what Fortune had separated her from the Emperor Alas alas Sir answered she You may well name it Fortune the strangest and most wretched that ever befell poor desolate woman For she has thrown me from the high Estate in which you had placed me to the lowest she could leaving me without Husband Children or any VVealth whatever Alas the Traitorous Duke of Buillon has cruelly slain Arquisil and his Son and my daughter and I flying the Fury found means to steal away and get a little Boat into which we entred without any other guide but GOD's Mercy whom it pleased to try as I believe my Patience to let us fall into the Hands of these Tâ—â—evâ—sh Pirates who cunningly and without my perceiving it with so sound a sleep was I opprest have stoln away Esclariana and carried her I know not whither Alas was this alone left for my Comfort And it is Indeed a Wonder I have been able to live all this time For the Villains were calling Lots to dishonour 〈…〉 Course 〈◊〉 arriâ—ed with his Company who vigâ—rously 〈…〉 them 〈◊〉 Nevertheless I douâ—t they would have had enough to do with 〈◊〉 your happy Arrival And this Sir is the Condition in which you find your daughter full of aâ—l Soâ—row and Discontent Thâ—â— she begin to shed Tears and sigh so bitterly that she would have 〈◊〉 the 〈◊〉 heart in â—â—e World to pitty 〈◊〉 the 〈…〉 againâ—◠〈◊〉 King knowing 't was not then 〈…〉 what he 〈◊〉 fall 〈◊〉 her Daughter You have Reason to grieve tho' you cannot by your Tears recall what is done On â—â—â—lly Point is now lâ—â—t you that is the Punishment of the Traitor which cannot be so grievous but his Treasâ—n has been greater Nevertheless will thâ— suâ—h manner set my self about it that it shall be remembred whilst the World shall last And as for your Daughter I hope in our Lord that he will not forsake her no more than he has done you and that you shall one day see her in good Health without having suffered Shame or Outrage Comfort your self therefore and take to you a Man's Heâ—rt tho' you are but a Woman shewing the House of which you are descended being Daughter to a King of Gaul which is indeed the most constant and generous Nation at this day on the Earth So many other Reasons did Amadis alledge that she was in some measure comforted And the King disarming himself turned to Gandalin for whom that he might change the Discourse complaining of the great Blow with the Sword he had received he said in sport How Count Do you thus Caress your Friends In good faith I could never have thought that you would in such earnest have tried the Goodness of my Armor nevertheless I heartily pardon you On my Soul Sir answered he shaking his head if all your Servants received the Marks of your Favour in such Money as you lately chang'd with me you would find but a few that would long keep you Company and you have Reason to pardon me for 't is thus that the Beaten makes the satisfaction Now it was already latâ— and they had not eaten all day Wherefore the Cloth was laid and as they were Dining and Discoursing the King askt in what Sea they then were Sir answered the Marriners We are not far from Sicily So much the better said he Then he commanded to go ashore at Naples and send from thence into Spain to King Brian and his other Friends and Allies to ask Assistance for the revenging his Daughters Injury For he was resolved not to return into Great Britain till he had performed it And for this cause having taken Port at Salern where King Adariel honourably received him he dispatched Messengers into all Parts And he Writ at length to Queen Oriana acquainting her with the Seate of his Health and Cause of his Stay Whilâ—â— he was thus preparing for War against the Duke of Buillon he one day enquired of Gandalin what had passed in his Countrey during his Absence who told him the occasion for which the Queen had sent him withall that he knew of the Knight of the Burning Sword who had sent to London Gandalfes head of which the King was very Glad for the sake of Galeotes and Madasima And I am sorry said he that I was not there to entertain the Emperor of Trebisond and the King of Sicily but it shall be for another time So it is that I esteem my Journey well employed for I have restored a poor Damsel to her Countrey that was taken from her and saved the Queen of Saba's Honour who was Accused of Adultery Then he related particularly to him all the Traverses he had made and the Fruit that was come of them CHAP. LII How the Emperor of Trebisond the King of Sicily and others who expected the Return of King Amadis to London seeing his Stay took leave of the Queen and departed YOu have been told in the foregoing Chapters that the Emperor of Trebisond and the King of Sicily promised Queen Oriana to stay two whole months for King Amadis But at the end of that time seeing that he did not return they resolved to depart to wit the Emperor into Trebisond and King Alpatracy into Gaul hoping to recover his Kingdom of Metz Wherefore the Queen knowing that she should do them wrong to stay them any longer would no farther importune them save that for desired the King of Sicily to leave with her whilst his War lasted the Queen and her Daughter which he liked very well as did the Ladies also For this Request came in part from them And of this Lucella had been the Mover that she might stay for the Knight of the Burning Sword as she had sent him word by Macetta These Princes then being upon their Embarkment Lisvart and â—â—â—ion who thought long till they saw their Mistresses would 〈…〉 â—he Emperor and Olorius would willingly have born them 〈…〉 he had promised the King of Sicily to help him during his Affairs 〈◊〉 likewise had Florelus putting off his Marriage with the Dutchess 〈…〉 oâ— till his Return Now Gradafilea had long desired to know the Princess Onoloria for the sake of Lisvart And for this cause she so importun'd him that he yielded to take her with him into Trebisond of which nevertheless he would willingly have excused himself if he could And thus they entred into Alquifa's Ship who with her Damsels which she had brought into the Isle of Argenes undertook to Conduct them into Asia So after many thâ—nks on all sides and leave taken they set Sail. And the King of Sicily did the same on the other side They were no sooner removed but two young Princesses arrived at London to be bred up with the Queen The one Daughter to King Galaor named Galercia and the other to Dom Bruneo called Altimonea both fair in perfection and who took so great Lode to the Infanta Lucella that they could not be one without the other At which
The most Excellent and Famous HISTORY Of the Most Renowned KNIGHT Amadis of Greece Surnam'd The Knight of the Burning Sword Son to Lisvart of Greece and the Fair Onoloria of Trebisond Representing his Education in the Court of King Magadan his Conquering of the Defended Mountain his Combat with his Grandfather the Emperor Esplandian his killing Frandalon the Ciclops and falling in Love with Lucella Daughter to Alpatracy King of Sicily his Arrival in the Isle of Argenes where he put an End to the Enchantments of Queen Zirfea his Assisting his Great-Grandfather King Amadis in the Island of the great Siclades and in respect to him taking on himself the Name of Amadis of Greece Together with the high and noble Enterprizes of his Cozen Lucencio Gradamart Son to the King of the Giants Island Birmartes Son to the King of Spain and many other Noble Knights and Gallant Ladies All no less Useful than Pleasant Humbly Addrest to the Beauties of Great Brittain By a Person of Quallity Licensed according to Order Printed for I. Deacon at the Angel in Guilt-Spur-Street without Newgate and I. Blare at the Looking-Glass on London Bridge 1693. To the BEAUTIES of Great BRITAIN TO you fair Ladies does our Younger Amadis after his Traversing many vast and Forreign Regions address himself laden with Triumphant Spoils and Crown'd with Victorious Lawrels all which he humbly lays at your Feet whom he acknowledges to be not only the Fairest but also the Kindest and best Natur'd of your Sex the whole World affords In your soft Arms and silken Laps he hopes to find that Repose he has so long in vain been seeking thro' so many hard and perillous Adventures And these Hopes of his are much Encourag'd by his considering the favourable Reception you some time since gave his Father Lisvart his Grandfather Esplandian and his Great Grandfather Amadis of Gaul King of Great Brittain the greatest Exemplar of Constant and Loyal Love that is in any History of this sort to be found If therefore you will graciously condescend to his Request and receive him into your favourable Embraces he here makes a Solemn Protestation that all his future endeavours shall wholly be directed to procure your Satisfaction and Delight and his chief Ambition shall be to let the World see how highly he Values the Honour of being Your Amadis of Greece Books Printed for and Sold by J. Deacon at the Angel in Guilt-spur-street without Newgate where all English and Irish Chapmen may be furnish'd with all sorts of Books at Reasonable Rates 1 THE Dutch Fortuneteller in Folio 2 The triumphant Weaver Or the Art of Weaving in Verse in Quarto 3 The Pleasant History of Ornatus and Artesia in Quarto 4 The Fomous History of Sir Bevis of Southampton at large in Quarto 5 The Art of Legerdemaine Or Hocus Pocus being the whole Art of Jugling 6 The 3d. Part of the seven Champions in Quarto 7 Sports and Pastimes for the City and Country for the Delight and Recreation of Youth Quarto 8 The English Fortuneteller by J. P. 9 The Golden Garland of Princely Delight wherein is contained the History of many of the Kings and Queens Princes Lords Ladies Knights Gentlewomen of this Kingdom 10 The most Excellent Profitable and Pleasant book of the Famous Doctor and Expert Astrologian Arcandan or Alcandrin to find the Fatal Destiny ef every Man and Woman and Child by their birth done into English by William Ward 11 Markham's faithful Farrier wherein the depth of his depth of his skill is laid open in all these principal and approved secrets of Horsmanship 12 The 3d. Part of the Pilgrams Progress with the life of John Bunyon Author of the 1st and 2d Part. At the above mentioned place is to be Sold by Wholesale or Retail all sorts of History books that is used in Ireland And also all sorts of Divinity books Physick and Astrology Romances and Plays and Paper books and Bonds and Releases c. Books Printed for and Sold by Jos Blare Bookseller at the Looking-Glass on London-Bridge THE Accomplished Ladies Rich Closet of Rarities Or The Ingenious Gentlewoman and Servant Maids Delightful Companion Arithmetick A Treatise fitted for the Vse and Benefit of such Trades-Men as are ignorant in that Art teaching the nature and use of Fractions both vulgar and decimal by a new and easie Method made familiar to an ordinary Capasity Also the Mensuration of Solids and Superficies By John Ayres likewise his Copy Books of several sorts The Key of Commerce shewing the true method of keeping Merchants Books after the Italian manner of Debter and Creditor in one hundred and twenty Propositions containing most Cases relating to Merchandise with a Practical Wast-Book Journal and Ledger and transfer the ballance thereof as an inventory to a new Ledger Designed for the Help and Assistance of Young Merchants at their first Entrance on their Apprenticeship to their Masters By J. H. of London Merchant The Accomplished Seamans Delight Pearls of Eloquence Or the School of Complements The History of Argalus and Parthenia The English Fortuneteller by J. P. Russels Sermons viz. the Accepted time and day of Salvation the End of Time and beginning of Eternity Heavens Glory and Hells Terrour The 3d. Part of the Pilgrims Progress with the life of John Bunyon Author of the 1st and 2d Part. The Secretary Guide directing to Write letters The Famous History of Hero and Leander Russels little book for little Children A Discription of Kent and Sussex Or a View of all the Cities Towns and Villages in each County At the above mentioned place is Sold Books of Divinity History and Navigation Wholesale or Retail at Reasonable Rates The most Excellent and Famous HISTORY of the Most Renowned KNIGHT Amadis of Greece Surnam'd The Knight of the Burning Sword Son to Lifvart of Greece and the Fair Onoloria of Trebisond CHAP. I. How certain Pirates of the Moors presented to Magadan King of Saba the Gentleman of the Burning Sword IN the Kingdom of Saba there sometime Reign'd a Moor call'd Magadan who contrary to the usual Nature of Blacks was affable courteouâ— and debonair loving above all people such as were White whom he much more willingly employ'd than any others This Magadan took to Wife a noble Lady nam'd Buruca black like himself And of these two was born the valiant Fulurtin of whom our History will sometimes make mention This Fulurtin who for good conditions resembled his Father was in his younger years instructed in all forreign Languages by Mandaiar a white Slave a Man of wonderful Learning Now it was well known thro' all the Realm of Saba how great Pleasure the King took in getting Prisoners from forreign Parts especially from the North because of their whiteness Insomuch that he often pardoned even Crimes of High-Treason provided the Criminals presented him with such Personages Hence it happened that one day as he rose from Table there entred into the Hall four Moors leading by the Hand a
that by brâ—ak of day he was come to the Sea-shore not knowing what farther course to take for the Water hindred his passing on and if he thought to turn on either side the high and inaccessible Rock shew'd him the Austerity of the Desart Beâ—â—g thus at a loss what to do all melancholy and as it were in despair he had a desire to drink and perceiving the Stream of a clear Spring passing between the Shrubs he went thither and climbing up the Hill found the head of it which was so pleasant that having taken in the hallow of his Hand what was sufficient to quenâ—h his thirst he put off his Helmet and lyâ—ng down on the green and fresh grass with his head leaning on his left hand fell so sound a sleep that at his awaking the Sun was now very high Nor had he awoke then had he not heard a noise on the other side the Thicket wherefore starting up he lac'd on his Helmet and soon after saw a Knight come along in exceeding fair and rich Armor accompany'd only by a Gentlewoman with whom he discours'd so that he was already upon the Bâ—ink of the Fountain when he perceiv'd the Knight of the Burning Sword Now Fame had already spread over all the Countrey the Loss of the Defended Mountain those that were fled telling every one how a Knight bearing in a Shield Argent a Sword Gules had vanquisht Frandalo and the other Guards so that by these Signs the Knight in the rich Arms immediately knew that he of the Fountain had perform'd that Enterprize For this cause he addrest himself to him and without saluting him us'd this Language Sir Knight are not you he who living against the Christian Law have not long since forc'd the Defended Mountain Certainly I will endâ—avour if I can to keep you from offending any more the GOD of Heaven and Earth of whom you pretend not to have any knowledge Having said this he took his Shield and ran upon him of the Burning Sword who without being any way dismaid answer'd him bravely By my Head I know not who you are but I have seen many as brave as you who at the end of the Fight have been cool enough and yet without choller therefore take heed lest the like befal you That will appear reply'd the other Then they so furiously assaulted each other that never two Stags heated at the Rut for love of the Hind shew'd themselves more furious So that after many blows struck Fortune would that he of the Fountain should have the better giving his Adversary two such strokes that whether he would or no he fell in a swound being depriv'd of all knowledge Which the Knight of the Burning Sword seeing he went on to take off his Helmet and afterwards his Head But Frandamella so was she nam'd who had long beheld them began to cry out and with the Tears trickling in abundance down her Cheeks askt pardon for the vanquisht Knight Damsel my Friend answer'd he of the burning Sword I will not refuse you but you shall be obey'd for I have never learnt to be discourteous to Ladies nor will I begin with you tho' the Knight deserves great Chastisement having assaulted me who never in my life injur'd him as I know of I shall only in recompence desire you to tell me his Name for by his Rich Armor joyn'd with the Valour and Goodness I have found in him I guess him to be some great Personage Ah Ah good Knight reply'd she this I will willingly do on condition that you also grant me a Gift which will not I think be any way displeasing to you for if you are he whose Renown flies thro' the whole World I am in a manner assur'd that you will without constraint accord it me when you know it Damsel said he you shall have of me whatever you will nor shall the Difference between your Religion and mine hinder it provided your Request be reasonable and discreet for I and all others who bear Arms and the Name of Knight are specially oblig'd to maintain Right and to do our utmost for Ladies otherwise the Strength given us by the Gods would deserve no more praise than that weakness and impuissance which is so peculiar in you that you cannot without us resist the Wicked Ah vertuous Knight answer'd she you have spoken so well that I shall esteem you for it as long as I live And as to what you desire to know concerning the Knight you shall understand that he is natural King of Sicily nam'd Alpatracy Husband to one of the most noble Princesses of Europe call'd Miramynia Daughter to the King of Metz in France and they two were some time since enchanted by the Sage Medea but about twenty years ago the best Knight and fairest Lady in the world deliver'd them out of that pain the Knight of whom I speak gaining an Helmet and the Lady a Crown of inestimable value But as one Unhappiness often accompanies another King Alpatracy and his Queen living peaceably in their Countrey blest with one only Daughter which GOD had given them more divinely accomplisht in all Perfections than any other Creature in the world it happen'd that the King of Metz died by whose Death Miramynia his sole Daughter and Heiress became Queen and Lady of his Countreys which are large and rich as having been given for Apennage to a second Son of France for from Pharamond who first took the Title of King over the French descended as I have many times heard Claudius and Meroveus This Meroveus had three legitimate Sons who when their Father was dead divided this great Monarchy betwixt them so that the Kingdom of Metz came to the second who was Father of the Queen that is VVife to this Knight And for this reason he was sometimes nam'd and entitled King of Metz in France Now it is not long since Alpatracy took possession of it and receiv'd an Oath of Fidelity from all his Subjects But as he was returning into Sicily he had News that a near Relation of the Queens was revolted and had taken by surprize the principal Towns of the Realm under color of a certain pretended Law establisht and ordain'd as they say by the said Pharamond by which the Traytor affirms that the Realm of France must never fall to the Distaff and that the Kingdom of Metz is subject also to the same Statute as being a Member and Part of the French Monarchy This News was as pleasing to the King as you may imagin it to be yet he hop'd to avenge himself throughly on the Traytor which he would easily have done had not a second and worse Misfortune diverted him VVhich was that the Queen Miramynia and her Daughter as they were hunting in the Forrest near Saragossa were surpris'd by Frandalon the Cyclops and his Son two horrible and merciless Gyants who mauger the Huntsmen and others sent away the two Ladies Prisoners into the Isle of Silanchy where
will swear it by the living Gods for I saw it with my own eyes Ah Ah! said the King fetching a deep sigh Since the Traytor has so far forgotten himself as I heretofore prefer'd him before all that were in this Kingdom so will I now cause him and the Strumpet his Companion to be put to the cruelst Death that ever wretched Creatures suffer'd Then the King commanding Maudan to keep secret what he had told him retir'd to his Chamber as full of discontent as the Villian was of joy for having so well accomplisht his design As the Love of a Father to his Son is incomparably greater than common Amities so the hate of the one to the other when it grows vigorous is undoubtedly more extream than can be exprest In like manner the King who was so affectionated to the Knight of the burning sword that he had almost equall'd him with Fulurtin having heard the discourse of this Whisperer grew so disturb'd that he had much ado so to govern his Passion as to forbear sending him at that very moment to receive his last Punishment which yet tho' not without putting a gâ—eat constraint upon himself he for a while suspended hoping to surprize him in the Fact Now such is commonly the Nature of Sin that 't is no sooner brought into the Woâ—ld but 't is attended by Repentance which was the cause that Maudan mixing water with his wine began immediately to know his offence insomuch that considering the many Pleasures and Courtesies he had receiv'd from the Knight he had accus'd he wisht he had never spoken ill of him but when the Steed is stoln 't is too late to shut the Stable door Yet did remorse of Conscience conducted by Reason gain so much upon him that he purpos'd at least to save his life by giving him notice tâ—at the King sâ—ake of doing him a displeasure and advising him therefore to absent himself from his Fury This thought he put in Execution A thing probably proceeding from GOD not for the sake of so wretehed a Person as Maudan but for the preservation of the Innocent for which cause we sometimes see the Wicked contrary to his Nature to leave Evil and give way to Good The Sun was already retir'd behind the Mountains and the Night approacht when the Traytor found out the Knight of the Burnâ—ng Sword to whom concealing from him the Poison which lay hid in his heart he thus spake My dear Friend so much do I desire your Good that there cannot any inconvenience befall you at which I should not be as much troubled as if it hapned to my self 'T is therefore necessary you retire with all possible speed for I certainly know that the King is resolv'd to put you to death for which purpose you will be Arrested at your Entrance into the Palace The particular cause indeed I cannot learn but some story has been told him for which he hates you to extremity The Knight of the burning sword as you will easily believe was not a little astonisht at this Advertisement the truth of which as not having any way offended he would soon have question'd had not Maudan always pretended a particular kindness for him He gave therefore so much credit to this Traytor 's words that he immediately commanded Yneril his Esquire to bring his Arms and taking Horse went secretly forth of the Town without any other Attendance Riding all Night in marvellous discontent Thus Maudan wove the Web which afterward cost him his life as shall be declared to you In the mean time the better still to cover his design he went very late in the Evening to the King to whom he said Sir I doubt Yneril may have over heard some part of the discourse I had with Your Majesty about his Master for I am certainly inform'd he was listning under the window Which may be the more easily credited for that I have not since seen the Knight of the burning sword whom I believe you will find to be fled That would be ill reply'd the King therefore pray know the certainty of it and that without delay At these words Maudan went strait out of the Palace to the Knight's Lodgings returning soon after as in amaze to tell the King he was gone Magadan hearing this sent hastily to apprehend the Queen Buruca swearing he would have her burnt alive at which the poor Lady who knew not for what occasion was very much troubled and casting her self at the Kings feet besought him with hands held up to tell her the cause of his displeasure Wicked woman answer'd he you shall know too soon to your cost Then commanding her to be lock'd up he set Guards upon her charging them on peril of their lives to keep her safe After this he sent forth men on all sides to look for the Knight of the burning sword and bring him either alive or dead For said the King he has acted against me the greatest Treason in the world Fulurtin wondering at this so suddain change found means to know the cause â—f it which the King would not conceal from him that he might irritate him the more against the Knight who had done him so many Services not letting him however know from whom he had receiv'd his Information But the Young Prince being well advis'd endeavour'd what he could to pacify all and disswade Magadan from believing any such thing which 't was impossible for him to do Not long after those who had been in quest of the Knight of the Burning Sword return'd without hearing any news of him at which the King was so enrag'd that he wanted lâ—ttle of putting the Queen to death But by the Advice of his most intimate Counsellors he delay'd it till such time as he recover'd the Knight At that very instant there Arriv'd a Courier bringing him News of the Spoil the Enemies made in his Realm into which they were entred This made Magadan whose Army was now ready march forth to meet them and give them Battle the Man being led by Fulurtin and the rest of his Forces by the King himself whose Army was divided only into two Squadrons The Kings of Tharsus and Arabia advertis'd of Magadans approach drew up their men in a Pâ—sture to receive him After a long and fierce Fight Magadan and his Son were in fine taken Prisoners and their whole Army discomfited the greatest part e caping to the Neighbouring Towns and the rest being put to the Sword These Kings having thus gotten the victory consulted betwixt themselves to send Magadan and Fulurtin where they might be safely kept Of this the King of Tharsus would take the Charge attended only by ten chosen Knights not being willing to trust such a Prey with any other Person but himself and in the mean time the King of Arabia advanc'd to Besiege Saba CHAP. IV. How the Knight of the Burning Sword found a Moorish Hermit and of the discourse they had together SO long travell'd the
King came to the ground being squatted on the grass Yet he very lightly got up again and putting his hand to hâ—s Sword said to the other A light Sir Knight for you shall vanquish me with the Sword before you have my Shield I am well content answer'd the other Then he sat foot to ground and without any farther delay there began between them a very fierce Combat which continu'd the space of a long half hour before it could be perceiv'd which would have the better or the worse Nevertheless a little after the King began to be so enfeebled that he knew he could not much longer resist without being slain or vanquisht to obviate which he drew a little aside and said to him of the Kay Knight pray let us take breath The day is long enough for us to finish this Dispute in Our Combat answer'd he is more for pleasure than Enmity Therefore I grant you this satisfaction altho' I have no need of it The King hearing this gracious Answer and very well knowing that it was true bethought himself the better to preserve his Honour and avoid the Danger to cover with the vail of Courtesie what he wanted in force saying to him In good faith Knight your Obligingness has so far vanquisht me that considering your Enterpâ—ize to be wholly caus'd by the Love and Service you bear her whose you are I am very well pleas'd to keep company with so many valiant men as you have prov'd your self against and surrender you my Shield on which I will write my Name for to serve the Dutchess when she shall please to command me Then he took it from his Neck to present it to him but the Knight of the Kay putting it back with his hand made him this Answer Stay Knight you shall not leave me your Shield but if you please to let me have your Name I shall esteem it more than all the Wealth in the world seeing the Prowess and great Civility you are endu'd with Not that I have vanquisht you who have your self Conquer'd me so that I shall be all my life indebted to you in that you would not constrain me to quit this Passage for I must have immediately retir'd and lost the Sight of the thing I most love which is my Lady Then he exactly related to him his Intention in the same manner the Dutchess had told it to the Emperor Esplandian at Constantinople In good faith said the King had I known so much you should have yet had a better bargain of me for I have my self with a thousand labours too much experimented the Evil Love works through the least disfavour of the belov'd Object Understand then that I am Alpatracy King of Sicily and Metz arriv'd not ten hours since on these Coasts and that not intentionally but by the greatest Adventure imaginable If therefore you please to spare your self the combating my Companion I will prevail so far with him that for my sake he shall forbear it The Knight very glad of the Intelligence he receiv'd from Alpatracy not so much because he was a King as because he had heard him accounted one of the best Warriours in the World answer'd him Sir I cannot sufficiently thank your Majesty for the Honour you do me who am but a simple Gentleman and you so great a Prince that I shall esteem my self happy to go and serve you in France or Sicily as soon as I shall have satisfied my Lady and of that you may assure your self but as to your Offer of desiring your Companion to desist from contesting with me I beseech you Sir to pardon me and to be content that I entertain the custom of the Kay being come hither for no other Reason You shall do as you think best answer'd the King it suffices me that you remember the promise you have made me to accompany me in the Conquest of my Kingdom of Metz as soon as I shall have finisht a Voyage from which I cannot excuse my self Then were their Horses brought them on which when they were mounted the Dutchess approacht to know what Discourse they had together which her Knight recounted to her without omitting any thing whereat she greatly rejoyc'd And in the mean time he that came with Alpatracy took such pleasure in beholding the Excellent Beauty of this Princess that he remembred not that he was to Fight when the Knight of the Kay who perceiv'd it call'd to him saying Sir Knight you have mus'd long enough for once The custom of this Place requires something else than musing on Ladies Beauties Think Sir on what you are come for And as he utter'd these words he went to the Elm against which the Lances stood and chose from amongst them the strongest he could find Then Alpatracy's Companion well knew that the Knight of the Kay was a little stung with Iealousy nevertheless he took so unpatiently this Remonstrance that he retir'd back far enough to take a Career and then seeing his Adversary ready set spurs to his Horse as the other also did encountring each other with so much vigour that they both brake their Spears Then turning their Bridles the strange Knight was putting his Hand to his Sword when he of the Kay desir'd him to just so long till one or both of them came to the Ground to which he readily consented The Servants then and Esquires advanc'd to bring 'em new Lances and they brake each of them six staves without stirring from their Saddles This so enrag'd them both thaâ— at the seventh charge their Spears being broken to the very handles they had such a Rancounter of Shields Bodies and Heads their Horses also meeting Head to Head and Shoulder to Shoulder that they both fell stunny'd on the grass Yet the two Combatants soon got up again and embracing their Shields fell furiously so to hew and hack each other that in a short time the place was all over cover'd with the Plates and Pieces of their Haubergeons and Coars of Mail. The Knight of the Burning Sword had indeed a very great Advantage over the other the Shield which was presented him by the Damsel in the Forrest being of such a Temper that neither Lance nor Sword could make any impression on it Nevertheless he of the Kay behav'd himself with so much courage that for the space of above a long hour it could not be discern'd who would have the better Whilst they were thus in the heat of their Engagement there arriv'd King Amadis and Queen Oriana attended by a great company of Ladies Gentlewomen and Knights who having heard of the extraordinary Prowess of him that kept the Kay were come from London to see this Pastime with purpose not to part thence in a Weeks time They perceiv'd then the two Combatants in the Condition I told you wherefore they stood still to see which of them would gain the Honour of the Victory King Amadis himself not knowing what to think of it seeing them so
Lucella in such manner comforted her that moderating her Passion she no longer dispair'd but govern'd her self with Patience knowing there was no other Remedy Then the Marriners askt the King whither he would have them steer their Course To France answer'd he for I design not to return into Sicily before I have fought the Villian who has so treacherously caus'd my Kingdom of Metz to revolt at least if it please you said he to the Knight of the Burning Sword to bear me company This he willingly granted him not so much to do him service as for the Pleasure he took in the Presence of his new Mistress who infected with the like Disease could not forbear meditating day and night on his Perfections And tho' they bore about them the Remedy proper for their intire Cure yet they conceal'd it for a time but at last the Box was open'd and the Vnguent so fitly apply'd that their Pain had some ease as you shall hereafter fully understand CHAP. XXI Of a Wonderful Adventure that befel the King of Sicily the Knight of the Burning Sword the Queen Lucella and Frandamella by which they were separated from their Fleet and in danger of being drown'd SIx whole Weeks Sail'd King Alpatracy and his Company with so favourable a Wind that all things went according to their Wish and the King was so carefully lookt after by his Chyrurgions that his wounds were wholly Cur'd But that of the Knight of the Burning sword grew daily worse and worse seeing so near him and yet so much out of his Command Lucella whom he most affectionately lov'd and what yet more griev'd him was that the Queen never let her be out of her sight Thus had they not any means to Confer familiarly with one another but liv'd in hopes that Place and Time would one day afford them a better conveniency And in the mean time their sole Delight was to discourse together contenting their Affections with Amorous Glanses shot from their Eyes which often carry'd News to their passionate Hearts of what they most desir'd In this manner they continu'd their Courte till one Evening about Sun-set they discover'd within a League of them a little Island which seem'd to them so pleasantly planted with Trees and water'd with an Infinity of little Rivers that the Queen weary of the Sea desir'd the King to Land there and refresh them which was no disagreeable Request He therefore caus'd a Boat to be let down into the Sea into which He and the Queen went accompany'd only by Lucelia Frandamella and the Knight of the burning Sword who took his Arms as the King also did together with their Steeds to defend themselves if any Adventure should give them occasion Then Frandamella who serv'd for Pilot set her self to row for she had heretofore handled the Oar for Divertisment By means whereof she in a moment carry'd them off from the Principal Ship which the King commanded in the mean time to ride at Anchor intending to make a speedy Return They had not Sail'd long e're driven and master'd by the Wind they came within a Bow shot of a very high Rock high and steep I may well call it for it in a manner toucht the Clouds and was cut either by Nature or with such Artifice that it seem'd to have pass'd the Hatcher or Chisel On the Top were an Old Woman and an Old Man holding each other by the Collar and wrestling with so much Agility that at every turn the one or the other appear'd likely to be thrown And in fine they mutually tript up each other with so great Violence that they both without letting go their hold fell into the bottom of the Sea and immediately also the Rock sank with such an Emotion and Tempest that the Waves swell'd up with so great a Contrariety of Winds that the Boat which was guided by Frandamella was above an hundred times tover'd with Water and ready to be swallow'd up greatly terrifying them and taking from them all hopes of ever getting to Shore for their guide was so astonisht that abandoning Rudder Oar and whatever was serviceable to them she fell down without stirring either Hand or Foot This when Lucella saw trembling like the leaf of the Tree she knew no better Place of Security than the Arms of her Knight into which as her last Refuge she cast her self Then tho' the Inclemency of the Weather presented them with so Evident a Danger this Favor of his Mistress was so agreeable to him that as one Nail drives out another he forgot the Peril of Shipwrack to let her understand that in which his life was through the excess of his love unless she took pity of his Person For the obtaining of which he began to make her this Remonstrance Madam I humbly beseech you to believe that the Rigor of this Sea cannot be so cruel or dreadful to me as is the Violence of that Flame which consumes me who love you with such an Affection that none but my self can feel or comprehend unless he will measure it by the Greatness and Excellence of your Beauty And in this case every person of good Judgment will bear me witness that tho' I should dy an hundred times a day yet would not these Deaths be sufficient to merit the least Favour of your good Grace If then you know with what Affection my Heart has undertaken to serve you 't is Imposible but you should accept it whiâ—h I humbly request you to do fâ—r your own Honor who are and ever shall be my only Lady Mistress These Remonstrances were intermixt with Sighs accompany'd with such abundance of Tears that the Fore-part of his Armor was all wet with them Nevertheless she made a shew of not understanding him but dissembling the great Pleasure she took in hearing him grounded her Extreme Fear on the pâ—esent Danger and under this Color she began to shut her Eyes and lean back her Head on her Lovers Bosom as if she were in a Swound But love let him then know that all this made for his Advantâ—ge Wherefore seeing her so much desir'd Face and Mouth lying so fit for his purpose â—e could not forbear kissing her above a thousand times Ah! ah Happy Tongue and Contented Mind How can my Pen at this time express the Ioy the Satisfaction the Content the Bliss the Paradice in which you then were whilst you were so near one another Certainly such Felicity is so far from being utterable that it is unimaginable and he alone who has approacht such Pleasure ought to be esteem'd happy for this is the strait way leading to the Garden where is the Rose Bush and Bud the Fruit and Recompence of all loyal Lovers for the obtaining of which so many Persons have labor'd some in vain and others with content In this manner receiv'd Lucella these sweet Caresses the Obscurity of the weather the Rain and the Trouble they were then in keeping them from being perceiv'd by the
vast Number of Towers and Turrets along which were many guilded Pipes receiving the Waters from four great Parts of the House in a Square the Walls of which within and without were enricht with the most curious work that Apelles ever wrought either in Imagery or Painting To this Palace was adjoyning a Park containing in compass six great Leagues full of so many Curiosities that I know not whether the Palace of Apolidon could shew any thing beyond them For Zirfea had employ'd all her Skill to render it perfectly curious having beautifyâ—d with whatever Art or Nature could afford as you shall hereafter understand And tho' the two wounded Knights were in so much Pain that Rest was much more convenient for them than their Amusing themselves either in beholding or discoursing about Buildings yet having heard the Damsels by the way relate the Perfection of the Place they took so great Pleasure in viewing its Out-side that they scarce thought of entring in when Axiana inform'd of their Arrival by a Page came to receive them with such a Countenance as shew'd her more content and satisfy'd than if she had regain'd her Castle and Chamber of Treasure she had lost Which the Knight of the Burning Sword perceiving said to her Madam you have been so mindful of our Healths that should we dye a thousand times in your service yet can we never recompence favour we receive from you But the as the Sun is natually bright and cannot be otherwise so you being descended of the house you are and so well educated cannot shew your self other than wise prudent fair and vertuous using Sweetness and Courtesy as that with which you are born and which naturally accompanies you to render you the most accomplisht of Ladies Sir Knight answer'd she you give me great and undeserv'd Praises for that which I could not have omitted without offending against the three principal Points requisit to a Person of my Condition The first of which is to acknowledge in time of Adversity the Pleasure one has receiv'd from ones Enemy letting every one know that he who when afflicted can requite a Favor has also the Means to avenge himself of the Injuries suffer'd during his Misfortune The second to shew ones self at all times civil and compassionate as occasion requires And the third never so to trouble ones Mind for any Discontents or Crosses which may happen but that Reason and Discretion still keep the upper hand And these three Points are evidently necessary to all generous Persons for the preserving their Greatness always firm and unchangeable For undecaying Virtue renders a person much more noble and exalted than all the corruptible Goods of Fortune which are always subject to her Passions and Inconstancy and but too often bestow'd on such as never deserv'd them But 't is quite otherwise with Virtue for he alone obtains it who does Acts worthy the gaining it And for it alone ought men to be esteem'd and honour'd yea and reputed Richer than if they possess'd all the Treasures of the word Because the true and never fading Riches is the Renown of good and heroick Actions perform'd by the vertuous Person The Knight of the Burning Sword hearing her speak with such a Grace conceiv'd a very great Esteem for her But she was Daughter of one of the discreetest Ladies in Asia and of Prince Olorius of Spain a most wise and prudent Knight from whom it would have been difficult for her to have degenerated And to speak true when we consider the tenderness of her Age joyn'd with her Discretion Nature shew'd in her a Master-piece admirably well deserving the highest Commendations Wherefore he resol'd to do her all the Honor he could and she very courteously embrac'd him Then were he and Gradamart brought into a fair Chamber where being laid in two several Beds they were visited by the old Knight whom we formerly mention'd who thro' his great skill and long Experience sav'd their Lives as he had done of many other valiant men who held themselves therefore very much oblig'd to him CHAP. XXXI How the Knight of the Burning Sword caus'd Axiana's Castle to be restored to her and the Discourse the King of Sicily and she had together FOur whole days did the Knight of the burning Sword and Gradamart continue under the Old Mans Hand without any discerning of Amendment in them till towards the end of the Week when the Feavor left them and their Wounds began to Heal. Axiana in the mean time treated them in the best manner she could imagin and sent to desire the King of Sicily that he would come and visit them Which he very readily did Gradafilea also bearing him Company They then being come to the Infanta's House whilst Gradafilea was entertaining her Brother Gradamart the King of Sicily discours'd with the Knight of the burning Sword who falling from one matter to another the Knight began to say to him Sir tho' the little Service I have hitherto done you is so far from deserving any Recompence that it merits not the least Thanks nevertheless considering your Goodness Liberality and courteous Disposition as you also I believe have already some Assurance how much I am yours and into what danger I would put my Person for any thing that might redound to your Service I have taken the boldness to make you the Request you will hear You know Sir in what manner the Chamber of Treasure was Conquer'd and the Guards slain at which as 't is to be thought the Infanta Axiana receiv'd a double Discontent And nevertheless for my desisting at her Request from the Combat against her Knight Lucencio which was as great a Benefit to my self as to him she has taken such care of my Health that laying aside all the ill Will she might reasonably bear me she has so preferr'd Virtue that 't were impossible for the greatest Prince in the World to be more honour'd or better treated Which has constrain'd me Sir humbly to beseech you that you will be pleas'd to give me what we have won from her to the end I may make her a Present of it acknowledging in some manner the great Civility she has shewn me The King who desir'd nothing more than to please and satisfy him being very glad of this Overture thus answer'd him My dear Friend I could wish you had askt also of me the three best Citys of my Kingdoms that I might have had an Opportunity of shewing you how sensible I am of the Obligations you have laid on me who owe you even my Life as for what you now request of me you alone have the Absolute Right to dispose of it at your pleasure having purchas'd it with your blood it seems therefore injurious to me to ask me that which is already your own and in which I have no part but if you please to accept of any thing that belongs to me you shall freely have it how dear soever it is to me The Knight of
for which you will not be sorry In the mean time consider if you please to command me in any thing for I will obey you in all In good Faith Damsel answer'd the Knight of the Burning Sword you make me wonder at the News As for me I have nothing to do at Rome and I think it best that we should go straight to King Amadis for it seems already long to me till I see the Present display'd and know who does me this Favour Let us go said she I pray you Then they both went on together but they had not been two days in Company when they entred into a long Forrest where they met Five Knights compleatly Arm'd who addressing themselves to him of the Burning Sword cry'd to him Stay Knight stay You must tell us whom you will Assist whether the Emperor of Rome or his Adversary I will help answer'd he those in whom Treason has no Part and will be against the Duke who has so basely Murther'd his Lord. This reply'd they is the Way you should take to a speedy Death Having said this they all couch'd their Lances and ran upon him with such violence that they wanted but little of throwing him out of his Saddle yet he kept firm and gave one of them such a Blow that he never Spake more Then he drew his Spear out of the Dead-Mans Body and Charging the Four others Kill'd the Second on the Field his Staff breaking to Shivers Then he suddenly put hand to his Sword and there began between them a wonderful Fight which yet soon came to an End for the Three that remain'd could not bear the Fury of him who in such manner Assaulted them that the Third had his Head Cleft asunder which the Two last seeing turn'd their Backs and Fled away full Speed But the Knight of the Burning Sword let them go and without pursuing them any farther follow'd his way with the Damsel who much wondred at his great Prowess and high Chivalry Now these Rascals were Allies of the Duke who lying in Ambush in the Forrest watcht such Knights as were ill Accompany'd and fell upon them when they understood them to be of the Deceas'd Emperor's Party so that many Worthy Men had already in this manner lost their Lives when they met with the Knight of the Burning Sword who Chastis'd them as you have heard And for this cause we will leave him to Travel with the Damsel and change our Discourse CHAP. LVIII How the King of Sicily and his Fleet had News of the Emperor Arquisils and his Sons Death and of their Arrival at Naples OVR History has before acquainted you how the King of Sicily Olorius and Don Florelus Embarkt in Great Britain with a good Number of other Knights and set Sail for France Now they had not Sail'd Eight whole Days when they met some Vessels Commanded by the Count of Armignac a Kinsman to the King of Metz for whose sake they were Cruising along the Coasts to hinder the Sicilians or any other of their Party from taking Port in Sicily Now the Count immediatly knew by the Banners and Colors that the King of Sicily was in the Fleet wherefore he commanded his People to assault it on all sides hoping to take him Prisoner Then the two Fleets joyn'd and with Hooks and Grapling Irons coupled their Vessels so that the Fight was Fierce and Bloody but at length the Armignacians had the worst being all either Slain or Vanquisht and the others remain'd Victorious by means whereof they understood from the Prisoners how the Emperor Arquisil and his Son Dinerpius were Slain and that King Amadis was Arriv'd at Naples where he was gathering People from all Parts to Revenge their Deaths as also that the King of Metz was Raising a great Army to Succor the new Emperor This being heard by the King of Sicily a thought came suddenly into his Mind that since his Enemy was taking that way he should never find a better Opportunity to Recover his Kingdom than whilst his Adversary was absent and for this cause he order'd his Pilots and Mariners to make all the speed they could but as it often happens that Man proposes otherwise than GOD has dispos'd the Night following there arose such a Tempest that being carry'd along by the Violence of it they found themselves the Sixth Day after in the Spanish Sea and were whether they would or no forc't to pass Hercules's Pillars and enter into the Mediterranean Wherefore they wholly chang'd their Design and the King of Sicily was of Opinion to go and find King Amadis that they might together Fight the Vsurper of the Empire and his Ally since they were joyn'd Thus they took their way to Naples where they arriv'd almost at the same time as did Don Florestan King of Sardinia who was come thither with a great Fleet and the Duke of Calabria who being in Love with the Fair Jufaliana Daughter to the King of Naples had brought a great Army by Land They were all very honourably Receiv'd principally by King Amadis wâ—o was but a little before also by Adariel Prince Elinius Suycius of Ireland Abies and several other Renowned Knights who were all come to this War Now they being all Assembled in Council it was resolv'd they should expect the Army of Don Brian King of Spain and that which King Amadis had sâ—nt for out of Great Britain and that in the mean time word should be sent to the Princes of the Empire who were of their Party to keep themselves in a Readiness to move when Notice should be given them Thus they all staying in the great City of Naples visited every Day the Queen and the Ladies the King keeping so Noble and Magnificient a Court that they all wondred at it CHAP. LIX How Dirmartes arriv'd at the Court of Naples where he defy'd all the Knights who were there concerning their Mistrâ—sses Beauties and the Wonders he did THese Kings and great Lords being one Day sat at Dinner there entred into the Hall a Tall and Comely Knight compleatly Arm'd in a Rich White Armor In his Hands he bore the Effigies of a Lady at whose side were certain little Chains of Gold to which were fastned thrée Images that were supported by two Knights He who Marcht first was Birmartes the Amorous of whom our History has formerly spoken at large who without doing any Act of Reverence askt a loud if the King of Naples was there and was answer'd that he was and was shewn him Then did he address himself first to the King and afterwards to all the other Knights saying Most Mighty Kings and Lords think it not strange that presenting my self before you I have not shewn that Submission which your Excellencies deserve the Reason of which is that I bear in my Arms this Image which is the Representation of a Princesâ— whose Greatness is such that She ows no Respect to any King or Emperor how powerful soever And this I say
to Magadan King of Saba excusing himself from what he had been charg'd with SVCH was the Issue of this perillous Combat as you have heard at the Return from which the Knight of the Burning Sword thinking sometimes on his Misfortune in not having been able to Vanquish his Enemy sometimes on his News of the King of Saba and the Obligation in which he found himself indebted to King Amadis being now sad then all of a sudden joyful Rode on to the Place where he had left Alquif 's Damsel And they two together that they might not be follow'd went to the Place where he expected to find his Mariners who waited for him But when the Damsel saw him to pensive she could not forbear asking him whence that Melancholly proceeded Ah! my great Friend answer'd he I was thinking to leave this Countrey for to go into Saba to find the King for some News I have this day heard which touches me very near And on the other side I am forc'd to break this Enterprise being call'd this way to an Affair on which my Honor depends Thus I see my self between two Extremities and know not which I should choose for the best If you think good said she that I should carry any Message for you to the East be pleas'd to give me your Bark and I will go where you shall command me and will carry any Letter for you to King Magadan whom I very well know I request it of you answer'd he assuring you Damsel that I will never forget this Courtesy I will Write then to the King and to morrow you shall set Sail if we find our People at the Port. Discoursing in this manner they came where the Bark was and that very night the Knight in the Starry Armor Writ a Letter to King Magadan the Tennoâ— whereof folloâ—â— Most High most Mighty and most Excellent Prince if future things were as present to men as they are unknown to them there would be few Persons deceiv'd and fewer Wicked that could deceive them by giving them false Intelligence But such a secret being out of our Power we should certainly more fear this malice of men than Death it self which can deceive us but once For that to which these Traitors and Villains lead us takes not only away the Life but the immortal Honour which every Person of Virtue may acquire blacking his Reputation and Honour by shameful and lying Stories with which they feed the ears of those who hear them And of this victorious King your Majesty can better judge than any other having been upon the Point of being reputed an unjust King by your intending to put the Queen to Death for the false Accusation made of her and your loyal subject and servant the Knight of the Burning Sword Not Sir that I will excuse my self of the Fault I committed in absenting my self from your Court according to the Counsel given me by Maudan for where my Innocence was Punishment could have no place And moreover instead of leaving my honour doubtful by my Flight I should rather knowing your Vertue and my Justice submit my self to your Chastisement than fearing your Fury and shunning death which I deserv'd not render my self thus suspected of Guilt Now the Gods as far as I understand have permitted that the Truth has since been discover'd by the same Person who had conceal'd it and the Queens honour and mine restor'd by the invincible Prowess of Amadis King of Great Britain who sustaining my Right has in your Majesty's Presence slain the Traitor in the plain Field of Battle And nevertheless Sir if there remains in you any spark of Displeasure against your humble servant I beseeech you to forget it and give me part in your good grace till such time as I have opportunity to return to your Majesty which I should have already done had it not been for the Promise I have made these Kings here assembled not to leave them till the War they have undertaken against two other Traitors is at an end Wherefore you will be pleased to excuse me who in all humility kiss your Majesties hands This Letter being thus written made up and well seal'd he delivered it to the Damsel whom he took aside and said to her Damsel my Friend since you will do me the favour to go for me to King Magadan I beseech you in presenting to him this Letter to tell him the occasion of my stay in these Parts and that as soon as I shall have an Opportunity I will not fail to repair to him and present him with my service as I am bound You will see also the Queen and Prince Fulurtin to whom also I desire you to give my most humble Respects Sir answerd she I will not fail to do what you command me but before my Departure I will acquaint you that the arms I presented you was sent you by the Sage Alquif who loves you and honours you more than any Knight he knows He has charged me to tell you that your father is a Greek by Nation and that you are the Issue of a most Illustrious Blood and herewith content your self for I can tell you no more except it be that he sends you word that before your Departure from Italy you shall recover one of the things you held most for lost The Knight of the burning Sword was much amaz'd more rejoyc'd when he understood that he was a Gentleman of Great Parentage and imbracing her who brought him this good News said to her Alas my great Friend for Gods sake tell me then my Fathers Name if you know it For 't is the greatest Desire I have in this world Assure your self answer'd she if I knew it it should not be conceal'd from you This said she took leave of him and embarkt the Knight intreating her that she would find Means to bring him back an Answer with all possible Speed And immediatly the Wind blowing the Sails the Vessel lancht forth into the Deep And at the same time the Knight of the burning Sword took his way towards Salerm intending as soon as he had recovered his strength to find out Birmartes and fight him to the utmost whatever should become of it Whilst he staid there musing from time to time on what the Damsel had said to him that his Father was a Native of Greece he resolved to take this surname from that Country and also his name from King Amadis to whom he thought himself more oblig'd than to all other Men in the World as having made him recover his Honor. Therefore he will henceforward be in several placâ—s called Amadis of Greece CHAP. LXII How News came to the Kings being at Naples of the great Preparation made by the Usurper of the Empire to come and give them Battle at Friuli And of the Rancounter they had with the King of Metz. THE King of Sicily pretending as you have heard to the Kingdom of Metz had ordinarily spies in the
Parts of Gaul by whom eight or ten dayes after the Fight between the two good Knights Birmartes and Amadis of Greece surnamed formerly the Knight of the burning Sword he was advertiz'd that the Vsurper of the Empire with his Forces was to come and joyn the King of Metz in the plain of Verona and there to expect King Amadis and his Army Now the Duke of Lorrain was ally'd to King Amadis and with all his might supported the Party of the Empress his Daughter so that with six thousand fighting Men he hindred as much as possibly he could the King of Metz who intended to pass thro' the Marches of Suitzerland from executing his Designs For he always coasted him often constraining him to stay longer in a place than he desired This was in part the Cause that the Army of these Kings assembled at Naples went to look for them in Germany and there to give them Battle For which purpose 't was proclaim'd in their Camp that every one should make himself ready to remove the eighth day following During this Time there arriv'd from Spain seven thousand good Souldiers and Knights which King Brian sent by the Duke of Merida to their Assistance of whom Olorius had the Command They then being assembled Amadis seeing he had no News of the Army he had sent to raise in Great Britain resolved notwithstanding to march with his Forces strait to Aquileja and thence to Marcadi Ancona coasting always the Venetian Sea for the greater Convenience in having Provisions till he came to Verona where he had Advice that the King of Metz was marching into Germany for to get into Lombardy and would there entrench himself expecting the Emperors Forces Then these Lords assembled in Counsel and resolved to go and meet him before the Emperor was got to him Wherefore they remov'd on the morrow by break of day and made such hast that they got into the Mountains before the King of Metz was aware of it and surpriz'd him so short that they presented him the Battle as it were on the sudden Now he had with him a good Body of Horse and a great Number of Foot which the Count of Armignac and the Dukes of Normandy and Brabant had brought thither with some Germans out of Order The Skirmish was on both sides very fair and the Fight at last so fierce that by the help of Birmartes Florelus and Amadis of Greece who came thither unknown the King of Metz was discomfited himself and the Ea l Armignac slain together with the Duke of Savona and his Son So that had it not been for the favor of the Night which separated them the Duke of Normandy and the rest flying into the thickest part of a great Forest there had not a Man of them escap'd Then were Amadis's People constrain'd to retire for the Darkness and lodg'd in their Enemies Camp keeping a good Watch for they were told that the Duke of Normandy was rallying to come and find them again the next day Neverthelâ—ss it hapned otherwise For the Duke who was a discreet and prudent â—rince considering the Wrong which the deceased King had done the King of Sicily in Vsurping the Countrey that belong'd to Queen Miramynia his Wife call'd the other Princes and Captains who were retir'd with him and remonstrated to them that 't would be best for them to send to Alpatracy and beseech him that forgetting the Injury they had done him he would be pleas'd to receive them into his Favor And doing this those of the Kingdom of Metz would take an Oath of Fidelity to him remaining for ever his humble and obedient Subjects and Vassals And I said he and my Companions will be Friends Allies and Confederates serving and favoring him against all especially against the Emperor who seeing the Treason he has committed against his rightful Prince and Lord cannot continue long without falling to ruine There was not any one in the Company who did not willingly give Ear to this Counsel and the Duke himself was chosen by all to go to the King of Sicilies Camp and carry him this Message By Means whereof assoon as the Dawning of the Day began to appear he took Horse and accompany'd by the Principal Persons of the Kingdom of Metz came to the Kings Tent whither they were conducted by those of the Watch who found him as he was arming himself And already were the Souldiers putting themselves in Battalla to go and prosecute their foregoing Victory But all was stay'd vy the coming of this new Ambassy which being heard by Alpatracy and the other Princes and Lords of the Army the Offers they presented were accepted the Accord concluded and Peace secur'd And before Dinner Alpatracy was thro' all the Army proclaim'd King of Metz and Sicily The Emperor who was that day come to the City of Constance with his Army was soon advertiz'd of this wherefore he made hast to hinder the Enemy from passing any farther But they met the eighth day after in the Evening and the Skirmish began in a Village where each of the two Armies design'd to take up their Quarters There many good Knights on both sides ended their dayes and had not the Night at that time favor'd the King of Sicilies Party the Germans had gotten the Victory But fortune turn'd the next day For Birmartes Amadis of Greece Olorious Don Florelus Orizenes and Bravatus Sons to the Queens Calafia and Pintequinestra drew up and being accompany'd with many good Knights and Souldiers assoon as they could see whom to strike fiercely set upon their Enemies Now whilst they were in the Head of the Fight there came an Express to the Emperour which brought him News that the City of Mentz was taken by assault the Garrison put to the Sword and the Widow of the deceas'd Emperor taken out of the Prison to which she had been confin'd And believe it Sir said the Messenger that all this has been done by the Earl of Flanders For I saw him there accompany'd by above two thousand Knights This News indeed did not much please the Emperor nor those that heard it and the Rumor of it ran so thro' all the Camp that many even the most part loâ—t their hearts and without being pursu'd fled strait to the City of Constance Nevertheless the Emperor ceas'd not to make head against King Amadis and the Fight on both sides was so fierce that the Emperor himself was slain on the Place together with the Duke of Saxony the Earl of Merida his Son and several Lords and Princes with so many other People of all sorts that the Horses were in blood above the Pasters But the Emperors Death struck such a Terror into his Army that they were immediatly discomfited and turning their backs fled with all speed towards Constance where they inclos'd themselves leaving behind them above ten thousand dead in the Field And that very night was the City besieg'd which being briskly assaulted the next day and