the order of Knighthood my companion and I were never in any place where we have had any great occasion to try our forces You lie fasely said he that accused them I know you better then you think I do and to justifie the same said he to Frandalo the Gentlewoman that you now hold prisoner will satisfie you more By my great God said Frandalo you shall then dearly buy it You will do no more then you can said Manely and for my part I assure you I am well content séeing you will have it to be so that you say we have slain your cousin although it be not so Nevertheless the glory thereof will redound to us in your behalf and it may be death to you said Frandalo And therewith caused the Gentlewoman to be called up who perceiving the Knights armed in like arms Talanque and Ambor had said Alas what may this mean these arms belâ—nged to two Knights great friends unto my lord and master For Gods sake Gentlemen I pray you tell me said she how you came by them for if they of whom I speak were here they would not leave me long in this captivity Gentlewoman said the King if it pleaseth you to name them and that in any sort we are acquainted with them whereby the bond of amity may bind us for their sakes assure your self we will not fail to do for you the best that possibly we may The one said she is called Talanque and the other Ambor companions to the Knight which I serve Manely hearing that answered her presently and said Gentlewoman tell us I pray you when we depart from hence where we may finde them My lords said she if you can do so much with this Giant that he grant me liberty I will conduct you thither and shew you strange adventures they have done which I am sure if they be your friends will like you well With that Manely desired the Giant Frandalo to give the Gentlewoman liberty but he séeing him so earnestly intreat began to laugh and said unto him Before you escape out of my hands it may be her intreaty for you will much more avail with me then yours for her shall do In the mean time I will provide you both of an honorable estate within my Gallies making you Knights of the order of mine eares with divers others that have béen there long time You speak at your ease said Manely being in a place for your advantage so do not we that expect not any favor either on land or sea having neither boat nor victuals to receive us but if you be the man you boast your self to be either come out to fight with us or else send us a boat and which of us two you chose shall come and heal you of the pride that maketh you so hardly know your self Vpon condition nevertheless that you alone shall fight with him and as fortune favoreth the combattants the gentlewoman shall go with him that remaineth victor Content said Frandalo although I know full well I shall win but little honor to fight against such lacquies as you are which he said in respect the eldest of the two Knights had not above seventéen years of age wherewith he cal'd for his shield and entring into the Barque he took from the Gentlewoman went on land where calling the two Knights unto him he said Children pity your own yong years and rather yield your selves unto me otherwise you are both dead without all remedy Thou art mad said Manely we are yet strong and in good health and how estéemest thou us to be dead that were never sick In good truth I hope before the cake be parted to make thée King of the unhappy wretches Wherefore choose either me or my companion to fight with thée mean time the other shall enter into thy Barque to kéep the gentlewoman thou hast refused me Alas poor man said Frandalo it appeareth well thou knowest not what is good for thée for if two of the best Knights in all Asia had undertaken this combate against me I would make no more account of them then a wolf doth of the shéep By reason then you that are such beardless boys what can you look for at my hands We look to break thy idly head said Manely Truly said Frandalo séeing thou hast so good a courage I will give thée the honor to fight with me for the last that ever thou shalt have And if thou thinkest good send thy companion to entertain the Gentlewoman for as I suppose he is better made for such a matter With that Manely took the King of Denmark aside and said unto him You have heard Frandalos words I pray you grant me the combate and go you into the ship and as it pleaseth God to prosper me do after what you shall think convenient The king of Denmark perceiving it in vain to strive entring presently into the boat wherewith the Giant landed and with the same boarded the ship wherein the Gentlewoman was With that the two knights prepared themselves to fight but before any blows striken Manely said to Frandalo Giant I pray thée leave us the Gentlewoman her Barque and before thou spéedest worse we give thée leave to sayl where thou thinkest good Art thou afraid already said Frandalo Ask me mercy and I will save thy life otherwise be thou assured I wil hang both thée and thy companion upon the top of these high trées Defend thy self then said Manely wherewith they covered themselves with their shields and began the combate though as it séemed far unequal for that Frandalo on his mothers side issued from the strongest race of Giants in all Turky of his father of the valiantest knights in all the world And Manley yong unexpert in arms having never béen in fight but when he succored Urganda yet the valiant blood of Childadan king of Ireland his father wrought such force in him that he had rather die then indure the least spot of dishonor and well perceived Frandalo he had not to deal with a childe as he estéemed but rather a Knight hardy as a Lion and one that used him in such manner that his shield being hewed and his armor all unbuckled at every stroke he drew blood from his body in such abundance that the grass was died therewith whereat those in the ship were much abashed especially the king of Denmark that never thought to finde such prowess in his friend Manely but the Gentlewoman that knew Esplandians force as likewise their 's she left in the castle on the mountain séeing Manely and his companion armed in the like arms made her full account if they were of the Ferm Isle Frandalo could not long resist Wherefore she said to the King of Denmark In good faith sir knight I am well assured it will not be long before I be delivered for Frandalo waxeth very weak sée you not how he beginneth to recoil You poor slaves said she what think you
doubting any treason by Melie prepared went and sat down by her and next her King Armato so that she sat betwéen Melie and him where Melie began to turn the book shewing them certain prophesies and other strange devises which continued not long but the air began to be covered with a round black cloud and therewith it séemed so dark that they could not sée each other at the last the cloud opened and they beheld two horrible Dragons coming down out of the cloud that drew a waggon and stayed right before Urganda who by Armato and Melie was so straitly embraced that whither she would or not they thrust her in and they after her Wherewith the Dragons séeing their waggon charged flew up into the air and carried them away Urganda crying for help but all in vain for in less than the twinckling of an eye she was out of sight wherewith there was such a noise among the company that Esplandian Talanque Ambor Manley and the rest of the Knights that came thither with her swear never to rest above one night in a place before they found her out so that the same day taking their leaves both of the Emperor and others that by them were left in sorrow they entred again into the great Serpent but before Esplandian went he spake unto the Princess Leonorine beséeching her not to take in evil part his enterprise taken in hand for the love of her to whom he found himself so much beholding promising her that presently having found Urganda he would return again My good friend said she me thinkes you should do this at better leisure and not in so great haste as now you do yet am I well content to do as pleaseth you but forget not I pray you said she to return again as you have promised Which Esplandian vowed upon his faith mean time Norandel and Quéen Minoresse as much grieved as might be knew not what countenance to hold having their hearts so seized with care that the Quéen was constrained to withdraw her self into her chamber and lay upon her bed shutting the door whereby Norandel had no meanes to take his leave but imbarqued himself charged with an infinite number of griefes and sorrowes with that the great Serpent began of it self to set forward and within two days after arrived at the Castle of the defended mountain CHAP. XLV How the two Dragons set Vrganda Melie and King Armato in the middle of the City of Tesifant and of the great army that Armato prepared to enter into Greece THe Dragons bearing Urganda Melie and King Armato in the air flew so swiftly that before day they were right over the City of Tesifant where they set down their charge that done they flew away and never were séen again King Armato was excéeding glad when he perceived himself to be in place whereas he might command and went unto his pallace where finding the guard he made himself known unto them they presently went to advertise the Prince Alphorax who much abashed at those news start out of his bed and casting a furred gown upon his shouldiers ran to imbrace his father who séemed to be so changed not onely because his beard was longer than he used but by reason of the great grief and melancholly he had so long endured that the Prince began to wéep and say unto him My Lord you are more than heartily welcome for Gods cause I beséech you tell us how fortune hath béen so much your friend to deliver you out of the misery wherein you have continued so long to my no little grief Son said he Melie can tell you better than my self for she is the only meanes of my good hap and hath brought with her Urganda discogneve of whom heretofore you have heard And as he left speaking Melie and Urganda entred into the hall wherewith the rumor of the Kings return was so great within the City that all the people ran unto the palace for to sée him being as glad of his arrival as Urganda sorry to sée her self in such a place and that which grieved her more was that Melie in presence of them all spake unto her and said Urganda two things move me to save thy life the one for that in my captivity thou hast not once suffered an evil word to be used to me neither permitted that any man should do me harm the other because I certainly know that King Armato hath by thy means received all the good intertainment he had during his hard imprisonment Nevertheless the mischief thou hast procured unto this country being the onely cause the Christians entered into the same is sufficient to make thée indure perpetual imprisonment wherein by mine art I will so straightly inclose thée that thy Art shall nought avail thée ever to get forth But although that sentence might well abash Urganda yet she shewed such constancy that she never changed colour determining with her self to indure whatsoever should fall out wherefore she said unto Melie Madam you may do with me as pleaseth you but in reason you ought not to use me otherwise then you your self were used when I had the like authority over you as you have now of me otherwise you shall do wrong both to your self and me To me that am old and ancient putting me in prison wherewith you threaten me not having offended you and to your self in preferring cruelty before the courtesie that hath bin found in you where to Melie answered her not a word but commanded her to be shut into a great tower standing in the midst of thy City over the which she wrought such conjurations that Urganda knew without Gods help it would be impossible for her ever to come forth yet she lived in hope considering the mutability of fortune and the King Armato himself had ben casually delivered who continued certain days in his great City of Tesifant without making any shew to be revenged But in the end he sent Embassadors to all the Princes in the East that were his allies and confederates desiring them to enter into arms not onely to drive the Christians out of Galatia Alfarin and other places that they had usurped in his Countrey but to destroy Constantinople with all the Christian Monarchs and therefore wrote a Letter unto them the Contents whereof do follow ARmato by the providence of our immortal gods called to the Government of the puissant Countrey of Turky the Frontier and Bulwark of all the Pagan Land to all Caitifs Kings Soldiers Admirals and Governors of the Countreys scituated in the East parts sendeth greeting Being returned out of prison from whence we are now delivered I thought good to give you to understand that not long since there is a Knight come out of the South into the Marches descended as men say of the Race of Brutus the Trojan to whom for our injustice as it is very likely our gods have given power to conquer the Castle of the defended
submit your self unto her mercy In faith said Gandalin my companion and I were determined not to leave your company so soon but séeing it is your pleasure we are content to do it You and he said Esplandian shall kéep me company till you mean to travel further the rest shall do as I required them Sir Knight said he that shewed him the prison they shall finde within the house all the furnitures and other things that were taken from them shew them where they be said Esplandian Whereunto he willingly obeyed which done they all left the Giants house the prisoners taking the way towards Constantinople and Esplandian with Gandalin and Lazinde armed at all points went towards master Elizabeth that stayed for them in the great Serpent and as they were about half a mile from the Giants house they met a knight all armed with two squires attending on him who in courteous manner saluting Esplandian and his company asking them what country men they were Sir knight said Esplandian we are all of great Britain Alas said he can you tell me any news touching a thing that hath grieved me full sore What is that said Esplandian can you tell me said he what is become of King Luisart For I have bin certified of a truth that he is lost not knowing where how nor for what cause And for my part I swear unto yâ—u I have already sought for him in divers countries and can hear no news at all and I am determined never so leave travelling before he be found again if it be pâ—ssible for mortal man to do it You are bound thereunto said Esplandian séeing he deserveth it as you know right well Nevertheless if it pleaseth you to put off your Helmet and make you known unto us that have bin bred and nourished in his house I assure you we will satisfie your mind so well as touching him that we cannot chuse but like it My Lords said he putting off his helmet I am Norandel his son When Esplandian and the rest perceived that they made themselves known unto him imbracing each other most courteously Ha my lord said Norandel I pray you for Gods cause if you know any thing touching the king hide it not from me Vncle said Esplandian about a moneth hence I left him at Mirefleur in good health God be thanked making good chear shewing him in what maner he had delivered him out of prison with all that passed touching the same I marvel then â—aid Norandel what adventure brought you hither By my soul said Esplandian that can I not well tell onely that I was brought hither by the great Serpent which I left at the Sea-side wherein master Elizabeth stayeth for me Then he shewed him how he departed from the Court his arrival in the Ferm Isle his imbarquing to take Sea and what time they were at sea before they discovered any land till in the end said he we espyed this country where Sergil and I took land in good time for Grandalin and Lazinde as hereafter they may shew you But you said he to Norandel tel me of your faith how was it your chance in so good time to méet with us In truth said Norandel the peace made betwéen Amadis and the king I departed from the Court to séek some strange adventures that commonly are found in this country of Almaigne where I had no sooner arrived but I had certain news of my fathers absence whereat I was so grieved that to find him out I have travelled the countries of Denmark Poland Russia Swethland Hungary and all this country even unto this place where it is said there dwells two Giants who as they are all of one nature exercise innumerable cruelties against those they méet the yonger of them waiting continually about this place for such as pass this way And therefore when I saw you first I thought one of you thrée to be the Giant thinking to fight with him or lose my life therefore which I wil yet do if you let me pass By God said Gandalin you lost your labor séeking for the King so shall you likewise do if you take this enterprise in hand Wherefore said Norandel Because said he you sée him here in presence that easeth you of that burthen With that he shewed him in what manner Esplandian had fought with the Giants and how he Lazinde and diverse others were prisoners in their house from whence Esplandian had delivered them Before God said Norandel the news liketh me well for I never thought in long time any such adventure would have happened unto him not knowing he had received the order of Knighthood You sée it so said Esplandian and master Elizabeth can tell you more if it pleaseth you to go with us Let us go then said Norandel for I would gladly sée him With that they rode towards the Sea till they espied the great Serpent wherein they imbarqued themselves where Norandel Grandalin and Lazinde understood by master Elizabeth what had happened to Esplandian from the day he received the order of knighthood And although Norandel determined with all spéed to return into great Britain yet he changed his mind when he heard so strange and marvellous news of his Nephew Esplandian to whom he said My Lord séeing fortune hath brought us so well together I pray you let me not leave your company till some occasion be ministred unto us Vncle said Esplandian I am content and I pray you let it be so In that manner they passed the rest of the day in the great Serpent minding the next day because she stirred not to take land again to sée if they could find any more adventures And they had scarce fallen asléep but the Serpent began of it self to sayl forward so swiftly that by sun rising they had lost the sight of any land not ceasing for to sayl six days together before they espyed land the seventh day when the Sun began to shine it stayed at the Isle Saint Mary which master Elizabeth presently knew having bin there before with Amadis de Gaule when he fought with Landriaque wherefore he said unto the Knights In good faith I remember that once as I travelled on the Sea with my lord Amadis we were cast upon this Island by so great a tempest that we thought verily to have béen drowned And if then at sea we had great fear of death being landed our fear did more increase and that with so good cause that I cannot chuse but tremble to remember it What said Esplandian Can a danger so long time past bréed so great a fear as you séem to have Sir said master Elizabeth some men to hide the truth make a great matter of a small but if you had séen as much as I then saw and that which as yet you may behold if it pleaseth you to go where I was once you shall find that I have no less occasion and there is Grandalin that can witness it as well as I. I
they landed that they might the better approach the Pagans camp with that they agréed among them that King Childadan and Quedragant should be Generals of the army by Sea and having left sufficient number of men for the furnishing and safe kéeping of their ships their Fléet sailed towards Constantinople hoping to set upon Alphorax and his army by Sea before they should perceive them But it fell out otherwise for the Turks that had spies in all places discovered them not suffering Alphorax to fight desiring him most earnestly onely to kéep the entry of the straits to take all means from the town to be victualled on that side Which King Childadan and Quedragant understanding would not hazard themselves but ankered within half a mile of the enemy staying for king Luisart the Emperor of Rome and those that marched by land mean time giving divers skirmishes to the enemy with their Pinnaces but Alphorax for all that would not leave his hole lying as close as possibly he could on the other side Armato and his company being advertised of the great aid that came towards the town caused their forces to assemble determining to kéep the side of the great sea by the which they might easilier recover victuals as well from Natolia as out of Tartaria The Kings Amadis Perion and others made such haste that the ninth day after they incamped themselves in the sight of Constantinople right before their enemies in a place that séemed most convenient But if the Pagans at the first were much abashed to sée those succors the Emperor and those within the town were not much less doubting it had béen some new forces come against the town for they had not any intelligence of the sending of Gandalin and Enil to the Christian princes that brought with them a multitude both of ships and men as well Knights as others Now to return to the Christians Fléet King Childadan knowing that Alphorax played the fox desired Quedragant having equal power with him to be content that he with threescore Pinnaces might skirmish with him that thereby if it were possible he might provoke him to come out which he agréed unto wherefore setting sail he made towards his enemy so neer that they were ready to fight hand to hand nevertheless Alphorax for that time would not touch the bait but entred farther in the straights wherewith King Childadan retired and came unto the haven of the City making the bravest show that might be séen those of Constantinople perceiving the Handirols and Streamers of Great Brittain and of other Christian Princes made him answer with the like and so high that the noise of the Trumpets Clerons and Tabers was so great that Armato and all the Pagans might easily hear it With that King Childadan was received by the Emperor Norandel and others to whom he shewed what aid was come unto them and what princes had taken the voyage in hand In good faith said the Emperor they bind me for ever unto them yet am I much abashed how they understood of the wars between Armato and me What my Lord said Childadan did Esplandian never tell you thereof No I assure you said the Emperor nor any of his companions as far as I know Is he not in the City said the King In good truth said Norandel he would not leave the castle of the defended mountain minding to keep it if the Pagans came to besiege it Assure your selves said Childadan he will not long stay there before King Amadis sendeth for him for we determine presently to give battel and if he should fail at such a journey it would grieve him ever after Much other talk had the Knights of Constantinople with Childadan and those that bare him company where he stayed till the next day in the morning that he entered into his ships to return unto Quedragant CHAP. LII How Esplandian and the king of Denmark were sent for by Gandalin that went unto the Castle the defended mountain where they stayed attending the succors of the Christian Princes and of a Letter that the Souldan of Liquie and Queen Calafre wrote unto King Amadis and Esplandian KIng Childadan returned to Quedragant as you heard before and the army on land incamped in fight of the enemy Amadis was advertised by those that had bin in the City of Constantinople that Esplandian and the King of Denmark were at the Castle of the defended mountain whereupon he sent Gandalin to fetch them Gandalin took shipping and had so good a winde that without any adventure he arrived there where he declared unto them how King Amadis and almost all the Christian Princes were incamped within half a mile of the Pagans host and al what he and Enil had done concerning their charge And because said Gandalin that our men are determined shortly to give them battel they pray you to come unto them Truly said Esplandian Gandalin my friend you have wrought the matter well and I thank you for the pains that you have taken My Lord said the King of Denmark are you not determined that we go unto them For my part I had rather lose one of mine arms then fail thereof Brother said Esplandian to morrow if it pleaseth God the great serpent shall bring us thither before that time it had always used to sail of it self but as then it failed For when they were entered into it it stirred not whereat Gandalin much abashed could not refrain to say By god this vessel is like to the horse with the white leg that failed us when we have most néed Friend said Esplandian I am surely perswaded that this procéedeth by reason of Urgandas imprisonment who at this time is in Melies power and so well inchanted that her art profiteth her as little as this vessel doth us that moved by her inchantments which at this present hath no means to stir as you may well perceive And Esplandian said true for at the same time the country wherein Urganda dwelt called the unknown Island because it was always invisible was as then discovered and séen of all men With that Gandalin counselled them to enter into the Pinnace which Esplandian the the King of Denmark did and having a good wind sailed towards Constantinople on a sunday in the morning they espied the vessels of king Childadan and Quedragant which not long after they boarded where Esplandian and the King of Denmark were received with great joy after that he went to sée his father and the rest of the Knights that were on land and after an infinite number of imbracings and welcomes on all sides they determined to visit their enemies somewhat nearer whereby many brave skirmishes were made where the women of Quéen Calafre were continually in arms and among the rest a sister of the Quéens named Liote a hardy and valiant Lady that took a Frenchman prisoner which certified the Souldan of Liquie that Amadis de Gaule King of Great Brittain and Esplandian his Son were
the vantguard and with him king Luisart King Amadis king Perion Galaor and Esplandian the main battel and Florestan Bruneo and Balan the rereguard On the Pagans side there marched first the Souldan of Alaxa thréescore Knights two Califfes and four Tamorlanes that in great fury set upon the Emperor of Rome and his battel where at their first arrival many a brave Knight was stroken down both on the one side and the other for Esplandian and the Christian Princes being joyned together gave not one blow but it was a deadly stroke yet at the first they were repulsed by the great quantity of arrows the enemies shot against them which flew in so great number that hailstâ—nes never fell thicker out of the skies wherby it fell out that both vantguard main battel and reregard indured much pain with that Norandel Talanque Manley Trion Landin Licoran Imosil Palomir Enil Elian and to conclude all Esplandians companions with thirty thousand men chosen by the Emperor issued out of the City which small troop resolutely determined did so abash the Pagans that in a manner they all lost their courages whereby they presently began to recoil as far back as they advanced themselves wherewith those that before had bin in fear took courage again and turning their faces on the enemy recovered the ground that they had lost in such sort that with good cause they might well cry Victory On the other side Quedragant and Childadan setting sail made towards the Straights at the entry whereof Frandalo overtook them with fourscore vessels of all sorts and as they had spoken together touching their enterprize considering the great power of their enemies it was agréed that Frandalo that had proved them at other times should first set upon them wherewith he began to sail forwards and Alphorax likewise against him giving a sign of battel to his men who with great courage entred upon ten of the best Gallies the Christians had and sunk them in the sea yet Frandalo nought abashed set fire on more than an hundred of their Ships before Childadan entred into fight but not long after he and Quedragant came unto them where good defence prevailed In which fight they continued for the space of eight hours without any sign upon which side the victory would fall until Quedragant boarded Alphorax ship and entred by force staying all that were therein What néed I stand longer to discourse The Turks séeing their Captain dead and their manifest overthrow before their faces being ready to fall into the Christians hands began to flie and by force of oars entred into the Majorque sea but not all for there were taken burnt and drowned about two or thrée hundred Gallies Galliasses Foists and Brigandines the rest saved themselves in such sort as you heard before to whom night was so much assistant that the chase endured not so long as else it would have done Alphorax dead and his Army overthrown the Christians assembled themselves together staying to hear news from their Army on land which in the mean time had so much to endure that wonder it was how they could hold out and among the rest the good old King Perion and Luisart séeing Esplandian raging like a lyon followed by the Hunters would not leave him fearing to loose him and so long they followed him striking both on the right side and the left that they found themselves inclosed by above a thousand Turkish horsemen not having any other aid than Grumedan Duke of Bristol Guilan Brandoyuas Nicoran of the silver Bridge Cendil de gonate and a few others Surely those eight or nine caused those that met them to buy full dearly their approach as not being the first danger wherein they had fallen nevertheless in the end being over weary and sore travelled with the blows they had given and received they were clean out of breath and the worst was their horses were slain under them and they themselves so sore wounded that they were all slain in the place onely Esplandian that in a maner could scarce lift up his arms when King Amadis his father with a great number of French-men found him there whereat the battel begun fiercer than ever it had béen for Amadis and his company séeing the Kings dead and their companions lying on the ground and Esplandian fighting in the middle of them on foot they were in a maner mad and therewith made such slaughter that the Turks were forced to separate themselves and Esplandian horsed again and being on horseback notwithstanding all his wounds â—e shewed well that his body was not weary for he followed the enemies in such sort moved with grief to sée his friends dead that in short space by the aid of his father and the rest that followed him he forced the Souldan of Alaxa and his soldiers to turn their backs and flie and in his flight gave him such a blow with his sword upon the head that he strake him dead and more than an hundred Pagans with him Amadis likewise did so valiantly with all the knights of France Great Brittain and Sweathland especially the king of Denmark Talanque Ambor and Norandel that wonder it was to sée yet had their valor little prevailed without the aid that the Emperor of Constantinople brought thither with a great Troop of Horse-men that the Emperor of Rome had likewise gathered together by which means King Armato with thirty other Kings and their Retinue were clean overthrown and the most part of them put to the sword the Christian Knights making such slaughter that the blood ran about the field in such abundance as if it had rained blood a whole day together and greater had the abundance béen if night had not come on which separated them the Western Princes remaining incamped in the field till day opened that they might accomplish their desires Mean time Amadis caused Watch and Sentinels to be set in all places because he had béen advertised that King Armato that had fled away assembled his men by little and little which to do he caused horns and drums to sound throughout the field making fire round about the place where he had retired sending two Knights to the sea side to know what had happened to his son but news was brought him that he was slain and all his ships burnt and drowned except fifty or thréescore that were at the end of the straights of the Majorque sea staying to hear news of him assure your selves that such news pleased him not too well nevertheless perceiving it more convenient to supply his own necessity than to spend the time in sorrow and tears he called such captains as he had together with whom he determined presently to depart and before day to imbarque that small number of men that rested before the Christians should perceive the same With that he commanded from place to place that every man should presently retire and without noise make towards the sea where being arrived they entred into their
thee therefore I am content to do thy will but we have no light to see Care you not for that said he for I will provide you light and with that he pulled of the taffata that covered the scabberd of his Sword whereby there was so great a brightness in the place as if the Sun had shone therein Then they descended into a Cave where the Knight perceived King Lisuart lie upon a couch of straw with a great collar of Iron about his neck and fetters on his legs whereby he indured no little pain whereat he was so grieved that for sorrow the tears ran down his eyes yet would he not disclose himself unto him neither once utter what he thought but without making himself known said unto him Noble King you have been overlong within this filthy place rise up I pray you and follow me When the King heard him speak in that manner he made no other account but to end his days at that time wherewith he could not refrain to weep and speaking unto the old Lady asked her if she knew him For said he since I entred into this place I never saw any Knight nor any one that spake unto me but that little sustenance I had was let down at a hole from the top of this dungeon Then she answered him and in great despite said Thou accursed King if I had not known thee I would never have taken pains to fetch thee so far from hence as I have done cursed be the time when first I took it upon me for thou onely art the cause of my great sorrow and the sole instrument of my bereaved joys In faith Lady said the King I know not what you mean am very sorry for your heaviness for I never sought but to do honor and pleasure unto all Ladies and Gentlewomen that desired the same and for them have I oftentimes enterprised many dangerous adventures to the great peril and hazard of my life and if it hath happened otherwise unto you it is altogether unknown to me and wholly against my will wherefore I beseech you be not offended with me but tell me where I am and in whose power I now remain a prisoner in so great misery for by my soul I know it not neither can I so much as conceive which way I came into this place onely I remember that to second a Gentlewoman that a villain would have forced I entered into a tent but what happened unto me after that I know not but that now I finde my self lying on straw like a thief with Irons on my legs King said she the short time of thy continuance in this darkness hath not satisfied as I well hoped it would the great mischief I do wish thée and that for good cause séeing that by thée onely I have indured so much sorrow that if the heart and bowels were taken out of my body they would be found as burning hot as flaming fire and especially for the new displeasure I have now conceived to sée thée so soon delivered out of my hands being in good hope by thy long imprisonment to satisfie my losses past but yet I am deceived for that fortune hath now made me pay the usury of my forepassed joys having given thée into my hands from wheâ—ce by the exquisite force of this devil incarnate thou arâ— now delivered who having put to death the Guardians of this Castle and slain mine own Son hath constrained me to bring him unto thée which I never thought he could have done much less that ever I should have yielded unto his request knowing the wrath of a woman not to have any bridle or means of mittigation until her desired revenge hath wrought the effect and so had it happened unto thée without the force of this my enemy but in despight both of him and thée with mine own hands I will slay my self if my accursed fortune bereave me not the sooner of my wretched days Cursed be both thou and thy King thou now hast found said she unto the Knight Now take him and do thy pleasure with him I pray you then Lady said he unlose his Irons and help me to lead him up with that she took the keys out of her pocket and opened the locks of his chains whereby the King rose up upon his féet and embracing the Knight said unto him What great good or pleasure sir Knight did I ever do you whereby you should purchase this liberty unto me By my soul I swear that besides the honor you have obtained in this place you have so much bound me unto you that during my life I shall never forget your courtesie wherefore if you love me let me know your name Noble King said the Knight whosoever I am I account my self happy if in any sort I may be able to do you service as for the rest pardon me if it pleaseth you and let us go out of this Cave thanking God that oftentimes sendeth scourges unto those he loveth as in his heavenly wisdom he thinketh convenient thereby to kéep them in obedience unto him The King perceiving well by the Knights words that he desired not to be known and for the same cause kept his Helmit on his head therefore he determined not to move him any more but with that they went all thrée out of the Cave and came into a goodly hall when the Sun began to go down CHAP. V. How that after King Luisart was delivered out of prison Matroco Frerions elder brother with his Ships arrived at the foot of the Rock called The Defended Rock and of the Battel between the said Matroco and the black Knight KIng Luisart the black Knight and the Lady being entred into the hall as they looked out at the windows into the Sea there entred a Gentlewoman and doing reverence unto the Lady she said Madam your Son Matroco with his Ships is even now arrived at the foot of the Kock and with him great numbers of other vessels that he hath taken upon the Seas What is your pleasure to say unto him When the Lady heard her she waxed pale and with tears in her eyes answered her and said I would to God he were as far from hence as he is néer for my heart giveth me he will spéed in the like manner that others have done before him And as she spake King Luisart and the Knight looked into the sea and perceiving the Giants Fléet surging on the shoar out of wind and weather among the which they knew Elizabeth Libee his nephew and divers others that were bound in Chains making great sorrow but none of Mattocos men durst set foot on land having already béen advertised by some of the Castle of the great misfortune happened therein and for the same cause stayed so long without till the Giant espyed at the windows the Knight and the King looking upon them wherewith in a great rage he cryed unto the black Knight whom he perceived all armed and said
I shall imploy our forces to overthrow and destroy all those that as thy self do walk in darkness from whence if thou wilt believe me thou shalt come out This answer of the black Knight moved the Giant in such manner that like a wilde Bear he began to fome at the mouth and said unto the Knight Thou accursed wretch and of all others the most vile doest thou so little estéem my force that thou thinkest me already overcome and vanquished And therewith he pulled away the pieces of his Shield that hung about his neck and threw them on the ground and taking his sword in both his hands he struck at the black Knight thinking to cleave his head but he perceiving the stroke stepped under the blow and closed with the Giant whereby the sword passing over his head hir upon the pavement with so great force that it brake in pieces and therewith the pummel fell out of his hand so that the two Knights being closed together could not hurt one the other but with their fists or pummels of their swords whereby the black Knight much grieved the Giant before he could finde the means to recover the handle of his sword but in the end he found means to unlose himself from the Knight and as he recoiled back shunning the fury of his enemy the old woman séeing her son in so great danger went between them and wéeping most bitterly said unto the Knight Alas Gentleman if ever you came of woman or have compassion of a poor widows estate I beséech you for the honor of him in whom you believe to pity my misery and leaving me this onely son content your self with the death of those that most cruelly you have slain before my face Lady said the Knight then cause him to ask mercy and he shall finde it in me otherwise you labor but in vain To ask mercy of thée said the Giant I can never be dishonored thereby knowing it by experience to be most true that such power and strength as I I finde in thée cometh not from thy self but proceedeth and is onely caused by the favor of thy God for without his help thou hadst no more béen able to endure against me than straw against the flaming fire therefore it were great folly in me to fight both against God and man but I had rather perceiving my end to approach ask him mercy and forgiveness then believe any longer in those in whom I have hitherto put my trust whereof I am right sorry so that whether I fight or fight not or whether I live or die I protest and make a vow from henceforth never to worship other then Iesus Christ thy Lord and Master Meanest thou as thou sayest said the Knight I truly answered Matroco and therewith kneeling on the ground and lifting both his eyes and hands unto heaven he cryed out and said Jesus the Son of the Virgin Mary I most certainly believe thee to be the onely infallible true and living God and that all others whom during my life I have worshipped and adored are of no power wherefore forsaking their false doctrine to worship thee according to thy holy Law I most humbly beseech thee to be merciful unto me and making the sign of the Cross upon the ground he stooped down and kissed it Which the black Knight beholding for joy thanked God with all his heart taking his sword by the point presented the handle to Matroco saying unto him Truly valiant Knight among so many triumphant victories that in times past you have obtained there never happened any one so honorable as this for that herein you have not onely vanquished me but your self also that for strength of body are invincible wherefore as a victorious Knight I present my sword unto you It shall not be so said Matroco but the contrary for I being vanquished submit my self unto your pleasure and from this time forwards dispose of me my goods and honor as you shall think convenient I pray you then said the black Knight have pity upon the poor prisoners that even now I saw bound within your Gallies and let them be sent for hither that I might speak with them With all my heart said the Giant and therewith calling his mother said unto her Madam I pray you send down unto the ships to fetch the prisoners that the Knight desireth to sée and let none of my men set foot on land till I send them further Commission which she presently did But when Master Elizabeth Libee and the rest of the prisoners heard the message they made no little sorrow thinking the best comfort they could have would be a most miserable and cruel imprisonment but when they entred the first gate of the Castle where the Porter and Arcalaus lay dead they were somewhat revived and in better hope than at the first especially when they saw the black Knight that came to meet them who without making himself known to any but to Master Elizabeth took him by the hand and said unto him My good friend because I will not that any but you alone shall know who I am I pray you in the morning come and â—isit me in an Hermitage that standeth at the foot of this hill where I will stay for you in the mean time you shall find King Luisart in the Castle who I leave behinde me but as you love your life be secret and tell him not who I am Master Elizabeth was much abashed when he knew him to be Esplandian and willingly would have had more conference with him had it not bin for the charge he had given him before as also that at the same time a Gentlewoman came unto him and said Sir Knight if ever you will sée Matroco alive make haste and come unto him for he is even now fallen upon the ground and as I think is dead he hath lost so much of his blood Go said he to Master Elizabeth and help him what you can for your help will do him more pleasure at this time than my presence can comfort him wherewith he left Master Elizabeth with the Gentlewoman and went unto the Hermitage where the night before he had lodged but he got not thither before the Sun went down being so weary and sore with fighting all the day that he could not go further where he found the Hermit and the dumb man fitting together by whom he was presently unarmed and meat set before him for all that day he had not eaten and having supped they layed him in a bed where the Hermits daughter when she came to sée her Father used to lie and visiting his body to see if he were hurt they found it much bruised and black in divers places but not wounded by reason of the goodness of his Armor which no Sword or other weapon could pierce then they annointed him with certain ointments that appeased the soreness of his bruises wherewith he fell on sleep till the next morning CHAP. VI.
equal whereby I perceive my self unworthy either to be wife or companion unto him I have somewhat moderated my first deliberation in such manner that I will hold my self more then satisfied if it please him I may only continue with him to serve at his commandment during my life which in reason he cannot well deny me for let him do what he will so long as life is in my body I will never forsake him if I be not constrained thereunto Wherefore my Lord for the honor of God I beséech your Grace to finde the means my poor request may once be granted and you Gentlemen said she to Ambor and Talanque I pray you put to your helps that by your favors the life of me poor lover not beloved may be prolonged The King hearing the Gentlewoman that while she spake sometime blushed and other whiles waxed pale make this discourse could hardly abstain to laugh thinking how inconsiderately she had fallen into so great extremity whereby he feared if he should make an answer other then pleased her she would kill her self but with courteous spéech he said unto her Gentlewoman your request is so reasonable that I am of opinion he will not deny it and for my part I will intreat him as much as possible I can My Lord said Esplandian I will do what your Grace commandeth Grant her then I pray you said the King what she craveth at your hands that from henceforth she may be called your faithful servant her honor always saved as in the Knighthood you are bound I will do it answered Esplandian and thereof I assure you saith he speaking to Carmelle who knéeling on the ground kissed his féet and thanked the King and him most heartily reputing her self most happy in obtaining so great favor CHAP. XI How Talanque and Ambor shewed the King what adventure they had found seeking for Esplandian their companion after they had received the order of Knighthood YOu heard before in what sort King Luisart was delivered cut of prison by his nephew Esplandian but as yet he knew not the manner how he received the order of Knighthood Wherefore as they rose from dinner the King desired him to tel him how he was made Knight as also what happened unto him since that time to the end said he that Talanque and Ambor may do the like Then Esplandian told how Urganda came unto the Ferm Island in the great Serpent what spéech she had with Amadis De Gaule and others that were with him the order she used to dub him Knight together with Talanque Ambor Manely and the King of Denmark The sléep wherein they fell and that when he awaked he found himself at the foot of the Rock of the Enchantress in company of Sergil his Squire and two dumb men also how he conquered the Sword with his arrival at the mountain where he found the Hermit that disswaded him from fighting with the Giants By my head said the King I never heard stranger things And now Ambor said he what became of you My Lord said Ambor my companion and I were likewise asléep and when we awaked we found our selves in a little Barque with our two horses in a Haven of the Sea called Armata in the Countrey of Norway as then unknown to us where we landed before a Town not onely to know in what countrey we were but also to séek for victuals And as we went towards it the watch of the town by reason of certain dissension not long before moved betwéen them and their neighbors sent to know what we would have Wherewith we made them answer we were Knights adventurous that came from the Ferm Isle cast upon that shore by tempest of weather In good truth said he that spake unto us our king hath so great cause to use your helps that if you go unto him I am well assured he will bid you welcome We asked him the Kings name and what Countrey we were in My Lords said he the Countrey is called Norway whereof Adroni father in law to Agraies son to the King of Scots one of the best Knights in the world is our King I know not whether you know him And what cause said we hath your King to use our help I will tell you said he he is so old that one of his nephews his Sisters son procured thereto by evil counsel is risen in Arms against him séeking to have the Government of the Countrey in respect as he saith his Vncle is no more able to rule the same And under that pretence hath already usurped a great part thereof and now lieth in Camp before one of the best Cities in this Land which the King by no means can relieve by reason that most of his trustiest friends have forsaken him and hold with the young presumptuous fool that winneth them by fair promises a thing that oftentimes happeneth unto such as fortune favoreth not and when men are fallen they are not onely abandoned of strangers but by their own kindred and friends that properly may be tearmed friends for the present time In good faith said we if the Town will give us victuals and one to guide us we will gladly go and present our service unto him not only for the love of Agraies to whom we are companions but for the right he hath as you have told us That shall be done said he and therewith desired us to stay till he came again from the City where he stayed not long but he brought what we desired and a guide that conducted us so well that the next day about dinner time we arrived where the king lay Who being advertised of our coming and that we were of Agraies companions entertained us most courteously commanding one of his Gentlemen to unarm us in one of his best chambers whither he came and after he had bidden us welcome began in the same manner to shew us all what the watch had before declared unto us and what an unnatural part his Nephew shewed unto him procured thereunto by two Knights in whom onely he putteth his whole trust because said he they are well assured that not any of my Knights dareth enter into combate with them they are estéemed so valiant and hardy But who hath moved them and your cousin said we to undertake so foul an action Because said the King I have no issue male and my cousin alledgeth I am over old to govern the country saying it is fitter for him then for me to do it but if I can I will hold him from it and kéep it for my daughter Olâ—nde and Agraies her husband By my soul said I I am of this opinion that séeing this war is begun onely to try the title you both pretend in one thing it were good your quarrel should be ended by the Combate of two Knights of both parts without the death and destruction of so many poor innocent people as daily perish by the same means remitting the issue thereof to those
whom it shall please God to make victorious and if it pleaseth you I and my companion will be the two Knights that shall fight for you But when he heard me speak in that manner he paused a while séeming very pensive till in the end he answered me and said Sir Knights I am not yet so well acquainted with you that I should venture to hazard so great a Kingdom as this is upon your valor Nevertheless if you will assure me for a truth that you are Knights of the Ferm Island I am content to stand to it whatsoever may chance For there can none but valiant Knights come from thence being assured as I suppose that otherwise the Lord of the place would not give them intertainment Then we swore unto him that what we had said was true Whereupon he presently dispatched a trumpet with message to his enemy to offer him the combate who hearing the news séemed very glad making account that his two Knights so much estéemed would easily overcome any two of the best Knights the King had So that returning the messenger again he sent one of his trumpets with him to conclude the combate with the day time and place where it should be done as also what pledges should on both sides be given for performance thereof so that on the day appointed after each party had solemnly taken their oaths we entred into that lists where we had a cruel and dangerous Combate one against the other but in the end right lying in our sides we wan the victory And as we would have stricken off their heads the kings nephew desired us most earnestly to grant them their lives which we agréed unto upon condition that from that time forwards he should suffer his uncle to raign in peace not molesting him any more which he promised to perform In this Combate we were so wounded that of force we continued in Norway longer then we meant to do where during our abode certain Merchants arrived in the City that had séen as they told us upon the Sea néer unto the Rock of the enchantress a Serpent greater then any vessel which so much astonished them that they knew not what to do whereby we heard news of Esplandian With that although we were not altogether healed of our wounds yet we besought the King to cause us to be conducted thither which he willingly granted and we took Sea with so good a wind that within six days after we approached the Rock where the Serpent stayed that at the first made us somewhat abashed although we had seen it oftentimes before Nevertheless we found it flashing such flames of fire out of the mouth and nostrils thereof that we feared the fire would fall into our Ship whereby not without much pain and trouble we procured our Master and Mariners to approach it and perceiving no creature aboard to speak unto we began to hollow unto them with so loud a voice that at the last Sergil appeared upon the hatches and wéeping told us what had happened unto his master on the Rock of the Enchantress and how after that one of the dumb men had caused him to enter into a little Barque and therewith put to Sea so that he knew not if he were dead or living for he had heard no news of him and there he stayed with another dumb man in the greatest care that might be With that we willed him to call the dumb man unto us and when he came by signs we made unto him we shewed him what pleasure he might do us if he would bring us to the place where his fellow had carryed Esplandian which as it séemed he was content to do for presently thereupon he entred into our vessels and sailed so well that the tenth day after he set us on land hard by the place where we slew the Giant and the two Knights and so your Grace hath heard what fortunes we have passed since we received the order of Knighthood Truly said the King if those of Manely and the King of Denmark be as strange it may well be said there never happened the like beginning unto six young Knights CHAP. XII How one night as King Luisart was in his bed thinking how he might return again into great Britain he heard so pleasant a sound of instruments that he rose up to see where it might be and what happened after that KIng Luisart continued so long in the Castle on the mountain that at the last he waxed weary not so much for the desire he had to be in his own country as for the grief he certainly knew the Quéen would conceive by reason of his long absence which kinde of pensiveness he continued certain nights together that by mean thereof he could take no rest till at the last one night among the rest about half an hour before day he heard the swéetest musick that ever played wherewith he arose out of his be◠and without making any noise opened the window to hear it better But as then it was very dark and the wind blew so hard that the Sea rising therewith beat against the hollowness of the Rock in such sort that the noise thereof and the sound of musick made a new kind of harmony wherewith he was so much delighted that he awaked Esplandian Ambor and Talanque that slept soundly as yong men without melancholly humors are accustomed to do But when they heard the musick they stayed not long in their beds but went to the window to sée whom it might be but they could sée nothing till day began to appear Wherewith they perceived the great Serpent surging on the shoar wherewith they were excéeding glad making full account that the arrival thereof brought them some good news Wherewith they made them ready and without longer staying issued out of the Castle to sée who was in the same and as they stood on the shoar they perceived a small Boat and a Gentlewoman coming out of it bearing in her arms a Packet covered with Laffary who coming unto the King with most humble reverence said unto him M◠Lord and it pleaseth your Grace Urganda recommendeth her unto your Majesty and hath commanded me to give you intelligence that being busied to aid the Emperor and the Empress your Daughter in a certain thing of great importance she hath not had the means to come and visit you Then presenting the packet to Esplandian said unto him Gentle knight my Mistriss that loveth and favoreth you as it is well known giveth you those Arms and sendeth you word by me that as she gave you the black Arms that hitherto you have born to testifie thereby the sorrow for the loss of the king that as then was common among all his true subjects and friends so in these you shall finde the device of the Lady that in beauty and comliness of person surpasseth all the Ladies in the world as Amadis your father in time past well proved when she set the
had néed of them and with that they ran in such haste to help him that forgetting their helmets behind them left them by the fountain and they had not run far but they espied the Bear climbing against the trée wherein the Squire was desending himself as well as he could but the beast forsaking her first prey ran unto Manley being next unto her thinking at the first encounter to throw him on the ground but he stepping aside gave her such a blow with his sword that therewith he cut off one of her ears with a piece of her jaw but the Bear turned again and taking him most fiercely abâ—ut the body thought to strangle him wherewith he had almost lost his breath when the King of Denmark came unto her and with one blow out one of her legs clean from the body whereby the beast in great anguish forsaking her prey fled into the thicket of the wood and the King after her and longer had followed had it not bin for the weight of his armor that wearied him overmuch wherefore returning again unto his companion they two help their Squire Argenton to come down the trée who as yet for fear trembled like a leaf whereat they both began to laugh Manley asking him if he were a cold no said he but I was in the greatest fear that ever I had in all my life or ever I hope shall have again and surely I believe there are no other people in this Island than devils disguised in strange forms or else such proper Gentlewomen as she that of late imbraced you so courteously wherefore I am of this opinion that for our better security it were best for us to stay by the fountain or in our barque till the sea be somewhat pacified In truth thou sayest well said the King of Denmark but in the mean time be thou of a good courage and fear nothing I know not what courage I should have said he but I pray you for Gods sake let us be gone unless you will sée me die here As far as I sée said Manley thou wilt never die in fight as long as thou findest means to run away Not if I may said Argenton for if I should it were done but like a fool In which manner talking together they came unto the Fountain where they espied two old apes casting their helmets they had left behind them one at the other as lightly as if they had bin at Tennise whereat the two knights Argenton laughed so heartily that they were almost overcome with laughter for the apes had no sooner spied them coming but in great haste they put the helmets on their heads and climbing up the trées skipped from branch to branch sometimes up and sometimes down like two tumblers As God help me said Manley I like these apes well for they knew we were so melancholly on the sea that they meant to make us merry on land yet I trust they shall not carry away my Arms without a Combate Wherewith they took up stones and threw at them but they turning about grinned with their téeth making mouths and mowes sometimes scratching their arses Wherewith the King of Denmark took such pleasure that he desired Manley and Argenton to let the apes alone as then it began to be night Wherefore they sent the squire to fetch his companion with the rest of the victuals they had in their barque because the sea rose so high that they doubted their barque would be cast on shoar and break in pieces who stayed not long before they came again and after the knights had eaten of such victuals as they had they put off their armor and slept till the next morning when they awaked finding their helmets lying by them but not their Armor for those new men of war had put them on so properly that by their countenances it séemed they had some great combate to fight one against the other in the top of the high Elms whereof there were great plenty But that sport liked not the two knights that were loath to die in that place for want of food but made their account either to put themselves again unto the mercy of the waves or else go further into the Island to séek meat Wherefore making bows of wood which they stringed with their garters and cutting arrows to them sharp at the points they shot at those woody champions so long that at the last they compelled them to skip down whereby they took them and pulled off their armor which done they let them go not doing them any hurt CHAP. XIX How Fandalo the Pyrat sailing on the Sea was by tempest of weather cast upon the Island where the King of Denmark and Manely were against whom he fought and what happened unto them YOu heard before how the King of Denmark and Manely were by fortune cast upon the Isle of Apes where their boat was cast away they having not victuals longer then for two days but God holp them for the next day as they were upon the top of one of the highest rocks they perceived a ship at Sea which being driven with the wind not long after was cast upon the shore hard by the place where they were Wherewith the two Knights went down to speak with them that were abord and calling with a loud voice unto them there appeared a man upon the hatches that asked them what they would We pray you in courtesie said Manely shew us who is the master of your Barque it is said the man a great Lord that before you escape will make you know how he useth to handle such youths as you are And though he do so said Manely we are now in such necessity that it shall please us well to indure the worst that he can do unto us to be rid out of this hunger which we now indure and still beginneth to assayl us wherefore cause us to speak with him and if it please you let us know his name Those that have fallen into his hands said the man call him the devil of the Sea although he is well known by the name of Frandalo for by his valor he hath brought in subjection the greatest part of all this Sea pilling and taking all he findeth and by force of weather hath béen constrained to put into this Island his other vessels being scattered so far abroad that he can hear no news of them and the worse for you considering the rage he now is in With that there appeared a Squire on the hatches who séeing the two Knights armed in white seamed with black croselets he cryed as loud as he could and said My lord here are they that slew you good cousin Lindoraque Wherewith there appeared a great Giant that asked Manely and the King of Denmark why they had so cruelly slain his cousin By my soul said one of them we never saw the man whatsoever the Squire saith for I can assure you that since the time we received
thought to do it she was so overcome with love that during her life she determined not to love any other which the Princess Leonorine that already pretended part in him had not forgotten but returned with Carmelle into her Chamber with a smiling countenance she said unto her Is it possible Gentlewoman said she you loving the knight with the black arms so well as you report that you could leave his company so soon Madam said she I was presently given to understand he loveth another wherewith I comforted my self judging his heart like unto mine own that he could not chuse but sometimes féel the like swéet passion he caused me indure What hope then resteth said the Princess unto you The same said she I know to be far different betwéen him and me for when I am in presence beholding the excellency of his person I then receive some comfort which to him is utterly denied séeing that already he endureth for her sake that as yet he never saw and that Madam said she is your own person as I said before Surely said the Princess his love is very strange the foundation whereof I cannot well conceive Madam said Carmelle I fear e're it be long he will not be able to indure the great extreamity wherein he now is fallen onely for your sake especially if at his arrival here he finde himself rejected of your Grace having no desire but to fulfil your pleasure whereby he may account himself your own estéeming it the greatest favor that ever he can have In good faith said she I will not refuse him so small a thing nor a greater as occasion serves but I pray you tell me why he calleth himself the black Knight That can I not well do said Carmelle onely that upon a night as king Luisart he Talanque and Ambor were all asléep in one chamber they heard so pleasant a sound of musick from the sea that they rose out of their beds to hear it and it was so dark they could not sée but when day appeared they espyed the great Serpent at the Haven whereat they were so glad that descending down the hill they went unto the shoar where they perceived a Gentlewoman in a little boat coming to land bearing in her arms a pack covered with blew Taffata which from her mistriss Urganda she presented to Esplandian saying unto him Sir Knight my mistriss sendeth you these arms and willeth you by me to leave the same she gave you when you were in sadness and to arm your self with these that bear the devise of her which at this day is the beautifullest creature living in the world as Amadis your Father well did witness when he set the Crown upon her head And for the love of her your power and courage shall so much increase that your renown shall spread throughout the world your mind moved with so amorous a passion that many times you shall desire death And opening the packet she took forth a white armor all set with Crowns of gold inriched with Pearls and Diamonds most sumptuous to behold which Esplandian with hearty thanks unto Urganda and the messenger received willingly This as I think madam said Carmelle is the cause why he hath bin called the black knight but I suppose séeing he hath changed his devise he will likewise change his name The Princess Leonorine knew thereby that all these things were said as touching her wherewith she felt an alteration in her mind for that love by little and little began to burn her heart which she had willingly covered but Carmelle by the changing of her colour which sometimes waxed pale and sometimes red the sundry motions wherewith swéet love did prick her tender heart perceived it full well in such manner that being no longer able to abstain from sighing as if he had spoken to her self she said I pray God this beginning may prove a happy end Wherewith Carmelle perceiving her masters sute to prosper with effect the better to increase the desire of the Lady she said unto her Madam he hath commanded me not to stay long here for till my return he doth continue in excéeding pain and never shall be frée if he receive no comfortable answer from your Grace Gentlewoman said the Princess I were the most ungrateful Princess living on the earth if I should do so but tell him I pray you from me that I give him hearty thanks for the courtesies he offereth me by you and when he once arriveth here he shall soon know the great good will I bear him As also that I hold him for my knight for proof whereof you shall on my behalf present him with this hair lace as being the first present that Grimanaise my grandmother gave to his Appolidon being but her lover Wherewith taking a cloth of tissue from her hand she unbound her hair and delivered the hair lace unto her and sending for a gown imbrodered all with Crowns of Gold gave it her likewise But said she because the two Knights have promised the Emperor not to depart from hence till eight days are past you shall stay for them and all together return unto the Castle called the defended mountain which she willingly granted CHAP. XXIII How news was brought unto the Emperor that Armato King of Turky had besieged the Castle of the defended Mountain and of the charge he gave Frandalo with Manley and the King of Denmark to go succor it IN manner as you heard before the two Knights of the Ferm Isle and Carmelle stayed at Constantinople where there arrived a certaine Ship that brought a Squire on message from Talanque and Ambor to certifie the Emperor that Armato King of Turky advertised of the death of Matroco had besieged the Castle the defended mountain both by land and Sea desiring him to send some aid otherwise they should be constrained to yield the same not having victuals nor men for to defend it The Emperor hearing those news and considering the truce betwéen him and the King of Turkes as also that he had not any men prepared for to send neither Gally Galliace Ship nor Brigandine ready for the Sea stood somewhat in amaze But considering with himself of what importance that Frontier Castle might be unto him if the enemy should obtain it he determined by all means to hinder him from the same Wherefore calling for Frandalo and taking him aside he said unto him Well Frandalo you are now my prisoner and it lieth in me either to hang you like a thief or deliver you with greater riches then ever you possessed which I promise you to do if from this time forwards you swear to be my loyal subject and faithfully to serve me when you are imployed My Lord said he I beséech you Grace wholly to forget the faults by me committed to your Majesty swearing of my faith if it pleaseth you to pardon my offence you shall from henceforth finde a servant of me that in time will make you
the principal place of all the City where the people might repair And as he and the Quéen both apparrelled in their royal Robes each set in a chair of Estate Amadis sitting somewhat lower on his right hand Oriane on the left were come thither a Herauld crying thrice that all the people should kéep silence the King with a stately countenance and Princely magnanimity turning to the people said unto them My good friends and loyal subjects before I begin to shew you the cause why I have made you to repair unto this place I will put you in mind of part of the dangers and great hazards wherein I have often fallen since the death of my brother of famous memory king Falangris when it pleased God to call me unto the government of this land and as I think there are yet many of you living that can wel remember the danger wherein both I and my country thought to fall when by the means and subtilty of Arcalaus the inchanter I was delivered into their hands that long time before had conspired my death from whence my son Amadis delivered me Yet not long after by evil counsel I made war against him which ended as all men know fortune envious of my felicity afterward prepared me such a banket that without his help I had been prisoner with king Aravigâ—e and utterly overthrown And that which hath yet more astonished me was that when I thought my self sure and cut of danger of all mishaps a worse than all the former suddenly chanced unto me the which considering the place wherein I was I thought verily to have bin the end and consummation of my days Nevertheless the Lord God regarding me in pity sent my yong son Esplandian to my sorrowful prison from whence he hath delivered me as no doubt you have heard Now my good subjects you all sée me to be very old and white haired having already attained to the thréescore and tenth year of my age which maketh me think it time now to forget all worldly pleasures and to serve God to whom I am so much bound And for this cause I have determined from henceforth to forsake all royal dignity and leave you my son Amadis for your King to whom at this time I yield both my Crown Scepter and all the right I have unto the Government of this Land praying you all as much as possibly I may that hereafter you will be faithful and true subjects unto him as you have always bin to me And although he be but my son in law if I knew him unworthy of the place believe me my good friends I would sooner chuse a néer stranger for my sâ—ccessor than I would do him but there is not one among you but knoweth well his great deserts and of what Race he commeth that at this day may well be called one of the most noble and happiest Linages in all the world as being descended from the valiant Trojans whereof the memory shall endure for ever He is a Kings son heir unto the Crown of France and now your Prince and Governor and so I leave him unto you with my Daughter your Queen and lawful Princess holding to my self onely the Castle of Mirefleur where with Gods help the Quéen and I will end our days religiously serving God as we are bound to do Then calling Amadis giving him his Royal Mantle he willed him presently to put it on the like did the Queen to Oriane Mean time the silence was so great that nothing could be heard among the people but cries and lamentations moved with pity and compassion to sée the determination of their Prince who being apparrelled in a simple robe of black cloth took his son and the Queen his daughter set them in their Regal Seats and in presence of all the people set each of them a crown of Gold upon their heads causing them to be proclaimed by the Heralds King and Quéen of great Britain That done every man departed some wéeping and others glad for the advancement they hoped from the new king who from thenceforth began so wisely to govern his country that never was any prince better beloved nor obeyed of his subjects King Luisart within short time after accompanied of the Quéen and Grumedan went unto Mirefleur as he had determined to do where they lived so austerely helping and being present at every hour when service was to be said as readily as the poorest of the old men that remained there for the administration and service to the religious women in the Monaster of the devâ—ut Abbesse Adalasta But when king Amadis perceived his means to recompence those of whom in his yong years he had received great pleasure and service he began to exalt Arban de Norgalles giving him one of the fairest Islands in his country to Gandales the lands of the Duke of Bristow to Gandalin as then absent he gave the lands of Arcalaus the inchanter he made Angriotte d'estrauaulx great master of his horse Guilan de Pensife high-steward of his house Ardan le nain his chief carver and married the Gentlewâ—man of Denmark very richly Not long after the Quéen was brought to bed of a goodly Son and a fair Daughter both at one birth the Son named Perion and the Daughter Brisenne At whose nativity great joy was made throughout all the country especially at London where the same day one of Norandels Squires arrived that told king Amadis how Esplandian and his master met together in Almaigne where the day before he had slain two Giants and deliver â—o Gandalin with divers other Knights Squires Ladies and Gentlewomen out of prison Knowest thou said the King what way they took afterward My lord said the Squire they made account to go unto the castle called the defended Mountain to help them that are therein being in great necessity which the King understanding sent presently for all the Pilots that might be found and in all haste caused to rig and arm the greatest ship he had to sayl into the East to his son who in the mean time moved thereunto by Frandalo departed from the castle of Matroco with the Emperors army to invade the Turks country as in the next chapter you shall hear CHAP. XXIX How the Town of Alfarin in Turky being assaulted was taken by Esplandian and the rest of his company NOt long after the Siege of the defended Mountain was raised and Gastilles arrived at the Castle as you heard before Frandalo had advise by Belleris his Nephew that returned out of Turky where he had béen to sée what news in the Countrey that Alfâ—rax Son to King Armato and Governour of the great City of Tesifant understanding the imprisonment of his Father with the overthrow of the Turkish Army was departed from the town of Alfarin where he had left the beautiful Princess Heliaxa his wife daughter to Amphirion King of Medea to go with all dilligence to set order in his own government and raise more men
King of Denmark assailed to do it but what strength so ever he used it was impossible for him the like did Gandalin and Enil but they sped no better then the King whereat Esplandian began to laugh and taking it by the two ends lifted it up so easily as if it had béen a piece of dry wood yet was it a piece of Christal of thrée fingers thick and about ten or twelve foot long under it they found an azure stone the fairest and most orient colour that ever was séen that covered a Ceder chest which smelt as swéet as any Balm the Chest being shut with a lock of Emerald-stone having a key of Diamonds that hung by it at a Chain of fine Gold all most artificially composed the stone taken up and the Chest opened they found the Image of Jupiter lying therein all of massy Gold garnished with many Pearls Rubies and other inestimable rich Iewels especially a Crown that he ware on his head about the which were placed certain Carbuncles in form of Gréek Letters with these words Jupiter is great God of all Gods and in his right hand he bare a Table containing this prophesie When time shall come that my art and knowledge shall faile the heart of the hand inclosed herein and life restored by them that were the cause of death the Grecian sheep long time nourished in pleasant pastures shall be constrained to feed on a herb bitterer then Gaul by meanes of the extremity the hungry Sea-Wolves shall put them unto whose number shall be so great that they shall cover the Sea in divers places in such wise that the poor sheep inclosed in their great Forrest and divers of their lambs being dead and torn in pieces their shepheard having in a manner lost all hope of restoring them again with anguish of heart and mind in abundance of tears shall lament their great misfortune Then shall come the brave Lions whelp by whose means the great troop of wolves shall be driven away and destroyed Nevertheless he shall take from the shepheard his great power and the best beloved of his sheep whereupon he shall seize in such sort that his strong teeth and sharp clawes shall enter into her heart and the entrailes of her body the rest of the flock resting in the power and government of him and his fierce company whereby not long after it shall come to pass that the great deceitful Serpent the Inchanted Sword and this high Rock shall sink into the bottom of the Sea and shall never after be seen again of any man But although Esplandian understood the Gréek tongue yet could he not give any interpretation or exposition to this prophesie no more could any of his company wherefore they determined not to stay long about the same but were more busied to behold the stones and great riches they saw within the tomb which they determined to take with them and return unto their ships without staying any longer for their victuals began to fail wherefore Esplandian willed Carmelle to take the Lion he and the king of Denmark took the plate of Christal Gandalin and Enil the azure stone and the Squires the Ceder Chest with the Image of Jupiter And in that sort they issued out of the pallace descending down the rock till about evening they came unto the hermitage where they stayed all night the next day they went on till they found their ship wherein about Sunsetting they imbarqued themselves and because Esplandian would not be séen in Constantinople without the great Serpent he commanded the master of the Ship to direct his course to the castle called the defended mountain whith he did But having sailed about two days and more as the King of Denmark sat talking with Esplandian about the Letter that was sent unto him he asked him if he thought not good that he should make a voyage unto the Princess Leonorine to understand the truth of her affection towards him For said he it may be Gastilles hath mistaken her words or the Emperor himself hath commanded him to write unto you in such sort that thereby you should make the more haste to go thither at the least I should know of her what her pleasure is and how you shall govern your self in respect of her Ha my good friend said Esplandian you have toucht me now even at the quick if you would do me so much favor you shall bind me for ever unto you mean time I will stay for you in the gulf where I found you with Frandalo when we raised the siege of the castle the defended mountain Assure your self said the King I will do my good will There was belonging to their ship a little Pinnace which the master took with him besides the boat to save himself and his people if any tempest should happen wherein the King with certain marriners to guide him entred and taking their leave of Esplandian sailed forwards with so good a winde that in short space they lost the fight of the great ship But the next night following there happened such a tempest that at the break of day their Pilot knew not where he was and without knowledge of the place he was constrained to abandon the Pinnace unto the mercy of the waves which continued for the space of forty days together in which time they indured so many fortunes that it would be over-tedious to recount them and we should likewise digress from the matter whereunto we are entered to bring our History unto an end Let it therefore suffice you to know that their victuals being spent they chanced to arrive in the Island of the Giant Drapheon where the King of Denmark and his squire lost their wits and became mad by force of a water that they drunk out of a fountain called the fountain of Forgetfulness that sprang in that Isle where they were taken and kept in a cruel prison from whence in short time after they were delivered by the meanes of a Gentlewoman that fell in love with the King and caused him to recover his health armes horse and a ship with all things necessary for himself and his Squire and having done she with them put to Sea and coasting the country of Trevisane they came unto an Island where the people of the countrey would have burnt a Gentlewoman because she could not finde a Knight for to maintain her quarrel but the King fought for her and overcame him that accused her and taking the Gentlewoman with him put to Sea again and sailing six days together along the coast he perceived a maid out of a tower wherein the Lord of that countrey kept her prisoner for the cause which she declared to the King out of a window that looked into the Sea for whose sake the king took land to fight with the Lord till he delivered the poor Gentlewoman out of prison such were the adventures of the King of Denmark which are rehearsed at large in the great Chronicles that master
Elizabeth wrote not long after the Coronation of Esplandian wherein the prowess and adventures of the Brittish Knights and others remaining at Alfarin are likewise registred and orderly set down For this time content your selves to understand the manner how and in what sort Esplandian and the Princess Leonorine saw each other how afterward Urganda came to Constantinople of the armies both by Land and Sea of the cruel battel betwéen the Turks and Christians which ended our History likewise shall be finished but having many things to describe before I come to that point we will return to Esplandian that was not smally abashed at the long absence of the King expecting from day to day some news of him that had left his company onely for the cause you heard before CHAP. XXXV How Esplandian having stayed Garinter King of Denmarks return about two weeks space and perceiving no news of him determined by the counsel of Carmelle to go in person to the City of Constantinople AFter that Garinter King of Denmark had set saile towards Constantinople as it is said before Esplandians ship arrived at the gulf where he promised to stay they lay at anker for the space of two wéekes not hearing any news of his desired message wherewith he doubted either that the King of Denmark should be drowned or that forturne had carried his vessel some other way wherefore he thought to send one of his marriners to enquire of him But before he did it he determined first to speak with Carmelle and taking her aside said unto her My great friend you know for what cause the King of Denmark left us and the reason of his voyage as also the promise he made unto me to return again with all spéed but we can hear no news of him at all which maketh me assuredly believe either he is dead or that the storm he was in hath cast him in some countrey so far off that he cannot by any means do as he hath promised wherefore I pray you give me your advice what I were best to do for those that are in the like mind that I am although in some things they have their understandings whole and perfect yet are they commonly to séek in that which concerneth them as touching those points My lord said she séeing it is your pleasure to use my counsel I wil tel you truly what I think therein and so much I can assure you that if you should search throughout the world you shall hardly find one that can come néer me in judging the passion wherewith you are molested for the same is in me that is in you and I féel it as well as you do and it may be more but the ease and great contentment I receive by your presence hath given me so many remedies that I delight in my grief and live not but only to cause my sorrow to indure To tell you truth at such time as you began to use spéeches unto me of the king of Denmark I thought upon his long absence and me thinketh it were best we sailed unto Constantinople assuring you that I have devised a means to bring you unto the Princess Leonorine whereby you may both sée and speak with her without being known of any other then her self if you think it good And to bring it to pass we being arrived there it shall be necessary that all those of our ship be advertised if any man asketh for you to say that you stayed in the castle the defended mountain mean time you shall lie in the bottom of the ship and I with Gandalin and Enil will go unto the Emperor to whom I will say that you sent me to the Princess Leonorine to present unto her in your behalf that which you have conquered in the Rock of the Enchantress and for the rest let me alone When Esplandian heard her speak in that manner he beheld her for a while and at last said unto her My good friend I fear not death neither can it be more bitter or sharper unto me then the life I now indure but I fear the dishonor of my Lady and the injury that thereby I might do unto the Emperor who by his courtesie hath so much bound my father unto him as if I should wrong him it would be a blemish to my honor while I live Nevertheless I am content to hazard my self in all the dangers you shall think convenient that is sufifcient said Carmelle I pray you then be merry and make good chear for if ever woman accomplished the thing she took in hand I will bring this to pass Wherewith leaving Esplandian she called the Patron and willed him to set sayl for Constantinople whereunto he obeyed and had so good a winde that within thrée days after they entered into the haven where being arrived Esplandian told his men what by the counsel of Carmelle he had determined to do commanding them expresly not to make it known to any man of his being there but that they should say they left him in the castle the defended mountain For said he I am not now in such estate as I would be to present my self before so great a Prince as the Emperor is And to the end you be not found liars I will stay in the bottom of the ship till you return again then he Carmelle Gandalin and Enil spake together where the gentlewoman shewed them at large how she meant to bring her enterprise to pass I will presently said she cause the tomb we brought from the Rock of the Enchantress to be set up in the same sort we found it upon the hatches of the ship then will I go tell the Emperor that I have one of the singularest things abord that ship that ever was séen and we finde means to bring him hither where I will shew him the Lion with Jupiter and all the rest of the furniture which having séen and perused I will tell him that you send it to the Princess Leonorine He being gone unto his palace you shall go into the Cedar Chest and so will I cause you to be carryed into the princess chamber lying in the same whereof I will secretly advertise her and by this means she may speak to you and you to her what you think good I but said Esplandian â—ell me how I shall come out again I will desire her said she to give me the Cedar Chest therein to bury the body of Matroco that died a Christian wherein you shall be inclosed and to morrow in the morning I will cause you to be brought hither again By God said Gandalin it is the prettiest devise that ever I heard now I confess that I was never but a fool in regard of Câ—rmelle Meddle you not with any thing said she but rest content let me alone to work my will and to the same end let us presently begin then Esplandian went down into the bottom of the ship and the gentlewoman prepared the tomb as
charges of such a voyage both for men and vessels In this manner did the affairs touching these wars proceed through the greatest part of Europe while al the kings in the East by little little assembled themselves together as you shall hear CHAP. XLVIII How the great City of Constantinople was besieged by the Princes of the East and of the sallies that were made by those of the City to keep them from the same THe army of the Pagan Kings daily assembling in the Isle of Tenedos the Emperor mean time fortified his city of Constantinople both with men and victuals in the best manner he could commanding those that had charge of his army by Sea to cause all his vessels to come into the Haven of the Town which he caused to be barred with a chain that on that side he might be cut of danger Then he sent divers brigandines unto Natolia to discover the Pagans army and bring him certain news Mean time the country people reaped all their corn and brought it to the City Within eight days after the Brigandines that were sent forth discovered in the straights of Hellespont the great Fléet of the Turks that lay at Abidos where they stayed a certain time to take in victuals and other munitions necessary for their ships Whereof the Emperor being advertised caused his men to muster giving Frandalo charge of the Dragon-gate so called because that at the foundation of the city when it was named Brisance there was found a marvellous Dragon under the foundation of the gate which Dragon was bound chained and nourished so long time that it was thought most strange Norandel had charge of the Gate called Equiline and Gastilles his nephew of that called The Well so named of a great and profound well that stood hard by it And causing the other gates to be rampired up provided for all things as a wise and valiant captain should do in such a case With that a Grecian that had bin taken by the Turks came into the City and assured them for certain that the Souldan of Liquie was himself in person with king Armato and almost all the Kings of the east having two hundred Gallies as well great as small fifty great ships thirty mahomes and one and twenty cafâ—rds that are thips not much unlike to gallies besides thirty foistes and divers brigandines barques galions and sciffs where in they had laid their victuals and other munitions and for their number of footmen they might be about some thrée hundred and fifty thousand men saying likewise that Alphorax had the chief charge at Sea and Armato on land and that their determination was never to depart from Constantinople till they had destroyed it and from thence would go to Rome and further if they could The sixt day after this great Army passing the gulf of Propontide came into the straights of Constantinople entring in the great sea where they remained during the siege robbing al the country about where first they stayed a wéek before they landed any of their men mean time certain gallies and small ships set forward to make an alarum in the haven from whence to their great loss they were repulsed for that six of the principallest of them were sunk in the Sea Nevertheless the next day following they began to land and in great numbers thought to win the gate ther 's were many brave blows both with Sword and Spear given on both parts and many a valiant man ended their days and became meat to fishes There the Knights of Great Brittain shewed themselves not to be unacquainted with such dangers and who so had beheld Norandel Frandalo Manley and Talanque repulse the enemy that thought to advance themselves might easily judge with what desire they fâ—ught But what should I stand longer to describe this conflict To conclude the gate was defended and the enemies repulsed from the same yet their number was so great that notwithstanding the valor of the Emperors men they landed and lay within two bows shot of the City they of the City being forced to retire The Pagans being on land divided themselves into four parts in such sort that the City was so well besieged that not a man could enter or come forth without their leave Wherefore King Armato presently caused great number of ladders to be prepared the most part of them double hoping before the wéek were ended to assault take spoil and destroy the City But they within slept neither night nor day but made artificial fires with all other things requisite for such a charge The Pagans stayed not long to execute their purpose so that upon a munday in the morning they came in great fury to set fire on the gates and to seale the Town although for that time they lost their labors and many of them their lives where in the end they were constrained to retire to their no little shame and great confusion And in their retreat Norandel with four or five hundred men issued at a postern-gate and set upon them behind which put them in such fear that they drave them to their tents Yet not being content with this first repulse they determined on Friday after either to die or enter into the town And the day appointed ran unto the walls where the number of the assailants was so great and the assault given in so many places both by sea and land that if God had not provided for them it is most certain the town had béen taken especially on Frandalos side for the most part of his men fled away from their guard whereby it happened that more then a hundred Turks mounted on the walls but they stayed not long for that the Emperor who during the assault stayed in the midst of the City with the rest of all his power to aid such places as had most néed advertised thereof marched to Frandalos quarter and with such force repulsed the enemy that he made them glad to get them thence in such sort that they received no less loss at the second assault then at the first It is true that ten of the Knights of Great Brittain were slain at the conflict which much grieved their companions especially for the loss of Ledarin of Feiarque of Trys and Imosil of Burgundy This second assault having had such issue as you heard before Armato went to counsel with al the other kings and princes to know what they should do where it was concluded to kéep their tents and so inclose the town for to get it by assault they knew full well they should but lâ—se their labors wherefore they meant no more to try the same but many times made skirmishes with that City to their no little loss Thus they passed above a month without doing any thing worthy the rehearsing till one day among the rest a gentlewoman belonging to the Souldan of Liquy came on message to the gate that Norandel had in charge of whom she asked if the Knight of