a great blemish Therefore my Lords I beseech you in performing the duty of a brother a friend and a companion to begin his search a fresh without sparing therein at all either time or toile This perswasioÌ„ did Gandalin make in weeping so extreamly that it greatly putied the three knights to behold him so as they concluded after they had beene in the Court if they heard not news of Amadis to begin a new pursuit to compasse the whole world about till they had found him and vpon this determination after they had heard diuine seruice they departed from the hermitage and tooke the way towards London But as they approched nere vnto the Cittie they were ware of the King who was already in the fields accompanied with many noble men and valiant knights for hee celebrated that day with all magnificence because that vpon the same he was crowned peaceable king of great Brittaine which was the principall occasion that many knights came to serue him Who beholding Galaor and his fellowes comming towards them shewed the king thereof and they in the mean season were hard at hand But because Florestan had neuer before seene such an assembly Galaor said vnto him Brother behold the king Now had they all three their head-pieces off wherefore some in the company did know them all forth-with except Flotestan the King imbraced them demanding how they fared Then Florestan 〈◊〉 to kisse his hands the which he refused And because he was the Gentleman that did most of all resemble Amadis and that heretofore he had heard speaking of him he began to suspect that it was his brother and therefore he saide vnto Galaor I beleeue that this is your brother Florestan It is he indeede if it please your Maiestie who hath a great desire to doe you seruice Ah said the king I would Amadis were now heere that I might see you all three together what saide Galaor hath your grace heard 〈◊〉 newes of him No saide the king but what haue you heard It may please your Maiestie answered he wee haue all three sought him a whole yeere yet haue we done no good but lost our labour and we did thinke to haue found him here in your Court wherefore seeing your grace hath certified me to the contrary I am in worse hope of his recouery then before So am not I saide the king for I am perswaded the heauens haue not endued him with such perfections to forsake him after this manner which maketh me to beleeue that we shall very shortly heare some tidings of him WheÌ„ they had ended their talke they entred into the Cittie where the Queene and the other Ladies were incontinently aduertised of their arriuall wherewith they were as glad as might bee especially Olinda the friend to Agraies who very lately was aduertised that he had passed vnder the arch of faithfull louers and shee expected his comming with as great deuotion as Corisanda did the arriuall of Florestan Then Mâ—… imagining to do Orianâ— a pleasure 〈◊〉 to aduertise her but she 〈◊〉 â—wordh-drawn iâ—to â—…er where shee sawe her â—…ing her head vpon one of hâ—r hâ—â—ds and reading in a booke to whom she saide Madame will you please to come downe to see Galaor Agrâ—… and Florestan who are now newely heere arriued WheÌ„ she heard her speake nothing of Amadis a new feare strook at her heart so that she knew not what to doe and the teares distilled from her eyes in such aboundance that her speech failed Neuerthelesse in the end not beeing able to dissemble her griefe shee answered Mabila my cosin and sweet friend how would you haue me to go see them in good sooth I haue not my minde so well setled that I may dissemble or hide that which in their presence I ought to doe Moreouer mine eyes are ouerswollen with much weeping and that which worse is it is impossible for to behold those whom I did neuer see but in the company of your cosin whom I haue so highly offended Heerewithall her heart was likely to haue left her sorrowfull body and she cryed My God how doe you permit mee wretched woman to liue being so worthy of death Ah my deere loue I doe now feele a double griefe for your absence seeing Galaor the rest to returne without you whome you loued as deere as your selfe who knowing the iniury and wicked act that I haue coÌ„mitted against you shall haue iust cause to procure my ruine whereunto I consent with a good will seeing that so vnaduisedly I haue beene the meanes of your losse Herewithall she had fallen downe all along if Mabila who streight espied it had not staied her vp saying vnto her Madame will you alwaies continue these strange passions I know well that in the end you will publish that to your shame which we doe most desire should be kept secret Is this the constancy which you ought to haue especially seeing that day by day we expect to heare good newes by the Damosell of Denmarke Alas answered shee you speake at your pleasure is it possible that shee may finde him hauing the charge but to seek him onely in Scotland seeing that his brethren haue in a manner compassed all the West without hearing any newes at all of him You abuse your selfe saide Mabila it may bee that they had found him but that hee kept himselfe secret from them the which he wil neuer do froÌ„ your Gentlewoman knowing that she is priuie to both your loues And therefore be of good cheere vntill her returne and then doe as you shall thinke good and for this time let vs goe if it please you towards the Queene who demandeth for you Well answered Oriana I am content to doe what you will Then shee dried her eyes and went in the Queenes chamber into the which the three knights were already entred who seeing her comming did their duty vnto her at the same time the King held Galaor by the hand vnto whom he said behold I pray you how your good friend Oriana is impaired since you did last see her In good faith answered Galaor your Maiestie saith true and I would with all my heart that I might doe her any pleasure that might purchase her former health Herewithall Oriana smiled saying vnto Galaor God is the only comforter of all men so that when his pleasure is my health shall bee restored and your losses recouered which no doubt are great for so deere a brother Amadis was vnto you And I would that the trauell which you haue taken to seeke him in farre countries had brought some fruit as well for the good of you and yours as also for the seruice of the King my father vnto the which hee was wholly adicted Madame answered Galaor I trust that wee shall very shortly heare some newes of him because he is the knight that I haue euermore seene most valiantly to resist all extremities God grant it said Oriana but I pray you cause Don Florestan to
or shee that loueth as constantly as Grimanesa and Apolidon that made this enchantment And they must of necessity enter in both together for the first time otherwise let them be assured to die most cruelly and this enchauntment shall last and all the rest of this Island vntill that the knight Lady who do surpasse in loyalty those that made the defences of the forbidden Chamber bee entred in and there haue taken their pleasure Hereupon my Lady caused Isania to be called and tolde him she was glad that she had seen these wonders but shee would yet see the Arch of loyall Louers and the chamber so renowned and in the meane season she desired him to tell her what was meant by the Hart Serpent Dogs and Lions Madame answered Isania I know no other thing thereof but that euery day at those houres and places that you did see them the combats of the beasts are made and the Hart doth alwaies leape downe from the window and the Dogs after who pursue him into a Lake not far from hence where they are hidden and seene no more vntill the next day and houre that the chase beginneth againe as you haue seene it this night past But thus much you shall know that if you were one whole yeere in this Island yet should you not haue time enough to see all the wonderfull things which there are For this cause my Lady and her company mounted on horseback and we came vnto the Palace of Apolidon to see the arch of loyall Louers and the forbidden Chamber Whereunto my Lady was no sooner come but she alighted and approched vnto the Image of copper as she that had neuer falsified her loue and passing vnder there was heard the most sweete and melodious tune in all the world and the Queene passed through euen vnto the place where the portraitures of Apolidon and Grimanesi were which seemed vnto her as though they had been aliue And from thence shee came vnto the piller of Iasper where she saw written these wordes Briolania the daughter to Tagadan king of Sobradisa is the third Damosell that did euerenter into this place But seruice all vpon one occasion and therefore it is reason that all of vs should succor him that hath most need of helpe And although wee had no desire to aide Don Galuanes heere present yet are wee bound to fauour Ladies in all that we can and amongst other Madasima and hers assuring you that through my fault they shall neither haue hurt nor displeasure By my faith said Quedragant you speak vertuously and according to good reason for doing otherwise we should be vnworthy of the name of knights and although I were my selfe alone yet would I seeke aide to execute that which you haue determined knowing that the poore Madasima forsaken of euery one hath freely yeelded her selfe into the King his prisons not by her owne will but by the dutifull obedience which shee desired to shew vnto her mother For which cause if the king pretend any right vnto the lands of the Isle of Mongaza I say hee doth wrong My Lords answered Amadis those things which are debated by sound deliberation doe assuredly come vnto good end you need not doubt that enterprising this which you determine you shall performe it vnto your honour yea although it were more dangerous and difficult then it is neuerthelesse if it please you I will declare what I thinke thereof You doe all conclude so farre as I see to set at liberty the twelue Damosels now prisoners with king Lisuart Therefore I am of the opinion that twelue of you without any more should vndertake this enterprise so euery one of you shall haue one of them and the twelue gentlewomen shall bee particularly bound vnto twelue knights and the rest of this company shall spare themselues and tarry heere to preuent such inconueniencies as may happen Mee thinkes that Galuanes vnto whom this matter doth chiefly appertaine deserueth well to be the first man that shall be named next Agrates his nephewe Florestan my brother Palomir Dragonis Brian Nicoran Orlandid Garnat Imosil brother to the Duke of Burgoine Madansil and Eaderin You twelue are such valiant knights as you may answere twelue others whatsoeuer they bee and King Lisuart cannot deny the combate although it should bee against the chiefest of his Realme considering the houses from which you are descended This counsaile was so well allowed of all that about mid-night following the twelue knights mounted on horse-backe taking their way vnto the Citie of Thassillana in the which the King soiourned CHAP. XXII How Oriana remayned in great perplexity not onely for the departure of Amadis but also because she felt her selfe great with childe and of that which happened to the twelue Knights that were departed from the Firme-Island to deliuer Madasima and her Damosels A Little before it hath beene tolde vnto you how Amadis remained eight daies in Mirefleur with Oriana contenting their affections and desires to the full in such sort as two moneths after or there about the Princesse doubted that she was with childe neuerthelesse for the little experience that she had in such matters she made no account thereof vntill after the departure of Amadis whē the liuely coulour in her face beganne to fade and decay and her stomack waxed very bad and weake so that this doubt was turned into a certaintie wherefore shee determined to acquaint Mabila and the Damosell of Denmarke therewith as vnto those whom she esteemed the true treasurers of her secrets For which cause beeing one day withdrawne into her closet hauing her eyes full of teares and her heart oppressed with griefe shee sayd vnto them Alas my deare friends and louing counsellors I do now well perceiue that Fortune wil wholy work my ruine and ouerthrowe You haue seene what inconuenience hath happened of late vnto the person whom I doe most loue in the world and now that which is worst of all the thing which I haue most feared and doubted is lighted vpon mee For certainely I am with child and I know not what I shall doe that I be not discouered and vndone Much abashed were these two Damosels at this neuerthelesse as those which were wise well aduised they dissembled that which they thought thereof And Mabila answered Oriana Take no care Madame God shall prouide well enough for you if it please him but by my faith said shee in smiling I alwaies doubted that vnto such a Saint such an offering would be brought Oriana smiled to see with what a prettie grace Mabila deliuered this pleasant speech answered her For the honour of God doe you both aduise to giue mee some remedy and then you shall see if I cannot requite your frumps As for mee I thinke it best that wee find the meanes to retyre vnto Mirefleur or elsewhere frō the Court staying the time vntill it shall please God to regard me in pitty for I feele my belly to rise
and contentment then before knowing that he was so neere that ioy which hee should receiue with his Lady Oriana In this cogitation remained the Faire Forlorne vntill after sun set when hee mounted on horseback and came vnto the place that Durin had assigned him where he fouÌ„d him together with Gandalin who stayed there for him to take his horse TheÌ„ he alighted down demanded of them what the ladies were doing my Lord answered Gandalin they are on the other side in the gardeÌ„ where they haue already staied for you more then foure houres Help me then to get vp The which they did and hee being vpon the wall beholding Oriana and Mibila on the other side hauing not so much patience as to stay for their helpe he leaped from the top of the wall downe to the ground and as hee would haue kneeled to haue done his dutie the Princesse ran to embrace him and in kissing him she was like to haue fallen in a swound betweene his armes But who could imagine the pleasure that they yeelded the one vnto the other Amadis hee trembled like a leafe not being able to speake one Word holding his mouth close vnto Orianaâ—s who as it were in an extasie did behold him with such an eye that it made them both twaine to liue and die together In this sort they remained more then a good quarter of an houre and euen vntill that Mabila smiling said vnto Oriana Madam I pray you at the least before my cosin do die let vs haue a sight of him if it please you Soft and faire answered Oriana let mee a while alone with him and then you shall after-wards haue him at your pleasure Herewithall Amadis saluting Mabila said vnto her My good Cosin this is not the first day that you haue knowne how much I am yours I beleeue you well sir but my Lady would haue you wholly to her selfe Alas said she haue I not reason seeing that I alone was likely by my fault to haue beene the causer of his losse Beleeue me deere friend the griefe which you felt and the teeres that you haue shed by the fault that I committed shall be now both acknowledged and thorowly recompenced Madam said Amadis you haue neuer been at any time but the procurer of all my happinesse and fauor and if I haue felt any tribulation I and not you haue been the causer thereof therefore haue I iustly sustained whatsoeuer sorrow I haue suffered Alas sweete loue answered Oriana when I thinke vpon the estate wherein Corisanda and the Damosell of Denmarke did finde you and the abundance of teares and lamentations that continually distilled from your eyes as they haue told me I assure you that yet my mind is troubled therwith Madam said hee the teares wherof you speake were no teares for long before the comming of Corisanda to the poore Rock the spring whereof was dried vp but it was an humor proceeding from my heart the which did so continually burne in your loue that being constrained by the force of the flame it did draw vp to the eyes that moysture which nature had placed about the heart to preserue it and to giue it life and I beeleue that if the Damosell of Denmarke had stayed from bringing me that reliefe which I receiued of her in steede of teares which distilled from mine eyes the soule it selfe had departed Sweete loue said the Princesse I know well that I committed a great errour in writing that letter which Durin did bring to you but you should then haue remembred how that all women are weake and very light of beleefe especially in things wherein they are affectioned and wherein by too extreame loue they are often times carried away made suspitious euen as I haue beene against you wherefore the greater that mine offence is the greater praise shall you win in pardoning me the which I beseech you to do being ready to receiue such punishment therefore as it shall please you to giue vnto me and to satisfie you at your owne discretion Alas Madam said Amadis it is I that should demand pardon of you for if I should die for your loue most pleasant would that death be vnto me But this much I assure you that I had neuer beene able to haue resisted this great sorrow that I haue suffered had it not beene that my martiredome was eased knowing the pleasure which you would receiue in the same that it tooke such force vnto it as death was not of sufficient power in any sort to bring it to an end Let vs leaue off this talke for this time said Mabila you haue both suffered wrong determine therefore henceforth how it may be recompensed and now to eschue the vapours of the night which may be vnto you somewhat hurtfull let vs retire vnto some couert I like your counsell well answered Oriana Therewithall Amadis was brought into her chamber and presently Mabila and the Damosel of Denmarke knowing that they should do them a pleasure to leaue them alone went forth faining to goe about some other affaires Then the princesse requested Amadis to sit downe in a chayre couered with veluet which stood in a corner of the chamber and she stood leaning vpon him that shee might at more ease kisse him and hang about his necke whereupon he being ouercome with an extream amorous passion left off his wonted modesty thrusting one of his hands into Oriana her prettie breasts and the other towards the place by him most affected where-with Oriana halfe ashamed in stretching her selfe along because she would not looke in his face saide vnto him My deere loue I beleeue that the hermit of the poore Rock taught you not this lesson Madame answered hee I beseech you to pardon my rashnesse takeing pitty of me and seeing that both time and place is so fauourable vnto vs be not you more contrary vnto me then they but suffer mee to continue that fauour wherof by your good grace I haue taken possession when I deliuered you from the handes of Arcalaus My ioy answered Oriana you know that I am so wholly yours that you cannot dispose of your selfe more then of me neuerthelesse how may I possibly at this time satisfie your desire seeing that your Cosin and the Damosel of Denmarke are so neere vnto vs Alas said he they haue hitherto been the cause of my life and now since they haue farther assisted me do you thinke that they will desire my death Assure you Madam that they are already so well acquainted with our affections especially the Damosell of Denmarke that although they haue not seen them effected yet it mny be they haue presumed as much and more therfore I beseech you in acquiting you of your promise to succour me Which said hee gaue such large scope vnto his passions that notwithstanding all the faint resistance that Oriana could make against him hee had that of her which he most desired tasting together of the sweete fruit which
perceiuing in laughter saide You shall not be such a glutton maister Lyon but you shall leaue vs parte of the game And herewith presently he alighted because his Horse would not come nere the beast so drawing his Swoord and clasping his sheeld on his arme not regarding the cryes of King Garinter who laboured to disswade him from the attempt he marched to the Lyon who for defence of his pray ran eagerly against the King and so betweene them began a new warre But the Lyon being quicke and nimble did so much as he got his enemy vnder him yet was the Kinges heart so good that albeit he was in very great perill of his person he was not abashed one iotte but turned himselfe in such sorte as he thrust his Swoord into the belly of the beast which at that instant fel downe dead before him The King seeing what had happened was so ouercome with meruailing at this deed as he said within him selfe In sooth it is no shame to renowne one of the best Knights in the worlde In this meane while the rest of the traine came thether who for to finde their king had searched long time vp and downe the Forrest Then was their pray and Venison laid on two horses and caryed to the Citie where the Queene was immediatly aduertised of king Perions arriuall and therefore made speedy prouision of all things necessarye to welcome and feaste so great a Prince At their coming they found Dinner ready and the tables couered wherfore after the welcomes and reuerences done on all sides the two kinges sat downe so did the Queene and faire Elisena her Daughter Now had loue secretly ambushed himselfe because he had long time assayled this yong Princesse without any power to ouercome her but now he saw her so vnprouided as at this instant hower he might touch her to the quick and thence forwarde hold a sure conquest of her The like in king Perion who thought of nothing but a friendly entertainment yet when he cast his eye on the Lady Elisena she in like sorte vpon him by vertue of this pearcing regarde her wonted chaste and holye life had no longer power to priuiledge this Princesse but she was wonderfully thralled in extreame loue to this yong king and he in selfe same manner to her albeit till that hower he had his hart francke and free without subiection in any other place In this sorte during dinner tyme they found themselues for each other in a strange opinion till the tables were with drawen whē the Queene would departe to her Chamber wherefore Elisena arose to follow her but as she stepped forward she let fall a Ring which she had put in her bosome when she washt her handes and so had forgot it by reason of this new loue that made her thinke on other matters Now was king Perion somewhat neer her and desirous to let her know how willingly he would be hers stooped downe as soone as she to take it vp and so right did their handes meete together as the king had the meane to close her fingers yet feigning to take vp her Ring Wherevpon this amourous Lady began to change collour and notwithstanding by a sweete regard humbly thanked him Ah Madame quoth he this shall not be the last seruice I hope to doe you for my whole life time shal be imployed to obey you Cōstrained was Elisena without answering him to follow the Queen her mother so surprized altered as very neere she had forgoten her selfe so that not able to endure this new fire of loue which so sudden vehemently had conquered her wonted chaste and choice determination with the teares in her eyes and her hart full of anguish shee went and discouered the same to a faithful Damoselof hers named Darioletta praying her most instantly to councel her how she might safely know if King Perion had not elsewhere placed his loue and whether the affectionate semblaunce he had showne her might proceed from force of that impression which had so lately seazed on her hart The Damosell meruailing at this so sudden mutatiō in a person thought so farre from any such matter taking neuerthelesse compassion on her piteous teares thus answered I see well Madame that according to the extreame passion wherewith the tirant Loue hath tormented ye he hath lest no place in your iudgement where counsell or reason may be entertained and therefore following not what I ought for your seruice but the will I haue to obey you I shall do what you haue commaunded me by the most honest meanes that my little discretiō and great desire I haue to please ye will permit me So without any more woords Darioletta went to the Chamber where King Perion was and at the doore she found his Squire who brought other garments for his Lord to weare which the Damosell tooke of him For quoth she it is necessary that I performe this seruice and you gentle Squire may goe if you please about your other affaires The Squire thinking it was the custome of the Country made no deniall but willingly suffered her to take the Garments whereupon she entred the Chamber where she found the King laid on his bed who seeing her enter and knowing well it was she whom he had seene to conferre with Elisena most priuatly in whom aboue al other she put chiefest trust he thought that she wold not come in that sort to him without bringing him some remedy for his mortall passions for which cause all in trembling he said Faire friend what demand ye If it may so like you my Lord quoth she I haue brought other garments for ye Much rather would I said the King that you had brought some comfort to my hart which at this present is left despoyled of all pleasure As how my good Lord answered the Damosell Thus quoth he When first I arriued in this country I was free from all passions and doubted nothing but of aduentures that might happen to Knights errand but now I know not in what sort entring this Court by some one of your Ladyes haue I receiued a deadly wound for which if you faire Damosell know how to giue me any remedy your recompence shall be so good as you shall repute your selfe beholding to me Certes quoth she I should imagine my selfe happy by doing seruice to so high a personage and so good a Knight as you are if I could tell wherein If you wil promise me said the King as you are a loyall Damosell not to discouer me but where it is requisite I shall tell ye Say boldly your pleasure answered Darioletta for by me without your liking it shall not be knowen to any Damosell and my friend quoth he I giue you to vnderstand that at what time I beheld the excellent beauty of Elisena your Mistresse I became extreamely tormented with her loue and in such sorte as I cannot excuse my selfe from death if I find not remedy for my greefe
beheld him meruailed thereat but one day among other it happened that Gandales rode to sport himselfe in the fields arming himselfe as became a good Knight for he had dayly accompanied the king Languines at such time as he searched after aduentures and albeit the king discontinued Armes yet Gandales would oftentimes exercise himselfe and as he rode he met with a Damosell that thus speake to him Ah Gandales if many great personages were aduertised of what I know certainly I assure thee they would cause thee to loose thy head Wherefore quoth he Because said the Damosell thou nourishest their death in thy house The knight knew not the woman that thus talked with him but you must vnderstand how she was the same that said to king Perion that when he recouered his losse the Kingdome of Ireland should lose her flower yet notwithstanding he was farre from the matter because he knew not whereof she spake and therefore thus replyed For Gods sake Damosell I pray ye tell me on what occasion you vse these speeches Beleeue me Gandales qooth she I haue tolde thee nothing but truth At these wordes she departed from him leauing him very sad and pensiue yet long he did not continue in these thoughts but he saw her returne againe in great hast thus crying calling Ah Gandales for Gods sake succor me then Gandales turning about beheld a knight follow her with his Sword drawne wherefore he gaue his horse the spurres to meete him and placed himselfe for the defence of the Damosell then comming to him that pursued her he said Stay thou bad aduised knight what moueth thee thus trecherously to outrage Ladyes What now answered the other doest thou hope to saue her who by trumpery hath made me loose both body and soule That meddle not I withall said Gandales but I will defend her to my power well knowing that Ladyes ought not to be corrected in this manner albeit they did deserue it We shal presently see that answered the knight and so gallopped to the place from whence he came which was a little thicket of trees where stayed a very beautyfull Lady who when she saw him returne came forth bringing him a Sheeld and a strong Launce which he tooke and without longer tariance returned to his enemy Gandales being a sterne knight would not refuse him whereupon they met together in such sorte as their launces were broken no their Sheelds and they with their horses cast to the ground yet quickly did they recouer footing when began betweene them a meruailous combate which worse would haue bin but that she which desired succor of Gandales stepped betweene them saying Stay Gentlemen fight no more At these wordes the Knight who before pursued her went back then said the Damosell to him Come now and aske pardon of me Most willingly answered the Knight then throwing his Sword and Sheeld down came and humbled himselfe on both his knees before her whereat Gandales was greatly amazed afterward the Damosell said to the Knight Goe coÌ„mand the Lady vnder the trees that she get her away immediatly vnlesse thou shalt take her head from her shoulders To this charge the Knight yeelded himselfe obedient and to her whom he loued more then himselfe by sudden change from loue to hatred he came and angerly said Trayterous woman I know not how I shall defend my selfe from killing thee presently Well perceiued the poore Lady that her friend was enchanted and that contestation would nothing at all profit her wherefore incontinent she mounted on her palfray and rode away making the most grieuous sorrow that euer was heard and there remained she whom Gandales had defended speaking to him in this manner You haue Sir done so much for me as I shall be beholding to you while I liue and now you may depart at your pleasures for if the knight offended me I haue pardoned him with all my heart As touching your pardon answered Gandales I haue nothing to doe therewith for my selfe I will end the Combate or he shall hold him-selfe vanquished It behoueth that you acquite him said the Damosell seeing that if you were the best Knight in the world easily can I make him ouercome yee Do therein what you can replyed Gandales but I will not acquite him except you first declare to me wherefore euen now you said that I kept the death of many people in my house Then will I rather tell ye quoth she because I loue you both He as mine owne Soule you as my defender albeit constraint cannot make me doe it so taking him aside she said You shall sweare to me as a loyall Knight that no other shall know it by you vntill such time as I command it hereof he made her faithfull promise Know then said the Damosell that he whom you found in the Sea shall one day be the flower of chiualdry and shall cause the very strongest to stoope he shall enterprise and with honor finish what other shall faile off and such deedes of armes shall he doe as no one thinkes can be begun or ended by the strength of one man The proud shall he make humble and gracious being cruell and pittilesse as also benigne and amiable to the debonaire this Knight most loyally will maintaine loue and shall effect in place answerable to his magnanimitie Moreouer I assure thee Gandales that he is the Sonne of a King and without doubt all this will happen which I haue told thee but if thou keepe it not secret it may returne thee more harme then good Madame answered Gandales I pray ye tell me where I may meete with you hereafter to conferre with you on the affaires of this infant That must you not know by me said the Damosell or any other Yet tell me your name quoth Gandales if so it be your pleasure By the faith you beare to the thing you most loue in the world replyed she you coÌ„â—ure me so as you shall know it albeit the thing that most I loue is he that wisheth me least good and would you know what he is it is the Knight against whom ere while you combated notwithstanding I will not leaue to intreat him at my pleasure without he being able to remedy him-selfe My name is Vrganda the vnknowne and to the end you may remember me an other time beholde me well at this present At that instant she who shewed her selfe to Gandales faire yong and fresh as one of eighteene yeeres became so olde and ouer spent as he meruailed how she could sit on her horse if then he was stricken into admiration you may iudge But when she had beene a prittie while in that state she tooke out of a little bottell which she caryed a certaine vnguent wherewith she rubbed her face right soone recouered her former countenaunce saying to Gandales What iudge ye now Sir thinke you to finde me hereafter against my will vsing all the dilligence you can deuise neuer therefore put your selfe to such
paine for when all liuing creatures goe about it if I list they shall loose their labour In good faith Madame answered Gandales I now make no doubt thereof yet I beseech ye to be mindefull of the Gentleman who is forsaken of all but my selfe Doe not you trouble your selfe therewith said Vrganda this forsaking wil be a recouering of much more My loue to him in greater then you can imagine being she that shortly intendes to receiue by him two aydes which no other can giue me In recompence whereof I will giue him two likewise wherewith he shall thinke himselfe highly satisfied Let this suffise ye for this time because of necessitie I must be gone aduising ye that you shal see me againe sooner then you thinke for At these wordes the Damosell departed and Gandales who had not all this while regarded the Knight against whom he fought seeing him now bare-headed reputed him one of the goodlyest Gentlemen that euer he had seene who after he had taken vp his Sheeld and laced on his helmet followed the Damosel wherefore for this time we will let them goe continuing what happened to Gandales Vrganda being departed he returned toward his Castel meeting by the way with the Lady whō Vrganda had caused to be chased frō her friend and this sorrowfull woman was heard by a Fountaine where she wept lamented very bitterly when she espyed him that came toward her she easily knew him wherefore she thus spake Is it possible Sir Knight that the wicked creature whom you succoured hath done so much as to let you liue wicked she is not answered Gandales but wise and vertuous and if you be otherwise I will make you deny these foolish wordes Ah God said the Lady how can the villaine deceiue euery one How hath she deceiued you replied Gandales Alas quoth the Lady she hath taken from me the faire Knight that should be mine and so may I well say seeing he would be more content to be with me then with her This is meere folly answered Gandales for in mine opinion both you she doe loue without reason How euer it be said the Lady if I can I will be auenged You trauile in vaine quoth he thinking to iniurie her that knowes it not onely before you execute it but when you imagine it In sooth answered the Lady this afternoone ye may be gone when you please and neuertheles it often happeneth that those which thinke they know most by presumption fall into the greatest dangers Gandales seeing her so impatient commending her to God followed his way thinking more of the yong Gentlemans affaires then what the Lady had spoken to him Being come to his Castell and seeing the little boy come running towards him he tooke him vp in his armes and louingly embracing him remembred what Vrganda had saide to him which made the teares stand in his eyes with ioy saying within himselfe Faire Childe I pray God I may liue so long as to see thee such a one as I hope for At this time the yong Prince was about three yeeres olde who seeing his Lord weepe as one moued with compassion he wiped his eyes which made Gandales imagine great humanity in him and that as the childe grew in age strength so waxed he in will the better to helpe him if he had occasion Wherefore thence forward he was very carefull of him deuising all meanes for his best education and compayning continually with his play fellowe Gandalin he took very great delight in shooting He being come to the age of sixe yeeres King Languines and his Queene riding through the Country came to Gandales Castell where they were royally feasted but before they there ariued Gandales being aduertised of their comming caused the yong Prince and his companions to be hid in a backe Chamber fearing that in respect of his beauty and good grace the King would be desirous to take him away with him or else that the childrē would be troublesome to the house But it fortuned that the Queene being lodged in one of the highest roomes in the Castell as she looked forth at a windowe which was on that side where the Children were she espied the yong Prince and his play-fellowes drawing their bowes and marking him very well she liked him aboue all the other taking great pleasure to behold his countenance thinking he was Sonne to the Lord of the house yet being doubtfull and not seeing any of whom she might aske the questiō she thus called to her Ladyes Come and behold the fairest yong creature that euer was seene At these words they al came running and soone after the Childe being drye left his bowe by his companions going to drinke at a conduit pipe which was hard by in meane while one of them that was bigger then the Prince tooke vp his bow to draw it but Gandalin would not suffer him whereupon a great strife full betweene them and Gandalin being the weakest cryed out Gentleman of the sea come helpe me When the Prince heard him he left his draught and ran to him that misused his brother taking his bowe from him giuing him therewith a great stroke ouer the head saying In an euill hower varlet dost thou outrage my brother The other not content therewith came to the Prince they fought together yet he that began the noyse was glad to run thence and by the way met their Gouernour who said Whether runnest thou Maister quoth he the Gentleman of the sea will beate me then the Gouernour cōming to the Prince rigorously threatned him saying What are you already so bolde to beate your companions you shall be talked withall by and by for it When the Prince heard his threatning he fell downe on his knees saying If you will appoynt that I shall be beaten more gladly will I take it then suffer my brother to be wronged in my presence With these words the teares trickled downe his cheekes which moued pity in the Gouernour wherefore he thus answered If euer you doe so againe I will make ye weepe in an other sorte The Queene who had heard and seene all the debate was greatly abashed wherefore they called the little boy the Gentleman of the sea CHAP. IIII. How King Languines caryed away with him the Gentleman of the sea and Gandalin the Sonne of Gandales WHile the Queene thus beheld the Gentleman of the sea the King entred her Chamber accompanied with Gandales of whom she presently demanded if that faire yong Sonne were his Yea Madame answered Gandales And quoth she why suffer you him to be called the Gentleman of the sea Because Madame said he that at returne of my last voyage into little Brittayne he was borne vpon the sea Truely quoth she he resembles you but little this was her opinion because the Prince was exellent faire and Gandales somewhat heard fauoured yet a most gentle companion It chanced during these speeches that the King cast his eye on the little Prince
you haue vnderstood of her and me for I am King Perion Truely Sir answered the wise man herein shall I greatly fault and iustly might she repute me an heretique if I should manifest what she hath told me vnder confession suffise your selfe with that I haue declared namely the true and sincere loue she beareth you But seeing I haue met ye in a place so conuenient I will that ye know what a Damosell in mine opinion very wise said to me at the time you came first into this country yet spake she to me so darkely as I neuer knew well how to comprehend her words for she said That from little Brittaine should come two great Dragons that should hold their gouernment in Gaule and their hearts in great Brittaine and from thence they should go to deuoure the beastes of other Countryes but against some they should be braue and cruell and against other some humble and gracious as though they had neither nayles or hart At these words I became very pensiue nor could I euer since learne the signification hereof Nor did the King at this instant vnderstand them but was in no lesse meruaile then the Hermite notwithstanding no long time after he found this prophesie to be true Now the king hauing commended the holy man to God returned to his tents where he saluted his Queene yet would he not tell her as then any thing of that wherewith his mind was troubled but dissembled the same till they were in bed and after their accustomed embracings the king by an apt meane recoūted to her what his Astrologers had said on his dreame earnestly desiring her to tel him whether she had any Child by him or no. When the good Lady heard this she was surprised with shame in such sorte as willingly she could haue wished her selfe dead and therefore altogether denied the truth so that at this time the king might not know what he desired On the morrow they departed thence and arriued in Gaule where this noble Queen was generally receiued with great ioy And because that as it hath bene heretofore rehearsed the king bare her singuler affection he did for her sake stay more in his Realme then he was wont to doe so that not long after the Queene brought him a Sonne who was named Galaor and next a daughter called Melicia But the little Galaor being two yeeres and a halfe olde it chaunced that one day the king his father soiourning not farre from the sea side in one of his Cities named Orangill standing at a window toward the Garden where was then the Queene with her son Ladies sporting there entred at a postern dore such a horrible Giant as no man that euer saw him but was exceedingly affraide bearing on his neck a huge mighty Mace When the company of women espied him some fled among the trees and other not to see him fell on the ground but the Giant made no reckoning of them only he came to little Galaor whom he tooke in his armes and in a laughter said By my faith the Damosell said true So without any thing else taking away the Child returned the same way he came and entring a Brigandine that there stayed for him departed vnder saile In meane while the sorrowfull Queene who saw her son caryed away Forgetting through motherly loue the feare of the Giant followed him very neere hoping to recouer her little Galaor but when she saw him enter the Brigandine God knowes in what anguish she was for her Sonne in crying said Ah helpe me mother Alas she could not and more strange then death she tooke it to see him caried away whom she loued as her owne life and in this extreame dollour she remembred her other Sonne throwne into the sea wherefore the wofull mother fell downe in a swoune King Perion her husband who saw all this in the place where he stood from whence he could not quickly come to aide the Queene or her Son at last came to the Queene finding her in that case and did so much as he recouered her againe Then began she to make the most grieuous mone in the world regreeting this new losse by whom the before hoped to vnderstand of the first and dispayring euer to heare any newes of comfort moued great compassion in all that beheld her All this while the king laboured to perswade her whereby at last she reobtained the reason that before was absent whereupon the king said Madame we must thank God for all and cheefely in this case for now I euidently see hath happened the effect of my dreame whereof sometime I tolde ye thus is little Galaor the last hart that must be taken from vs against our will Henceforth therefore feare not to declare what is become of the first for considering the estate you then were in you ought not in reason to be blamed At these words the mournefull mother forgetting none of the fault committed told him the mis-fortune of her first borne Sonne entreating him to pardon her seeing she did it throw feare of death according as was the law of the Country In good faith Madame answered the king well may ye assure your selfe that while I liue I will not be offended with ye on your behalfe therefore I pray ye take their desteny so secretly as you may for I trust in God that seeing it hath pleased him at our beginning to afforde vs so little ioy and comforte by our children in time to come he will recompence vs with better successe and it may be yet one day that we shall heare good tidings of them Now leauing this ye must note that the Giant who bare away the yong Prince was of the Country of Leonois Lord of an Isle named Gandalan wherein he had two strong places He was not a bloudy man as many other were but of a gentle and peaceable conuersation except when he was offended for in his fury he would doe great cruelties At one instant was the little barque so caried by the wind as he arriued in his country which he had caused to be peopled with Christians there he kepta Hermite of most holy life to whom he went saying Father take this child and nourish him for me teaching him all that is conuenient in a knight for I assure ye he is the son of a king and a Queene Ah said the Hermet why haue you doone such a cruell deede I will tell ye answered the Giant Being minded to go combate with the Giant Albadan who most vnhappily killed my father as you know and at this present forcibly holds from me the Rocke of Galteres which by right appertaineth to me being thus embarqued to execute mine intent there came a Damosell to me who said Thou abusest thy selfe for what thou goest about must be done by the son to king Perion of Gaul who is much more strong and hardy then thou art I demanded by her faith whether she told me true or no. That shalt
thou see quoth she At what time the two braâ—ches of one tree shall be ioyned which at this instant are seuered then did she tell me where I should find him of whome she spake and this is he I giue you in guard euen as you loue me By these meanes remained little Calaor in the holy mans charge and there he staied so long till he was of yeeres to receiue the order of Knight-hood as hereafter shal be recited to you At this time reigned in great Brittaine a king named Falangris who dying without children left one of his bretheren his heire no lesse prudent in all affaires then prompt at armes and Knightly chiualry being called Lisuart who maried not long before with Brisana daughter to the king of Denmarke the fairest Lady that then was to be found in all the North parts And albeit she had bene requested in mariage by great Princes of the country notwithstanding for feare of some the father durst not consent to the other for which he would prouide by choosing one himselfe and so maried her to the yong Prince Lisuart who for loue serued him nor was he ignorant of the vertues harbouring in hiâ— geâ—tâ—e hart Now after the death of Falangris the Princes of great Brittaine knowing the right of Lisuart sent for him to succeed in the Realme for he being in a strange country whereby his hauty deeds and chiualry he was maried in so good a place therefore they pispatched their Ambasladours to him intreating him to accept the Realme and subiects of great Brittaine and to come to inuest himselfe therein CHAP. V. How King Lisuart sayling by sea landed in Scotland where he was greatly honoured and well entertained PRince Lisuart vnderstanding his Subiects desire for his short returne prouided his equipage by Sea being aided and assisted by the king of Denmarke his father in law and afterward set saile toward great Brittaine And because he coasted along Scotland he tooke landing there whereof Languines being aduertised came and receiued him very royally Now was this new king of great Brittaine accompanied with the Queene his wife and a faire Princesse their daughter aged as is thought about ten yeeres named Oriana one of the fairest creatures that euer was seene and therefore during the time of her aboad in Denmarke she was commonly called The only because her paragon was not to be found in beauty This yong Lady Oriana being not vsed to trauaile on the sea found her selfe somewhat weary and her father fearing a worse mis-hap intreated the king of Scotland she might stay with him till he sent for her Right gladly did king Languines and his Queene accept this charge wherefore king Lisuart without longer stay in Scotland went to sea where weighing Anckers and hoising sailes in short time landed in his owne Country where being arriued before he could abide in quiet as in such occasions it often falleth out certaine rebels were found whom in time he ouer-maistred which was the cause he could not so speedily send for his daughter that he left in Scotland In this place the author leaueth the new King peaceably ruling in great Brittaine and returneth to the Gentleman of the sea who by this time hath attained the age of twelue yeeres albeit in stature he seemed past fifteene and for his good grace both of the Queene and the other Ladies was loued and esteemed more then any other Now according as hath beene already declared the yong Princesse Oriana daughter to King Lisuart was left with the Queene of Scots to refresh her selfe till the King her father should send for her and to her did the Queene vse all the gracious curtesies could be deuised saying to her withall Faire Madame henceforth so please you shall the Gentleman of the sea serue you and be yours Which the Princesse Oriana willingly accepted wherefore the yong Prince made such an impression of this kindnsse in his spirite as during life he ment to serue nor loue any other and therefore for euer bequeathed to her his heart but so well it came to passe that this loue was mutuall and equall betweene them both Notwithstanding the Prince for a while hauing no knowledge thereof thought him-selfe vnworthy so great good reputing it a very bold enterprise to thinke thereon which was the cause he durst not speake but shew his good will in outward semblance The yong Princesse who was of the fame minde and also in like paine forbare to talke more with him then any other thereby to auoyde all suspition but the eyes of the two louers doing their deuoire and office entercoursed the thing which most they esteemed and thus couertly they liued without acquainting each other with this amorous affectioÌ„ Soone after this yong vnknowne Prince seeing that to attaine the good grace of the Lady he loued it was necessary he should take Armes receiue the order of Knighthood he said to himselfe If once I were a Knight I would do such exployts as should deserue the fauour of my Lady or die in the attempt And in this destre one day finding king Languines at leysure for his request and comming to him in the garden where he walked he fell on his knee vsing these speeches My Lord might it stand with your pleasure I gladly would receiue my Knight-hood When the King heard him seeing his yong yeeres he was greatly abashed and thus answered How now Gentleman of the sea Do you thinke your selfe already strong enough for such a weightie charge In sooth it is an easie thing to receine honor but to maintaine it as behooueth 〈◊〉 may be is more hard then you esteeme so that oftentimes a right good hart is troubled therewith For if through feare or cowardise he forsake what he ought to doe more better is death to him then a shamefull life therefore by mine aduise I would haâ—e you yet a while to forbeare The Prince not contented with this answere replied I will not forgoe honor my Lord through any such feare as it pleaseth you to alleadge for if I had not the desire to doe all that appertaineth to Chiualrie I would not haue beene so bold to make this request but seeing by your gracious fauour I haue beene hitherto nourished most humbly I beseech ye to grant me this petition that I may receiue no occasion of loosing your seruice to seeke else where for obtaining my suite The king highly esteemed the courage of the youth and doubting least he would depart indeed answered Assure your selfe Gentle-man that I wil do it wheÌ„ I see it necessary for ye in meane while prouide your Armes and what else belongeth Yet tell me faire Sir to whome if I resused would you go for your order To King Perion said the Prince who is reputed a good and hardie Knight for he hath maried the Sister to your Queene who maketh me beleeue that he will not denie me when I shall let him vnderstand how shee hath nourished me and that I
am her seruant It is true quoth the King but for this present haue a little patience and when time serueth you shal be honorably knighted in meane while he gaue charg that all his needfull accouâ—rements for the cause should be prouided Now did the king aduertise Gandales heereof who was so contented therewith as he soone dispatched a Damosell toward the yong Prince by whome he sent the Sword the Ring and the letter couered with waxe which he found in the chest he tooke out of the sea Such speede made the Damosell as she came to the Prince at what time he was sporting with Oriana and the other Ladies while the Queene slept At that instant was he in such a sollemne thought of Oriana as not daring to lift vp His eyes to behold her said within himselfe Ah God why hast thou endued this Lady with such exellent beauty that vnhappy I should suffer so extreame passions by louing her Ah mine eyes too high did ye looke when ye beheld her of whome you are not worthy but if the worst happen death shall satisfie this timeritie whereto my hart for her is humbled In this thought he was like to fall downe so had he forgotten and ouergone himselfe when a page came to him saying Gentleman there is a strange Damosell attending without who hath brought you certaine presents and would speake with ye When she who loued him heard this message her hart began to tremble in such sorte as being not able to endure this new flame she called to the Prince saying I pray ye stay heere and let the Damosel come in that we may haue the sight of what shee hath brought which he did the Damosell being entred thus spake to him My Lord your good friend Gandales saluteth you as the man whom he onely loueth and hath sent ye this Ring this waxe this Sword which he desireth ye for his sake to keepe while you liue The Prince hauing receiued the presents laid the Ring and waxe aside to behold the Sword which being without a sheath was wrapped in a fine linnen cloth whereat he greatly meruailed and while he was musing thereon Oriana tooke the waxe thinking it to be some other thing and said Beleeue me Gentleman for my part I would haue this waxe You may haue it if you please Madame quoth he but me thinkes this faire Ring were better for ye I will haue nothing but this waxe said Oriana and so tooke it During these discourses the King came who said to the Prince What thinke ye of that Sword My Lord quoth he I find it a very faire one but I maruaile wherefore it hath no scabbard It is said the King very neer fifteene yeeres since it had one hauing so said he laid it aside proceeding thus You would be a Knight and know not whether you ought to be one or no therefore it is necessary that you vnderstand what you are and I to tell you so much as I know Heereupon he declared how he was found in a chest on the sea with the Sword the Ring as you haue already heard I beleeue my Lord quoth the Prince that for your pleasure you vse this inuention because the Damosell when she entred said that my good friend Gandales sent me these presents but I think she fayled in her words and would haue said my father Gandales Notwithstanding my Lord if it be so as you haue rehersed I am not displeased thereat except in not knowing of whence I am nor they me yet do I thinke my selfe a Gentleman for my hart perswades me of no lesse Now therefore it is more necessary that I be Knighted then before to the end I may labour to become such a one as may acquire honor and reputation seeing I haue no parents by whom I may be named not knowing what I am When the King heard him speake so vertuously he esteemed much better of him then before thinking him-selfe that he could not but be a man of calling and hardy As thus they were deuising a Gentleman came to the King and said My Lord King Perion your brother is come to the Court The King very glad thereof departed to receiue his brother embracing him thus spake I see my good brother you meant to take me vnprouided for little did I thinke of your so sudden arriual in this country Noble brother answered King Perion I come to request the ayd of my friends because I haue more neede of them at this time then euer I had for Abies King of Ireland threatneth me with strong warre and is with great puissance entred my Kingdome so that he and Dagauel his Cozin haue laid very seuere siedge to me And which is worst of all Fortune hath so hardly dealt with me that certaine whome I trusted haue forsaken me and the greatest part of my other friends are ouerthrown in the skirmishes we haue had together so that now I come to request your succour in this extreame needeâ— Truely brother answered Languines you may be sure thereof and your mis-fortune grieueth me not a little but I wil prouide therefore so well as I can Agraies who was newly knighted being hot and ready to Armes hauing heard the reâ—uest of his Vnckle and the grant the King his father had made him of assistance came and fell on his knee before him saying I beseech ye father let me obtaine one boone at your hands The King who loued him as himselfe answered Demand what thou wilt for it shall not be denied thee I desire your sufferance quoth Agraies that I may go to Gaule to aid the Queene my Aunte In good faith said the King well content am I 〈◊〉 in good equipage shalt thou goe and strongly accompanied When the Gentleman of the sea heard this determination he was more earnest to compasse his enterprise then before and seeing king Perion was present he could not glut his eyes with beholding him onely for the good reporte he had heard of him for he thought not then of any affinitie or parentage but would rather be Knighted by his hand then any other in respect of his high hautghy deedes of Armes And to attaine his purpose he thought best to entreat the Queene hoping that if she would doe so much for him as to moue the King her brother therein she shold not be gainlaid and for he saw her so sad that he durst not speake to her he boldly went to Ortana and setting his knee to the ground said I pray ye Madame tell me what causeth the Queene to be so pensiue Oriana beholding the man before her whom she loued in her very Soule albeit neither he or any other knew it was surprized whith such vehemency of loue as she could hardly tell how to dissemble it yet thus she answered Gentleman of the sea and my friend I will take paine to know then shall I tell ye with all my hart seeing it is the first request that euer ye
me Such was the speedy dispatch of the Damosell as without longer stay she iourned toward Gaule and executed her enterprise whereof heereafter you shall vnderstand more But not to discontinue the purposed voyage of Oriana after that Languines had prouided all things necssary for the same Oriana Mabila their company were imbarqued thē taking leaue of the King Queene at the sea side they set faile hauing the winde so prosperous as in few daies they landed in great Brittaine where they were all right worthyly wellcommed Heere of doth the author at this time make no more mention because he meaneth to tell ye what happened to the Gentleman of the sea hauing left him at the Knights Castell that was vanquished by Galpan in the Damosels charge who attended his wounds which in fifteene daies were almost thorowly healed Notwithstanding despising rest determined to set on his way so that on a Sunday morning taking leaue of his hoste and his gentle Chirurgion he mounted on Horse-backe accompanied onely with Gandalin who neuer would forsake him and not farre from the Castle they entred a great Forrest It was now about the moneth of Aprill when the Birdes tune their Notes most pleasantly and that all Trees Herbes and Flowers declare the comming of the Spring time this delightsome change made him remember her who aboue all other flowred in excellent beautie and for whom abandoning his libertie Loue hath taken him captiue so that in these thoghts he thus somewhat loud parled with himselfe Ah poore Gentleman of the Sea without Parents or Lands that thou canst auouch how durst thou lift thy heart so high as to loue her who is beyond all other in beautie bounty and birth Ah wretch as thou art oughtest thou not to consider by these three things wherein she is most perfect the best Kinght in the world may not be so hardy as to thinke of louing her And thou poore vnknowne art wrapt in a labirinth of folly louing and dying not daring to tell it or make shew thereof In this complaint was the Gentleman of the Sea so carryed away as forgetting all other matters hee rode crosse the forrest a long space with his Helmet closed till at length lifting vp his head hee behelde a Knight well mounted in the wood by him who long had kept company to heare his sadde discourse When the knight sawe the Prince had discryed him for that cause held his peace he approched neerer him with these words Beleeue me knight it seems you more loue your Friend then shee doth you when in commending her you dispraise your selfe and for ought I vnderstand by your speeches you are no such man as ought to pretend loue therefore it is necessarie I should know who shee is to the end I may supply your defect and serue her Sir knight answered the Prince you haue some reason for these speeches yet hap what shall you can know no more then you doe and I can assure yee that by louing her you can get no aduantage So doe not I beleeue sayd the knight for a man ought to conceiue glory in trauaile or any danger in the seruice of so faire a Ladie seeing that in the end he cannot but gaine his long looked for recompence wherefore hee that loueth in so high a place as you doe should not be agreeued at any thing that happeneth When the Prince heard him speake so sensibly imagining hee vsed these wordes to comfort him he was of better cheere and came more neere to him to continue this talk but the Knight sayd Keepe yee backe for either by friend-ship or force you must tell mee what I haue demaunded Now trust me answered the Prince it shall not be so Goe too then quoth the knight see what wil happen thereon and defend your selfe With right good will sayde the Prince So gan they lace their Helmets taking likewise their Shieldes and Lances but as they seuered them-selues for the Ioust a Damosell came and spake in this manner Knights I pray you forbeare a while and tell mee one thing before the combate if you can for such is my haste as I haue no leasure to tarry the end of your fight At these words they stayed them-selues demanding of her what she desired I would faine quoth shee heare some news of a Knight called the Gentleman of the Sea And what would you with him said the Prince I haue brought him tydings answered the Damosell from Agraies Sonne to the King of Scotland Attend a little replyed the Prince and I will tell ye so much as I know of him All this time was the Knight of the Forrest ready for the Ioust and much offended at her that came to stay them wherefore hee called to the Prince to gaurd him-selfe giuing him such an attaint in the encounter as his Launce flew in pieces but the Prince met him full as both Horse and Man were thrown to the ground when the Horse being more nimble then his Maister seeing him selfe at libertie ran about the field yet the Prince found the meanes to take him againe and bringing him to the dismounted knight sayd Heere Sir take your Horse and hence-forth desire not to know any thing against a mans will The knight would not refuse his gentlenesse for he found him-selfe so shaken with his fall as hee could hardly follow to catch him again in meane while he assayed to remount on his Horse the Prince left him comming to the Damosell that stayed for him demaunding if she knew the man she enquired after No truely quoth she I did neuer see him but Agraies told me that he would presently make himselfe knowne so soone as I should say that I came from him He did not deceiue you therein answered the Prince therfore ye must vnderstand I my selfe am the man and with these words he vnlaced his Helmet when the Damosell saw his face she said In truth now doe I verily beleeue it for your beauty I haue heard very much commended Then tell me quoth the Prince where haue you left Agraies Hard by a Riuer not farre hence sayd she where he staieth with his Troupe attending a fit winde for Passage into Gaule and is very desirous before he go any further to know if you will beare him companie With all my heart replyed the Prince ride then before and conduct mee the way So rode he on with the Damosell and in some short time after they came neer the place where Agraies and his Armie were encamped but yet before they arriued there they heard behinde them one cry Stay knight for thou must tell me what I demanded The Prince turning backe behold the knight whō he so lately dismounted and another that bare him company wherfore hee stayed to take his Armes Now were they so neere the Prince Agraies Campe and he as they all might see the Tourney hauing a farre off noted the Princes comming maruailing what he was that so gallantly managed his Horse
our Army which shall remaine with the King in this Forrest of Baldain then you Lord Daganel and my selfe will go with the rest to present our selues at breake of day before the Cittie I am certaine that being descried by our enemies who imagining our strength is altogether wil take hart and not faile to come running forth vpon vs. When we see them approch we will dissemble a timerous feare and take our flight toward the Forrest where shall abide the King with his company then our enemies pursuing assured victory in their own conceit wil secke aduantage by our shamefull retire so be takē thēseues in the snare Very well haue you aduised answered King Abies do you your selfe worthy Duke giue order that all things bee done as you haue appointed Now might ye there behold armed men on Horse-backe the Souldiers mustring the drums thundering and the Trumpets cheerefully sounding as in one instant matters were so well ordered that the Kings Commandement failed in nothing whereupon the next morning at the breake of day Daganel and the Duke of Normandie shewed themselues with their Squadron before the Towne Little did King Perion at that time thinke of any such enterprise but altogether refreshed his succour and honoured the Prince by whō he had found such friend-ship And to make some shew of his affection towardes him in the morning he came with his Queene to the Princes Chamber where they foūd him washing his hands and perceiuing his eyes red swollen blubbered with teares they easily gathered hee had taken no good rest that night and very true it was for continually hee thought of her whose loue had depriued him of libertie and likewise compared withall the slender means he had to attaine so high which made him enter into such profound griefe as he expected no other remedie but death The Queene desirous to know the cause of his sadnesse tooke Gandalin aside thus speaking to him My friend your Maisters countenance berayweth some inward displeasure hath any one heere offended him in ought No Madame answered Gandalin he hath by your Maiestie receiued great honor but he is wont to bee tormented in sleepe as you see During these discourses the Sentinell came to aduertise the King how he had discoured the ambush and the enemies were very neere the Citie where presently he commanded to doraine the Armie Now was each one ready to horse-backe especially the King and the Prince who went directly to the Citie gate where they found Agraies chiding because they would not let him goe forth thinking he should tarrie too long from the fight for he was one of the hardiest Knights and the best to giue assistance in neede that could bee found so that if good aduise had beene as ready with him as he was possessed of vnconquerable courage his like might not haue beene found in the world At the Kings comming the gates were suddenly opened and then went foorth the men of Gaule in order who seeing their enemies to be so great a number albeit the whole Armie was minded to goe no further reputing it ouer-much boldnesse to assaile such an vneaquall strength and therefore arose among them a murmuring contestation Which Agraies perceiuing without further trifling gaue the spurres to his horse crying aloud Beshrow him that tarrieth any longer seeing them hee is to deale withall shall we not venter So saying he gallopped toward his enemies in like manner did the Gentleman of the Sea and the rest of their traine who without any order of marching ran among them and were immediatly mingled together He whom the Prince first met withall was the Duke of Normandie whō he charged so couragiously as breaking his Launce on him ouer-threw both man and horse to the earth and with this rough fall his legge was broken So passed on the Prince setting hand to Sword as a chafed Lyon entred the preasse shewing such deeds of Armes as none durst with-stand him for he ouer-threw all that encountred him killing some outright chining and dismembring others so that euery one was glad to giue him way When Daganel saw his men in such disorder by the meanes of one Knight he got the most of them together so well as he could and round about beset the Prince to beate him downe which they had done but that Agraies Perceiuing it came with his troupe to rescue him At their arriual you might behold Launces broken Knights tumbling downe helmets rent and shields scatred on the ground making a great conflict disorder amongst the Irish-men for King Perion likewise came fresh vpon them with his band Daganel on the cōtrary side did the best he could to retire backe but the Gentleman of the Sea was among the thickest shewing such chiualry as he found before him not any resistance each one was so abashed at his behauiour and Agraies aboue the rest shewed that his arme was not benummed for the more to hearten and cheere vp his men he cryed aloude to them follow my friends follow the best Knight that euer bare Armes When Daganel saw his side to haue the worst what great damage he receiued by the Prince he determined to kill his horse and so to make him fall among the crowde but he was deceiued for the Prince comming to him let fall so mightie a stroke on his Helmet as rent it cleane from off his head and so remained Daganel vnarmed Which when King Perion espied he reached him such a salutation with his Sword as cleft his head through the very braines whereupon his men seeing him slaine they that had the best horses fled away for life and stayed not till they saued them-selues where King Abies was ambushed But King Perion still pursuing victory discouered the rereguard that came from the Forrest marching in very great haste toward him shewing by their countenance a reuenge of their losse wherefore ioyning together they cryed Set on them men of Ireland see that none of them escape vs but let vs enter pell-mell in the field When the Gaules found themselues thus surpized neuer were people more astonished for they imagined the ambush had not beene so great and which most of all affrighted them was that they must now deale with fresh and lustie men them-selues being sore wearyed their horses so ouerlaboured as they could hardly indure their burden Beside they knew king Abias was there in persō being as you heard before accounted one of the best knights in the world and for this cause the most part of the Gaules began to tremble But the Gentle-man of the Sea foreseeing the disorder was like to ensue came perswaded them rather to die then loose one iot of their honour and reputation saying My friends and companions be of good cheere each one make knowne his vertue and remember the esteeme the Gaules haue gotten by Armes We are to deale with the people astonnied halfe ouercome let vs not make change with them taking their feare and
garments to be brought and put about her wherefore hee that brought the lights ran for a scariet mantle which Arcalaus not long before gaue the iaylor and cast it about the Ladies shoulders This being done Amadis tooke her by the hand conducting her forth of the darke prison saying She should neuer returne thither againe but he would loose his life before and passing by where the iaylor and the other lay slaine the Lady began thus to complaine Ah cruell hands how many woūds and torments haue you giuen me and diuers in this Castle without desert althought your bodies at this instant cānot receiue cōdigne vēgance your damned soules may euermore abide in sufferance Madame saide Amadis while I go to deliuer the rest of the prisoners I leaue ye in my Squires custody so passing on to the port-cullis he met the Souldier that brought the lights saying Sir Arcalaus demandeth where the Knight is that entred heere whether he be dead or taken He who caryed the torch before the Prince was so affraid at these words that he let it fal which Amadis made him take vp againe thus speaking to him Villaine fearest thou being in my guarde goe on Thē assending the staires they came into the open Court where they sawe the greater part of the night was spent the Moone shining cleare and the weather faire but the Lady feeling the aire and beholding the heauens was so repleat with ioy that she fell on her knees before Amadis saying Ah gentle Knight the Almighty protect thee and require the good I haue receiued by thee deliuering me from comfortlesse darkenesse Amadis looking round about for Gandalin and finding him not searing he had lost him wherefore he saide If the best Squire in the world be dead I will take such reuenge for his death may I but find his murderer as neuer was the like heard before Being thus ouer-come with griefe hee heard one crie wherefore hee ran which way he thought best and found the Dwarffe that parted from him the night before hanging by one leg on high at a great piece of wood hauing a fire vnderneath him full of filthy stinking sauours neere him he espied Gandalin tied to a tree toward whom hee was going to vnbinde him but hee saw the Dwarffe had greatest need of help wherefore he cut the cords in twaine that held him vp catching him in his armes to set him on his feete afterward he vnloosed Gandalin saying In sooth my friend whosoeuer entreated thee thus made little reckoning of thy good deserts Now because he would deliuer the other prisoners he met the Lady comming forth of the Castle as he returned back againe but going on he found the gates fast shut against him whereupon he staied ul day light in a corner of the Court sitting downe by the Lady accompanied with two of the Souldiers the Dwarffe and Gandalin And as they communed together Gandalin shewed the Prince a place where-into he saw a horse led which Amadis being desirous to see came to the dore and found it shut but he ran so strongly against it with his foote that he made it fly open finding the horse there ready sadled and bridled whereon he mounted attending the day and sight of Arcalaus who he knew was already arriued at the Castle by matters he heard of Gandalin and the Dwarffe In meane while he conferred with the Lady demanding what the King was she loued so deerly and for whom she had sustained such iniury Worthy Lord quoth she Arcalaus getting intelligence of the Princes affection toward me whom I loue so loyally this diuelish enchanter being his mortall enemy thought he could be no better reuenged on him then by depriuing me of his presēce imagining the griefe here-of would be greater to him then any other Being thus perswaded he stole me away at what time I was with many great personages who were not able to giue me any succor by reason of the traiterous villainous sorceries for they could not deuise what was become of me because a wonderfull darke cloud enuironed me which hindred them from following mee to this place since when I neuer saw light till now you brought mee forth The disloyall wretch said by the way as he brought me that he would be reuenged on my loue my selfe by these meanes I poore soule enduring the torments and my loue the griefe of my absence yet ignorant where Madame said Amadis I pray ye name the man you spake of It is King Arban of Norwales answered the Lady whom it may be you know I know him right well replied Amadis for he is one whom I deerly loue and now do I lesse pitty your sufferings then before because they haue bin for one of the best men in the world who will so well recompence them as by rendring you incomparable ioy your loue and honor shall both be satisfied While thus they communed together faire day appeared when Amadis saw a Knight leaning in a window who thus demanded Art thou he that didst kill my iaylor my seruants Art thou he answered Amadis that so treacherously putteth knights to death abusing likewise both Ladyes and Gentlewomen by heauen thou art one of the vilest villaines that euer I heard of As yet thou knowest not said Arcalaus the vttermost of my power but soone shalt thou haue experience thereof to rid thee of such boldnes in asking me what I can do whether it bee wrong or right Herewith hee went from the window and not long after came downe into the Court being well armed mounted on a lusty bay courser Now you must note that this Arcalaus was one of the mightyest Knights in the world yet no Gyant wherefore when Amadis behelde him of such stature hee doubted not of his great force and strength Arcalous perceiuing hee eyed him so much demāded what moued him so to doe I imagine answered Amadis that according to thy large proportion thou shouldest be a man of exquisite Chiualrie but thy peruerse and humaine actions are a foule blemish thereto Now trust me sayde Arcalaus I thinke my selfe highly beholding to fortune who hath brought thee hither to make mee such a smooth sermon but all this will not helpe thee therefore defend thy selfe So charging their Launces they brake so brauely on their Shields as the shiuers flewe vp into the aire and with such violence met their horses and bodies that they were both laide along on the ground Quickly they arose with their swordes began a bloudy combate wherein desire of victorie and hauty resolution of vncōquerable courage made thē continue a long time till Arcalaus retiring aside thus spake to Amadis Knight thou art in danger of death and because I know not who thou art tell me that when I haue slaine thee I may yet commend thy boldnes in entring heere My death answered Amadis is in the hand of God whom I reuerence and thine in the power of the Deuill who is weary of helping thee
her selfe thus lamented Incomprehensible wisdome let mee not liue to endure these trauailes seeing thou hast taken these two from me whom I loued as my life But when the Damosell of Denmarke saw her selfe thus alone betweene two extreames shee was maruailously abashed yet as one wise and well gouerned shee spake in this manner to the Princesse Mabila Why Madame when were you wont to abuse your honourable vertues is it now time to forget your selfe will you thus consent to the death of my Lady you rather ought to aide and comfort her then thus to forsake her and procure her further danger if shee reuiue againe Come I pray yee succour her for now is the time of greatest neede and let these lamentations be referred till another time Mabila perceiuing the Damosell saide true wherefore she came to Oriana and feeling by her warmenesse some hope of life to bee expected they lifted her vpon the bed when soon after her spirites returned to their office and to qualifie this agonie they could deuise no better means then to busie her eares with some or other speeches Why Madame quoth one will ye leaue vs at least yet speake to vs. Madame saide the other your Amadis is yet aliue and well At the name of Amadis shee opened her eyes turning her head here and there as if she looked for him which good humour Mabila desirous to continue proceeded thus Amadis commeth Madame and shortly you shall see him Oriana giuing a great sigh started vp saying Alas sweete friend where is he We vnderstand quoth shee that he is in very good health and how the Knight who brought these bad tidings is wont to vaunt of himselfe without cause feeding himselfe with false praise of deceiuing Knights Why saide Oriana haue I not heard that hee brought his horse and armour A matter of nothing answered Mabila they may as wel be borrowed or stolne or he happily sent with that false allarme to try out constancy then finding vs thus weakely disposed hee should haue had the thing he desired I would not haue you thinke so simply Madam that Amadis could be ouercome by one and no better a knight then he nor were it reason to credit a commender of himselfe bringing his owne glory for testimony and no other approbation I am assured that Amadis will come ere long and if he finde you not onely dead in a manner but thus giuen ouer to griefe it will cost his life so shall you deliuer vnhappy proofe what wicked feigning by malice can do and thus you both shall die one for another When Oriana remembred how by this meane she might be the death of her friend if by good hap he yet enioyed life and imagined likewise that Mabila spake the truth she tooke courage casting her eye on the windowe where many times Amadis and she had amorously conferred when first he ariued at her fathers Court and intercepting a number of forced sighes thus spake Ah window the witnesse of my abādoned pleasures how piercing is the doubt of him whom thou causest me remember and by whose gracious words both thou and I were made happy Of this I am certaine that neuer canst thou indure so long as two so loyall louers might by thee enioy such delight as he and I haue done which fayling mee now giueth me strange and insupportable torments to bee my companions and hence-forth shall my sad spirit remaine in bitter sadnes vntill the comming of him or my death Mabila perceiuing the cheefest danger was past laboured to confirme her opinion more strongly then shee had done in this manner Why Madam thinke you if I held these babling newes for truth I could haue the power to comfort you in this sort the loue I beare to my Cozin is not so little but rather I should incite all the world to weepe then want consolation for you who stand in such neede thereof But I see so slender appearance of beleefe as I will not before time require repute you vnfortunate because discomforting our selues without asurance The euill hereby may be amended and the good made much more worse especially it will be the meane of discouering what hath so long time beene shaddowed in secret Alas quoth Oriana if he bee dead I care not though our loue were openly knowne for all our mishaps in respect of it are nothing Thus debating and deuising together the two Ladies all that day kept their chamber not suffering any other to come in for when the Damosell of Denmarke who passed often in and out was demanded for Oriana she answered that she accompanied Mabila whom she would not suffer to part from her by reason of her griefe for her Cosin Amadis Thus was the princesses secret sadnesse couered all night she being vnable to take any rest such were her assaults between doubt and despaire not forgetting any thing that past betweene her and Amadis since their younger yeeres But on the morrow about dinner time Brandoynas entred the palace leading Grindaloya in his hand which gaue great ioy to such as knew them for of long time they could not imagine what was become of them they falling on their knees before the king were quickly called to remembrance his maiesty thus speaking Sir Brandoyuas how chaunce you haue tarryed so long from vs Alas my Lord quoth he imprisonment hath bin the cause whereout had not the good Knight Amadis of Gaule giuen liberty to me this Lady and many more by such deedes of Armes as are vnspeakable we could neuer haue been deliuered Yet was he once in danger of tarying there himselfe by the villainous coniurations and sorceries of Arcalaus but he was succoured by two Damosels who deliuered him from all the exorcismes When the King heard him name Amadis whom hee verily thought to be dead What my friend quoth he by the faith thou owest to God and me is Amadis liuing Yea my good Lord answered Brandoyuas it is not ten dayes since I left him in good disposition but may it like you to tell me why you demanded such a questiō Because sayd the King Arcalaus yesterday tolde vs he had slaine him heere-with he declared his speeches and the manner how What a traiterous villaine is that replied Brandoyuas but worse is befalne him then he weeneth as yet hereto he added what passed betweene Amadis Arcalaus as already you haue heard whereby each one forsooke the sorrow of the former false newes the King presently commanding that Grindaloya should be conducted to the Queene that shee might vnderstand these happy tidings Into the Queenes chamber is she brought and the Damosell of Denmarke hearing her reporte ran with all speede to the Princesse Oriana who hearing by her the truth of all the passage of her speech was stopt for a long time seeming as one confounded with enchantment thinking in these newes shee gaue her the bag or that she dreamed them but when she recouered the vse of her tongue she thus answered the
from his shoulders This is quoth hee the rewarde of thy treacheries done to Anthebon and payment for thy treason in the action of his death The daughter of Anthebon being present at this deede hauing heard Galaor often name her father fell on her knees before him with these words Alas my Lord you haue bouÌ„d me in such duty to you as neuer shall I be able to requite your paines my selfe being of such simple and slender ability but the good will I haue to recompence this benefit hath imprinted daily prayers in my heart to God for you hauing so iustly reuenged the death of my father and the wrongfull forcing of this traytour Galaor curteously taking her vp embracing her in his armes thus answered On my faith faire friend hee were a man of little sence that would offer displeasure to such a one as you are seeing you much bettet deserue to be loued and serued then with griefe or fauour to bee offended but tell mee haue you any more enemies in this Castle No Sir replyed the Damosell those which remaine are to doe you honour and obeysance Let vs goe then quoth hee to let in two Damosels who were my guides hither from your Lady mother So taking him by the hand shee commanded the gate to bee opened the two Damosels entered leading Galaors horse but when they sawe their yong Mistresse they humbly made her reuerence demanding if her fathers death were reuenged to her desire Yea verily quoth shee I thanke God and this knight who hath done that many other could not doe It was now the vehement hot time of the day wherefore Galaor tooke off his helmet to refresh himselfe when the Lady seeing him so young and beautifull as also so valiant in deedes of armes began to bee touched with loue and setting aside both feare and bashfulnesse shee began to imbrace and kisse him saying My honorable Lord friend more cause haue I to loue you then any other creature liuing In good faith quoth he and I loue you likewise as well in respect of your beauty and good grace as also for your deceased fathers sake he and I being borne in one Countrie May if it please ye Sir sayde shee to tell mee your name Such as are acquainted with mee answered the Prince tearme mee Galaor In sooth my Lord quoth shee often haue I heard my father speake of Sir Amadis your brother and of you likewise saying you were the sons to the King of Gaul his liege Lord and Soueraigne As thus they deuised they entered alone into a chamber while the Damosels with the rest were pouiding viands wherefore Galaor seeing time and place so commodious to request the loue of her that vsed him so kindly shee being a Lady young fresh and faire named Brandueta himselfe likewise actiue and desirous of such sweete baytes thus spake Madame if Palingues loued you as I haue heard hee had great reason for it knowing you to bee such a one as I see you are for my selfe who haue so little acquaintance with you am already so deepe in deuotion to your gracious nature as I would repute my selfe happy if you granted me the fauour I desire accepting mee as your friend and seruant The Lady not one iot behinde him in amorous affection shaped him this answere I haue tolde yee my Lord that I loue you more then any other liuing creature therefore you 〈…〉 sured how mâ—… you in all things whatsoeuer â—…ring these speeches Galaor still held his loue in his armes kissing and toying with her so pleasantly as Diana soone after lost her interest in the maiden whereto Brandueta yeelded with greater contentment then all her former resistances to Palingues from whom shee kept her virginity so long that shee was now content to bestow it on the French Prince and hee hauing a good stomacke to such dainty dyet made her loue him the better for it while she liued But see an vnhappy inconuenience after many mabracings and amorous conferences as they would once more haue besieged the Footresse of loue the Damosels came to tell them that dinner was ready wherefore though loath they were forced to leane off accompanying the Damosels to the place where the tables were couered which was vnder a Gallery inuironed with trees As they sate at the table and discoursed of many matters among other things Brandueta declared to him how Palingues standing in feare of him and his brother Amadis caused this Castle to be kept so strongly considering that her Father Anthebon was of Gaule and king Perions subiect the sooner would they assay to worke reuenge for his death For this reason quoth she hee allowed no other entrance then by the basket into this Castle where I haue liued in maruailous griefe and sorrowe as neuer shall I desire to tarry here longer therefore right gentle Lord and friend might it so like you without any longer stay I would gladly see my mother who will not bee a little glad of my returne and yours likewise Galaor was very well contented and thoughâ—… were late yet got they to horse-backe departing from the Castle but for all their haste they were two houres benighted which brake no square in respect of the good newes the good Lady with all her family ioyfully receiuing them with all honourable meanes could bee deuised beside the comforted widow cast herselfe at his feete vsing these speeches Worthy Lord both I and mine are bound to you for euer referring to your disposition whatsoeuer wee enioy because you are the restorer confirmer of all I thank you Madame answered Galaor for your friendly offers but where no desert is the requitall must of force be farre more easie Now the greater part of the night beeing spent they brake off talke and bequeathed themselues to rest and Galaor being alone in his chamber remembred his louely breakefast before dinner with his new friend who likewise was so deepe in consideration thereof that shee could wish such another ere supper and whether she did or no iudge you For no sooner knew she euery one to bee in bedde but secretly shee came to Galaors chamber where shee had no churlish speeches to driue her away but most dainty sweete and gracious entertainement what else they did I know not but shee tarryed there till morning and then returned vnseene of any CHAP. XXVII How Amadis pursuing the Knight that misused the Damosel met another Knight with whom he combated and what happened to him afterward YOu haue heard what haste Amadis made after the Damosell whom the knight led away perforce bearing and misusing her very cruelly but hee happened to meet with another Knight who demanded of him why he rid so fast What haue you to do answered Amadis whether it be my pleasure to ride fast or soft In good faith said the knight Ispeake it as one willing to helpe you if you be offered wrong by any that you may goe in better asurance if you bee affraid
together and she proceeded on this manner I entreate yee Sir to resolue me if you knowe a Knight that is named Amadis Why aske ye Lady quoth hee Because replyed shee all the guard you found in this Castle was appointed for him and assure your selfe if hee entred heere hee neuer should depart hence againe if first hee denyed not a promise that he made What was it answered Amadis I wil tel ye Sir said she on this condition that with your vttermost indeauor you will cause him to acquite it either by Armes or otherwise by reason hee hath not done it iustly In sooth Madame quoth hee if Amadis hath promised any thing wherein hee is to bee touched I will if I can cause him to discharge it Shee who vnderstood not to what ende hee thus spake answered as followeth I heartily thank ye Sir wherefore vnderstand that Amadis promised Angriote d'Estrauâ—â—s how hee would procure his Ladies liking to him and yet shee neuer could loue him in all her life this is a matter against all right seeing forced affection is no loue but dolour and misery then according to your promise you must labour to cause Amadis reuoke this vnreasonable offer Now trust mee Madame replyed the Prince you say right well I will endeauour to make him acquite you These wordes procured many thankes from her shee not comprehending his meaning heerein for hee hoped to accomplish his promise both to Angriote and her without derogating either to one or other as you hereafter shall vnderstand But Madame saide hee are you shee whom Angriote loueth so Yea truely quoth shee I know him very well answered Amadis that hee is one of the best Knights in the world and me thinkes there is no Lady or Gentlewoman so rich or faire but might thinke herselfe happy and fortunate to haue such a Knight as he Neuerthelesse what I say is not to exempt my selfe from the promise I made ye for I will perform it if I can because hee is a much better Knight then Amadis albeit he made him that gentle offer CHAP. XXXIII How Amadis combated with the Knight that did steale the Damosell from him when he slept and vanquished him WHile thus they were deuising together there entred another Knight of large proportion and strong all armed except with his helmet and gauntlets who thus spake to Amadis It is tolde me Sir knight that you demaund a Damosell which I brought hither yester night and how I did it against her will but assure your self she would more willingly goe with mee then stay with you therfore you may be ashamed thus to quarrel noâ— haue I any reason to deliuer her againe to you I would faine see her answered Amadis It must bee then saide the Knight whether I will or no but if you will maintaine that I haue wronged her and she ought not to be mine I presently will approoue the contrarie on your person by combat Thou canst not please mee better quoth Amadis and in this cause will I stand not onely against thee but resolutely against all other that by right she appertayneth not to thee if willingly she gaue not her consent Let vs see then saide the Knight which of vs shall haue her This man of whom we speake was Vncle germaine to Angriotes Ladie named Gasinan shee louing and honouring him aboue all her other kinred for hee was the best Knight of his race wise and discreete so that shee was altogether gouerned by his counsell A goodly horse beeing brought forth for him hee laced on his helmet and stood prouided to enter the combate which Grouenesa the Lady perceiuing shee came to her Vncle with these wordes Certes my Lord it were better you should forbeare this difference because I would bee sory any harme should come to either of you in respect you Vncle are the only man of the world whom I am most bound to loue and this knight I haue greatest hope in for he hath promised to deale with Amadis as hee shall acquite the offer made to Angriote What Neece answered Gasinan thinke you that hee or any his like can disswade the most gentle Knight on the earth from accomplishing his promise I know not quoth shee what you imagine of him but I repute him one of the best in the worlde otherwise hee could not haue entered heere by strength of Armes as hee did Say you so replyed Gasinan you praise him ouer much for passing the defended gates when men of such mean account had them in charge I say not this but that hee may be a gentle Knight yet I hope to take him forth a new lessen and a better then he if he were here in witnesse of my wordes your selfe shal presently be iudge seeing him vanquished and my selfe peaceably possessed of the Damosel we quarrell for Herewith the Lady left them and they giuing the spurres to their horses brake their Lances gallantly in the encounter and with such fury met their bodies that Gasinan was dismounted hauing a shrewd fall against the ground yet he arose quickly and drawing his sworde stood by a Marble pillar in the middest of the Court thinking Amadis could there little endoâ—ge him being on horse-backe and hee on foote When Amadis sawe how his enemy dallied with him he waxed very angry and striking fiercely at him by mishap his sworde lighted short on the pillar and so was broken in three peeces now grew he into greater choller and seeing in what danger hee was vnprouided of a weapon to defend himselfe withall hee leaped from his horse so quickely as hee could when Gasinan thus spake to him Knight thou â—eest thy death at hand if thou grant not the Damosell to be mine Nor will I yeelde thereto saide Amadis vnlesse herselfe doe first consent Thou shalt see quoth Gasinan how deere this foolish humor will cost thee With these wordes he deliuered him many sharpe stroakes but Amadis awarded them very cunningly so that the most of them were bestowed in vaine rather wearying his enemy then doing him any harme And so long endured the combate as the beholders were not a little amazed thereat wondering that Gasinan got not the victorie all the while considering what aduantage hee had of the Prince but Amadis concluded with himselfe being thus extreamely handled to hazard rather a speedy conquest then a lingring shame and therefore ranne violently vpon Gasinan getting fast holde about his body so suddenly as he had scant leasure to lift his armes for resistance but was constrained to let fall his sworde and struggle with Amadis who griped him terribly so stroue they to ouerthrow each other But Amadis threw him with such might against the Marble pillar that hee was not able to stirre hand or foot and afterward taking vp Gasinans sword brake the buckles of his helmet then catching him by the head hee sayd Knight thou hast offered mee great wrong since my sworde brake but now shall I bee reuenged on thee then made hee
a proffer to smite off his heade which Grouenesa seeing cryed Ah gentle Knight haue pittie on him and mee together With aboundance of teares trickling downe her cheekes shee came and fell at the feete of Amadis shewing the affection of her request and her inwarde griefe to beholde her Vncles death all which Amadis well noting feigned himselfe more willing to kill him then before saying If your suite were reasonable I would consent thereto but hee hath so wronged mee and without occasion as I cannot bee satisfied but with the losse of his head Alas my Lord quoth shee for Gods sake demand some other satisfaction for I will doe whatsoeuer you please to redeeme his life Lady answered Amadis there be but two things which may saue his life first the deliuerance of the Damosell againe to mee secondly that you sweare to me as a loyall Lady to meet me at the first open Court held by king Lisuart and there to graunt a boone I shall desire of you Gasinan beholding the danger of his life saide to her Faire Niece suffer me not thorough your default to die but take compassion on mee and promise the knight faithfully what he shall demand which shee presently did wherefore Amadis permitted him to arise said to the Lady I assure yee Madame the suite I must obtayne of you gaine-saith nothing of my promise coÌ„cerning Amadis for I will accomplish it to my vttermost see then no default bee made on your behalfe In sooth my Lord quoth shee I will performe my duty effectually knowing well such men ought to bee honoured for vertue in whom so singular prowesse is apparant much lesse then neede any doubt be made of any thing preiudiciall tomy vnstayned report Be bolde thereof sayd Amadis then was the Damosell sent for and shee being come Amadis demanded if shee would accompany him any further Worthy Sir answered the Damosell I will doe what you please to command mee in respect I haue beene so painefull to you as while I liue I am yours in all obedience But were it your liking considering the affection Gasinan beares mee as hee would rather hazard the combate then deliuer mee albeit by treachery hee carried mee away I gladly could afford to stay with him By heauen faire Damosell replyed Gasinan most true and sincere is my affection towarde you and as I request yee not to forsake mee so doe I desire your good opinion You haue chosen Damosell one of the best knights in the worlde sayd Amadis and seeing you like each other so well with all my heart I leaue yee together They both thanked him very humbly intreating hee would rest himselfe there certaine dayes but hee would returne to his brother Galaor whom hee left vnder the tree by the dead knight by meanes whereof he excused his departure and mounting on horse-backe commanded Gandalin to carry the broken peeces of his sword with him By hap Gasinan ouer-heard him wherefore hee presented him with his sworde which hee accepted and a Launce that Grâ—â—enesa gaue him then leauing the Castle hee tooke the way againe toward the tree where hee hoped to finde Galaor and Balays CHAP. XXIX How Balays behaued himselfe in his enterprise pursuing the Knight that made Galaor lose his horse BAlays of Carsaâ—ta offended as you haue heard with the Knightes iniurious pranckes to Galaors horse followed him so fast as possibly hee could but the other had gotten so farre before as Balays heard no tydings of him neuerthelesse hee rode on till about mid-night when hee heard a voyce a long by a Riuers side And shaping his course thither hee found there fiue theeues well armed with Croslets and Hatchets who villainously would force a Damosell one of them dradging her by the hayre of the head in a straite way on the mountaine and the other beating her forwarde with great staues Balays seeing them vilely abuse her entred among them saying Trayterous murderers dare you so boldly lay holde on a Damosell let her alone else shall you die according to your deserts Then running fiercely at one of them his Launce passed quite thorow his body so that he fell downe dead without any mouing Wherupon the other foure would reuenge their companions death altogether inuironed Balays with such sharp assaults as one of them smote downe his horse vnder him yet Balays dismayed nothing thereat but beeing couragiously resolued quickely recouered footing and drawing his sworde layde so fiercely about him that another of them fell downe headlesse at his feet In briefe two more of them accompanied their fellowes in like fortune when the last seeing hee could not preuent like doome fell on his knees before Balays saying Good my Lord haue compassion on me for if I die in this wicked life I haue so long vsed vndoubtedly both body and soule will perish together Since thou doest answered Balays so willingly acknowledge thy fault thy life I giue thee to the ende thy repentance hereafter may make amends for al faithfully hee kept promise with Balays for soone after he became a religious Hermit spending the rest of his dayes in great deuotion But now returneth Balays to the Damosell who being not a little glad she was so happily deliuered gaue him thankes for the succour shee found in such necessity and hee requesting to know how shee happened into this daunger shee thus begun Hauing occasion Sir to trauell in these parts in the narrow way on the mountaine they staied mee it beeing the common place for their theeuish assaults and after they had slaine my seruants they brought mee into this place all of them swearing to force me one after another but God and you haue graciously deliuered me Her modest behauiour in speech and comely beauty made Balays to waxe somewhat enamoured which made him thus to interrupt her In sooth faire Damosell I perceiue they haue dealt with ye vngently for they were very loath to parte with yee but seeing fortune hath allowed such a conuenient meeting euen where wee may lay a foundation of loue let me request this fauourable kindnesse that wee may not lose so good an oportunitie I know not Sir quoth shee how you are minded but had they compelled mee to their lasciuious desires both God and the worlde might holde mee excused contrariwife if I should willingly grant you such an vnhonourable request what excuse might then serue either you or me Hitherto you haue shewed your selfe a well disposed knight let mee intreate yee to accompany chiualrie with continence and vertue as by duty you are bound When Balays heard her answere so soberly hee repented that hee had offered her such vndecent wordes saying With reason faire virgin you haue fully satisfied mee yet pardon me for attempting so bad a suite in respect it is no lesse seemely for knights to moue Ladies with loue then for them modestly to deny as you haue done And albeit at the first we imagine it a great conquest to obtayne of them what
promised Angriote that he should enioy me as his Wife whereof when I attained knowledg I withdrew my selfe to a Castle of mine where I kept such a strong guarde and custome as it was thought impossible for any strange knight to enter there without licence but that knight comming thither vanquished my guardants and hath vtterly abolished the drift I intended Yet afterward of his owne good will he promised mee to cause Amadis recall his offer to Angriote then chanced an vnhappy combat betweene him and this knight mine Vnckle who being at the latest extremitie of his life at my request he was spared on this condition that on the first day your Maiesty held open Court I should here present my selfe to grant a request he must demand of me To satisfie my promise I am come hither and desire to know what he will command me At which words Amadis stepped forward saying My Lord the Lady hath told ye nothing but truth concerning the seuerall promises at the Combats therefore am I ready here to accomplish that Amadis shall call back his word to A◅iote prouided she performe her owne promise On my conscience quoth shee if you effect what you haue said you pleasure me more then you can imagine and to let you know I am ready to fulfill my offer demand what you please for if it be in my power you shall preuaile I request nothing else answered Amadis but that you would accept Angriote as your husband he louing you so deerely as he doth Out alas cryed the Lady what maner of demand is this I wish Madame said Amadis that you would marry with such a one as is well worthy to haue so faire a Lady In sooth knight quoth shee this is not according to the promise you made me I promised nothing replied Amadis but I will performe it for if I stand bound to you to cause Amadis discharge his word to Angriote herein I accomplish it I am Amadis and I reuoke the promise I made him wherein you must needes confesse your selfe satisfyed hee gladly would enioy you as his Wife and I ioyne with him in the same request thus stand I free discharged to you both May it be possible quoth she that you are the man so highly renouned Credit me Lady answered the King this is Amadis Ah wretch that I am said she now do I wel perceiue that art not cuning can preuent what God hath appointed for I haue done my vttermost to escape Angriote not onely for the euill I wish him disdaining his good and vertuous deserts but carying this resolution that keeping my selfe chast and single I would not bring my liberty into subiection and now when I thought to be furthest from him I am come neerer then euer I intended Lady quoth the King you haue great occasion to reioyce for you being faire and rich he is a yong and braue disposed knight as you are rich in goods and possessions euen so is he in bounty and vertue not onely in deedes of Armes but in all other good qualities beseeming a knight therefore your mariage together is very requisite and I thinke all in this presence are of mine opinion heereupon shee stepped to the Queene saying Madam you are esteemed one of the most vertuous Princesses in the world most humbly I desire your councell what I shall do Faire friend answered the Queene according to the reputation Angrtote had gotten among the good he well deserueth not onely to bee aboundant in riches but to bee loued of any Lady he shall chuse Why Lady said Amadis think you not that by accident or affection my promise was made to Angriote for had he compelled me to one of these twaine then might you well haue condemned mee of folly but making tryall of his valour and hardinesse yea to mine owne cost I dare assure ye and knowing likewise his earnest loue to you me thinkes the iustice of the cause commands that not only my selfe but all such as are acquainted with him ought to labor in seeking remedy for you both in him the extreame passions hee endureth through your loue in you by making his restlesse griefes known to you Now trust me Sir quoth shee such prayse haue I heard of your vsage to euery one as I imagine you would not say before such an assembly otherwise then truth wherefore following your counsell as also the pleasure of the King and Queene I will forget my former stubborne opinion and am ready to accomplish what you shall command mee Then Amadis taking her by the hand called Angriote and presenting him his loue said Sir Angriote I promised to do my vttermost in this matter say now is this the Lady you would haue Euen she quoth Angriote is the life and essence of my Soule and I am deuoted to none but her Then here I giue her you replied Amadis on this condition that you shall be forth-with married together and continue in honourable loue to her as she deserueth I thanke you my Lord quoth he with all my heart and will obserue your gentle commandement Presently the King called for the Bishoppe of Salerne who conducted them to the Church where they were espoused in the presence of many great Lords Afterward they returned to the Citty and there the wedding was solemnized with great ioy and Triumphs wherefore wee may well say that not men but God appoynteth mariage who perceiued the honest and continent loue which Angriote euer-more bare to this selfe-willed Lady For albeit hee had her in his custodie neuer did he meane dishonorablie against her but by vertuous cogitations bridled vnlawfull desire onely to expresse how intirely he loued her and by obeying her seueere charge lost his life wel-neare when he combatted with Amadis CHAP. XXXIII How King Lisuart would haue the aduise of his Princes and Lords as concerning his former determination for the high exalting and entertayning of Chiualrie AFter the end of this mariage which by diuersity of opinions caused much talke as commonly it happeneth in such cases the King commanded silence againe by his Herauld when euery one being attentiue to heare what he would say he thus began My friends no one of you is ignorant of the heauenly fauour toward me by appointing me the greatest earthly Lord that liueth this day in the Isles of the. Ocean Wherefore I thinke it conuenient that as wee in this countrey are the chiefe so should we be second to no other Prince in rendring immortall thankes by good and vertuous workes whereon we are now minded to determine In this respect I intreate command albeit Kings are the heads of their Monarchies you the members that you would altogether take aduise and giue mee counsell euen from your consciences what you thinke most expedient for mee to do as well for the benefit of my Subiects as also for our estate And I assure ye I am minded to beleeue your opinions as proceeding frō loyall and saithfull subiects wherfore
perceiuing you should assuredly die if her mistresse knew the names of you both disguised the matter so wiâ—h her as she said she forgot to aske your names onely thus perswading her that you were two of the very best Knights in the World The daunger thorowly considered I sweare to you by the faith of a Christian that I can deuise no better meane for your deliuerance then this I haue told ye and shall I say more If you do it not worse will come to you then you suspect But Amadis loued the Princesse Oriana so doâ—â—ely as he rather desired death then to hazard himselfe in such a composition whereupon he thus replyed I thanke you Sir hartily for your great kindnesse but I haue no such authoritie ouer my selfe as will permit me to proceede so far though your Lady her selfe intreated neuer so deepely yet liberty nor life can perswade me Alas Sir answered the Knight I wonder you will not consider how neere your death is It is all one to me quoth Amadis but if you will deale herein with my brother he is a knight more braue and beautifull then I am happely hee wil consent to follow your deuise Presently he left Amadis and comming to Galaor deliuered the whole discourse he did to his brother Which he liking very well made this reply Good Father if you could bring it to passe that the Lady would accept me as her friend my companion and I were for euer at your command Referre the matter to me quoth the Knight immediatly will I goe to her and hope to strike it dead on her behalfe So departing from Galaor hee went to Madasima who rode formost and thus began to breake with her Madame you carry two prisoners with you but you doe not know what they are Why aske you me such a question answered Madasima Because the one of them quoth the knight is esteemed the best knight that euer bare Armes and the most accomplished in all other good gifts Is he not then named Amadis said she whose death I haue so long desired No Madame answered the Knight I speake of him which rideth next vs whose youth and beauty had you well regarded your selfe would say you haue been too outragious in iniurie What though he be your prisoner it is not for any offence committed against you but onely through the hatred you beare to another all which you may yet redresse in much better sort then you began considering if he conceiued liking of you you may thereby easily induce him to loue and vnder that ceremony draw him to do what your selfe shall desire In sooth plyed Madasima I will assay to know if he be such a one as you report him to be Do Madame quoth he and you shall finde him one of the fairest Knights that euer you beheld Here you must note that the Knight no sooner left Galaor when he went to the Ladie but he tooke occasion thus to talke with his brother You see my Lord the estate wherein we are which requireth some notable dissimulation at our hands I beseech ye therefore moderate their anger because alreadie it endangereth our liues and for a while follow my direction By Heauen brother answered Amadis death had beene very welcome to mee but since you wish me to be gouerned by you I am content desiring the conseruation of our honours which being lost we are vnworthie to line Further they could not proceede because Madasima came and interrupted them when calling him aside and faire day was displayed on the earth his beautie and good grace so especially contented her as she became surprized with his loue which she shaddowed vnder demanding how he fared Madame said Galaor I fare worse then you should were you in my power as I am in yours for I would do you what seruice and pleasure possible I could and you vse the contrarie to me I hauing giuen no occasion of offence reason willeth I should rather be your knight to loue and honour you then your prisoner thus vnkindelie bound as I am And surelie I cannot but meruaile hereat considering the simple conquest you haue thereby vse then such rigor to vs as women so diuinelie adorned are wont to do Madasima hearing his gentle language was more and more enflamed with his loue yet striuing to dissemble it she merrilie said Tell me faire Sir if I chuse you as my friend and deliuer you from prison will you for my sake leaue the seruice of King Lisuart and afterward tell him how you did it by my meanes With all my heart Lady answered Galaor and to performe it you shall haue what oath you please both of mee and my companion for he will doe no more then I request him Credit me quoth Madasima if before this company you wil promise to obey me presentlie you shall enioy your libertie Behold me ready replied Galaor Yet is not this enough answered Madasima for you shall sweare it in the presence of a Ladie where I am intended to lodge this night In meane while you must assure me not to depart my company We will not on my faith Madame quoth Galaor and calling Amadis caused him to affirme as much whereupon they were vnbound and set at libertie their â—quires likewise as friendlie vsed and mounting on their owne horses rode at their ease as they did before But Madasima and Galaor still continued their amorous discourses till they arriued at a Castle named Albies the Lady where-of receiued them very honourably in respect of great friendshippe betweene Madasima and her Needelesse were it to tell you of their good cheere it could not but be answerable to the time and company but after supper Madasima demanded of Galaor if he meant to keepe his promise he made her by the way What else Madame quoth he prouided you be so good as your worde to me Make no doubt thereof replyed Madasima then framing her speeches to the Lady of the Castle and also to two knights that were her Sonnes she proceeded in this manner My good friends I pray you heare a couenant betweene me and these two Gentlemen because hereafter you may be my witnesses They are my prisoners and vnder these conditions I haue released them that one of them shall continue my friend and both of them forsake the seruice of King Lisuart telling him how for my sake and in despight of him they haue done it Hereupon I intreate this fauour at your hands as to meete me at the Court of that wretched King on the day they must declare this message to see how contentedly he will take it But if they fullfill not their promise hence-forth you shall publish in all places the heynous offence by them committed and ten dayes I giue them to execute this charge I am well pleased said the Lady of the Castle to doe a greater matter for you then this if they as willingly consent thereto We pray you quoth Galaor not to faile herein for we haue promised
you can finde him in one whole yeere vnlesse you be directly guided Faire Damosell said Galaor it may be you know what he is and the place where he abideth On my faith quoth she if I know any thing thereof I meane not to tell it you for neuer will I iniurie so good a Knight Damosell replied Galaor by the affection you beare to the thing you most loue in the World tell vs I pray ye what you know in this matter You coniure me in vaine quoth she for neuer will I discouer his affaires except you deliuer me some good present Demand what you will answered Amadis and you shall haue it on condition you helpe vs to finde the knight I am content replyed the Damosell if first you will tell mee your names and afterward each of you grant me a boone at what time I shall demand them of you With all our hearts quoth Amadis as for our names the one is Galaor the other Agraies and my selfe am Amadis When the Damosell heard this shee was very glad saying Certes my Lord my iourney is shortned for I seeke you Then you haue now found me answered Amadis what is your will with me That you shall know quoth shee when time serueth but do you not remember the combate which you promised to performe for the king of Sobradisaes daughter when shee succoured you by meanes of the Lyons Yes that I doe sayde Amadis and now am I riding toward her Would you then quoth the Damosell follow a knight so hard to be found and the time for the combate beeing neerer then you weene She saith very well my Lord answered Galaor doe you therefore and Agraies proceede on your iourney and I will seeke the knight with this Damosell for neuer shal I rest til I haue found him if it be possible I will be with you before you deale with Abiseos Be it so replied Amadis but she promised vs to tell his name where we may find him His name quoth the Damosell I cannot tell ye for I know it not my selfe and yet I haue beene a moneth with him in which time I haue seene him doe such deedes of armes as without fight thereof I would neuer haue credited but where he is now I can conduct him thither that will goe with me It is all I request answered Galaor Follow mee then quoth she so taking their leaue they seperated themselues Thus Amadis and Agraies hold on their way arriuing within fewe dayes after at the Castle of Torin where they sound the faire Brtolania with the ancient Lady but when Amadis beheld her he found her maruailously changed for if shee were faire when hee first sawe her she now seemed of such excellent perfection 25 except Oriana he reputed her the most beautifull creature in the world whereupon he sayde to Agraies If nature was desirous to expresse her cunning in a creature in this Lady she hath most sufficiently accomplished it My Lord quoth she full long haue we expected your comming for in you consisteth our onely hope Madame answered Amadis by the helpe of God I trust you shall recouer your losse and we will doe our vttermost therein As thus they deuised they entred a faire chamber where mantles were brought to wrap about them and Briolania holp to vnarme Amadis for she could not be satisfied with beholding him because she counted him the fairest knight that euer was seene being now but twenty yeeres of age And so piercingly did hee regard her as long time after she waved amourous so that when she had recouered her Kingdome she wished him sole Lord of her and her countrye together as shall heereafter be declared But Amadis was else-where addicted and gaue sufficient proofe to her that the extreame anguishes hee endured for his Oriana were manifest examples of his stedfastloyalty Neuerthelesse the young Lord of Portugall pitrying faire Brtolania would disguise this historie in another manner describing farre otherwise the loue of her Amadis which report is worthy of no credit For he saith that Brtolania being restored into her Kingdome prouiding for the health of Amadis and Agraics who were wounded she cōtinuing euermore amorous of Amadis seeing by no means shee could winne him to bee her friend tooke aside the Damosell to whome Amadis Galaor and Agraies made the seuerall promises at what time she conducted Galaor to the knight that iousted with them in the Forrest and discouering the chiefest secrets of her Heart to her with aboundance of teares and affectionate sighes requested her counsell and remedy in these amorous passions The Damosell compassionate on her Ladies sicknesse promised to giue her redresse for it whereupon she said to Amadis that the boone she would desire of him was his entrance into the Tower from whence he should not depart vntill he had begotten of Briolania a Sonne or a Daughter Amadis willing to keepe promise with the Damosel yeelded therto yet without any will to touch Briolania whereby he grew into such melancholly as he refused all bodily sustenance and fell into such danger of his person as euery houre he expected death Which being heard in the Court of king Lisuart as also his deadly dangerous extreamitie Oriana loth to lose him sent him word and licence that he should do what the Lady requested Whereupon Amadis considering hee might no way else escape and his gracious Mistresse pittyed him so much he begat a Sonne and a daughter of Briolania whereof she was deliuered of at one labour but this History is altogether false and faigned It might be that Amadis was prisoner in the Tower and Briolania beheld his daily pining away but she desired the Damosell to remit him this boone on condition he should not depart till his brother Galaor returned as willing to comfort her selfe with the sight of him while she attended his brothers ariuall for Galaor espoused her afterward as you shall reade in the fourth booke of this History Let it then suffice at this time that Amadis and Agraies soiourne certain daies in the Castle while all needfull things were ready for their combat CHAP. XLII How Galaor went with the Damosell after the Knight that dismounted him and his companions in the Forrest whom when he found they combated together and afterward in the sharpest point of their combat they knew each other Four daies together rode Galaor with the Damosell seeking the Knight that vnhorsed him in the Forrest for which he was so ouercome with anger as euery knight hee met withall deerely felt it because in combat many receiued their death Then espying a faire Castle on the top of a high mountaine the Damosell told him there was no other place neere where they might lodge that night wherfore he being glad to accept there-of they came to the Castle finding many Gentlemen and Ladies sporting together among whom was a Knight aged about threescore yeares who taking Galaor by the hand did him all the honour might be deuised My
ouerthrow two such puissant Knights esteemed amongst them the best in the World but Amadis beholding no other resistance returned to Darison who fought with Agraies they behauing themselues so manfully against each other as the people thought they neuer saw a brauer combat At length Abiseos recouered againe and seeing his Sonne Darison in danger of his life came to assist him giuing Agraies such a wound in the throate as his Cozin thought he had beene slayne outright But soone did hee requite Abiseos for it by seperating his wounded Arme from his body euen the same Arme wherewith he killed the King his Brother which made him fall downe dead to the ground whereupon Amadis called to him saying Abiseos this is punishment in member whereby thou didst thrust thy selfe into the Crowne and now hast receiued death according to thy desert Then hee turned about to helpe Agraies but he met him with the head of Darison in his hand whereat all the people gaue a great shoute and humbled themselues to Briolania as their lawfull Queen This was the end of the wretched Father and his Sonnes seruing at this day for an example to such as shamefully vsurpe the right of others which though they enioy for a small season yet when the God of power letteth loose his arrows against them they fall into open and detested ruine Let euery man therfore set before his eys that no euill remaineth vnpunished and the end concludeth these two principles the eternall beatitude of the celestiall Soules and the mercilesse excruciaments of miserable damned creatures Thus see you what lot fell to Abiseos and his children vsurping the kingdome by homicide and tyrany euen by the death of his own naturall brother therefore heauen repayed him with a miserable end by the conquering Sword of Amadis and Agraies who dragged them along out of the field demanding if any other would withstand the right of Briolania By one of the chiefest Lords in the Country named Goman they were answered she had no more enimies to gaine-say her which he testified with an hundred knights of his owne kinred All the people being there ready to receiue their Queen Briolania and do her homage as beseemed faithfull Subiects Here-upon Amadis and Agraies conducted the new Queene to the Palace Royall where they were presently vnarmed and Chirurgeons commanded to attend their wounds in meane while Briolania was confirmed in the regiment by a generall oath of the Subiects taken to their Soueraigne with such ioy as neuer was the like in Sobradisa But because the two knights were very sore wounded and their hurts found to be somewhat dangerous all sports and pastims accustomed at such solemnity were referred til the time of their recouery which to compasse the sooner their lodgings were appointed in seuerall chambers that none might trouble them with tedious talking lest a continuall feuer should come vpon them Notwithstanding Briolania as one not ingratefull for the good she receiued by them would not depart from them eyther day or night but onely at the time of repast so that by her kinde and diligent attendance the danger of their sicknesse was expelled the sooner See here the true and certaine history for what is said more concerning the loue of Amadis this Princesse hath been inuented and falsely faigned according as I haue said before therefore we will cease seeing here it goes no further vntill the contrary may apparantly be knowne as in the History following is declared CHAP. XLIIII How Galaor and Florestan riding toward the Realme of Sobradisa met with three Damosels at the Fountaine of Oliues GAlaor and Florestan being at the Castle of Corisanda as you haue heard they soiourned there til their wounds were healed afterward they concluded on their departure to seek Amadis in the realme of Sobradisa desiring they might come thither before the beginning of the cōbat to haue part of the perill in fight and glory in conquest But when Florestan should take leaue of his Lady her griefe and teares vnspeakable able to mooue ruth in a heart of fl◅t although Florestan assured her of his speedy returne Notwithstanding all these mones forward they set to the Realme of Sobradisa Florestan crauing a boon of his brother by the way to wit that he would not combate on the way for any thing which might happen vntill he were able to hold out no longer With much a doe he obtained his request so rode they on foure dayes together not meeting with any aduenture worthy the rehearsall but toward Sun setting they met a knight hard by a Tower who intreated them earnestly to lodge there that night which gentle offer they accepted and entring with the knight they conferred on many matters till supper was ready The knight was of comely stature well spoken but his countenance was so sad melancholly as Galaor began thus to question with him Me thinkes Sir you are not so merry as you should be but if wee may any way help your pensiuenesse tell vs and you shall finde vs willing to performe it I beleeue assuredly quoth their host that like good knights you would doe as you say but my sadnesse is caused through extream loue a matter not to be reuealed and therefore the rather to be pardoned So sate they downe to supper which beeing ended Galaor and his brother were condcted to their chamber where they reposed themselues till the next morning when mounting on horse-backe their host would accompany them a little on the way and calling for his Iennet but putting on no Armour hee rideth with them this did hee to see what should happen to them because in the way hee guided them he hoped to see some proofe of their manhood when if they were vanquished or slaine he might the more easily escape from them Not farre had they trauelled but they came to a place called the fountaine of Oliues because in the midst of the water grew three high Oliue trees Heereby they espyed three beautifull Damosels and a Dwarffe sitting aloft in one of the trees whereupon Florestan saluted them very curteously as one not to learne his behauior toward Ladies then one of the Damosels requiting his salutation sayd Sir knight if heauen haue endued you with as great bounty as comely perfection no doubt but you are sufficiently enriched Faire Damosell answered Florestan if my outward appearance doth please you my inward vertue you may try if you haue any need You speake so kindely quoth the that I will presently make proofe of your valour to see if you can carry mee hence from this place In sooth Lady replyed Florestan if of your selfe you be willing to goe I know no reason to the contrary why you should not Herewith he commanded the squire to set her on a palfray which was tied ready furnished at one of the oliue trees but whē the dwarfe behelde it hee cryed out aloude Come forth sir knight come forth for here is one will cary away your
women vntill the fairest Lady shall first be entred into it who shall free the passage for all others Then did hee establish a Gouernour to receiue the reuenue of the countrey vntill he should come that deserued it And shortly after hauing taken order for all his affaires his ships being ready they imbarqued and had so faire a winde that within fewe dayes they arriued in Constantinople where they were most royally receiued But because my meaning at this present is onely to continue the deeds of Amadis I will leaue Apolidon to gouerne his Empire to declare vnto you what happened vnto the same Amadis and vnto them which followed him at his departure from the Citiy of Sobradisa CHAP. II. How Amadis Galaor Florestan and Agraies hauing taken leaue of the faire Briolania to returne vnto King Lisuart were carried into the Firme-Island to proue the arch of Loyall louers and the other aduentures in the same IN the end of the first Book you haue heard how Amadis and Agraies remained a while in the great Citie of Sobradisa vntill their wounds were healed that they receiued in the battell against Abiseos and his two sonnes moreouer how Galaor Don Florestan came thither afterward with what entertainmēt they were receiued Now to continue our History you must know That not all the hurts which Amadis had nor any dangers which hee doubted no nor all the kinde entertainements of Briolania were once able to expell the continuall remembrance of the beautifull Princesse Oriana forth of his mind but as her rare perfections seemed continually to shine before his eyes so did his desire to beholde her againe dayly increase Thus hee endured an exceeding torment which the more he thought to hide the more it appeared yet was the cause thereof vnknowen for euery one iudged diuersly thereof as a passion finely dissembled proceeding from some excellent thing the which hee could well sustaine but better conceale In the end not being able to supporte this long absence which depriued him from the sight of her that wrought this his happie torment hee with his friends tooke leaue of the Queene of Sobradisa with an intent to returne to the Court of King Lisuart Notwithstanding they had not rode farre on their way but fortune offered them an occasion of longer stay as you shall heare It happened that by chaunce comming neere vnto an Hermitage they perceiued a Gentlewoman accompanied with other women foure Esquires comming forth of a Church Wherefore Amadis and his fellowes being desirous to knowe what shee was rode before and saluted her most curteously and shee which was the chiefest resoluted them and demanded whither they were going Gentlewoman sayd Amadis wee are going to the Court of King Lisuart whither if it please you so that it be not out of your way wee will beare you company I thanke you heartily sayde the Gentlewoman my iourney is another way But because I thinke you be wandring knight who commoly search for great aduentures I desire to know if any of you will go to the Firme-Island to behold such strange and maruailous things as there are to be seene For I am the daughter of him that is Gouernour there-of vnto whom I am presently going Faire Lady answered Amadis I haue oftentimes heard of the wonders of this Island and I should account my selfe happy if I might prooue them as I desire but I repent that I aduentured them no sooner By my faith sayd shee you neede not bee so sory for your slacknesse for there hath beene a number such as you who haue had the like desire to aduenture themselues yet did they not thinke their comming thither so sweete as they found their departure thence sowre I make no doubt thereof replyed Amadis because I haue heard so much but tell mee shall wee goe out of our way any thing farre if we followe you Two dayes iourney at the most answered the Gentlewoman I beleeuee sayd Amadis that hee which will see the arch of loyall louers must turne vpon the left hand and keep along the Sea side vnder which arch no man that hath falsified his first loue may passe You say true sayd she and you may also there behold many other sights more strange Then Agraies enflamed with desire to see such rare things sayd vnto his fellowes My maisters I know not what you meane to doe but sure I intend to accompany this Gentlewoman if it please her and I will prooue the wonders which shee hath tolde vs of If you bee so loyall sayde shee that you may passe vnder the enchanted arch you shall finde beyond the same both many nouelties which will greatly please you and also you shall beholde the Images of Apolidon and Grimanesa who built that wonderfull place and that which more is you shall see your owne name written vpon a Iasper stone without perceiuing by whom it is done All the better sayde Agraies I will if I can make the third that there hath entered When Amadis vnderstood the determination of his Cosen hee was desirous to follow him for he knew his loyalty to bee firme both in deed and thought which by all likelihood did promise him the maistry of the adueneure before all others But yet hee dissembled his intention and sayde vnto his brethren My friends although we are not amourous as is my Lord Agraies yet me thinkes we should for this once doe as hee doth and keepe him companie Let vs goe sayd Galaor and I hope that all will fall out as wee desire to our glory and our honour heereupon they followed the Gentlewoman Then Florestan who had neuer before heard what the Firme-Island was beeing alone with Amadis sayde vnto him My Lord I perceiue you know all the wonders of this place whereunto wee are going whereof I neuer heard any speech although I haue trauailed many farre countries Truely answered Amadis that which I know I learned of a young Prince my very good friend named Arban of Norwales who hath prooued many strange aduentures and chiefly these of the Firme-Island which he could not atchieue but was cōstrained to returne with some disgrace This Gentlewoman dwelleth in the place of whom you may vnderstand as much as you desire to knowe Wherefore Don Florestan came vnto her and intreated her very earnestly that seeing the length of their way ministered thē occasion of conference together shee would bee pleased to recite vnto him all that which she knew of the Island I will very willingly declare vnto you sayde shee that which I haue learned of such as by their owne reports were well acquainted with the place and the wonders thereof Then shee rehearsed the particularities of all that which hath beene before declared whereat the more they admired the more were they encouraged to aduenture the enterprise of those strange things wherein so many valiant men had receiued the foyle Thus together they rode so long that night comming they were in doubt to go astray
ended his song hee alighted vnder a tusted tree planted by the high way side thinking there to passe the rest of the night but worse happened to him then he hoped for Gandalin which had heard what hee sayde of Oriana doubting that Amadis had not marked it because his minde was otherwise occupied sayde vnto Durin It were best for mee to goe to my Master to know what hee intendeth to doe Then came hee forth of the bush where he was hidden beheld Amadis that sought for his horse to depart frō thence who as he looked here there he espied Gandalin When not knowing him at the first he cryed Who art thou that commest to surprise me speake and hide thy selfe no longer My Lord answered he I an Gandalin who will helpe you to finde your horse if so it please you When Amadis heard this Ah said hee how durst you persume to follow me hauing so expresly forbidyou beleeue mee thou hast greatly displeased mee let mee see thee no more but depart or else be sure thou shalt die My Lord answered Gandalin mee thinkes you should forget this manner of behauiour and bethinke you how to reuenge the foolish speeches which euen now were vttered by a knight who is not yet far from you for they are greatly to your disaduantage This sayde Gandalin to pacifie his displeasure towardes him that hee might bee the more incensed against the other I did heare him as well as you sayd he and therefore am I content to seeke rest else-where and to depart from hence where all misfortune doth follow me What sayd Gandalin is this all that you are determined to doe What wouldst thou more said he That you fight with him answered Gandalin to make him confesse his presumption I beleeue sayd hee thou wouldest say otherwise seeing thou knowest very well that I neither haue spirit heart not any force hauing lost all in losing her who gaue me life so as now I am no better then a dead man neither is there in Great Brittaine any knight so cowardly that could not easily ouercome mee if I should combate with him so haplesse and hopelsse am I. Trust me answered Gandalin you are in a great errour thus to suffer your heart to saint to let your courage faile euen whē it should most serue you to aduance the honour of her who so neerely toucheth you What report will Durin make here of thinke you who hath heard and seene all and is greatly abshed that now you behaue your selfe no better How sayd Amadis is Durin here I truely sayd Gandalin wee came both together and I beleeue hee followeth you thus to declare your manner of behauiour vnto her that sent him vnto you Get thee gone sayd Amadis thou vrgest mee too much Yet when hee thought that Durin should returne to Oriana his heart was so inflamed that hee called for his armes and mounting on his horse he went toward the knight whom hee found layd vnder the tree holding his horse by the bridle Then Amadis in a great rage sayde vnto him Sir knight who so greatly extollest thy fortune in loue I beleeue that against all right thou hast receined that good that loue hath doue for thee if good it may be tearmed and that thou neuer deseruedst it the which I wil proue with the losse of thy head What art thou answered the other that speakest so audaciously dost thou think that I am fauoured of the fairest Lady in the worlde for any other cause but onely for my valour and high knighthood wherewith I will make thee presently confesse that loue hath reason to fauour me and that it is not for thee to speake thereof It is but thy opinion sayde Amadis but thou must knowe that in despight of thee I am hee who hath least occasion to praise loue because hee hath so vildely deceiued me that I wil neuer dayes in my life put any trust in him knowing how falsely and treacherously he commonly vseth those that most faithfully do serue him And because I haue sufficiently prooued it I will maintaine that he can neuer be so faithfull as I haue found him false That it is so let vs see whether hee hath gained more in thee then he hath lost in me Then the knight mounted on his horse and beeing ready to fight he answered Vnhappy knight depriued of all good and banisht iustly from loue beeing vnworthy of his fauor get thee from my presence for I should commit a most horrible fact to lay my hands vpon such a vild miserable fellow So saying he turned his horse to haue fled away if Amadis had not staied him in calling him Villaine wilt thou then defend thy loue which so highly thou prisest onely with thy countenance and so get thee gone because thou wouldest fly the combat Trust me answered the other thou art in a right opinion for it is true that I haue no desire to proue my selfe against a person of so small desert but seeing thou wouldest that I should breake thy head I am content and if thy heart will serue defend it if thou canst Herewithall they ran one against the other with such force as their Lances flew to shiuers pearcing their shields quite thorough neuerthelesse their armour being good strong staied the stroke yet the knight fell to the ground carrying the raines of his horse with him wherefore he rose again lightly The which Amadis beholding he said vnto him Truely knight if the right which you pretend in so faire a friend bee not better maintained with your sword then it hath beene with your staffe Loue hath made but a bad choyce of you for a valiant champion your Lady a far worser match in lighting vpon such a carpet knight He made no account at all of these reproaches but boldly drew out his sword and comming neere to Amadis laid at him so lustily that hee had beene wounded if with his shield hee had not well warded himselfe wherein his sword was so farre entred that he could not pul it forth again but was forced to let go his holde leauing it sticking fast in the shield of Amadis Who lifted himselfe vp in his stirrops hitting him so sound a blow vpon his head-peece that it pearced euen vnto the quick the blow gliding downe it lighted vpon his horse neck wounded him to the death falling downe in the place and his master vnder him all astonied But Amadis seeing him arise said vnto him Gentle louer I am of the minde that Cupid henceforth should erect a trophie for the high prowesse which you haue shewed in his seruice that as long as you liue you should not cease to sing his praises declare those benefits which vpon you hee hath bestowed As for mee I will goe secke my fortune else where So he set spurres to his horse as he departed he beheld Gandalin Durin when cōming neere them he tooke Durin by the hand and sayd vnto him Friend
Durin I see my misfortune so strange and my sorrow so intollerable as of force I must die which God grant it may be without delay for death onely will giue rest and ease to this torture which vexeth mee Salute from me the Princesse Mabila and thy good sister the Damosell of Denmarke vnto whom thou mayst declare my cruel death which I suffer with as great wrōg as euer any knight suffered Before the which I would to God I had the meanes to doe them any seruice in recompence of the duty I doe owe them for all the good they haue done and the fauours they haue purchased for mee Then hee beganne his moane weeping so bitterly as Durin therewith had his heart so stopped with woe that hee was not able to answer one word Wherfore Amadis embraced him and committed him to God At that instant began the day to appeare when Amadis perceiuing that Gandalin followed him hee sayd vnto him if thou determinest to come with me take heede vpon thy life that thou turne me not from any thing which I shall say or doe otherwise I pray thee forthwith to turne another way that I may see thee no more Beleeue me Sir sayd Gandalin I wil do whatsoeuer shal please you Then Amadis deliuered him his armor to bear cōmanding him to pul the sword forth of his shield to cary it to the amorous knight CHAP. V. Who was the Knight vanquished by Amadis and what happened vnto him before he fought with him SEeing that it falleth out so fit I will declare vnto you before I passe any further the estate of the amorous Knight of whom wee spake euen now You must knowe that hee was called Patin brother to Don Sidon the Emperor of Rome and hee was the best knight that was to be found in all Romania By meanes whereof he was feared and famous through all the Empire chiefly because hee was to succeed in his brothers dignitie for there was none more neare the same then hee and the Emperour was already so olde that hee neuer hoped to haue any heire Now this Patin was one day talking with the Queene of Sardinia named Sardamira one of the fairest Ladies in the world whom hee loued extreamely And as hee gaue her to vnderstand what feruency and torment hee endured in ouer-louing her she answered him My Lord I assuredly beleeue that which you tell mee and the better to witnesse the same I let you know that there is no prince liuing for whō I would do more then for you nor whom I would more willingly take for husband because I know your good parts and the high knight-hood where withall you are so famoused These speeches bred so great presumption in the heart of Patin as besides that hee was by nature one of the proudest Gentlemen in the world hee entred into such glory that he answered her Madame I haue heard that King Lisuart hath a daughter esteemed the fairest Princesse in the worlde but for the loue of you I will goe into Great Brittaine there to mainteine against all men that her beauty is not cōparable to yours the which I alone will prooue in combate against two of the best knights that dare say the contrary whom if I cannot ouercome I will that King Lisuart doe cause my head to bee cut off In good faith my Lord answered the Queene I am of a contrary opinion for if the Princesse haue any beauty in her it nothing impaireth that which God hath bestowed vpon mee if any beauty there bee and me thinks that you haue other means more fit to make known your prowesse in all places Hap what may hap answered hee I will doe it for your loue to the end that euery one may knowe that as you are the fairest Lady in the world so you are beloued of the valiantest Knight aliue Hereupon continuing in this minde within a while after hee tooke leaue of the Queene and passed into Great Brittaine accompanied onely with two Esquires Then hee enquired where he might find King Lisuart vnto whose Court he shortly after came and because hee was more richly armed then wandering knights were accustomed to bee the King thought him to be some great personage For this cause hee receiued him most honourably appointing him into a chamber to shift himselfe When he was vnarmed hee returned to the King who stayed for him marching with such grauity as those that beheld seeing his comely stature iudged him to bee of great courage But the King tooke him by the hand and conferring together hee sayde vnto him gentle friend I pray you thinke it not strange if I desire to know who you are because I may the more honor you in my Court It may please your Maiesty answered Patin I am not come into this countrey to hide mee but rather to make my selfe knowne as well vnto your Highnesse as vnto all others I am that Patin brother to the Emperour which humbly beseecheth you to enquire no further of my affaire vntill I haue seen my Lady Oriana your daughter When the King heard that he embraced him and in excusing his ignorance he sayd to him My good Cosen I am maruailous glad of the honour that you haue done me In cōming thus to visit me in my owne countrey assuring you that since you are desirous to see my daughter she shall not onely be shewed vnto you but likewise the Queene and all her trayne And so long they continued their talke vntill they had couered for supper Then the King caused him to sit next vnto him where hee found himselfe compassed with so great a number of knights as hee much marualled thereat and began to despise the Court of the Emperour his brother as also of all other Princes in respect of this which hee saw After the tables were taken vp it being time to goe to rest the King cōmanded Don Grumedan to bring Patin to his lodging and to shew him all the honor and good entertainment hee could So for that night they departed vntill the next morning that hee came and found the King hearing diuine seruice after the which hee was conducted to the Ladies who receiued him curteously for at his comming the Queen took him by the hand praying him to sit betweene her her daughter Oriana whom at that instant he beheld with such an eye as the loue which before he did beare vnto the Queene Sardamira was wholly changed vnto her beeing captiuated with her excellent beauty and goodly grace You may iudge then how he would haue esteemed her if he had seene her in the time of her perfect health which was now much decaied by reason of this new iealousie which she had conceiued against Amadis which made her looke leane pale and wan but these defaults could nothing quench the heate of the fire already kindled in the heart of Patin who was so far beside him-selfe that hee determined to beseech the king to bestow her vpon him in
vnto her selfe and casting forth a sigh she saide with a feeble and low voice Ah wicked woman that I am whē with so great wrong I haue depriued him of life whom in this world I most loued And seeing it is out of my power now to reuoke that mischiefe whereof I am the repentant causer I beseech you friend to take my lament in satisfaction of the hurt which I haue purchased vnto you with the sacrifice which I shall make of mine owne life to follow you vnto the death so the ingratitude which I haue committed against your loyaltie shall bee manifested your selfe reuenged and I punished And as shee thought to haue proceeded further her speech failed her againe wherewith Mabila and the Gentle-woman were more abashed then before so that they called Durin to know what heauie newes hee had brought vnto Oriana who wholly declared it vnto them Let me alone the said Mabila for I know wel how to remedy this matter Hereupon they vnlaced her and bestirreth them so well that she brought her to life againe then Mabila demanded of her how she did Gentle friend answered she farre better then I desire So as I rather desire death then life for now I do nought else but languish Wherefore Madame said Mabila do you thinke my Cosin so inconstant that hee will not willingly excuse the iniurie that you haue done vnto him knowing that extreame loue rather then any other thing constrained you thereunto And if he be gone as Durin hath tolde you it is but to passe away part of his melancholy tarrying vntill his innocency bee knowne vnto you But I am certaine if it pleased you to call him back againe that he is as ready to obey you as euer he was And behold what you shall doe intreate him by a Letter that hee take no regard vnto that which you did command him by Durin and that which you did was suddenly after a false report made vnto you of him and therefore will him to come vnto you to Mireflure where you stay for him to amend your fault at his discretion Ah my Cosin answered Oriana do you think that he will euer vouchsafe either to respect me or make one steppe for me But do you thinke saide Mabila that the loue he beareth to you is of so little force that he will not bee farre more glad to recouer your good fauour then he hath beene sorry to be by you forsaken I am verily assured that to die he will not displease you And to accomplish this matter well it behoueth the Damosell of Denmarke to vndertake the charge to finde him out because he knoweth her and putteth his trust in her Well answered Oriana I am content to be aduised by you So shee tooke paper and inke and as they had determined she did write vnto Amadis afterwards the Letter was giuen to the Damosel of Denmark with expresse commandement to passe first into Scotland thinking that he might be there with Gandales rather thē in any other place And the better to colour their enterprise they aduised the Damosell to tell the Queene that Mabila sent her towards the Queene of Scotland her Mother to vnderstand some news from her With the which the Queen was well pleased and gaue her a Letter and tokens to present vnto her Thus was the Gentlewoman dispatched who departed with Durin her brother and Enil the Cosin of Gandales And so long they rode till they came vnto a port towne called Vegill which separateth great Brittaine from the Realme of Scotland There they tooke shipping and they had the winde so faire that the sixt day following they landed in the Citty of Poligez Then tooke they their way toward the Knight Gandales whom they met a hunting but when he beheld the Damosell of Denmarke knowing that she was a stranger he stayed enquiring of her what she did seek in that Countrey Your selfe answered she towards whom two Princesses your friends haue commanded me to come to present from them certain presents which I carry vnto the Queene of Scotland Gentlewomā said he may it please you to tell me their names yea willingly sir said she the one is my Lady Oriana daughter to the mighty king Lisuart the other the Princesse Mabila whom you know well enough Ha said Gandales you are most luckily here arriued and they haue reason to accompt me their most humble seruant for so I am I pray you most heartily to come and alight at my house then tomorrow we will go together to see the Queene in the meane while doe mee this pleasure as to tell me how Amadis doth The Gentle-woman was herewith much astonished seeing that she had missed of her purpose notwithstanding dissembling her sorrow she answered Gandales that he was not returned to the Court since he departed thence to reuenge Briolania and it is thought that he is come into these parts with his cosin Agraies to see the Scottish Queene his Aunt and you also for this cause the Queene and other Ladies of his kindred and deere friends gaue me in charge to deliuer him a Letter which will be very welcome vnto him I am sure And the Gentlewoman said thus much because she knew certainly that although Amadis would hide him frō knowing that she brought him news from Oriana others yet hee would change his minde to speake with her I would said Gandales that he were here for I haue a long time greatly desired to see him Thus talking together at the last they arriued at the Castle of Gandales where hee feasted the Gentlewoman three dayes and the fourth day following hee conducted her vnto the Court where she deliuered to the Scottish Queene the Letters and presents which the Queene Brisena had sent vnto her CHAP. VIII How Don Guillan the Pensiue did bring vnto the Court of King Lisuart the Shield Armour and Sword of Amadis which he had found lying by the Fountaine of the plaine field AFter that Don Guillan the Pensif was departed from the Fountaine where he found Amadis his Armour he rode six daies before he ariued in the Court of King Lisuart And he ordinarily carried the shield of Amadis about his necke and neuer tooke it off except when hee was constrained to fight then he tooke his owne fearing to deface the other And as he rode he met with two knights Cosins to Arcalaus who incontinently knew the shield of Amadis and they thought Guillan to be he Wherefore they who hated him to the death determined to assaile him and said one to another euen now will we carrie the head of this villaine vnto our vncle Arcalaus This they spake so lowd that Guillan heard it where-with being throughly chafed he answered them Palliards you reckon without your host for neuer did traitor affright me no more shall you seeing I know you for kinsemen to Arcalaus and as wicked as himself then pulled he downe the visor of his Helmet couched his launce and ran
repaire vnto his Court as also to encourage all such as follow armes to take example by him that was owner of them who by his high knight-hood hath gained the chiefest reputation amongst all those that euer buckled cuirasse on their backs When the Queene vnderstood such news of Amadis neuer was any Lady more sorrowful and answered Guillan It is great pitty for the losse of so good a Knight for I am sure that many at this day do liue which will be sorry for his losse and I giue you most hearty thankes for that which you haue done for him and me together assuring you that those which will put themselus forward to find him shall giue me and all other Ladies cause to wish them wel for his sake which was so much at their commandement But if the Queene for these newes was any whit sorry the king and those of his company were no lesse sad yet was it nothing to the griefe which Oriana sustained For if before she was vexed for the great fault which she had committed at that instant her paine redoubled with so great a melancholy that it was impossible for her to stay there any longer but she withdrew her selfe into her chamber And casting her downe vpon her bed she began to cry Ah wicked woman that I am I may now well say that all the felicity that euer I had is but a plaine dreame and my torment is a very certaine truth seeing that if I receiue any contentment It is onely by the dreames which do nightly solicit me for when I awake all froward Fortune afflicteth my poore spirit so as if the day be vnto me a grieuous martyrdome the darkenesse only bringeth me pleasure and comfort because in my sleepe I thinke that I am before my sweete friend but being awake and quite depriued of that great ioy maketh me too much to feele his absence Ah my eyes no more eies but floods of teares you are much abused seeing that being shut you onely behold him that contenteth you and no sooner opened but all the torment in the world commeth at once to blinde them at the least this death which I feele so neere at hand shall deliuer me from this care and you sweete friend shall be reuenged of the most ingratefull woman that euer was borne Then like a furious woman shee rose vp determining to throw her selfe headlong from the window downe to the ground but Mabila who had followed her preuenting such an inconuenience stayed her setting before her the infamy which she might get if it were but known that she were so minded and more-ouer she did assure her that Amadis would shortly returne saying vnto her How now Madam where is the constancy of a Kings daughter and that wisedome for which you are so much renowned Haue you already forgotten the mischiefe that was likely to haue happened vnto you by meanes of the false newes that Arcalaus brought vnto the Court this last yeare And now because Guillan hath found my Cosins armes is it therefore likely that he should be dead Beleeue me you shall see him againe shortly he wil come vnto you so soone as hee hath seene your Letters This Counsell was authorised with such perswasine reasons that Oriana apeased part of her tormēt But yet these newes so greately troubled her minde that had it not beene for the wisedome of Mabila who often times perswaded her to be quiet there had happened a merueilous incōnenience but in the end shee knew so well how to preuaile with her that she resolued vpon this that the Gentlewoman of Denmark would bring him againe And as they were in these tearmes one came to tell them that the knights and Gentle-women which Guillan had deliuered from prison were arriued wherefore Mabila seeking to with-draw Oriana from fancies brought her where the Queene was vnto whom the two Gentlewomen that had kept the shield of Amadis recited the lamentation which they had seene an Esquire make when he knew the Armour and Shielde that Guillan had found vpon the side of the Fountaine of the plaine field The King was likewise present in whose eyes stood a floud of Teares thinking assuredly that Amadis was dead Then Ladasin and his fellows were seene to come in who brought with them Gandalod prisoner together with the other knight whom they presented vnto the king on the behalfe of Guillan declaring vnto him both the manner of the Combat the talke that passed betweene Gandalod and Guillan and also how that during their incounter the knights that were in the deepe dungeon of his tower had found the meanes to deliuer themselues Is this true said he to Gandalod I caused not long since thy father to be burned in this citty for his great treason and thou shalt likewise be there hanged with thy companion because thou hadst conspired my death Then forthwith he commanded them to bee hanged ouer the Citty wales right ouer against the place where Barsinan was burned as it hath been recited vnto you CHAP. IX How the Faire Forlorne being in the poore Rocke with the Hermit there arriued a ship in the which was Corisanda who sought for her friend Florestan and of that which happened vnto them ONe day the Faire Forlorne being set hard by the Hermit neere vnto the dore of their little house the olde man said vnto him I pray you my son tel me the dream that you had when you awaked on a suddaine sleeping hard by me neere vnto the Fountaine of the plaine field Truely father answered he I will willingly tell it you and I most humbly beseech you likewise to let mee vnderstand be it for good or bad what you thinke thereof Afterwards hee recited the dreame in such sort as you haue heard keeping onely the names of the Gentlewomen secret Then the Hermet remained a good while pensiue when he beholding the Faire Forlorne he began to smile and said vnto him My child I assure you that you haue now more cause to reioyce then euer you had but yet I would haue you know how I vnderstand it The darke chamber in the which you thought your selfe to be out of which you were not able to comforth signifieth this great tribulation wherein you now are The Gentlewomen which afterwardes opened the doore vnto you are some of your friends that continually solicit your cause vnto the Lady whom you so feruently loue with whom they haue so much preuailed that they shall withdraw you from this place The Sunne-beame which went before them are Letters of reconciliation that she sendeth vnto you by meanes whereof you shall leaue me The fire that inuironed this lady sheweth the great loue together with the sad laments that she maketh for your absence as well as you doe for hers And by the faire garden whereunto you did beare her drawing her forth of the flame signifieth the great pleasure which you shall both haue at your meeting Truely my Son I know that seeing
pleasure that wee might heare such speedy newes from him as might giue vs cause to reioyce And as they talked together Gandalin cast his eye vpon Florestan who was talking with Corisanda whome Gandalin knew not but hee thought her to be one of the fairest Ladies that euer he had seene therefore hee beseeched the Queen to tell him who shee was the which shee did and the occasion wherefore shee was come into great Brittaine as also the loue which she did beare vnto Florestan for whose sake she staied at the Court if she doe loue him said Gandalin shee may well vaunt that her loue is imployed vpon him in whome all bounty remaineth and he is such a one that hardly may his equal be found in all the world and moreouer Madame I assure you that if your grace did know him so well as I you would not esteeme any knight more then he for he is of a most valiant heart and high resolution He seemeth to be such a one answered the Queen further-more hee is of so good a grace and alied to so many good knights that it is impossible but that hee should bee such a gentle knight as thou hast reported him to be In the meane season Florestan entertained his Lady and Mistris whom he loued most feruently not without a cause for shee was passing faire a rich Lady and alied to the noblest houses in all great Brittaine Who hauing remained yet some few dayes in the Court after his returne shee determined to depart and taking her leaue of the king and Queene she took her iourney toward her own countrey Two whole daies together did Florestan accompany her who promised her that so soone as he heard any newes of Amadis and that the battaile was past betwixt the two Kings Lisuart and Cildadan if he remained aliue hee would come vnto her to tarry with her a long time then taking his leaue of her hee returned vnto the Court But you must vnderstand that Oriana who had not forgotten her determination of going to Mirefleur departed the next morning with her traine where shee had not long remained but that she perceiued the amendment of her health and with the same her hope increased to see him whom shee so greatly desired And because that the king had appointed that during her aboade in that place of Mirefleur the gate should continually bee kept and that no body should enter thereinn Oriana foreseeing for the great desire shee had that it should be so the comming of Amadis shee sent to tell the Abbesse that shee should send vnto her the keyes of the Nunnerie gardens to walke thither sometimes for her recreation the which shee accomplished which were hard adioyning to the Castle but yet inclosed with very high walles And one day as Oriana walked there accompanied onely with Mabila seeing the place fauourable and fit for her purpose as if Amadis were returned she began to thinke of him in such sort and vpon the pleasure she should receiue by his presence that in speaking to herselfe she sayd Ah my onely hope my sollace and my intire refuge wherefore art thou not beere with mee seeing at this present I haue the meanes both to giue vnto thee and also to receiue of thee such case and contentment as we haue so oftentimes desired to receiue one of another At the least I wil not depart from hence vntil I haue wholy satisfied the hurt which by my ouer-great folly I haue procured vnto you but I will here attend your comming And if Fates or fortune doe permit mee to beholde you here shortly I promise you sweete loue to giue you the sure contentment that your seruent loue hath promised vnto you a long time but if my misfortune shall bee an hinderance vnto your speedy returne your only absence shall bee the meanes to hasten my end wherefore I beseech you to take pitty on this my weakenesse and to succour mee for I liue and yet languish in extreame bitternesse And seeing that euer hitherto you haue beene obedient vnto mee without contradicting me in any sort now the necessity beeing such I pray you by that power which you haue giuen mee ouer you that you would come to deliuer mee from death which I feele to approach and tarry not otherwise your delay will cause you ouer late to repent my vnhappy end In this sort did she speak as if Amadis had beene present when Mabila brake off her thought and Oriana changing her talke sayd to her Cosen seeing that wee haue the keyes of this place it were best that Gandalin should make some other like vnto them to the ende that your Cosen beeing returned may goe and come hither when as often as hee shall please It is wel aduised answered Mabila And as they were consulting there was one of the Porters sayd to Mabila Madam Gandalin is without who desireth to speake with you Let him come in answered Oriana for he hath beene brought vp with vs a long time and also he is foster brother vnto Amadis whom God preserue God so doe sayde the Porter it were a great damage that so good vertuous a knight should sustaine any hurt Then went he forth to goe seeke Gandalin and in the meane time Oriana said vnto Mabila I pray you see how your Cosen is beloued and esteemed of all men yea euen of the basest sort of people that are in a manner voyde of all vertue it is true answered Mabila Then Oriana sayde what would you haue mee doe but die hauing beene the onely cause of the ruine of him who is more worth then all the men in the world and who did better loue me then his owne selfe Ah accursed be the houre wherein I was borne seeing that by my folly and light suspition I haue done vnto him so great and so much wrong Madame answered Mabila I pray you forget these imaginations and onely arme you with hope for all this which you both say and doe serueth in no sort to ease your dolour Herewithall Gandalin entred in whom Oriana caused to sit downe by her and after some conference which they had together she recited how she had sent the Damosell of Denmark to seeke Amadis vnto whom shee had written a Letter containing that which you haue heard and what words also she had giuen her in charge to say vnto him therefore said the Princesse in thy opinion doest thou thinke that he will pardon me Madame answered Gandalin Me thinks you are little acquainted with his heart for I am sure for the least word that is in the letter hee will teare himselfe into an hundreth peeces for you if you do but onely command him by more likelyhood may you imagin whether he will be glad to come see you yea or no. And be you assured that seeing the Damosel of Denmarke hath vndertaken the charge to finde him that she will sooner accomplish the same then all the persons in the world
the which doe flie very lightly by reason of their long wings but they are so infectious that euery one shun them so much as they possible may Notwithstanding when a man findeth any one of them hee esteemeth of him as a thing much worth because they are profitable for diuerse medicines and these Serpents haue a bone that reacheth from the neck to the tayle the which is so great that vpon the same is formed al the whole body which is greene as you see by this scabberd and furniture for as much as they are bred vp as I haue said in this burning sea no heate of any other fire may hurt them Thus hath your Maiesty heard the strangenesse of this sword and of the scabberd now I will tell you of the floures of this kertchiefe In the same Countrie of Tartarie there is also an Island enuironed with the most strange and dangerous gulfe that is in any part of all the Sea By meanes whereof although the floures of these two branches are rare pretious yet there is no maÌ„ so valiant that dare goe to gather them but if it so chance that any one be so madde as to aduenture himselfe therein and if hee may bring them away assure your Maiesty he selleth them at as great a price as he pleaseth for amongst other singular vertues that they haue this is one that whosoeuer doth charily keepe them they doe neuer leaue their greenenesse and liuely colour as you may behold in this kertchiefe And seeing that I haue declared vnto you the excellency of these Iewels it may please your Maiesty likewise to vnderstand who I am and after what sort I came by these thinges I beleeu that you haue many times heard speaking of Apolidon who in his time was one of the best Princes of the Earth he it was that did beautifie the firme Island with many rare and singular things as euery one knoweth my Father was his Brother and king of Ganor who being in loue with the daughter of the king of Canonia did beget me of her And when I was of sufficient age to bee made knight my father commanded me seeing I had been coÌ„ceiued with far more perfect and loyall loue then euer was any other prince that I would not in like sort receiue knight-hood but by the hand of the most faithful louer that might be found in all the World neyther to take armes but from that Lady or Damosell who should loue her husband or friend with the like constancy as the knight doth The which I both promised and swore vnto him to performe thinking to accomplish his will very easily only in going to mine Vncle Apolidon and Grimanesa his wiâ—e towards whom I went neuertheles my misfortune was such that I found Grimanesa dead wherefore Apolidon knowing the cause of my comming was very sorrowfull For Grimanesa being deceassed else where very hardly might I finde as he told me that which I had promised vnto my Father the succession oâ— whose Crowne was denied vnto mee except I were a knight as by the statute and ordinance of his Realme was appointed and therefore mine Vncle willed me to returne vnto Ganor and that within one yeere following I should come againe vnto him during which time hee would endeauour to finde some remedy for the foolish enterprise which I had vndertaken and according to his appointment I returned Then he gaue me this Sword and kerchief by the which I might know those whom I was to finde telling mee that seeing had beene so rash in my promise therefore I should from thenceforth trauaile so long vntil that I finding such a constant knight and Lady had accomplished whatsoeuer my Father was commanded And thus your Maiesty may see the reason of my long trauaile and search therefore if it like your Highnesse you may trie the Sword first and your knights afterward And in like sort the Queene and her Ladies may prooue what shall bee the euent of the kerchiefe and he or she that shall finish these aduentures shall possesse the Iewels as their owne I gaine rest thereby where-of I shal reape the profit and your Maiesty honour and renowne amongst all other Kings and Princes hauing found that in your Court of the which I haue fayled in all other Countries Thus the old man hauing ended his discourse there was not any that were present who did not generally desire to see the matter in proofe and although the king was as desirous to see the triall there-of as any other yet did he defer it off vntil the fift day following vpon the which day was the feast of Saint Iames to be celebrated and the more to make it manifest he sent for a great number of his knights For the more full my Court is said the king the more is the likely-hood to haue this aduenture throughly tryed Vnto the which determination euery one agreed all this discourse did Gandalin heare who by good fortuÌ„e was not 1. houre before arriued at Lon. But so soone as the Conclusion was agreed vpon he got againe to horse-back and rode forthwith to Mireflure where he found the faire Forlorne playing at Chests with Oriana who seeing him returne so suddainly shee demanded of him what new euent was chanced in the Court Madam answered he I am sure that you will bee wonderfull glad to vnderstand what it is And what is it said Ortana then Gandalin recited all the whole discourse of the olde Gentleman with the strangenesse of the sword and kerchiefe as also how the king had put off the proofe thereof vntill the feast day of Saint Iames next ensuing During all this long discourse the Faire Forlorne became more pensiue then hee was accustomed to bee which Oriana straight perceiued neuerthelesse she made no shew thereof vntill Gandalin and the company were departed and that shee came and sat downe vpon the knees of the faire Forlorne Then shee kissing him and hanging about his neck said vnto him My loue I pray you tell mee whereupon you mused whilst Gandalin declared vnto vs the newes at London In faith Madam answered the faire Forlorne if my will were to my wish you and I should all our life time after liue in more rest and contentment then hitherto we haue done for the kerchiefe should be yours and the sword mine and so all suspition and iealousie should neuer more raigne betwixt vs. What sweete loue said she do you doubt that I would not gaine the Kerchiefe if it were by firme loue to be gained No Madame answered he but I did feare because the tryall is to bee made in the king your Father his Court that you would make it difficult to enterprise the same and yet I know that I am able both to carrie you thither and bring you back againe if it please you so that none that doe see vs shall know who we are My Lord said she you know that I will obey you all my life long and that you
knights ready to begin the search of Amadis according to the appointment of Galaor and Florestan and therefore she was determined not to depart from Queene Brisena vntil they were returned again neyther would she nor her women bee apparrelled with other Garments then of black cloth vntill he were found for such weeds did she weare at such time as hee did make her Queene and now would shee neuer change her manner of life if he were lost In your iudgment said Oriana is she so faire as the report goeth of her So helpe me God answered the Damosell except your grace she is the fairest woman and of the best behauiour that euer I did see shee was very sorry when she heard of your sicknesse and shee sendeth you word by me that she will come and doe her dutie vnto you so soone as you shall thinke conuenient Truely said Oriana I am more desirous to see her then any other that I doe know Madam answered the faire Forlorne beleeu me she well deserueth that you should shew her all the honour you may although heretofore you haue wrongfully sustayned some griefe for her sake gentle loue said the Princesse for Gods sake let vs speake no more of passed melancholies for I am assured that I did thinke amisse You shall yet be better assured answered he by the testimony that you shall receiue of those Iewels which we shall gaine the which will henceforth quite extinguish all those vnhappy fancies that you haue conceiued against me if they should chance to returne againe into your thought increasing in you the opinion of that zeale and dutie which I doe owe and beare vnto you My Lord said Oriana I am well assured that the kerchiefe shall make you beleeue that what wrong soeuer you receiued of me proceeded of no other cause but by the extreame loue which I did beare vnto you we shall see shortly said the Damosell of Denmarke what will happen For the king hath granted your request by Enil In this sort did Oriana and the test of her company passe away the time vntill the day came wherein they must depart to make triall of that which you haue heard which caused her to rise about midnight attiring her as the faire Forlorne had deuised and hee likewise was armed at all points that done they passed through the garden and came to the place where Gandalin held their horses in readines Then mounted they vpon them taking their way toward the Forrest right vnto the Fountaine of the three channels But there Oriana thinking vpon the enterprise which she went about foreseeing the inconuenience and danger thereof not onely if she were disclosed but also how if she failed in gaining the kerchiefe Amadis might haue iust cause to suspect her and by that meanes she might loose that good reputation which shee had gotten with him Herewithall she began to repent her forwardnesse and to tremble so extreamly that the faire Forlorne perceiued it who said vnto her Madam had I thought you would haue been so ill at ease with this voyage I sweare vnto you that I would rather haue died then haue brought you out of doores therefore if it please you let vs returne againe to Mirefleur So saying he turned his horse head neuerthelesse Oriana considering that by her an aduenture so recommendable should bee deferred changed her minde and answered him I beseech you sweete loue not to take any heede vnto the feare that a timerous woman may haue in the middest of this great wood but vnto the vertue and valor that remaineth in you Very sorry was the faire Forlorne because hee had spoken in such sort vnto her doubting lest he had offended her and he said vnto her Madam seeing that your discretion hath surmouted my â—olly I beseech you to pardon me for I assure you my meaning was not to speake any thing that should be offensiue vnto you As they had ended their conference they came vnto the fountaine being yet an houre from day where they had not long stayed before Enil came vnto them whereat they were very ioyfull Then the faire Forlorne saide vnto Oriana Madame behold the Esquire which I promised you to send vnto king Lisuart by whose answere we may determin what to do In faith my Lord answered Enil he sendeth you by me all the assurance that you demand and further he aduertiseth you that the triall of the aduenture beginneth this day after his Maiesties comming from the Chappell All the better said the faire Forlorne wee shall then haue no great cause of stay Hereupon hee gaue him his shield and launce and without putting off his Helmet at all they tooke the right way to London the people had already heard that the knight which did ouercome the Giants should come vnto the kings lodging they said one to another Heauens shield the faire Forlorne from all mischiefe for he is worthy of great praise and most happy may that Lady thinke her selfe to whom he remaineth a seruant These words might Oriana vnderstand very well wherewith she was not a little ioyfull knowing that she was Lady Mistris of him whom so many people did both loue honor afterward they came and alighted at the Palace where they found the king Queen Ladies and a great number of knights already assembled all together in a great hal to make trial who should gaine the old mans Iewels And as soon as they knew of the arriuall of the Faire Forlorne the King rose vp with his traine to receiue them wherefore the Faire Forlorne kneeling down would haue kissed his hands but the K. lifted him vp saying vnto him My good friend you are most hartily welcome hither where you shall be as free as you would wish for you haue done as much seruice for me in so small a time as euer any knight performed either for King or Prince The Faire Forlorne answered not one word but onely bowed himselfe to his maiestie in signe of thankes and without stepping one foote from Oriana whom he held by the hand they came towards the Ladies who did all salute them very courteously You may imagine if the young Princesse were not now in some feare to be discouered being in such an assembly for the Queene her mother stepped vnto her looking her stedfastly in the face although it was couered with a laune and she said vnto her Gentlewoman I do not know who you are for to my knowledge I did neuer see you neuerthelesse for the loue of this knight in whose custody you are that hath done the king so great sernice assure you that in this place shal be shewed vnto you all the honour and seruice that possibly may bee For the which the Faire Forlorne humbly thanked her Maiestie but Oriana without speaking one word held her head down continually Therewithall the king and all his knights withdrew them to one side and the Queene and her Ladies to the other And in the meane time the Faire
the constant loue which she did beare vnto her Lord. She is by birth of the Kings countrey by her Mother an Alien and her continuall abiding is in this Realme where shee liueth so aboundantly that if she wanteth any thing it is onely because shee cannot at all times when shee pleaseth enioy him whom shee loueth better then her selfe further shall you not knowe what she is by me Oriana who feeling he 〈◊〉 touched by Vrganda was not wel contented doubting least shee should haue proceeded further vntill shee held her peace and that the Queen answered truly gentle Ladie you haue so cunningly deciphered her vnto vs that there is not any heere in my opinion the better for her knowledge sauing onely that wee did thinke her a maide and you assure vs that shee is a wife A time will come said she that you shal know her better Herewithall the King who was minded to feast Vrganda came to seeke her that hee might lead her to dinner hee made her sit close beside him afterwards they spent the rest of the day in spotting making good cheare vntill it was time to goe to rest Then Viganda came vnto the Queene to entreate her that shee would be pleased to 〈◊〉 her to lie in Oriana her chaÌ„ber the which shee willingly did grant vnto her Neuerthelesse sayd the Queene I feare that her youthfull behauiour will somewhat disquiet you In faith Madame answered shee her beauty shall be more hurtful vnto many good knights whose prowesse cannot be so great as that it may defend them from sundry perils which they are likely to fall into for her loue for that their deaths will hardly be eschewed if they do not wisely preuent it The Queene could not refraine from laughter and saide vnto Vrganda Hitherto she may be pardoned for any such danger that shee hath as yet brought those vnto of whom you speake and therefore for this time I bid you good night Here-upon the Queene departed and Vrganda was brought vnto the Princesse her lodging where shee found the Queene Briolania and Mabila that kept her companie with whoâ— she discoursed so long of diuerse pleasant matters vntill ouercome of sleep they were constrained to lay them downe Now they were all foure lodged in one chamber together notwithstanding Vrganda perceiuing Briolania and Mabila to be fast asleepe and Oriana awake shee sayd vnto her Madame if you now doe not take your rest for thinking vpon him that day and night doth wake for your loue your quiet and his are both alike I knowe not what you meane answered Oriana but sure I am that loue neuer hindered me from sleepe Vrganda knew very well that she made her this answer because shee would not that Briolania should vnderstand the loue betwixt her and Amadis wherefore she sayd vnto her assure you that I am so carefull that your secrets be not disclosed as I will not offend you with any thing that I speak for I know what is needfull for you better then your selfe Madame answered Oriana you may waken the Gentlewomen that are in this chamber Let me alone for that sayd Vrganda I will rid you straight of this feare Therewithall shee tooke forth a booke which was so little one might haue couered it with his hand and after she had read therein a little while she sayd vnto Oriana let this suffice you that now wee may speake in safety for what noyse soeuer we make they shall not stirre vntill I awake them and if any doe enter into this chamber they shall fall downe vpon the sloute in as sound a sleepe as they and harke how they snort already Heereat Oriana began to laugh and rising forth of her bed shee came vnto Mabila and Briolania whose armes she pulled very rudely but for all that euer she could doe they stirred no more then a stone will you yet see sayd Vrganda the pastime of those that shall come ouer the threshold of your chamber doore call the Damosell of Denmarke who is in this wardrobe which Oriana did And as the Damosell had set her foote in the chamber she fell downe vpon the floure beganne to sleepe and snort more soundly then either Mabila or Briolania Wherefore Oriana went layd her downe by Vrganda and sayde vnto her Madame seeing that you know so much of my affaires I beseech you to tell mee what must happen vnto me How answered VrgaÌ„da do you think the sooner to escape that which is predestined vnto you by being aduertised thereof aforehand You may beleeue that it is not in the power of any mortall man to alter that which God hath appointed vnto him bee it good or bad vnlesse it be by his free will and grace neuerthelesse since you so greatly desie to know your fortune I am content afterwards make your profit thereof as you can Harken now then at such time as your heauinesse shall bee at the highest many good knightsÌ„ shall perish for your loue Then the sâ—…g Lion accompanied with his beast shall come forth of his denne with his loud roaring cries shal in such sort astonish those that shall haue you in keeping that mauger all their force you shall remaine in the pawes of that royall beast who shall throwe from your head the rich crowne that shall no more bee yours Afterwardes this famished beast hauing your body in his power shal beare you into his caue where hee shall feede in such sort as his extreame hunger shall be slaked Therefore my daughter take heed what you do for this which I haue foretold you shall without doubt come to passe By my faith answered Oriana I could haue beene well content to haue forborne this curiosity for the sorrowfull end that is prepared for mee doth trouble all my spirits Faire Lady saide Vrganda another time bee lesse curious to vnderstand that which is beyond your capasitie neuerthelesse oftentimes such things as are misticall and fearefull doe for the most part turne into ioy pleasure and profit therefore be not you discomforted in any sort seeing that you are daughter vnto the best king most vertuous Queene that liueth vpon the earth beeing endued with such excellent beauty that your renowne is spreade ouer all countreies and more-ouer you are beloued of him who is honoured and esteemed more then any other Knight You know as well as I that hee loueth you by the experience not onely of that which hath beene tolde you and you haue made knowne vnto him but also by the aduentures which hee hath brought to passe in your presence therefore you ought to thinke your selfe happy aboue all those that are best beloued being mistresse of him that deserueth by his chiualrie to be Lord of all the world Now it is time to wake the Ladies end our discourse Here-withall shee began to read againe in her booke and at that instant the Ladies that were asleepe began to breath as if they had
they would pray them all to meete together and that then they would take counsell what was best to be done And at the same instant Amadis sent Durin to tell the Princesse Mabila that he would if it were possible the night following speake with Oriana about some matter of importance newly fallen out In this sort the day passed and the night approched being alreadie apparrelled in his sable weede wherefore at such time as euery one was in their soundest sleepe Amadis called Gandalin and came vnto that place by the which hee commonly entred into the chamber of Oriana who stayed for him according to the message which shee had receiued by Durin where being arriued without acquainting her at the first with any thing that might displease her after they had a little while discoursed pleasantly together Mabila the Damosell of Denmark who were desirous to sleep or it may be not being able to endure that heat where-with loue did pricke them seeing the kissings embracings where-with these two louers entertained one another sayd vnto them the bed is bigge enough for you two and the darknesse fit for your desires it is now late lie you downe if it please you and afterwardes talke together as much as you wil. Madame said Amadis vnto Oriana by my faith their counsell is very good It is best for vs then to beleeue them answered shee and therewithall hauing nothing vpon her but a cloake cast about her she had quickly gotten her in between a paire of sheets and as shee layd her downe close in her bed hee lent so neere vnto her ouer the beds side that after the curtains were drawne not to encrease his passion but to redouble his pleasure a wax taper being onely lighted vp in the chamber they began to kisse and embrace each other so incessantly that remaining in this great ease their spirits entertained a double delight by the sweet sollace which their metamorphosed soules did mutially receiue from the outward parts of their lippes being brought at the same instant into such an extasie that they were thereby vnable to speake one worde vntill the Damosell of Denmarke thinking that Amadis had beene asleepe pulled him by the garment saying My Lord you may lightly take colde get you into the bed if it please you With this waking as it were forth of a sound sleepe hee setched a deepe sigh Alas deare loue sayd the Princesse should you not be as well at your ease if you were laid downe in the bed by mee as to take so much paine and hurt your selfe Madame answered he seeing it pleaseth you so to command me I will not make it daintie to straine a little curtesie with you No sooner had hee sayde these wordes but that hee threwe him-selfe starke naked betweene the Princesse her armes then begunne they againe their amorous sports performing with cōtentment that thing which euery one in the like delight doth most desire after-wardes they began to conferre of diuers matters vntill that Oriana demāded of him wherefore he had sent her word by Durin that he had somewhat of great importance to tell her Madam answered he I wil declare it vnto you seing that you desire to know it although I am sure it will be both strange grieuous vnto you neuertheles I must of necessity aduertise you thereof because it is of so great cōsequēce You must vnderstand therefore Madame that the King your father yesterday did speake vnto Agraies Galuanes me in such discurteous sort that thereby we wel perceiued little good hee wisheth vs afterwards he recited vnto her word by word of all that had happened how in the end the king rising vp in a great rage told them that the worlde was large enough for them to goe seeke some other place where they might bee better requited then of him And for this cause Madame sayde Amadis wee must of force doe what hee hath commaunded otherwise wee should greatly preiudice our honours remaining against his wil in his seruice seeing that he might presume that wee had no other place to goe vnto where we might be entertained therefore I beseech you not to be offended if in obeying him I am constrained to leaue you for a season You know what power you haue ouer mee and that I am as much yours as you can wish more-ouer I know very well that if I should gaine any bad reputation you are she that would bee most offended therewith so much am I sure that you doe loue and esteeme mee which maketh mee againe to entreate you to allow of my departure and to giue mee leaue vsing your accustomed constancy and vertue Alas answered shee my deere loue what doe you tell me Madame if it please God the King heereafter will acknowledge the wrong that he hath done vnto vs and I shall bee as well wel-come vnto him as euer I haue bin Gentle friend answered the Princesse you do much amisse to complaine of my father for if he hath receiued any good from you it was for my loue by the commandement that I gaue vnto you and not for his sake for I alone did bring you hither and was the cause that you remained with him And therefore it is not hee that must recompence you but I vnto whom you belong It is very true that hee hath alwaies thought otherwise for which hee is the more to bee blamed for answering you so vndiscreetly And although that your departure is the most grieuous thing that could happen to me being a matter of constraint I am content to sortifie my selfe and to prefer reason before the delights and pleasures which I receiue by your presence Therefore will I frame my will to your liking because I am sure that in what place soeuer you shall bee your heart which is mine shall remaine with mee as pledge of the power which you haue giuen me ouer your selfe and yet moreouer my father in losing you shall know by those few that he shall haue left what he hath lost by you Madame said Amadis the fauour which you shew vnto me is so great that I esteeme it no lesse then the redemption of mine owne life For you know that euery vertuous man ought to haue his honour in such estimation that hee ought to preferre it before his owne life In like sort Madam seeing that to conserue it I must of force depart from you doe thus much if it please you for mee as during my absēce to let me heare very often from you And to hold mee alwaies in your good fauour as he who was neuer borne but only to obay and serue you And truely whosoeuer had seene the Princesse then when Amadis took this sorrowfull farwell he might easily haue bin witnes of the passiō which she indured Neuerthelesse Amadis seeing the day constrained him to depart in kissing her sweetly hee rose vp leauing her so ful of sorrow heauines that although shee dissembled as well as shee
the auncient knight Don Grumedan to make his excuse vnto her Maiesty Afterwards taking his leaue of the king with great reuerence he retired vnto his lodging with his friends and companions where they found their dinner ready and as soone as the Table was taken vp euery one went to arme him and they trouped altogether in a place where Oriana might behold them and their number was so great as they were thought to be fiue hundred knights and more the most part of them being Sons vnto kings dukes or earles Afterwards in very good order they all passed along hard by the Queenes lodging Then Mabila being in one of the windows called Oriana who was laid vpon her bed as melancholy as might be saying vnto her Madame I pray you forget your heauinesse and come see how many knights you haue at your commandement All the while my cosin was in the seruice of the king your father he was accounted but as a simple wandring knight but no sooner is he departed from him when hee sheweth that hee is a Prince and mighty Lord as you may now behold and if you haue power ouer him by greater reason haue you power ouer all his troope of whom hee is the chiefe and principall Leader Oriana was so greatly comforted with this sight that euer after she was more merry and at better hearts ease In this sort did Amadis and his followers passe through the Citty and there accompanied them king Arban of North Wales Grumedan a knight of honour belonging to the Queene Brandoinas Queuorant Giontes Nephew to the King and Listoran the good iouster All these were very sorry for the departure of so many good knights especially for Amadis who prayed them that in any matter wherein his honour might bee blemished they would shew themselues to be such friends for him as hee esteemed them And although the king without any occasion had conceiued a hate against him yet they should not cease for all that to be his friends without forsaking the seruice of so good a prince and they answered him that excepting their seruice and loyalty in the which they were by duty bounde vnto the king they would bee ready to pleasure him at all times and places when and where he would employ them for the which hee heartilie thanked them Afterwards hee saide vnto them If you finde the king fit to be spoken vnto you may aduertise him that which Vrganda declared to mee in his presence is now accomplished for shee told mee that the recompence which I should haue in gayning Dominions for another should be hate anger and banishment from that place where most I desired to remaine I haue conquered as euery one knoweth with the edg of my sword and the losse of my blood the Isle of Mongaza thereby enlarging the limits of the realme of great Brittaine and notwithstanding al this the king without cause at all hath requited mee with hate but God is iust and will recompence euery one according to his deserts By my faith answered Grumedan I will not faile to let the King know as much as you haue sayde And cursed be Vrganda for prophesing so right which saide they embraced one another and tooke their leaue but Guillan the pensil whose eyes were full of teares said vnto Amadis My Lord you know my occasion and how I cannot of my selfe doe any thing being subiect so the will of another for whose sake I suffer and endure strange greefes and anguishes which is the cause that I cannot follow you for which I am very sorry and ashamed so great a desire haue I to acknowledge the fauour and honour that I haue receiued of you being in your company beseeching you most humbly at this time to holde me excused Now did Amadis vnderstand in what subiection loue did holde him and hee knew very well by himselfe what paine hee might suffer by meanes whereof he answered him My Lord Guillan God forbid that by my occasion you should commit any offence vnto the Lady whom you loue so constantly but I rather counsell you to be obedient vnto her and to serue her as hitherto you haue done and the King likewise being sure that your honour saued you wil be vnto me in all places a faithfull friend and louing companion Heere withall he embraced him taking his leaue Guillan and his fellowes returned vnto the Cittie and Amadis and his followed on their way to the Firme-Island vntill at the last they arriued along by a riuer vpon the side whereof Amadis had sent before to cause his Tents and Pauillions to be armed and set vp There they lodged for that night praising God in that they had so happily been warned of the Kings ingratitude with whom if they had remained any longer space they had but lost their time But Amadis was so heauie for his banishment from Oriana ignorant when he should see her again that he knew not in what sort to dissemble his malancholie and thus they passed away the night vntill the next morning that they had rode forward on their way In the meane time King Lisuart was in his Pallace who after the departure of so great a number of Knights perceiued that he now was but meanly accompanied Then he began to acknowledge the fault which he had committed and to repent him greatly for the words which he said vnto Amadis At the very selfe same time Gandandel and Brocadan were aduertised what Angriotta had said of them whereat they were maruailously abashed fearing least the King and the rest should dislike of the bad counsell which they had giued vnto him neuerthelesse since there was no remedy they determined to passe it ouer and to worke such meanes that neuer any of those Knights who were departed should enter into the King his fauour againe And the better to bring it to passe they both came vnto him saying Your Maiestie ought greatly to praise God that you are so honestly rid of those men who might haue wrought you much mischiefe for your highnesse knoweth there is nothing more dangerous then a secret enemy Wherefore you haue now no other thing to trouble you neither neede you take any care for your affaires because that wee two will take order and warily prouide for any perill that may happen to this Realme When the king heard them speake so audaciously hee looked vpon them with a sowre countenance and answered them I do much meruaile how you dare bee so presumptuous to perswade me that I should leaue vnto you the gouernment not onely of my house but also of my whole realm knowing that you are nothing fit not sufficient for such a charge Doe you imagine that the Princes and Lords of this monarchie will obay you knowing the place from whence you are descended And if you thinke to play the good husbands desiring to enrich mee by sparing of my treasure vpon whom doe you thinke that I may better imploy it then vpon such Gentle-men
the sooner Darioletta who knew thorowly the mind of the Princesse hearing what the King had saide returned him this answer My Lord if you will assure me by the faith of a King which before all other things ought to be kept as a person most bounden to vertue and as a loyall Knight who ought as is saide to suffer much for maintenance of right and equitie that you will take to wife my Lady Elisena when time shall serue right soone will I bring ye to the place where not only your hart shal be satisfied but hers likewise who it may be is in as much or more thought and dolour then you are by reason of the new anguish that toucheth her thorow the selfe same meanes But if you do not my Lord what I haue said you shall not there recouer her nor shall I haue other cause then to thinke that your words proceeded from no loyall hart nor to credit any thing you say hereafter The King whome loue had already depriued of liberty to vnite him selfe with Elisena to the end that hee might be adorned with the great gratious fruite which afterwarde happened as shal be recited vnto ye tooke his Swoord and setting his right hand on the Crosse there-of saide these wordes I sweare by this Crosse and on this Sword wherewith I receiued the order of Knighthood to do what you faire Damosell shall commaund mee at all times and when soeuer your mistresse Elisena shal be thereto aduised Be you then frollicke merrye answered Darioletta for I shall likewise accomplish what I haue promised And at that instant shee returned to the Princesse declaring to her what shee had concluded with king Perion wherewith the amorous Lady was so pleased as she had vtterly lost her former countenance and incessantly embracing Darioletta thus demaunded My deere friend when will the hower come that I shall holde betweene mine armes my Lord whom thou hast giuen me I shall tel ye answered the Damosell you know that in the Chamber where King Perion lodgeth there is a doore on the Garden side which your father sundry times vsed for his recreatiō which at this present is couered with the cloth of Arras but I haue the key thereof wherfore at night when euery one is at rest we may easily there enter vnseene of any and when needfull time of returne cometh my selfe will call ye When Elisena heard this deuice she was highly contented therewith yet breathing forth a sighe she said Alas my faithfull friend how shall we bring this to passe seeing my father is determined to lodge with King Perion if he perceiue vs we shal be both in very great danger Refer that doubt to me answered Darioletta I shal easily prouide for this matter wherupon for this time they brake off conference because the tabels were couered for Supper And in like manner as the feasting began in the morning so now it continued till the tables beeing voyded each one prepared himself to rest Now a little before Darioletta went to King Perions Squire thus saide to him Gentle Squire my friend I pray ye tel me in good faith whether you be a Gentleman or no why aske ye answered the Squire For the desire I haue said the Damosell to know one thing of you which I entreat ye by the faith you owe to God and to the King your Maister not to hide from me By Saint Mary quoth he I will tell you what you please to aske prouided that it be not to the domage of my Lord. Herein saide the Damosell will I consent with ye for I would not demaund any thing of you that should giue him displeasure nor were it reasonable that you should acquaint me with any such matter but I desire to know who is the Lady he loueth most perfectly The king my Maister quoth the Squire loueth all ingenerall and I assure ye that I know no one to whom he beareth such affection as you speake of While they were thus talking the King Garinter came who seeing Darioletta conferring with King Perions Squire demanded what shee had to do with the Gentleman In sooth my Lord quoth she he telles me that the King his Maister is wont to lye alone and therefore I thinke he loueth not to haue any company When Garinter vnderstood that he went presently to King Perion saying My noble Brother there are certaine affaires suddenly befallen me and likewise I must rise somewhat early in the morning which hath made me thinke that not to trouble you the best way is that I breake company from lodging with ye My Lord answered king Perion do as shall seeme best to your liking this answer appeared to king Garinter conformable with that the Damosell had said wherefore right soone he commaunded his bed to be fetcht from king Perions Chamber When Darioletta heard there-of shee imagined their affaires would fall out the better and therefore returned to Elisena acquainting her with all that had passed betweene the two kinges In good faith quoth she I now beleeue that seeing God hath granted so good a beginning our enterprise which at this present seemeth a great sin wil hereafter redound to his seruice but tell me what wee shall do for the great ioy which I haue hath taken from me the most healthfull parte of my iudgement Madam said Darioletta this night will wee execute what we haue determined seeing the doore whereof you knowe is certainly open To my selfe I keep it answered Elisena to you only I commit the charge to prouide when the hower shall permit and so they remained attending for the fauourable time CHAP. II. How the Princesse Elisena and her Damosell Darioletta went to the Chamber where King Perion was lodged THe time being com when each one most commonly betake themselues to rest Darioletta who for the contentment of her Mistresse had vsed extreame diligence came and tolde her Madame now is the time to finish our enterprise then let vs go if you please When Elisena heard what she saide you must thinke she gaue no occasion to be reproued with slothfulnes but hastily arose without tarrying casting only a mantle about her shoulders went forward and afterward they both entred the Garden The time was then calme gratious the Moone faire and splendant giuing cleere light to the two Ladyes but surely the one had more cause of content then the other who gladly would haue tasted this good hap or such an other for her selfe if she could any way haue compast the meane so much she gaue in outward apearance as Elisena perceiued well that she wanted but the executor to performe the same for Darioletta feeling in her spirit the case at hand which shee should receiue whom shee conducted could not but very plesantly iest dally with her Mistresse breaking many a bitter sigh among as though she were to participate in Elisenaes future good fortune to whom she saide Alas Madame how happy
the horse of Quedragant instead of his owne that was dead deliuered his shield vnto Enil and followed on his way vpon the which hee behelde foure young Gentlewomen that were flying with a Marlin who had both seene the Combate and heard all the talke of the two Knights and for the same cause they spake vnto the Faire Forlorne earnestly entreating to come and lodge in their Castle where hee should bee entertained with all the honor that might bee deuised for King Lisuart his sake vnto whose seruice hee had shewed himselfe so affectionate The which offer of theirs hee refused not for hee was weary with the great trauail he had sustained al the day And as soon as he was come into his lodging they themselues vnarmed him to see if hee were in any sort dangerously wounded but hee had no other hurt then that vpon his brest which was a matter of nothing Three whole daies together did the Faire Forlorne tarry there and then departed riding all day long without finding any aduenture and the night following he lodged in a little Inne that stood on the way from whence he departed the next morning very early and about mid-day hee came vnto the top of a small hill from whence he might behold the citty of London and the castle of Mirefleur where his Lady Oriana remained Heere withall he was surprised with exceeding ioy neuerthelesse hee fained as though he knew not the Countrey where hee remained and demanded of Enil if he did know it Yea very well my Lord answered Enil beholde yonder is the citie of London where King Lisuart at this present remaineth In faith saide the Faire Forlorne I would be very sorry that either he or any other should know mee vntill my deedes deserue it and that by my deedes of Armes I might be thought worthy to be in such an assembly Therefore goe thou to see the Esquire Gandalin from whom Durin did of late bring the commendations and see that thou doest wisely enquire what euery one saith of me as lso when the battaile of King Cildadan shall be performed What answered Enil shall I leaue you all alone Care not thou for that sayd he I haue beene many times accustomed to go in that sort yet before that thou doest depart let vs espy together a fit place where thou maist find meat thy returne Then they rode on a little further when vpon a sudden they beheld close by the side of a riuer two pauillions armed in the midst of them a most faire tent Before the which were many knights Ladies sporting and ten other knights armed for their guard and there was neuer a pauillion that had not fiue shields hanged vp and as many Lances standing before it Here-withall the Faire Forlorne fearing to bee disturbed of his enterprise would auoid the combate took his way vpon the left hand The which the knights perceiuing called vnto him saying that he must needes giue one stroke with the Launce for the loue of the Ladies But he answered them that at that instant hee had no desire thereunto For sayd he you are fresh and many and I alone and very wearie Beleeue me sayd one of them I thinke rather that you feare to lose your horse And why should I lose him sayd the Faire Forlorne Because sayd the knight hee must haue him that doth throwe you downe I am sure that your losse were more certaine then the gaine that you should get vpon vs. Seeing it is so answered hee I had rather depart then come into any such danger which said he passed on Truly sayd the knights in our iudgements your armes are defended more with faire wordes then valiant deeds so that they may euer bee sound enough to place ouer your Tombe when you are dead yea although you should liue one hundred yeares and more You may thinke of mee what you please answered the Faire Forlorne yet cannot that in any sort deminish my reputation I would it were your pleasure sayd one that stepped somewhat before his fellowes that you would breake onely one staffe with mee I would be accounted a traytor or not in one whole yeare to mount vpon a horse if you departed not by and by to seeke your lodging without yours Sir answered hee it is that which I doe feare and which caused mee to turue out of the high way At this they all began to laugh and to scoffe him saying behold the valiant champion that spareth himselfe against a battaile yet for all this the Faire Forlorne made no account but followed on his way vntill he came vnto a riuer side but as hee would haue passed ouer he heard a voyce that cryed stay knight stay Then he turned his head and looked backe to 〈◊〉 who it was and perceiued aâ—…tlewoman in very goodâ—… mouÌ„ted vpon a Palfrey coâ—… towardes him who at her arriâ—… said vnto him Leonor daughter to King Lisuart together with her Gentlewómen doe all desire you to maintain the Iousts against these knights and to shew that you will doe something for the loue of Ladies How answered hee the daughter of the King is she there I truely answered the Gentlewoman Beleeue me sayde the Faire Forlorne I should be very sory to haue a quarrell with any of her knights for sooner would I doe them seruice for the honour of so faire a Lady Notwithstanding seeing that it is her pleasure that I should otherwise do I am coÌ„tent vpon this condition that they require no more then the Ioust only Hereupon he tooke his shield and Lance and rode straight vnto the should finde him at his returne from London And as they were in this sorte discoursing together they perceiued vpon the same way a cart which was drawne with twelue horses and guided by two Dwarffes within the which were many armed knights inchained their shields were hanged all along the sides thereof and amongst them were Ladies Gentlewomen that cryed out wept most pitifully before whom marched a Gyant armed with plates of fine steele hauing vpon his head a marueilous bright shining helme But hee seemed to bee so great that it would haue feared any man to behold him he rode vpoÌ„ a mighty black horse holding in his right hand a Bore-speare the head whereof was more then a cubit in length and there followed behinde the cart another Gyant farre more monstrous then the first of whom the Damosels of the fountaine were so much afraid as they fled to hide them amongst the bushes At the same instant the Gyant which marched before seeing how the Ladies that were in the cart did teare the hairs from their heads for it seemed by their furious behauiours that they very willingly would haue procured their owne death sayde vnto the Dwarffes If you cause not these girles to hold their peace by loue you villaines I will make a thousand peeces of your entrails for I would haue them charily kept to sacrifice them vnto the God that
I adore When the Faire Forlorne heard him hee presently knewe that it was Famongomad who was wont to cut off the heads of all those that hee might take and to shed their blood before an Idoll that hee had in the burning lake by whose counsell hee was gouerned in all his affaires although hee then had no desire to fight as well because he would not faile to be at Mirefleur according as Oriana had willed him as also because he was wearie and tyred with the encounter that he had had against the ten knights yet knowing the persons that were in the cart amongst whom was Leonor the Kings daughter her Gentlewomen and the ten knights that hee had ouerthrowne hee determined either to die or deliuer theÌ„ knowing what grief the losse of her sister would be vnto Oriana whom Famongomad and his sonne did take at vnawares and all the rest of her traine in a manner as soone as the Faire Forlorne had left them and in this sort they had bound and fettered them in the cart that they might afterwards most cruelly put them to death For this cause hee willed Enil to giue him his armes My Lord sayd he doe you not see these diuels that are comming towards vs For Gods sake let vs begone and hide vs from them then may you arme your selfe at ease for I would not tarry their comming for all the wealth in London I will doe better if I may sayd the Faire Forlorne I will first try my fortune and although thou doest thinke them diuels thou shalt see them slaine by one onely knight for their life is so odious before God that hee will giue mee the strength to reuenge as I hope all those miserable cruelties which they from day to day doe commit Alas my Lord sayde Enil you will wilfully lose your selfe seeing that if twenty of King Lisuart his best Knights had vnder-taken that which you alone thinke to doe yet might they hardly escape with honor Care not thou for that answered hee if I should let such an aduenture passe before mine eyes and not bee an actor therein I were vnworthy euer to come into the company of good and vertuous men and therefore whatsoeuer may chance thereof I care not This said he left Enil weeping and went vnto that side where he might easily beholde Mirefleur because the remembrance of Oaiana was still present before him and he bagan to say O my Lady and onely hope neuer did I enterprise any aduenture the which I haue not by your means atchiued and now that I knowe you are so neere vnto mee and that it is for a thing that so much importeth you forsake mee not I pray you in this extreamity Herewithall he imagined that his strength was redoubbled and setting apart all feare hee went toward the cart and said vnto the Dwarffes stay you base slaues for you shall all die and your maisters also When the Gyant heard these threats hee entred into such fury that the smoke proceeded from his eyes in such sort as it seemed they had beene on a fire and hee did shake his bore-speare with such force that he almost doubled both ends together Then hee answered the Faire Forlorne Vnhappy and vnfortunate wretch how durst thou bee so bold to come before me Yet hee made as though he heard him not but couched his Launce and setting spurres to his horse he smote the Gyant a little beneth the wast with such strength as pearcing the ioynts of his harnesse the Launce entred into his tripes with such exceeding force that passing quite through it hit against the hinder part of the saddie and broke the giâ—â—s of the horse ouerthrowing both 〈◊〉 and saddle euen in a momentâ—… uerthelesse before the Gyants â—allâ— he couched his bore speare thinking to haue hit the Faire Forlorne but it missed him stroke thorow his horses flankes wherefore he feeling that hee was wounded to death did very himbly alight downe and although that Famongomad was in like sort deadly wouÌ„ded with the great rage that hee felt hee rose vp and with both his hands hee pulled forth the trounchon of the Launce that stucke in his body and threw it at the Faire-Forlorne with such extreame fury that hee thought to haue ouer-throwne him and so greatly did he straine himselfe to hurle the same that the tripes came out of his belly and he tumbled ouer and ouer Therewithall he cried Basigant my deere son reuenge the death of thy sorrowfull Father if thou canst At this crye Basigant approched holding a weighty bill wherewithall hee thought to haue strooken the Faire Forlorne but he stepped aside and the blow passed by so forcibly that if it had hit him it had clouen him quite asunder Then the Faire Forlorne being very ready and expert stretched forth his arme and stroke the Gyant so great a blowe that hee cut the one halfe of his legge away although that with the great fury wherein hee remained hee could not as then feele it but lifted vp his bill the which turned in his fist which was a happy chance for the Faire Forlorne who receiued the blowe vpon his Shielde within the which it entered so farre that the Gyant could not pull it forth And as hee striued to get it out hee raised him vpon his stirrops to haue the more strength By the meanes where of the sinues of his legge which were cut a sunder fayled him wherewithal he felt such great greefe that not being able to keep his sadle he kissed the ground with his nose and in falling the Faire Forlorne stroke him another blow vpon his right arme so that he was forced to forsake his bill and leaue it in the power of his enemy Notwithstanding his hart was so great that hee rose vp againe and drew forth his sword that was maruailous long with the which he layed at the Faire Forlorne with all his strength and hee strained himselfe so much that the blood issued froÌ„ his wounds in such great aboundance that all his strength fayled him and he fel down together with his blow which lighted vpon the stones wherewith the sword brake in two pieces The which the Faire Forlorne perceiuing hee stepped aside and set his hands vnto the bill in such sort that by force hee pulled it out of his shield wherewith he stroke so great a blow vpon the Giants helmet that he made it flie from his head but the Giant with that little remainder of his sword that hee yet helde pared away the top of his helmet together with a little of the skin and haire of his head the which blow if he had stroken somewhat lower hee had cut his head off Therewithal they that were in the cart thought that the Faier Forlorne had beene wounded to death and himselfe was so astonished that hee thought his dayes to bee ended wherefore desiring to bee reuenged hee gaue him such another great blowe with the bill that hee cut off his eare