Patrone Your Honours euer to be commanded A. M. THE SECOND BOOKE OF AMADIS DE GAVLE CHAP. I. The Description of the firme Island Who made the inchantments and placed those great riches which were found in the same THere was a King in Greece who was married vnto the Emperours daughter of CoÌ„stantinople by whom hee had two sonnes excelliâ—… in all perfection both of body and minde Especially the eldest named Apolidon who was so well brought vp and conditioned that hee found not his equall in any vertuous quality wherein he exercised himselfe This Apolidon studied all sciences wherein he profited so much that hee was not onely counted one of the best knights in the world but also surpassed all men of his time for wisedome excelling them in learning as farre as the moone exceedeth the starres in light and chiefly in the art of Nigromancy by the which he brought to passe many great matters which seemed beyond the capacity of men Now was the King father of these two young Princes most mighty in lands and wealthy in treasure but very weake in body by reason of his age Wherefore knowing the end of his daies to approach he would before his death make partition of all his goods vnto his children because no contention or debate should happen betweene them after his decease And for that end he appointed the kingdome to Apolidon being his eldest sonne and heire the other he inuested with all his riches and moneable goods among which there was many excellent bookes of inestimable value Yet the youngest nothing liking this partition beway led his estate vnto the King beseeching him most humbly to consider that his patrimony being so small hee was not onely left poore but in a manner disinherited Then the aged father perceiuing the discontentment of his sonne being the thing hee most feared was exceeding sorrowfull but yet would he not alter that which hee had done without the consent of Apolidon who beeing aduertifed thereof came vnto him and in the presence of his brother saide thus It may please your Maiestie I heard within these few dayes that my brother is not content with that portion which it hath pleased you to appoint vnto him and therefore because I knowe how grieuous the same is vnto you seeing the brotherly loue betwixt him and mee likely to be broken I most humbly beseech your highnesse to take all that againe which it hath pleased you to giue vnto mee and dispose therof as it shal seeme best to your owne minde for I shall thinke my selfe thrise fortunate to doe any thing that may breede your soules felicity and very well apaid with that which to him was appointed When the King behelde the bounty of his sonne Apolidon and the obedience hee shewed vnto him hee was therewithall so pleased and exceeding ioyfull that his soule knowing it could not leaue his body in greater contentment fled vp into heauen leauing his two sonnes in such friendship as he desired Notwithstanding after the body was buried and all accustomed funerall rights ended Apolidon caused certaine shippes to he rigged and furnished for the sea wherein being embarked with diuerse Gentlemen of his friends seeing the winde and weather fauour them he commanded the ankers to bee waied and the sailes to be let fall the which were incontinently filled with so stiffe a gale as in lesse then one houre they were past the countrey of Greece And yet Apolidon had not dertermined to bond his course vnto any certaine coast but following his fortune driuen by the winde he discouered the Countrey of Italie whereunto approching he landed in a certaine port thereof The Emperour Sindan beeing â—…sed of his landing sent many great Lords vnto him to request him to come to Rome where hee should be as royally entertained as might be deuised To which request Apolidon willingly condiscended and beeing there already arriued the Emperour receiued him with honor yet although at his comming hee determined to soiouâ—â—e no more then eight daies with him hee changed his purpose and remained there a longer season in which time he accomplished such haughty deedes of armes and behaued himselfe so worthily that amongst the Romans he gained the reputation of the best knight in the world and obtained the loue of a young Princesse the oneâ—â—e sister to the Emperour named Grimâ—â—sa the fairest Lady then liâ—ing And although that their loue was alike yet was this faire Lady so streightly looked vnto that neither could her affection bee satisfied nor the common desire of them both bee performed Wherefore one day consulting more priuatly then they euer yet before had done loue wrought such a consent in them as they agreede to depart vnto such a place where they might without controle enioy the fulnesse of their content so as what they secretly intended they as suddenly executed For euen as they had appointed it so the faire Grimanesa came forth one night to meete her loue Apolidon who stayed for her at the water-side hauing prepared shippes ready for their flight and wherein they presently embarqued themselues Then by force of the winde they were in few dayes driuen to arriue at the foote of the Firme-Island which was then inhabited by a mighty Giant whereof Apolidon and those in the ship were ignorant Where-upon thinking they were in a place of safety came on shoare and â—ents and Pauilions were set vp wherein they might refresh them for Grimanesa who was not vsed to trauaile by sea was as wearie as might be But at that instant when they thought themselues most secure the Giant which had discouered them took them so suddainly that Apolidon had scant so much leisure as to arme himselfe where-with Grimanesa was so amazed that she was ready to die for feare for the Giant taking her by the hand said vnto Apolidon Base slaue although I am not accustomed to be kind vnto any yet am I content for this once to suffer thee to fight against me alone on this condition that if thou be ouercome this faire Lady shall be mine and then afterwards I shall cause thee to bee hanged vpon the pole of this tent When Apolidon heard that by fighting with such a monster he might both saue himselfe his mistresse his hart was so great as he thought it a very easie matter to ouercome him and esteemed himselfe happy that fortune had offered him so fit an occasion as to make known vnto Grimaâ—esa how much was his courage and how great was his Knight-hood Wherefore with-out longer delay the combate began betweene them the which lasted but a while for the Giant was pursued so valiantly as hee fell downe back-ward Then Apolidon streight stepped ouer him and cut off his head Which the inhabitants of the Isle vnderstanding they all came and offered them-selues vnto him becheeching him to remaine with them and to bee their Lord and protector Vnto this their request he condiscended wherefore they conducted him with great triumph to the cheefe
not what a great traine maketh toward vs At these words he came to himselfe beginning to sigh and lifting his eyes to heauen said Gandalin if in this loue I were maister of my strength as I am in diuers other actions neither shouldest thou haue neede to aduertise me not my selfe be without councell so much as I am But I feele my selfe so oppressed as all the enemies in the world cannot bring me to such extremity as this ouer ruling passion doth therefore I pray thee talke to me of the felicity a man shall enioy in death for other may I not taste and practise no meanes of my life seeing the contrary doth surmount it What my Lord answered Gandalin esteeme you the victory ouer your selfe so difficult after so many conquests of stout and bold strangers Why do you not think that peraduenture she loueth you well for whom you endure such 〈◊〉 and happily by as great reason as you loue her your persoage prowesse beauty and nobility of linage can they deserue lesse then the good grace of the most rare and exellent Lady in the world let these humours my Lord repell your desperations Further hee would haue proceeded but Amadis brake him off in anger saying Wretch darest thou blaspheme so much as to say that he who hath merited no conditiō in the world may be equalled with so perfect a thing as is my Lady enter no more into such tearmes if thou wilt not haue me thine enemy and so loose my conuersation Well well said Gandalin I pray ye wipe your eyes least those that come hitherward perceiue you haue wept What answered Amadis comes their any body Yea mary quoth Gandalin and now they be at hand here-with he shewed him the Knights the Ladyes who were hard by them by time Amadis was mounted Then as though hee had stayed for their companie hee saluted them and riding among the traine hee beheld a Ladie very comely and beautifull who wept very grieuously where-upon hee left the rest and rode with her saying Madame God comfort yee and giue you ioy In sooth answered the Lady and there of haue I need in that as now it is very farre from mee which except Heauen fauour me with better grace I am vtterly out of hope euer to see againe And so high a Maiestie said Amadis can prouide therefore when he pleaseth Not-withstanding if you were so contented I gladly would know the cause of your sadnesse Beleeue mee my friend quoth she all that euer I enioy in this world consisteth in the tryall of a Combate By these wordes hee knew this to be the Lady of whom the Damosels had tolde him before wherefore hee enquired further if as yet shee had found a knight on her behalfe No truely sayd the Lady and which greiueth mee most of all to morrow must my delay bee exterminate What will ye then doe answered Amadis What would you that I should doe quoth shee but lament and loose all vnlesse by hap I finde one in the Kings Court who mooued thereto by charitable compassion will courteously defend the right of a desolate widow Such fortune sayd Amadis shall I pray may befall yee for I should not be a little glad thereof as well for your owne sake as also because I neuer thought well of your aduersarie I thanke ye gentle Sir quoth she to God I commit the reuenge of my wrong So passed on the Ladie and Amadis turning bridle rode backe to the Pauillion where he found the Damosels who were already returned from the towne and presently they told him how Dardan was come into the field with full resolution to doe his deuoire And trust me sayd Amadis it was my happe to meet the distressed Lady euen the same whom the case concerneth heere-with hee declared all the talke they had together But now is the houre of quiet come and each one went to rest till the point of day when the Damosels being risen came to tell Amadis how they would goe before to the Towne and send him worde when Dardan was readie Not so quoth Amadis I will not bee farre behinde yee but let one ride before to aduertise me when Dardan shews himselfe in the field After he was armed they went all to horse-backe and being come to the issue of the Forrest he sayd to the Damosels Now may you goe if you please for I will not depart this place till I heare some newes from you Away they went when Amedis alighting tooke off his Helmet to refresh himselfe No sooner did the Sunne appeare in the East but the King came to the place appointed for the Combate which was without the Towne hard by the Walles where Dardan not long after shewed himselfe in such manner and equipage as an ambitious man vseth to gaine goods honour also like an amourous Champion to maintaine the quarrell of his beloued who to countenāce him with the greater fauor was queintly led by the reines of his Palfray thē presenting himselfe before the king on his knees he sayd My Lord according to the ordinance by you appointed this Ladie and I humbly beseechye that the goods may be deliuered her as is no more then reason for if any Knight oppose him-selfe against her heere am I readie for the Combate The king then called for the Ladyes defendant but she poore soule appeared alone Why Lady quoth the King are you vnprouided of a Champion that you come with-out any to defend your right So helpe me God answered she weeping I am my Lord forsaken of all except you grant me mercie Great compassion had the King on her for he knew her to be very vertuous but he could not together order reason and the Law In the meane while Dardan who thought no resistāce would come sate downe in the middest of the field attending the third houre which was the time according to the custome when the King would pronounce sentence to the Conquerour but one of the Damosels seeing nowe the needefull time made haste to let Amadis vnderstand what want of his presence was in the field For this cause he immediately mounted on horse-backe and being armed as appertained commanded the Damosell and his Squire to goe some other way for he would not be seene by any from whence he came assuring them that if he were Victor hee would returne againe to the Tent. So departed Amadis alone riding on a braue white Courser as he promised the Damosell of Denmarke in Gaule and arriued at the place where Dardan held the world in wonder of him The king and his Nobles seeing him come from the Forrest stood somewhat in doubt of him for hee carryed such a gallant and Knightly counteuance as promised a-farre off that his enemie should finde him of hautie disposition which made the King aboue all other desirous to know him and thinking she for whose cause hee came knew his name he called and demanded of her the question Dread Lord answered the Ladie
intended Heere paused the Author on this matter to tell ye what happened to the Prince Agraies since his returne frō the waries in Gaules CHAP. XVII What were the adpenturs of the Prince Agraies since his returne from Gaule where he left Amadis AGraies returned from his enterprise in Gaule after Amadis had vanquished king Abies of Ireland and was knowne to his father and mother as you haue heard addressed his iourney toward Norway where he hoped to finde his Lady Oliuia Riding one day along somewhat neere the sea side on a sudden hee had a Hart in chase which when he had some prittie while pursued he gained at length the top of a mountaine from whence he might easily deserne the raging bellowes of the sea Suddenly arose an exceeding great tempest which with mighty windes so troubled the water and the thunder ratled with such violedce as if heauen and the neather religion would haue met together At length he espied a ship tossed in the tempest veterly destitute of any safety and which was worse subiect to the mercy of a darke comfertlesse night insuing wherewith he being moued to pittie commanded his Squires as a signall to make certaine blazes of fire that they in the ship might chuse their best lāding place with-out perishing in the darke him-selfe minding to stay to see the end which happened so well by the helpe of God and dilligence of the mariners as the ship tooke safe harbour nere where Agraies was when they landed certaine Ladies who were greatly affrighted with the maruailous tempast thinking they could not haue escaped so long Agraies being one of the most courteous Princes in the world seeing them so well landed and free from danger sent one of his Squires to will them come and refresh themselues in his pauillion which gentlenes they refused not and because he was loth to be troublesome to them knowing they had now neede of nothing more then rest he concluded this night not to see them keeping himselfe close in his chāber The Ladyes being seperated to their owne cōtentmēt the mariners made great fiers on the shoare to dry their garmēts and afterward fell to sleeping that they wakened not till next morning Agraies desirous to see strange women yet more to serue and honor them then to remoue his affection from where it was setlaed priuily pried in to behold their countenances they being round set about a fiere reciting to each other pleasantly their passed danger As thus he listened their discourses among the rest he knew the Princesse Oliuia toward whom he was trauailing by vertue of her message and you must imagine him so intirely addicted to her seruice as also she in affectiō to him that they might well be tearmed happy in their loue No sooner had Agraies espied her but he was so ouercome therewith as being no longer able to dissemble hauing before his eyes her so late perill of ship-wracke he breathed forth a vehement sigh saying Ah diuine comfort helpe me When the Ladies heard this cry especially Oliuia thinking some one of their company was not well commanded her women to open the dore which presently they did when Agraies told one of thē who he was that shee might secretly imparte the same to her mistresse the news whereof were so welcome to her as immediatly she commanded him to enter Then were embracings kissings freely entercoursed with al other gracious fauours so kind louers could deuise euen the very point wherein loue triumpheth so that the faire Princesse lost the name of a maiden with like contentmēt as other who haue assaied and can more then imagine what I meane So pleasing was this happy meeting as they soiourned there six dayes together beguiling the time with riciprocall courtesies yet so secretly as none in the company except her Damosels perceiued Meane while the sea became nauigable the weather faire and the waters calm which made the Princesse determine to goe aboord her ship that she might passe into great Brittaine whither the King her father had sent her to be nourished by the Queene Brisena Which being vnderstood by Agraies after he had acquainted her with the cause of his iourney hee gaue her assurāce that very shortly he would come to her as well to shew her his faithfull seruice as also to seeke his cosin Amadis in king Lisuarts Court according as hee made him promise wherewith she was not a little contented desiring him earnestly not to tary long frō her Thus courteously taking leaue of each other the Princesse Oliuia departed vnder sayle and in fewe dayes after they landed in great Brittaine when comming to Windsore where King Lisuart kept his Court both by him the Queene Oriana and all the other Ladyes was the Princesse and her trayne graciously welcommed as well to honor the King her father as also in respect of her excellent beauty Now remained Agraies on the sea shore giuing many a long look after the ship which caried away the iewell of his heart and hauing lost the fight of it he tooke his way to Briantes a right good towne in Scotland where the King his father soiourned and his Vncle Galuanes Without land in whose company he intended shortly to visit King Lisuarts Court For there quoth hee to Galuanes shall we finde more good Knights then in any other Court of King Christian there likewise may we gaine honor and renowne better then in Scotland where we haue none to trye our selues against vnlesse some fewe that slenderly follow Armes This Galuanes was of gentle heart and a good Knight desirous among other to reach the top of honor yet of simple habilitie as you haue heard before now the enterprise of these twaine thus concluded after they had obtained licence of the King they went on boord with their horse armour ech one likewise a Squire attēding on him Hauing wind at wil in short time they landed at Bristow where they made no long aboad but riding through a Forrest they met a Damosell who demāded of them if that way would conduct her to the Rock of Galteres No quoth they but tell vs Damosell why you trauaile thither To see if I can finde the good Knight sayd shee who knoweth how to remedy a griefe I endure at this presēt You abuse your selfe Damosell answered Agraies for at the Rock you demanded you shal finde no other Knight then the great Gyant Albadan to whom if you bring any cause of sorow he wil quickly double it on your own head If you knew so much as I doe quoth the Damosell you would not imagine me to be abused because the Knight I aske for hath vanquished the Gyant and killed him in battaile hand to hand Beleeue me virgin replied Galu anes you tell vs matter of great maruaile in respect neuer any Knight dealt alone with a Giant vnlesse it was King Abies of Ireland who combated with one himselfe being armed and the Giant naked which was the cause of his death
open the gaâ—e that the Lyons may come soorth to the end our present feare may be quallifyed and they raunge the fields as is their desire This fauourable kindnes let vs obtaine at your hands whereby wee shall yeeld amends for the wrong wee haue done ye and on my faith I sweare to you our intent was no otherwise theÌ„ to gaine you our prisoner vntill you consented to bee our knight Madame answered Amadis you should haue labored your determination by a more honest way for without constraint I would willingly haue yeelded my selfe as I haue to diuers Ladies who knowe full well my seruice Will ye then Sir quoth she open the gate No replied Amadis wherewith she went from the window and the young Lady trembling shewed her selfe thus calling to Amadis Ah gentle Sir such are within heere who could not suffer the iniurie done to you the better they deserue to finde some fauour With such seemely modesty vttered the Ladie these words as Amadis asked her if she would haue the gate opened Yea mary Sir quoth she I humbly desire ye Presently he arose to obey her request but she willed him to stay awhile till the olde Lady warranted him assurance from the rest of her seruants nor could he but commend her wit and discretion who getting him security from all the Castle made promise likewise that Gandalin and the Dwarffe should be deliuered from imprisonment Then came the ancient knight of whom we spake before and calling to Amadis he sayd Because me thinkes Sir your Shield is greatly impared and your sword in like manner broken take this shield and this mace wherewith you may defend the Lyons when they come forth so throwing the mace and the shield downe Amadis willingly tooke them vp returning this answere Let me neuer be in gratefull to them that succor me in neede By heauen saide the knight seeing you use loyaltie to worse then beaste no doubt is to be made of your mercy to reasonable creatures Amadis opening the wicket the Lyons furiously ran foorth and he entred the Castle which they within perceiuing came with the Ladies to entertaine him desiring pardon for their offences committed and presenting him Gandalin and the Dwarffe By my soule saide Amadis neuer was I so misused vpon no occasion but seeing all enmity is ouer-blowne you must giue me a horse for your seruants I thanke them haue slaine mine Sir knight answered the olde Lady it is now somewhat late if you please to vnarme your selfe and rest here this night to morrow you shall haue a horse or what else you neede In hope you meane no worse then you say quoth Amadis I will not refuse your offer because the time doth request no lesse Foorth-with was he vnarmed in a sumptuous chamber and a costly mantle brought to wrap about him then returning to the Ladyes who attended his comming they were stricken into admiration of his excellent beauty but much more at his valour being so young and casting his eye on her at whose entreatance he let foorth the Lions he reputed her one of the fairest that euer was seene but he spake nothing to her as yet by reason her proceeded in this manner with the old Lady I pray yee Madame let mee vnderstand why the picture which I saw in the Chariot hath his head so seperated Sir Knight quoth she if you will promise to accomplish the couenants before you be acquainted with the accident I will tell ye if not I pray ye holde me excused It were no reason Madame replied Amadis to promise any thing ouer-lightly being ignorant to what it may relate but if you will let me heare the couenants they seeming reasonable and in compasse of a Knights power to execute feare not to tell me for I will imploy my vttermost therein You haue reason answered the Lady then causing each one to with-draw except the faire young virgin she thus began Vnderstand gentle Sir that the figure of stone you behelde was made in the remembrance of this Ladyes father who lyeth entombed in the Chariot being in his time a crowned King but on an especiall festiuall day as he helde open Court and royall hee was assailed by his brother the vnckle to this mayden who came to tell him that the Crowne hee wore was his by as good right as hee could clame it they being both issued from one roote Then drawing a sword which he had hid vnder his mantle gaue him such a stroake there-with on the head that it parted in such sorte as you saw in the picture Long time before did the â—â—aitour excogitate this treason and to the end he might the better execute it hee consederated himselfe secretly with certaine of the Kings seruants by whose meanes he waxed the stronger in his enterprise But the King being dead this disloyall wretch was honoured with the Crowne for the murdered Prince had no other heire then this his faire daughter whom the aged Knight that brought you hither had in guard he shewing him-selfe so faithfull to her as he conuaied her thence ere her vnckle could take her performed such painefull dilligence that hee brought my orphaine Neece hither for her better safety After-ward finding the meane to recouer the body of the King her father each day we put into our Chariot riding there-with about the fields as you saw vs we hauing all sollemnely sworne not to shew it to any one vnlesse by force of armes we should be compelled thereto and though such a one happened to see it yet would we not reueale why we conducted it so except he would promise to reuenge this horrible treason Now if you be a noble Knight bound to prosecute vertue and on so iust occasion you will imploy the forces God hath lent ye in a matter of right for my part I will continue as I begun vntill I finde two other Knights on this behalfe that you three for vs may confouÌ„d the traitour and his two sons who will alow no combate vnlesse they fight altogether which they haue often published abroade how such as will reproue their dealings must come in this sorte In sooth Madame answered Amadis great reason haue you to seeke meanes of reuenge for the most famous iniurie that euer I heard of and he who hath done it surely cannot long endure without shame and mis-fortune because heauen scorneth such monstrous actions but if you can bring it to passe that one after another they will come to the combate by the helpe of God I shall dispatch them Ah sir quoth she they will neuer consent hereto What would you haue me do then replyed Amadis Mary if it stand with your liking said the Lady a yeere 〈◊〉 to repaire hither againe if you liue so long you shall finde some other heere for by that time I hope to get two knights more and you the third to maintaine this quarrell I promise ye said Aâ—â—dis not to faile in this request therfore neuer trouble your selfe
not on the time how day wasted night ensued whether Gandalin were returned or the Damosell awake all these things were now cast into obliuion They imaginâ—â— to haue viands good store being thâ—â— delighted the one with the other which seemed more delicious to them then all the Nectar or Ambrasia of Iupiter Yet at length they remembred themselues somewhat better when hearing the Damosell and Gandalin so neare them their pastime ended and taking each other by the hand walked among the trees to take the ayreâ— in the meane while Gandalin and the Damosell spread a cloath on the grasse and set thereon such victuals as they had Now though there wanted rich cup-boords of plaâ—◠〈◊〉 were in the houses of King Lisuart and Perion as also the solemnity of great seruices yet the fortunate entertaynement at this time was held by them of higher estimation During their repast as they â—…garded the woods and fountaines they began to esteem it no strange matter why the Gods sometime forsooke the heauens to dwell in groues and delightful Forrests Iupiter they imagined wise when he followed Europa 〈◊〉 and his other friends Beside Apollo had reason to become a Shepheard for the loue of Daphne and the daughter of Admetus They being willing to imitate their example wished continually to tarry there without returning to the Pallace and royaâ—… pompe reputing the Nymphes of the woods most happy Goddesses excelling such as remayned in the walled Cities Pitty were it to trouble these louers in their amorous deuises wherefore wee will leaue them and see what happened to Galaor following the search of King Lisuart CHAP. XXXVII How Galaor rescued King Lisuart from the ten Knights that led him to prison GAlaor parting from his brother Amadis in such sort as you heard followed the way whereby the King was led prisoner and making great haste in respect of his earnest desire to ouer-take him had minde of nothing else hee met by the way As thus hee continued gallopping hee saw a Knight well armed come riding towarde him who maruelling why the Prince vsed such extreame diligence when hee came neare him sayd Stay a while knight and tell mee what affaires cause you make such speed Forbeare Sir I pray yee answered Galaor for by my tarrying may happen too great an inconuenience By God sayde the knight you must not so escape for you shall tell mee whether you will or no. I may not trifle the time quoth Galaor and so rode on still without any tariance Nay Gallant replyed the knight I will bee resolued in my demaund though to your cost Hereupon hee posted after Galaor still exclaiming on him with hard words weening he fled away for feare of him and often-times hee thought to smite him with his Launce but the Prince euermore eâ—caped his attempt yet his horse beeing â—ore wearied hindered him very much when the knight ouer-taking him thus spake Infamous palliard and without heart of these three things chuse the best either to combate returne or answere my demaund Now trust me sayd Galaor the easiest of these three is hard to mee wherein you make no shew of curtesie for returne I may not and if I combate it must be against my will But if you desire to know the cause of my haste followe me and you shall see for I should â—arry too long in telling it and happely you would scant beleeue mee so horrible and disloyall is the deed which compelleth me to this impatience Beleeue mee quoth the knight I will follow thee three whole dayes onely to see whether thou lyâ—st or no. Thus Galaos held on his way the knight hasting after till hauing ridden the space of a mile wheÌ„ they espied two other knights the one being on foote running to catch his horse and the other gallopping away so fast as hee could Hee on foot was Cosen germaine to the knight that followed Galaor who in iousting with the other knight had beene dismounted knowing his kinsman acquainted him with the whole accident requesting his assistance in reuenge of his wrong It may not be now answered the other till I haue followed the knight you see before three dayes together hereto hee added all the speeches betweene Galaor and him In sooth replied his Cosen hee should seeme by your wordes the greatest coward in the world else mindeth he some enterprise of higher consequence therefore I will adiourne the reuenge of mine iniury and beare you company to the ende I may beholde the sum of your attempt While thus they talked Galaor had gotten very farre before which caused them make the more haste after him till at length the Prince espied the ten knights that conducted the King they riding vppe a narrow straite â—iue before him fiuâ—…hinde Now did he fully resolue to die or purchase his deliuerance for hee was so offended to see the King bound with chaines as hee imagined himselfe able to conquer them all as many more if they had been there whereupon he thus cryed to them Traytours durst you vnreuerently lay hand on the best King in the world With these wordes he met one of them so directly as his Launce passing through his body hee fell downe dead beside his horse When the other foure saw their companion slaine they willed the for most fiue to guard the King for they would reuenge his death sufficiently but they found themselues very much deceiued for though the Princes horse by reason of his sore trauell often stumbled and thereby put him in danger of falling yet laide hee such loade vpon his enemies as two more of them accompanied the first and the other twaine were brought into hard extreamity Then came the other fiue with a fresh charge vpon him when Galaor perceiuing his owne danger intended to reuenge his death and the Kings together entring couragiously among the thickest shewing most rare and haughty chiualry When the two Cosens that followed him beheld his behauiour confounded with maruell the one sayd to the other By God we did him wrong to tearme him a coward for hee is the most hardy knight that euer I saw except the world shall twit vs with shame let vs not see him die in this extreamity lest the beauty of chiualry bee gone for euer Resolued thus to succour him they valiantly thrust themselues into the skirmish deliuering such friendly blowes on euery side that Galaor soone felt himselfe well assisted because his enemies were somewhat more dispersed and hee had leasure to take a little breathing but wondering whence this aide should proceed hee fell to worke againe giuing them good cause to misdoubt their liues When the Cosen to Arcalaus sawe how his side decayed and his knights dishartened slaine and sore wounded hee purposed to kill the King who by this time found the meanes to vnbinde himselfe and alighting from his horse got one of the slaine knightes swordes where-with hee resisted his enemies brauely As the cosin to Arcalaus followed his intent
am King right richly will I reward you all So went they to rest till the next morning when Barsinan being armed mounted on horse-backe with twenty knights in his company and came to a Port which one of king Arbans knights kept who seeing this troupe presently sounded an allarme But Barsinan sent him word how hee came to parle onely and desired truce beside for six houres whereof king Arban was immediatly aduertised who granted the truce Barsinan requited likewise for fiue dayes Conditionally that he should offer no violence to any house in the City or practise any entrance during the limited time beside if the King returned in that space the difference should bee left to his disposition Barsinan was contented with these conditions because hee accounted king Lisuarts death certaine whereupon hee saide to Arban I hope this little truce will be an entrance into a perpetuall peace betweene vs for I dare assure yee king Lisuart is dead and his daughter must be my wife as within these fiue dayes ensuing you shall euidently see What quoth king Arban thou hast then put him to death and couldst thou deale so treaterously with him that gaue tâ—…e such honourable entertainement in his Court rather will I presently die then continue one houre of peace with thee get thee gone therefore quickly or I will send thee hence in peeces Is it true quoth Barsinan well mayest thou threaten me but it is in me to make thee repent it Thus returned hee to his souldiers acquainting them with his honest offers to king Arban and the audacious answere he returned for them CHAP. XXXIX How Amadis came to the succour of the City of London when it was in this distresse NOt long agoe we left Amadis in the wood familiarly deuising with the Princesse Oriana thinking on nothing but their sweete contentation and among other discourse Amadis intreated her to tell him what speeches Arcalaus had with her by the way On my faith Sir quoth she he confounded my senses with perswading mee to reioyce saying Before fiue dayes were expired I should raigne as Queene in Great Brittaine enioying Barsinan to my husband him-selfe likewise should be chiefe Gouernour and Maister of his house in recompence of the seruices hee did for him in giuing him my fathers head and mee to be his wife Ah heauens sayde Amadis what treason is this in Barsinan who shewed himselfe such a friend to the king God shield hee doe no wrong to the Queene In sooth I greatly doubt it replyed Oriana it were good therefore wee hasted to see With all my heart quoth Amadis so mounting on horse-backe they rode toward London meeting many knights by the way that followed the King whom still hee directed in their course certifying them that Galaor was gone likewise in his search Within a while after Oriana espied Don Grumedan an auncient knight of honour to the Queene and twenty knights more with him who all that night had searched the Forrest for the king but when hee sawe her the teares stoode in his eyes with ioy desiring to heare some newes of the King her father Credit mee Sir quoth shee not farre from the Citie were we sundered when God ordayned so well for me that Amadis deliuered me froÌ„ the villaines and ransomed mee with the price of their liues They were vnwise to resist saide Grumedan when you had so good a Champion but I pray you my Lord what is become of your brother Euen in the same place answered Amadis where they separated the father from the daughter we seuered our selues hee posting after the King and I followed Arcalaus who led away Madame Oriana The better hope haue I of his succour quoth Grumedan seeing so good a knight hath taken it in hand Hereupon Amadis tolde him the horrible treason of Arcalaus and Barsinan Let me therefore intreate yee quoth hee to conduct the Princesse leasurably after while I make haste before least the Queen be distressed because I doubt the traytor will her offer iniury I think it likewise expedient that you cause all the knights to returne you meete withall for if the King should bee reskewed by multitude of men there is enow before already and more then needs So leauing his Lady with Don Grumedan hee made all the haste hee could towarde London â—uerâ—aking the Squire by the way that came from the king who told him all the newes of his deliuerance which was no little ioy to Amadis hearing the fortunate successe of his brother Galaor There met hee with another likewise who made report of Barsinans dealings at London wherefore entring the Citie so couertly as hee might the first hee met withall was king Arban of whom hee was louingly embraced and welcommed with request of what newes he brought None but good answered Amadis and such as you are desirous to heare but because I doubt the Queene is scant merry let vs goe see her for happely shee will bee glad of our comming So rode they to the Court together Amadis still keeping the Squire with him that came from the king and when they entered the Queenes presence Amadis falling on his knee beganne in this manner Madame this Gentleman left the King well this morning and at liberty whereof his Maiesty certifieth you by him my selfe likewise not long since left your daughter with Don Grumedan and very shortly they will be with you But because I vnderstand that Barsinan molesteth you with trechery suffer vs I pray you to goe see what hee can doe When the Queen heard these ioyfull tydings her inwarde content tooke away the liberty of of her speech nor could she doe any thing but lift her hands eyes to heauen applauding his name from whence this good proceeded and by gestures deliuering some signe of thankes to Amadis At length hauing ouercome this delightfull passion and intending to question further concerning these newes the allarme was sounded wherefore king Arban and Amadis hyed to the barres where they found Barsinans men giuing an eager charge as hoping to conquer the contrarie part But Amadis thrusting himselfe for-most caused the bars to be taken down and accompanied with king Arban brake in couragiously vpon the enemy a noble president to their souldiers who beeing cheered by this onset tooke heart and followed Now wexed the skirmish to be hot indeed so that on both sides very many were slaine which Barsinan perceiuing trusting in his multitude to suppresse the weaker part came formost himselfe in person thinking now hee saw the barres open to driue his aduersaries backe againe into the Citie When Amadis noted his forwardnesse he stepped backe changed his Creast and Shield with a simple mercinary souldier yet reseruing his Launce which with a strong carreer pierced thorough his Armour and wounding Barsinan brake in peeces in his flesh Then drawing his sword he gaue him such a stroke on the helmet as hee was astonied therewith and redoubling his blowe cut his right arme quite
he was come to seek Amadis but shee tolde him that now two whole dayes were passed since hee and his fellowes were departed towards Great Brittaine since which time she heard that they had taken their way vnto the Firme-Island Whereupon Durin without any longer stay tooke leaue of her and rode so long that he arriued in the Island the same houre that Amadis entred vnder the arch of Loyall louers where hee beheld how the Image had done more for him then for any other knight that euer entered the same before as it was tolde him Now as Amadis together with Agraies returned to the succour of his brethren Durin thought to haue spoken with him but Gandalin entreated him to stay vntill he had tred the perill of the forbiden chamber beeing assured that he brought Letters to him froÌ„ Oriana the which perchance might haue been a meane as he thought to cause him either to forslow or to faile in the achieuing of so great an enterprise for Amadis was so subiect to the Princesse as hee would not only haue left off conquest of the Firme-Island but also of the whole world beside if she had coÌ„manded Wherefore after hee had finished al the strange aduentures and the inhabitants of the Isle had receiued him for their Lord Durin came before him Then Amadis demanded of him what newes was in the Court of King Lisuart My Lord answered Durin I left it euen in the same estate that it was in at your departure And as he would haue proceeded in his speech Amadis tooke him by the hand and went with him alone into a very pleasant Orchard where they walked together then he demanded how he came to the Firme-Island My Lord said he my Lady Oriana sent me vnto you for such affaires as in this letter you shal vnderstaÌ„d the which he gaue vnto him Amadis tooke it and without changing his cheere he turned his face from Durin because hee should not beholde his colour alter for his heart began to leap with great ioy so as he knew not wel how to set his coutenance But this sudden mutation was as soone changed into a great despare because that reading these rigorous lines which pronounced his banishment it stroke so great sorrow to his heart as hee was no longer able to dissemble his griefe but burst out into such vehement weeping that hee was all drowned in teares Then Durin repented that euer hee was the bringer of such heauie letters for although the conteÌ„ts thereof were vnknown vnto him yet because he knew not how to remedy it hee durst not come neere Amadis who was so confounded as hee fell prostrate on the ground and in falling the letters which hee helde did fall foorth of his hand Notwithstanding he presently tooke them vp and began to reade them againe for the beginning had so greatly troubled him that he had not yet seene the end But casting his eye vpon the superscriptioÌ„ which contained these words She who forceth not to die but onely because thou art her murtherer Hee then fetched so deepe a sigh as if his soule had parted from his body and there withall fell downe back-ward Where-with Durin was greatly amazed ran speedily to helpe him but hee found him to moue no more then a dead man Wherefore fearing some greate inconuenience hee thought to haue called Galaor or some other yet fearing that thereby he might be blamed he staed comming vnto Amadis lifted him vp who cryed Oh heauens why do you thus suffer mee to die and haue not deserued it Alas Loyaltie what recompence doost thou offer those that neuer offended thee now I see my selfe forsaken of her for whose sake I would rather suffer a thousand deathes then one of her commandements by mee should be disobeied Then pittifully looking vpon the letter which he had in his hand he sayde Ah happy letter because thou wert written by the excellenâ—est personage this day liuing and yet most vnhappy in that thou procurest the cruell death of the truest louer that euer serued Lady which death that it may bee the sooner I will neuer forsake thee but will place thee in the neerest deerest place that I haue So hee put it in his bosome and asked Durin if hee had ought else to say No answered he Well then saide Amadis thou shalt presently returne with my answere In good sooth my Lord answered Durin shee hath expresly forbidden me to receiue any And what did not Mabila nor thy sister wil thee to say any thing to me No my Lord answered he for they knew not of my departure because my Lady strictly charged mee to acquaint no body therewith Ah God sayd Amadis I see well now that my misery is voyd of remedy Then he rose vp and went to a riuer which passed along by the garden where hee washed his eyes which done he willed Durin to call Gandalin and that hee should come back againe with him alone which hee did but at their returne they found him in a swound againe yet recouering incontinent and seeing Gandalin he said Friend I am vndone therefore go seeke out Isania the Gouernour of this Isle bring him hither alone Then Gandalin ran for him and staied not long vntill they returned together who being come Amadis said vnto him Isania you know the oath you haue sworne vnto me the duty wherein you are vnto mee bound notwithstanding I pray you yet to promise me as you are true knight to keep secret whatsoeuer you shal see me doe vntill to morrow morning after my brethren haue heard diuine seruice and then secretly goe thou and cause the gate of this Castle to be opened which being done let GaÌ„dalin bring thither my horse armour but take heed that none perceiue it and I will follow straight after thee they were no sooner departed from him but he began to remeÌ„ber a dream which he had the night before wherein he thought that being armed and set vpon his horse hee was on the highest part of a peece of land enuironed with diuerse sorts of trees and that round about him were many persons making the greatest ioy in the world then one of them presented him with a box saying Sir taste of that which is herein which he did and hee thought hee did eate of a most bitter meat And as hee cast it from him the raines of his horse did breake whereupon the horse ran vp and downe so that he was not in any sort able for to stay him When he saw he was so farre from this merry company he looked backe and hee thought that hee beheld their great mirth changed into such exceeding mone as it greatly pitttied him willingly would he haue returned backe to assawage their sorrow if hee could haue mastered his horse who at that instant entred into a tuft of trees where hee found a rocke enuironed with water against the which the horse stayed Then hee alighted for the great desire he had
it was very late for shee stayed the arriuall of the Queene Briolania to meet with whom the king himselfe did go and she came into the court with one hundred knights ready to begin the search of Amadis according to the appointment of Galdor and Florestan and therefore she was determined not to depart from Queene Brisena vntil they were returned again neyther would she nor her women bee apparrelled with other Garments then of black cloth vntill he were found for such weeds did she weare at such time as hee did make her Queene and now would shee neuer change her manner of life if he were lost In your rudgment said Oriana is she so faire as the report goeth of her So helpe me God answered the Damosell except your grace she is the fairest woman and of the best behauiuor that euer I did see shee was very sorry when she heard of your sicknesse and shee sen deth you word by me that she will come and doe her dutie vnto you so soone as you shall thinke conuenient Truely said Oriana I am more desirous to see her then any other that I due know Madam answered the faire Forlorne beleeume she well deserueth that you should shew nor all the honour you may although hererofore you haue wrongfully sustayned some griefe for hersake gentle lowe said the Princesse for Gods sake let vs speake no more of passed melanoholies for I am assured that I did thinke 〈◊〉 You shall yet be better assured answered he by the â—…ony that you shall receiue of those â—ewels which we shall gaine the which will henceforth 〈◊〉 extinguish all those vnhappy 〈◊〉 that you haue concerned against me if they should chance to 〈◊〉 againâ—t into your 〈…〉 increasing in you the opinion of that 〈◊〉 and dutie which I 〈◊〉 and beare vnto you My Lord said 〈◊〉 I am well assured that the 〈◊〉 shall make you beleeue that what wrong soeuer you receiued of me proceeded of no other cause but by the extreame loue which I did beare vnto you we shall see shorely said the Damosell of 〈◊〉 what will happen For the king hath granted your request by Enil In this sort did Oriana and the test of her company passe away the time vntill the day came wherein they must depart to make triall of that which you haue heard which caused her to rise about midnight attiring her as the faire Forlorne had deuised and hee likewise was armed at all points that done they passed through the garden and came to the place where Gandalin held their horses in readines Then mounted they vpon them taking their way toward the Forrest right vnto the Fountaine of the three channels But there Oriana thinking vpon the enterprise which she went about foreseeing the inconuenience and danger thereof not onely if she were disclosed but also how if she failed in gaining the kerchiefe Amadis might haue iust cause to suspect her and by that meanes she might loose that good reputation which shee had gotten with him Herewithall she began to repent her forwardnesse and to tremble so extreamly that the faire For 〈◊〉 perceiued it who said vnto her Madam had I thought you would haue been so ill at ease with this voyage I sweate vnto you that I would rather haue died then haue brought you out of doores therefore if it please you let vs returne againe to Miresteur So saying he turned his horse head ne-uerthelesse Oriana considering that by her an aduenture so recommendable should bee deferred changed her minde and answered him I beseech you sweete loue not to take any heede vnto the feare that a timerous woman may haue in the middest of this great wood but vnto the vertue and valor that remaineth in you Very sorry was the faire Forlorne because hee had spoken in such sort vnto her doubting lest he had offended her and he said vnto her Madam seeing that your discretion hath surmouted my folly I beseech you to pardon me for I assure you my meaning was not to speake any thing that should be offensiue vnto you As they had ended their conference they came vnto the fountaine being yet an houre from day where they had not long stayed before Enil came vnto them whereat they were very ioyfull Then the faire Forlorne saide vnto Oriana Madame behold the Esquire which I promised you to send vnto king Lisuart by whose answere we may determin what to do In faith my Lord answered Enil he sendeth you by me all the assurance that you demand and further he aduertiseth you that the triall of the aduenture begâ—… this day after his Maiesties comming from the Chappell All the better said the faire Forlorne wee shall then haue no great cause of stay Hereupon hee gaue him his shield and launce and without putting off his Helmet at all they tooke the right way to London the people had already heard that the knight which did ouercome the Giants should come vnto the kings lodging they said one to another Heauens shield the faire Forlorne from all mischiefe for he is worthy of great praise and most happy may that Lady thinks her selfe to whom he remaineth a seruant These words might Oriana vnderstand very well wherewith she was not a little ioyfull knowing that she was Lady Mistris of him whom so many people did both loue honor afterward they came and alighted at the Palace where they found the king Queen Ladies and a great number of knights already assembled all together in a great hal to make trial who should gaine the old mans Iewels And as soon as they knew of the arriuall of the Faire Forlorne the King rose vp with his traine to receiue them wherefore the Faire Forlorne kneeling down would haue kissed his hands but the K. lifted him vp saying vnto him My good friend you are most hartily welcome hither where you shall be as free as you would wish for you haue done as much seruice for me in so small a time as euer any knight persormed either for King or Prince The Faire Forlorne answered not one word but onely bowed himselfe to his maiestie in signe of thankes and without stepping one foote from Oriana whom he held by the hand they came towards the Ladies who did all salute them very courteously You may imagine if the young Princesse were not now in some feare to be discouered being in such an assembly for the Queene her mother stepped vnto her looking her stedfastly in the face although it was couered with alaune and she faid vnto her Gentlewoman I do not know who you are for to my knowledge I did ne-uer see you neuerthelesse for the loue of this knight in whose custody you are that hath done the king so great sernice assure you that in this place shal be shewed vnto you all the honour and seruice that possibly may bee For the which the Faire Forlorne humbly thanked her Maiestie but Oriana without speaking one word held her head down continually
men of euill behauiour therfore hee would not forsake their company whereof he made them promise Along they ride with sundrie discoursings where among other talke they desired in respect they met so happily together that he would bee content to let them know his name My name quoth he is Amadis but I pray you keepe it onely to your selues Proceeding on by vaste and vnfrequented places one day when furthest they were from doubt they beheld before them vnder a tree two Armed Knights prepared for the Ioust who seeing them comming stepped into the midst of the way the one saying to his companion Which of these two Damosels wouldest thou haue and the other I meane to take my selfe I will said the other haue the first And I her companion answered the other so without more words they came to lay hands on them Amadis who misliked such dealing without the Damosels consent addressed himselfe to the Knights demaunding what manner of behauiour this was to Ladyes comming from honest place Such quoth they as beseemeth women of their age What answered Amadis would you then force them Who shall let vs quoth they if wee please Marie that will I replyed Amadis then lacing his Hemet he tooke his shield Lance saying Let the Damosels alone you shamelesse men and defend your selues Without any more talke they gaue their spurres to their Horses meeting together with such puissance as the Knight brake his Launce and Amadis gaue him such an attaint that hee carryed him from his horse to the ground with his head vnder and his heeles vpward breaking the laces of his Helmet in the fall so that his head remained without shelter When the other saw his companion downe he would reuenge him and couching his Launce against Amadis met him so full as piercing his Armour wounded him a little and his staffe was shiuered all in pieces but the Prince failing with his Launce encountred him so fiercely with his body and Horse as he lay tumbling hard by his fellow thē comming to the Damosels he said I pray ye heere-after come no more behinde but for your better surety keepe ye before A while he taried to see if they would rise againe but perceiuing they made no shew thereof he forbare to charge them any further so rode on with his company Soone after they came to a faire plaine whereby a pleasant Riuer had his course and there they caused their Tents to be erected as well to regard the hurt of Amadis as also to refresh themselues But as they sate at meat the two dismounted Knights came riding thither saying to Amadis Sir Knight you haue won the Ladies at the Lance now must ye defend them by the sword otherwise we will cary them hence in despite of you But you shall not quoth he if I can let it so drawing his sword against him that first made offer in short time he brought him into such distresse as without the succour of his companion he was vnable to hold out any longer which Amadis perceiuing said Ah Knight the Ladyes make slender account of you that you must come both vpon one man Yet notwithstanding he wold not forbare but as the patterne of vnconquerable valour gaue him likewise worke enough to doe so that all their wrong turned to his honor for he gaue the last such strokes on the helmet as the sword glaunsing on his shoulders cut in twaine the cuyrates of his armour sliced his flesh to the very bone which made him let fall his sword and run away halfe dead Then turning to the other he cut off his hand vnder his Shield the paine whereof was so yrkesome to him as he cryed Ah I am slaine Thus speaking he threw his sword to the ground and the Shield from about his neck All this auaileth not said Amadis for I wil not leaue thee except first thou sware neuer to offend Lady against her will Alas quoth he I promise faithfully and will performe it Here-with Gandalin came who gaue him his sword and Shield againe permitting him to go for helpe whether he would and Amadis returned to the Tent where the Damosels reioysing for his safe returne said In sooth Sir we had beene dishonored without your aide which is much better then we expected and such as not onely assureth your reuenge for Dardans iniurie but the Ladyes also if fortune permit you doe vndertake her quarrell Then was hee vnarmed and after his wound was drest he sate downe to meat againe At their departure thence they lodgded at a good Ladies Castle where they were most courteously entertained and on the morrow trauailed all day without any aduenture worthy rehearsal arriuing neere Windsore where King Lisuart lay when Amadis thus spake to the Damosels Faire Friends I would not be known to any one therefore til such time as the knight come to the combate I intend to with-hold my selfe from the place and when the houre is let-your Squire bring me tydings thereof hither Sir quoth the Damosels as yet there wants two daies of the assignation therefore if you please we wil tarry with you and our Squire shall goe into the Towne and bring vs word when the Knight is arriued I am well content said he whereupon they pitched their Tent betweene a little wood and a Riuer and Amadis presntly put off his armour Now did the Damosels change their opinion and thought it better for them to go into the Towne to see how things were in preparation saying they might returne when they pleased Amadis not misliking thereof willed them to do so in meane while being vnarmed he mounted on horse-backe intēding to stray abroad a little for his pleasure Gādalin guided him through the wood Riding along as they were on the side of a little mountaine he might easily behold the Towne and when they were at the highest they alighted from their horses when Amadis sitting downe vnder a tree cast his eye toward that part where he iudged the Princesse Oriana should be then regarding the walles the Towers and the whole Castle breathing forth a vehement sigh hee sayd Ah happy Towers within you is the onely flower of the world and thou faire Towne how fortunate art thou in containing that which all the harts and praises of men cannot comprehend High in diuine grace were he who for maintenance of this quarrell should spend his life but much happy he that without other combate then his small desert should reach a blisse so incomparable Then resting his head on his arme he entred into a deepe conceit which prouoked him to sudden silence and in this melancholly the teares trilled downe his cheekes in mean while Gandalin who knew his complexion standing where he was vnseene of any espied a goodly troupe of Lords and Ladyes comming toward them whereof he made hast to aduertise the Prince but he was so perplexed as he could not answere wherefore Gandalin tooke him by the arme saying My Lord see you
his company the Lady thus speaking at his departure I shall pray Sir Knight that God may send peace between my husband and you Beleeue me Lady quoth he though I neuer care for it with him yet shall it remaine twixt you and me because you deserue it So fortuned it after-ward these words tooke effect and highly profited the good Lady as in some part of this history you shall heare recited Now are they departed from the Castle of Arcalaus riding till the night ouer-tooke them lodging at a Ladyes place fiue leagues thence where they were entertained with very gracious welcome and on the morrow after they had thanked their friendly host as they rode together Amadis thus communed with Brandoyuas Courteous Sir I trauaile in search of a Knight as here-tofore I told ye imagining it will be little pleasure to you to follow me it were not amisse then if we parted In sooth Sir answered Brandoyuas I gladly would goe to King Lisuarts court notwithstanding if you thinke it good I will keepe ye company Little neede shall I haue thereof answered Amadis I thanke ye because I must be cōstrained to wander alone so soone as I haue brought this Lady into such safety as she thinkes meete My Lord quoth she I will accompany this Gentleman if you please seeing he trauaileth to the Court of King Lisuarts and there I hope to finde him for whom I was prisoner who I am assured will be glad of my deliuerance Now trust me answered Amadis very well sayde goe then together and God be your guid Thus are they seperated now remaining none with Amadis but Gandalin the Dwarffe of whom the Prince likewise demanded what he meant to do Mary be your trusty seruant sayde the Dwarffe if you like so well as I. I am well pleased replied Amadis and thou shalt doe what thou wilt thy selfe In sooth my Lord quoth the Dwarffe seeing you released me I would gladly remaine in your seruice for I know not where I may be halfe so well the man and the maister being both agreed they tooke their way as fortune liked to conduct them Not farre had they trauailed but they met one of the Ladyes that rescued him from enchantment at Arcalaus Castle shee weeping and mourning very grieuously which mouing Amadis to pitty her complaints made him demand the cause thereof A Knight who rideth not farre before quoth she hath taken from me a little casket wherein is matter of great cōsequence yet no way able to pleasure him for such things are therein as within these three dayes one in my company and my selfe restored from death the best Knight in the world and shee likewise of whom I tell ye is violently caryed away by another Knight who is ridden before intending to force her Heere you must obserue that the Damosell now talking with Amadis knew him not by reason his helmet beuer couered his face but when he heard how her casket was taken from her hee neuer left gallopping till he ouer-tooke him to whom hee thus spake Knight you deale not courteously giuing this Lady cause thus to complaine of you and me-thinkes you should do a great deale better to deliuer the casket againe you tooke from her but when the Knight heard him hee fell in a great laughter Why do ye thus laugh Sir sayd Amadis I laugh at you answered the Knight whom I thinke scant wise in giuing conncell to him that demands it not the lesse hope may you haue in speeding in your suite it may be quoth Amadis you care not for my words yet it were good to deliuer the thing is none of yours Belike you threaten me thē sayde the Knight Not you Sir answered Amadis but your ouer-much boldnes in vsing force where it ought not to be Is it true quoth the Knight with these words hee set the casket aside in a tree and returning to Amadis sayd If your brauery be such in deedes as it seemeth in words come teach mee know it and receiue the law So giuing the spurres to their horses they encountred together in such sorte as the Knight being dismoūted his horse fel so heauily on him that he was not able to rise againe in meane while Amadis fetched the cofer and deliuering it to the Damosell sayd Take your owne faire Lady tarry here till I bring your companion Presently he posted after the other Knight ouer-taking him at a thicket of trees where he had tyed both his horse and the Ladies trayling her by the haire of the head into the wood there to commit his villainous desire but Amadis cryed to him aloude in this manner Of an euill death maist thou dye traytor that wronest a Lady in this sorte without offending thee As the Knight strougled with her to get her into the wood hee looked vp and saw Amadis whereupon he left her making speede to his weapons and mounted on horseback then approching neere the Prince hee sayd By my hand Knight in haplesse time for thee didst thou hinder me of my will Such a will answered Amadis as dis◅th honor both men and beasts despise If I take not reuenge for it quoth the knight then let me neuer weare armour againe The world therein shall sustaine a great losse replied Amadis of one addicted to such villainy that seeks to force Ladies who ought in all liberty and honor to be defended and so they bee by all loyall Knights With a braue course they met together when though the knight brake his lancs yet was hee hurled against the ground so violently as the weight of his armour and strength of his fall made him lye trembling in a trance Which Amadis perceiuing to rid him out of his paine altogether he trampled on his belly with his horse feete saying Thus shalt thou loose thy desire of forcing Ladyes And as for you faire soule I hope heereafter you are rid from any danger of him The more am I to thank you my Lord quoth she would God my companion who hath lost her casket were as well deliuered as I am She was the first I met withall answered Amadis wherefore first of all I succored her so well as shee hath recouered what was taken from her and beaholde where my Squire conducteth her hither-ward Now because the heat was some-what violent Amadis put off his helmet to take the ayre when the Damosell immediately knew him for it was shee that at his returne from Gaule conducted him to Vrgand the vnknowne when by Chiualry he deliuered her friend at the Castle of Bradoyd which made her remember him and so did Amadis her when alighting they embraced each other the like courtesie be shewed to the other Damosell Alas quoth they had we but dreamed on such a defender no villain could haue wronged vs halfe so much On my faith said Amadis the help you gaue me within these three daies may notbe compared with this matter of no validitie for I was in greater extreamity thē you
but how could you possibly vnderstand thereof My Lord quoth she that tooke him by the hand when hee was enchanted mine Aunt Vrganda sent me to the Castle of Arcalaus by whose meanes we came thither and you were recouered Heauen shielde from euill that good Lady answered Amadis who hath so many waies bound me her obedient seruant and you faire Damosels the messengers of this fauour haue you any thing else wherein to coÌ„mand me No my Lord said they take you the way you left and wee wil returne from whence we came Fare well sweet Virgins replied Amadis remember my humble duty to the health of your Mistresse telling her she knowes right well I am her Knight In this manner rode the Damozels one way and Amadis another wherefore wee must now tell what happened to Arcalaus since his departure from the Castle of Valderin CHAP. XXI How Arcalaus brought newes to the Court of King Lisuart that Amadis was dead which caused his friends to make manifold lamentations and regreets especially the Princesse Oriana SVch speede made Arcalaus after his departure from Valderin where he left Amadis enchanted hee being as I haue saide clad in his armor and mounted on his horse that the tenth day following hee arriued neer the court of king Lisuart who was riding abroade in the fields to take the aire accoÌ„panied with his Lords along the forrest side They seeing Arcalaus come a far off hauing on the armor of Amadis imagining it was hee indeede diuers rode before to welcome him but when they came more neere they found theÌ„selues deceiued by reasoÌ„ Arcalaus had his head and hands vnarmed wherefore without saluting the Gentlemen he stepped to the King with these words Sir I come to acquite a promise wherein I stand bound namely to let you vnderstand how I haue slaine a Knight in battaile that some-time bare these armes And albeit I must be content to declare mine owne prayse which were more honorable for me being reported by another in mine absence yet am I constrained to do no lesse seeing the couenant was betweene me him whom I haue slaine viz. that the conquerour should dispoyle the vanquished of his head and present it before you as this day Full loth was I to be so cruell because hee tolde mee hee was your Queenes Knight commonly called Amadis of Gaule and so hee named himselfe whom I vanquished As for me Sir I tolde him in truth that I was Arcalaus whom fortune hath graced with such singuler fauour for I haue slaine the man some-time owner of this armour and horse which as a testimony of my victory I brought with mee Ah God sayde the King is then the most vertuous and accomplished Knight in the world dead you lowring heauens why began ye so braue to course in him and now on such a sudden to cut it off These sorrowfull newes prouoked sighes and teares both in the King and his royall company which Arcalaus perceiuing not speaking any thing else returned the same way he came feigning himselfe likewise very sad and grieued but you must thinke he went not with-out great store of curses euery one instantly desiring God to send him an euill and speedy death which with their Swordes they could gladly haue bestowed on him themselues but that they heard howe Amedis was slaine by an accorded battaile The King being ouercome with pensiuenesse and sorrow returned to the Towne where these newes were so opened to euery one that at length the Queene and her Ladyes heard thereof which presently conuerted their former pleasures in to mourning At this time was the Princesse Oriana in her chamber with the Damosell of Denmarke where hearing the sudden clamour and noyse she commanded her to goe vnderstand the cause thereof Alas good Lady too soone was it brought to her for no sooner was she acquainted with the death of Amadis but her immoderate passions expressed the anguish of her heart and more to afflict this gentle Princesse the other Ladyes came weeping into her chamber saying Ah Madame what tongue can deliuer this wonderfull mishap yet durst she not good Lady bee too forward in enquiring the manner thereof least the â—cinders of her affection might be discouered and as if she had beheld Amadis dead before her she sayde Alas he is dead it can not be otherwise It is true madame answered the Damosell but what remedy you must not likewise dy for company These words made Oriana fall into a swoune which the Damosell of Denmarke beholding thought shee had too indiscreetly brought her these bad tidings whereupon she called the Princesse Mabila saying Helpe Madame my mistresse dyeth She being come saw that shee neither moued or breathed doubted least life had taken leaue indeed wherefore she commanded the Damosell to shut the dore to the end her loue all this while so well concealed might not breake foorth into open suspition Then vnlacing her garments to giue her more libertie as also bathing her temples and pulses with vineger cold water she recouered againe when deliring a faint sigh with a feeble voise she thus spake Ah sweete friends hinder me not in the way of death if you desire my rest and would haue God find him another world who knew not how to liue one day without me Ah flower and mirrour of chiualrie thy death is insupportable not to me alone but to the whole world who is repletâ— with griefe for thee because they haue lost him who in bounty prudence hardines and all other vertues did honor them aboue the compasse of all desire And were yet any feeling in thee I am certaine thou wouldst not sorrow for thy lost life but for my loue enduring by thy misse maruailous afflictions for thou hast left such honor in the world behinde thee conquering so incomparable reputation in this short time of thy life that rekoning thy merites thou diedst possessed with many yeeres Thus liuest thou in place immortall I remaining heere alone after thee can giue but wounding and vnthankfull speeches Ah cruell death sufficed it not that mighty loue murdered him with his feathered steele but thou must kill him out-right with thy curelesse stroke well in respect it is so offend not thy selfe my loue for thou shalt soone see reason proceede froÌ„ her that did thee wrong who beeing the cause will beare thee company in death And I may iustly challenge him of wrong seeing equall loue had vnited our willes to seperate our persons in this sorte where hauing affoorded our ending together wee likewise might haue inioyed one sepulchre After these words she swounded againe in Mabilaes armes and in such manner altered her countenance as they reputed her verily dead her faire and golden lockes being discheueled her armes and legges depriued of vitall motion euen as when the soule hath taken his flight from the body Mabila desparing of any life left in her was so surprised with griefe that shee was constrained to leaue the Damosell alone with the