed Emperor and all the Christian Monarchy Which to bring to pass it is not long since I sent my Ambassadors unto my Friends and Allies who have all given me their promise to aid and succor me with all their Forces and Powers whereof some are already arriveâ— at Tenedo where we upon certain matters touching our Countries are to assemble together and staying the time till I have means to do better for you I will give order that certain money shall be given you to sustain your wants Fâ—r the which the Citizens of Galatia thanking bim most heartily remaining in Tesifant where they continually lamented their great losses on the other side Esplandian Frandalo and the rest of the Knights that had gotten the Town considering with themselves that it would be impossible for them to keep and defend so many places with so few men agréed among them to send Gandalin to Constantinople unto the Emperor to shew him what they had of late done to Alphorax and won the town of Galatia being one of the most famous havens in al those parts and for that cause besought him to send them Gastilles or some other of his Captains with some Forces to aid them otherwise they should be constrained either to leave Galatia or else Alfarin considering their small number and the continual alarms that the enemies gave them and the better to move him thereunto they sent him the greatest part of the rich Iewels they had conquered in the town But they had neither Barque nor Pinnace ready to send wherefore they were constrain'd to take that wherein Esplandian came thither which at that time as fortune would lay still at anker staying their pleasure Wherewith Esplandian sent Sergil to cause the ship to come thither which done and Gandalin ready to imbark himself Esplandian took him aside and said unto him Friend Gandalin you have always béen faithful and trusty to my father which giveth me cause to disclose my secret unto â—ou before all others when you come to Constantinople said he you shall sée the Lady Leonorine to whom you shall present my most humble Commendations shewing her that I will not fail very shortly to accomplish my promise and her commandment and withal you shall present her the two Slaves that were given me which I send to wait upon her that by their presence she may have me in remembrance and knowing you are not to learn how to use your spéeches in such cases I pray you Gandalin let me finde in you that which I expect My Lord said he God give me grace to do you service Then fare you well said Esplandian With that Gandalin with all his charge entred into the ship and having set sail had a good wind that in short time after he arrived in Constantinople where being landed he caused two squires to bear the Presents he had brought and entring into the palace he found the Emperor talking with divers of his Noble men the Emperor perceiving him went to imbrace him asking him where he had left the good knight Esplandian and whether he meant not shortly to come and sée him My Lord said Gandalin he commendeth himself most humbly unto your Grace and hath sent you word by me that not above fiftéen days past he Frandalo and others of our company have taken the town of Galatia Galatia said the Emperor By the faith I bear to God that is good news for as I have béen informed heretofore it is one of the riches towns in all Turky but I knew not well how they can kéep it Full well my Lord said Gandalin so it be your pleasure to send them some aid otherwise they shall be constrained in the end either to abandon that to kéep Alfarin or Alfarin for that which would be a shame for them and great damage both to your Grace and all Christendom Have they found great riches therein said the Emperor or have they lost any quantity of their men My Lord said Gandalin some of the enemies were slain in the taking thereof and with that he began to shew him the maner how it was done and causing the cases wherin the presents were to be opened among other things he shewd him the images of Nabuchodonosor king of Assyria of Alexander the great and that which he most estéemed the true and lively representation of Hector of Troy armed at all points as he was when he fought against the Grecians and surely the Emperor had reason to make so much account thereof for that Agamemnon was content to receive it for his part as being estéemed to be the richest jewel in all the city of Troy for that Hector himself had caused it purposely to be made while the Grecians lay before the City by one of the cunningest workmen that could be found and set it upon the chief Gate of the Pallace of Ilion which long after fell into the hands of the kings of Turky that had erected it in the Market-place of Galatia placing it upon a high marble pillar which Gandalin shewed unto the Emperor as he heard reported in the countrey wherewith the Emperor was so well pleased that he could not refrain to say In good truth I should not be better pleased with the taking of the City of Tesifante than I am at this time with this goodly Present I pray you tell the knights that sent it I thank them for it with all my heart My lord said Gandalin they did think it would be more acceptable unto your Grace than all the vessels of gold and silver that they found within the Town part whereof they have likewise sent unto you that are in this other Case which he presently caused to be opened and after they had perused them Gandalin caused the two slaves that Esplandian sent to come néerer presenting them to the Princess Leonorine saying unto her Madam the good knight Esplandian not knowing what greater Present to offer you next unto himself then these two yong maids he sendeth them unto you as your slaves to the end every man may know that as you are the goodliest lady that ever nature framed so is there not any creature living on the earth that better deserveth to command such as command others than your self wherefore if you shew him the courtesie to accept them at his hands he will estéem it for one of the greatest favors that ever he received Leonorine that knew as well how to dissemble her affections as any woman living on the earth and desiring to
have the same opinion that always had run of her to continue still with a dissembled kinde of anger answered Gandalin and said Sir knight it séemeth by your words that Esplandian is disposed to mock me and that you estéem me to be a woman of light credit could you of your faith think me so very a childe that I should not well perceive that if Esplandian were so much at my commandment as you say he would not have deferred the time so long to come hither unto us were it onely but to acquit the promise king Amadis his Father made us above six or seven years past But I know his mind full well he means to content us with words and many messages that from time to time he sendeth together with an infinite number of excuses but all to no purpose whereof while I live I will not accept one of them for his discharge let him therefore come himself and then it may be I will believe that to be in him I have so oftentimes heard reported When the Emperor heard her speak in that sort he showed by his countenance that he took great pleasure at his daughters choler and said unto her My swéet friend what will Ganda lin say to sée you so uncourteous towards him that honoreth you so much I pray you swéet-heart moderate your choler and take that he sendeth for if you refuse it he shall have great occasion to dislike thereof And you sée that for your sake he doth so many valiant acts that the good Knight with the Gréen Sword could never do the like My Lord said she I believe for valor he is not inferior unto his father but for courtesie his father surpasseth him In faith Madam said Gandalin if you knew him as well as I do it may be you would commend him more then now you blaspheme him séeing that if he hath deferred the time to come hither it is onely because he thinketh he hath not as yet done sufficient in arms whereby he should deserve one spark of favor at your hands considering your estate and the small valor that is in him although at this day he is estéemed the best Knight that ever bare arms for these hundred years Nevertheless séeing you accuse him of that that ought most to excuse him I promise you of mine honor leaving all things apart presently upon my return he shall come hither unto you to do whatsoever it shall please you to command him Gandalin said the Princess Leonorine think not whatsoever I say that I either take pleasure or displeasure at his presence or his absence but onely as my Father doth and I for his sake knowing the great love and affection he hath always born to King Amadis his Father and continued â—he same to his Son But hereof am I well assured that he cannot so excuse himself or make us think other then that herein he hath done us wrong Nevertheless séeing it is the Emperors pleasure I will kéep the Present he hath sent me upon the promise and assurance you have made of his coming hither as soon as you shall be arrived at Galatia Truly Leonorine played her part very cunningly here for hardly would it have béen thought or once imagined that Esplandian and she had so faithfully given their hands and hearts as they had done in the presence of Quéen Minoresse as you heard before Gandalin for his part knew not what to think although he had born Esplandian in the tomb and set him in her chamber as you likewise heard Then the Emperor asked him how long he meant to stay My lord said Gandalin as little as I may for it were not fit forme to live at rest while my companions are in arms Wherefore I most humbly beséech your Grace to give me my dispatch as soon as possible you can Gandalin said the Emperor I will presently send for my admiral will cause men in al haste to be prepared that within six or seven days they shall be ready to depart With that he went into the Garden to recreate himself and the Ladies with him where when Ganlin perceived Leonorine in an Arbor of Mirtle trées walking pensively alone he went unto her and said Madam my Lord Esplandian commanded me to certifie your Grace that since the time he departed from you and that he received so great favor at your hands his heart that wholly is yours hath so longed after you that he hath thought to die a thousand times with grief for the loss of your presence And to say the truth I have known many men troubled with the passions of love but I certainly believe there was never his like nor that more wisely could dissemble it which maketh me greatly to doubt his person For that it is impossible considering the grief he still indureth together with the small comfort he received of his familiar friends not knowing his disease but that he must in short time end his days whereby great dammage should then arise unto all Christendom considering the strange beginning of Knighthood and great prowess that is in him which is such as that if he continue as he hath begun he will bring that Order in greater estimation then ever it hath béen before wherefore Madam séeing I have always as it may be you are already adverâ—sed béen a Servant to his father and that I am acquainted with the nature of his son and the danger wherein he is like to fall into if you shew him not some favor I have presumed to shew your Ladyship the hard case wherein he was when I left him as also that he hath expresly commanded me to assure you that his onely intent and desire is to be in your presence Yet perceiving the danger wherein his companions do remain he knoweth not what excuse to make whereby he might take occasion for to leave them wherefore he beséecheth you to impuâ—e his long absence unto fortune and not to him that is born only to love serve and obey you In uttering whereof Gandalin shewed so sorrowful a countenance that he made Leonorine ready to wéep In which kind of office he had so well bin exercised from his youth that no man could surpass him in the same Friend Gandalin said the Princess Leonorine I know not what you mean I should do for him more then already I have done nor yet for what cause you should imagine that I seek to be the means of his death seeing that if he were but sick I know my self so feeble and impatienâ— that with grief sorrow I should not be able to live one hour after Let it therefore be far from you once to think that I would ever be any other mans then only his and think it not strange if in the Emperors presence or before the world I dissemble as I do for I would not in any case that the least inckling of the burning love wherein my heart continually flameth towards him should as yet
be once perceived chiefly for the great good I wish unto him Madam said Gandalin I am well assured he will receive an extream pleasure to hear these news and that he wil leave all things to come hither if you think it good That is my desire said she and I pray him so to do you to perswade him thereunto While they were devising Tartary the Admiral so called of the place of his birth entred into the garden being a man issued of a mean house but advanced unto great authority by his great with valiant courage so that he commanded over all the Grecian seas The Emperor and he talked long time touching Gandalins message concerning aid to be sent unto Galatia and in the end he willed in all haste to prepare thirty gallies Foists with two thousand of the best souldiers he could find to man the same The Admiral Tartary according to his charge executed his Commission in such sort that within six days after he was ready with his navy to set sayl and depart from thence CHAP. XXXIX How Vrganda arrived at Galatia and of the danger wherein she was by the subtilty of Melie the Enchantress THe Admiral Tartary and Gandalin having taken their leaves of the Emperor set sayl and passed the straights of Constantinople and without any adventures arrived at Galatia within one wéek after their departure if they were well received by the Christian Knights it is not to be doubted for their number was so small and so dispersed that they were in doubt to be able to kéep that Town with Alfarin and the Castle the defended mountain But when they saw such aid they were in better hope and having received the Admiral they divided their two thousand men as néed required Mean time Esplandian had no small desire to know of Gandalin if he had spoken with the Princess Leonorine and how she did for the which cause being in his chamber he sent for him Where talking together Gandalin shewed him from point to point what spéeches had passed betwéen the Princess and him not onely before the Emperor but also in the garden And of my faith sir said he you do her wrong considering the good meanes you have both to satisfie her and your self for what excuse soever you can make you are not so sore charged on this side that you may not spare some time to go and sée her which she craveth at your hands That I will do said Esplandian but I must find the means take you care for that said Gandalin and let me go sléep for I never had more néed Go said Esplandian be here again betimes in the morning Wherewith Gandalin took his leave leaving Esplandian alone in great care how he might find some convenient excuse to leave his companions in the extreamity but God provided for him fâ—r the same night about an hour before day as he began to slumber he heard a most pleasant sound of musick which you must understand came out of the great Serpent that he left in the Castle the defended mountain which at that time was arrived before the town of Galatia but little did he think of any such thing or that Urganda had bin therein because he thought her to be in great Britain This mellody continued for the space of half an hour and more which done he heard such a noise of Trumpets Clarigals Phifes and Tabers that sounded so high that the sentinels of the town thought verily the enemies navy had bin arrived before the same to lay siege unto it whereupon they caused an Alarum in the town each man running to the walls being all of that mind till day when they might behold the great Serpent wherein Urganda was all hung with long pennons and streamers whereat Esplandian was so glad that going down unto the Haven he presently entered into a boat with Talanque Manley and diverse other of the principal captains to sée who might be there And rowing néer unto it they knew Urganda that stayed for them on the hatches and stretching forth her arms spake unto them and said My good friends you are most heartily welcome I pray you come up into my ship that I may imbrace you With that Esplandian entred and as he meant to salute Urganda she knéeled on the ground to kiss his féet whereat he being ashamed took her up and said unto her Madam I never thought you would have taken pleasure to mock with me séeing I account my self much more bound to you then to any creature living in the world And therefore for Gods cause if at any time I chance to offend you punish me I pray you in some sort or other Most happy Knight said she The aid I hope for at your hands before many days shall pass moved me to do as I have done wherfore I beséech you take it in good part And with that she embraced him and after him Talanque Manley and all the rest every man doing her great honor desiring her to shew them the cause of her so sudden coming thither My good friends said she you â—â—all know it at some other time when better leisure serveth mean while I am to tell you that it is necessary for you shortly to go unto the City of Constantinople where you shall enter all armed and apparrelled in the same armor I have brought hither for you and thus must I tell you that if you should defer it till another time it would be prejudicial to you all Wherefore I counsel you to do it upon the first day of the next wéek assuring you to be as well received of the Emperor as ever were any knights which your ease and pleasure in his company shall continue until the rolling whéel of fortune turning about shall bring with it many travels passions adventures which shall cause many griefs and sorrows both to you and others And the better to make you believe that al I say is true I tell you that I my self shall fall into two of the greatest dangers of my self that ever I had whether it be here or in another place I know not And which is worse I cannot by any means avoid the same not knowing any cause how nor wherefore it should be so although it be in a manner ready to fall upon me Madam said Esplandian before you shall receive any hurt in our presence we will all lose our lives to succor you My good child said she mans destiny of force must be accomplished But I pray you let us enter into some other talk for this maketh me melancholy Madam said Manley Is it not your pleasure to go into the Town I said she I pray you send for Norandel who at this present I know is at Alfarin and I will give you as great cause to rejoyce as ever you had for that within my ship I have brought the King of Denmark wounded in a combate that he fought against Garlante Lord of the
mountain slaying Matroco and Frerion two of the best Knights in all the East parts and which is worse the number of the Christians increasing more and more they have sought all means to destroy our holy Law which to prevent we entred into arms and having raised a mighty Army thought to drive them out of our quarters but having long time continued siege before the Castle of the defended mountain and brought it to such extremity that they had no victuals to sustain themselves he of whom we were most in doubt the first beginner of those wars found means by the aid of a villain named Frandalo that sometime belonged unto us to enter therein and by subtilty to take us prisoners in such sort that our Army being overthrown we remained prisoners in their hands where they have holden us in straight keeping almost for the space of a whole year together mean time our fortune continuing worse and worse they have by treason seized upon the Towns of Alfarin and Galatia two of the best Ports in all our Realm which they had never taken in hand without the aid of the traiterous and disloyal Emperor of Constantinople who for to aid and succor them hath falsly broken the Truce concluded between us and raised so many men that without your aids we are in danger to fall into their hands a thing that would concern you much seeing we as you know are the Frontier and Rampart to you all Wherefore in the name of all our gods we pray and desire you that not onely for the safeguard of our Law but for the profit and utility of all the East countreys you will assemble your Forces in so great number that thereby we may drive these Christians out of our Countrey and conquer the Empire of Constantinople even to France and the Countreys of Great Brittain which will be both easie and profitable unto us These Letters written and the Messengers dispatched they made such haste that before the end of July following there were so many men assembled at the port of Tenedos that the Christians had news thereof as hereafter you shall hear One day among the rest as Belleris Talanque and Manley being issued out of the Castle of the defended mountain hoping to take some Turk in the way to Tesifant that might tell them news not onely of the King Armato but of Melie and Urganda as day began to appear they came unto the adventurous fountain where they beheld the pillars of brass the pavillion and the field-bed that Heliaxe had left there with a great Serpent lying therein which presently began to run away and the Knights after thinking to kill her but their horses durst not go néer her yet she began to complain and wéep as bitterly as a woman travelling with childe Wherewith there appeared four men well mounted and armed at all points that cryed out and said Sir Knights depart from hence and trouble not our gentlewoman in this sort or it shall cost you your lives And scarce had they ended their spéech but they ran each at other the strange knights breaking their spears in such manner upon the Christians that Manley and his companions thought they had run against them with long strawes Yet could not one of them couch his launce but ran their course without once touching them Mean time the Serpent entred into a hole and could no more be séen and as they turned their horses to run another course the four Knights would not abide but flying away cryed unto them and said Sir Knights our Gentlewoman is safe for the rest content your selves if you think good Get you hence to all the devils said Talanque and ill fortune might he have that followeth after you With that they thrée returned unto the fountain not without great laughing at their adventure And as they were before the pavillion they perceived a Knight that watered his horse to whom Belleris riding asked him his name What have you to do therewith said he So much said Belleris that either you shall tell me presently with good will or else shall fight with me You shall fail in the one but not in the other for although you be thrée yet am I well content to prove what the Knights of Great Brittain can do When Talanque heard him speak so boldly he could not refrain to say By God Sir Knight that you shall prove without delay and setting spurs to his horse ran fiercely against the other that refused him not but strake him so sure that he overthrew him to the ground Which Manley wondring at set forward to revenge his friend but if the first sped ill he sped no better no more did Belleris all thrée rising up again ashamed at their falls which minding to amend by dent of Swords the other Knight fled along the wood crying so loud that they might hear him say Sir Knights another time sit better on your horses and trouble not your selves to follow me if you mean not to lose your way In Gods name said Talanque what may this mean shall we have no better fortune all this day I think we are inchanted Let us mount upon our horses and follow after him that we may know whether God or all the devils in hell have determined to cross us in this journey Wherewith they mounted determining to follow after the other but they heard a lamentable voice wherefore they stayed to sée what it might be With that they espyed a woman with her head undrest crying out for help And after her ran a Lion ready to devour her whereat they being moved with compassion thought to step betwéen them but the Lion began so horribly to rore that the horses stricken with fear bare their masters above two long bows shot from thence mean time the woman and the Lion vanished away whereat Talanque and Manley more abashed then before asked Belleris if ever he heard of such adventures In good faith said he those that are desirous to sée strange things must repair unto this fountain For there are many and such as yet you have not séen that wonder it is to hear and will you know how it cometh to pass Meâ—ie had devised them long time since wherefore it is not to be marvelled No mâ—re I do not said Manley nevertheless were it not for the enterprize we now have taken in hand by the faith of a Knight said he I would not depart from hence before I had séen them all That shall be at another time said Belleris let us now kéep on our way that we be not discovered With that they held on the left hand always riding toward the City of Tesifant and having ridden about five miles space they met ten men on horseback all unarmed leading two Gentlewomen one of them being somewhat fair and well aparelled But the ten men were in so great fear that leaving the Gentlewomen they ran and saved themselves not being pursued for the thrée knights stayed with
go with him My Lord said he to morrow I will send to all my Ports and Havens that all the Ships of War that can be found may be in a readiness mean time I will in all parts assemble men to do as my Nephew Esplandian hath required My Lord said Enil my Lord Esplandian hath written by Gandalin to king Amadis and other of his friends whom he hath desired to joyn with you so that I hope about one time all your Armies will be ready and that without long staying for each other you will assemble all together Truly said king Florestan it was well devised With that divers captains were dispatched into sundry places to give order for their men and to ballast rigge and prepare Vessels for their Voyage into the East Gandalin on the other side coasting the Isles of Majorque and Minorque leaving Guinea and Barbarie passed the straits of Gibraltar and had so good a wind that in few days without staying in Spain he arrived in Great Brittain with King Amadis who as then continued in London and presented him with the Letter that Esplandian sent shewing him likewise his charge by word of mouth the good and evil adventures that he had since he departed from Mirefleur and among the rest the overthrow of the Turkish army on the Sea the taking of King Aâ—mato the occasion why the siege rose up before the Castle of the defended mountain the arrival of Gastilles the taking of Alfarin and of the captain of Tesifant the surprising of Galatia the loss oâ— Urganda and lastly all what you have read at large in the chapters going before And to the end my lord said he that order may be had to prevent the inconvenience he foreséeth to be prepared against all Christendom if it be not succored he hath expresly willed me to shew you that he hath had certain intelligence that all the Kings of the East parts have sworn and promised together to over-run all Christendom which is very likely considering the great preparations assembly of men they have already made in the Isle of Tenedos which is such that as our spies report they are at least six hundred sail of Ships and about four or five hundred thousand men God will help us if it pleased him said the King Amadis for my part I will do what possible I may and will likewise advertise King Perion my father and my brother Galaor My Lord said Gandalin I have also charge to travel unto them and likewise unto Gasquillan Don Brunean Quedragant and others to whom Esplandian hath written in like sort as he hath done to you and hath expresly given me in charge to sée King Luisart and do his humble commendations unto him It is great reason said the king nevertheless I am of this opinion that before my mother the Queen you do not once declare the occasion of your coming but give her to understand that all is well but not unto the king if you find him alone for he is a man as every one well knoweth to take all things with patience as they shall fall out and because my Sons affairs require no delay I pray you Gandalin after you have refreshed your self a day or two go on your journey as you have in charge So Gandalin that day remained there during which time Quéen Oriane talked long with him the next day he departed to sée King Luisart and Quéen Brisanne at Mirefleur who knowing he came of message from Esplandian were excéeding glad the Quéen although she were wise and very aged yet could not change her womans nature but before the king spake any word asked him for her son but Gandalin accustomed readily to devise excuses as he had béen instructed by King Amadis told her that he had left him in the firm Isle not well at ease by reason of his long travel but not so ill said he as that he could not have taken pain to come hither and sée you but he feared lest his sickness would encrease where he thought it better for him to kéep his chamber a while than to entertain a long and envious ague for a long space which the Quéen easily believed and for the hope she had shortly to sée him she made no account thereof nevertheless the same evening Gandalin told King Luisart all that you heard before wisely excusing himself of the spéech he used before him unto the Quéen as King Amadis had given him charge wherein king Luisart commended him for the rest he promised to think thereon while he travelled unto those with whom he had to do In this sort Gandalin being dispatched returned to king Amadis who in the mean time perswaded by Quéen Oriane wrought a marriage for him as you shall hear You have read in the beginning of our history of the services the gentlewoman of Denmark did for them and the things wherein she Gandalin had béen exercised wherefore it was reason that having béen partakers of their youthful toys she should also taste some of their prosperous fortunes Wherefore Quéen Oriane moved king Amadis to make a marriage betwéen them two but he thought the match unfit because the gentlewoman was already aged Gandalin being yong lusty nevertheless as all women that are wise and of a quick conceit can bring their enterprises to effect the Quéen found means to get the kings consent wherby Gandalin was no sooner come from Mirefleur but he took him aside said unto him Gandalin the quéen is desirous to have you stay with us not only for the love she knoweth I bear unto you but also for the good she wisheth you And for this cause she would have you marry with the gentlewoman of Denmark whom she loveth and will do much both for her and you if you consent thereto you know her long time since both to be wise good vertuous and for my part I pray you and counsel you thereunto Gandalin would gladly have excused himself and to say the truth he was too yong for so old a match nevertheless having from his infancy learned to confirm his will to that of Amadis he was content to do as pleased him in such sort that in less than three days after the marriage was celebrated and ended Mean time king Amadis took the letters and instructions that Gandalin should carry to Gasquillan and king Brunean and sent them by a gentleman of his named Handro cousin german to the Countess of Flanders desiring them as much as possible they might to aid his son in his so good a cause but the next week following Gandalin more affected to the service of Esplandian than to court his wife departed from thence to travel into France unto king Perion and from him to Sobradise to Galaor Mean time king Amadis sent for all the Pilots masters and marriners of his country that he could find commending King Arban of Norgales to take care for all things requisite for the enterprise and
the end that being united together they may the better preserve both your life and mine And taking a Bracelet of Gold that from her infancy she had always kept she tied it about his right arm And this circle said she being round as you behold it shall without ceasing be witness of our loves serving as a Rampart to this Army which if it pleaseth God in defending it shall so well defend his master that he shall return in as good health as I desire he should Norandel thanked her most heartily mean time Leonorine entertained Talanque Manley and the rest to whom she said My friends I hope the Lord will shew you so much grace that the Victory shall be yours for the Combate you take in hand is not for to defend the honor of a Gentlewoman but the glorious Faith of Christ If therefore it be so the strength procéedeth from him be you then well assured that he will impart so much to you as you shall want Madam said Talanque at other times we have béen at the like feast from whence we have returned to the great expence of those that called us thither as if it be Gods will we hope this day to do the like Wherewith taking their leaves of her they went to finde their horses and being mounted the Emperor with great number of Knights and Gentlewomen brought them to the gate And committing them to God the ten Knights marched bravely to the place of Combat where the Souldan with a great number of his friends met them asking them whom the Emperor had appointed Iudge on their side Souldan said Norandel we desire no other Iudge then your self that are accounted a courteous and most faithful Prince By all my gods said he I had rather die a thousand deaths then you should endure the least injury in the world we believe it well said all the knights With that he caused them to enter into the Lists at one end and the ten Pagans at the other but before they entred into fight he called Norandel and his companions and said unto them My friends I pray you let me shew you what the custom of my Countrey is in such affairs then if you think good you may observe it if not my knights shall kéep your custom if it be indifferent Shew us then said Norandel what it is and if the same be reasonable we will not refuse it You shall understand said he that all knights justle one against one to the end that all men may know the excellency of the Victor And if any one be overthrown he that is on the horse back shall not assail the other before their companions have run out their course Then he that is on horseback shall a light and shall fight it out by dint of sword with him that before was overthrown Because it chanceth oftentimes that the best knights that are fall into such inconvenience onely by the fault and means of bad horses which cause them divers times either to fail in striking of their enemy or else not to run their right course which cannot be excused in thâ—se that are on foot to whom it is permitted to succor each other if néed require Truly said Norandel that custom is well ordained and I and my companions wil observe the same wherewith the Souldan went out of the Lists causing his Heralds to proclaim the fight With that a Pagan stepped forth against Norandel that refused him not but covering himself with his shield they met so fiercely that their spears were broken to their wrests méeting body to body with so great strength that the Pagan fell over his horse tail lying flat upon the ground but Norandel had no hurt onely that his horses shoulder was thrust out of joint so that he lighted off staying till the rest had run their courses as he had promised Then Garvate du Val Craintif ran against one of the other and they charged each other in such sort that their féet failing in their stirrops they were both cast out of their saddles Then Talanque ran against the third Pagan to whom fortune was more favorable then to any of the rest for they ran so well that neither of them once started aside or moved in their saddles and yet brake their spears in many pieces The like chanced to Manley and Ambor but not to Bravor the son of Balan for he hit him that ran against him right in the breast and threw him from his horse And presently therewith Imosil of Burgundy had so great a stroke with a launce that his eyes started in his head and was therewith so much astonished that his horse bare him to the side of the barriers where he fell down flat Elian le delibere and he that ran against him were constrained to hold by their horses mains Listoran of the bridge missed his stroke and his enemy likewise the like happened to Trion and the last that ran with him That done all they that were on horse back lighted down to fight with swords and there began betwéen them such a fight as the like had not béen séen of so few Knights together maintaining themselves so brabely one against the other that the strongest of them was so weary and out of breath that they were constrained to rest And as Norandel leaned upon his Sword which he rested on the ground the bracelet that Minoresse gave him fell downward upon his arm which put him in so good remembrance of her that clean forgetting all the travel he had taken before he spake so loud that every man might hear and said By God sir Knight this rest doth not beséem us many men will from henceforth be in doubt of the great glory that now we mean to win Wherefore let every man shew forth what we can do and let no man spare Wherewith taking the little piece of his shield that rested in his hand and lifting up his arm he gave so great a blow unto his enemy that he made him réel therewith and doubling it strake him so surely on the helmet that with the blow the Turk was forced to knéel down and let his sword fall out of his hand which Norandel seized upon being ready to strike off his head if he had not cried him mercy which Talanque and Manley perceiving imployed their forces in such manner that it might easily be judged they would soon obtain the victory As for Bravor he had already stricken his knight down wherefore he ran to help the rest and Norandel likewise With the which help it soon appeared that they which rested yet to overcome would not long resist for in short space they found themselves in such extremity that unless the Souldan of Liquie had desired the Christian Knights to stay a while they had all died but calling Norandel unto him he said I pray you said qe procéed no further in this combate and content your selves that I account my Knights for vanquished as in truth they are
they landed that they might the better approach the Pagans camp with that they agréed among them that King Childadan and Quedragant should be Generals of the army by Sea and having left sufficient number of men for the furnishing and safe kéeping of their ships their Fléet sailed towards Constantinople hoping to set upon Alphorax and his army by Sea before they should perceive them But it fell out otherwise for the Turks that had spies in all places discovered them not suffering Alphorax to fight desiring him most earnestly onely to kéep the entry of the straits to take all means from the town to be victualled on that side Which King Childadan and Quedragant understanding would not hazard themselves but ankered within half a mile of the enemy staying for king Luisart the Emperor of Rome and those that marched by land mean time giving divers skirmishes to the enemy with their Pinnaces but Alphorax for all that would not leave his hole lying as close as possibly he could on the other side Armato and his company being advertised of the great aid that came towards the town caused their forces to assemble determining to kéep the side of the great sea by the which they might easilier recover victuals as well from Natolia as out of Tartaria The Kings Amadis Perion and others made such haste that the ninth day after they incamped themselves in the sight of Constantinople right before their enemies in a place that séemed most convenient But if the Pagans at the first were much abashed to sée those succors the Emperor and those within the town were not much less doubting it had béen some new forces come against the town for they had not any intelligence of the sending of Gandalin and Enil to the Christian princes that brought with them a multitude both of ships and men as well Knights as others Now to return to the Christians Fléet King Childadan knowing that Alphorax played the fox desired Quedragant having equal power with him to be content that he with threescore Pinnaces might skirmish with him that thereby if it were possible he might provoke him to come out which he agréed unto wherefore setting sail he made towards his enemy so neer that they were ready to fight hand to hand nevertheless Alphorax for that time would not touch the bait but entred farther in the straights wherewith King Childadan retired and came unto the haven of the City making the bravest show that might be séen those of Constantinople perceiving the Handirols and Streamers of Great Brittain and of other Christian Princes made him answer with the like and so high that the noise of the Trumpets Clerons and Tabers was so great that Armato and all the Pagans might easily hear it With that King Childadan was received by the Emperor Norandel and others to whom he shewed what aid was come unto them and what princes had taken the voyage in hand In good faith said the Emperor they bind me for ever unto them yet am I much abashed how they understood of the wars between Armato and me What my Lord said Childadan did Esplandian never tell you thereof No I assure you said the Emperor nor any of his companions as far as I know Is he not in the City said the King In good truth said Norandel he would not leave the castle of the defended mountain minding to keep it if the Pagans came to besiege it Assure your selves said Childadan he will not long stay there before King Amadis sendeth for him for we determine presently to give battel and if he should fail at such a journey it would grieve him ever after Much other talk had the Knights of Constantinople with Childadan and those that bare him company where he stayed till the next day in the morning that he entered into his ships to return unto Quedragant CHAP. LII How Esplandian and the king of Denmark were sent for by Gandalin that went unto the Castle the defended mountain where they stayed attending the succors of the Christian Princes and of a Letter that the Souldan of Liquie and Queen Calafre wrote unto King Amadis and Esplandian KIng Childadan returned to Quedragant as you heard before and the army on land incamped in fight of the enemy Amadis was advertised by those that had bin in the City of Constantinople that Esplandian and the King of Denmark were at the Castle of the defended mountain whereupon he sent Gandalin to fetch them Gandalin took shipping and had so good a winde that without any adventure he arrived there where he declared unto them how King Amadis and almost all the Christian Princes were incamped within half a mile of the Pagans host and al what he and Enil had done concerning their charge And because said Gandalin that our men are determined shortly to give them battel they pray you to come unto them Truly said Esplandian Gandalin my friend you have wrought the matter well and I thank you for the pains that you have taken My Lord said the King of Denmark are you not determined that we go unto them For my part I had rather lose one of mine arms then fail thereof Brother said Esplandian to morrow if it pleaseth God the great serpent shall bring us thither before that time it had always used to sail of it self but as then it failed For when they were entered into it it stirred not whereat Gandalin much abashed could not refrain to say By god this vessel is like to the horse with the white leg that failed us when we have most néed Friend said Esplandian I am surely perswaded that this procéedeth by reason of Urgandas imprisonment who at this time is in Melies power and so well inchanted that her art profiteth her as little as this vessel doth us that moved by her inchantments which at this present hath no means to stir as you may well perceive And Esplandian said true for at the same time the country wherein Urganda dwelt called the unknown Island because it was always invisible was as then discovered and séen of all men With that Gandalin counselled them to enter into the Pinnace which Esplandian the the King of Denmark did and having a good wind sailed towards Constantinople on a sunday in the morning they espied the vessels of king Childadan and Quedragant which not long after they boarded where Esplandian and the King of Denmark were received with great joy after that he went to sée his father and the rest of the Knights that were on land and after an infinite number of imbracings and welcomes on all sides they determined to visit their enemies somewhat nearer whereby many brave skirmishes were made where the women of Quéen Calafre were continually in arms and among the rest a sister of the Quéens named Liote a hardy and valiant Lady that took a Frenchman prisoner which certified the Souldan of Liquie that Amadis de Gaule King of Great Brittain and Esplandian his Son were
Queen who being greatly pleased with that answer determined the next day to go unto them But she knew not well what manner of apparrel she were best to wear sometimes she thought it fit to go as she used when she went to battel and then presently changed opinion thinking a womans apparrel would be more seemly and convenient seeing she went not to try their forces but onely to win the love and favor of Esplandian if she might procure the same And thinking on it all night long in the morning when she meant to apparrel her self she was resolved to dress her as women use to do thinking she had means enough afterward to shew her self in habit of a Knight whereby she might be seen both in the one and the other sort Whereupon she caused her most precious Robes to be brought unto her and apparrelling her self forgot not any thing that might once beautifie or adorn her person or that in her opinion would deck her well the better to be liked And to bear her company she took twelve of her own gentlewomen so well furnished and set forth with Stones and Pearls that the like was never séen That done she sent unto her ships for a most strange and monstrous beast whereupon sometimes she used to ride in great pomp It was as big as a great Dromadary the hair long and somewhat yellow black spots his two ears hanging down unto his knées having but one eye shining brighter then a burning glass and stood right in the midst of his forehead out of his mouth there issued two great teeth like horns and although his feet were cloven like an ox yet was there no Hart in all the world that could outrun him were it in plain way or over rocks In that manner she entered into the Christans camp of whom she was not a little wondred at before she came to King Luisarts tent where Amadis and in a manner all the principal captains of the army stayed for her praying Quedragant to go out to welcome her which he did with great courtesie for he had no sooner espied her but he stepped forward and doing her great reverence holp her to descend and taking her by the arm led her into the tent where the Lords were all assembled of whom she was most honorably received But when she beheld Esplandians beauty she was so much surprised with the love of him that she repented her coming thither not so much for the small hope she had to win him being divers in religion but doubting that the fantasie newly entred into her mind would so much estrange her force by overmuch thinking upon him when she went to fight that thereby she should be in danger to lose the honor and reputation she had gotten in arms among the best Knights in all the world which to prevent she determined to stay the less time there knowing the nature of love to be such that it can steal the hearts of all persons and commonly maketh himself possessor of it before he that hath it in possession can perceive it And as the Princes entertained her with divers swéet and pleasant speeches she returned to Esplandian and said Sir Knight for two most excellent graces that are in you I have taken the pains to come and visit you The first is the gift of beauty which is such in you as I could never have imagined the same The other is the force of your body and magnanimity of your courage whereby you are accounted altogether invincible The one I have séen wich mine eyes to be so perfect that I never hope to see the like again although I lived a thousand years and more the other the combate you shall have against the most puissant Souldan of Liquie will be a witness unto us and had it not bin that he requested me to fight against King Amadis because his onely desire is to prove his body against yours I would have tryed it my self Of one thing can I well assure you that if the honor remain to us and life to you I will afterward tell you a thing that much importeth me and which I greatly desire to let you know before I sail into my country Now for this time I have satisfied my desire wherefore my Lords said she unto all the Princes I beseech you pardon me in not using longer speeches for I know full well that my long staying with you thinking to finde that I hoped for might possibly cause me to lose my self wherewith I should be overmuch displeased for that before sunsetting I hope to be in place where I will shew such valour in arms that he which never could be vanquished by man as it is reported shall now receive an overthrow at a simple womans hand Madam said King Perion fortune can do much when it pleaseth her if you do as you say truly you shall do more then we can well believe but commonly the workman is known by his work and because the issue of the combate is the glory of him or you til then we wil defer our judgements And although Amadis perceived himself much outraged by the queen yet he made no sign thereof but taking her by the arm led her where her company stayed and as she mounted to return with a smiling countenance he spake unto her and said Madam when we come to dealing of blows I beseech you shew me not the greatest extremity you can because I was always a friend to women and ever will be during my life whereunto the queen answered not a word but rode unto the Pagans camp to arm her self Mean time Brian de Moniaste arrived in the Christians camp who having bin sent by the King of Spain his father with a great power of men into Africa to besiege the town of Cesonie after called Centie was advertised by a pirate of the christians enterprise and how their army great fléet had passed the cape of Finis terre presently sent unto his father to desire him to give him leave to go that voyage whereunto by much importunity he granted For which cause Brian brake up his siege of Cenite and entring again into his ships sailed to Cicile and from thence to Galipoli and so to Constantinople where he joyned with the Christian princes that received him most gladly CHAP. LIII How king Amadis Esplandian his son fought against the Souldan of Liquie and Queen Calafre and of the battel fought the same day both by sea and land between the Christians the Pagans QVéen Calafre returned to the Pagans camp as you heard before presently armed her self and the Souldan likewise and stayed not long before they came unto the place where the combate was assigned where not long after they found Amadis and Esplandian and because the camps were not well assured of each other notwithstanding the oaths and promises on both sides made they set themselves in order of battel not stirring one foot King Perion sending word to Quedragant
few days after went to Tesifant to Armato where she declared at large the effect of her embassage which heard by king Armato and considring with himself that for Urganda he might recover one of his greatest friends and thereby cause the Christian Princes for a time to refrain the overrunning of his country sent presently for Melie desiring her in all affection for his sake to grant to his desire and the pleasure of the Christians considring the offer made by them was both advantage unto him and his Melie desirous to please Armato brake her inchantments and without delay Urganda was delivered unto Carmelle upon condition that she being arrived in the city of Constantinople should likewise set the Souldan of Liquie at liberty which she swore and promised to do which done taking their leave of Armato they travelled so long that they came unto the castle the defended mountain where Urganda caused them to leave Carmelles ship to enter into the great serpent that as yet she found there which presently of it self began to sail as it had always done before Urganda was in prison in such manner that without impeachment they arrived in the Haven of Constantinople where the Princes and lords being on shoar descended to the water side to receive Urganda And thinking to bring her to the palace she desired them to stay there till a prophesie were accomplished that should be done before the sun went down which they agréed unto not onely to please her mind but likewise desiring to sée what it should be With that they were abashed that the great serpent began to leap and labor in the water as if it had bin in the greatest storm that ever was although the sea was very calm but only about the serpent where it raged in most horrible maner but that which most abashed the beholders was that the vessel cast forth such horrible cries that not one among them but his hair stood upright upon his head for fear And having continued in the maner about half an hour more the serpent thrust his head into the water wherewith it sunk and never was séen again And with that they perceived a far off a great rock which being driven by the waves came within half a bow shot néer unto the shore on the top whereof stood a woman bareheaded and câ—vered only with a linen cloth to hide her privities being invironned by more then a thousand serpents as well great as small which stung her in such sort that she wept lamented in most pittiful maner wherat the knights of great Brittain had so much compassion that they thought to enter into the ships to go help her which Urganda forbad them For said she besides the dangers that may happen you shall lose your labors because she whom you behold which is the inchantress lady hath ordained it to be sâ— With that the rock sunk into the water the gentlewoman vanished out of sight but not long after she appeared again upon the waves flying from the fury of a monster of the sea that with his throat open followed after ready to devour her in such manner that she came right unâ—o the haven crying with a loud voice unto Esplandian Gentle Emperor I pray you help me for none but you can do it wherewith Esplandian stepped forward and holding the sword he conquered in the old pallace of the inchanted Râ—ck in his hand ran unto her and thinking to go neer the Monster the Gentlewoman that fled from it caught hold of his sword and whether he would or not took it away wherewith she threw her self into the sea and the monster after her Whereat every man began to laugh saying to the Emperor that if a gentlewoman had predestinated the same unto him and kept it long time another gentlewomen or she her self upon a sudden had taken it from him again With that Urganda was led unto the palace accompanied by the Emperor with all the kings and knights where not long after the Souldan of Liquie was delivered and sent to Tesifant and about the beginning of the next wéek after the western pinces took shipping and being imbarqued with Urganda recommending the Emperor to God sailed forwards till at the last every man arrived at his desired haven namely king Amadis that found Oriane very sad for the death of her mother newly deceased which much more increased when she knew her father king Luisart was dead But in the end time made her to forget her sorrow but not so soon as Amadis could have wished CHAP. LV. How the Emperor Esplandian sent Norandel to take possession of the country he had given him and of the taking of Tesifant NOt long after the western princes were departed into their countries the Emperor Esplandian would that Norandel should go unto the Castle of the defended mountain and other towns that he had given him to make war against king Armato for which cause he gave him a great number of soldiers with the which to make short he assailed the king of Turky and had battel together wherein many a valiant knight lost their lives nevertheless the victory fell on Norandels side whereby he caused Armato to fly away retiring to his city of Tesifant which being known unto the Emperor he departed from Constantinople and with a great army going into Turky joyned with Norandels power and besieged Tesifant but fear seized so wel upon Armato that he found means to flie away and leave the town which not long after was taken and the Princess Heliaxe brought unto the emperor who used her courteously and sent her again unto her fathr Ampheon king of Medea giving her divers rich Presents News being spread throughout the country of Turky of the fight of king Armato as also of the taking of Tesifant divers towns and cities yielded to Esplandian that gave them likewise to Norandel because winter came on he returned into Thrace where two of his nephews sons of Galaor came to visit him and to receive the order of knighthood which he gave unto them with both armor horses minding to request them to travel to Tesifant unto Norandel there to begin their first intrance into arms but they desired rather to take the way to Californie where Manley and Talanque had great war against their neighbors which the Emperor perceiving caused all things necessary for so long a voyage to be given them with so good Pilots that in the end they arrived at their desired Haven where they attained to great honor and estimation among the best Knights But not to enter further to discourse of them we will for this present let them rest And let it suffice you to know how that as time passed Perion succéeded in his fathers seat and Garinter married in the east parts with Heletria quéen of Citharee and was the best knight in all the world And because it is declared at large in the sixth and seventh books of this our Histdry we will pass it over at this time CHAP. LVI How Vrganda sent to desire king Amadis the Emperor Esplandian Don Galaor king of Sobradise and others to come unto the Firm Isle and of the marvellous inchantments that she made over them URganda being in her Isle not as yet discovered taking great pleasure to read Melies Books knew by her art death to be near unto the Kings and Princes whom she most loved and haing great sorrow that worms should consume the flesh of so valiant Knights devised to prevent the same which to do she took sea accompanied of her two cousins Juliande and Solisde with divers other Gentlewomen and went unto the Firm Isle where being arrived she sent to the Emperor Esplandian Amadis Galaor Florestan Agraies and Gransador praying them most earnestly to come unto her to the palace of Apolidon for matter that touched them most near otherwise she sent them word if they did it not that before long time past evil would happen unto them and that master Elizabeth should bring with him the book that he made of the Adventures of the knights living in his time as also that they should the space of thrée quarters of an hour those whom she had caused to sit down as you heard before remained in a trance without all knowledge as if they had béen dead and with that there appeared a cloud so obscure and thick which invironed the place that never after it could be séen till Luisart of Greece son to Esplandian brought that inchantment to an end by means of a sword which he conquered as it shall be declared to you in the sixt Book wherein is described one of the most pleasant and delectable Histories that ever was read At which time all the Princes and the rest were revived again and not before The Emperor Esplandian at that time had a son after his grandfathers name called Luisart as then about the age of eight years King Amadis a son and a daughter the son named Perion and the daughter Brisene that married the eldest son of the Emperor of Rome King Galaor two sons the one named Perion and other Garinter of whom I have shewed you before Florestan the King of Sardaigne two sons the one named Florestan after his father that raigned after him and the other Palmindan of Almain after his grandfather Agrayes Earl of Salandry two sons the one called Languines the other Galmenes King Brewneo one son named Vallade and a daughter named Helisenne that married Quedragants son and bare his fathers name King Childadan two sons the eldest called Abies of Ireland after his grandfather whom Amadis slew the first day he entred into Knighthood And although these princes left such heirs as you heard before yet would they not during their fathers absence take on them the names or titles of Kings hâ—ping by Gods help that they should once return as well as ever they were For the which cause they having attained to the age and strength to bear arms passed into Ireland there to be made Knights bâ— King Childadan being as then very weak and withered with age which done they followed strange adventures doing many valiant feats of Arms which are at large declared in the Book that follow which in time may come unto your hands when it pleaseth God FINIS