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diff --git a/.gitattributes b/.gitattributes new file mode 100644 index 0000000..d7b82bc --- /dev/null +++ b/.gitattributes @@ -0,0 +1,4 @@ +*.txt text eol=lf +*.htm text eol=lf +*.html text eol=lf +*.md text eol=lf diff --git a/LICENSE.txt b/LICENSE.txt new file mode 100644 index 0000000..6312041 --- /dev/null +++ b/LICENSE.txt @@ -0,0 +1,11 @@ +This eBook, including all associated images, markup, improvements, +metadata, and any other content or labor, has been confirmed to be +in the PUBLIC DOMAIN IN THE UNITED STATES. + +Procedures for determining public domain status are described in +the "Copyright How-To" at https://www.gutenberg.org. + +No investigation has been made concerning possible copyrights in +jurisdictions other than the United States. Anyone seeking to utilize +this eBook outside of the United States should confirm copyright +status under the laws that apply to them. diff --git a/README.md b/README.md new file mode 100644 index 0000000..62d22e7 --- /dev/null +++ b/README.md @@ -0,0 +1,2 @@ +Project Gutenberg (https://www.gutenberg.org) public repository for +eBook #51099 (https://www.gutenberg.org/ebooks/51099) diff --git a/old/51099-0.txt b/old/51099-0.txt deleted file mode 100644 index 677c388..0000000 --- a/old/51099-0.txt +++ /dev/null @@ -1,7503 +0,0 @@ -Project Gutenberg's Amadís of Gaul, Vol. II. of IV., by Vasco Lobeira - -This eBook is for the use of anyone anywhere at no cost and with -almost no restrictions whatsoever. You may copy it, give it away or -re-use it under the terms of the Project Gutenberg License included -with this eBook or online at www.gutenberg.org/license - - -Title: Amadís of Gaul, Vol. II. of IV. - -Author: Vasco Lobeira - -Release Date: February 1, 2016 [EBook #51099] - -Language: English - -Character set encoding: UTF-8 - -*** START OF THIS PROJECT GUTENBERG EBOOK AMADÍS OF GAUL, VOL. II. OF IV. *** - - - - -Produced by Josep Cols Canals, Lisa Reigel, and the Online -Distributed Proofreading Team at http://www.pgdp.net (This -file was produced from images generously made available -by The Internet Archive/Canadian Libraries) - - - - - -Transcriber's Notes: Words in italics in the original are surrounded -with _underscores_. Variations in spelling and hyphenation remain as -in the original. The Table of Contents is at the end of this volume. A -complete list of corrections follows the text. - - - - - Amadis of Gaul, - - by - - VASCO LOBEIRA. - - IN FOUR VOLUMES. - - VOL. II. - - LONDON: - Printed by N. Biggs, Crane-court, Fleet-street, - FOR T. N. LONGMAN AND O. REES, PATERNOSTER - ROW. - - 1803. - - - - -_AMADIS of GAUL._ - -Book the First. - - - - -_CHAPTER 36._ - - -Amadis and Galaor were within two leagues of London when they saw -Ardian the Dwarf coming towards them as fast as horse could gallop. -Never trust me, quoth Amadis, if he comes not with the news of some -great mishap to seek us. Presently the Dwarf came up and related all -his tidings, and how Oriana was carried away. Holy Mary, help me! cried -Amadis: which way did they take her?—By the city is the nearest road. -Amadis immediately spurred his horse, and gallopped amain towards -London, so confounded with the terror of this news that he never spoke -word to Galaor, who followed him full speed. They passed close by the -town without stopping a minute, only Amadis enquired of all he saw -which way the Princess had been taken; but as Gandalin passed under the -windows where the Queen and her Ladies were, the Queen called him, -and threw the King's sword to him, which was the best sword that ever -Knight girded on; take it to your Master, quoth she, and God speed him -with it! and tell Galaor that the King went from hence with a Damsel -this morning, and is not yet returned, and we know not where she has -led him. Gandalin took the sword and rode as fast as he could after -Amadis, who coming to a brook missed the bridge in his hurry, and -forcing the horse to leap the tired animal fell short into the mud; -then Gandalin came up to him and gave him the sword, and the horse -which he himself rode. Presently they turned aside from the road to -follow the track of horsemen, and there they saw some woodmen, who -asked them if they came from London, for if a Knight and a Damsel be -missing there, said they, we have seen an adventure; and then they -told them what they had beheld. Who is it that has taken them? quoth -Amadis; for he knew it was Lisuarte by the description. They answered, -the Damsel who led the Knight here called loudly for Arcalaus. Lord -God! quoth Amadis: let me but find that traitor!—The woodmen then told -them how the party had separated, and said that one of the five Knights -who went with the Damsel was the biggest Knight they had ever seen. -Amadis knew that that was Arcalaus; and bidding Galaor follow where -the King went, he spurred on after Oriana. By sunset the horse could -carry him no farther, and he being greatly distressed, saw a little to -the right of the road a Knight lying dead, and a Squire by him holding -his horse. Who slew that Knight? cried Amadis. A traitor that passed -by, carrying the fairest Damsel in the world by force, and he slew my -master only for asking who they were, and here is no one to help me -to remove the body.—My Squire shall help you: give me your master's -horse: I promise to give you two better in return. He told Gandalin to -follow him after the body was disposed of, and gallopped on. Towards -day-break he came to a hermitage in a valley, and asked the Hermit -if he had seen five Knights pass carrying with them two Damsels? Do -you see yonder castle? he replied: my nephew tells me that Arcalaus -the Enchanter is lodged there, and with him two fair Damsels whom he -hath taken by violence. By God the very villain whom I seek!—He hath -done much evil in this land, replied the Hermit. God remove him, or -mend him!—Then Amadis asked him if he had any barley for his horse; -and, while the horse was feeding, enquired who was the Lord of the -castle. Grumen, said the good man, cousin to Dardan who was slain in -Lisuarte's court, and therefore the King's enemies put up there. Now -God be with you, father! quoth Amadis; I beseech you remember me in -your prayers! which way to the castle?—Amadis followed the path which -the good man had pointed out, and came up to it, and saw that the wall -was high and the towers strong. He listened and could hear no sound -within, and that pleased him, for he knew that Arcalaus was not gone -forth; and he rode round, and saw that it had only one issue. Then he -retired among some crags, and, dismounting, stood holding the bridle, -and with his eyes fixed upon the gate, like one who had no will to -sleep. By this the morning broke, and he removed farther across a -valley to a hill that was well wooded, for he feared that if those of -the castle saw him they would suspect there were others at hand, and -therefore not come out. Presently the gate opened, and a Knight came -out, and went to a high eminence and looked all round; then returned -into the castle. It was not long before he saw Arcalaus and his four -companions come out, all well armed, and among them Oriana. Ah, God! -quoth he, now and for ever help me in her defence! They drew near him, -and he heard Oriana say, Dear friend, I shall never see thee more, for -I go to my death. The tears came into his eyes; he descended the hill -as fast as he could, and came after them into a great plain, and then -cried, Arcalaus! traitor! it becomes not one like thee to carry away -so excellent a Lady! Oriana knew the voice, and shook all over; but -Arcalaus and the others ran at him. He took his aim at Arcalaus, and -bore him right over the crupper; then turned his horse and smote at -Grumen, so that the point and part of the stave of the spear came out -at his back, and he fell down dead, and the spear broke in him. Then -he drew the King's sword, and laid about with such rage and violence, -and felt such strength in himself, that he thought if the whole plain -were full of Knights they could not stand before him. We are succoured! -quoth the Damsel of Denmark: it is the fortunate Knight! look at the -wonders he performeth! Ah God protect thee, dear friend! cried Oriana: -none other in the world can save us. The Squire who had her in his -keeping seeing what had passed, cried out, Certes I shall not wait -till those blows come upon my head which shields and helmets cannot -resist! and he put the princess down, and rode off full speed. By this -Amadis had cut thro' the arm of another, and sent him away howling -with the agony of death; and he cleft a third down to the neck. The -fourth began to fly, and Amadis was after him, when he heard his Lady -cry; and looking round, saw that Arcalaus had mounted again, and was -dragging her up by the arm. Amadis soon came up to them, and lifting up -his sword dared not put forth his strength lest he should slay both, -but with a half-blow he smote him on the shoulder, and cut away part -of the cuirass and the skin; then Arcalaus let Oriana fall, that he -might escape the better. Turn, Arcalaus, cried Amadis, and see if I be -dead as thou hast reported! but he in fear of death spurred on, and -threw his shield from off his neck for speed. The blow made at him just -reached his loins with the sword-end, and fell upon the horse's flank -and wounded it, so that the beast rode away more furiously. Amadis, -albeit he so hated the Enchanter, did not pursue him further, lest he -should lose his mistress, he turned towards her, and alighted and knelt -before her, and kissed her hand, saying, now let God do with me what he -will! I never thought to see you again. She being among the dead was -in great terror, and could not speak, but she embraced him. The Damsel -of Denmark going to hold his horse saw the sword of Arcalaus on the -ground, and admiring its beauty gave it to Amadis; but he seeing it -was right glad thereof, for it was King Perion's sword which had been -placed in his cradle, and which Arcalaus had taken when he enchanted -him. Presently Gandalin came up, who had travelled all night long: a -joyful man was he seeing how the quest had ended. - -Amadis then placed Oriana upon the Damsels palfrey, while Gandalin -caught one of the loose horses for the Damsel, and taking her bridle -they left the place of battle. But Amadis as they went along reminded -Oriana how she had promised to be his; hitherto, said he, I have known -that it was not in your power to show me more favour than you did; but -now that you are at full liberty, how should I support disappointments -without the worst despair that ever destroyed man! Dear friend, quoth -she, never for my sake shall you suffer, for I am at your will: though -it be an error and a sin now, let it not be so before God.—When they -had proceeded about three leagues they entered a thick wood, and about -a league farther there was a town. Oriana, who had not slept a wink -since she left her father's house, complained of fatigue: let us rest -in that valley, said Amadis. There was a brook there and soft herbage; -there Amadis took her from her palfrey: the noon, said he, is coming on -very hot, let us sleep here till it be cooler, and meantime Gandalin -shall go bring us food from the town. He may go, replied Oriana, but -who will give him food?—They will give it him for his horse, which -he may leave in pledge, and return on foot. No: said Oriana, let him -take my ring, which was never before so useful: and she gave it to -Gandalin, who, as he went by Amadis, said to him, he who loses a good -opportunity, Sir, must wait long before he find another. Oriana laid -herself down upon the Damsel's cloak, while Amadis disarmed, of which -he had great need, and the Damsel retired farther among the trees to -sleep. Then was his Lady in his power, nothing loth; and the fairest -Damsel in the world became a Woman. Yet was their love encreased -thereby, as pure and true love alway is. - -When Galaor returned, the Damsel prepared the food; and, though they -had neither many serving-men, nor vessels of gold and silver, yet was -that a sweet meal upon the green grass in the forest. - - - - -_CHAPTER 37._ - - -Galaor rode on after the King so fast as his horse could carry him; -still following the track of the horsemen. About vespers he met a -Knight who cried out to him, whither so fast? stop and tell me! I have -no time, quoth he.—By St. Mary, you pass not so! tell me, or fight me! -But Galaor still rode on.—Certes, Knight, cried the stranger, you have -committed some villainy that you fly so fast: defend yourself! Galaor -turned as if to meet him in his career, but dexterously moved aside, -so that the Knight's horse in his speed carried him a good way on. Ah, -coward! cried the Knight, when at last he turned, thou shalt answer me -or die! and he ran at him again full tilt. Again Galaor avoided the -encounter, and rode on as fast as he could. When the Knight saw him -far before, he said, as God shall help me, he shall not escape so! -and knowing the country well, he struck across by a nearer way, and -took possession of a pass. Faint-hearted coward! quoth he, chuse now -of three things: fight, or turn back, or answer me! I like neither, -replied Galaor, and you are discourteous: if you want to know why I go -so fast, follow me and see; I should lose time in telling you, and you -would not believe me, it is for so great an evil. The Knight answered, -In God's name then go on, and I will follow thee though for these three -days. - -In about half a league's time they saw one Knight running after his -horse, and another gallopping away from him. He who was with Galaor -knew him on foot, for he was his cousin, and he caught the horse -for him, and asked him, how is this? He replied, I was riding along -thinking upon you know what, when that Knight yonder gave me such a -thrust on my shield that the horse fell upon his knees and threw me. I -drew my sword, and called to him to do battle; but he only cried out, -remember to answer another time when you are spoken to! and so he rode -away. By my faith in God, let us follow him, and see you how I will -avenge myself. I cannot, said his cousin, now, for I must keep this -Knight company for three days; and then he related what had befallen -him with Galaor. Quoth the other, certes either he is the greatest -coward in the world, or he goes upon some great adventure: I will -forego my own vengeance to see the end of this. By this Galaor was far -before them, for he did not tarry a whit, and they rode after him. It -was now drawing towards night. Galaor entered a forest, and soon lost -the track, for it was dark, so that he knew not which way to take. Then -he began to pray to God to guide him that he might be the first to -succour the King; and thinking that those horsemen might have led the -King apart from the road to rest themselves, he went along the bottoms -listening every where if he might hear them. The Knights thinking he -had kept the road, rode straight forward about a league till they came -through the forest, and not seeing him there they imagined he had -hidden himself, and they turned aside to lodge in the house of a Dame -hard by. - -When Galaor had searched the forest throughout, and found nothing, he -resolved to proceed, and ascend some eminence the next day to look -about. So recovering the road, he went on till he came into the open -country, and there he saw before him in a valley a little fire. Thither -he went; it was some forgemen, and they seeing him come among them in -arms, took up lances and hatchets to defend themselves; but he bidding -them not fear, besought them to give him some barley for his horse. -The which they did, and he gave the beast his supper. They would have -given him also to eat, but he would not; only he lay down to sleep, -requesting them to wake him before day-break. The night was two parts -gone, and Galaor lay down by the fire, completely armed. At dawn he -rose, for he had not slept much for pure vexation, and, commending them -to God, he took his leave. His Squire had not been able to keep pace -with him, and thenceforth he vowed if God prospered him, to give his -Squire the better horse. So he rode to a high hill, and from thence -began to look all round him. - -The two cousins had now left the Lady's house, and it being now day -they saw Galaor on the eminence, and knowing him by his shield rode -towards him. As they drew nigh they saw him descend the hill as fast -as horse could carry him. Certes, quoth the one, he is flying and -concealing himself for some mischief: if I come up with him, God never -help me if I do not learn from him what he hath deserved. But Galaor, -thinking nothing of them, had just seen ten Knights passing a strait -at the entrance of the forest, of whom five rode first and five behind, -and some unarmed men went in the middle. These he thought to be the -villains with the King, and went towards them like a man who has -devoted his own life to save another. Coming near, he saw Lisuarte with -the chain about his neck; and then, with grief and rage that defied -danger, he ran at the first five, exclaiming, Ah, traitors! to your own -misfortune have you laid hands upon the best man in the world! The five -at once ran at him; he smote the first so sternly, that the wood of his -lance appeared through his back, and he fell dead; the others smote -him with such force that his horse fell upon his knees, and one of -them drove his spear between Galaor's shield and breast-plate. Galaor -forced it from him, and striking at another with it, nailed his leg -to the horse, and left the broken lance in them; then putting hand to -sword, the others all came at him, and he defended himself so bravely -that every one wondered how he could bear up against such blows. But -being in this great press of danger, it pleased God to succour him -with the two cousins who were in his pursuit, who seeing his great -chivalry, exclaimed, Of a truth we wrongly called him coward: let us -go help the best Knight in the world! With that they ran full tilt to -his assistance, like men who knew their business, for they had each -been Errant Knights for ten years, and the one was called Ladasin, the -sword-player, and the other Don Guilan the pensive, the good Knight. -At this time Galaor had great need of their aid, for his helmet was -hacked and battered, his harness open in many places, and his horse -tottering with loss of blood; yet he felt assured that, if his horse -did not fail him, he should bring it to a good end. But when the two -cousins came to his help, then he bestirred himself more hopefully, for -he marvelled at their prowess. The load of blows was lightened, and he -had room for action. When the Cousin of Arcalaus saw how things were -going, for his Knights were falling on all sides, he ran to Lisuarte to -slay him. Those who were with the King had fled, and he got from off -the palfrey with the chain about his neck, and caught up a shield and -sword from the ground, and received upon the shield the blow that was -meant for his death. The sword passed a palm's length through the rim -of the shield, and with its point reaching the head made a slant wound -to the skull; but the King smote at his enemy's horse in the face, so -that the traitor could not repeat the blow, and the horse reared and -fell back upon the rider. Galaor now on foot, for his horse could not -move, ran to him to smite off his head; but the King called out not to -slay him. By this the two cousins had made an end of their last enemy, -and then turning round they knew the King, to their great wonder, -for they knew nothing of what had happened; and they took off their -helmets, and knelt before him. He raised them up, saying, By my God, -friends, you have succoured me in time! great wrong, Don Guilan, hath -your mistress done me in withdrawing you from my company, and for your -sake I lose Ladasin also. Guilan was ashamed at these words, and his -cheeks crimsoned, for he loved the Dutchess of Bristol and she loved -him, and the Duke always suspected it was he who had entered his castle -when Galaor was there. - -Galaor had now taken the chain from Lisuarte, and fastened it round -the cousin of Arcalaus; they took the horses of the dead, one for the -King, and one for Galaor, and rode towards London. They halted at -the dwelling of Ladasin, and there found Galaor's Squire and Ardian -the Dwarf, who thought his master had taken that way. A Squire was -sent forthwith to inform the Queen of Lisuarte's safety. They rested -that night; and, as they set forth on the morning, their prisoners -confessed how all that had passed had been concerted with Barsinan, -that he might make himself King of Great Britain; which, when Lisuarte -heard, he spurred on in greater haste. - - - - -_CHAPTER 38._ - - -The woodmen had carried the news of Lisuarte's imprisonment to London; -immediately there was a great stir in the city: the Knights all ran -to horse, and gallopped to his rescue, so that the whole plain seemed -full of them. King Arban of North Wales was talking with the Queen, -when his Squires brought him horse and arms, and a Page said to him, -arm yourself, Sir! what are you doing? there is not a Knight of all -the King's company, except yourself, who is not gone full speed to the -forest. And why? quoth Arban.—Because they say ten Knights are carrying -away the King prisoner. Holy Mary! exclaimed the Queen; I always feared -this! and she fell down in a swoon. Arban left her to the care of her -Ladies, all making loud lamentation, and armed himself. As he was -mounting, he heard a great cry that the Tower was taken. Holy Mary! -quoth he, we are all betrayed! and then he knew he must not leave the -Queen. By this time there was such an uproar in the town, as if all the -people of the world were there. Arban drew up his two hundred Knights -before the Queen's palace, and sent two of them to discover the cause -of the tumult. They went to the Tower, and saw that Barsinan had got -possession of it, and was killing some and throwing others from the -walls, for he had six hundred Knights with him, besides footmen, and -the King's Knights suspecting nothing had all gone to their master's -rescue. The townsmen hearing this, ran all armed as they could in haste -to the Queen's palace, and there also Barsinan went that he might take -her, and get possession of the crown and throne. When he arrived he -found Arban ready for defence. Arban, quoth he, you have hitherto been -the wisest Knight of a young man that has been known: see now that you -lose not your wisdom. Why do you say this? cried Arban.—Because before -five days end Lisuarte's head will be sent me, and there is no other -in this land who can and ought to be King except myself, and King I -will be! I give you the kingdom of North Wales which you now hold, -because you are a good Knight and wise: so retire now, and let me take -the crown and throne, for whosoever opposes me shall lose his head. -Villain and Traitor! quoth Arban; and then began a sharp conflict, -wherein many were slain, which lasted till night, for the streets being -narrow Barsinan could not avail himself of his numbers, and King Arban -so behaved himself that he that day saved the Queen. - -At night both parties retired: the Queen then sent for Arban; he went -to her armed as he was, and wounded in many places, and, when he came -before her, took off his battered helmet. There were five wounds in -his face and neck, and his countenance was all bloody; but it seemed a -beautiful face to those who, under God, thought him their protector. -But the Queen seeing him, wept aloud with great pity: Ah, good nephew, -God defend thee! what will become of the King? and what will become of -us? Of him, quoth Arban, we shall have good news; for ourselves, fear -nothing from these traitors: your vassals who are with me can defend -themselves in their great loyalty.—But, Nephew, you are not in a state -to bear arms, and what can the others do without you?—Fear not, Lady, -so long as life is in me I shall not forsake my arms. - -Barsinan, who found his people had need of rest, took twenty Knights -with him in the morning, and went to a post which Arban's High Steward -kept. They at the barrier took their arms to defend themselves, but -Barsinan cried out that he came to speak with them, and make a truce -till noon; to which Arban, being advised thereof, assented willingly, -for the most part of his company had been so hardly handled that they -could not bear arms. Barsinan then went to Arban, and said he would -make a truce for five days. Agreed, said Arban, but provided that -you shall not attempt to take any thing in the town; and that if the -King comes, we immediately act as he may order us. I grant all this, -said Barsinan, that there may be no more battling, for I value my own -Knights, and I value you who will be mine sooner than you think. I will -tell you how: the King is dead, and I have his daughter and will make -her my wife. God forsake me then, quoth Arban, if ever thou shalt have -truce with me, since thou art a partaker in the treason against my -liege Lord! go and do thy worst! And before night Barsinan made three -attacks upon him, and was repulsed. - - - - -_CHAPTER 39._ - - -Meantime Amadis asked Oriana what Arcalaus had said to her. He told -me not to grieve, said she, for within fifteen days he would make me -Queen of London, and give me Barsinan for my husband, to whom he was to -give me and my father's head, and be made his High Steward in return. -Holy Mary! quoth Amadis: Barsinan, who seemed such a friend! I fear -lest he do injury to the Queen. Dear friend, cried Oriana, hasten on! -I must to my sorrow, replied Amadis, for else I should have delighted -to pass four days here in the forest with you, if it had pleased you. -Oriana answered, God knows how willingly! but great evil might happen -thereby to this land, which if God pleases will one day be yours and -mine. As soon as it was morning Amadis armed himself, and leading his -Lady's bridle, rode on as fast as they could towards London; and every -where they met the Knights, five by five, and ten by ten, as they -were seeking the King; more than a thousand they met, and told them -which way the King was gone, and how Galaor was in quest of him. When -they came within five leagues of London they met Grumedan, the good -old Knight who had fostered the Queen; twenty of his lineage were with -him, and they had been all night long scouring the forest. He seeing -Oriana went towards her weeping: Oh God, Lady, what a good day with -your coming! but what tidings of the King? They told him what they -knew, and Amadis said to him, Take you charge of Oriana, and bid all -the Knights that you shall meet turn back, for if numbers can succour -him, there are already more than enough gone: I must go with all speed -to protect the Queen. With that he gallopped away: at the entrance of -the city he found the Squire whom Lisuarte had sent with the news of -his deliverance, and learnt also the state of the city. So entering -as privately as he could he went to Arban, who embraced him right -joyfully, and asked, what news? As good as heart could wish! quoth -Amadis: let us go to the Queen. He took with him Ladasin's messenger, -and kneeling before Brisena, said, Lady, this Squire has left Lisuarte -safe and well, and I have left Oriana with your fosterer Grumedan; -they will soon be here, but I must go look after Barsinan. He then -changed his shield and helmet that he might not be known, and bade -Arban throw down the barriers, that the traitors might come freely -on, for by God's help they shall pay dearly for their treason! The -barriers were thrown down, and Barsinan prest on at the head of his -people, thinking that all would now be his, for his own men were many -and his enemies few, and he was eager to seize the Queen. The King's -party gave back being overpowered, then Amadis went forth; he had on -a rusty helmet, and a plain shield hanging from his neck; but he was -soon judged to be a good one, and he went on making his way through the -press; and having the good sword of Lisuarte by his side. He forced his -way to Barsinan and encountered him; drove his lance through shield -and corselet, and left the broken spear in him half way of its iron; -then drew he his sword, and smote off the crest and top of his helmet, -and the scalp of his head, for the sword cut so finely that Amadis -could scarce feel the blow he gave; with another stroke he sheared -thro' gauntlet and hand, and the sword passing through the bone of the -wrist, fell on the leg and entered in half through. Then Barsinan fell, -and Amadis turned upon the throng, and King Arban so prest them that -they who could escape slaughter ran to the Tower, and made fast the -gates. Amadis finding he could not force entrance readily, went back -to Barsinan, and finding him still alive, ordered that he should be -carried to the palace and kept till the King's return. Then the strife -being over, he looked at the bloody sword which he held in his hand. -Sword! quoth he, in a happy day was the Knight born who shall wield -you! and certes you are well employed, for being the best in the world, -you belong to the noblest King! He then disarmed himself, and went to -the Queen; and Arban was laid in his bed, as there was great need, for -he was sorely wounded. - -At this time King Lisuarte was hastening to London. Of the Knights whom -he met, some he made turn back, others he sent through the vallies and -by all roads to recal their comrades from their search. The first whom -he met were Agrayes and Galvanes, and Solinan and Galdan, and Dinadaus -and Bervas, all six together making great moan; who when they saw him -would have kissed his hand, but he joyfully embraced them. Sir, said -Dinadaus, the whole city are in quest of you like mad men. Nephew, -replied the King, take some of these Knights with you, and carry my -shield that you may be the sooner obeyed, and turn back all whom you -meet. This Dinadaus was one of the best Knights of the King's lineage, -and well esteemed among all good Knights, as well for courteous bearing -as for his good chivalry and prowess. When they came into the high -road to London they fell in with Grumedan, the King's so dear friend, -who was conducting Oriana home; and I tell you their pleasure was -exceeding great, and the old man told him how Amadis was gone to the -Queen's succour. Presently they heard news what Barsinan had done, and -how King Arban had defended the city, and how by the coming of Amadis -all had been ended and the traitor taken. By the time the King reached -London, there were in his company more than two thousand Knights. When -he came to the palace, who can tell the joy that was made? Immediately -he had the Tower surrounded, and having made Barsinan and the Cousin -of Arcalaus confess the whole manner of their treason, they were both -burnt in sight of their own people, who having no provisions, neither -any remedy, in five days came to the King's mercy, and he executed -justice upon some and pardoned others. Thus ended this treason, but it -was the cause of much enmity between the countries of Great Britain -and Sansuena, for a son of Barsinan, who was a good Knight, came -afterwards against Lisuarte with a great power. - -These dangers over the court proceeded as before, making great pastimes -and festivals as well by night in the town, as by day in the fields. -On one of those days the Lady and her sons arrived, before whom Amadis -and Galaor had made their covenant with Madasima. They seeing her went -honourably to bid her welcome. Friends, said she, you know wherefore I -am come: what will you do in this case? will you not keep your promise, -for to-day is the time? In God's name, replied Galaor, let us go before -the King. Let us go, quoth she. Then coming into the presence, the Lady -made her obeisance and said, Sir, I come here to see these Knights -perform a covenant which they have made; and then she repeated what -they had promised to Madasima, the Lady of Gantasi. Ah Galaor, cried -the King, you have undone me! Galaor answered, better this than to die: -if we had been known, all the world could not have saved our lives; and -now the remedy is easier than you imagine. Brother, remember you have -promised to follow my example! Then Galaor related before the King, -and all the Knights present, by what treachery they had been taken. -Sir King, said he, I now forsake you and your company for the sake -of Madasima, the Lady of Castle Gantasi; for it is her will to do you -this displeasure, and whatever others she can, for the hatred she bears -you. Amadis affirmed what his brother had said. Have we performed our -covenant? then said Galaor to the three witnesses; they answered, yes, -truly, you have acquitted your promise. In God's name! quoth Galaor, -and now you may return when you please, and tell Madasima that she hath -not made her terms so cunningly as she thought, as you may see. Sir, -we have kept our covenant with Madasima, and forsaken your service; -but it was not stipulated how long we were to be out of your service, -therefore we are free to use our own will, and freely again enter your -service as before. At this Lisuarte was greatly pleased, and said to -the Lady, Certes these Knights have fairly acquitted themselves of a -promise so treacherously obtained, and just it is that they who deceive -should be themselves deceived. Tell Madasima, that, if she hates me, -she had it in her power to do me the greatest ill that could happen; -but God, who has preserved them from other perils, would not suffer -them to perish by such hands. If it please you, Sir, said the Lady, -tell me who these Knights are?—Amadis and Don Galaor his brother. What! -was Amadis in her power? cried she: now God be praised that they are -safe, for certes it had been great misadventure if two such good men -had so perished? She will be ready for pure vexation to inflict the -death upon herself which she designed for them. Truly, quoth the King, -that would be more justly done. So the Lady went her way. - - - - -_CHAPTER 40._ - - -Twelve days together did King Lisuarte continue his court, and, when -it broke up, though many Knights departed to their own lands, it was -a wonder how many remained, and in like manner many Dames and Damsels -continued to abide with the Queen. Among those whom the King received -into his company were the cousins Ladasin and Guilan the pensive, both -good Knights, but Guilan was the better of the twain, for in the whole -kingdom of London there was none who surpassed him in worth; but so -absent was he, that none could enjoy his conversation or company, and -of this love was the cause, and that to a Lady who neither loved him -nor any thing else to such an excess: her name was Brandalisa, sister -to the Queen of Sobradisa, and married to the Duke of Bristol. - -The day came whereon that Duke was summoned to appear and answer the -appeal of Olivas. The Duke arrived, and was courteously by the King -received. Sir, quoth he, you have summoned me to answer an accusation: -he who made it lies, and I am ready to acquit myself as you shall judge -right. Then uprose Olivas, and with him all the Errant Knights present. -Lisuarte asked why they all arose. Grumedan answered, because the Duke -threatens all Knights Errant, and therefore we are all concerned. -Certes, quoth the King, a mad war hath he undertaken! there is not in -the world a King so mighty, or so wise, that he could bring a war like -that to good issue! but retire you at present, and seek not now to -avenge yourselves: he shall have full justice. All then withdrew, but -Olivas, who said, the Duke who standeth before you, Sir, hath slain my -Cousin-german, who never by word or deed gave him occasion of offence: -I therefore accuse him as a traitor for this, and will either make him -confess it, or kill him, or force him out of the lists. The Duke told -him he lied, and that he was ready to acquit himself. The combat was -fixed for the next day, for the Duke's two nephews who were to fight on -his side were not yet arrived. - -They came that evening; the Duke made such account of them that he -thought Olivas could not produce their peers. They went before the -King. Olivas defied the Duke, who demanded battle, three to three. Then -Don Galvanes, who was at the feet of the King, rose, and called his -nephew Agrayes, and said to Olivas, Friend, we promised to be on your -side if need was: now then let the battle be. When the Duke saw them, -he remembered how they had rescued the Damsel whom he would have burnt, -and he was somewhat abashed. They armed themselves, and entered the -place appointed for such trials; one party through the one gate, the -other on the opposite side. From the Queen's window Olinda overlooked -the lists, and seeing Agrayes about to fight her heart failed her; and -Mabilia and Oriana were greatly grieved for the love they bore to him -and Galvanes. The lists were cleared: the King withdrew from them, and -the champions ran their encounter. Agrayes and his Uncle dismounted -their enemies, and broke both their lances. Olivas made the Duke fall -on his horse's neck, but received a deep wound himself, and the Duke -recovered his seat. Agrayes rode at him, and laid on him a heavy load -of blows, heartily hating him for his great discourtesy and falsehood; -but one of the dismounted Knights struck at the Prince's horse, and -buried the sword in his flank: the horse fell, and the Duke and his -Nephew both assailed Agrayes as he lay upon the ground. Don Galvanes, -closely busied with his antagonist, saw nothing of this. At that hour -all who loved Agrayes were in great consternation; Amadis yearned to -be among them, for he greatly feared his cousin's death; the three -Damsels above were well nigh desperate, and it was pitiful to behold -Olinda, what she suffered. Howbeit, Agrayes got on his feet, and with -the good sword of Amadis, which he wielded, laid lustily about him. Ah, -God, cried Galaor aloud, what is Olivas about this while! better that -he had never borne arms, if he fails at a time like this! But Galaor -knew not what sore agony Olivas suffered; for he had such a wound, -and bled so fast, that it was a wonder how he kept his seat. He saw -the peril of Agrayes, and heaving a deep sigh, as one whose heart did -not fail him though his strength was failing, he cried, Oh God, let -me help my good friend before my soul depart! and then, feebly as he -could, he laid hand to sword and turned upon the Duke, and his spirit -kept him up. Agrayes was now left man to man, and he remembered that -his Lady saw him, and he laid on so furiously that his friends trembled -lest his strength and breath should fail him; but this was his custom, -and if his strength had been equal to his great courage, he would -have been one of the best Knights in the world; but even as it was he -was right good, and of great prowess. Anon he had cut through armour -and flesh in sundry places, and left his foe quivering with death, at -the same moment when Olivas, fainting for loss of blood, fell from -his horse. The Duke not seeing how Agrayes had fared, turned upon -Galvanes; Agrayes leaped upon Olivas's horse, and rode to his Uncle's -assistance: he smote the Duke's Nephew upon the helmet, so that the -sword stuck there; and plucking it away, he burst the lacings, and -left him bareheaded to the wrath of Galvanes, while he turned upon the -Duke. Presently Galvanes having finished his enemy, attacked the Duke -on the other side, but his horse being wounded fell and bruised him, -so that man to man were left. Still were all the beholders right glad; -but above all Don Guilan, who hoped to see the Duke slain, for the love -he bore to his wife. The Duke was flying, Agrayes reached the rim of -his shield, the sword went in, the Duke threw off the shield from his -neck, and still fled; then turned, while Agrayes was recovering his -sword, and struck twice at him. The Prince, as soon as his weapon was -free, requited him with a blow on the left shoulder that went through -harness and flesh and bone, down to the ribs. The Duke fell, but hung -in the stirrup, and the horse dragged him out of the lists, and when -he was picked up his head was found dashed to pieces by the horse's -heels. Agrayes forthwith alighted, and ran to his uncle, and asked how -he fared. Bravely, quoth Galvanes, God be thanked! but I am right sorry -for Olivas, for methinks he is dead. They then cast the two nephews out -of the lists; then went to Olivas, and found that he had just opened -his eyes, and was asking to be confessed. Galvanes looked at his wound: -take heart, cried he, it is not in a dangerous place! Sir, replied -Olivas, my heart and all my limbs are dying away; I have been sore -wounded ere now, but never was in such weakness. They disarmed him, -and the fresh air was of service, and the blood somewhat ceased. The -King sent a bed whereon to remove him, and skilful surgeons dressed his -wound, and said that though it was very deep, by God's help they could -heal it. - -The Queen then sent Grumedan to bring Brandalisa to court, and, with -her, her niece Aldeva: Thereat was Don Guilan well pleased, and in -a month they arrived, and were honourably welcomed. So the fame of -King Lisuarte went abroad, and in half a year it was a marvel how -many Knights came from foreign parts to serve him, whom he rewarded -bountifully, hoping by their aid not only to preserve his own kingdom, -but to conquer others, that in old times had been subject and tributary -to Great Britain. - - - - -_CHAPTER 41._ - - -This history has related to you how Amadis promised Briolania to -revenge her father's death, and how she gave him a sword, and that when -in his combat with Gasinan he broke the sword, he gave the pieces to -Gandalin's care: You shall now hear how the battle was performed, and -what great danger he underwent because of that broken sword, not from -any fault of his own, but for the ignorance of his dwarf Ardian. - -Amadis, now recollecting that the time was come to perform his promise, -acquainted Oriana, and requested her leave, though to him it was like -dividing his heart from his bosom to leave her; and she granted it, -albeit with many tears, and a sorrow that seemed to presage what evil -was about to happen. Amadis took the Queen's leave for form's sake, and -departed with Galaor and Agrayes. They had gone about half a league, -when he asked Gandalin if he had brought the three pieces of the sword -which Briolania had given him, and finding he had not, bade him return -and fetch them. The Dwarf said he would go, for he had nothing to delay -him; and this was the means whereby Amadis and Oriana were both brought -into extreme misery, neither they nor the Dwarf himself being culpable. - -The Dwarf rode back to his master's lodging, found the pieces of the -sword, put them in his skirt, and was retiring, when, as he passed the -palace, he heard himself called. Looking up, he saw Oriana and Mabilia, -who asked him why he had not gone with his master. I set out with him, -said he, but returned for this; and he showed her the broken sword. -What can your master want a broken sword for? quoth Oriana. Because, -said the Dwarf, he values it more than the two best whole ones, for her -sake who gave it him.—And who is she—The Lady for whom he undertakes -this combat, and though you are daughter to the best King in the world, -yet, fair as you are, you would rather win what she has won, than -possess all your father's lands.—What gain so precious hath she made? -perchance she hath gained your master?—Yes, she has, his whole heart! -and he remains her Knight to serve her! Then, giving his horse the -lash, he gallopped away, little thinking the wrong he had done. Oriana -remained pale as death; she burst into bitter reproaches against the -falsehood of Amadis, and wrung her hands, and her heart was so agitated -that not a tear did she shed. It was in vain that Mabilia and the -Damsel of Denmark strove to allay her rage with reasonable words: as -passionate women will do, she followed her own will, which led her to -commit so great an error, that God's mercy was necessary to repair it. - -The Dwarf rejoined his master, and showed him the pieces of his sword, -but Amadis asked him no questions, and he said nothing of what had -passed. Presently they met a Damsel, who asked whither they were -going.—Along this road.—I advise you to leave it.—Why?—Because no -Knight hath taken it for fifteen days but he hath been either slain -or wounded. And who hath done all this mischief? quoth Amadis.—The -best Knight in arms that I have ever seen. Damsel, said Agrayes, you -must shew us this Knight.—He will shew himself so soon as you enter -the forest. The Damsel then followed them; they looked all round the -forest in vain, till, as they were at the other side thereof, they saw -a Knight of good stature completely armed, on a roan horse, holding -a lance, and a Squire by him with four other lances. He speaking to -his Squire, the man laid the lances against a tree, and came up to -the Knights.—Sirs, yonder Knight sends to inform ye that he hath kept -this forest for fifteen days against all Knights Errant with fair -fortune, and for the pleasure of the joust hath yet stayed a day and -a half longer than his time appointed; he says, that if it please you -to joust with him he is ready, but there shall be no sword combat, -for in that he hath done much evil against his own will, and will -avoid it henceforth if he can. Agrayes had taken his helm and thrown -the shield round his neck, while the Squire was speaking: tell him to -defend himself! quoth he. They ran their race; their spears brake, and -Agrayes was dismounted, and his horse ran loose, whereat he was greatly -ashamed. Galaor took his arms to avenge him; the lances were broken: -their bodies met with such force, that Galaor's horse, being the -weaker and more weary, fell and threw him, and then ran away. Amadis -seeing this, blessed himself: in truth, said he, the Knight may well -be praised, for he hath proved himself against two of the best in the -world; but as he went on to take his turn he found Galaor on foot, -with his sword in hand defying the Knight to battle, but the Knight -laughed at him; and Amadis said, brother, do not chafe yourself; it was -the covenant that there should be no sword-battle. Then he bade the -stranger defend himself, and they ran at each other: their spears flew -up in splinters; they came against each other, shield and helmet; the -horse fell with Amadis, and the horse broke his shoulder; the Knight of -the forest was dismounted, but he held the reins, and lightly took the -saddle again. Quoth Amadis, you must joust again, for this encounter -was equal, we both fell. I do not chuse to joust again, said he. Amadis -replied, Knight, you do me wrong. Right yourself when you can! said -the other: I am bound no farther, as I sent to tell you! and then he -gallopped away through the forest. - -Amadis leapt upon Gandalin's horse, and told his companions to follow -him as fast as they could to find that Knight, for they were all -greatly abashed. Quoth the Damsel, it will be a foolish quest: all the -Knights of King Lisuarte's household would fail to find him without a -guide. My friend, said Galaor, belike you know who he is, and where -to be found? If I do, quoth she, I mean not to tell you, for I would -bring no harm to so good a man. Ah, Damsel, said Galaor, by the faith -you owe to God, and by the thing in the world which you love best, tell -me what you know of him. She answered, I care not for these conjurings, -and will not discover him for nothing. Ask what you will, quoth -Amadis.—Tell me your name, and promise me each a boon hereafter, when -I shall demand it. They in their earnestness promised. When she heard -the name of Amadis, she exclaimed, God be praised, for I was seeking -you!—And wherefore?—You shall know when it is time; but tell me, have -you forgot your promise to the daughter of the King of Sobradisa, -who let loose the lions to save you? I am now going, replied Amadis, -to perform the battle. Why then, quoth she, would you turn astray to -follow this Knight, who is not so easy to find as you imagine, when -your day is appointed for the combat? She says true, Sir brother, said -Galaor: go you with Agrayes upon this business; I will follow the -Knight with this Damsel, for I shall never have joy till I find him, -and I will join you in time for the battle if it be possible. In God's -name! cried Amadis, but tell us, Damsel, the name of the Knight.—I know -it not, yet once I was a month with him and saw never else such deeds -of arms; but I can show where he is to be found. Then Galaor departed -with her. - -Amadis and Agrayes proceeded till they came to the castle of Torin, the -dwelling of that fair young Damsel, who was now grown so beautiful that -she appeared like a bright star. What think you of her? said Amadis. -Agrayes answered, if her Maker designed to make her beautiful, he has -most perfectly accomplished his will. They were disarmed, and mantles -given them, and they were conducted into the hall. But when Briolania -saw Amadis how young he was, for he was not twenty, and how beautiful, -for even the scars in his face became him, and of what fair renown he -was, she thought him the best Knight in the world, and greatly affected -him; so that when by his help she had recovered her kingdom, she would -have given him herself and that, but Amadis told her right loyally how -he was another's. - - - - -_CHAPTER 42._ - - -Four days Galaor rode with the Damsel, and so wrathful was he for -this fall that whatever Knight encountered him in that time felt the -effects, and many were slain for the act of another. At length they saw -a fair fortress, built above a vale; the Damsel told him there was no -other place near where he could lodge that night, and they made up to -it. At the gate they found many men and Dames and Damsels, so that it -seemed to be the house of a good man, and among them was a Knight of -seventy years, with a cloak of scarlet skin, who courteously bade him -welcome. Sir, quoth Galaor, you welcome us so well, that, tho' we found -another host, we would not leave your hospitality. Then were they led -into a hall, and supper was given them right honourably; and, when the -cloths were removed, the old Knight went to Galaor and asked him if -the Damsel was to be his bedfellow. He replied, no; and two Damsels -then conducted her to her chamber, while he was shewn a rich bed for -himself. Here rest yourself, said his host: God knows the pleasure I -have in entertaining you, and all Errant Knights, for I myself have -been one, and have two sons who are the like, but both now are badly -wounded, for there came by a Knight who dismounted them both, and they -greatly ashamed of their foil rode after him, and came up to him by a -river as he was about to cross it in a boat; and they would have made -him do battle with the sword, since they knew how he could joust. The -Knight, who was in haste, would have declined the battle, but my sons -prevented him from entering the boat. A Lady who was in the boat then -said to them, that they were discourteous in detaining her Knight -against her will; but they said, he must needs do battle. Let it be, -then, said the Lady, that he shall fight with the better of you twain, -and if he conquer him that shall suffice. Not so, they answered; if one -failed, the other would prove his fortune. The Knight then grew angry, -and cried, come both, since you will not let me proceed! and one after -the other he sent them from their horses, utterly confounded; then -crossed the river and went his way. I went afterwards to bring home -my sons, for they were sorely wounded: you shall see with what wounds, -such as never before were given by any Knight. He then sent for the -armour which they had worn, and it was so cut through with the sword -that Galaor greatly marvelled, and asked what arms the Knight bore.—A -vermilion shield with two grey lions, and another on his helmet, and -he rides a roan horse. Know you who he is? cried Galaor. No, said the -old Knight. It is the same Knight whom I am seeking, quoth Galaor, and, -if I find him, I will revenge your two sons and myself, or die. Sir -friend, quoth his host, I would counsel you to forbear the attempt, for -as for what my sons have suffered they brought it on themselves; and -then he bade him good night. - -The next morning Galaor and his guide departed; they crossed the river -in the boat, and proceeding about five leagues came to a fortress. Wait -for me a little, said the Damsel; I will be here presently: and she -entered the castle. Presently she returned, bringing with her another -Damsel and ten Knights on horseback; and that other Damsel, who was -passing fair, said to Galaor, Sir, my Cousin tells me you are in quest -of the Knight who bears two grey lions in a vermilion shield, that you -may know who he is; but I tell you that you cannot learn by force, for -there is no Knight like him in all the islands, and he will neither -tell you nor any other for three years, unless it be forced from him. -Damsel, said Galaor, I shall not cease my enquiry, and would rather -learn his name by force than by other means. Since that be so, said -she, within three days I will bring you to him, at my Cousin's request. -They set forth, and by vespers time came to an arm of the sea that -clipped round an island, so that there was full three leagues of water -to cross; a bark was ready at the harbour, but before they entered it -an oath was demanded, that there was only one Knight in company. Why -is this oath required? said Galaor. The Damsel replied, the Lady of -the island will have it so; when one Knight has crost over, no other -is suffered to come till the first return, or is slain.—Who is it that -kills or conquers them?—The Knight whom you are seeking; he has been -here half a year, and by this occasion: a turney was held here by the -Lady of the island, and another Dame of great beauty; this Knight came -hither from a foreign land, and being on her side won the victory. -Whereat she was so pleased, that she never rested till she had won him -for her paramour; but because he is desirous of seeking adventures, -the Lady, to detain him with her, invites Knights to joust against -him. If by chance they are slain, they are there interred; otherwise, -they are sent back, and he gives their arms and horses to his mistress. -She is a full fair Lady, and her name Corisanda; the island is called -Gravisanda. How came he, said Galaor, to keep the forest? It was a boon -asked of him by a Damsel, said she, tho' his mistress hardly permitted -him to perform it. - -By this they had reached the island; the night was some way advanced, -but it was clear moonlight, the Damsel had two tents pitched beside -a little brook, and there they supped, and rested till the morning. -Galaor would fain have shared the Damsel's tent, but to that, albeit, -she thought him the fairest of all Knights and much delighted in his -conversation, she would not consent. In the morning they set forward, -and he asked his guide if she knew the Knight's name?—Neither man nor -woman in all this land know it, except his mistress. Then was Galaor -the more curious that one of such worth in arms should so conceal -himself. Presently they saw a castle on a height, surrounded for a -league on all sides by a rich plain. In that castle, quoth the Damsel, -is he whom you seek. Having advanced farther, they found a stone -pillar curiously wrought, and a horn upon it. Sound that horn, said -she, and you shall presently see the Knight. Galaor blew the horn, and -forthwith there came certain men from the castle, and pitched a tent -in the meadow before the gate, and then there issued out ten Dames and -Damsels, and in the midst of them one richly clad, who was the Lady of -the rest. Why does the Knight tarry? quoth Galaor, who saw all this. -The Damsel answered, he will not come till the Lady send for him. I -beseech you then, said he, go to her and request her to summon him, for -I have much to do elsewhere and cannot tarry. When the Lady heard this -errand, what! cried she, holds he our Knight so cheap that he already -thinks of doing ought elsewhere? he will depart sooner than he thinks, -and more to his cost. Then she turned to her man: go, call the strange -Knight. Anon he came from the castle, armed and afoot; his men led -his horse, and carried his shield and lance and helmet, and he went -straight to his mistress. You see a foolish Knight yonder, said she, -who thinks lightly to take his leave of you: I desire you would make -him know his foolishness! and then she embraced, and kissed him. All -this made Galaor the more angry. - -The Knight mounted, and slowly rode down the height. Galaor was ready -as soon as he saw him in the level, and bade him defend himself: they -ran at each other; both lances were broken, both shields pierced, both -Knights deeply wounded. Don Galaor drew his sword: the stranger said -to him, Knight, by the faith you owe to God, and to the thing you love -best, let us joust once more! You conjure me so, said Galaor, that I -will do it, but I am sorry my horse is not so good as yours, else we -would joust till one of us fell, or till all your lances were broken! -The Knight made no answer, but called to his Squire for two lances, -and sent the one to Galaor. Again they encountered: Galaor's horse -came on his knees and tottered, and was almost down; the stranger lost -both his stirrups, and was fain to hold round the neck of his horse. -Galaor spurred up his and had now sword in hand; thereat the stranger, -somewhat abashed, exclaimed, you are desirous to do combat with the -sword; certes, I fear it rather for you than for myself: if you do not -believe me, you shall see. Do your worst! quoth Galaor: I will either -die, or revenge those whom you left in the forest. Then the stranger -recollected that it was he who had defied him on foot, and he answered -him angrily, revenge yourself if you can, but I rather think you will -carry back one shame upon another. - -The Ladies, seeing how gallantly they had jousted, thought they would -then have accorded, but when they saw the sword-battle, they were -greatly amazed at the fury with which it was begun. Such mortal blows -they gave each other, that the head was often made to bow upon the -breast, and the steel [50:A]arches of the helmets were cut through, and -their trappings, and the sword went through the linings and was felt -upon the head; and the field was strewn with the fragments of their -shields and their broken mail. This continued long, till each wondered -that his antagonist could hold out. Galaor's horse at last began to -fail him, and could scarcely move, whereat he waxed exceeding wroth, -thinking that only this delayed his victory, for the stranger could -lightly come on, and withdraw again from his blows. Galaor, when indeed -he did reach him, made him feel the sword, but his horse tottered as -if he had been blind, and he began to fear his own death more than -he had ever done before in any battle, save in that with his brother -Amadis, for from that he never expected to leave off alive. Next to -Amadis, he thought this the best Knight he had ever encountered, -albeit he doubted not of conquering him, were it not for the fault of -his horse. Being in this strait, he called out. Knight! either finish -the battle on foot, or give me another horse, or else I will slay -yours, and that villainy will be your fault. Do your worst! replied -the stranger: the battle shall not be delayed; it is a great shame -that it hath lasted so long. Look to your horse then! quoth Galaor. -The Knight rode close to him, fearing for his horse; so close, that -Galaor caught him with both arms, and at the same instant spurred his -own horse violently, and they both fell upon the ground, each holding -his sword, and there they struggled for some time before they released -each other. But, when they rose, they attacked again so furiously as if -the battle were but then beginning; there was not a moment's respite, -now that they could freely close or strike. As the fight continued -Galaor perceived he was gaining the better, for his enemy's strength -evidently weakened: Good Knight! quoth he, hold a while! whereat the -other paused, being indeed in need of rest. You see, quoth Galaor, -that I have the better of the battle; tell me your name, and why you -so carefully conceal yourself, and I will acquit you from the combat -and shall receive great pleasure; but unless you do this I will not -leave you. Certes, quoth the Knight, I shall not leave off with these -conditions: I never found myself so hardy in any battle as in this, -and God forbid that any single Knight should ever know me, except to -my great honour. Be not rash, cried Galaor; by my faith I swear never -to let you go till I know who you are, and why you conceal yourself. -God never help me, quoth the stranger, if ever you learn it from me: -I will rather perish in battle than tell it, except to two Knights, -to whom, tho' I know them not, I neither could nor ought to deny any -thing. Who are they whom you value so much? quoth Galaor. Neither shall -you know that, replied the stranger, because it seems that it would -please you. Certes, rejoined Galaor; I will know what I ask, or one of -us, or both, shall die. I am not averse to that, quoth his enemy. Then -they renewed the combat with full fury; but the stranger waxed weaker, -his armour was every where laid open and streaming with blood, till at -last the Lady of the Island ran like one frantic to Galaor, and cried, -hold, Knight! would the bark had been sunk that brought thee hither! -Lady, said he, if it offends you that I am avenging myself, and one who -is better than myself, the fault is not mine. Offer him no more harm, -quoth she, or you shall die by the hands of one who will have no mercy. -He answered, I know not how that may turn out, but I will not leave him -till I know what I have asked.—And what is that?—His name, and why he -conceals it? and who the two Knights are whom he esteems above the rest -of the world. She answered, A curse upon him who taught you to strike, -and upon you who have learnt so well! I will tell you: his name is Don -Florestan; he conceals himself because he hath two brothers in this -land of such passing worth in arms, that, albeit you have proved his -prowess, he dares not make himself known to them, till, by his fame, he -is worthy to join them; and these two Knights are in the household of -King Lisuarte, the one is called Amadis, the other Don Galaor, and they -are all three sons of King Perion. Holy Mary! cried Galaor, what have -I done? and then he presented his sword to Florestan: good brother, -take my sword, and the honour of the battle!—Are you my brother?—I -am your brother Don Galaor. Then Florestan fell on his knees before -him, saying, Sir, pardon me! for this offence that I have committed in -combatting against you, was caused by no other reason than that I durst -not name myself your brother, as I am, till I had somewhat resembled -you in prowess. Galaor raised him up, and took him in his arms, and -wept over him for joy, and for sorrow to see him so sorely wounded. - - [50:A] Cortando de los yelmos los arcos de azero con parte - de las faldas dellos, assi qui las espadas descendian a los - almofares, y las sentian en las cabeças. - -But the Lady beholding all this was greatly rejoiced. Sir, quoth she, -if you gave me great anguish you have repaid it with double pleasure. -They were then both carried into the castle and laid in bed, both in -one apartment, and Corisanda, being skilful in chirurgery, looked to -their wounds herself with great care; for she knew that if the one -died, the other would die also for pure sorrow, and her own life would -be doubtful if Florestan were in great danger. - - - - -_CHAPTER 43._ - - -This valiant and hardy Knight, Don Florestan, you should know how and -in what land he was begotten, and by whom. Know then that when King -Perion, being a young man and of good heart, sought adventures, he -passed two years in Germany, doing great deeds in arms, and as he was -returning with great glory to his own land, he lodged one day with the -Count of Selandia, where he was right worshipfully entertained, and -at night he was shewn to a rich bed, and there being weary with his -journey fell asleep. Ere long he felt a Damsel embracing him, and her -mouth joined to his; and, waking thereat, was drawing back, but she -cried out, how is this, Sir? would you rather be alone in the bed? The -King then looked at her by his chamber-light, and saw the fairest woman -that ever he saw: tell me, quoth he, who you are? She answered, one -that loves you, and gives you her love.—First tell me your name?—Why -do you distress me with the question?—I must know.—I am the Count's -daughter. Then the King said, it becomes not a woman of your rank to -commit this folly: I tell you I will not do this wrong to your father. -Ah, quoth she, ill betide those who praise your goodness! you are the -worst man in the world, and the most discourteous! what goodness can -there be in you when you thrust away a fair Lady of such lineage? King -Perion answered, I shall do that which is to your honour and my own, -not what would injure both. Then, quoth she, I will do that which shall -grieve my father more, than if you consent to my will! and she leapt -up and took King Perion's sword, that same sword which was laid in the -ark with Amadis, and unsheathed it, and placed the point against her -heart:—Will not my father grieve more for my death? When the King saw -that, he was greatly astonished, and he sprung from the bed, crying, -hold! I will perform your will! and he snatched the sword from her, -and that night she became pregnant. On the morrow Perion departed, and -never saw her more. - -She, so long as she could, concealed her situation, and when the time -drew nigh contrived to go visit her Aunt, with one Damsel; but as she -was passing through a forest her pains came on her, and she alighted -from her palfrey, and there brought forth a son. The Damsel seeing -her in this plight, put the baby to her breast. Now, Lady, said she, -the same courage that you showed in sinning, show now in supporting -yourself till I return; and then she mounted her palfrey, and rode on -as fast as she could to the Aunt's castle, and told her all that had -happened. The Dame was greatly troubled, yet delayed not for that to -succour her, but went forthwith with a litter, wherein she used to -visit her brother to shade her from the sun; and when she saw her niece -she alighted, and wept with her, and had her placed with the infant in -the litter, and taken by night into the castle, and enjoined secrecy to -all who were with her. So the mother returned after her recovery to the -Count's castle, and nothing was known of what had passed, and the boy -was educated till he was of eighteen years, a braver youth, and better -limbed than any other in the district; and the Dame his Aunt seeing -this gave him horse and arms, and took him to the Count to knight him, -who knew not that he whom he was knighting was his own grandson. - -As they were returning, the Dame told him the secret of his birth, and -said that he ought to go seek his father and make himself known to him. -Certes, Lady, quoth he, I have often heard of King Perion, but never -thought he was my father; but by the faith I owe to God, and to you who -have brought me up, neither he nor any one else shall know who I am, -till they can say that I am worthy to be the son of so good a man. Then -taking his leave, he went with two Squires to Constantinople, where he -heard there was a cruel war; there he remained four years, and did such -deeds in arms as never Knight had wrought before in those parts, so -that at the end of that time he determined to go and discover himself -to his father. But as he drew nearer France, he heard the fame of -Amadis and Galaor, who were now beginning to work wonders, so that he -changed his first intention, and resolved to gain more honour in Great -Britain, where there were more good Knights than in any part of the -world, and that he would not make himself known till his prowess had -given him sufficient renown: in which mind he continued till his combat -with Galaor, as you have heard. - -Amadis and Agrayes remained five days at the castle of Torin; then all -things being prepared, they set forward with Briolania and her aunt, -who took with them two damsels and five serving-men, on horseback, -and three palfreys laden with apparel, for Briolania went in black, -and would wear nothing else till her father's death was avenged. As -they began their journey Briolania requested a boon of Amadis, and -her Aunt another of Agrayes; the which they granted, without knowing -what it might be: they then demanded, that, let what would happen, the -Knights should not leave the road, that so their present quest might -not be interrupted. Much did they repent their promise, and great -shame did they endure thereby, for in many places was their succour -needed, and rightly might they have bestirred themselves if they had -been at liberty. Thus they travelled twelve days before they entered -the kingdom of Sobradisa; it was night when they reached it: they left -the high road, and struck by a by-way for three leagues; and then, -great part of the night being past, they came to a little castle, where -a Lady dwelt named Galumba, who had served in the court of the King -Briolania's father. She right joyfully admitted them, and set supper -before them, and provided their night's entertainment; and the next -morning asked the Aunt whither they were going. A joyful woman was she, -hearing that those Knights were going to revenge her Master's death; -but I fear, said she, lest that traitor should destroy them by some -deceit: for that reason, said the old Lady, am I come to consult with -you. Leave it to me, quoth Galumba. Then she took ink and parchment, -and wrote a letter, and sealed it with Briolania's seal, and gave it -to a Damsel, and directed her what she should do. The Damsel mounted -her palfrey, and rode on till she came to the great city of Sobradisa, -from whence the whole kingdom took its name. She went directly to the -palace of Abiseos, and rode through the gate, being richly apparelled. -The Knights came around to assist her to dismount; but she said, no, -she would not alight till the King saw her, and commanded her so to -do. They then took her bridle, and led her into a hall where the King -was, with his sons and many other Knights, and he bade her alight if -she had any thing to say. She answered, I will, Sir, on condition that -you protect me, and that I shall suffer no injury for any thing that I -may say against you, or against any other here. The King assured her -that she should be under his protection and royal faith, and bade her -deliver what she was come to say. Upon that she alighted, and said, -Sir, I bring a message which must be delivered in the presence of all -the chiefs of your realm: summon them, and it shall be made known. -Quoth Abiseos, it is as you would wish: they are already in my court, -and have been assembled on business these six days. Call them together, -said she. Forthwith they were summoned, and being all met, the Damsel -then said, King, Briolania, she whom you disherited, sends you this -letter, to be read before this assembly. When Abiseos heard the name -of his niece he was touched with shame, remembering the wrong he had -wrought her; yet, the letter was openly read, which was to give credit -to the Damsel's words. To this he only replied, that they were not to -believe what the Damsel might say on Briolania's behalf: but the people -of the realm who were there present were moved with great compassion -at the name of their lawful Lady, who was so unjustly dispossessed, -and they besought God secretly that he would no longer suffer so great -a treason to remain unpunished. Give your errand, quoth the King. -Sir King, said the Damsel, it is true that you killed the father of -Briolania, and have disherited her of her kingdom; and you have often -declared, that you and your sons would justify what you have done by -force of arms. Briolania now sends to say, that if you hold your word -she will bring here two Knights who will undertake the battle in her -cause, and make you know your treason and great tyranny. When Darasion, -the eldest of the sons heard this, he arose in great anger, being of -a hot nature, and without his father's permission replied, Damsel, -if Briolania has these Knights, I promise the combat for myself, and -for my father and brother; and, if I do not perform this, I promise -before all these Knights to give my head to her, that she may take it -in requital of her father's. Certes Darasion, answered the Damsel, you -answer like a Knight of great courage, yet may I doubt your words to -proceed from choler, for I see you are enraged; but if you will obtain -from the King an assurance of your words, I shall think they proceed -from that great worth and hardihood which are in you. What would you -have? quoth he. Cause the King, she replied, to give our Knights -assurance that, for any mishap which you may receive in the battle, -they shall sustain no injury from any in this land, nor be meddled -withal but by you three: give them this safe conduct, and they will -be here within three days. Darasion knelt down before his father;—you -see, Sir, what the Damsel requests, and what I have promised; and, -because my honour is yours, let it be granted, else they will without -danger have put us to shame, for we have always avowed that if any -one attainted your deeds we would justify it in battle; and even -without the promise we ought to accept the defiance, for they tell me -these Knights are some of King Lisuarte's rash household, whose pride -and folly makes them magnify their own worth and despise all others. -The King, albeit he felt himself guilty of his brother's murder, and -dreaded the battle, yet, because he loved his son as he did himself, -gave the safe conduct as the Damsel had demanded, the hour appointed by -the Most High being come. The Damsel having accomplished this, said, -hold yourselves ready, for to-morrow the Knights will be here. And then -she mounted her palfrey, and departed. - -Much were the Ladies and the Knights rejoiced at the success of her -embassy. When Amadis heard that Darasion held them as fools, because -they were of King Lisuarte's household, he grew angry, and exclaimed, -there are those in that household who could easily break his pride, and -his head too! but, when he had said this, he was ashamed that he had -been so mastered by anger. Briolania, who could not keep her eyes off -him, observed this, and said, you cannot, Sir, either say or do any -thing against those traitors which they have not deserved, and worse: -have pity on me, since you know my father's murder, and my wrongs: my -trust is in God and in you. Amadis, whose heart was submiss to virtue -and all gentleness, moved with pity for that fair Damsel, answered, if -God be so pleased, Lady, I ween that ere to-morrow night your sorrow -will be turned into joy. Then Briolania would, for thankfulness, have -humbled herself to have kissed his feet, but he drew back abashed, and -Agrayes raised her up. They determined to set forward by day-break, and -hear mass at the chapel of the Three Fountains, which was half a league -from Sobradisa. - -That night they made good cheer, and Briolania, who talked much with -Amadis, was oftentimes moved to offer marriage to him, but seeing his -frequent reveries, and the tears that sometimes fell down his cheeks, -which she knew proceeded from no fear in his brave heart, she suspected -that he loved elsewhere, and so refrained. At dawn they all departed; -and, arriving at the Three Fountains, heard mass from the good Hermit, -who hearing wherefore they were on their way, besought God to speed -them well in the battle, as he knew their cause was right. There they -armed themselves all save the head and hands, and so proceeded to -the city. Without the walls they found King Abiseos and his sons, -and a great company attending them: the people all flocked towards -Briolania, whom in their hearts they loved, thinking her their rightful -and natural Lady. Amadis led her bridle, and uncovered her face,[65:A] -that all might see her how beautiful she was: she was weeping, and the -multitude blessed her in their hearts, and prayed that she might now -be restored to her rights. Abiseos dissembled a feeling from which -neither his ambition nor his wickedness could shield him, and seeing -how the people flocked round Briolania, he exclaimed, fools, I see -how you rejoice in her sight! but it is to your honour and safety -that a Knight like me should protect you, not a weak woman; who in -so long a time has only been able to get these two Knights for her -champions; whom, because they are thus deceitfully brought to their -death, or dishonour, I cannot forbear to pity. These words so kindled -the indignation of Amadis, that blood seemed starting from his eyes; -he rose in his stirrups that all might hear him, and answered, King -Abiseos, I well see how the coming of Briolania troubles you, because -you have murdered her father, who was your King and brother: if there -be yet virtue enough in you to resign to her what is her own, I will -excuse the battle, that you may have leisure for repentance, that, -though you have lost your honour in this world, you may save your soul. -Before the King could reply, Darasion exclaimed, Thou foolish Knight -of King Lisuarte's court! I never thought I could endure to hear a -speech like thine: come on! and if your heart fails, you cannot fly -where I cannot reach you with such a vengeance, that none can behold it -without compassion. Arm thyself, traitor, and do battle! quoth Agrayes. -Darasion answered, say what thou wilt now! presently I will send thy -tongue without thy body to King Lisuarte's court, as a warning to all -such fools! Then they armed themselves; and Amadis and Agrayes laced on -their helmets, and took their shields and spears, and entered the place -which had been of yore marked out for such trials. Dramis, the second -son, who was so good a Knight that no two Knights of that country could -keep the field against him, said to his father, Sir, where you and my -brother are present, I might well be excused from speaking; but now I -have to act with that strength which I have received from God and you. -Leave that Knight who has reviled you to me: if I do not slay him with -the first lance-thrust, may I never again bear arms! or if it be his -good fortune that the spear does not strike right, the first blow with -the sword shall do it. There were many who heard this speech, and did -not think it vain boasting, he was of such exceeding strength. Darasion -looked round the lists: how is this? quoth he; ye are but two! hath the -heart of the third failed him? call him to come directly, for we will -not tarry. Trouble not yourself about the third, said Amadis, you will -presently wish the second away: now look to your defence! - - [65:A] _Quitole los antifazes._ She was muffled in the Moorish - manner, not veiled. - -They placed their shields before them, and gave their horses the rein. -Dramis ran right at Amadis, and pierced his shield and broke his lance -against his side; but Amadis smote him so roughly, that the spear went -through his shield, and, without piercing his breast-plate, burst his -heart within him, and he fell like the fall of a tower. In God's name, -cried Ardian the Dwarf, my Master's deed is better than his word! The -other twain ran at Agrayes: he and Darasion broke their lances upon -each other, and both kept their seats. Abiseos failed in his course; -he saw Dramis on the ground, and in great grief, albeit he did not -suppose him to be dead, ran full at Amadis, and pierced his shield, and -broke the lance in his arm, so that all thought he could not continue -the battle. Well may you think how Briolania felt at that; her heart -sunk, and the sight of her eyes failed her, and without support she -would have fallen from her palfrey. But he, who was not to be dismayed -by such wounds, graspt well that good sword which he had so lately -recovered from Arcalaus, and struck Abiseos upon the helm; through helm -it went, and slanted down the head, and pierced into the shoulder; a -slant wound, but so staggering that Abiseos tottered on his seat, and -fell, half senseless. Then he of Gaul rode up to Darasion, who was -close engaged with Agrayes:—now Darasion, you had rather the second -were absent, than that the third were come! Agrayes cried out to him -to hold:—Cousin, you have done enough, leave me this man who has -threatened to cut out my tongue. Amadis did not hear him; he had made a -blow which sliced off a part of the shield, and came through the pummel -of the saddle to the horse's neck; but Darasion, as he past, ran his -sword into the belly of Amadis's horse; the horse instantly ran away; -the reins broke in the rider's hand, and Amadis seeing that he had -no remedy, and that he should be carried out of the lists, struck the -beast between the ears with his sword, and split his head; the fall -bruised him sorely, but he arose, and turned to Abiseos. - -At this time Agrayes had driven his sword into Darasion's helmet, so -that he could not recover it. Darasion had forced it from his hand, -and was driving at him. Agrayes grappled him; they fell together and -struggled on the ground. Abiseos came up, and was lifting the skirts of -his armour to thrust his sword into him. Amadis came up in time. The -King was compelled to look to his own safety; he lifted his shield, -the blow dashed shield against helmet, and made him reel. Agrayes and -Darasion had loosed each other: Agrayes caught up Darasion's sword; -Darasion plucked the other from his helm, and ran towards his father. -Amadis saw that Agrayes was all bloody from a wound in his neck, and -fearing it was mortal, he cried, leave them to me, good cousin, and -rest yourself! I have no wound, quoth Agrayes, to keep me from aiding -you: see if it be so! Have at them, then! cried Amadis; but the fear he -felt for his cousin gave him such anger, that presently his enemies, -their armour all hacked, and their flesh too, began to turn here and -there disorderly, and with the fear of death. So it continued till the -hour of tierce, when Abiseos, seeing death before him, lifted his sword -in both hands, and ran desperately at Amadis, and gave him a blow, -such as might not be looked for from a man so wounded: it cut away the -brim of the helmet, and the shoulder mail and a part of the flesh with -it. Amadis felt it sorely, and did not delay to give him his wages: he -struck his shoulder, and lopt off that arm with which he had murdered -his own king and brother; arm and shoulder he lopt off, and cried, that -arm brought thee by treason to the throne, and it now brings thee to -death and the depth of hell! The King had fallen in the pangs of death. -Amadis looked round him, and saw that Agrayes had smitten off the head -of Darasion. Then the people of the land went joyfully to kiss the hand -of Briolania their [70:A]Lady. - - [70:A] There follows in the original a page of advice to all - wicked kings and rulers. - -The conquerors dragged their enemies out of the lists. Amadis, though -he was much wounded, would not disarm himself till he knew if there -were any to gainsay Briolania's right. But one of the chiefs of the -realm, by name Goman, came before him with an hundred men of his -lineage and household, and they declared that they had only endured the -usurpation of Abiseos because they had no remedy: now God had delivered -them, they were in that loyalty and vassallage which they owed to -Briolania. Within eight days all the kingdom came joyfully to do homage -to her. Amadis meantime was laid in bed, and that fair Queen never left -him but when she went to sleep herself. Agrayes, who was dangerously -wounded, was put under the care of a skilful man, who suffered none to -approach him, that he might not speak, for the wound was in his throat. - - - - -_CHAPTER 44._ - - -Don Galaor and Florestan remained in the castle of Corisanda till their -wounds were well healed, then took they their departure; but Corisanda -made such sorrow that it was pitiful to see her, albeit Florestan -comforted her, and assured her of his speedy return. They crossed to -the mainland, and proceeded towards Sobradisa, hoping to arrive there -before the battle. Brother, quoth Florestan, as they rode along, grant -me a boon for courtesy. Sir, and good brother, cried Galaor, is it a -thing that I shall repent? You will not repent it, said Florestan.—Ask -it then; for what I can grant without shame, I shall grant with good -will.—I ask then, that you will attempt no combat in this journey -till I have tried my fortune. Certes, quoth Galaor, I repent. Not so, -replied Florestan, for if there be any worth in me, it is to your -honour as well as to mine. Four days they rode without adventure: -on the fifth at evening they came to a Tower. A Knight, who stood at -the court-gate, courteously invited them for the night; and there -were they worshipfully entertained. The Knight their host, was a fair -Knight and a wise, and of goodly stature; but oftentimes he appeared -so lost in thought and sadness, that the brethren asked each other -what it might mean, and Don Galaor at last said to him, Sir, methinks -you are not so chearful as you should be! if your sadness is for any -cause which our aid can remedy, tell us, and we will do your will. -Many thanks, replied he of the Tower: I believe you would do so like -good Knights; but my sadness proceeds from the force of love, and I -will not tell you more now, for it would be to my own great shame. The -hour of sleeping came on; their host went to his apartment, and the -brethren remained in a handsome chamber where there were two beds. In -the morning he rode to bear them company, but unarmed; and, that he -might see whether they were such in arms as their appearance bespoke -them, he led them not along the high road, but through bye ways, till -they came to a place called the fountain of the Three Elms, for there -were three great and lofty Elm-trees above the fountain. Three fair -Damsels and well apparelled, were by the fountain, and there was a -Dwarf aloft in the trees. Florestan went first and saluted them gently, -as a courteous man, and one who had been gently bred. God save you, Sir -Knight, quoth the one; if you are as brave as you are handsome, God -hath gifted you well. Damsel, he replied, if my beauty pleaseth you, -my courage would please you more if it were put to proof. You answer -well, quoth she: see now, if your courage be enough to carry me from -hence.—Certes, quoth Florestan, little goodness is enough for that; -since it is your pleasure, I will do it.—He then bade his Squires place -her upon a palfrey which was tied to one of the Elms: when the Dwarf, -who was sitting up in the tree, cried out aloud, Come forth, Knights, -come forth! they are carrying away your mistress! At these words a -Knight, well armed and on a great horse, came up from the valley, and -cried out to Florestan, Knight! who bid you lay your hands upon that -Damsel? I do not think she can be yours, replied Florestan, seeing of -her own will she desired me to carry her hence. The Knight answered, -though she consent, I do not; and I have defended her against better -than you.—I know not how that may be, but unless you act up to your -words, carry her away I will!—Learn first what the Knights of the -Valley are, and how they defend their mistresses! With that they ran -at each other, and Florestan smote his shield so strongly against -his helmet that the laces brake, and the helmet came off. The Knight -could not keep his seat; he fell upon his sword, and broke it in two. -Florestan turned his horse and pointed his lance at him:—you are dead, -unless you yield the Damsel! I yield her, quoth he, and cursed be she, -and the day wherein I first beheld her, for she made me commit so many -follies that at last I have destroyed myself. Florestan left him, and -went to the Damsel, saying, you are mine! You have well won me, quoth -she, and may do with me as you please. Let us go then! said he; but -one of the other Damsels then said to him, Sir Knight, you are parting -good company; we have been a year together, and it grieves us to be -separated. Said Florestan, if you chuse to go in my company I will take -you also, otherwise you must be separated, for I will not leave so fair -a Damsel as this. And if she be fair, quoth the Damsel, neither do I -esteem myself so ugly, but that Knight should venture something for me -also; but I believe you are not of that temper. What! cried he, think -you that I would leave you here for fear? so help me as I would have -done so only to respect your free will, but you shall see. He bade the -Squires place her also on her palfrey, and the Dwarf, who sate up -aloft, cried out again for help. - -Presently there came another Knight from the valley, and said to -Florestan, Don Cavalier, you have won one Damsel, and, not content with -her, you would carry off another; you must, therefore, lose both, and -your head too; for it is not fit that a Knight of such degree as you -should have in your keeping a Damsel of such rank. You praise yourself -bountifully, quoth Florestan; yet had I rather have two Knights of my -kin for my helpers than thee! I neither regard thee nor them, said the -Knight: you have won this Damsel from him who could not defend her; if -I conquer thee, she shall be mine; if the victory is yours, you shall -take the other whom I defend. Content, quoth Florestan. Defend yourself -now, if you can! said he of the valley; and they ran their encounter. -The Knight pierced through Florestan's shield, and broke his lance -against the strong mail. Florestan failed in the race; ashamed at that, -when the Knight had taken from his Squire another lance, he ran again, -and pierced the shield of his antagonist and the arm that held it, and -drove him back upon the crupper of his horse; the horse reared and -threw him, and, the ground being hard, he neither moved hand nor foot. -Damsel, said Florestan, you are mine; for methinks your friend can -neither help you nor himself. So it seems, quoth she. - -Florestan looked at the other Damsel, who now remained alone by the -fountain, and saw that she was very sad. Damsel, said he, if it please -you, I will not leave you here alone. She did not answer him, but -said to his host, Go from hence, I counsel you! you know that these -Knights are not enough to protect you from him who will presently be -here, and, if he take you, you are sure to die. I will see what may -happen, he answered, my horse is swift, and my Tower at hand. Ah, said -she, take care of yourself; ye are but three, and you unarmed, and you -well know that is nothing against him. When Florestan heard this, he -became more desirous to carry away that Damsel, and see him whom she -praised so greatly. So he had her also placed on her palfrey; and the -Dwarf, who sate up aloft, said, Don Cavalier, in an ill hour are you -so bold: here comes one who shall take vengeance for all! and then he -shouted out, help! help, Sir! you linger too long! Presently there came -another Knight from the same valley; his armour was inlaid with gold, -and he rode upon a bay horse, big enough for a giant. Two Squires -came after him, armed with corselets and morions like serving men, and -each carried a huge battle-axe in his hand, in the use of which weapon -their master prided himself. He cried out to Florestan, stay, Knight, -and seek not to fly, for it will not save you: die you must, and it is -better die like a brave man, than like a coward! When Florestan heard -himself threatened, he waxed wonderous angry, and cried out, come on, -wretch and rascal, and clumsy[78:A] fool! So help me God, as I fear -thee no more than a great cowardly beast. Ah, quoth the Knight, how it -grieves me that I cannot wreak sufficient vengeance upon thee! would -that the best four of thy lineage were here, that I might cut off their -heads with thine! Protect yourself from one, cried Florestan, you may -dispense with the rest. Then, being both greatly incensed, they ran -at each other, and the shields and the mails of both were pierced -with the violence of the encounter: the large Knight lost both his -stirrups, and was fain to save himself by clinging round his horse's -neck. Florestan, as he past on, caught at one of the battle-axes, and -plucked it with such force from the Squire who held it, that both the -man and his horse were brought to the ground. The Knight of the Valley -had recovered his seat, and was ready with the other battle-axe, and -Florestan made at him with equal arms: both struck at once, each on the -helmet of his enemy; the axes went in three fingers' depth. Florestan -bowed his face upon his breast with the weight of the blow: the Knight -fell upon the neck of his horse, and the axe, being fast in the other's -helmet, slipt from his hand; before he could raise himself, Florestan -smote him as he lay between the helm and gorget, so that his head fell -at the horse's feet. This done, he turned to the Damsels. Certes, good -Knight, quoth the first of them, I once thought that not ten such as -you could have won us. - - [78:A] Ven cativa cosa, y mala, y fuera de razon, sin talle. - The language of vituperation is not easily translatable. - -The young Knight, their host, then came up to Florestan, and said, Sir, -I love this Damsel dearly, and she loves me. It is a year since this -Knight whom you have slain hath forcibly detained her, so that I could -not see her: now, that I may receive her from your hands, I beseech -you refuse me not. My host, quoth Florestan, of a truth I will right -gladly aid you, if it be as you say; but against her will I will yield -her to none. Ah, Sir, cried the Damsel, this is with my will! I beseech -you give me to him: he is my true love. Florestan answered, in God's -name, dispose of yourself as you like best! and she went joyfully to -her true love. Galaor then gave his horse to their friend, and took -the bay horse of the dead Knight, which was the handsomest he had ever -seen, and then they separated. The two Damsels whom Florestan had won, -were young and fair; he took the one to himself, and gave the other to -Galaor: I give you to this Knight, said he, and command you to do as -he pleases. What! quoth she, do you give me to this Knight, who has -not the heart of a woman? who stood by and saw you in such danger, -and did not help you? Damsel, answered Florestan, by my faith to God -and to you, I swear that I give you to the best Knight whom I know -in the world, except it be Amadis my Lord. The Damsel then looked at -Galaor, and seeing him so handsome, and so young, she marvelled at his -worth, and granted him her love. That night they had their lodging at -the house of a Lady, sister to their last night's host. On the morrow -they resumed their road, and said to their fair friends, we have a -long journey to perform thro' foreign lands, where you would endure -many hardships in following us: tell us where you would like best to -go, and there we will conduct you. They replied, that their Aunt had -a castle four days journey on that road whither they would go. As -they proceeded, Galaor asked his Damsel how she came into the power -of those Knights. She answered, that great Knight who was slain loved -the Damsel who went with your host, but she hated him. He took her by -force, for he was the best Knight in all these parts, and none could -gainsay him, yet would she never yield him her love; and he, for the -affection he bore her, withheld from offering her any wrong; and he -said to her, My fair friend, great reason is it that I should be loved -by you, being the best Knight in the world. Now I will do this for your -sake: there is a Knight who is called the best that ever was, Amadis of -Gaul by name, and he slew my cousin Dardan, in King Lisuarte's court; -I will find him, and cut off his head, and then shall I inherit all -his renown. Till I do this, I will give you two of the fairest Damsels -in all this land for your companions, and they shall have the two best -Knights of my lineage for their friends; and you shall every day be -taken to the fountain of the Three Elms, where many Errant Knights -pass, that you may see brave jousting, and learn to love me as I love -you. He then took us by force, and gave us to his kinsmen, and thus had -we past a year, till Don Florestan broke the bonds. That Knight, quoth -Galaor, had a haughty mind: what was his name? Alumas, she answered; -and, if it had not been for his exceeding pride, he was of great -prowess. Thus they proceeded till they reached the Lady's castle, who -thankfully entertained them, because they had delivered her nieces from -Alumas and his kinsmen, who had forcibly and dishonourably detained -them. - -Galaor and Florestan proceeded till they reached the kingdom of -Sobradisa, and there heard the joyful tidings of what their brother -and Agrayes had done. They hastened to the city, and went immediately -to the palace, where Amadis and his cousin, now whole of their wounds, -were conversing with the new Queen. Amadis, from the Damsel who had -guided Galaor, knew who they were, and went to welcome Florestan with -tears of joy, embracing and kissing him who would have knelt before -him. But when Briolania saw four such Knights in her palace, and -recollected how powerful she now was, and how lately she had lived, -not without fear, in a single castle, she knelt down, and thanked the -Most High for the mercy he had vouchsafed her. Of a truth, Sirs, said -she, these changes are the work of him, before whom the mightiest are -nothing; but for this dominion, and this wealth, which we suffer so -much anxiety and trouble to gain, and having gained, to keep; would it -be better, as being neither certain nor durable in themselves, and as -things superfluous and destructive to the body, and moreover to the -soul,—would it be better to reject and abhor them? Certainly I say, -no: and affirm, that, when they are gained with a good conscience, and -justly administered, we may enjoy from them comfort and pleasure and -joy in this world, and everlasting glory in the next. - - - _Here endeth the First Book of the noble and virtuous - Knight, Amadis of Gaul._ - - - - -_AMADIS of GAUL._ - -Book the Second. - - - - -_CHAPTER 1._ - - -There was a King in Greece married to the sister of the Emperor of -Constantinople, by whom he had two fair sons, especially the elder, -named Apolidon, who in his days had no equal for strength of body and -courage of heart. He having a subtle genius, which is so seldom found -with valour, gave himself to the study of the sciences and of all arts, -so that he shone among those of his own time like the Moon among the -stars; especially he excelled in necromancy, whereby things that appear -impossible are done. The King his father was very rich in treasure, -but poor in life, by reason of his great age; and seeing himself at -the point of death, he commanded that the kingdom should be given to -Apolidon, as his eldest son, and his books and treasures to the other. -The younger was not contented with this, and told his father so with -tears, and complained that he was disherited; but the old man, not -knowing what to do, wrung his hands for pure sorrow. Then that famous -Apolidon, seeing his father's grief and the littleness of his brother, -bade him take comfort, for he would accept the books and treasure, and -relinquish the kingdom to his brother. Whereat the father gave him his -blessing with many tears. So Apolidon took his inheritance, and fitted -out certain ships, manning them with chosen Knights, and set forth into -the sea, trusting himself to Fortune, who seeing his great obedience to -his father, and how he had thrown himself upon her mercy, resolved to -requite him with glory and greatness. A fair wind carried him to the -empire of Rome, where Siudan was then Emperor, at whose court he abode -some time, doing great feats in arms, till there grew a true affection -between him and the Emperor's sister, Grimanesa, who then flourished -among all other women for beauty. So it was that as he was loving, even -so was he loved, and as their loves might no other ways be indulged, -they left Rome together, and set sail in Apolidon's fleet, and sailed -till they came to the Firm Island. There Apolidon landed, not knowing -what country it was, and pitched a tent upon the shore, and placed a -couch there for his Lady, who was weary of the sea. Presently there -came down a fierce Giant, who was Lord of the island, with whom, -according to the custom of the place, Apolidon was to do battle for the -preservation of his Lady and himself, and his company. It ended in such -sort that the Giant lay dead on the field, and Apolidon remained master -of the island. When he had seen its strength, he neither feared the -Emperor of Rome, whom he had offended, nor all the world besides; and -there he and Grimanesa, being greatly beloved by the islanders, whom he -had delivered from their oppressor, dwelt in all happiness for sixteen -years. During that time many rich edifices were made, as well with -his great treasures, as with his surpassing wisdom, such as it would -have been difficult for any Emperor or King, how rich soever, to have -completed. At the end of that time the Emperor of Greece died without -an heir, and the Greeks, knowing the great worth of Apolidon, and that -by his mother's side he was of the blood and lineage of the Emperors, -elected him with one common consent to rule over them. He, albeit -he was enjoying all possible delights in his own island, yet, with -Grimanesa's consent, accepted the Empire; but she, before they left -the island where she had enjoyed such rare happiness, requested her -husband that he would work such a means by his great knowledge, that -that island might never be possessed, except by a Knight as excellent -in arms and loyal in love as himself, and by a Dame resembling her in -beauty and truth. - -Then Apolidon made an arch at the entrance of a garden, wherein there -were all kind of trees, and also four rich chambers, but it was so -surrounded that none could enter, except by passing under the arch, -over which he placed the Image of a man made of copper, holding a -trumpet in his mouth as if he would wind it. And in one of the chambers -within he placed two figures, in the likeness of himself and his Lady, -the countenances and the stature like unto them, so true that they -seemed alive, and near them he placed a bright stone of jasper; and, -about the distance of half a cross-bow shot, he made a [87:A]perron -of iron. Henceforward, said he, no man or woman who hath been false -to their first love shall pass here, for yonder Image shall blow from -that trumpet so dreadful a blast with smoke and flames of fire, that -they shall be stunned and cast out as dead. But if Knight, or Dame, or -Damsel come, worthy by virtue of true loyalty to finish this adventure, -they shall enter without let, and the Image shall make a sound so sweet -that it shall be delightful to hear, and they shall see our images, -and behold their own name written in the jasper. Grimanesa afterwards -ordered some of her Knights and Ladies to make trial, and then the -Image blew the dreadful blast with smoke and flames of fire; whereat -Grimanesa laughed, knowing them to be in more dread than danger. But -yet, my Lord, quoth she, what shall be done with that rich chamber -wherein we have enjoyed such great contentment? He answered, you shall -see. Then he made two other perrons, one of stone, the other of copper: -the stone one was placed five paces from the chamber, the copper one -five paces farther off. Know now, said he, that henceforth in no -manner, nor at any time, shall man or woman enter this chamber, till -a Knight come who surpasses me in prowess, or a woman exceeding you -in beauty; they shall enter. He then placed these words in the copper -perron: Knights shall advance here, each according to his valour; and -in the stone perron, he wrote: here none shall pass except the Knight -who exceeds Apolidon in prowess. And over the door of the chamber he -wrote: He who surpasses me in prowess shall enter here, and be Lord of -the island. And he laid such a spell, that none could approach within -twelve paces of the chamber round about, nor was there any entrance but -by the perrons. - - [87:A] _Padron_ is the Spanish word: the English version - renders it pillar, but the word means more; there must be - a roof and a flooring. Our market-crosses would be called - _padrones_. _Perron_ is used in the English Amadis of Greece. - -Then he appointed a Governor to rule the island, and collect the -revenues, which were to be reserved for the Knight who should enter -the chamber; and he commanded that all who failed in attempting to -pass the Arch of Lovers, should, without ceremony, be cast out of -the island; but such as passed through were to be entertained and -served with all honour. And farther, he appointed that all Knights who -attempted the adventure of the Forbidden Chamber, and did not pass -the copper perron, should leave their arms there; but from those who -advanced any way beyond it, only their swords should be taken. They -who reached to the marble perron should leave only their shields, and -if they penetrated beyond that, but failed to enter the chamber, they -should lose only their spurs. From the Dames and Damsels who failed, -nothing was to be taken, only their names should be placed upon the -castle-gate, and an account how far they had advanced. Apolidon then -said, when this island shall have another Lord, the enchantment shall -be dissolved, and all Knights may freely pass the perrons and enter the -chamber; but it shall not be free for women, till the fairest shall -have come, and lodged in the rich chamber with the Lord of the island. -These enchantments being thus made, Apolidon and his wife entered their -ships, and passed over into Greece, where they reigned during their -lives, and left children to succeed them. - - - - -_CHAPTER 2._ - - -While Amadis remained with his comrades at the court of Sobradisa, -his thoughts were perpetually fixed upon his Lady Oriana; and, so -thoughtful was he, and so often, both sleeping and waking, was he in -tears, that all saw how he was troubled, yet knew they not the cause, -for he kept his love silent, as a man who had all virtues in his -heart. At length, not being able to support a longer absence, he asked -permission of the fair young Queen to depart, which she not without -reluctance having granted, loving him better than herself, he and his -brethren and their cousin Agrayes took the road towards King Lisuarte. -Some days had they travelled when they came to a little church, -and entering there to say their prayers, they saw a fair Damsel, -accompanied by two others, and by four Squires, who guarded her, coming -from the door. She asked them whither they went. Amadis answered, -Damsel, we go to the court of King Lisuarte, where, if it please you -to go, we will accompany you. Thank you, quoth the Damsel, but I am -faring elsewhere. I waited, because I saw you were armed like Errant -Knights, to know if any of you would go and see the wonders of the Firm -Island, for I am the Governor's daughter, and am returning there. Holy -Mary! cried Amadis, I have often heard of the wonders of that island, -and should account myself happy if I might prove them, yet till now -have I never prepared to go! Good Sir, quoth she, do not repent of your -delay; many have gone there with the same wish, and returned not so -joyfully as they went. So I have heard, said Amadis: tell me, would it -be far out of our road if we went there?—Two days journey.—Is the Firm -Island then in this part of the sea, where is the enchanted Arch of -True Lovers, under which neither man nor woman can pass that hath been -false to their first love? The Damsel answered, it is a certain truth, -and many other wonders are there. Then Agrayes said to his companions, -I know not what you will do, but I will go with this Damsel, and see -these wonderful things. If you are so true a lover, said she, as to -pass the enchanted Arch, you will see the likenesses of Apolidon and -Grimanesa, and behold your own name written upon a stone, where you -will find only two names written besides, though the spell hath been -made an hundred years. In God's name let us go, quoth Agrayes, and I -will try whether I can be third. With that, Amadis, who in his heart -had no less desire and faith to prove the adventure, said to his -brethren, we are not enamoured, but we should keep our cousin company -who is, and whose heart is so bold. Thereto they all consented, and set -forth with the Damsel. What is this island? said Florestan to Amadis, -tell me, Sir, for you seem to know. A young Knight whom I greatly -esteem, replied Amadis, told me all I know; King Arban of North Wales: -he was there four days, but could accomplish none of the adventures, -and so departed with shame. The Damsel then related the history of the -enchantments, which greatly incited Galaor and Florestan to the proof. - -So they rode on till sunset, and then entering a valley, they saw many -tents pitched in a meadow, and people sporting about them, and one -Knight, richly apparelled, who seemed to be the chief. Sirs, quoth the -Damsel, that is my father: I will go advertise him of your coming, -that he may do you honour. When he heard of their desire to try the -enchantment, he went on foot with all his company to welcome them, -and they were honourably feasted and lodged that night. At morning -they accompanied the Governor to his castle, which commanded the whole -island, for at the entrance there was a neck of land, only a bow-shot -over, connected with the main land, all the rest was surrounded by the -sea; seven leagues in length it was, and five broad, and because it was -all surrounded by the sea, except where that neck of land connected -it with the continent, it was called the Firm Island. Having entered, -they saw a great palace, the gates whereof were open, and many shields -hung upon the wall; about an hundred were in one row, and above them -were ten, and above the ten were two, but one of them was in a higher -niche than the other. Then Amadis asked why they were thus ranked. -The Governor answered, according to the prowess of those who would -have entered the Forbidden Chamber; the shields of those who could -not enter the perron of copper, are near the ground; the ten above -them are of those who reached it; the lowest of the two passed that -perron, and the one above all reached to the marble perron, but could -pass no farther. Then Amadis approached the shields to see if he knew -them, for each had its owner's name inscribed; the one which was the -highest of the ten bore a sable lion, with argent teeth and nails, and -a bloody mouth, in a field sable: this he knew to be the shield of -Arcalaus. Then he beheld the two uppermost; the lower bore, in a field -azure, a Knight cutting off the head of a Giant; this was the shield of -King Abies of Ireland, who had been there two years before his combat -with Amadis: the highest had three golden flowers in a field azure: -this he knew not, but he read the inscription, This is the shield of -Don Quadragante, brother to King Abies of Ireland. He had proved the -adventure twelve days ago, and had reached the marble perron, which was -more than any Knight before him had done, and he was now gone to Great -Britain to combat Amadis, in revenge for his brother's death. When -Amadis saw all these shields, he doubted the adventure much, seeing -that such Knights had failed. - -They went out from the palace towards the Arch of True Lovers. When -they came near, Agrayes alighted and commended himself to God, and -cried, Love, if I have been true to thee, remember me! and he past the -spell; and, when he came under the arch, the Image blew forth sweet -sounds, and he came to the palace, and saw the likeness of Apolidon -and Grimanesa, and saw also the jasper-stone, wherein two names were -written, and now his own the third. The first said, Madanil, son of the -Duke of Burgundy, atchieved this adventure: and the second was, this is -the name of Don Bruneo of Bonamar, son to Vallados, Marquis of Troque: -and his own said, this is Agrayes, son to King Languines of Scotland. -This Madanil loved Guinda, Lady of Flanders. Don Bruneo had proved the -enchantment but eight days ago, and she whom he loved was Melicia, -daughter to King Perion, the sister of Amadis. - -When Agrayes had thus entered, Amadis said to his brethren, will ye -prove the adventure? No, said they, we are not so enthralled that we -can deserve to accomplish it. Since you are two, then, quoth he, keep -one another company, as I, if I can, will do with my cousin Agrayes. -Then gave he his horse and arms to Gandalin, and went on without fear, -as one who felt that never in deed or in thought had he been faithless -to his Lady. When he came under the arch, the Image began a sound far -different and more melodious than he had ever before done, and showered -down flowers of great fragrance from the mouth of the trumpet, the like -of which had never been done before to any Knight who entered. He past -on to the Images, and here Agrayes, who apprehended something of his -passion, met him and embraced him, and said, Sir, my Cousin, there is -no reason that we should henceforth conceal from each other our loves. -But Amadis made no reply, but taking his hand, they went to survey the -beauties of the garden. - -Don Galaor and Florestan, who waited for them without, seeing that they -tarried, besought Ysanjo, the Governor, to shew them the Forbidden -Chamber, and he led them towards the perrons. Sir brother, said -Florestan, what will you do? Nothing, replied Galaor: I have no mind to -meddle with enchantments. Then amuse yourself here, quoth Florestan, I -will try my fortune. He then commended himself to God, threw his shield -before him, and proceeded sword in hand. When he entered the spell, he -felt himself attacked on all sides with lances and swords, such blows -and so many that it might be thought never man could endure them; yet, -for he was strong and of good heart, he ceased not to make his way, -striking manfully on all sides, and it felt in his hand as though he -were striking armed men, and the sword did not cut. Thus struggling, -he passed the copper perron, and advanced as far as the marble one, -but there his strength failed him, and he fell like one dead, and was -cast out beyond the line of the spell. When Galaor saw this he was -displeased, and said, however little I like these things, I must take -my share in the danger! and bidding the Squires and the Dwarf to stay -by Florestan, and throw cold water in his face, he took his arms and -commended himself to God, and advanced towards the Forbidden Chamber. -Immediately the unseen blows fell upon him, but he went on, and forced -his way up to the marble perron, and there he stood; but, when he -advanced another step beyond, the blows came on him so heavy a load, -that he fell senseless, and was cast out like Florestan. - -Amadis and Agrayes were reading the new inscription in the jasper, This -is Amadis of Gaul, the true lover, son to King Perion,—when Ardian -the Dwarf came up to the line, and cried out, Help! help, Sir Amadis, -your brothers are slain! They hastened out to him, and asked how it -was.—Sir, they attempted the Forbidden Chamber, and did not atchieve -it, and there they lie for dead! Immediately they rode towards them, -and found them so handled as you have heard, albeit some little -recovering. Then Agrayes, who was stout of heart, alighted and went on -as fast as he could to the Forbidden Chamber, striking aright and aleft -with his sword, but his strength did not suffice to bear the blows, he -fell senseless between the perrons, and was cast out as his cousins -had been. Then Amadis began to curse their journey thither, and said -to Galaor, who was now revived, Brother, I must not excuse my body -from the danger which yours have undergone. Galaor would have withheld -him, but he took his arms, and went on, praying God to help him. When -he came to the line of the spell, there he paused for a moment, and -said, O Oriana, my Lady, from you proceeds all my strength and courage! -remember me now at this time, when your dear remembrance is so needful -to me! Then he went on. The blows fell thick upon him and hard till he -reached the marble perron, but then they came so fast as if all the -Knights in the world were besetting him, and such an uproar of voices -arose as if the whole world were perishing, and he heard it said, if -this Knight should fail, there is not one in the world who can enter. -But he ceased not to proceed, winning his way hardly, sometimes beaten -down upon his hands, sometimes falling upon his knees; his sword fell -from his hand, and, though it hung by a thong from the wrist, he -could not recover it, yet holding on still he reached the door of the -chamber, and a hand came forth and took him by the hand to draw him in, -and he heard a voice which said, Welcome is the Knight who shall be -Lord here, because he passeth in prowess him who made the enchantment, -and who had no peer in his time. The hand that led him was large, and -hard, like the hand of an old man, and the arm was sleeved with green -sattin. As soon as he was within the chamber it let go his hold, and -was seen no more, and Amadis remained fresh, and with all his strength -recovered; he took the shield from his neck and the helmet from his -head, and sheathed his sword, and gave thanks to his Lady Oriana for -this honour, which for her sake he had won. At this time they of the -castle who had heard the voices resign the lordship, and seen Amadis -enter, began to cry out, God be praised, we see accomplished what we -have so long desired. When his brethren saw that he had atchieved that -wherein they had failed, they were exceedingly joyful, because of the -great love they bore him, and desired that they might be carried to the -chamber; and there the Governor with all his train went to Amadis, and -kissed his hand as their Lord. Then saw they the wonders which were -in the chamber, the works of art and the treasures, such that they -were amazed to see them. Yet all this was nothing to the chamber of -Apolidon and Grimanesa, for that was such, that not only could no one -make the like, but no one could even imagine how it could be made; it -was so devised, that they who were within could clearly see what was -doing without, but from without nothing could be seen within. There -they remained some time with great pleasure; the Knights, because one -of their lineage was found to exceed in worth all living men, and all -who for a hundred years had lived: the islanders, because they trusted -to be well ruled and made happy under such a Lord, and even to master -other lands. Sir, quoth Ysanjo, it is time to take food and rest for -to-day: to-morrow, the good men of the land will come and do homage to -you. So that day they feasted in the palace, and the following day all -the people assembled and did homage to Amadis as their Lord, with great -solemnities and feasting and rejoicing.[101:A] - - [101:A] The Spanish Writer moralizes here a little upon the - mutability of fortune. - -You have heard in the first part of this great history, how Oriana -was moved to great anger and rage by what the Dwarf had said to her -concerning the broken sword, so that neither the wise counsels of -Mabilia nor of the Damsel of Denmark aught availed her. From that time -she gave way to her wrath, so that wholly changing her accustomed -manner of life, which was to be altogether in their company, she now -forsook them, and for the most part chose to be alone, devising how she -might revenge herself for what she suffered, upon him who had caused -her sufferings. So recollecting that she could by writing make him -sensible of her displeasure, even at a distance, being alone in her -chamber, she took ink and parchment from her coffer, and wrote thus: - -My frantic grief, accompanied by so great a reason, causes my weak hand -to declare what my sad heart cannot conceal against you, the false and -disloyal Knight, Amadis of Gaul; for the disloyalty and faithlessness -are known which you have committed against me, the most ill-fortuned -and unhappy of all in the world, since you have changed your affection -for me, who loved you above all things, and have placed your love upon -one who by her years cannot have discretion to know and love you. -Since then I have no other vengeance in my power, I withdraw all that -exceeding and misplaced love which I bore towards you; for great error -would it be to love him who has forsaken me, when in requital for my -sighs and passion I am deceived and deserted. Therefore, as the wrong -is manifest, never appear before me! for be sure the great love I felt -is turned into raging anger. Go, and deceive some other poor woman as -you deceived me with your treacherous words, for which no excuse will -be received, while I lament with tears my own wretchedness, and so put -an end to my life and unhappiness. - -Having thus written, she sealed the letter with the seal of Amadis, and -wrote on the superscription, I am the Damsel wounded through the heart -with a sword, and you are he who wounded me. She then secretly called a -Squire, who was named Durin, and was brother to the Damsel of Denmark, -and bade him not rest till he had reached the kingdom of Sobradisa, -where he would find Amadis; and she bade him mark the countenance of -Amadis while he was reading the letter, and stay with him that day, but -receive no answer from him, if he wished to give one. - - - - -_CHAPTER 3._ - - -Durin, in obedience to the command of Oriana, presently departed, and -hasted so well that on the tenth day he arrived at Sobradisa, where -he found the new Queen Briolania, whom he thought the fairest woman, -except Oriana, that ever he had seen; and learning from her that Amadis -had departed two days before, he followed him, and reached the Firm -Island just as Amadis was passing under the Arch of True Lovers, and so -he beheld how the Image did more for him than ever it had done for any -other. And though he saw Amadis after he came forth to his brethren, -yet he did not speak with him, nor give him the letter, till after he -had entered the Forbidden Chamber, and been received by all as Lord of -the island. This he did by Gandalin's advice, who, knowing the letter -to be from Oriana, feared that it might cause his Master either to -forslow or fail in the atchieving of so great an enterprise, for he -would not only have left off the conquest of the Firm Island, but also -of the whole world, to fulfil what she had commanded; but, when every -thing was finished, Durin went before him, and Amadis took him apart -from his brethren and from all others into a garden, and asked him if -he came from the court of King Lisuarte, and what tidings. Sir, said -he, the court is as when you left it: I come from thence by the command -of my Lady Oriana; by this letter you will know the cause of my coming. -Amadis took the letter, and he concealed the joy that was in his heart, -that Durin might know nothing of his secret; but his grief he could not -conceal when he had read those strong and bitter words, for neither his -courage nor reason could support him then, for he seemed struck with -death. When Durin saw him so disordered, he cursed himself and his ill -fortune, and death, that had not overtaken him on the way. Amadis, for -he could not stand, sate down upon the grass, and took the letter which -had fallen from his hands, and, when he saw the superscription, again -his grief became so violent that Durin would have called his brethren, -but feared to do so, observing what secrecy Amadis had chosen. -Presently Amadis exclaimed, O Lord, wherefore does it please thee that -I should perish, not having deserved it! and then again, Ah, truth, an -ill guerdon dost thou give him who never failed thee! Then he took the -letter again, saying, you are the cause of my unhappy end; come here, -that it may be sooner! and he placed it in his bosom. He asked Durin -if he had aught else to say; and hearing that he had not, replied, -well then thou shalt take my answer. Sir, quoth he, I am forbidden -to receive any.—Did neither Mabilia nor thy sister bid thee say any -thing?—They knew not my coming: my Lady commanded me to conceal it from -them.—Holy Mary help me! I see now my wretchedness is without remedy. -He then went to a stream that proceeded from a fountain, and washed -his face and eyes, and bade Durin call Gandalin, and bid him bring -Ysanjo the Governor; and he said to the Governor, promise me, as you -are a loyal Knight, to keep secret all that you shall see till after -my brothers have heard mass to-morrow; and the same promise he exacted -from the two Squires. Then he commanded Ysanjo to open privately the -gate of the castle, and Gandalin to take his horse and arms out, -privately also. This done they left him, and he remained alone, -thinking upon a dream which he had dreamt the last night, wherein it -seemed, that being armed and on horseback he was on a hill covered with -trees, and many persons round about him making great joy; when a man -from amongst them presented him a box, saying, Sir, taste what I bring -you; which he did, and it was exceeding bitter; and therewith feeling -himself cast down and disconsolate, he loosed the reins of his horse, -and let him go whither he would; and he thought that the mirth of all -around him was changed into such sorrow as was pitiful to behold; but -his horse carried him far away from them, and took him through the -trees to a rocky place surrounded with water; and then it seemed in his -dream that he left his horse and arms, as if by that he would have had -rest, and there came to him an old man in a religious habit, and took -him by the hand as if he had compassion, and spoke to him in a language -which he did not understand, whereupon he awoke. Upon this dream Amadis -now mused, thinking that he now found it true. - -Then hiding his face from his brethren, that they might not see his -trouble, he went to the castle-gate, which the sons of Ysanjo had -opened. Come you with me, said Amadis to the Governor, and let your -sons remain here, and keep this matter secret. So they went to the -foot of the rock, where there was a little chapel, and Gandalin and -Durin went with them. There he armed himself, and asked the Governor -to what saint that chapel was dedicated.—To our Lady the Virgin, who -hath wrought many miracles here. Hearing this, Amadis went in and -knelt down, and said, weeping, Our Lady Virgin Mary, the consoler and -helper of those that are afflicted, I beseech you to intercede with -your glorious Son, that he may have mercy on me; and, if it be your -will not to help me in my body, have mercy on my soul in these my -last days, for other thing than death I do not hope. He then called -Ysanjo, and said, promise as a loyal Knight to do what I shall direct! -and turning to Gandalin, he took him in his arms and wept abundantly, -and held him somewhile, for he could not speak. At length he said, my -good friend Gandalin, you and I were nursed by the same milk, and our -lives have been past together, and never have I endured hardship and -danger in which you had not your part also. Your father took me from -the sea when I was so little, being only that night's child, and they -brought me up as a good father and mother bring up their beloved son; -and you, my true friend, have always thought how to serve me, and I -have hoped in God that he would one day enable me to requite thee; -but now this misery, which is worse than death, is come upon me, and -we must part, and I have nothing to leave thee, except this island: I -therefore command Ysanjo and all others, by the homage which they have -done to me, that so soon as they shall know my death they take thee for -their Lord. The Lordship shall be thine, but I enjoin that thy father -and mother enjoy it while they live, and afterwards it shall remain -to thee. This I do for what they did for my childhood, for my ill -fortune will not suffer me to do what they deserve, and what I desire. -He then told Ysanjo to take from the rents of the island, which had -accumulated, enough to build a monastery by that chapel, in honour of -the Virgin Mary, and to endow it for thirty friars. But Gandalin cried -out, Sir, you never yet had trouble wherein I was separated from you, -nor shall it be now; and if you die, I do not wish to live: and I want -no honours or lordships; give it to your brethren, I will not take it, -and I do not want it. Hold thy peace, for God's sake, quoth Amadis, and -say no such folly to displease me. My brethren are of such worth that -they can gain lands for themselves, and to bestow on others. Then he -said to Ysanjo, it grieves me, my friend Ysanjo, to leave you before -I could honour you according to your deserts; but I leave you with -those who will do it. Ysanjo answered, let me go with you, Sir, and -suffer what you suffer. Friend, answered Amadis, it must be as I say; -God only can comfort me! I will be guided by his mercy, and have no -other company. He then said to Gandalin, if thou desirest knighthood, -take my arms; for, since thou hast kept them so well, it is right they -should be thine. I shall little need them: if not, my brother Galaor -shall knight thee. Tell him this Ysanjo, and serve and love him as thou -hast me, for I love him above all my lineage, because he is the best, -and hath ever been humble towards me. Tell him, too, that I commit -Ardian the Dwarf to his care. They for great sorrow could make him no -answer. Then Amadis embraced them, and commended them to God, saying -that he never thought to see them more, and he forbade them to follow -him; and with that spurred his horse and rode away, forgetting to take -either shield, or helmet, or spear. He struck into the mountain, going -whither his horse would. Thus he kept till midnight, being utterly -lost in thought; the horse came then to a little stream of water, -and proceeded upward to find a place so deep that he could drink -thereat. The branches struck Amadis in the face, and so recalled him -to himself, and he looked round, and seeing nothing but thickets, -rejoiced, thinking that he was hidden in that solitude. So he alighted, -and fastened his horse to a tree, and sate upon the green herb by, and -wept till his head became giddy, and he fell asleep. - - - - -_CHAPTER 4._ - - -Gandalin and his companions remained by the chapel, looking after -Amadis as he rode so fast away: then Gandalin, who was passionately -weeping, cried out, I will follow and carry his arms to him, although -he hath forbidden me! And I, quoth Durin, will bear you company for -this night. So they left Ysanjo, and getting to horse, rode after him, -coasting here and there about the wood, till fortune brought them so -near the place where he was lying, that his horse scented theirs, and -began to neigh. Then they knew that he was near, and Gandalin alighted, -and went quietly through the shrubs till he saw his Master sleeping by -the fountain. The Squire then took his horse and led it where he had -left Durin, and taking off the bridles from all the horses that they -might browze the green boughs, they remained still. It was not long -before Amadis awoke, for his sleep was restless: he rose, and looked -round: the Moon was almost down, but it was yet some time till day; -then he lay down again, and broke out into pitiful lamentations for his -evil fortune. - -The two Squires heard all he said and were greatly moved thereat, yet -durst they not appear before him. Presently there came up a Knight -singing along the way, and, when he was near the place where Amadis -lay, he exclaimed, Love, love, I thank thee for exalting me above all -other Knights! giving me good first, and better afterwards. You made -me affect the fair Queen Sardamira, thinking to secure her heart by -the honour which I should bear away from this land; and now, for my -greater happiness, you make me love the daughter of the greatest King -in the world, the fair Oriana, who hath no peer on earth: you make -me love her, and you give me strength to serve her. Saying this, he -drew from the wayside to a great tree, whereunder he meant to wait for -day-break. Then said Gandalin to his comrade, stay here while I go see -what Amadis will do. He went towards the fountain, but Amadis had risen -and was seeking his horse; and seeing Gandalin dimly in the night, he -cried out, who goes there? tell me, I beseech thee?—Gandalin, Sir! -who is going to bring you your horse.—Who bade thee follow me against -my command? you have displeased me: give me my horse and go thy way, -and tarry not here, unless thou wouldst have me slay thee and myself. -Sir, cried Gandalin, for God's sake no more of this! did you hear the -foolish words of a Knight hard by? And this he said to make him angry, -that he might forget his displeasure for a while. Amadis answered, I -heard him, and therefore want my horse to depart.—How! is this all you -will do?—What wouldst thou more?—That you should fight with him, and -make him know his folly.—Fool that thou art! I have neither heart, -nor strength, nor spirit! having lost all in losing her from whom all -came: she gave me courage, and hath taken it away: the most caitiff -Knight in Great Britain might slay me now. Sir, said Gandalin, for -God's sake speak lower, that Durin may not hear this, for he has heard -all that the Knight said.—What! is Durin here?—We came together: I -think he tarries to see what you will do, that he may report it to her -who sent him. I am vexed at what you tell me, quoth Amadis; but his -spirit arose, knowing that Durin was there, and he said, give me my -horse then, and guide me to the Knight. He mounted and took his arms, -and Gandalin led him where the Knight sate under a tree, holding his -horse by the bridle. You Sir Knight, quoth Amadis, who are enjoying -yourself, rise, and let us see if you can maintain the love of which -you boast. The Knight arose, and cried, who are you who question me? -you shall see how I maintain it, if you dare do battle with me, for I -will strike terror into thee, and all who are scorned by Love. I am -one of those, quoth Amadis: Love hath foully requited me: I tell thee -this, Sir Lover, where I have found one truth in him, I have found -seven lies. Come, and maintain his justice: let us see if he has gained -more in you than he has lost in me! and, as he spake these words, his -anger kindled, feeling how unjustly his Lady had abandoned him. The -Knight mounted and took his arms, and said, You Knight, whom Love has -justly forsaken, because you were not worthy to serve him, get you -gone! I am offended even at the sight of you. And he would have rode -away, but Amadis cried out, What, Knight! do you defend your love only -with words, and ride off like a coward? How! quoth he: I was leaving -thee for contempt, and thou callest it fear! thou art very desirous -of thy own hurt: defend thyself now if thou canst! They ran against -each other, and both shields were pierced, but the Knight was thrown -down: he kept the reins, and mounted again lightly. Quoth Amadis, If -you do not defend Love better with the sword than with the lance, you -will be a bad champion. The Knight made no reply, but struck at him in -great fury: the sword fell on the rim of the shield, and entered in -aslant, and he could not pluck it out. Amadis stood in his stirrups, -and gave him a blow on his head, and cut away the trappings of his -helmet and the skin of his head, and the sword held on and came upon -the neck of the horse, so that he fell dead, and the rider senseless. -Amadis waited a minute, thinking that he had slain him; then seeing -him recover, he said, Knight, what Love has gained in you, and you in -him, you may both enjoy: I leave you. So departing from him, he called -Gandalin, and seeing Durin there, he said to him, friend Durin, my -sorrow hath no equal, and my grief and recollections are intolerable: -it is better that I should die: pray God it may be soon! Go, with -good fortune! Salute for me, Mabilia, my good cousin, and the Damsel -of Denmark, thy sister; and tell them, if they grieve for me, that I -perish more undeservedly than ever Knight perished; and tell them that -I sorely regret that those who have loved me so much, and done so much -for me, have never had their guerdon! Durin stood weeping before him, -and could make no reply. Amadis embraced him, and he commended him to -God, and kissed the skirts of his armour and departed. By this it was -day-break: Amadis said to Gandalin, if you chuse to go with me, attempt -not to disturb me in whatever I say or do: if you will not obey this, -go back. He promised obedience. Then Amadis gave him his arms, and bade -him pluck the sword from the shield and give it the Knight, and so they -rode on. - - - - -_CHAPTER 5._ - - -This wounded Knight was Patin, brother to Don Sidon, who was then -Emperor of Rome; he was the best Knight in all those lands; and -therefore greatly feared throughout the empire. The Emperor was very -old, and had no son, therefore all thought this brother should succeed -him. He loved Sardamira, Queen of Sardinia, who was a fair and comely -Damsel, and being niece to the Empress had been brought up in the -court; and he had so far profited by his service, that she had promised -him, if ever she married, to marry him. El[119:A] Patin upon this grew -more presumptuous, though his natural arrogance was enough; and he -said to her, I have heard that King Lisuarte hath a daughter who is -renowned over all the world for her beauty. I will go to his court, -and say she is not so fair as you, and this I will maintain against -the two best Knights who dare undertake her cause. They say there are -Knights there of great worth in arms, but if I do not conquer them in -one day, I will that King Lisuarte do cause my head to be cut off! The -Queen answered him, do not do this; for, if that Princess be fair, it -impaireth not the beauty which God hath bestowed upon me, if beauty -there be; and, methinks, you might with more reason and less pride -prove your prowess in some other cause, for this enterprize is not -becoming a man of so high a rank, and moreover it is unreasonable and -arrogant, and you cannot expect it to come to a good end. Come what -will, quoth he, I will do it, to prove that you, who are the fairest -Lady in the world, have the best Knight for your servant. So he took -his leave, and with rich arms and ten Squires passed over into Great -Britain, and went directly to where King Lisuarte was, who seeing him -so accompanied thought him to be some great personage, and courteously -welcomed him. When he was disarmed, all that saw his great stature -judged him to be of great courage. Lisuarte then asked him who he was. -He answered, King, I will tell you, for I do not come to your house -to conceal myself, but to make myself known. Know, then, that I am El -Patin, brother to the Emperor of Rome, and so soon as I see the Queen, -and your daughter Oriana, you shall know the cause of my coming. When -the King heard that he was a man of so high rank, he embraced him -and said, Good friend, much are we pleased with your coming, and you -shall see the Queen and her daughter and all others of my house, when -it pleaseth you. Then he placed him at his own table, and they were -feasted in a manner befitting the table of such a personage. El Patin -looked round him, and when he saw so many Knights he was astonished, -and began to hold the household of his brother, the Emperor, as -nothing. Don Grumedan took him to his lodging, by the King's command, -and did him much honour. The next day after mass, the King took with -him El Patin and Don Grumedan, and went to the Queen, who received -him honourably, and made him sit before her and near her daughter. -Now Oriana's beauty was much impaired by reason of her great trouble -of mind, yet when El Patin saw her he marvelled greatly, and thought -that they who praised her had not mentioned half her beauty, and his -heart was entirely changed from the purpose with which he had come, -and wholly bent to obtain her. Wherefore calling to mind his own high -birth and great qualities, and moreover that he should one day possess -the empire, he thought that if he demanded her in marriage she would -not be refused him. So taking the King and Queen apart, he said, I come -hither to request the marriage of your daughter, for your worth and for -her beauty: if I sought others of her rank, I could obtain them, seeing -what I am, and what I expect to be. The King answered, we thank you -much for what you say, but the Queen and I have promised our daughter -not to give her in marriage against her consent: we must talk with her, -before we can answer you. This the King said that he might not offend -him, but in his mind he was resolved not to give her to him, or to any -other who would carry her out of the land which she was to inherit. -El Patin was satisfied with this, and waited five days, expecting a -favourable answer; but the King and Queen, thinking it folly, had said -nothing to Oriana. Then El Patin asked the King how the business went -on. He answered, I do what I can, but it is necessary that you should -speak to my daughter, and request her to obey my commands. El Patin -went to the Princess, and said, Lady Oriana, I wish to ask a thing of -you which will be much to your honour and profit. What thing is that? -quoth she.—That you will do the will of your father. She knowing not -for what reason he spake, replied, that shall I right willingly, being -sure it will be as you say. Then Patin was full joyful, thinking he -had won her, and said, I will go through this land seeking adventures; -before long you will hear such things of me, as will make you with more -reason grant what I require. And this also he said to the King, telling -him that he would see the wonders of his land. The King replied, you -have it in you to do this; yet would I dissuade you, for in this land -you will find many great and perilous adventures, and many strong and -hardy Knights, practised in arms. I like this, quoth El Patin: if they -are strong and hardy, I am neither weak nor faint, as my deeds shall -show. So he departed, right joyful at Oriana's answer, and for this joy -he was singing as you have heard, when his ill fortune led him where -Amadis was making moan; and this is the reason why that Knight came -from so far a land. - - [119:A] The article is uniformly prefixed to his name, except - where he is first mentioned. In our language it is only - used where the name is a family or clan appellation: The - Plantagenet, the Douglas, the Graham. - -Durin departed from Amadis when it was clear day-light, and he passed -by El Patin, who had taken off the piece of his helmet that was left, -and had his face and neck all bloody. He seeing Durin, said to him, -Good child, so may God make you a good man as you tell me if there -be any place near where I may have remedy for my wound. Yes, quoth -he, but all there are so afflicted that they will hardly attend to -you.—For what cause?—For the loss of a good Knight, who hath won that -lordship, and seen the likenesses and secrets of Apolidon, which none -other could ever do, and he is departed in such sorrow that nothing -but his death is looked for.—Methinks you speak of the Firm Island?—I -do.—What! hath it found a a master? certes I am heartily sorry, for I -was going there myself to prove the adventure and win the Island. Durin -laughed, and answered, Truly, Sir Knight, if there be no more prowess -in you than you have just now manifested, you would have gained little -honour! El Patin raised himself as well as he could, and tried to catch -his bridle, but Durin turned aside. Tell me, said he, what Knight is -he that hath won the Firm Island?—Tell me first who you are?—I am El -Patin, brother to the Emperor of Rome.—God-a-mercy! quoth Durin, your -birth is better than your prowess or your courtesy. Know that the -Knight you ask about is the same who hath just now left you: by what -you have seen you may judge that he is worthy of what he hath won. So -he went his way, and took the straight road to London, greatly desirous -to tell Oriana all that he had seen of Amadis. - - - - -_CHAPTER 6._ - - -Ysanjo, according to his promise, revealed nothing concerning Amadis -till after mass the next day. Then, when his brethren and his cousin -enquired for him, he said, arm yourselves, and I will tell you his -commands. And, when they were armed, Ysanjo began to weep passionately, -and exclaimed, O Sirs, what a grief and a misery is come upon us, that -we should lose our Lord so soon! Then he told them all that Amadis had -said, and how he besought that they would not seek him, for they could -not help his ill, and that they should not grieve for his death. Holy -Mary! cried they, the best Knight in the world is about to perish! but -we will seek him, and, if we cannot with our lives help him, we will -bear him company with our deaths. Ysanjo then told Galaor his brother's -request that he would make Gandalin a Knight, and take the Dwarf into -his service: this he delivered weeping, and they weeping also heard -it. The Dwarf for pure grief was beating his head against a wall; but -Galaor caught him up and said, Ardian come with me, since thy Master -has so commanded, and my lot shall be yours. The Dwarf answered, Sir, -I will follow you, but not as my Master, till we know some certain -tidings of Amadis. Forthwith they went to horse, and all three hastened -along the road which Ysanjo pointed. All day they rode on, meeting -no one of whom they could ask tidings, till they came where El Patin -lay wounded beside his dead horse: his Squires had found him, and -were cutting down boughs and poles to make him a litter, for he was -exceeding faint with loss of blood, so that he could not answer them, -but made sign that they should speak to his Squires, and they replied, -that their Lord had sped so ill in an encounter with the Knight who had -won the Firm Island. Good Squires, know you which way he went?—No; but -before we came up to this place we met an armed Knight in the forest, -upon a stout horse, and he was weeping and accusing his fortune: a -Squire behind him carried his arms; the shield had two lions azure in a -field or., and the Squire was lamenting also. That is he! cried they; -and they pushed on with great speed till they came out of the forest -upon a great plain, where there were many roads in every direction, -so that they knew not which way to take; therefore they agreed to -separate, and meet at the court of Lisuarte upon St. John's day, that -if by then they had been unsuccessful in their search, they might -consult anew how to find him. There then they embraced and separated, -each earnestly bent on his quest, but in vain; for, when Amadis reached -the open country, he took none of those roads, but struck aside along a -glen, and thence made into the mountain. - -He rode on lost in thought, suffering his horse to chuse the -path. About noon the horse came to some trees that grew beside a -mountain-stream, and then stopt, being weary with the heat and with the -toil of last night. Here Amadis recollected himself and looked round, -and was pleased to see no signs of a habitation: he alighted and drank -of the brook. Gandalin came up, and turning the horses to feed came -to his Master, whom he found more dead than alive; and, not daring to -disturb him, he lay down before him. Amadis continued in this mood -till sunset, then rising, he struck his foot against Gandalin: art -thou sleeping? quoth he. No, replied Gandalin, but I am thinking upon -two things which concern you, the which, if it please you to hear, I -will speak: if not, I will be silent. Amadis answered, go saddle the -horses, and let us begone: I do not chuse to be found by those who seek -me. Sir, said Gandalin, you are in a solitary place, and your horse is -so weary that, unless you allow him some rest, he cannot carry you. -Amadis replied, weeping, do what you think best: whether I stay or go, -there is no rest for me! Then Gandalin looked after the horses, and -returned to his Master, and begged him to eat of a pasty which he had -brought, but he would not. Sir, said he, shall I say the two things -whereon I have been thinking? Say what you will, quoth Amadis; I care -nothing now for any thing that may be said or done, and wish to live no -longer than till I can confess.—Then I pray you hear me, Sir: I have -thought much upon that letter which Oriana sent you, and upon the words -of the Knight with whom you fought; and seeing how light is the faith -of many women, it may be that she hath changed her affections, and so -has feigned anger against you, before you discover it. The other thing -is, that I believe her to be so good and loyal that she could not have -been thus moved, unless some great falsehood had been spoken of you, -which she believes and feels in her heart; and, since you know that you -have never been false, you should make the truth known, whereby she -will repent of what she hath done, and intreat your forgiveness for the -wrong, and you will enjoy your former happiness. It is better to take -food with this hope, than, by abandoning yourself to despair, to die -and lose her, and the glory of this world, and even the other. Hold thy -peace, for God's sake! quoth Amadis, for such foolishness and lies as -thou hast uttered, are enough to provoke the whole world. Oriana, my -Lady, has never done wrong; and, if I perish, it is but reasonable, not -for my deserving, but to accomplish her will and command: if I did not -know that thou hast said this to comfort me, I would cut off thy head! -you have greatly displeased me: never say the like to me again! He then -turned away in anger, and walked along the side of the stream. - -But Gandalin, who for two days and a night had not slept, was overcome -with heaviness, and at length fell asleep. When Amadis saw this, he -saddled his horse, and hid Gandalin's saddle and bridle among the -bushes, that he might not be able to find them; and, taking his arms, -he struck into the wildest part of the mountain. All night he went; and -the next day till vespers, then he came to a plain at the foot of a -mountain: there were two high trees there that grew over a fountain, -and there he went to give his horse drink, for they had found no water -all that day. When he came up to the fountain, he saw an old man in a -religious habit, who was giving his ass water; his beard and hair were -grey, and his habit was very poor, being made of goat's hair. Amadis -saluted him, and asked him if he was a Priest. The good man answered, -he had been one forty years. God be praised! quoth Amadis: I beseech -you for the love of God stay here to-night, and hear my confession, of -which I am in great need. In God's name! said the old man. Then Amadis -alighted, laid his arms upon the ground, and took the saddle from his -horse and let him feed; and he disarmed, and knelt before the good -man, and began to kiss his feet. The good man took him by the hand -and raised him, and made him sit by him, and, beholding him well, he -thought him the goodliest Knight that ever he saw, but he was pale, -and his face and neck were stained with tears, so that the old man -had great pity, and said, Sir Knight, it seems that you are in great -affliction: if it be for any sin that you have committed, and these -tears spring from repentance, in a happy hour came you here! but if it -be for any worldly concerns, from which by your youth and comeliness -it seems you cannot be removed, remember God, and beseech him of -his mercy to bring you to his service. He then raised his hand and -blessed him, and bade him relate all the sins he could call to mind. -Hereon Amadis began the whole discourse of his life, without letting -any thing pass. The good man then said, seeing that you are of such -understanding, and of so high a lineage, you ought not to despair and -cast yourself away for any thing that may befall you, much less for -the action of a woman, for they are as easily won as lightly lost. I -counsel you to lay aside such folly, for the love of God, to whom it -is displeasing, and even for worldly reason, for man ought not to love -where he is not beloved. Good Sir, replied Amadis, I am now in such -extremity that I cannot live any long time: I beseech you, by that God -whose faith you hold, take me with you for the little while I have to -live, that I may have comfort for my soul. My horse and arms I need no -longer: I will leave them here, and go with you on foot, and perform -whatever penitence you enjoin. If you refuse, you will sin before God, -for else I shall wander and perish in this mountain. When the good man -saw him thus resolute, he said to him, with a heart wholly bent to his -good, Certes, Sir, it becomes not a Knight like you to abandon himself -as if he had lost the whole world, by reason of a woman: their love -is no longer than while they see you with their eyes, and hear such -words as you say to them, and that past, presently they forget you; -especially in those false loves that are begun against the Lord: the -same sin which makes them sweet at first, gives them a bitterness in -the end, as you experience. But you who are of such prowess, and have -such power, you who are the true and loyal protector of such as are -oppressed, great wrong would it be to the world if you thus forsake -it. I know not what she is who hath brought you to this extremity, but -if all the worth and beauty of the sex were brought together in one, -I know that such a man as you ought not to be lost for her. Good Sir, -quoth Amadis, I ask not your counsel upon this, where it is not wanted; -but, for my soul's sake, I pray you take me in your company, for else I -shall have no remedy, but to die in this mountain. The old man hearing -this, had such compassion on him that the tears fell down his long -white beard. Sir, my son, said he, I live in a dreary place, and a -hard life; my hermitage is full seven leagues out at sea, upon a high -rock, to which no ship can come except in summer time. I have lived -there these thirty years, and he who lives there must renounce all the -pleasures and delights of the world, and all my support is the alms -which the people of the land here bestow upon me. I promise you, said -Amadis, this is the life I desire for the little while I shall live, -and I beseech you, for the love of God, let me go with you. The good -man, albeit against his will, consented; and Amadis said, now, Father, -command me what to do, and I will be obedient. The good man gave him -his blessing, and said vespers, and then taking bread and fish from -his wallet, he bade Amadis eat; but Amadis refused, though he had been -three days without tasting food. You are to obey me, said the good man, -and I command you to eat, else your soul will be in great danger if you -die. Then he took a little food; and when it was time to sleep, the old -man spread his cloak and laid him down thereon, and Amadis laid himself -down at his feet. - -The most part of the night Amadis did nothing but turn from side to -side, but at last being sore wearied he fell asleep, and in that sleep -he dreamt that he was fastened in a dark chamber, where there was -no light at all, neither could he find any way to come out thereof, -whereat he greatly lamented; then he thought that his cousin Mabilia -and the Damsel of Denmark came to him, and there was a sun-beam before -them which dispelled the darkness, and they took him by the hand, -saying, Come forth, Sir, to this great palace. And he thought that he -was right joyful; and going out he saw his Lady Oriana surrounded with -a great flame of fire, whereat he cried out, Holy Mary, help her! and -ran through the fire to save her, feeling no hurt, and took her in her -arms and carried her into a garden, the greenest and pleasantest that -ever he had seen. At the loud cry which he made the good man awoke, and -took him by the hand, asking him what he ailed? Sir, said he, I felt -such pain in my sleep that I was almost dead. So it seemed by your cry, -said the old man, but it is time to set out; then he got upon his ass. -Amadis would have walked by him, but the good man with great entreaty -made him mount his horse, and so they fared on together. - -As they went, Amadis besought him to grant one boon, which should be -no-ways hurtful, the which the old man granted. I pray you then, said -Amadis, that so long as we are together you will not tell any man who -I am, nor any thing concerning me, and that you will call me by some -other name, not my own; and, when I am dead, you tell my brethren of -me, that they may take my body into their country. Your life and -death, said the good man, are in the hands of God, so talk no more -of this, he will help you if you know and love and serve him as you -ought; but tell me, by what name will you be called?—Even by whatever -it shall please you.—So the old man, seeing how fair he was, and in -how forlorn a condition, replied, I will give you a name conformable -to your appearance and distress, you shall be called Beltenebros. -Now Beltenebros being interpreted, signifyeth, the Fair Forlorn. The -name pleased Amadis, and he admired the good sense of the old man -in chusing it; so by this name he was long known, till it became as -renowned as that of Amadis. Thus communing they reached the sea-side -just as the night closed in; there they found a bark, wherein the good -man might cross to his hermitage. Beltenebros gave his horse to the -mariners, and they gave him in exchange a cloak of goat skin, and a -garment of coarse grey woollen. They embarked, and Beltenebros asked -the good man what was his own name, and the name of his abode. They -call my dwelling-place, said he, the Poor Rock, because none can live -there without enduring great poverty: my own name is Andalod. I was -a clerk of some learning, and spent my youth in many vanities, till -it pleased God to awaken me, and then I withdrew to this solitary -abode: for thirty years I have never left it, till now that I went to -the burial of my sister. At length they reached the Rock and landed, -and the mariners returned to the main land. Thus Amadis, now called -Beltenebros, remained on the Poor Rock, partaking the austerities of -the hermit, not for devotion, but for despair, forgetful of his great -renown in arms, and hoping and expecting death,—all for the anger of a -woman! - -When Gandalin awoke in the mountain, he looked round him, and seeing -only his own horse, started up, misdoubting what had happened; he -called aloud, and searched among the shrubs in vain, he could find -neither Amadis nor his horse. Then, knowing that Amadis was departed, -he turned to his horse to ride after him, but the saddle and bridle -were gone! upon that he cursed himself and his evil fortune, and the -day wherein he was born, going from one place to another, till at -length he espied the harness, and immediately set out on pursuit. -Five days he rode on, sleeping in desert places, enquiring at every -habitation for his Master. On the sixth, chance led him to the fountain -where Amadis had left his armour. Here he beheld a tent, in which were -two Damsels: he alighted, and asked them if they had seen a Knight who -bore two lions azure in a golden field. They answered that they had not -seen him, but such a shield and the whole harness of a Knight, they -had found beside that fountain. When Gandalin heard this, he tore his -hair, and exclaimed, Holy Mary, help me! my Master, the best Knight in -the world, is dead or lost! how badly have I served you, my Lord! and -now with reason ought I to be hated by all men, and the earth ought -not to suffer me upon her, since I have left you at such a time! You -were he who succoured all, and now all have forsaken you! the world and -all in it have abandoned you! and I, caitiff wretch, and more wretched -than all that ever were born, have left you in your death! And with -that, for excess of passion, he fell down. The Damsels shrieked out, -Holy Mary, help! the Squire is dead! and they ran to him, and flung -water in his face, but it was long before they could recal him to his -senses. Good Squire, they cried, be not desperate for a thing which -is not certain: you had better seek him till you learn whether he be -alive or dead: good men ought to bear up against sorrow, not to die in -despair. Gandalin took heart at their words, and resolved to seek his -Master as long as he lived. Ladies, said he, where did you see these -arms?—We will tell you willingly: we were in the company of Don Guilan -the Pensive, who delivered us and twenty other Knights and Damsels -from the prison of Gandinos the ruffian, behaving himself there so -valiantly that he hath destroyed the wicked customs of the castle, and -constrained the Lord thereof to swear never more to maintain the same. -We came with Guilan to this fountain four days ago, and when he saw the -shield for which you enquired, he was very sorrowful, and alighting, -said, the shield of the best Knight in the world should not lie thus! -and with that, weeping sorely, he hung the shield upon this tree, and -bade us keep it while he rode to seek him whose it was. We set up our -tents here, and Guilan sought for him three days without success: -yesterday he returned, and this morning, giving his own arms to his -Squires, he girded on the sword and took the shield, saying, By God, -shield, thou makest a bad exchange, in losing thy master to go with me! -He told us, he would carry the arms to Queen Brisena. We also, and all -who were delivered by him, are going to that court, to beg the Queen of -her goodness to recompense Don Guilan, as the Knights will beseech the -King. Then God be with you! quoth Gandalin. I shall take your advice; -and, as the most caitiff and unhappy wretch in the world, go seek for -him upon whom my life or death depends. - - - - -_CHAPTER 7._ - - -On the tenth day after he had left Amadis in the forest, Durin reached -London, and, alighting at his own lodging, went straight to the Queen's -palace. So soon as Oriana saw him, her heart throbbed violently, so -that she could not calm it, and she went into her chamber and lay down -upon the bed, bidding the Damsel of Denmark go for her brother, and -bring him to her secretly. The Damsel returned with Durin, and leaving -him with her mistress, went out to Mabilia. Now, friend, said Oriana, -tell me where you have been, and where you found Amadis, and what he -did when he read my letter, and if you have seen Queen Briolania: -tell me every thing. Then Durin related how he had followed Amadis -from Sobradisa to the Firm Island, and arrived there just as Amadis -was passing under the Arch of True Lovers, under the which none might -pass that had been false to his first love. How, cried she, dared -he prove that adventure, knowing that he could not accomplish it? It -did not turn out so, replied the Squire; he accomplished it with more -loyalty than any other had ever there displayed, and was received with -more honour, and such signs as had never been seen before. When Oriana -heard this, her joy was very great, that that which had occasioned her -great anger was thus disproved. He proceeded with his tale, how Amadis -had won the Forbidden Chamber. Hold! quoth she, and she lifted up her -hands and began to pray God that she might one day be in that Chamber -with him who had worthily won it. Now, quoth she, tell me what did -Amadis when you gave him the letter? The tears came into Durin's eyes. -Lady, I advise you not to ask, for you have done the worst cruelty -and devilry that ever Damsel committed. Holy Mary! cried Oriana, -what art thou saying? I say, repeated Durin, that you have unjustly -destroyed the best and truest Knight that ever woman had, or will have -to the end of the world. Cursed be the hour in which such a thing was -devised, and cursed be death that did not take me before I carried -such a message: if I had known what I carried, I would rather have -slain myself than have appeared before him, for you in sending that -letter, and I in taking it, have been the cause of his death. Then he -related every thing that had passed, and all that Amadis had said, and -how he was gone into the mountain to die. While he was relating these -things, all Oriana's anger was gone, and her shame and anguish became -so intolerable, that when he had ceased she could not utter a word, -but remained like one who had lost her senses. Durin, albeit that he -thought she well deserved this suffering, was yet moved to pity, and he -went to Mabilia and his sister, and said to them, go and help Oriana, -for, if she hath done wrong, her punishment is come upon her: and he -went his way. - -They ran to her, and seeing in what state she was, they fastened the -door of her chamber, and threw water in her face, and brought her to -herself, and she then began to lament what she had done, and cry out -for death. But those true friends sent again for Durin, and learnt from -him all that had past, and then began to comfort her, and they made her -write a letter to request his forgiveness, and bid him come with all -speed to the castle of Miraflores, there to receive her atonement. This -letter the Damsel of Denmark would take and search for him, for she -refused no trouble or difficulty for the two persons in the world whom -she loved best; and, because Amadis in his sorrow had talked so much -of Gandales, they thought he might be with him; and they agreed, as a -pretext for her going there, that she should carry gifts to the Queen -of Scotland, and tidings of her daughter Mabilia. Oriana therefore told -her mother they were about to send the Damsel, and Brisena approving -thereof, sent also presents from herself. This being settled, the -Damsel, in company with her brother Durin, and Enil, a nephew of -Gandales, rode to a port called Vegil, which is in that part of Great -Britain towards Scotland, and embarking there, in seven days they came -to the town called Poligez, in Scotland. From thence they proceeded to -the castle of Gandales; him they met going to the chace, and saluted -him; and he, perceiving that the Damsel was of a foreign land by her -speech, asked her from whence she came. I am the messenger, quoth she, -of some Damsels who love you much, and who have sent gifts to the Queen -of Scotland.—Good Damsel, and who are they?—Oriana, daughter of King -Lisuarte, and Mabilia, whom you know. Then Gandales joyfully bade them -welcome, and took them to his castle. As they were conversing, the old -Knight enquired for his foster son, Amadis. At this the Damsel was -grieved, perceiving that he was not there as they had hoped; but, not -to distress Gandales by the truth, she only answered that he was not -yet returned from Sobradisa. We thought, said she, that he would first -accompany his cousin Agrayes here, to see you and the Queen his aunt; -and I bring letters to him from Queen Brisena and his other friends, -which he would be right glad to receive. This she said, that if Amadis -were there in secret, he might be induced to see her. She remained with -Gandales two days, then proceeded to the Queen. - - - - -_CHAPTER 8._ - - -Don Guilan the Pensive proceeded with the arms toward the court of -Lisuarte. He always carried the shield of Amadis round his neck, -except when he was constrained to fight, and then he took his own. So -as he rode, two nephews of Arcalaus met him and knew the shield, and -attempted to force it from him, saying they would take that shield, or -the head of him who carried it, to their uncle. When Guilan knew of -how bad a race they were, he cared the less for them, and gave them -both battle. They were strong Knights, and both younger men than he; -he, nevertheless, was a valiant man and tried in arms, so that he slew -one, and drove the other to flight. That evening he took up his lodging -in the house of a Knight whom he knew, who welcomed him gladly, and -gave him another lance, for his own was broken in the encounter. He -continued his way till he came to a river called Guinon, which was a -great water, and over it was a wooden-bridge, just so broad that one -horseman might come and another go. At one end of the bridge was a -Knight who wished to pass; he bore a shield vert, with a bend argent, -whereby Guilan knew him to be his cousin Ladasin. On the other side -was a Knight who kept the passage; he rode a large bay horse, and did -bear in his shield argent a lion sable: this Knight called out aloud to -Ladasin, You must joust, Knight, if you would pass. Your joust shall -not prevent me, quoth Ladasin. They ran at each other upon the bridge, -and Ladasin and his horse fell into the river. There would Ladasin -have perished, by reason of the weight of his arms, and the height -whence he had fallen, if by good hap he had not caught the boughs of -some willows, by which he got to the bank. Don Guilan ran to his help, -and with the aid of his Squires got him out of the water. Cousin, said -he, you would hardly have been saved without these boughs: all Knights -should avoid to joust upon these bridges, for they who keep them have -their horses practised to the place, and rather by that, than by their -own prowess, win the honour. I would rather turn out of the way and go -round, if this had not happened to you, but now I must try to revenge -you. By this, Ladasin's horse had got upon the opposite bank, and the -Knight bade his servants lead him to the castle, which was a strong -and pleasant fortress, built in the river, and the way to it was by a -bridge of stone. The Knight was ready at the bridge-end. Don Guilan -gave the shield of Amadis to his Squire, and took his own, and they met -together upon the bridge with a most rude encounter. The Knight was -unhorsed and fell into the water; Guilan also was dismounted, and his -horse went over, but he saved himself by clinging to the planks. The -Knight got upon Guilan's horse, and so to shore, while Guilan's Squires -took the bay courser for their master. Don Guilan presently saw the -Knight of the bridge shaking off the water, and holding the bridle: -give me my horse, said he, and let me depart. How! quoth he, think you -to escape so lightly with this?—Quoth Guilan, have we not performed the -custom? The battle is not yet over, cried the Knight, because we both -fell: we must decide it with the sword. Perforce must I fight? cried -Guilan: is not the wrong done already enough, for bridges should be -free for every passenger? Will you, nill you, quoth he of the bridge, -you shall feel how my sword can cut. He then sprung upon Guilan's -horse, without setting his foot in the stirrup, and placed himself -right in the road. Don Cavalier, tell me, said he, before we fight, -if thou art of Lisuarte's country or court?—Why ask you?—I wish it -pleased God, that I had King Lisuarte here as I have thee, by my head -his reign should be finished. Certes, quoth Guilan, you have now given -me a good will to fight with thee, which before I had not: I am of his -household, and, if it be in me, you shall never more do him disservice. -Before noon, quoth the Knight, you shall carry my message to him, and -I will tell you who I am, and what present I will send him: my name -is Gandalod, son to Barsinan, Lord of Sansuena, he whom King Lisuarte -slew in London. The presents you shall carry him, are the heads of -four of his Knights, whom I hold prisoners in yonder tower: the one is -Giontes his nephew, and thy own right hand, which I mean to cut off and -tie round thy neck. Don Guilan laid hand to sword; you have boasting -enough, if that were all that were needed. - -Then began so fierce a battle, that Ladasin and the Squires thought -even the conqueror could not escape with life; but they were both hardy -Knights, and their armour of excellent temper, and they knew how to -defend themselves. Now when their fight was at the hottest, they heard -the winding of a horn from the top of the tower. Gandalod knew not what -it could mean, and Guilan thought it was a signal for succour to his -enemy; therefore they both more eagerly bestirred themselves to end the -battle. Gandalod grappled with him, and they both fell; then was the -fight closer and more dangerous, but Guilan had the advantage; it was -evident that his antagonist waxed weary and weak, and at length, by a -well driven blow, Don Guilan lopt off his right arm. He shrieked out, -and turned to fly to his tower, but Guilan reached him, plucked the -helmet from his head, and bade him chuse instant death, or to present -himself with his presents, but in another guise, to King Lisuarte. -I will rather trust his mercy, quoth Gandalod, than be slain here -outright. - -Don Guilan then took horse, and rode with Ladasin towards the tower, -where there was a great uproar. The Knights had broken from their -prison and seized arms, and one of them it was who wound the horn, and -now they had won the castle; the gate was opened, and the servants -and one Knight came flying out: they called out to Ladasin and Guilan -to kill those villains, and particularly the Knight: three of the men -escaped them, but the Knight they took. Then said Guilan to them, -Sirs, I cannot tarry, but my cousin Ladasin shall keep you company; let -the castle be kept for me, and do you carry this Knight and Gandalod to -King Lisuarte for his judgment. Then he gave his own shield, which was -much battered, to his Squire, and took that of Amadis, and as he hung -it round his neck the tears came. They knew the shield, and hearing how -Don Guilan had found it, were sorely troubled, thinking that some great -mishap had befallen Amadis. So he proceeded to the court, and all that -saw the shield crowded round him; and the King said, for God's sake, -Don Guilan, tell us what you know of Amadis. I know nothing of him, -Sir, quoth he, but how I found the shield I will declare before the -Queen. So he was taken to the Queen, and he knelt before her weeping, -and told her how he had found the arms of Amadis, and sought for him -three days in vain. Knowing, said he, the value of that good Knight, -and that it was his desire to employ it till death in your service, I -have brought you these arms, in testimony of the duty which I do owe -both to you and to him. Let them be placed where all may see them; -there may be some among the many strangers who come here, who may know -some tidings of their master, and they will be memorials to all who -follow arms, that they may take example by his great chivalry. Greatly -was the Queen distressed at this, and Lisuarte also, and all the -court; but Oriana could not remain there, and she went to her bed, and -bitterly reproaching her own folly, wished for death. Albeit Mabilia -did somewhat cheer her with a hope that the Damsel of Denmark might -find him and repair all. - -The Knight and Damsels whom Don Guilan had released, soon arrived, -and the two Damsels who had seen Gandalin, and they related what -lamentation a Squire had made over the arms. Presently after came -Ladasin, and the Knights who led Gandalod prisoner; and when Lisuarte -heard what cruelties he had purposed, he said to him, here I slew -thy father for the great treason which he committed against me, and -here thou shalt die for that which thou didst purpose to commit. So -he commanded him, and the Knight his follower, to be thrown from the -Tower, before which Barsinan had been burnt. - - - - -_CHAPTER 9._ - - -Beltenebros and the Hermit were one day sitting on the stone-bench -by the door of their chapel, when the old man said, I pray you, son, -tell me what it was that made you cry out so in your sleep, when we -were by the fountain of the plain? That shall I willingly, father, he -replied, and I beseech you tell me what you understand by it. Then he -related to him the manner of his dream, only the names of the women, -those he did not tell. The good man mused for a while, and then said, -with a cheerful countenance, Beltenebros, you have given me great -pleasure by this account, and you also have great reason to rejoice. -The dark chamber, in the which you thought yourself to be, and from -whence you could not get out, signifieth this great tribulation which -you now endure. The Damsels who opened the door, are those friends -who continually solicit your cause with her whom you love so much, -and they will succeed so well as to withdraw you from this place. The -sun-beam which went before them, is the joyful news that they are to -send you here; and the fire, wherein you saw your Lady enveloped, is -the great pain of love which she suffers for you as well as you for -her: from that fire you delivered her, that is, from the pain which -your presence will remove; and the pleasant garden is a sign of great -happiness, wherewith you shall pass your lives. Truly, I know a man of -my habit should not discourse of such things as these, yet it is more -for God's service to speak the truth that may comfort you, than to -conceal it, seeing your desperate state. - -Beltenebros knelt down and kissed the old man's hands, thanking God -for having given him such a friend in his need, and praying with tears -that he would mercifully be pleased to accomplish the words of that -holy man his servant. Then he besought him to tell the interpretation -of the dream he had dreamt before Durin gave him the letter, which when -the Hermit had heard, he answered, This I can show you clearly, for it -is all accomplished. The place overshadowed with trees, was the Firm -Island, and the people who made such great joy about you, signified -the great pleasure of the Islanders in gaining you for their Lord. The -man who came to you with the box of bitter electuary, was the messenger -of your Lady, for the bitterness of her words, you, who have proved -them, can best tell; and you laid aside your arms. The stony place -amidst the water, is this Poor Rock; and the religious man who spoke -to you in an unknown tongue, am I, who tell you the holy word of God, -which before you neither knew nor thought of. - -Verily, said Beltenebros, you tell me the truth of this dream, for -these things have all come to pass, and therefore great cause have I to -hope for the future. Yet was not this hope so great or so certain as -to remove his sorrow, for he would often sit with his eyes fixed upon -the ground, remembering what he had been, and his life would have been -endangered by exceeding melancholy, had it not been for the counsel of -that good man. And sometimes, to take him away from that pensiveness, -the Hermit would make him go with two nephews that kept him company -there, to angle in a little stream hard by, where they caught plenty of -fish. - -Here Beltenebros dwelt in penitence and great grief, and he past the -night most frequently under some large trees in the garden near the -chapel, that he might there lament, without the knowledge of the Hermit -or the boys; and calling to mind the great wrong he endured, he made -this song in his passion: - - _Sith that the victory of right deserved - By wrong they do withhold for which I served; - Now sith my glory thus hath had a fall, - Glorious it is to end my life withall. - By this my death, likewise my woes release, - My hope, my joy, my inflamed love doth cease. - But ever will I mind my during pain, - For they, to end my glory and my gain, - Myself have murdered, and my glory slain._[156:A] - - [156:A] This is the version in the English translation from the - French: the matter is preserved, the manner lost. The poem is - curious from its age; it is printed with these marks: - - Pues seme niega victoria - dojusto mera deuida - alli do muere la gloria (:·:) - es gloria morir la vida. - - Y con esta muerte mia - moriran todas mis daños, (:·:) (:·:) - mi esperanza y mi porfia - el amor y sus engaños; - mas quedara en mi memoria - lastima nunca perdida, (:·:) - que por me matar la gloria, - me mataron gloria y vida. - -He had passed one night as usual under these trees, when towards -morning he heard certain instruments touched so sweetly, that he -took great delight in hearing them, and marvelled what it might be, -knowing that in that place there dwelt none else than the Hermit and -his nephews. He rose, and went softly towards the sound, and saw that -there were two Damsels by a fountain, who, tuning their voices to their -lutes, did sing a most pleasant song. He stood awhile listening, then -advanced, and said, God save you, gentle Damsels, but your sweet music -has made me lose my matins! They wondered who he should be, and said -to him, tell us, friend, for courtesy, what place is this where we have -landed, and who are you who speak to us? Ladies, he replied, they call -it the Rock of the Hermitage, because of the Hermit that dwells here. -As for me, I am a poor man who bear him company, doing great and hard -penance for the sins that I have committed. Then said they, friend, is -there any house here where our Lady could rest for two or three days? -for she is very sick: she is a Lady of high rank and wealth, whom love -hath greatly tormented. Beltenebros answered, here is a little cabin, -it is very small, in which I lodge: if the Hermit pleases, you shall -have it, and I will asleep abroad in the field, as I often use to do. -For this courtesy the Damsels heartily thanked him. By this the day -began to break, and Beltenebros saw under some trees the Lady of whom -they spake, lying upon a rich bed; four armed Knights and five serving -men, who attended her, were sleeping on the shore, and a well appointed -ship rode at anchor. The Lady was young and beautiful, so that he took -pleasure in beholding her. - -Beltenebros then went to the Hermit, who was robing himself to say -mass. Father, said he, there are strangers here: it will be well -to wait mass for them. So they both went out from the chapel. The -Knights and serving-men were carrying the sick Lady towards them, and -her Damsels were coming with her, and they asked the Hermit if there -was any house wherein they could place her. He answered, here are two -cabins: I live in the one, and by my will never woman shall enter that. -This poor man, who makes his penitence here, lodges in the other, and -I will not remove him against his will. To this Beltenebros replied, -Father, you may well give them that, for I will rest under the trees, -as I often do. They then entered the chapel to hear mass; but the sight -of Knights and Damsels reminded Beltenebros of what he had been, and -of his own Lady, and renewed in him his exceeding sorrow, so that he -sobbed aloud, and kneeling down at the altar, besought the Virgin Mary -to help him in his affliction. The Knights and Damsels, who saw how -he wept, held him for a man of good life, and marvelled how he could -employ his youth and beauty in that desert place, for any sin that he -could have committed, seeing that the mercy of God may be obtained in -all places alike, by such as truly repent. As soon as mass was ended, -they carried the Lady into his cabin, and laid her in her rich bed, -and she lay there weeping and wringing her hands. The Damsels went -for their lutes to solace her, and Beltenebros asked them wherefore -she appeared so distressed. Friend, said they, this Lady hath great -possessions, and is of high rank and beautiful; though her sorrow -doth now diminish her fairness, and we will tell you the cause of her -sorrow, tho' it should not be told to others. It is excessive love that -afflicts her: she is going to seek him whom she loves at the court of -King Lisuarte, and God grant that she may find him there! When he heard -the house of King Lisuarte mentioned, and that the Lady was sick of -love, the tears came into his eyes, and he said, I pray you, Ladies, -tell me the name of the Knight whom she loves. They answered, he is -not of this country, but is one of the best Knights in the world, -excepting only two who are of the greatest renown.—By the faith you -owe to God, I beseech you tell his name, and the name of those other -two.—We will tell you, on condition that you in return tell us if you -be a Knight, as you seem by every thing, and likewise what is your -name. I am content, said he, that I may know what I ask.—Know then, -the Knight whom our Lady loveth, is Don Florestan, brother to the good -Knight Amadis of Gaul, and to Don Galaor, and son of King Perion -of Gaul and the Countess of Selandria. Now, quoth he, you tell me -truly of his goodness, for you cannot say so much good of him as he -deserveth.—Do you then know him?—It is not long since I saw him in the -house of Briolania, for I saw the battle there of Amadis and his cousin -Agrayes against Abiseos and his sons; after which Florestan arrived -there, and I heard Don Galaor speak great things of his prowess, for -they say he fought with him.—Yes, replied the Damsels, it was in that -battle they knew each other, and then Florestan went away.—What! is -this the Lady of the island where that battle was fought?—The same.—Her -name is Corisanda. I do not now grieve for her so much, for he is so -gentle and of such disposition, that well I know he will do whatever is -her pleasure. Now then, said the Damsels, tell us who you are. Gentle -Damsels, replied he, I am a Knight who have had more pleasure in the -vanities of the world than falls to my lot now, for which I am now -suffering, and my name is Beltenebros. God's mercy upon you! said they: -we must now go play to our Lady. - -After they had sung to her awhile, they told her what Beltenebros had -said of Florestan. Ah, call him here, cried she, he must be some good -man, since he knows Don Florestan. They brought him to her. These -Damsels, said she, tell me that you have seen and that you love Don -Florestan: by the faith you owe to God, tell me all you know concerning -him. Beltenebros then related how he had gone with his brethren and -Agrayes to the Firm Island, and that he had not seen him since. Tell -me, said Corisanda, are you akin to him, for you seem to love him -much?—Lady, I love him for his great valour, and because his father -knighted me, wherefore I am greatly bound to him and his sons; but I -am very sad for the tidings which I heard of Amadis before my coming -here.—What are they?—I met a Damsel in a forest by the way side, -singing a sweet song, and I asked her who had made it. She answered, a -Knight, to whom God give more comfort than he had when that was made, -for by the words it seemed he had suffered great wrong in love, and -complained heavily. I stayed two days with the Damsel till I had learnt -it. She told me that Amadis did show it her, and that he wept at the -time and was in great misery. I beseech you, quoth Corisanda, teach -it to my Damsels, that they may sing and play it to me. That will I, -said he, for your own sake, and for his sake whom you love; albeit that -is no time for singing, nor for aught that is matter of joy. He then -went with the Damsels to the chapel, and showed them the song which he -had made: his voice was of rare sweetness, and now his melancholy made -it more soft and in unison; and the Damsels learnt the song, and did -sing it to their Lady, who took great pleasure to hear them. Corisanda -remained there four days; on the fifth she took leave of the Hermit, -and asked Beltenebros if he should remain there long? Lady, till I die, -he replied. Then she entered her ship, and made voyage to London. - -Lisuarte and the Queen received her in a manner suitable to her high -rank, and lodged her in the palace, and the Queen asked her if she had -any suit to Lisuarte, that, if so, she might further it. My Lady, said -Corisanda, I thank you for the favour; but my coming is to seek Don -Florestan, and because tidings from all parts reach this court, I will -remain here some time till I hear news of him. Good friend, replied -Brisena, that may you do so long as you think good; at present we have -no other news of him, than that he is gone in search of his brother -Amadis, who is lost, we know not for what cause; and she then related -how Guilan had found the arms. Hearing this, she began to weep, and -say, O Lord God, what will become of my Lord and friend Don Florestan! -for he so loves that brother, that, if he finds him not, he also will -become desperate, and I shall never see him more! The Queen having -great pity, consoled her, and Oriana, who was by, hearing the love -she bore to the brother of Amadis, had the greater desire to honour -her, and accompanied her to her chamber, and learnt from her all her -love. Thus talking with her and Mabilia of sundry things, Corisanda -related how she had been upon the Poor Rock, and found a Knight there -doing hard penance, who had taught her Damsels a song made by Amadis -in his affliction, and the words, she said, were very sad. My good -friend and Lady, quoth Mabilia, beseech you let your Damsels sing it! I -desire much to hear it, seeing it was made by that Knight, my cousin. -The Damsels then sung the song, which it was a pleasure to hear, and -yet so sorrowful that it made those sad who heard it. But Oriana, who -understood the complaint, could no longer abide there for the shame of -the tears that she felt flowing, and she went to her chamber. Mabilia -therefore said to Corisanda, I see Oriana is unwell; she hath for -courtesy remained here longer than she should: I must go and assist -her; but tell me what manner of man was he whom you saw upon the Poor -Rock of the Hermitage, and what did he know concerning Amadis? She -then told her how they had found him, that she had never seen a man so -comely in grief and being wasted, nor one of such manners in poverty, -nor a man so young of such discourse and reason. Mabilia forthwith went -joyfully to her friend's chamber. He who asks news, said she, sometimes -learns more than he expects: the melancholy man who lives upon the -Poor Rock, and calls himself Beltenebros, by all that I can learn -from Corisanda, must be Amadis. Oriana lifted up her hands, O Lord of -the World, grant that it be true! Dear friend, tell me what to do, -for I have neither sense nor judgment: unfortunate wretch, who by my -own folly and intemperate passion have lost all my happiness! Mabilia -turned away her face, that the tears might not be seen: we must wait -for the Damsel's return, said she; if she should not find him, leave it -to me: I am sure he is this Beltenebros. - - - - -_CHAPTER 10._ - - -Ten days that Damsel of Denmark remained in Scotland, not so much for -pleasure, as because she had suffered much from the sea, and for the -ill success of her search, and she feared that to return, when she had -sped so ill, would be the death of her mistress. At length she took -her leave, and receiving presents from the Queen of Scotland to Queen -Brisena and Oriana and Mabilia, she embarked for Great Britain, not -knowing what other course to pursue; but that Lord of the World, who -to those that are utterly without hope or remedy shows something of -his power, that we may know it is he that helpeth us and not our own -wisdom, he changed her voyage, to her own great fear, and the fear -and sorrow of all in the ship; for the sea began to rage, and such -a tempest arose, that the sailors lost all power over the ship, and -all knowledge of their course, and the ship was driven whither the -winds would, they that were in her having no hope of life. At last -one morning they came to the foot of the Poor Rock; some of them knew -the place, and said that Andalod the Hermit lived there, which, when -the Damsel heard, she ordered them to put to land, that being rescued -from such a danger, she might hear mass from that holy man, and return -thanks to the Virgin Mary for the mercy which her glorious Son had -shown them. - -Beltenebros was sitting at this time by the fountain under the trees, -where he had passed the night, and he was now so reduced that he did -not expect to live fifteen days. What with weeping, and with the -wasting away of sorrow, his face was more deadly pale than sickness -could have made it, and so worn down and wan that no one could have -known him. He saw the ship, and the Damsels and two Squires landing; -but his thoughts being wholly bent upon death, the things that once -gave him pleasure, as in seeing strangers that he might help them if -they needed succour, now had become hateful. So he rose and went into -the chapel, and told the Hermit that there were strangers landed and -coming up; and then he knelt before the altar, and prayed God to have -mercy upon his soul, for he was soon going to his account. The Hermit -vested himself to say mass, and the Damsel with Durin and Enil entered. -After she had prayed, she uncovered her face. Beltenebros rose from his -knees, and seeing her and Durin, the shock was so great that he fell -down senseless. The Hermit thought him dead, and exclaimed, Ah, Lord -Almighty, why has it not pleased thee to have pity upon him who might -have done so much in thy service! and the tears fell fast adown his -long white beard. Good Damsel, said he, let these men help me to carry -him to his chamber, I believe it is the last kindness we can do him. -Enil and Durin assisted to lift him up, and they carried him into his -chamber, and laid him upon a poor bed, and neither of them knew him. - -After the Damsel had heard mass, she resolved to make her meal ashore, -for she was weary of the sea. So by chance she asked who that poor -man was, and what sore sickness afflicted him.—He is a Knight, who -liveth here in penance. He is greatly to be blamed, quoth she, to -chuse so desert a place. It is as you say, replied the Hermit, for he -has done so for the foolish vanities of the world, more than for the -service of God. I will see him, said the Damsel, since you tell me he -is a Knight, perhaps there may be something in the ship which would -relieve him.—That you may do, but he is so near his end, that I believe -Death will ease you of that trouble. Beltenebros was lying upon his -bed, thinking what he should do: if he made himself known, that would -be breaking his Lady's command, and, if he did not, he should remain -without any hope or possible remedy; but he thought to disobey her will -would be worse than death, and so determined to be silent. The Damsel -came to the bedside, and said, Good man, I learn from the Hermit that -you are a Knight, and because Damsels are beholden to all Knights for -the dangers they encounter in our defence, I resolved to see you, and -leave with you any thing which is in the ship that may contribute to -your health. He made her no answer, but sobbed with such exceeding -passion, that she thought his soul was departing; and because the room -was dark, she opened a shutter for the light, and drew near to see -if he were dead. They looked at each other some time, and the Damsel -knew him not. At last, she saw a scar in his face: it was the mark of -a wound which Arcalaus had given him with his lance, when Oriana was -rescued; then, tho' before she had no suspicion, she knew that this -was Amadis.—Ah, Holy Mary, help me! you are he, Sir! and she fell with -her face upon the bed, and knelt down, and kist his hands. Now, Sir, -said she, your compassion and pardon are needed for her who has wronged -you, for, if her unjust suspicion have reduced you to this danger, -she herself with more reason passes a life more bitter than death. -Beltenebros took her in his arms, and held her awhile, having no power -to speak. She then gave him the letter: your Lady sends you this, and -she bids you, if you are the same Amadis, whom she loves so well, to -forget the past, and come to her in the castle of Miraflores, and there -receive her atonement for your wrongs, which excessive love occasioned. -Amadis kissed the letter, and placed it upon his heart, saying, Heart, -take thy remedy, for there was none other that could save thee! This -was the letter: - -If great faults committed by enmity, when humbly acknowledged, deserve -pardon, what shall we say to those which proceeded from excess of love? -Not that by this do I deny, my true friend, that I deserve exceeding -punishment, for neither having considered your truth, that had never -before failed, nor my own mind in how passionate a state it was. I pray -you receive this Damsel as coming from one who humbly confesseth her -fault, and who will tell you the wretchedness which she endures who -requests your pity, not because she deserves it, but for your comfort, -as well as her own. - -Such joy had Beltenebros at this letter, that he was lost even as in -his past sorrow, and tears that he did not feel ran down his cheeks. It -was agreed between them, that the Damsel should give out how she took -him aboard for his health sake, because on that Rock he could have no -help, and that as soon as possible they should take land, and leave -the ship. Beltenebros then told the Hermit by what happy chance the -Damsel had found him, and besought him that he would take charge of the -Monastery that was to be built by his command at the foot of the rock -of the Firm Island. This the old man promised, and Beltenebros then -embarked, being known of none but the Damsel. - -They soon landed with the two Squires, and left the mariners. Presently -they found a pleasant place upon the side of a brook, with many -goodly trees, and there they resolved to rest, because Beltenebros -was so weak; and there, if it had not been that the absence of his -Lady afflicted him, he would have passed the pleasantest life, and -best for his recovery that might be, for under those trees where the -brook-springs arose, they had their meals, and there was their tent -for the night. There related they to each other all that had past, and -a pleasure was it now to him to talk over his misery. Ten days they -remained, and in that time he so regained strength, that his heart felt -its old inclination for arms. He made himself known to Durin there, -and took Enil for his Squire, who knew not whom it was that he served, -but was well content with him for his gentle speech. Hence departing, -in four days they reached a nunnery; there they determined that he and -Enil should abide, while the Damsel and her brother went to Miraflores. -She then gave Beltenebros money to buy horses and armour, and for -his wants; and she left behind her part of the Queen of Scotland's -presents, that she might send Durin for them as if they had been -forgotten, and so he might bring news. - - - - -_CHAPTER 11._ - - -After their year's vain search, Agrayes, Galaor, and Florestan, met -at the place appointed, which was a chapel half a league from London. -Gandalin came with Florestan, and, when he found no tidings of his -Master, he said to them, that they should leave their lamentation and -begin their search again, remembering what Amadis would have done for -them if they had been in like case. So they determined to enter the -court, and, if they learnt nothing there, to set out again upon their -quest; and they wept to think how happily they had accomplished all -adventures that had befallen them, and yet had failed to find him whom -they sought. - -Then having heard mass at the chapel, they rode towards the city. It -was St. John's day, and presently they met King Lisuarte riding out -with all his Knights in honour of that holy day, because the Saint was -so great a Saint, and also because on that day he had been made King. -When he saw three Errant Knights approaching, he drew nigh to welcome -them. Great joy was there when they unhelmed, and at first Lisuarte -thought Florestan was Amadis, for he much resembled him; but Gandalin -and the Dwarf, when they beheld this meeting, wept with great grief. -The news soon spread: greatly was Corisanda rejoiced thereat, and -Olinda, the gentle friend of Agrayes, who knew how he had past under -the Arch of True Lovers. Mabilia, in joy for her brother's coming, -went for Oriana, who was sitting sorrowfully at her chamber-window, -reading. She answered, weeping and sighing as if her heart-strings -would have broken, how can I go? do you not see my face and eyes, how -they show that I have been weeping? and how can I see those Knights, in -whose company I was wont to see Amadis: it is better to die! Mabilia -comforted her how she could:—the Damsel might yet bring tidings. Nay, -quoth Oriana, if these Knights have failed, who have sought him so far -and so long, how shall she succeed? a woman! and seeking him but in -one place? But she may induce him to discover himself, said Mabilia, -for she carries comfort to him, and knows the secret of his love, -which they did not. So she cheared her, and made her wash her eyes, -and called Olinda to go with them to the Queen. Look, quoth the King -to Galaor, how ill your friend Oriana is! I grieve to see her thus, -replied he: reason is it that we should try to help her health by -our services. My good friend, Galaor, said she, God it is who heals -sickness and sorrow, and if it pleaseth him he will me, and recover -your brother Amadis, whom you have lost, and whom we all lament. Anon -an outcry was heard without, for Gandalin and the Dwarf seeing their -Master's shield where it was hung, began to lament aloud, and the -Knights were comforting them. What! cried Lisuarte, is Gandalin here? -Florestan answered, I met him two months ago seeking for his Master, -and made him bear me company. I hold Gandalin, said the King, to be -one of the best Squires in the world, and we ought to comfort him. So -he rose, and went out to him. When Oriana heard the name of Gandalin, -and the lamentation that he was making, she grew pale, and would have -fallen, but Galaor and Florestan caught her. Mabilia, who knew the -cause, ran to her, and put her arms round her neck. Good and true -friends, then said Oriana to the two brethren, if I do not show you -what honour I ought and desire to show, I pray you impute it to its -true cause, this sore illness! and then she went to her chamber. Dear -friend, said she to Mabilia, since we entered this city of London, I -have never been without some cause of sorrow: let us go to Miraflores, -that is a delightful place, and there I can have the comfort of -solitude. We will ask your parents' permission, said Mabilia, and there -the Damsel of Denmark will find us, and there you may the more freely -see him, when he shall be found. Ah, quoth Oriana, let us lose no time! - -This castle of Miraflores was about two leagues from London, a little -place, but the pleasantest abode in all that land, for it was in a -wood by the side of a mountain, surrounded with orchards and gardens -that abounded with fruits and flowers, and there were fountains in the -courts canopied with trees, that all the year round bore flower and -fruit. The King one day had taken the Queen and Princess there when -he was hunting, and because the Princess was much pleased with the -place, he gave it her for her own. About a bow-shot from the gate was a -nunnery, which she had founded, and there were nuns in it of holy life. -So that night she asked permission of Lisuarte and her Mother to retire -there, which was readily granted. - -The King being at table with Agrayes and his cousins, said to them, I -trust we shall have good news of Amadis, for I have sent thirty Knights -of the best of my household to seek him, and, if they fail, take you -as many as you will and seek him; but I beseech you do not depart till -after a battle which has been appointed between me and King Cildadan of -Ireland, who is a King renowned in arms, and has married the daughter -of King Abies, whom Amadis slew. The battle is to be an hundred against -an hundred, and the quarrel this: That kingdom has been obliged to -pay tribute to the Kings of Great Britain: Cildadan demands battle on -condition, that, if he be conquered, the tribute shall be doubled; but, -if he succeed, the country shall be freed therefrom. I trow he will -need all his Knights and friends! The three companions, albeit loth to -have their search delayed, yet could they not refuse to stay and share -the peril. After the cloths were removed, Florestan bade Gandalin go -to Mabilia, who wished to see him. He went accordingly, and, when they -saw each other, they both wept. Ah, Lady, quoth he, what great wrong -hath Oriana done to you and to your lineage, in depriving you of the -best Knight in the world! and what wrong hath she done to him, who -never erred against her in deed nor word! Ill hath God bestowed such -beauty and such goodness, when this could be in her! and yet none hath -lost so much by it as herself! Say not thus, Gandalin! cried Mabilia, -what she did was from exceeding love, and in the belief that he was -loving another. And then she related all that had been said by Ardian -concerning the broken sword. O God! quoth Gandalin, where were all your -understandings? he would have buried himself alive for her displeasure! -and she believed this! and thus is the best Knight in the world -destroyed! Oriana had listened to all this: she came forward as if she -had heard nothing; and weeping, so that hardly could she speak, she -said, O Gandalin! God preserve and bless you, as you shall do what you -ought! Lady, said he, in tears also, what do you command me? Kill me! -cried she, for I killed your master, and you should revenge his death, -as he would have revenged your's! And then she fell senseless. - -The King bade Grumedan accompany his daughter to Miraflores, and see -that there were serving-men left there, and porters for the gate, and -all things needful. Early the next morning they set out, and when -Oriana saw the place, how fresh it was with flowers and roses, and the -water-pipes and fountains, her mind felt greatly comforted. The keys of -the castle and of the garden-gates were every night to be carried by -the porters to the Abbess Adalasta, that she might keep them securely. -I have desired to have the keys by day, said Oriana to Mabilia, that -Gandalin may get another set made, so that if by good fortune Amadis -should come, we may admit him by the postern-door thro' the garden; and -there Oriana determined to remain till she saw Amadis, or till she died -in that solitude. Her apartments were full pleasant, and before the -chamber-door there was a little court wherein three trees grew, that -quite shadowed it; and there they took their pleasure, but with great -anxiety expected the Damsel of Denmark and her tidings. The next day -the Porter came and said, a Squire asked for Mabilia. Let him in, quoth -Oriana; it is Gandalin, a right good Squire, who was brought up with -us, and is the milk-brother of Amadis, whom God preserve from harm! God -preserve him, indeed! cried the Porter, for great loss to the world -would it be if such a Knight were to perish. Lo now! said Oriana to -her friend, as the Porter went away, how Amadis is loved by all, even -by these simple men! and I who was so loved by him, I have been his -death! Herewithal Gandalin entered, and Oriana making him sit by her -side, related how she had sent the Damsel of Denmark to seek Amadis, -and what she had written to him: think you, Gandalin, said she, that he -will forgive me? You little know his heart, Lady, quoth the Squire; by -God for the least word in the letter he will come: if you bade him, he -would bury himself alive under the earth,—how much sooner will he come -at your command! And the Damsel of Denmark will sooner find him than -all the persons in the world; for, if he hid himself from me, he will -not show himself to any other. And you, Lady, should take comfort with -this hope, lest he should find your beauty so altered when he comes, -and fly from you. What, Gandalin! seem I so ugly? quoth she, being -well-pleased at his words. You seem so to yourself, said he, that you -thus hide yourself where none may see you. I do it to this end, said -Oriana, that, when thy master cometh, if he would fly, he may not be -able. She then showed him the keys, and bade him get others made like -them, that when his master came they might admit him at their pleasure. - -Gandalin took the keys to London, and returned that same night with -others so exactly like them, that there was no difference, except -that these were new and the others old. Here they are! cried Mabilia, -showing them to Oriana: come, we have supt, and all the people are at -rest! let us try them. They took hand, and went in the dark to the -posterns that opened from the castle into the garden. When they were -near the first, Oriana cried, I cannot go on, I am dying with fear! -Fear nothing! quoth Mabilia, laughing as she spake, when I am here to -protect you, for I am cousin to the best Knight in the world, and am -going on his service. Oriana could not but smile. I will take courage, -and trust in your prowess in arms. Come on boldly, quoth Mabilia, and -see how I finish the adventure! if I fail, I swear for one whole year -never to hang shield from my neck, nor gird on a sword. In this merry -mood she opened the first postern, and presently the other with as -little difficulty, and then they were in the garden. How will he get -over the wall? cried Oriana. At yonder corner, replied Mabilia, there -must be a piece of wood laid on the other side, and we will give him -our hands here. You must perform this labour, for it is you who will -be paid for it. Oriana at this took hold of her cousin's coif and -threw it on the ground, and they stood laughing for some time, then -returned and fastened the gates, and went to rest. As Oriana lay down, -Mabilia cried, I wish that poor wretch were here who is now despairing! -eat, cousin! and sleep, that you may recover your beauty, as Gandalin -advised! - - - - -_CHAPTER 12._ - - -King Lisuarte was at table; the cloths were removed, and Galaor, -Florestan, and Agrayes, were about to take their leave and conduct -Corisanda to her island, when there came a strange Knight into the -palace, all armed except his head and hands, and with him two Squires, -and he carried in his hand a letter sealed with five seals, which on -his knees he presented to the King, saying, let this be read, and then -I will say for what I am come. Lisuarte saw that it was a letter of -credence, and bade him speak his errand. Then said the Knight, King, I -defy thee on the part of Famongomadan, the Giant of the Boiling Lake; -Cartadaque, his nephew, Giant of the Defended Mountain; and Madanfabul, -his marriage-brother, the Giant of the Vermillion Tower; and for -Quadragante, brother of King Abies, and Arcalaus the Enchanter: they -tell thee that thy death, and the death of all who call themselves -thine is in their hands, for they are coming against thee on King -Cildadan's side. Howbeit, if thou wilt give thy daughter Oriana to -Madasima, the fair daughter of Famongomadan, to be her damsel and -servant, they will not injure thee, nor be thine enemies, but will -give her in marriage when it is time to Basagante, Madasima's brother, -who doth well deserve to be Lord of her and thy land. Therefore, King, -look to thy choice! such peace, or such war! Lisuarte smiled when he -began to reply, as one who set at nought the defiance. Knight, said -he, better is a dangerous war, than a dishonourable peace: a bad -account should I render to Him, who hath placed me in this high rank, -if for lack of heart I should so shamefully debase it! Tell them I -would rather chuse war with them all the days of my life, and death in -that war at last, than consent to the peace they offer! Tell me where -I may send a Knight to carry them this answer? They may be found, -replied the Embassador, in the Boiling Lake, which is in the Isle of -Mongaza. I know not the manner of these Giants, quoth Lisuarte, whether -a Knight can go amongst them safely? That, replied he, doubt not; -where Don Quadragante is present, no wrong can be committed: I will -be his warrant. In God's name! said Lisuarte, now tell me who you -are?—Landin, the son of Quadragante's sister. We are come to revenge -the death of King Abies of Ireland, and greatly it grieves us that we -cannot find him who slew him, neither know we whether he be alive or -dead. Quoth Lisuarte, I would you did know him to be alive and well! -all would then be right. I know wherefore you say thus, replied Landin; -you think him the best Knight living, but, be I what I may, you shall -find me in the battle with King Cildadan, and see what I can do against -you. I had rather have you in my service, answered Lisuarte; but there -will not be wanting those who will oppose you there. - -Meantime Florestan's anger was rising. Knight, said he, I am a stranger -in this country, and not vassal to the King, so that there is no -quarrel between us for what you have said to him, nor do I undertake -it because there are many Knights in his household. But, you say, you -seek for Amadis, and cannot find him; that I believe is not to your -loss! but if it please you to do battle with me, who am Don Florestan, -his brother, let it be with this condition: if you are conquered, you -shall give over the pursuit of vengeance; if I am slain, your wrath -will in part be satisfied, for whatever sorrow you feel for the loss -of King Abies, that and much greater would Amadis endure for my death. -Landin replied, Don Florestan I perceive you have a heart for battle, -but I cannot satisfy you now, being bound to return with this embassy -on an appointed day, and also having pledged myself to undertake no -enterprize before the battle; but, if I come from that field alive, I -will meet you in the lists. Landin, quoth Florestan, you answer like a -good and honourable Knight, as you are bound to do; let it be as you -have said. And he gave his gloves in gage to the King, and Landin gave -the lappets of his armour; and the day for their combat was fixed for -the thirtieth after the battle. Lisuarte then sent a Knight called -Filispinel with Landin to carry his reply, and they departed together. - -When they were gone, the King said to Galaor, and Florestan, and their -cousin Agrayes, you shall see something that will please you! and -he sent for his daughter Leonoreta to come with her little damsels -and dance before him, as she used to do; a thing which he had never -ordered, since the news that Amadis was lost. She came, and the King -said to her, Daughter, sing now the song which Amadis, being your -Knight, made for your love. So the child and the other young damsels -began to sing. - - _Leonor, sweet Rose, all other flowers excelling, - For thee I feel strange thoughts in me rebelling._ - - _I lost my liberty when I did gaze - Upon those lights which set me in a maze, - And of one free am now become a thrall, - Put to such pain thou serv'st thy friends withal; - And yet do I esteem this pain a pleasure, - Endured for thee whom I love out of measure. - Leonor, sweet Rose, all other flowers excelling, - For thee I feel strange thoughts in me rebelling._ - - _I little joy in any other's sight, - My heart is thine, thyself my chief delight. - But yet I see the more that I do love, - More smart I feel, more pain, more grief I prove. - Well! let Love rage, though he be angry ever, - I'll take my loss for gain, though I gain never. - Leonor, sweet Rose, all other flowers excelling, - For thee I feel strange thoughts in me rebelling._ - - _And though to you I manifest my woes, - My martyrdom, my smart, another knows; - One unto whom I secretly invoke, - Who is the cause of this my fire, my smoke. - She hath a salve to cure my endless grief, - And only she may yield me some relief. - Leonor, sweet Rose, all other flowers excelling, - For thee I feel strange thoughts in me[188:A] rebelling._ - - [188:A] The song of Amadis has suffered much in this second - translation, this "shadow of a shade." - - - VILLANCICO. - - Leonoreta, fin roseta, - blanca sobre toda flor, - fin roseta, no me meta - en tal cuyta vuestro amor. - - Sin ventura yo en locura - me meti; - en vos amar es locura - que me dura, ⁂ - sin me poder apartar, - o hermosura sin par, - que me da pena y dulzor, - fin roseta, no me meta - en tal cuyta vuestro amor. ⁂ - - De todas las que yo veo - no desseo - servir otra sino a vos; - bien veo que mi desseo ⁂ - es devaneo, - do no me puedo partir, - pues que no puedo huyr - de ser vuestro servidor, - no me meta, fin roseta - en tal cuyta vuestro amor. ⁂ - - Aunque mi quexa parece - referirse a vos senora, - otra es la vencedora, - otra es la matadora, ⁂ - que mi vida desfallece, - aquesta tiene el poder - de me hazer toda guerra; - aquesta puede hazer, - sin yo selo merecer, - Que muerto biva so tierra. ⁂ - -You should know by what occasion Amadis made this song for the Princess -Leonoreta. One day, as he was talking with Queen Brisena, Oriana, -Mabilia, and Olinda, told Leonoreta to go and ask Amadis to be her -Knight, and that he would then serve her and no one else. The little -girl went to him, and did so; and Amadis, smiling, took her in his -arms, and placed her on the estrado. Since you would have me be your -Knight, said he, give me some jewel in token that you hold me for -yours; and then she took from her head a gold clasp set with gems, -and gave it him. All began to laugh at seeing how verily she believed -the jest, and Amadis, being thus chosen her Knight, made for her this -song. And when she and her damsels sung it they were dressed alike, -having garlands on their heads, and garments of the same costliness and -fashion as Leonoreta wore. She was a fair princess, albeit not so fair -as Oriana, who had no peer, and afterwards she became Empress of Rome, -and her twelve little damsels were all daughters of Counts and noble -chiefs. So having sung their song, they knelt before Lisuarte, and then -returned to the Queen. - -Galaor and Florestan and Agrayes then asked the King permission to -guard Corisanda home. He took them aside and said, Friends! there are -no other three in the world in whom I have the same confidence as in -you. This battle is to be the first week in August, and you hear who -are coming against me, and they will bring others with them, who are -brave and terrible in arms, and are also of the nature and blood of -the Giants: therefore, I request you not to undertake any adventure -that may delay you from being there to aid me, for with your aid, and -the justice of my cause, I trust in God, my enemies, powerful as they -are, will be put to shame. Sir, said they, this command was not needed: -as Errant Knights, our wish is to be in danger, to be where, being -conquerors, we may win the renown which we seek; or, if conquered, come -to the end for which we were all born: we will presently return. So -they took their leave, and departed with Corisanda. - -Gandalin, who saw them depart, went to Miraflores, and related to -Oriana and Mabilia all that had past. Now, quoth Oriana, is Corisanda -in all happiness, for she hath with her Don Florestan, whom she loves. -God ever continue her joy! for she is a good Lady. And then she herself -began to weep, and cry, Lord God, let me see Amadis again, if it be -but for a day!—Gandalin greatly pitied her, but he affected anger, -and said, Lady, you will make me stay away from Miraflores, for here -are we looking for good tidings, and you will make us thus unhappy! -Oriana wiped away her tears: Do not reproach me, Gandalin! I would do -otherwise if I could; but, whatever semblance I should put on, my heart -is always weeping! But tell me, what will become of the King my father, -since Amadis will not be in the battle? He cannot so have hidden -himself, replied Gandalin, that such news should not reach him; and -though you have forbidden him your sight, yet he may be present there, -thinking then to merit pardon for a fault which he never committed, nor -thought to commit. While they were thus communing, a little girl came -running in, Lady, here is the Damsel of Denmark, and she brings noble -presents for you! At this her heart trembled, and sunk within her, so -that she could not speak, and she was altogether so agitated as one -who expected life or death from the messenger who was coming. Mabilia -answered for her: tell the Damsel to come to us alone, that we may -speak with her in private. This she said that there might be none to -witness Oriana's agitation; but she herself and Gandalin were dismayed, -not knowing what was to come. The Damsel entered with a chearful -countenance, and kneeling before Oriana gave her a letter; here, Lady, -are tidings of joy! I have fulfilled all your commands: read, and see -if Amadis have not written it with his own hand. The letter fell from -Oriana's hand, she trembled so with exceeding joy: she opened it, and -found in it the ring which she had sent by Gandalin to Amadis, the day -whereon he fought with Dardan at Windsor, the which she knew well and -kissed it many times, and said, blessed be the hour in which thou wert -made, that art transferred with such joy from one hand to another! -So when she had read the letter, and blest God with lifted hands for -his mercy, she made the Damsel relate how she had found him. Greatly -were they pleased at her wisdom in leaving a part of the presents with -Amadis; now then, said they, produce the rest before those who are -here, and say how you have forgotten the others, that we may send for -them. - -They showed Durin to what part of the garden-wall he was to bring -Amadis, and he kissed Oriana's hands for sending him upon this errand, -which might atone for what unwittingly he had carried before. It was -agreed that Mabilia should publicly ask him to go; but he feigned -himself little contented at the bidding, and said, angrily, to Mabilia, -for you, Lady, I will go, but not for the Queen or Oriana, for I have -had great hardships in this journey for their pleasure. Friend Durin, -said Oriana, you should not upbraid us with your services, so that we -shall not thank you for it. Your thanks, replied he, I believe will be -worth about as much as my service! however, said he to Mabilia, since -you desire it, I will set out to-morrow. He then took leave, and went -with Gandalin to the town to sleep; and Gandalin bade him remember -him to his cousin Enil, and tell him, said he, to come and see me as -soon as he can, for I have much to say to him, and request him while he -continues with that Knight, to see if he can learn any news of Amadis. -This he said that Amadis might be the better disguised, and that he -might not want a pretext to send Enil away. So Durin mounted his -palfrey the next morning and departed. - - - - -_CHAPTER 13._ - - -While Beltenebros remained in the Nunnery, his health and strength -recovered, and he sent Enil to the next town to get arms made for him, -a green shield with as many golden lions as it could hold, and to buy -him a horse, and a sword and breast-plate, the best he could find. In -twenty days all was ready, as he had ordered it, and at the end of that -time Durin arrived. Beltenebros was right glad to see him, and asked -him before Enil how the Damsel was, and wherefore he had returned. -Durin answered, that the Damsel commended herself to him, and had sent -for two jewels which she had left in her bed; and then he delivered -to Enil the bidding of his cousin Gandalin. Who is Gandalin? said -Beltenebros. A Squire, my cousin, replied Enil, who long time served -a Knight called Amadis of Gaul. Then Beltenebros took Durin apart to -walk with him, and heard the message of Oriana, and also how his -brethren were to be in the battle with Cildadan, and of the defiance -that Famongomadan had sent, and how he had demanded Oriana to be -serving-damsel to his daughter, till he should give her in marriage to -his son. When he heard this, his flesh shook with exceeding anger, and -he resolved in himself, so soon as he had seen his Lady, to undertake -no adventure till he had found Famongomadan, and fought with him a -combat to the utterance for what he had dared propose. - -That night Beltenebros took leave of the Nuns, and early the next day, -armed in his green armour, he set forth, and Enil with him carrying his -shield and helmet and lance. The day was clear, and he feeling himself -in his strength and once more in arms, began to manage his horse so -skilfully that Enil said to him, I know not, Sir, what the strength of -your heart may be, but I never saw a Knight appear so well in arms. -The worth, quoth Beltenebros, lies in a good heart, not in a good -appearance! happy dole hath he whom God has gifted with both! You have -judged the one, judge the other as you shall see it deserves when put -to proof. Seven days they travelled without adventure, and Beltenebros, -as he drew nearer, wore his helmet that he might not be known. On the -eighth, as they were passing the foot of a mountain, they met a Knight -upon a large bay horse, so huge in stature that he appeared to be a -Giant, and two Squires carrying his arms. He cried out with a loud -voice to Beltenebros, Stop, Sir Knight, till you have told me what I -want to know! Beltenebros looked at the stranger's shield, and seeing -three golden flowers in a field azure, he knew it was Don Quadragante, -for he had seen a like shield in the Firm Island, hanging above all the -others, as his who had approached nearest the Forbidden Chamber. Yet, -remembering Famongomadan, he would willingly now have avoided battle; -as also, because he was on his way to Oriana, and feared lest the great -prowess of this Knight should cause him some delay. Howbeit he stopt, -and bade Enil give him his arms if they were wanted. God protect you! -quoth Enil, he looks to me more like a Devil than a Knight! He is no -Devil, quoth Beltenebros, but a right good Knight, of whom I have heard -heretofore. By this Quadragante was come up, and said to him, Knight, -you must tell me if you belong to the household of King Lisuarte?—Why -ask you?—Because I have defied him and all his household, and kill all -of them whom I meet. Beltenebros felt his anger rising, and replied, -you are one of those who have defied him?—I am; and I am he who will -do to him and his all the evil in my power.—And who are you?—My name -is Don Quadragante.—Certes, Don Quadragante, notwithstanding your high -lineage, and your great prowess in arms, this is great folly in you to -defy the best King in the world! they who undertake more than they can -effect, are rather rash than hardy. I am not this King's vassal, nor am -I of his land, but for his goodness my heart is disposed to serve him, -so that I may account myself among those whom you have defied: if you -chuse battle with me, you may have it; if not, go your way! I believe -Knight, said Quadragante, you speak thus boldly because you know me so -little: pray you, tell me your name?—They call me Beltenebros: you will -know me by it no better than before, for it is a name of no renown; -but, though I am of a far land, I have heard that you are seeking -Amadis of Gaul, and, by what I hear of him, it is no loss to you that -you cannot find him. What! quoth Quadragante, do you prize him, whom I -hate so much, above me? Know, that your death-hour is arrived! take thy -arms, and defend thyself if thou canst. I might do it with some doubt -against others, he replied, but can have none in opposing thee, who art -so full of pride and threats. - -Then they ran their course; both felt the shock; the horse of -Beltenebros reeled, and he himself was wounded at the nipple of his -breast. Quadragante was unhorsed and hurt in the ribs; he rose, and ran -at Beltenebros, who did not see him, for he was adjusting his helmet, -and he mortally stabbed his horse. Beltenebros alighted, and went -against him sword in hand in great anger. There was no courage in this! -cried he; your own horse was strong enough to have finished the battle -without this discourtesy! The blows fell as thick and loud as though -ten Knights had been in combat, for both put forth all their strength -and skill, and the fight lasted from the hour of tierce till vespers; -but then Quadragante, overcome with fatigue, and with a blow that -Beltenebros gave him on the helmet, fell down senseless. Beltenebros -took off his helmet to see if he were dead; the air revived him; he -placed the sword-point at his face, and said, Quadragante, remember thy -soul, for thou art a dead man. Ah, Beltenebros, cried he, for God's -sake let me live for my soul's sake!—Yield thyself vanquished, then, -and promise to fulfil what I command! I will fulfil your will to save -my life, said Quadragante, but there is no reason wherefore I should -confess myself vanquished: he is not vanquished, who in his defence -hath shown no fear, doing his utmost till strength and breath fail him -and he falls; but he who does not do what he could have done, for lack -of heart. You speak well, said Beltenebros, and I like much what I -have learnt from you: give me your hand and your promise then; and he -called the Squires to witness it. You shall go forthwith to the court -of King Lisuarte, and remain there till Amadis arrives, and then you -shall pardon him for the death of your brother, King Abies; for they by -their own will fought in lists together, and such revenge, even among -those of meaner degree, ought not to be pursued. Moreover, you shall -make null the defiance against King Lisuarte, and not take arms against -those who are in his service. All this did Quadragante promise against -his will, and in the fear of death. He then ordered his Squires to make -a litter, and remove him; and Beltenebros mounting the bay horse of his -antagonist, gave his arms to Enil, and departed. - -Four Damsels, who were hawking with a merlin, had seen the battle, and -they now came up, and requested Beltenebros would go to their castle, -where he should be honourably welcomed, for the good will which he had -manifested to King Lisuarte. He thankfully accepted their hospitality, -being sore wearied with the struggle, and accompanied them. They -found no other wound than that upon the nipple of his breast, which -bled much; howbeit, in three days he departed. On the second day at -noon, from a hill top, he beheld the city of London, and, to the right -thereof, the castle of Miraflores, where his Lady Oriana then abode. -Here he stood awhile, gazing, and devising how he might dispatch Enil. -Do you know this country? said he. Yes, replied Enil; that is London, -in the valley.—Are we so near? but I will not go to the court till I -have won some renown, and deserve to be there: go you therefore and -visit your cousin Gandalin, and there you will hear what may be said of -me, and when the battle is to be with King Cildadan.—But shall I leave -you alone?—I sometimes go alone; but we will first appoint a place to -meet at. They proceeded a little way and saw three tents pitched by a -river side, the middle a rich one, and before it there were Knights -and Damsels sporting; and he saw five shields at the entrance of one -tent, and five at another, and ten armed Knights, therefore he turned -aside from the road that he might not joust with them. The Knights -called out to him to joust. Not now, said he, for you are many and -fresh, and I am alone and weary. I believe, said the one, you are -afraid you should lose your horse.—Why should I lose him?—Because he -would be won by the man who dismounted you: a likelier chance than that -you should win his. Since that is the case, said Beltenebros, I will -ride on and secure him while I can; and he continued his course. The -Knights cried after him, your arms, Sir Cavalier, are protected better -by a smooth tongue than by a stout heart: they will last to be hung -over your monument, tho' you should live these hundred years! Think of -me as you please, quoth he, your words will not destroy my worth such -as it is. I would to heaven you would break one lance with me! cried -the Knight; I would not mount horse again for a whole year, if you -rode to your lodging this night upon that bay steed! Good Sir, said -Beltenebros, that is the very thing I am afraid of, and have therefore -got out of the way. Holy Mary, they all exclaimed, what a cowardly -Knight! He nothing heeding them, rode on to a ford, at which he meant -to cross, when he heard a cry from behind. Stop, Knight! and looking -round saw a Damsel following him upon a palfrey richly trappinged. Sir -Knight, said she, Leonoreta, daughter to King Lisuarte, is in yonder -tent, and she and all her Damsels request that for their sake you will -joust with her Knights, a thing you will be more bound to do by this -request than by their defiance.—What! quoth he, is the daughter of the -Queen there?—Aye, truly!—I should rather do her service myself than -commit enmity against her Knights, but at her command I will consent, -on condition that they require from me nothing farther than the joust. -With this answer the Damsel returned; and Beltenebros took his arms, -and rode to an open part of the field to wait for the encounter. The -first who came was the one who had such an inclination to win his -horse. Beltenebros was pleased that this was the first: he unhorsed -him, and bade Enil take his horse, and said, Sir Knight, if you keep -your word, you will not have another fall for a whole year, for so -you promised unless you won my bay; but he lay groaning, for he had -three ribs and a hip broken. Three others shared the same fortune with -less hurt; on the last, Beltenebros broke his lance. Enil took their -horses one by one, and tied them to the trees, and then Beltenebros -would have departed; but he saw another Knight making ready, and a -Squire brought him four lances, and said, Sir, Leonoreta sends you -these lances, and bids you do your duty with them against the other -Knights, since you have overthrown their companions. For her sake, said -he, who is daughter to so good a King, I will do what she requires; -but for her Knights I would do nothing, for they are discourteous to -make Knights who are travelling joust against their will. So he took -a lance, and one after the other dismounted all the rest; only the -last endured two encounters, and fell not till the third, for he was -Nicoran of the Perilous Bridge, and was one of the good jousters in -Great Britain. When Beltenebros had finished, he sent all the horses -that he had won to Leonoreta, and bade her tell her Knights to be more -courteous to strangers, or else to joust better, for they might find -a Knight who would make them go afoot. The Knights remained greatly -abashed; if Amadis were alive and well, quoth Nicoran, verily I should -say this were he, for I know no other who would have left us thus. It -is not he, said Galiseo, some of us should have known him, and he would -not have jousted with us, being his friends. Giontes, the nephew of -King Lisuarte, who was one of them, replied. Would it were Amadis, our -dishonour would be well gained! but be he who he may, God prosper him -wherever he goes! for he won our horses like a good Knight, and like a -good Knight restored them. Curse him, quoth Lasamor, he has broken my -hip and my ribs, but it was my own fault. - -Beltenebros went on satisfied with his success, and admiring the lance -which he held, for it was a good one. About a quarter of a league -on, he saw a chapel overbowered with trees, and there he determined -to alight for the sake of prayer, and because the great heat and the -exercise of jousting had made him athirst. At the chapel-door were -three palfreys equipped for women, and two for Squires. He went in, -but there was no one there, and commended himself from his heart to -God and the Virgin. As he was coming out, he saw the three Damsels and -their Squires sitting under the trees beside a fountain, and made up -to them that he might drink: but neither of them did he know. Knight, -said they, are you of King Lisuarte's household? I would, quoth he, I -were so good a Knight as to be approved in such a company: but whither -go ye?—To Miraflores, to see our Aunt who is Abbess there, and to see -Oriana the Princess; but we are waiting here till the heat of the day -be over. In God's name, quoth he, and I will keep you company till it -be time to travel: how is this fountain called?—We know not but there -is one in yonder valley, by those great trees there, which is called -the Fountain of the Three Channels. He knew it better than they, for -he had often passed it when hunting, and there he determined to fix a -meeting-place with Enil, whom he wished to send away while he went to -his Lady. - -Presently, while they were thus talking, there came along the road -which Beltenebros had passed, a waggon drawn by twelve palfreys, and on -it were two Dwarfs who drove. There were many Knights in chains in the -waggon, and their shields were hanging at the side, and many damsels -and girls among them weeping and lamenting loudly. Before it went a -Giant, so great that he was fearful to behold; he rode a huge black -horse, and he was armed with plates of steel, and his helmet shone -bright, and in his hand he had a boar spear, whose point was a full -arm's-length long. Behind the waggon was another Giant, who appeared -more huge and terrible than the first. The Damsels seeing them were -greatly terrified, and hid themselves among the trees. Presently the -Giant who rode foremost turned to the Dwarfs, and cried, I will cut -you into a thousand pieces if you suffer these girls to shed their own -blood, for I mean to do sacrifice with it to my god, whom I adore. -When Beltenebros heard this, he knew it was Famongomadan, for he had a -custom to sacrifice damsels to an Idol in the Boiling Lake, by whose -advice and words he was guided in every thing, and that sacrifice used -to content his god, being the Wicked Enemy who is satisfied with such -wickedness. At this time Beltenebros did not wish to encounter him, -because he expected to be that night with Oriana, and also because his -joust with the ten Knights had wearied him; but he knew the Knights -in the waggon, and saw that Leonoreta and her Damsels were there, for -Famongomadan, who always took this waggon with him to carry away all -he could find, had seized them in their tents shortly after their -encounter. Immediately he mounted, and called to Enil for his arms; but -Enil said, let those Devils pass by first. Give me! quoth Beltenebros, -I shall try God's mercy before they pass, to see if I can redress this -villainy. O Sir, cried the Squire, why have you so little compassion -upon your own youth! if the best twenty Knights of King Lisuarte's -court were here, they would not venture to attack them. Care not -thou for that, replied his Master, if I let them pass without doing -my best I should be unworthy to appear among good men: you shall see -my fortune. Enil gave him his arms, weeping, and Beltenebros then -descended the sloping ground to meet them. He looked toward Miraflores -as he went, and said, O Oriana, my Lady, never did I attempt adventure -confiding in my own courage, but in you: my gentle Lady, assist me now, -in this great need! He felt his full strength now, and all fear was -gone, and he cried out to the Dwarfs to stop. - -When the Giant heard him, he came towards him with such rage that smoke -came through the vizor of his helmet, and he shook his boar-spear with -such force that its ends almost met. Unhappy wretch! cried he, who -gave thee boldness enough to dare appear before me? That Lord, quoth -Beltenebros, whom thou hast offended, who will give me strength to-day -to break thy pride. Come on! come on! cried the Giant, and see if his -power can protect thee from mine! Beltenebros fitted the lance under -his arm, and ran against him full speed: he smote him below the waist -with such exceeding force that the spear burst through the plates of -steel and ran through him, even so as to strike the saddle behind, -that the girths broke, and he fell with the saddle, the broken lance -remaining in him. His boar-spear had taken effect upon the horse of -Beltenebros, and mortally wounded him. The Knight leapt off and drew -his sword. The Giant rose up so enraged that fire came from him, and -he plucked the lance from his wound, and threw it at Beltenebros so -forcibly that if the shield had not protected his helmet, it would -have driven him to the ground; but his own bowels came out with the -weapon, and he fell, crying, help, Basagante! I am slain. At this -Basagante came up as fast as his horse could carry him: he had a steel -axe in his hand, and with this he thought to have cut his enemy in -two; but Beltenebros avoided the blow, and at the same time struck at -the Giant's horse: the stroke fell short, but the end of his sword cut -through the stirrup-leather, and cut the leg also half through. The -Giant in his fury did not feel the wound, though he missed the stirrup; -he turned and raised his axe again. Beltenebros had taken the shield -from his neck, and was holding it by the thongs: the axe fell on it and -pierced in, and drove it from his hands to the ground. Beltenebros had -made another stroke, the sword wounded Basagante's arm, and, falling -below upon the plates of fine steel, broke, so that only the handle -remained in his hand. Not for this was he a whit dismayed; he saw the -Giant could not pluck his axe from the shield, and he ran and caught -it by the handle also; both struggled; it was on that side where the -stirrup had been cut away, so that Basagante lost his balance, the -horse started and he fell, and Beltenebros got the battle-axe. The -Giant drew his sword in great fury, and would have ran at the Knight, -but the nerves of his leg were cut through; he fell upon one knee, -and Beltenebros smote him on the helmet, that the laces burst and it -fell off. He seeing his enemy so near, thought with his sword, which -was very long, to smite off his head; the blow was aimed too high, -it cut off the whole crown of the helmet, and cut away the hair with -it. Beltenebros drew back; the helmet fell over his head upon his -shoulders, and Leonoreta and the Damsels, who were on their knees in -the waggon praying to God to deliver them, tore their hair and began -to shriek and call upon the Virgin, thinking he was surely slain. -He himself put up his hand to feel if he were wounded to death, but -feeling no harm, made again at the Giant, whose sword falling upon a -stone in the last blow had broken. Basagante's heart failed him now, he -made one stroke more, and cut him slightly in the leg with the broken -sword; but Beltenebros let drive the battle-axe at his head; it cut -away the ear and the cheek and the jaw, and Basagante fell, writhing in -the agony of death. - -At this time Famongomadan had taken off his helmet, and was holding his -hands upon his wound to check the blood. When he saw his son slain, -he began to blaspheme God and his Mother Holy Mary, saying that he did -not so much grieve to die as that he could destroy their monasteries -and churches, because they had suffered him and his son to be conquered -by one Knight. Beltenebros was then upon his knees returning thanks -to God, when he heard the blasphemer, he exclaimed, Accursed of God -and of his Blessed Mother! now shalt thou suffer for thy cruelties; -pray to thine Idol, that, as thou hast shed so much blood before him, -he may stop this blood of thine from flowing out with thy life! The -Giant continued to curse God and his Saints; then Beltenebros plucked -the boar-spear from the horse's body, and thrust it into the mouth -of Famongomadan, and nailed him backward to the earth. He then put -on Basagante's helmet that he might not be known, and mounting the -other's horse, rode up to the waggon and broke the chains of all who -were prisoners therein, and he besought them to carry the bodies of the -Giants to King Lisuarte, and say they were sent him by a strange Knight -called Beltenebros; and he begged the Princess to permit him to take -the black horse of Famongomadan, because it was a strong and handsome -horse, and he would ride him in the battle against King Cildadan. The -bodies of the Giants were so huge, that they were obliged to bend -their knees to lay them in the waggon. Leonoreta and her Damsels made -garlands for their heads, and being right joyful for their deliverance -entered London singing in triumph. Much was King Lisuarte astonished -at their adventure, and the more for Quadragante had already presented -himself on the part of Beltenebros, of whom nothing else was known -except what Corisanda had related. I would he were among us, said the -King, I would not lose him for any thing that he could ask and I could -grant. - - - - -_CHAPTER 14._ - - -Beltenebros having taken leave of the Princess, returned joyfully to -the fountain where the Damsels were. He bade Enil go to London, and -get him other arms made the same as those he wore, which were now so -battered as to be useless, and he was to buy him another sword, and -bring them in eight days to the Fountain of the Three Channels. Enil -forthwith departed, and the Damsels also taking their leave, rode on -to Miraflores, and there told Oriana and Mabilia what great feats they -had seen that day atchieved by a Knight called Beltenebros. He meantime -struck into the forest, and rode slowly the same way, till he came to -a brook winding among the trees, and there, for it was yet early, he -alighted and took off his helmet, and drank of the water, and cleansed -himself from the sweat of the battle; and there he remained, musing -over his past and present fortunes and the strange vicissitudes of -life, till night approached; then he made for the castle. Durin and -Gandalin met him at the garden-wall, and took his horse. Oriana and -Mabilia and the Damsel were on the wall: they gave him their hands: -presently he was over, and held Oriana in his arms; but who can tell -what joy there then was in embracing and kisses, and the mingling of -tears? Mabilia roused them as from a dream, and led them into the -castle, and there Beltenebros remained eight days with Oriana in joys -dearer to him than even Paradise. - -Meantime King Lisuarte was preparing for the battle against King -Cildadan, which he much doubted, knowing what Giants and mighty -Knights would be with his enemy. Florestan and Galaor and Agrayes -were returned, and Don Galvanes Lackland had arrived, and many other -good Knights. The whole talk was of Beltenebros, and many said his -deeds surpassed those of Amadis; whereat Galaor and Florestan were -so enraged, that nothing but their promise to undertake no adventure -before the battle, withheld them from seeking him and proving him in -mortal combat, but of this they only communed with each other. One day -there came into the palace an old Squire with two others, all clad in -garments of the same cloth. The old man's beard was shorn, his ears -were large, and the hair of his head grey. He, kneeling before the -King, addressed him in the Greek language: Sir, the great fame which -is gone abroad of the Knights and Dames and Damsels of your court hath -brought me hither, to see if I can find among them what for sixty years -I have sought through all parts of the world, and reaped no fruit for -my labour. Noble King, if you hold it good, permit that a trial may be -made here, which shall not be to your injury nor to the shame of any. -All who were present, desirous to see what it might be, besought the -King's assent, which he, feeling the like curiosity, readily granted. -The old Squire then took in his hand a coffer of jasper, three cubits -long and a span wide, its sides being fastened with plates of gold; -this he opened, and took out a sword, so strange as the like was never -seen; the sheath was of bone, yet green like an emerald, and so clear -that the blade of the sword could be seen through, and it was unlike -other blades, for the one-half was as bright as it could be, and the -other burning red like fire; the hilt was of the same green bone, and -the belt also, being made of such small pieces fastened together with -gold screws, that it could be girt on like a common belt. This the -Squire hung round his neck, and took from the same coffer a head-dress -of flowers, the half whereof were as beautiful and fresh as though -they had just then been cut from the living stem; the other half so -withered and dry, that it seemed they would crumble at a touch. The -King asked why those flowers, that all seemed to grow from the same -stem, were yet in such different condition, and what was the nature of -that strange sword? King, said the old Squire, this sword cannot be -drawn from the scabbard, except by the Knight who of all men in the -world loveth his Lady best; and as soon as he shall have it in his -hand, the half which is now of burning red, shall become clear and -bright like the other part, and the whole blade be of one colour; and -when this garland of flowers shall be set upon the head of that Lady -or Damsel, that with the same surpassing love doth love her husband or -friend, the dry flowers shall again become fresh and green. And know, -Sir, that I cannot be knighted except by the hands of that true lover, -nor take sword except from that loyal Lady; for this, O King, having -searched all other courts and parts of the world, I am come hither, -after sixty years, hoping that as there is no court of Emperor or King -like this, here I may succeed at last. Tell me, said Lisuarte, how is -it that the half which is burning red, does not burn the scabbard? -You shall hear, quoth the Squire: Between Tartary and India there is -a sea so hot, that it boils like water over a fire, and it is all -green; and in that sea serpents breed bigger than crocodiles, having -wings wherewith they fly, and so venomous that all people run from -them in fear; nevertheless, they who at any time find one dead esteem -it much, being a thing excellent in medicine. These serpents have one -bone reaching from the head to the tail, it is so strong that the whole -body is formed upon this one bone, and green as you see it here in this -scabbard and hilt and belt, and because it grew in that boiling sea no -fire can burn it. Now I will tell you of this garland: the flowers are -from trees in Tartary, in an island fifteen miles from the shore; the -trees are only two, nor is it known that there are any such in any part -elsewhere; but in that sea is a whirlpool, so terrible that men fear to -venture to take them, howbeit they that have dared pass and succeeded, -sell them for what they will to ask, for this freshness and life-green -never fails. Having told you thus much, you shall know who I myself am. -I am nephew of the best man of his own time, who was called Apolidon, -and who long time dwelt here in your country in the Firm Island. My -father was King Ganor, his brother, to whom he gave his kingdom, and -my mother, daughter to the King of Panonia, and, when I was of age to -be knighted, my father, because of the exceeding love between him and -my mother, made me promise to be made Knight by none but the most true -Lover in the world, and to receive sword only from the truest Lady. -I lightly promised, thinking to accomplish this as soon as I should -see my Uncle Apolidon and his Grimanesa; but so it was, that, when I -arrived, Grimanesa was dead, and he knowing wherefore I came, greatly -pitied me, for it is the custom of my land that no one who is not a -Knight can reign therein. So having no remedy to give me then, he bade -me return to him at a year's end, and at that time he gave me this -sword and garland, telling me by the labour of this search to remedy -the folly of such a promise. And now, Sir, I beseech you, as without -wrong or shame it may be done, that you and your Knights and the Queen -and her Ladies be pleased to make the proof; and if such can be found -as shall accomplish it, let the sword and garland be theirs, the profit -will be mine, and rest from my weary toil, and the honour yours above -all other Princes, that they who could accomplish this adventure were -found in your court. The King then said, that Santiago's day was but -five days off, and then he had summoned many Knights to be present, -wherefore if it pleased him to wait so long, his chance of success -would be greater among so many more Knights. This the Squire thought -good. - -Gandalin was at this time in the court, and heard all that the Squire -had said. Forthwith he rode to Miraflores. Beltenebros and Oriana -were playing chess in the little court under the trees. When he had -related all that had past, and how a day was appointed for the trial, -Beltenebros sate musing for a while, lost in thought, till Gandalin -and his cousin had left the place, and then, as he looked up, Oriana -asked what had made him so deep in thought. Lady mine, quoth he, if by -God's help and your's my thought could be accomplished, I should be a -happy man for ever. Dear friend, she answered, she who hath made you -master of her person will do for you any thing! He took her hands and -kissed them often, and said, this is what I have been thinking; that, -if you and I could win this sword and garland, our hearts would be for -ever at rest, and all those doubts that have tortured us be utterly -destroyed. But how can I do this, said Oriana, without great shame -and greater danger to myself and to these Damsels, who are privy to -our loves? That, replied Beltenebros, may easily be done, you shall -go so disguised, and I will obtain such security from the King your -father, that we shall be as unknown as before strangers. Then do your -pleasure, quoth she, and God prosper it to good! I doubt not to gain -the garland, if it is to be won by exceeding love. I will obtain your -father's promise, said Beltenebros, that nothing shall be demanded -from me against my own consent, and will go completely armed; and you, -Lady, shall have a cloak fastened round you, and your face muffled, -so that you shall see all, yet no one see you. Let us call Mabilia, -cried Oriana, without her counsel I must not adventure. So they called -her and Gandalin, and the Damsel of Denmark, and they, albeit they -saw great peril, did not gainsay their inclination; and Mabilia said, -there was a rich cloak among her mother's presents that the Damsel had -brought, which never had been worn or seen in that land. She brought -it, and took Oriana apart and dressed her in it, so that when she came -out with her gloves on, and her face-cloths,[220:A] no one knew her, -though they looked narrowly. Lady mine, cried Beltenebros, I never -thought it would give me pleasure not to see and know you! He then -bade Gandalin buy the fairest palfrey that could be found in all that -country, and bring it at midnight before the day of the adventure, to -the garden-wall; and he told Durin to have his horse ready for him this -evening, that he might meet Enil, and send him to obtain the security -from King Lisuarte. - - [220:A] Antifazes. - -Beltenebros rode that night through the forest, and at day-break -reached the fountain of the Three Channels. Presently Enil came up and -brought with him the arms: they were good arms, and pleased him well. -He then asked the Squire what news of the court, and Enil told him the -talk there was of his prowess, and was about to relate concerning the -sword and garland, but Beltenebros said, this I learnt three days since -from a Damsel who made me promise to carry her secretly to this proof: -this I must do, and will prove the sword myself; but, as you know it is -my will not to make myself known to the King nor to any other till my -deeds make me worthy, you must return directly and tell the King, that -if he will promise and secure us that nothing shall be said or done -to us against our pleasure, we will come and try the adventure; and -say you, before the Queen and her Ladies, that this Damsel makes me go -greatly against my inclination. On the day of the proof, meet me here -at dawn, that the Damsel may know if she has this security; meantime I -must return to bring her here, for she dwells far off. Beltenebros then -took his arms, and while Enil went to the city, lay down by the same -brook-side till night, then rode to Miraflores. Durin was ready to take -his horse, and his fair friends expected him at the garden-wall. What, -Sir Cousin! quoth Mabilia, seeing his arms, you return richer than you -went. Do you not understand it? cried Oriana, he went to get arms, that -he might free himself from this prison. Thus chearfully they entered -the castle, and they gave him food, for he had not eaten the whole day, -lest he might be seen. - - - - -_CHAPTER 15._ - - -The next day the Damsel of Denmark was sent to London to learn what -answer Enil obtained, and to tell the Queen and her Ladies that Oriana -was ill, and did not rise. It was late before she returned, because the -King had gone forth to meet Queen Briolania, who was come to his court, -and brought with her three hundred Knights to go in search of Amadis, -as his brothers might dispose of them. Twenty Damsels accompanied her, -all dressed in mourning like herself, for in that dress had he found -her, and that dress had she worn when he recovered for her her kingdom, -and that she would wear till some tidings of him were known. Is she -so handsome as they say? quoth Oriana. So save me God, Lady, replied -the Damsel, as excepting yourself, I think her the fairest and most -graceful woman that I have ever seen. And it grieved her much when she -heard of your malady, and she bade me say, when it pleased you, she -would come and see you. I should be much pleased, answered Oriana, -for she is the person in the world whom I most wish to see. Honour -her well, said Beltenebros, for she well deserves it, although, Lady, -you have suspected something.—Dear friend, no more of this, I know my -thoughts were false. But this trial, quoth he, will make you more free -from this, and me more subject.—The garland, said Oriana, will prove -whether my error proceeded from excess of love. The Damsel then told -them how the King had promised Enil the security which he required. - -They rose at midnight before the day of the proof. Oriana was wrapt -in Mabilia's mantle, and her face muffled, and Beltenebros armed -himself in his new arms. They crossed the wall; Gandalin was there -with the horse and palfrey: they mounted, and rode alone into the -forest. Mabilia and the Damsel of Denmark remained in great fear -lest ill should befal; but, when Oriana found herself in the midst -of the forest at night, she was so affrighted that her whole body -trembled and her speech failed, and she began to apprehend that she -might fail to accomplish the adventure, and that if so her lover, who -now trusted in her so fully, would suspect her truth, and then she -wished she had never undertaken the danger. When Beltenebros perceived -her agitation, he said, I would rather have died, Lady, than brought -you here, if I had thought you would have been so terrified; we had -better turn back, and he turned his horse and led her palfrey round. -But then Oriana's heart changed, seeing that so great an adventure -would be for her sake foregone, and she said, dear friend do not heed -my fears, for I am a woman, and this is a strange place to me; regard -only what you, as a good Knight, ought to atchieve. Dear Lady, mine, -quoth he, your prudence guides my folly: I can neither do or say other -than you command me: so they proceeded, and about an hour before the -dawn reached the Fountain. When it was broad day Enil came up. Lady -Damsel, said Beltenebros, this is the Squire of whom I spake, let us -hear if the King grant your demand. Enil then told them what Lisuarte -had promised, and that the proof was to begin immediately after mass. -Beltenebros then gave him his shield and spear, the helmet he wore -himself; they took the road to London, and in this guise entered the -gate. All flocked to see them crying out, this is the good Knight -Beltenebros, who sent here Don Quadragante and the giants! This is the -prime of all knighthood! Happy the Damsel who comes in his guard! When -Oriana heard this she felt a pride to know herself the mistress of him, -who, by his great valour, could command all others. Thus they reached -the palace, where the King and all his Knights, the Queen and her -Ladies, were assembled for the adventure. As soon as their approach was -known the King went to receive them at the entrance. They knelt to kiss -his hand, but he withdrew it, saying, Good friend, I shall willingly -observe your pleasure, for in a short time you have done more for me -than ever Knight did for King before. Beltenebros bowed thankfully, -but made no answer, and proceeded with his Damsel up to the Queen: But -Oriana's flesh quivered with fear, seeing she was before her parents, -but her true friend never let go her hand, and so they both knelt -before Brisena. The Queen raised them and said, Damsel, I know not who -you are, never having seen you; but for the great services which this -Knight hath performed, and for your own deserts also, you are both -honourably and deservedly welcome. Beltenebros thanked her, but Oriana -held down her head as if for humbleness, and made no answer. The King -and his Knights then went on one side of the hall, the Queen and her -Ladies to the other; but Beltenebros said, that if it pleased the King -he would stand apart with his Damsel, and prove the adventure last of -all. - -Lisuarte then took the sword and drew it a hands breadth, no more. -Macandon, the old Squire, said, King, if there be no better lover in -the Court than you, I shall depart without my wish, and he thrust -the sword back, for so it was to be at every trial; then Galaor -essayed, and could only draw it three fingers breadth. Florestan and -Galvanes, and Grumedan, and Brandoyuas, and Ladasin, all tried, none -so successfully as Florestan, who drew it at a full palm's length. -Don Guilan the Pensive was the next, and he drew it half out; had you -loved just as much again, said Macandon, you would have won the sword. -Others there were who tried and could not move it, and these the old -Squire called heretics in love. Then came Agrayes to the proof, he -looked at Olinda, and thought surely the sword would be his, for his -true and loyal love; he drew it within a hand of the point, and as he -still attempted to pluck it forth the burning part of the blade touched -his cloak and burnt it; then he retired sufficiently rejoiced that he -had so far exceeded all others. Almost Sir Knight, quoth old Macandon, -had you been the winner, and I satisfied. Palomir and Dragonis, who -had arrived the day before, next essayed, and drew it no farther than -Galaor. Knights, quoth the Squire, if you had only as much of the -sword as you can draw, you would have but little for your own defence. -True, said Dragonis; and if you should be knighted at the end of the -adventure, you are not so young but that you may remember the ceremony. -At this all laughed, but there remained no more to make the trial; -Beltenebros then arose and took his Lady by the hand, and went towards -the sword. Sir Stranger, quoth Macandon, this sword will become you -better than the one you wear, yet I would not have you be so sure of -it as to lay aside your own, for this is to be won by truth of heart, -and not by force of arms. But he took the sword, and drew it from the -scabbard, and immediately the whole blade became clear and shining -with one brightness. When Macandon saw this, he knelt down and said, O -good Knight, God give thee honour, for thou hast done great honour to -this court! Reason is it that you should be beloved well by your Lady -unless she be the falsest and most unreasonable of women. Now then give -me the honour of Knighthood, which I may receive from no other hand -but yours! and you will give me with it lands and the lordship over -many good men. Good friend, replied Beltenebros, let the proof of the -garland be made, then I will do with you what can rightly be done. And -then he blessed the sword, and laying his own aside, hung it round his -neck, and led his Lady back to her station. Great were the praises then -which he received for excellence in arms and in love, so that Galaor -and Florestan were moved to great anger, for they thought it shame that -any other than Amadis should be esteemed above them, and they resolved -within themselves that their first business after the battle with King -Cildadan should be to fight him, and either die or show to the world -the difference there was between him and their brother. - -Lisuarte now called upon the Queen and her Ladies to make their proof, -without fear, and in the hope of honour; for she who won the garland, -if Dame should be more loved and honoured by her husband, if Damsel -acquire the praise of loyalty above all. Brisena first placed the -flowers on her own head, they did not in the least alter. Queen and -Madam, quoth old Macandon, if the King your husband gained little by -attempting the sword, it seems you have well requited him; she answered -nothing, but drew back greatly abashed. Next was Briolania, that fair -Queen of Sobradisa; she, like Brisena, produced no change. Lady and -most fair Damsel, cried the Squire, you must be loved before you can -love so as to gain the garland; four other King's daughters came on, -Eluida and Estrelleta her sister, who was fair and proud, and Aldeva -and Olinda the gentle. Upon her head the flowers began to revive so -that all thought she would win the praise, but they only began, and -when the garland was taken off they withered again as before; more than -a hundred other Dames tried, but all with less success than Olinda, -and all received their jest from the old Squire. Oriana had felt a -fear when Briolania made the proof, and she rejoiced at the failure, -lest, had she succeeded, her friend might deem it was for his love, -for never had she seen so fair a Damsel, and she thought surely, that -if his heart were not won by her, there was no danger of a rival. All -others had now failed; she made sign to Beltenebros to lead her up, -the garland was placed round her head, and immediately the dry flowers -quickened with full freshness and verdure. Excellent Damsel, quoth -Macandon, you are she for whom I sought forty years before you were -born! - -Then the old Squire besought Beltenebros to knight him, and that -Damsel to give him a sword. Let it be presently, said Beltenebros, for -I cannot tarry. Macandon then put on white garments, and white armour -over it like a new Knight, and Beltenebros knighted him according to -the manner, and put on his right spur, and Oriana girded on a rich -sword which his Squires had brought. The Dames and Damsels laughed at -seeing him, and Aldeva said so loud that all heard her. What a fair -Child! and he will be a new Knight as long as he lives! How know you -that? cried the rest. She answered, because the dress he has now put -on will last as long as himself. Gentle Damsels, quoth the old man, I -would not exchange my pleasure for your manners; my youth may be ranked -with your modesty. The King was pleased at this reply, for he thought -their speeches were unseemly. - -This done, Beltenebros and his Lady took leave of the Queen; and -Brisena said to her daughter, Lady, though it is your pleasure not to -be known here, yet I beseech you, when you are returned home, ask of me -whatever favour I can grant. I know her Lady, quoth Beltenebros, just -as much as you do, though we have been seven days together; but this -I can say, that she is fair, and she has locks that need not be thus -concealed. Damsel, said Briolania, I know you not: but if your friend -love you as you love him, and as he will do if he be wise, love never -made a better union. Her words gave pleasure to Oriana; then they took -their leave, and mounted, the King and Don Galaor accompanying them; -and Beltenebros said to the King, take this Damsel and honour her, Sir, -for she well deserves it, having honoured your court. Lisuarte took her -bridle, and he went on talking with Galaor, who had little inclination -for friendly talk with him, longing to engage him in battle. When they -had gone a little way Beltenebros took the bridle from the King, and -said, Now, Sir, God be with you, and if it please you that I should -be one of your hundred in the battle, I shall willingly serve you. -The King embraced and thanked him, and said, that great part of his -fear was removed by having him on his part; they parted then, and -Beltenebros and his Lady, Enil following, entered the forest, he having -round his neck that green sword, and she that garland of flowers upon -her head. - -When they reached the fountain of the Three Channels, they saw a Squire -on horseback coming down the mountain, who said, Knight, Arcalaus the -Enchanter bids you send him that Damsel, if you make him fetch her, -he will cut off both your heads. Where is Arcalaus the Enchanter? -cried Beltenebros; the Squire showed him where he and another Knight -were under a tuft of trees, both being armed, and their horses ready -by them. At hearing this Oriana could scarce keep her seat upon the -palfrey. Lady Damsel, fear not! quoth he, if this sword fail me not I -will protect you. He then took his arms—tell Arcalaus I am a stranger -Knight, who know him not, and have no reason to obey him. When Arcalaus -heard this he grew greatly enraged, and said to the Knight with him, -Nephew Lindoraque, take that garland which the Damsel wears for your -Mistress Madasima; if the Knight attempts to hinder you cut off his -head, and hang the woman by the hair to a tree. Lindoraque mounted -and moved on to do it: he was a huge man, and well might be so, being -son of Cartadaque the giant of the defended mountain, by a sister of -Arcalaus. But Beltenebros held him at nought, and placing himself -right in his way, for he had heard his errand, cried, Knight, you pass -no farther! You shall not hinder me, quoth he, from performing the -pleasure of Arcalaus. Beltenebros answered, we shall see what your -pride and his villainy can do. They couched their lances and ran, the -lances broke, Lindoraque fell with the truncheon in his body, he -rose, being of stout heart, and seeing Beltenebros about to strike -him, bent from the blow, and reeled and fell upon the truncheon, and -drove it clean through his back, so that he died instantly. Arcalaus -was riding up to help him. Beltenebros galloped up to him and made him -lose the joust, and struck at him with his sword a blow that cut off -the lance, and with it half the hand, so that only his thumb was left. -He turned to fly, and threw away his shield, and by the fleetness of -his horse escaped. Beltenebros then bade Enil take the shield and hand -of Arcalaus, and the head of Lindoraque to the King, and tell him what -had happened. He and his Lady went on their way, and rested beside a -fountain till it was near night, then rode to Miraflores. The Squires -were ready, and Mabilia and the Damsel joyfully received them, for if -there had been delay they only expected death. Fair prizes have you -won, quoth Mabilia, but they have cost us a great alarm and many tears. - -As Lisuarte and Galaor were returning to the town, a Damsel came up -and gave them each a letter, and rode away. The King read his thus: -To thee Lisuarte, King of Great Britain, I Urganda, the Unknown, send -salutation, and I tell thee that in the perilous and cruel battle -between thee and King Cildadan, Beltenebros, in whom you confide, shall -lose his name and his renown, and for one blow that he shall give all -his great deeds shall be quite forgotten. In that hour thou shalt be -in the greatest extremity, and in all danger of death, when the sharp -sword of Beltenebros shall shed thy blood. Cruel and dolorous will the -battle be; there will be great rage and cruelty, and no compassion. But -at last by three blows from the hand of Beltenebros his party shall -remain conquerors. Look to it King, for she who sends thee this warning -knows what is to come! - -Brave as the King's heart was, this letter dismayed him; he believed -that Beltenebros was to lose his life, and that his own would be in -the utmost danger; howbeit he put on a good countenance, and gave the -letter to Galaor, and asked his counsel. Sir, quoth Galaor, I stand -in need of your counsel myself; but if this battle can honourably be -avoided, I should advise that it be done so; if that cannot be, you -should not be in the field; by the sword of Beltenebros your blood is -to be shed, and by three blows from his hand his party are to remain -conquerors. This I do not understand, for he is to be on your side; and -yet the letter says otherwise. Friend, quoth the King, your love for -me makes you advise me ill. I must not, for the knowledge of any one, -how wise soever, distrust the power of him who ordaineth all things. My -good friend, I will be in the battle, and take what fortune it please -God to give. The King's answer roused Galaor; rightly are you esteemed -the best King in the world! quoth he, and he then shewed him his own -letter. - -You Don Galaor of Gaul, the strong and the brave, I Urganda, salute as -him whom I esteem and love; know from me what must befall you in the -dolorous battle, if you be there. After many cruelties and deaths that -you will have witnessed in the last press, your strong body and stout -limbs will fail your brave and ardent heart, and at the end your head -will be in his power, who, with the three blows that he shall give, is -to decide the day. - -Friend, quoth Lisuarte, if this say true, you will be slain if you -enter the battle; I will so order that you may honourably decline it. -Sir, said Galaor, it seems the advice I gave displeased you, that you -would command me to my shame. God forbid that I should herein obey -you. Don Galaor! you are right, the King answered, we will trust in -God. Meantime say nothing of these letters lest our friends should be -discouraged. Before they entered the town two Knights came up to be -present in the battle, they were Don Bruneo of Bonamar, and Branfil -his brother; and Bruneo grieved much that he had not arrived in time -to prove the sword, for he had passed under the arch of Loyal Lovers, -and by his love to Melicia doubted not that he should have won it. Him -Galaor courteously saluted, and took to his lodging as a right worthy -Knight. Presently Enil arrived with the head of Lindoraque hanging from -the horse's breast-plate, and the hand and shield of Arcalaus. Then was -the great prowess of Beltenebros more praised, and Galaor and Florestan -more desirous, to prove in battle that he was not equal to their lost -brother Amadis. At this time Filispinel returned who had been sent with -the King's defiance to the giants; he brought word that they were gone -to Ireland, and would in four days time land in the port of the plain -where the battle was to be fought, and he brought with him this letter. -To the great Lord Lisuarte, King of Great Britain, and to all our -friends in his dominions. I Arban, a wretch, once King of North Wales, -and I Angriote of Estravaus, inform you that our unhappy fortune hath -thrown us into the power of the fierce Gromadaza, wife of Famongomadan, -who, in vengeance for the death of her husband and her son, inflicts -upon us such torments, that we wish for death to relieve us; but she -will not kill us that she may lengthen our sufferings, the which are -such, that we should have ridden ourselves of life, if it were not -for losing our souls thereby; but being now near death, we write this -letter with our blood, praying God to grant you the victory over these -traitors, who, in such inhuman sort torment us. Great sorrow had the -King hereat, and all his Knights; however he comforted them, assuring -them that there was no other remedy, or way of helping their friends, -than by conquering in this great battle: so they all prepared, and set -forth for the place appointed. - - - - -_CHAPTER 16._ - - -Three days Beltenebros remained at Miraflores, on the fourth he -departed alone at midnight. He had told Enil to meet him at the Castle -of an old Knight, called Abradan, which was by the place of battle, and -there on the next day he found him. The old Knight received him well, -for he always, hospitably welcomed all Errant Knights. Presently two -Squires arrived, the nephews of the host, and said, that King Cildadan -was landed, and had pitched his tents upon the sea-shore, and his -Knights with him, and they were landing their horses and arms. Grumedan -and Giontes had been to them on the part of King Lisuarte, and made -truce till the day of battle, and also concluded that neither party -should bring out more than the hundred Knights appointed. Nephews, -said the host, what think you of those enemies whom God confound! -Good Uncle, said they, we must not speak of them; they are so strong -and terrible, that unless God miraculously assist our King, he and his -power will be nothing against them. Herewithal, the tears fell from -the old man's eyes, who cried, O Lord, do not forsake the best and -justest King in the world! Good mine host, quoth Beltenebros, be not -dismayed for their fierceness, for worth and modesty often overcome -proud valour. I pray you go to the King for me, and tell him that there -is in your house a Knight called Beltenebros, who requests to know the -day of battle that he may be there. How, Sir, cried old Abradan, are -you he who sent Don Quadragante to the King my Master, and who slew -Famongomadan and his son! Now am I overpaid for all the services that -ever I have rendered to Errant Knights. So taking his Nephews to guide -him, he went to King Lisuarte, who was arrived within half a league of -his enemies. Greatly was the King rejoiced with what he said, and he -told him the battle should be on the next day, and said, there lacked -him but one Knight of the hundred. Don Grumedan replied, you are rather -above the number, for Beltenebros should be counted for five. When the -old man returned with these tidings, Enil took his Master aside, and -kneeling down, said, Albeit Sir my services have not merited it, yet -your great goodness emboldens me to ask a boon, and I beseech you for -God's sake to grant it me. Beltenebros raised him and said, ask any -thing that I can do. Enil would have kissed his hand; Sir, I ask you -to make me a Knight, and to entreat the King that I may be one of the -hundred since one is wanting. Friend Enil, replied Beltenebros, let it -not enter your heart to begin so perilously. I do not say this because -I will not make thee a Knight, but to advise thee to undertake lighter -adventures first. My good Master, quoth Enil, where can I adventure so -well? if I come from the field alive it will always be to my praise -and honour, and if I die it will be dying well, and my memory will be -joined with all those good Knights who must perish there. But then an -affectionate pity was felt at the heart of Beltenebros, and he said -within himself, thou dost well show thyself to be of the lineage of -Gandales, my excellent and true fosterer! Be it so! said he, and he -asked the host to give the Squire arms; and Enil watched them that -night, and after dawn they heard mass, and Beltenebros knighted him, -and they departed, their host and his Nephews carrying their arms. They -found Lisuarte putting his battle in order to go against the enemies, -who were ready in the plain. The King and his Knights rejoiced to -see Beltenebros. Sir, quoth he, I come to perform my promise, and I -bring with me this Knight to supply the one lacking. The King joyfully -welcomed him, and placed his Knight to make up the complement. Then -they moved on in one battalion: the King was in the middle of the rank, -before him Beltenebros and his companion were placed, and Galaor, -Florestan, and Agrayes; Gandalac, the Giant who had fostered Galaor, -and his two sons Bramandil, and Gavus whom Galaor had knighted; -Nicoran, of the Perilous Bridge, Dragonis and Palomir, and Pinorante, -Giontes, nephew to the King, the renowned Don Bruneo of Bonamar, -and his brother Branfil, and Don Guilan the Pensive. All these were -together, and before them went that honourable and good old Knight Don -Grumedan, Brisena's fosterer, with the banner of the King. - -King Cildadan on his side placed the Giants in the front of the battle, -and twenty Knights of his lineage of great valour. He stationed -Madanfabul, the Giant of the Isle of the Vermillion Tower, upon a -little rising ground, and with him ten of the best Knights, and -directed them not to move till they saw that all were weary, and that -then they should make way fiercely towards King Lisuarte, to kill -him or carry him prisoner to the ships. In this array the two parties -approached with deliberate pace till they came near, and then they met -with such a shock that many a man fell, and many a horse ran over the -field without a rider. That was a hard and dolorous day for all who -were there present! for striking and struggling they continued thus -without rest or intermission a third part of the day, with such toil -and effort, being in the mid heat of summer, that they and their horses -were so wearied, and the wounded bled so fast, that in many life could -endure no longer, and there they fell dead, especially those whom the -Giants had wounded with their great force. In that hour Beltenebros -did wonders in arms with that good sword, striking and slaying all -before him, though the care with which he kept watch over the King -most employed him; for Lisuarte knowing that the great shame, or great -glory of the day would be his, thrust himself into the hottest press -of the battle. Galaor and Florestan, and Agrayes kept by him, being -emulous to equal Beltenebros that day, and Don Bruneo watched to assist -Galaor, who, like a lion made among the Giants, to equal him whom he -thought the rival of Amadis, regardless of their great strength, and -those whom he saw fall under their blows. In this heat he came before -Cartadaque, the Giant of the Defended Mountain, who with a heavy battle -axe, notwithstanding Florestan had given him a deep wound in the -shoulder, had already killed six Knights at his feet. Galaor made at -him, and with his sword struck him upon the helmet; it cut away all it -touched, and lopt off his ear, and passing downward cut the battle-axe -helve from his hand. When the Giant saw his enemy so near, and that he -had no weapon to wound him, he laid hold on him with his hands, and -plucked him so forcibly that the saddle girth broke, and he fell, but -still the Giant held him; and Galaor thought he never could escape -from that mighty grasp, and that all his bones were broken. Yet before -his senses were gone he recovered his sword that hung from his wrist -by the chain, and thrust it through the vizor of Cartadaque's helmet; -the Giant's gripe relaxed, and he fell dead. Galaor arose then, but so -weak and exhausted, that he could not pluck his sword from the Giant's -head. The Knights on both sides pressed towards him, some to kill him -at this disadvantage, his own friends to his help. The battle became -fiercer there than it had yet been; King Cildadan came up, and on the -other part Beltenebros. Beltenebros twice smote Cildadan on the head -such stunning blows that the King fell from his horse at the feet of -Galaor. Galaor caught up the sword of Cildadan, and laid about him till -his strength and senses were gone, and he fell upon the body of King -Cildadan. - -At this time the Giants Gandalac and Albadanzor were engaged; they -smote each other so furiously with their clubs, that they and their -horses both fell. Albadanzor's arm was broken, and Gandalac's leg; -howbeit he and his sons slew their enemy. The day was now half over, -and on the two sides an hundred and twenty Knights had been slain. -Madanfabul, the Giant of the Vermillion Tower, was looking on from the -hill; he saw how the field was thinned, that they who remained were -weary with their toil, their armour broken, and their horses stiff -and exhausted. He thought that he and his companions could now have -discomfited all that were left on both sides, and descended into the -field, crying out, Leave not a man of them alive; I will kill or take -King Lisuarte. Beltenebros had just mounted a fresh horse, which one -of old Abradan's nephews gave him; he saw the Giant and his troop come -on, and placed himself before the King, and called on Florestan and -Agrayes, who were near; with these Don Bruneo of Bonamar joined, and -Branfil, and Guilan the Pensive, and Enil, who had done much in that -battle, and was therefore always held in high esteem, all these albeit -they were grievously wounded, and their horses also, placed themselves -before the King. Before Madanfabul came a Knight called Sarmadan the -Lion, the Uncle of King Cildadan, and for strength and prowess the -best of his lineage. Beltenebros stood foremost to meet him. Sarmadan -drove his lance at him, it broke, yet pierced the shield and wounded -him, though with no deep wound. Then Beltenebros hit him a thwart blow -with his sword across the bever, straight over both eyes, and through -both, that he fell dead. But Madanfabul and his other comrades came on -so fiercely, that the most of those who were of King Lisuarte's part -were beaten down before them, and he made right for the King, with -such fresh strength, that the Knights about the King, bravely as they -adventured, could not protect him; he seized Lisuarte round the neck, -and grasped him so strongly that he lost all power of resistance, -plucked him from the saddle, and carried him towards the ships. When -Beltenebros beheld that he exclaimed, O Lord God, let not Oriana have -this affliction! He struck the spurs into his horse and galloped after -him sword in hand, and reaching him smote at him with his whole force. -The sword fell on the right arm with which he held the King, and cut it -clean through by the elbow; the weapon stayed not there, but passing on -cut through the King's breast-plate, and wounded him so that the blood -streamed down. Lisuarte was left upon the ground, and the Giant fled -like a lost man, bleeding to death. When Beltenebros saw that with that -one blow he had slain that mighty Giant, and rescued King Lisuarte from -so great a danger, he shouted out, Gaul! Gaul! for I am Amadis. This he -cried as he laid on among his enemies, felling them or slaying them, -and in good season did he exert this prowess, for great havock had been -made among the Knights of his party, so many slain, others wounded, -and fighting on foot, and the enemies had come fresh against them with -great strength, and an eager desire to kill all they could. For this -cause Amadis put forth his strength, so that it might well be said his -great prowess was the safety and support of his party that day; but -what most kindled him was, that he had seen his brother Galaor afoot -and sore wearied, and looking again saw him no longer, so that surely -he thought him dead, and with this grief and anger he encountered no -Knight whom he did not slay. When they of King Cildadan's party saw the -great feats that he atchieved, they took for their leader a Knight of -the race of the Giants, whose name was Gadancuriel, and who had made -such slaughter that day that he was noted by all. They expected, being -led by him to win the day, and at this time Amadis had thrust in so -far among the enemy that he was beset by them and in great peril. King -Lisuarte had mounted again, and with him were Don Bruneo of Bonamar, -and Florestan, and Guilan the Pensive, and Ladasin, and Galvanes -Lackland, and Olivas, and old Grumedan, from whose hand the banner had -been cut. The King seeing Amadis in such danger made up to succour him -like a worthy King, although he had many wounds, and all rejoicing that -Beltenebros was Amadis, forced their way up to him, and released him -from the press. He then turned whither he would, and chance guided him -to where his cousin Agrayes, and Palomir and Dragonis were on foot, -and many Knights upon them striving to slay them, but they standing -together, and still defending themselves manfully. He seeing them thus, -called upon his brother Florestan, and Guilan the Pensive, to their -succour. There came against him a Knight of great renown, called -Vadamigar, whose helmet had been struck off; he wounded the horse of -Amadis in the neck, but Amadis reached him, and cleft him down to the -ears, and as he fell cried out. Cousin Agrayes, take this horse! And -Florestan struck down a good Knight, called Daniel, and gave his horse -to Palomir, and Palomir then won one for Dragonis; and Guilan wounded -Landin sorely, and unhorsed him, and gave his horse to Branfil: thus -they were all helped, and then they followed in the path of Amadis, -who went on cutting his way manfully, and shouting Gaul! Gaul! Amadis! -that the enemy might know he was in the field. Such courage did he -then display, and so well did Florestan and Agrayes, and those other -Knights second him, and King Lisuarte also played his part so well, -that they won the battle; the enemies who survived flying to their -ships, and Amadis still among them raging for the death of Galaor. But -Gadancuriel still made head with those whom he could turn from flight, -and he turned upon the King. Florestan, who had seen his feats that -day, thrust himself before Lisuarte to save him, though he had only a -broken sword. Gadancuriel cut through the helmet and wounded him in the -head, he with his broken sword smote him on the helmet so that it fell -off, and then Lisuarte cleft his head; there was none other left to -maintain the field: they who fled perished before they could reach the -water, or in the water before they could reach their ships. - -Then Amadis cried to Florestan and Agrayes, weeping as he spake, Good -kinsmen, I fear we have lost Don Galaor, let us seek for him. They went -to the spot where Amadis had smitten down King Cildadan, and seen his -brother last on foot; but so many were the dead who lay there that they -saw him not, till as they moved away the bodies, Florestan knew him -by the sleeve of his surcoat, which was of azure worked with silver -flowers, and then they made great moan over him. But when Amadis saw -him thus with exceeding grief he threw himself from his horse, and his -wounds over which the blood had clotted burst open with the fall, and -bled abundantly, and he laying aside his shield and helm that were -all hacked and bruised, went to Galaor and took off his helmet, and -took his head upon his knees. Galaor at the fresh air began to move a -little, and they all gathered round him weeping to see him thus. While -they were thus standing twelve Damsels richly apparelled came up, and -some Squires with them, who brought a bed covered with rich drapery. -The Damsels knelt before Amadis and said, Sir, we are come hither for -Don Galaor, if you would have him live give him to us: if not, all the -Masters in Great Britain cannot help him. Amadis knew not the Damsels, -and he saw the great danger of Galaor, and could not tell what to do; -but those Knights advised him to trust his brother to this fortune, -rather than see him die without any possibility of saving him. Good -Damsels, said Amadis, may I know whither you would carry him? They -answered, not as yet; but if you desire his life give him to us; else -we must go our way. Then Amadis besought that they would take him also; -this they refused, but at his request they suffered Ardian the Dwarf, -and his Squire to follow them. Then they laid him in the bed, armed as -he was, all except his helmet and gauntlets, and half dead; and Amadis -and the Knights followed them, weeping, to the shore. A ship was ready -there in which the Damsels placed him, and then returned and went to -King Lisuarte, and besought him that he would be pleased to give them -King Cildadan also, who lay among the dead, bidding him remember that -he was a good King, and had suffered this evil in doing what he was -bound to do: and they prayed the King to have pity upon him, that he -might look for pity himself in his need. Lisuarte readily assented. -They took up Cildadan more dead than alive, and carried him in the same -bed on board, then made sail, and were speedily out of sight. - -Meantime Lisuarte had secured the enemies fleet that nothing might -escape, taking prisoners all who were not slain in battle. He now came -up to Amadis, and the Knights that were weeping with him, and when he -heard their lamentation was for the loss of Galaor, he was grieved at -heart, for Galaor had faithfully and affectionately served him from the -hour wherein he became his Knight; then he dismounted, his armour being -all stained with blood, and embraced Amadis, and bade him take comfort, -for God would not suffer such a man as his brother to perish. They -all then went to the tent of King Cildadan, and there took food, and -he ordered that all the Knights who had fallen on his side should be -buried in a monastery that was at the foot of a near mountain, and he -ordered the due service for their souls, and assigned rents for masses -for them. Moreover he ordered a stately chapel to be built there, and -rich monuments therein for them, and that their names should all be -engraved upon their tombs. Messengers were sent to inform Queen Brisena -of his good fortune, and he and his Knights then went to Ganota, a -town four leagues off, and there they remained till their wounds were -healed. - -While this battle was expected Queen Briolania went to visit Oriana -at Miraflores. Oriana had her apartments hung with rich hangings to -receive a guest whom she so greatly desired to see. When they met both -were somewhat abashed, for neither the proof of the Enchanted Arch, -nor of the Green Sword, could keep Oriana's heart so calm, but that it -beat fast with fear, thinking that no affection, how true soever, could -resist such beauty as she saw before her. And Briolania, who had seen -the tears and thoughtfulness of Amadis, and knew what proof of love he -had given at the Firm Island, presently concluded it could be only for -this Princess, before whom she felt her own beauty even as nothing. So -as they were freely communing together, Briolania related at length all -that Amadis had done for her, and said how in her heart she loved him. -Oriana then willing to learn farther, asked her why, as they were of -equal rank, and she at her own disposal, she did not make him master of -herself and her own dominions? Friend and Lady, replied Briolania, much -as you have seen him, I think you know him not. Do you not believe I -should think myself the happiest woman in the world if this could be? -But you shall know all—and keep it I pray you secret, as one like you -should do. I ventured upon this proposal, and it shames me whenever I -remember it, but he replied, that he could neither bear affection to -me nor to any other; the which I then believed, for unlike all other -Knights, I never heard him speak of woman. You tell me wonders, quoth -Oriana, glad at heart of what she heard; but unless Amadis loved some -one he could not have passed under the Arch of True Lovers, which yet -showed him more honour than ever any other had received. He may love, -replied Briolania, but in his love he is the most secret that ever yet -Knight was. - -Briolania remained ten days with Oriana, and then they both went -to join Queen Brisena at Fenusa, a town, where she was waiting for -Lisuarte. Greatly rejoiced was she to see her daughter so recovered. -There the tidings came of the victory, for joy whereat Brisena gave -great alms to the churches and convents, and to those who were in -want. But who can tell what joy there was to hear that Beltenebros was -Amadis! What think you now of Amadis, quoth Briolania to Oriana, who -affected the same surprise as the rest; I was in doubt whether he or -Beltenebros most deserved my love. Queen and Lady, replied Oriana, we -will ask him when he comes, wherefore he changed his name, and who the -Damsel is that won the garland of flowers. - - - - -_CHAPTER 17._ - - -Now you shall know what became of King Cildadan and Galaor. The -Damsels who removed them dressed their wounds, and on the third day -they recovered their senses. Galaor found himself in a rich room, -which stood upon four marble pillars, and had an iron grating on all -sides, through which he saw that he was in a garden, surrounded with -a high wall, in which was only one little door covered with plates -of iron. Astonished to find himself in such a place, he thought he -was in prison, and felt such pain from his wounds that he expected -nothing but death; and he remembered the battle, but knew not who had -carried him from it, nor how he had been removed there. King Cildadan -also, when he came to himself, saw that he was lying in a rich bed in -the vaulted chamber of a large tower. He looked round and saw no one, -neither door nor any entrance into the chamber, but over the arch he -heard voices. There was a window near his bed from whence he looked -out and saw the sea, and it seemed that the tower he was in was a high -tower upon a rock, and that the sea washed it on three sides. He too -remembered the battle but nothing more: but he well knew that if he was -thus a prisoner, his friends could not be in better plight, and seeing -no remedy, lay down again in bed, groaning and in great pain with his -wounds. - -Don Galaor, as he was lying in the open chamber, saw the little door -of the garden wall open, and raised his head with great difficulty; -there came in a Damsel very fair and richly apparalled, and with her -a man so feeble and old that it was a wonder how he could walk, they -came up to the iron grating, and said to him, Don Galaor, look to your -soul, for we cannot warrant you. The Damsel then produced two little -boxes, one of iron the other of silver, and showing them to Galaor, -said, She who brought you here wills not that you should die till she -knows whether you will perform her will; if so, your wounds shall be -healed, and you shall have food. Good Damsel, replied he, if what she -desire be any thing that I ought not to do, it will be worse than -death. Do as you please, quoth she, we care little for your answer: -it is at your own choice to live or die. The old man then opened the -door of the grating, and they both went in, and she took the box of -iron, and told the old man to withdraw, and then she said to Galaor, -Sir, I have such compassion on you, that I will venture my own life -to save yours. I have been ordered to fill this box with poison, and -the other with an ointment to make you sleep; the poison being then -rubbed into your wounds will act more instantly and you would presently -die; but instead of this I have put here a remedy, the which, if you -take it daily for seven days, will so heal you, that by that time you -shall be wholly recovered, and able to ride on horseback as before. She -then applied the ointment to his wounds, and the pain was instantly -assuaged. Good Damsel, quoth he, you do so greatly bind me to your -service, that if by your help I may escape from hence, never was Damsel -so well guerdoned by Knight as you shall be: but if you have not means -for this and yet wish to serve me, contrive that Urganda the Unknown -may know in what perilous prison I am laid, for in her I have great -hope. The Damsel then began to laugh—what hope can you have in Urganda, -who cares little for your weal or woe? So much, replied Galaor, that -as she knows the wishes of all, she knows how greatly it is my wish to -serve her. The Damsel then answered, Look for no other Urganda than -me, Don Galaor; and take you good hope, for it is the part of courage, -not only to encounter danger, but to endure its after-chances for the -danger in which I place myself to heal you, and deliver you from hence, -I ask one boon, which shall be neither to your dishonour nor hurt. I -grant, quoth he, all that may rightly be performed. Now then, said she, -it is time to depart, lie you down, and feign to sleep soundly. He -did accordingly; she called the old man and said, Look how he sleeps! -Now the poison will work. So it ought, quoth the old man, that he who -brought him here may be avenged. Since you have obeyed so well you may -come alone for the future, and see that you keep him fifteen days, that -he die not, but live in great agony, and by that time they will be here -who shall make him atone for the wrongs he hath done them. When Galaor -heard this he found that the old man was his mortal enemy, howbeit he -took hope for what she had said to him. The old man and the Damsel then -went out of the garden; presently she returned, and brought with her -two little girls, fair girls and well apparelled, who took food for -Galaor; and she let them into the chamber to keep him company, and gave -them books of history to read to him, that he might not sleep by day, -and then she fastened the door and left them. - -King Cildadan in the tower saw also a door open in the wall, a stone -door so neatly fitted that it looked like the wall itself, and a Dame -of middle age entered with two armed Knights, and approached the bed -without saluting him; he on his part spake to them with courteous -salutation, but they answered not. The Dame took off the bed cloaths, -and applied salves to his wounds, then gave him food, and they went -out again and fastened the stone door, not having spoken a word. The -King thought that verily he was in prison, and where his life was not -secure; howbeit having no remedy, he took as good comfort as he could. - -When it was time the Damsel returned to Galaor, and asked him how he -fared? So well, quoth he, that if it proceed so I shall be in good -plight by the time you promised. Doubt not, said she, that what I have -said shall be accomplished. But you must promise me the boon as a -loyal Knight, for only by my help can you escape; the attempt would be -to your mortal danger and hurt, and you could not effect it at last. -That Galaor promised, and he besought her to tell him her name. What, -quoth she, Don Galaor, know you not my name? I am deceived in you! Time -was that I did you a service, which it seems you little remember. They -call me the Wise[261:A] among the wisest. With that she departed, and -he remained thinking who she might be; and remembering the good sword -which Urganda had given him when he was knighted by Amadis, he thought -it should be her, but Urganda was old, and this was a Damsel. He looked -for the two little girls and they were gone, but in their stead he saw -his Squire Gasavel, and Ardian the Dwarf of Amadis, both sleeping. He -joyfully called them, they awoke; and when they saw who was there ran -weeping for joy to kiss his hand, and exclaimed, O good Sir! blessed be -God who has brought us here to serve you! He asked them how they came -there: they replied, they knew not; only that Amadis and Agrayes, and -Florestan, had sent them with him. Amadis, quoth he, was he found at -such a time? Sir, said they, know that Beltenebros is your own brother -Amadis, and that by his prowess the battle was won. Thou tellest me -great things, cried Galaor, and great pleasure have I therein, though -he has not given me cause for pleasure in keeping himself so long -concealed from me. Thus abode King Cildadan and Don Galaor: the one -in that great Tower, the other in the Garden-chamber, where they were -both healed of their hurts. Then Urganda made herself known to them, -for they were in her power in her Undiscovered Island; and she told -them that the fear wherein she had put them was to effect their cure -more speedily, for in their perilous state it so behoved. And she sent -two Damsels to attend them and compleat their recovery; they were her -nieces and fair Damsels, being the daughters of King Falangris, who -was brother to Lisuarte by Grimota, Urganda's sister; by him begotten -when he was a young batchelor. The one was called Julianda, the other -Solisa: and it so chanced that the one bore a son named Talanque, to -Don Galaor, and the other a son to King Cildadan, who was called Maneli -the discreet, who were both valiant and strong Knights, and in this -state of great pleasure these two Knights remained till it pleased -Urganda to set them at liberty, as you shall hear hereafter. - - [261:A] Sabencia sobre sabencia. - -When Lisuarte and Amadis, and the other Knights were all whole of their -wounds, he went to Fenusa, where the Queen then sojourned, and there -was he received with such joy by her, and by Briolania and Oriana, and -the other Dames and Damsels, as never welcomed man before. But the -joyful greeting which Queen Briolania gave to Amadis, that can in no -way be written; she taking him by the hand made him sit between her -and Oriana, and she said to him, my Lord, the grief and sorrow which -I felt when they told me you were lost I cannot relate to you. I came -hither with an hundred Knights immediately that your brothers might -order them whither they would in your search, and because this battle -delayed their departure, I resolved to remain here till it was decided. -Now then direct me what I shall do, and it shall be done. Good Lady -mine, quoth Amadis, if you felt sorrow for my mishap, great reason had -you: for there is no man in the world who hath a better will to obey -you; but since you desire me to direct you, I would have you abide here -ten days, and dispatch your business with the King; in that time we may -know something of my brother Don Galaor, and there will be a battle -which has been appointed between Don Florestan and Landin, after that -I will conduct you to your kingdom, and from thence I must go to the -Firm Island, where I have much to do. So let it be, replied Briolania, -and I beseech you tell us the wonders which you found in that Island. -He would have excused himself, but Oriana took his hand and said, -You shall not leave us till you have told us something of them. Good -Ladies, quoth Amadis, trust me, labour however I should, I could never -relate all; but this I say, that that Forbidden Chamber is the most -rich and beautifullest thing in the world, and if by one of you it is -not atchieved, I believe none else will ever win it. Briolania, after -a while of silence, answered, I do not esteem myself such a one as can -accomplish that adventure, yet such as I am, if you will not impute it -to folly, I will prove it. Lady, quoth Amadis, I hold it no folly to -attempt that wherein all have failed for want of beauty, especially -in you whom God hath gifted so bountifully therewith, rather I hold -it honourable to desire to win a fame which may endure through long -ages. At this was Oriana greatly displeased, and her countenance fell, -so that Amadis, whose eyes never left her, understood her feelings, -and repented him of what he had said, albeit that all his design had -been to her greater praise, for having seen the likeness of Grimanesa -he knew that Briolania, fair as she was, did not equal her beauty, -and of his own Lady's success he nothing doubted. But Oriana feared -that whatever was to be won by beauty Briolania could win, and having -requested her if she succeeded to let her know all the wonders of -the Chamber, she withdrew, and went to Mabilia and told her what had -passed. This always is the case with your Cousin, said she, my poor -heart thinks only of pleasing him, neither regarding God nor the anger -of my parents, and he knowing his full power holds me at little price, -and then the tears came and coursed down her fair cheeks. Mabilia -answered, I marvel Lady what manner of heart is yours! you are no -sooner out of one trouble than you seek another. What great wrong is -this that my Cousin hath committed? If Apolidon left this Chamber to be -proved by all, shall he forbid the proof to Briolania? Certes I believe -that neither her beauty nor yours will avail to accomplish that which -none in a hundred years for lack of beauty could effect. But this is -his over-ruling destiny that hath made him forsake all his lineage for -your service, and thus it is you reward him; you do not desire his -life, and will therefore drive him to death. This will be his reward! -and mine, for all the friendship I have borne you, will be to see the -flower of all my family, him who so dearly loves me, perish before my -eyes. This will I never remain to see: for my brother Agrayes, and -Galvanes my Uncle, shall take me home to my own country! and with that -she wept and exclaimed, God grant that this cruelty toward Amadis may -be well requited to you, and this wrong you do his friends! but their -loss, great though it be, will be less than yours, destroying him who -for your sake has deserted them, to give himself wholly to you. When -Mabilia spake thus Oriana's heart was so overcharged that she could not -speak, till at last the tears came, and she cried, wretch that I am -above all others! I came to you for relief and you increase my sorrow, -suspecting that which was never in my heart! Let God never help me if -ever I had such thought! but what distresses me is, lest another woman -should accomplish that proof which would be to me worse than death, and -this fear has made me think wrongly of him who perhaps had but good -in his intention: but come—forgive me—and for the love you bear your -Cousin advise me! And then with a sweet smile she embraced Mabilia, -True friend and dearest, I promise you I will never speak of this to -your Cousin, nor let him know that I have had such a thought, but say -you to him what you think best. Mabilia answered, I will forgive you on -one condition, that whatever anger you conceive against him you never -discover it to him till you have first consulted me, that no evil like -the past may happen again. With this were they well reconciled, between -whom there could never be a want of love. - -But Mabilia sharply reprehended Amadis, and warned him to be wary in -his conduct to Briolania, remembering what he had suffered on her -account, and how difficult it is to root out jealousy from a woman's -heart. Amadis replied, Lady and good Cousin, my thoughts were very -different. Briolania is held by all for one of the most beautiful -women in the world, so they make no doubt she can enter the Forbidden -Chamber, but I who have seen the likeness of Grimanesa know that it -will not be so. That honour which any one hitherto has won, that -certainly will Briolania win: but Oriana has only to try and to -succeed. But if Oriana atchieves the adventure before Briolania has -essayed it, all will say that the other would have won had she been -first; on the contrary, when she will have failed, as sure I am she -must fail, my Lady will have her full glory. Well was Oriana satisfied -at hearing this, and greatly repented her of her fault, to atone for -which they appointed that Amadis should come to her apartment, through -an old water way that issued into a garden. Presently Oriana and -Briolania called Amadis, and requested him to answer them truly what -they should ask, the which he promised. Tell us then, said Oriana, who -the Damsel was who won the garland when you gained the sword? Then was -Amadis grieved at the question because he was bound to answer it truly. -As God shall help me Lady, said he, I know no more of her name than you -do, though I was seven days in her company; but this I can say, that -she had beautiful locks, and as far as I could see was right fair. Thus -was Oriana sporting with him, when there came a Damsel to summon him -on the King's part, saying, that Don Quadragante and his nephew Landin -were come to acquit themselves of their promises. Being all assembled -Quadragante rose and said, I come to discharge a promise made to -Amadis of Gaul; and he then related how they had done battle together, -and added, that both by the event of that battle, and by reason -he was bound to forgive him the death of King Abies, who had been -slain in fair combat, and to receive him for a friend even in what -degree it pleased him. Then Amadis embraced him and thanked him; and -notwithstanding this friendship appeared a thing constrained, yet did -it long and faithfully continue. And because Florestan and Landin were -to fight upon the same quarrel, it was judged, that since Quadragante, -who was principal in the cause had forgiven it, their dispute should -cease; the which pleased Landin not a little, for he had witnessed the -prowess of Florestan in the great battle. - -King Lisuarte now called to mind the cruel prison of King Arban of -North Wales, and Angriote of Estravaus, and determined to pass over -to the Island of Mongaza to deliver them; this resolution he imparted -to his Knights. Then Amadis answered, Sir, you know what loss to your -service is the absence of Don Galaor; if it please you I and my brother -and my cousins will go in search of him, and if it please God return -with him by the time that you make this voyage. The King replied, God -knows with what good will I myself would seek him, if so many things -did not prevent me, since I cannot, do what you say. Then more than -an hundred Knights arose, all good men in arms, and said that they -would enter upon that quest, for in no worthier adventure could they -be employed. Thereat was King Lisuarte well pleased, and he besought -Amadis not to depart, for he would speak with him. - - - - -_CHAPTER 18._ - - -After supper, it being almost the hour of sleep, as the King was in -the gallery looking toward the sea, he saw two fires coming on through -the water, whereat all were greatly astonished, marvelling how the -fire and water could exist together. As they drew nearer, a galley was -seen between the two fires, and on its mast there were great torches -burning, so that the whole vessel seemed ablaze. The uproar was great, -for all the people ran to the walls to see this wonder, expecting that -if the water could not quench this fire nothing else could, and the -city would surely be consumed; so they were greatly terrified. The -Queen with all her Ladies went in their fear to the chapel, and the -King mounted, and with his guard of fifty Knights rode down to the -shore, and found there the most part of his Knights, and in the front -of all Amadis, and Guilan the Pensive, and Enil, so near the fires -that he wondered how they could endure them; then spurring his horse, -whom the tumult had frightened, he rode up to them. Presently he saw -come from under a cloth that covered the deck a Dame clad in white -holding a golden casket in her hands, the which she opened and took out -a lighted candle and threw it into the sea, where it was extinguished. -At once the two great fires were quenched so that no trace of them -remained, only the torches upon the mast remained burning, and cast -a light along the shore. Then was the cloth which covered the galley -withdrawn, and they saw how it was all hung with green boughs, and -strewed with roses and flowers, and they heard instruments within -sounding very sweetly; and when the instruments ceased, ten Damsels -came forth, all richly garmented, with garlands on their heads and -wands of gold in their hands, and before them was the Lady who had -quenched the candle in the sea: and they coming to the galley's edge -opposite to the King made obeisance to him, and he on his part returned -the greeting. Then said Lisuarte, Dame, you have put us in great fear -with your fires, if it please you tell me who you are, though I believe -with little difficulty we can divine. Sir, quoth she, in vain should he -labour who strove to strike fear into your great heart, and into these -Knights in whom no fear is; these fires I bring to protect me and my -Damsels: and if you think I am Urganda the Unknown, you think aright; -I come to you as the best King in the world, and to behold the Queen, -who for virtue and goodness hath no peer. Then said she to Amadis, Sir, -draw nearer, and I will tell you of your brother Galaor to save you -and your friends the labour of searching him; for though all in the -world were to seek him it would be but labour lost: he is healed of his -wounds, and leads a life of such pleasure as he never till now enjoyed. -Lady, quoth Amadis, I always thought that next to God the safety of Don -Galaor was in your hands, else would I rather have died than suffer him -to be carried from me as he was. You shall soon see him, quoth she. The -King then said, it is time that you should leave the galley and come -to my palace. Many thanks, she answered, but this night I will remain -here, to-morrow I will be at your command; then let Amadis and Agrayes, -and Don Bruneo of Bonamar, and Don Guilan the Pensive come for me, for -they are all lovers and of high heart, even as I am myself. Use your -own pleasure, replied Lisuarte, in this and every thing; then ordering -all the people to return into the town he took his leave, and appointed -twenty cross-bowmen to keep guard that none should go down to the -shore. - -In the morning the Queen sent twelve palfreys richly accoutred for -Urganda and her Damsels. Amadis and the other Knights whom she had -named, being clothed in costly garments, went with them; they found -Urganda and her company in a tent which she had pitched upon the sand, -and they placed them on their palfreys, and went towards the town, -the four Knights surrounding Urganda. Now, said she, is my heart -glad, because I see those around me who are like myself, and this she -said because of the love she bore to that fair Knight who was her -friend. When they arrived at the palace the King welcomed her right -courteously, and she kissed his hand; and looking round and beholding -the Knights on every side how many they were, she said, Sir, you are -well accompanied, and this I say, not so much for the valour of these -Knights as for the love they bear you, for when princes are loved by -their people then are their kingdoms safe. Therefore preserve their -love, and beware of evil counsellors! Now if it please you I will see -the Queen. So she and the four Knights went to Brisena, by whom and -by Oriana, and Briolania, and all the Dames and Damsels, she was -lovingly received. Much did she admire the beauty of Briolania, and -saw that it fell far short of Oriana's perfection. Lady, quoth she, -I came to this court to see the greatness of the King and you, the -height of prowess and the flower of beauty, and the perfection of true -love; for as valour was proved in the conquest of the Firm Island, -and in the death of the giants, and in that dolorous battle with King -Cildadan, so was true love in the proofs of the burning sword and of -the garland. When Oriana heard her say this her colour changed, and she -greatly feared, as did Mabilia and the Damsel of Denmark, fearing that -Urganda should tell all; and Oriana looked at Amadis, but he seeing her -apprehension drew near to her and said, fear nothing, she will not say -what you imagine; and then he went to the Queen and said, Lady, ask -Urganda who she was who won the garland, and the Queen replied, if it -please you friend, tell us what Amadis desires to know! She smiled and -answered, he better ought to know than I for he was in her company, and -with great toil delivered her from Arcalaus and Lindoraque. I? quoth -Amadis; it cannot be that I should know either her or myself better -than you know us, for from you nothing is concealed. Then, said she, -I will tell you what you know of her, and raising her voice that all -might hear her she pursued: Though Amadis brought her here as a Damsel -she is certainly no Damsel: and because she loves so truly she won -the garland. She is a native of this kingdom, and in this kingdom she -dwells and hath here her heirship; but her mother is not of this land; -and if she lacks any thing it is only because she cannot have him whom -she loveth. He who would discover her must seek her in this kingdom, -and he will lose his labour. She said no more, and Oriana's heart was -then at rest. Then went they to their meal. - -Urganda besought the Queen that she might be lodged with Oriana and -Queen Briolania. That shall you, replied Brisena, but I believe their -follies will disquiet you. Their beauty, quoth Urganda, will more -disquiet the Knights, whose valour cannot protect them against that -danger. They may easily, replied the Queen, be pardoned the deaths of -all they have yet slain! So taking her leave Urganda went to Oriana's -apartment, where there were four beds, one for Briolania, and one for -Mabilia, and for Urganda and herself. When Urganda saw that they were -all asleep except Oriana, she said to her, Lady and friend, if you do -not sleep reason it is that he should keep you waking who has no rest -but in your sight. Oriana was abashed at her words: but she added, fear -nothing, I will not divulge your secrets. Speak low, cried Oriana, that -they may not hear you. I will relieve you of that fear, quoth Urganda; -therewithall she took forth a book which was so little that a hand -might have shut over it, and began to read. Now, said she, do what you -will they shall not awake, and if any one should enter the room she -would fall down asleep. Oriana rose and went to awaken Briolania but -she could not, and she laughed and took her by the head and hands and -pulled her out of bed, and did the same to Mabilia, but they neither of -them awakened; and then she called the Damsel of Denmark, who was just -without the door, and she, so soon as she entered, fell upon the floor -in a deep sleep. Then Oriana joyfully went into Urganda's bed and said, -I beseech you, since you know what is to come, tell me what will happen -to me! Urganda looked at her and smiled. Dear daughter, said she, do -you think to escape it, if it be evil, by knowing it aforehand? Believe -not so! for that which is permitted and ordained by the Most High none -can alter, whether it be good or ill, unless he remedies it; but since -you so greatly wish me to say something I will speak: look now, if -when you have the knowledge you can profit by it! At that time, when -great sorrow shall be present with you, and many shall because of you -be greatly afflicted, the strong Lion with his beasts shall come forth, -and with his loud roaring shall in such sort astonish those who have -you in their keeping, that you shall be left in his strong talons. And -the famous Lion shall throw from your head the lofty crown which shall -no longer be yours, and the hungry Lion having your body in his power -shall bear it into his den that his extreme famine may be slacked. Now -daughter dear look how you act, for this must come to pass! Lady, quoth -Oriana, I should have been better content if I had not enquired, for -you have made me in great terror of this strange and cruel end. Lady -and daughter fair, replied Urganda, seek not to know that which neither -your prudence nor strength can avert. Of these dark things men often -dread that for which they ought to be joyful. Meantime be you happy, -for God has made you daughter of the best King and Queen in the world, -and has gifted you with such beauty that it is ever spoken of as a -wonder, and has made that Knight love you, who shines above all other -in prowess, even as day above darkness. Now it is time to awaken these -ladies; she then opened her book again, and read, and they recovered. - -After some days Urganda besought the King to summon all his Knights, -and the Queen to assemble her Dames and Damsels, that she might speak -to them before her departure; accordingly they met together in a -spacious hall that was richly furnished, and Urganda placed herself -where all might hear her. Then she said to the King, Sir, since you -have kept the letters which I sent to you and Don Galaor just after -Beltenebros had won the sword, I beseech you let them be produced, that -all here may know that I knew what was to come to pass. The letters -were then read, and it was seen how all had been accomplished, whereat -the Knights marvelled, and still more admired the courage of the King -who, notwithstanding that fearful forewarning, had dared enter the -battle. In like sort was it certainly known that by three strokes from -Beltenebros the battle was won; the first when he felled King Cildadan -at Galaor's feet, the second when he slew Sarmadan the Lion, the third -when succouring the King he lopt off the arm of Madanfabul the fierce -giant of the Vermilion Tower. That also was fulfilled which had been -written of Don Galaor, that his head should be in the power of him who -should strike the three strokes, for so it was when Amadis held it -in his lap as dead. Now, said Urganda, I will tell what shall come -to pass in process of time. Contention shall arise between the great -Serpent and the strong Lion, in which many fierce beasts shall take -part; anger and fury shall come upon them, so that many shall suffer -cruel death. The great Roman Fox shall be wounded by the claw of the -strong Lion, and his skin cruelly torn, whereby a part of the great -Serpent shall be in great affliction. In that time the gentle Sheep -covered with black wool shall come between them, who by his humble -and loving blandishments shall assuage the fury of their hearts. But -presently the Wolves shall come down from the mountains against the -great Serpent, who being with all his animals by them conquered, shall -be blocked up in one of his dens; and the tender Unicorn putting his -mouth to the ear of the strong Lion shall rouse him from his sleep, and -make him hasten to the succour of the great Serpent, whom he shall find -so wounded and bitten that the blood shall flow over his scales, and he -shall deliver him from the mouths of the Wolves, and they shall all be -destroyed. Then the great Serpent having his life restored, and casting -all his poison from his entrails shall consent that the white Doe shall -be placed in the cruel talons of the Lion. Now good King, let all this -be written, for so it must be. The King said it should be done, albeit -he understood it not. Time will come, she answered, when it shall be -manifest to all. Then looking at Amadis, who was musing, she said, -Amadis, you muse upon that which cannot avail you: let that be, and -think of a bargain you have to make. At that time you shall be brought -near to death for another's life, and for another's blood shall expend -your own, and of that bargain the martyrdom will be yours, and another -will have the gain; and the guerdon which you shall have will be wrath -and the long delay of your will; then shall that keen and beautiful -sword so pierce thy flesh and bones that you shall be poor of blood, -and in such plight that if half the world were yours you would give it -so that that sword were broken or thrown into some lake from whence it -could never be recovered. Look to it! for so it must be. Amadis saw -that all eyes were upon him, and he answered chearfully as he felt. -Lady, by what you have said of the past we may believe this also, but -I knowing that I am mortal, and that my life cannot be prolonged one -minute longer than it pleaseth God, am desirous to end it justly in -some great and honourable enterprize. It were as easy, quoth Urganda, -to rob your heart of its courage as to drain the sea dry. Then said she -to the King, Sir, I must depart; remember what I have said as one who -desire your honour and would serve you,—shut your ears to those whose -works you know to be evil! With that she departed, suffering none but -the four Knights whom she had chosen to conduct her to the shore; then -she embarked, and the ship put forth to sea, and was presently covered -with a great darkness. - - - - -_CHAPTER 19._ - - -Some few days after, as King Lisuarte was consulting with his Knights -about the passage which he would make to the Isle of Mongaza, to -deliver King Arban of North Wales, and Angriote of Estravaus, they saw -a ship making toward the port, and went thither to see whom it brought. -When they came near a Damsel and two Squires were in the boat, and when -they landed the Damsel asked if King Lisuarte were there? They answered -yes, but they were all astonished at her greatness, for there was not a -Knight in the court who equalled her by a full palm in stature, and her -features and limbs were in proportion; she was fair enough, and richly -attired. Sir, said she to Lisuarte, I bring you a message which, if it -please you, I would deliver before the Queen. Be it so, said the King, -and he returned to the palace, and the Damsel with him. Then being in -presence of the Queen and of all the Knights and Ladies of the Court, -she asked if Amadis of Gaul were there, he who had called himself -Beltenebros. He answered, good Damsel I am he. She looked at him with -an evil eye and said, you may well be he! but now it will be seen if -you are as good as you are famous! Then she produced two letters with -seals of gold; the one she gave the King, the other to the Queen; they -were letters of credence, and the King bade her say her bidding. - -Sir, quoth the Damsel, Gromadaza, the Giantess of the Boiling Lake, -and the fair Madasima, and Ardan Canileo the Dreadful, who is with -them for their defender, know that you design to come against their -country, and as that cannot be attempted without great loss, they are -willing to put it upon trial of a battle in this guise, that Ardan -Canileo shall combat Amadis of Gaul. If he conquer or slay him the -land shall be free, and he shall be allowed to carry his head to the -Boiling Lake; if he be conquered or slain himself, the land shall be -yours, and King Arban of North Wales, and Angriote of Estravaus shall -be delivered. They shall be brought hither, and if Amadis loves them -as they believe, and will fulfill the hope they have in him, he will -accept the battle to deliver two such friends; if he be conquered, -Ardan Canileo will still hold them prisoners, and if he will not accept -the defiance he shall presently see their heads cut off before him. -Good Damsel, quoth Amadis, if I accept the battle, how shall the King -be certain that the terms will be accomplished? She answered, the fair -Madasima, with twelve Damsels of great birth, will put themselves as -prisoners in the Queen's power, in security that the terms shall be -observed, otherwise they are content to lose their heads, and they -demand no other assurance than that she may carry away your head if -you be overcome; and moreover the old giant Andanguel and his two -sons will enter the King's prisons, and nine Knights beside, who have -the towns and castles of the Island in their keeping. Said Amadis, if -this be done the security is sufficient; but from me you shall have -no answer unless you and your Squires come and eat with me. Why do -you invite us? quoth she; this is no wisdom, your trouble will all be -lost, for I hate you to death. Good Damsel, said Amadis, I am sorry -therefore, for I love you, and will show you all the honour that I can; -if you desire to be answered you must grant this. I grant it, quoth -she, more to get my answer than for any good will. Then said Amadis, -good Damsel to venture myself for two such friends, and to increase -the dominions of the King is a just thing, and therefore I undertake -the battle in the name of God, let therefore those whom you have named -come as hostages. Truly you have answered to my will, replied the -Damsel; but let the King promise, that if you fail to perform your word -he will never protect you against the kindred of Famongomadan. That -promise, quoth Amadis, may be excused, the King would have no one in -his company who lacked truth: now let us go eat, for it is time.—I will -go, more joyfully than I expected; to-morrow Madasima and her Damsels -will be here, and the Knights will put themselves in the King's hands, -for Ardan Canileo would have the battle without delay; but you must -give him a safe conduct from all but Amadis, whose head he will take -from hence. Don Bruneo of Bonamar answered, Lady Damsel, sometimes it -happens that he who thinks to take away anothers head loses his own, -and so it may fall out to Ardan Canileo. Amadis besought him to be -silent, but the Damsel replied to Bruneo, who are you who speak for -Amadis? A Knight, quoth he, who would willingly bear a part in the -battle if Ardan Canileo will bring a companion. She answered, you may -be excused from that battle, but if you are desirous of combat, after -that is finished I will produce a brother of mine to answer you, as -much the mortal enemy of Amadis as you are his friend, and one who will -prevent you from taking up the quarrel again. Good Damsel, quoth Don -Bruneo, your brother had need be as you boast to perform all that you -have promised! See, here is my gage that I defy him, and he stretched -out the end of his cloak towards the King. The Damsel took a silver net -from her head—here Sir, you see mine that I will make good my words. -The King took the pledges, though against his will, for he thought the -combat of Amadis against Ardan Canileo enough to trouble him, for that -enemy was so dreadful that for four years he had found no Knight hardy -enough to do battle against him. - -This being settled Amadis took the Damsel to his lodgings, which he -ought not to have done for the best castle in his father's lands; and -to do her more honour he lodged her in the Chamber where Gandalin kept -his arms and accoutrements. She looking round saw the sword of Amadis, -and seeing how strange a one it was, she told her two Squires, and -the others who were present, to leave her alone[288:A] for a little -while; when they were gone she drew the sword, and leaving the sheath -and belt so that the theft might not be discovered, she wrapt it under -her mantle; then opening the door she gave it secretly to one of her -Squires under his cloak, and bade him carry it to the vessel—this she -spake softly; then spake aloud, go bring me my cup! and all present -thought that the Squire was sent for that. Then Amadis and Branfil -entered, and they made the Damsel be seated on the Estrado, and -Amadis asked at what hour of the morrow Madasima would arrive.—Before -breakfast: but why ask you?—Because we would go out to receive her and -show her every honour, that if she have received any displeasure from -me I may make her such amends as she shall demand. If you keep your -promise, quoth she, and Ardan Canileo be what he always hath been in -arms, you will give her your head for amends; any other amends will -be good for little. That, said Amadis, I shall keep if I can; but if -it could be I should gladly obtain her pardon. With that he went out, -leaving Enil and others to attend her, but she was so desirous to be -gone, that the number of dishes provoked her, and as soon as the cloths -were removed she rose and said to Enil, Knight, tell Amadis that I am -gone, and that all the pains he has taken to please me are lost. God -save me, quoth Enil, as I believe it! and whoever should strive to -please such a one as you would lose his pains. She answered, you please -me little, and he still less! Enil replied, neither he nor I nor any -one else can like so insolent a Damsel. With these words they parted. - - [288:A] Y pensando que alguna cosa de las naturales que no se - pueden escusar hazer queria, dexaron la sola. - -The Damsel entered the ship glad for the sword which she had stolen, -and she told Ardan Canileo and Madasima how she had sped. Ardan thanked -her for what she had done, and he said to Madasima, my Lady, account -me not for a Knight if I do not bring you back with honour; and if I -give you not the head of Amadis in less time than a man can go half a -league, how swift soever he be, never grant me your love. She answered -him not, for albeit she greatly desired vengeance for the death of her -father and her brother, yet for nothing in the world would she have -seen herself married to Ardan Canileo, for she was fair and noble, and -he foul and deformed and hideous, that there was none like him, and -this agreement was made at her mother's will, not at her own, who had -promised, if he would defend and revenge her, to give him Madasima and -leave him all her lands. Now whereas this Ardan Canileo was a Knight -famous in the world, and of great prowess, the history shall tell you -of what land he was native, and the fashion of his body and face, -and what else to him appertaineth. Know then that he was born in the -province called Canileo, of the blood of the Giants, who abound there -more than in other parts; he was not unreasonably great of body, albeit -exceeding in stature any man who was not a giant; his limbs were large, -and his breast broad, and his shoulders square, and his hands and legs -proportioned; his face was large and flat and like a dog, wherefore -he was called Canileo, and his nose was flat and spreading, and his -colour purple freckled with black spots, which were all over his face -and neck and hands; his look was fierce like a lion, and his lips were -thick and curling out, and his hair so woolly that it could scarcely -be combed, and the beard like it. He was now five and thirty years -old, and for ten years past neither Knight nor Giant had been able -to withstand him, and so bony was he that there was scarcely a horse -could carry his weight. When the Insolent Damsel heard him promise the -head of Amadis to Madasima, she said to him, we may well hope so Sir, -since Fortune already shows herself adverse to your enemy. Here is his -good sword which I bring you, which could not have been gained for you -without great mystery of his ill fate, and your good fortune; then she -gave it him and related how she had stolen it. He took it and replied, -I thank thee for the gift, more for the good manner in which you took -it than for any fear I have of a battle against a single Knight. Then -he ordered tents to be taken from the ship, and pitched in a plain near -the town, and there they all went with their horses and palfreys, and -the arms of Ardan Canileo, expecting the next day to appear before King -Lisuarte. Right joyful was Ardan that the combat was thus appointed, -and for two reasons: the one because he made no doubt that he should -carry off the head of Amadis, who being so famous all his glory would -remain upon him, and the other because he should win the fair Madasima -whom he loved so well. - -Meantime Amadis was with his friends who greatly feared this combat, -so dangerous did they esteem it. Presently Agrayes, and Don Florestan, -and Galvanes Lackland, and Don Guilan the Pensive, came in, knowing -nothing of what had past, for they had been hunting in the forest; -but when they heard how the combat had been appointed, they complained -that it had not been fixed for a greater number of Knights, that they -might have entered it, and he who most passionately lamented this was -Don Guilan who had heard how Ardan Canileo was the strongest of any -Knight in arms, and the most powerful, and it grieved him to death, for -he thought that Amadis would never escape with life from him, fighting -him man to man in lists, and he greatly wished to share his fortune if -Ardan had brought a companion. Don Florestan too exclaimed in great -anger, as God shall save me, brother, you think me of no account as a -Knight, or you do not love me, since you did not remember me on such -an occasion! you make me perceive that it is bootless to accompany you -longer, for you always withhold me from such perils. Agrayes also and -Don Galvanes complained in the like manner. Sirs, quoth Amadis, you -blame me with little cause; the combat was demanded of me alone, so -that without showing cowardice I could not otherwise have answered; -else, if I might have had assistance whom else should I have looked -to but you, whose great valour might have aided mine in danger. Thus -having excused himself he said, it will be well that we ride forward -to-morrow before the King goes forth, to meet Madasima, who is greatly -esteemed by all who know her. - -In the morning they apparalled themselves richly, and having heard -mass mounted on palfreys and rode to receive Madasima. Don Bruneo of -Bonamar went with them and his brother Branfil, and Enil, who was a -goodly Knight and of great worth, and of chearful heart, so that he -was beloved and esteemed by all, so they were eight companions. And as -they drew nigh the tents they saw Madasima coming, and Ardan Canileo -and their company. Madasima was arrayed in black, mourning for her -father and brother, but her beauty was so lively and excellent that -it was a marvel, and her Damsels went near her all drest in the same -cloth. Ardan Canileo led her bridle, and there came the old Giant and -his sons, and the nine Knights who were to be hostages. As they drew -near to each other the Knights made their obeisance, and she in like -manner bowed to them with good semblance; then Amadis approached her -and said, Lady, if you are praised it is with great reason I see, and -happy ought he to be esteemed who is allowed to honour and serve you; -that would I willingly do in what it might please you to command me. -Ardan Canileo, who looked at him and saw how handsome he was, so that -he had seen none like him, was nothing pleased at this. Knight, quoth -he, give back, and dare not speak to one whom you know not. It is that -we may know her and serve her, replied Amadis, that we are come. And -who are you? cried Ardan scornfully; let me know if you are worthy to -serve her? Such as I am, quoth Amadis, I have the will to serve her, -and shall not cease to have that will, however unworthy I may be, and -since you ask who I am, tell me who are you?—I am Ardan Canileo, who -can better serve her in a day than you can in your whole life, though -you were of twice your worth.—That may well be: but your great service -would not proceed from so good a heart as my trifling one, this is -plain from your pride and evil mind. Know that I am Amadis of Gaul of -whom you have demanded battle. If I have offended and grieved that Lady -by doing that which without great shame I could not have left undone, -right willingly would I atone for it by some good service. Ardan -Canileo answered, if you dare perform your promise, certainly she shall -receive atonement with your head which I will give her. That amends, -quoth Amadis, she shall not have with my good pleasure, but she shall -receive a greater; for I will break off your marriage. No man can so -lack judgment as to hold it good that your beauty and hers should be -united! At this Madasima being nothing displeased, laughed a little, -and her Damsels likewise, but Ardan became so wroth that his whole body -shook, and his face became so exceeding terrible, that many thought -Amadis was nothing in comparison with him, and that this would without -doubt be his last battle, and the last day of his life. - -Thus they proceeded till they came before the King, to whom Ardan -Canileo said, you see here the Knights ready to become your hostages, -if Amadis dare keep his word. Then Amadis came forth and answered, -you see me here: let the battle be without delay, and I tell you -that though I had not promised it, I would undertake it now solely -to save Madasima from so monstrous a marriage; but let King Arban of -North Wales, and Angriote of Estravaus be brought here, that they -may be delivered if I conquer. They shall come, replied Ardan, but -let Madasima be where she may see the combat and the vengeance which -I shall take for her. So the old Giant and his sons, and the nine -Knights put themselves in the King's power, and Madasima and the -Damsels went to the Queen, and so meekly and decorously did Madasima -demean herself, that albeit by her means Amadis was brought into this -great danger, yet were they greatly pleased with her, and did her all -honour. But Oriana and Mabilia seeing the fierceness of Ardan Canileo -were greatly affrighted and retired in great fear and weeping to their -chamber, for they thought the strength of Amadis was not enough to -resist that Devil: yet did they remember his good fortune, how often it -had brought him off with honour, and Mabilia comforted her friend the -best she could. The following day was appointed for the battle; King -Lisuarte ordered his huntsmen and bowyers to surround the lists with -chains and stakes, that neither Knight might lose honour by the fault -of his horse. The lists were before the palace, and when Oriana saw -them preparing them from her window, the thought of how great a danger -was there designed for her Amadis so overpowered her, that she fell -almost senseless in Mabilia's arms. - -Lisuarte went to the lodging of Amadis where many Knights were with -him, and said to him, that as the Queen and his daughter, and Queen -Briolania and the other Dames and Damsels would pass that night in -the chapel, beseeching God to preserve their Knight, he would have -him return in his company to the palace, and with him Florestan and -Agrayes, and Don Galvanes, and Guilan and Enil, and that there they -should regale themselves, and he desired Amadis to send his armour to -the chapel, that he might arm himself to-morrow before the Virgin Mary, -that so she and her glorious son might be his protectors. They went -therefore with the King, and Amadis ordered Gandalin to carry his arms -thither as Lisuarte had advised. But he taking them in obedience missed -the sword from the scabbard, whereat so amazed was he and exceeding -sorrowful that he wished himself dead, not only because the loss fell -out at a time of such danger, but because he held it as a sign that -his Master's death was nigh at hand. He sought for it every where, and -enquired of all who might know any thing; but when he could learn no -tidings he was on the point of throwing himself from a window, if the -thought had not come upon him that in that case he should destroy his -soul; forthwith in trouble of heart he went to the palace, and calling -Amadis apart said to him, Cut off my head Sir, for I am a traitor to -you; and if you do not kill me I must slay myself. How now? quoth -Amadis: are you mad? or what mishap is this? Better Sir, he said, that -I were mad or dead than that such a mishap should have befallen. I -have lost your sword, it has been stolen from the scabbard. Is it for -this you are so distressed? replied Amadis, I thought something worse -had chanced; trouble yourself no more, there will be no want of another -wherewith God will assist me, if it be his good pleasure. But though -he spake thus to comfort Gandalin, yet was he grieved at heart for the -loss of that sword, as well for the lack of it now in such need, being -one of the best in the world, as because he had won it by the force of -his true love, and it was a comfort to him to look at it, and remember -that when he was absent from his Lady. Howbeit he bade Gandalin say -nothing thereof to any person, but bring him the scabbard, and he bade -him learn of the Queen if he could have the sword which Don Guilan had -brought there together with his own arms; and if he could see Oriana -he made him request her in his name that she would be somewhere where -he might see her when he was in the lists, for the sight of her would -make him become conqueror in that or in a worse danger. Gandalin went -to perform his bidding, and the Queen commanded the sword should be -given him; but Briolania and Olinda said to him, Ah Gandalin, what -think you can your Master do against that Devil? he answered smiling, -and with a chearful countenance, Ladies, this is not the first -perilous enterprise which he hath undertaken, and as God as hitherto -preserved him so he will now. God grant it, cried they. Then went he -to Mabilia and told her what his Master requested of Oriana, and then -returned to Amadis, and said that all things were done as he desired, -whereat he had great pleasure and took more courage, knowing that his -Lady would be where he might see her from the lists. Amadis then took -the King aside, and said to him, Sir, I have lost my sword, and knew -it not till now; they have stolen it and left the sheath. The King -was grieved thereat and answered him, although I had determined and -promised never to give my sword to any Knight who was to fight man to -man before me, yet will I now give it you, remembering how many dangers -you have encountered for my sake. God forbid, quoth Amadis, that I who -ought to maintain your royal word should make you break it, and that -too when you have pledged it before so many good men. The tears came -into Lisuarte's eyes, and he said, such a man are you for maintaining -justice and right! but what will you do?—I have here the sword which -was laid in the Ark with me, which Don Guilan brought hither, herewith -and with your prayers to the Lord which will avail before him, I may -be assisted. Then he placed the sword in the sheath, which became it -well, although the sword was somewhat short, and the King was glad he -took the sheath because of its virtue, which would protect him from -exceeding heat or cold, for the bones of the serpents whereof it was -made were of such a constellation; but of very different goodness was -this sword from the other. - -Thus they passed that day till it was the hour of sleep, and then all -those Knights had their arms around the King's bed. But all that night -Ardan Canileo had merry-making in his tents, with music and dancing, -and ever at the end of his songs his people all cried out, come -Morning, come! and let the day be clear, that Ardan Canileo may perform -what he has promised to the fair Madasima! but it fell out otherwise -than they expected. That night Amadis slept in the King's chamber, but -the sleep which he slept was of no avail, for presently at midnight he -rose without speaking, and went to the chapel, and having awakened the -chaplain confessed all his sins to him, and there they both were before -the altar of the Virgin Mary making prayers, and beseeching her to be -his patroness in this battle. When it was dawn the King and those other -Knights arose, and heard mass, and Amadis was armed by such Knights as -well knew how to do it; but before his breast-plate was put on Mabilia -came up and hung round his neck certain reliques shrined with gold, -saying, that the Queen her mother had sent them to her by the Damsel of -Denmark; but it was not so, for Elisena had given them to Amadis when -she knew him for her son, and he gave them to Oriana when he delivered -her from Arcalaus. When he was armed they brought him a goodly horse, -which Corisanda had sent with other presents to her friend Florestan. -Florestan carried his lance, and Don Guilan his shield, and Don Bruneo -his helmet, and the King went before on a great horse, holding a wand -in his hand. All the people of the court and town were assembled about -the lists to see the battle, and the Dames and Damsels were at the -windows, and the fair Oriana and Mabilia were at their chamber window, -and with the Queen were Briolania and Madasima, and other princesses. -As Amadis came up to the lists they loosened one of the chains and he -entered and took his arms, and as he put on his helmet he looked at -his Lady, and felt therewith such strength as though no one in the -world could withstand him. Then the Judges entered the field, who were -to assign to each his right; they were three in number, that good -old man Don Grumedan, who was well skilled in such things, and Don -Quadragante, who was now the King's vassal, and Brandoyuas; then came -Ardan Canileo well armed, and upon a great horse: his harness was of -thick mail, and his shield and helmet were of steel, so polished that -it was bright like looking-glass; and he had girded at his side the -good sword of Amadis, which the Damsel had stolen, and he bent his huge -lance as if he would have broken it, and thus he entered the lists. -When Oriana saw him, she said in great agony, ah my friend, how fierce -and terribly my death approaches, unless God in his mercy prevent -it. Leave this, quoth Mabilia, and make good chear, for so shall you -encourage your friend. - -Then Don Grumedan led Amadis to one end of the lists, and Brandoyuas -placed Ardan Canileo at the other, with their horses heads fronting -each other; and Quadragante at an equal distance between them held a -trumpet in his hand to sound the signal. Amadis, who was looking at -his Lady, exclaimed, What is Quadragante about that he does not blow -the trumpet? Quadragante then blew the blast, and the two Knights ran -full speed, and encountered lance against shield so fiercely that -the lances shivered, and they hurtled with such force that the horse -of Ardan Canileo fell and broke his neck and died, and the horse of -Amadis broke his shoulder and could not rise. Amadis presently arose, -though with some difficulty, for a truncheon of the lance was sticking -in his shield, and through the lappets of his armour, though it had -not reached the flesh; he plucked it out, and laid hand to sword and -made at Ardan, who had risen hardly and was adjusting his helmet. -But Ardan seeing his approach drew his sword, and they joined battle -so furiously that there was not a man who saw them but was greatly -amazed, for their strokes fell so fierce and so fast that flames of -fire seemed to proceed from their helmets and swords as if they burnt, -and chiefly from the shield of Ardan Canileo, for that being of steel, -and the blows of Amadis so rapid and heavy, it appeared as if the whole -shield and arm were in a blaze of fire, but the great hardness of the -shield protected him and saved his body, which was to the mortal evil -of Amadis; for as his arms were not so good, and as Ardan had one of -the best swords in the world, never blow reached him that did not -pierce through and reach his flesh, so that in many parts the blood -ran down, and his shield was all hacked. The sword of Amadis could -make no impression upon the shield and helmet of his enemy, and though -his own harness was of thick and strong mail, it was pierced in more -than ten places, and the blood streamed from them all. What then most -profited Amadis was his activity, for by that he made Ardan miss all -his heaviest blows, though Ardan was well practised and expert with -the sword. Thus they continued till the hour of tierce, striking and -foyning, and grappling and struggling so manfully that Ardan Canileo -was in great amazement, for he had never before found Knight nor -Giant so strong as to resist him thus much; and what made him doubt -the issue was, that he always found his antagonist more active and -stronger than at the beginning, whereas he himself waxed weary and -faint, being full of blood. Then Madasima knew that he had boasted -vainly when he promised to conquer Amadis before the swiftest footman -could run half a league, whereat she was little grieved, nor would she -though Ardan were to lose his own head there, for such was her mind, -that she would rather lose all her lands than be joined in marriage -with such as he. The Knights still continued in battle, striking at -each other in every part where they could work most harm, each striving -for the other's death; and if Amadis had then had arms good as his -own activity and breath, Ardan could not have held the field against -him, but all his efforts were now needed, for his arms were broken, -and his shield broken, and the blood flowing from many wounds, and he -had to deal with a Knight fierce and strong in battle. When Oriana -saw him in such plight her heart failed her for sore anguish, and she -threw herself upon the ground, and beat her face, thinking that Amadis -was come to his death. Mabilia seeing this, notwithstanding her own -exceeding trouble, put on an appearance of much anger, and told her -that at such a time and in such danger she ought not to forsake her -lover, and because she could not endure to see his danger, Mabilia -made her stand with her back to the window that Amadis might see her -long hair. At this time Brandoyuas, who was one of the Judges, said, -I am grieved to see the arms and shield of Amadis so battered! and I, -quoth Grumedan, I am much troubled. Sirs, said Quadragante, I have -proved Amadis in combat, and his strength seems to double while he -fights, and of all Knights whom I have seen he endures the best, and -is the best breathed; he is now in his full strength, which is not the -case with Ardan, if any fault be in Amadis it is that he is too eager: -he should suffer his enemy to press on him, and then his own weight -would weary Ardan. But his great courage will not let him thus spare -himself. When Oriana and Mabilia heard these words they were greatly -comforted; but Amadis, who had seen his Lady retire from the window, -knew that it was for sorrow at beholding him, and he made a blow at -Ardan with exceeding fury, and smote him so rudely upon the helmet that -he brought him down upon one knee, but that blow was so mighty, and -the helmet so hard, that the sword broke in three pieces, and a piece -only remained in his hand. Then was Amadis in all fear of death, and -they who beheld him expected his death also. When Ardan saw this he -rose and drew back, and took his shield by the straps, and brandishing -his sword cried aloud to Amadis, Look! here is the good sword which -thou hast won to thy own destruction. Look at it! this is it, and thou -shalt die by it. Come, Lady Madasima! come to the window, and you shall -behold the full vengeance which I will give you! When Madasima heard -this she fell at the Queen's feet, and besought her to protect her from -Ardan, which, said she, you may lawfully do, for Ardan promised to win -the battle before a man could run half a league, and it has now lasted -four hours. I hear you, replied Brisena, and will do what is just. But -when Amadis saw in what plight he stood, his arms in pieces and without -a sword, he remembered the words of Urganda when she told him that -he would give half the world if it were his, so that that sword were -sunk in a lake; and he looked toward Oriana's window, and seeing her -back towards him, knew why she had turned away, and his courage revived -so that he resolved to die rather than fail to do his utmost. He made -at Ardan Canileo as if he were about to strike him; Ardan raised his -sword and awaited him, and struck at him as he came up, but Amadis bent -aside and closed with him so close that Ardan could not interpose his -sword, and he seized the shield by the rim, and plucked it with such -force that he tore it from his arm and well nigh brought him to the -ground, then he drew back, and put that shield upon his own arm, and -took up the truncheon of a lance which had its point, and again turned -to Ardan, being now defended by Ardan's shield. Ardan in great fury -for this loss ran at him thinking to smite him on the helmet; Amadis -caught the blow upon his shield, and though it was of fine steel, such -was the temper of that good sword that it pierced through the rim and -entered three fingers' depth, and with the broken lance Amadis wounded -him in the right arm by the wrist, thrusting the iron half through -between the two bones, therewith Ardan lost all power to pluck the -sword out, and Amadis forced it from his hand; if he was then right -glad and satisfied need neither be asked nor said; he cast away the -broken lance, and drew the sword from the shield, thanking God for his -mercy. Mabilia, who beheld, caught hold of Oriana and made her turn -and see her lover obtain this victory over so imminent a danger. Ardan -Canileo grew faint as he beheld his death at hand, howbeit he attempted -to recover the shield in the like manner as he had lost it, but Amadis -smote him upon the left shoulder, and cut through armour, and flesh and -bone. Ardan felt the use of his arm was gone, and he fled round the -lists, fearing that good sword. Amadis followed close and caught him -by the helmet, and plucked it off, and brought him to the ground at -his feet, then knelt upon him and cut off his head, to the great joy -of all, especially of King Arban of North Wales, and Angriote, who had -endured great agony while they witnessed the danger of Amadis. Then -Amadis cast the head out of the lists, and he dragged the body to a -rock and threw it into the sea, then he wiped the blood from his sword -and placed it in its sheath. - -The King sent him a horse, on which he rode well accompanied to his -lodging, but he was sore wounded and had lost much blood. With him he -took King Arban and Angriote, whom he had delivered from their cruel -chains. Brisena sent for her nephew Arban, and Angriote remained in the -chamber of his true friend Amadis, and there were they both healed; and -they were lovingly visited there by many Knights and Dames and Damsels -of the court, and his cousin Mabilia came to Amadis, and brought with -her that true medicine wherewith his heart could heal all lesser evils. - - - - -_CHAPTER 20._ - - -On the day after the battle Don Bruneo of Bonamar appeared before -the King, and there he found the Insolent Damsel, who said that her -brother was ready to do combat with him, and take that poor vengeance -for Ardan Canileo. Forthwith they armed and went to the field, Don -Bruneo accompanied by many good Knights, and Madaman the Envious, for -so he was called, by them who bore his arms. At the first encounter -Madaman was thrown and Bruneo slightly hurt in the breast; he kept his -seat, but when he turned the reins Madaman cried out to him, sword in -hand, Don Bruneo, if you would not lose your horse, alight or let me -mount. Take your own choice, quoth Bruneo. Alight then, said Madaman, -for being of huge stature he thought to have the advantage afoot; then -began a brave battle, and while they were thus engaged there happened -a strange thing, whereby it was manifested that beasts know their -masters, for the horses being loose in the field attacked each other, -fighting with their feet and teeth so furiously that all were amazed -thereat, and this lasted till Madaman's horse being no longer able -to hold out ran away, and in his fear leaped over the barriers, the -which, all they who wished for the victory of Bruneo, held as a good -sign; and turning their eyes now to the two combatants they saw how -Don Bruneo prest upon the enemy hard, so that Madaman drew back and -said, Why do you fatigue yourself? is not the day long enough? Hold -awhile and let us rest; look at your arms and the blood which you have -lost, and you will find it needful. Madaman, quoth he, if our combat -were of another nature you should find in me all courtesy, but for -this pride and hatred I will not suffer thee to rest, and show thy own -faint-heartedness, lest my own fame should be lessened; with that he -prest upon him and foyned so fast at him, that Madaman had enough to -do to defend himself from the blows; and he thinking he might protect -himself better among the rocks drew back towards the cliff, and there -he stood upon the edge, being affrighted at the depth, till Bruneo came -up, and with his shield and hand thrust him over, so that he was all -shattered before he reached the water; then Bruneo knelt and returned -thanks to God. - -But when Matalesa the Insolent Damsel beheld the fall of her brother, -she ran furiously to the cliff and looked over, and seeing the bloody -fragments floating on the waves, she caught up his sword which he had -dropt and cried, Here, where the blood of my Uncle Ardan Canileo and -my brother has been shed, shall mine be shed also, that my soul may -be with theirs; and she ran herself through, and fell backward into -the sea. Don Bruneo then rode to the lodging of Amadis, and his bed -was placed by the beds of Amadis and Angriote, and there were they all -healed, and during their confinement the Knights and Ladies of the -court often went there to amuse them. - -Now Briolania perceiving that the malady of her love increased, with -the advice of Amadis departed for her own kingdom; but she determined -first to see the wonders of the Firm Island, and prove the Forbidden -Chamber. So she took Enil with her, and promised to tell Oriana all -that she should see there, as shall be related hereafter. - -As this history now proceeds you will see the little power of human -wisdom when it pleases God to leave man to himself. You have heard how -King Lisuarte being a prince, and possessing nothing but his arms and -his horse, and going about with only a few servants seeking adventures, -came to Denmark, where Brisena, the King's daughter, preferred him -to all her many suitors, and chose him for her husband; this was his -first good fortune. But ere long his brother died, and he became King -of Great Britain, and subdued other Kingdoms, and the sons of Kings, -and Princes, and Dukes, abode in his court, so that his name was famous -above all Emperors and Kings in the world. Now there were two Knights -in his court who had served his brother King Falangris, and for this, -and because of their age more than for their goodness, they were of -Lisuarte's counsel: the one was named Brocadan, the other Gandandel. -This Gandandel had two sons who were thought passing good Knights in -arms, before Amadis and those of his lineage arrived there, whose -exceeding worth and courage had now made them be forgotten. On this -account Gandandel neither fearing God nor regarding his duty to the -King, nor the good deeds done by Amadis to himself, devised in his evil -heart a foul treason. He led the King apart and said to him, Sir, I -have long forborne to speak to you upon this matter, hoping some other -remedy might be devised, and therein have I greatly sinned against -you; but I should sin both against you and God if I were longer to -keep silence, and I have been always careful to preserve my soul and -honour, and do evil to no one, so that my judgment is free from all -passion. You know Sir what great quarrels have subsisted between the -kingdoms of Gaul and Great Britain, because that country ought to be -subject to this as all the other neighbouring countries are, and this -is an evil which will never be thoroughly healed till it be so. But now -Amadis, who is not only a native of Gaul, but the chief person of his -lineage, is come hither with his kinsmen, and has acquired such power -that the kingdom is in his hand, as if he were right heir thereto. True -it is that from him and his friends I have never received any wrong, -but great honour and pleasure; but you are my natural Lord, and I must -discharge my duty lest I fall into a wretched plight in this world, and -my soul be cast into hell in the other. The King without any seeming -alteration answered him, These Knights have already served me well to -my honour and profit, so that I cannot think of them otherwise than -well. Sir, quoth Gandandel, that is the worst sign, for if they did -any thing against your service you would be upon your guard against -them, but the treachery is concealed under their good services. Thus -have you heard all the talk, for the King answered nothing farther. -But Gandandel took counsel with his cousin Brocadan, whose evil mind -was like his own, and they two both working upon the King to the -same effect wrought in him a great change against those who had done -him such services, so that he seemed to have forgotten how Galaor -rescued him from the ten Knights of Arcalaus, and Amadis from the arms -of Madanfabul, although in both cases they saved his life and his -[315:A]kingdoms. - - [315:A] Here follows a column of caution against evil - Counsellors. - -So much was Lisuarte moved thereby that he now began to hate Amadis and -his friends, and he left off visiting Amadis where he lay wounded, and -would pass by his lodging without asking how he fared. All who saw this -novelty marvelled much thereat, and they sometimes talked concerning it -before Amadis, but he knowing his own true meaning would not believe -but that the King also was like himself, and that business occupied -him, and this he said to his friends, and particularly to Angriote of -Estravaus, who was the most troubled. While things were in this state -King Lisuarte sent for Madasima and her Damsels, and the old Giant and -his sons, and the nine Knights whom he held as hostages, and he told -them that if they did not forthwith cause the Island of Mongaza to be -given up to him, according to terms, he would have their heads cut off; -which, when Madasima heard, the tears came abundantly, and not knowing -what to reply her flesh all shook with exceeding fear. But Andaguel -the old Giant replied, that if he would send him with a certain force -he would cause the Island to be surrendered to him, or else return -again. The King therefore dismissed him with this force, and Madasima -returned to prison, accompanied by many Knights, among whom was Don -Galvanes Lackland; he beholding the tears on that fair face was moved -to exceeding pity, and yielded up that liberty which he had before -preserved, and without delay speaking apart to her, he opened his -heart and said, that if it pleased her to marry him he would so deal -that both her life and lands should be safe. Madasima, who well knew -his great worth, and of what lineage he was, was nothing averse; then -Galvanes knelt down and kissed her hand, and it was not long before -he acquainted Amadis and Agrayes of his love, and besought them to -enable him to perform what he had promised as they regarded his life. -They marvelling at this sudden change told him that, considering his -good services to King Lisuarte, what he required was a little thing, -especially as the Lordship of the Island would remain to the King, and -Amadis promised, as soon as he could ride, to request the boon for him. - -Meantime Gandandel often went to visit Amadis with semblance of great -regard, and always spoke to him of the King as being changed, and -warned him to beware of him lest some evil should happen, which, -said the old traitor, would be a great grief to me, because of the -many favours I and my sons have received at your hands; but never -could he kindle any wrath or suspicion in the mind of Amadis, though -he persisted so that Amadis grew angry at him, and told him to say -no more, for if all in the world were to tell him so he never would -believe that so wise and good a King could be moved against one, who -sleeping and waking had no thought of any thing but his service. After -some days, when the three Knights were healed of their wounds, they -rode out one morning being richly apparelled, and after hearing mass -went to the palace, where they were right welcomed by all except by -the King, who neither looked at them nor received them as he was wont. -Amadis did not conceive that this proceeded from any ill will, but that -traitor Gandandel came up to him, and embracing him, said with a smile, -people are sometimes not believed when they tell the truth. Amadis made -him no answer, and he seeing how Angriote and Don Bruneo were offended -that Lisuarte did not notice them, went up to the King and said, so -that no one could hear him, Do you not see Sir how those Knights look -towards you? Lisuarte did not reply, and Amadis then, who suspected -no evil, came up with Galvanes and Agrayes and said courteously, Sir, -if it please you we would speak with you, and let whom you will be -present; the King said, Gandandel and Brocadan; thereat was Amadis -well pleased, for he believed them to be his true friends. Then they -went together into a garden, where the King seated himself under a -tree, and they round about him, and Amadis said, Sir, it has not been -my fortune to serve you according to my good will, yet though I may -not have deserved it, relying upon your virtue and great nobleness, I -venture to ask a boon, which shall be to your service, and wherein you -shall show great courtesy and do what is right. Certes, said Gandandel, -if it be as you say you ask a fair boon, but let the King know what -you would have. Sir, replied Amadis, what I and Agrayes and Galvanes, -who have served you also, now request, is the Island of Mongaza, that -reserving to yourself the Lordship you would give it with Madasima in -marriage to Don Galvanes, wherein you will show favour to him who is -of such lineage and hath no lands, and will gain a good vassal for -yourself, and also deal courteously with Madasima, who by us hath been -disherited. Gandandel and Brocadan hearing this looked at the King, -and made signs to him that he should not grant it; but he remained -silent for awhile, calling to mind the great worth of Galvanes, and the -services which he had received from him, and how Amadis had won that -Island with the extreme peril of his life, and knowing also that what -they asked was a reasonable and becoming thing, and just. But because -his will was perverted he answered as one who had no inclination to -consent, He is not wise who asks for what he cannot have. I say this -with respect to you, for you ask that which five days ago I promised -the Queen for her daughter Leonoreta; this answer he made to excuse -himself, not because it was true. At this Gandandel and Brocadan were -well pleased, and made signs to him that he had said well, but Agrayes, -whose heart was warm, when he heard with how little courtesy the -King had refused them would not keep silence. You make us feel Sir, -quoth he, that our services will profit us little here; if my advice -be taken, our lives shall be differently employed. Nephew, exclaimed -Galvanes, services are worth little when they are done to those who -know not how to reward them: men should look where they bestow them. -Sirs, quoth Amadis, do not complain that the King cannot give you -what he hath already promised to another. I will ask the King to give -you Madasima and let him keep the land, and I will give you the Firm -Island till the King shall have something else to bestow upon you. The -King answered, Madasima is in my prison in hostage for her lands, and -if they be not surrendered I will have her head cut off. Then Amadis -replied, of a truth Sir you should have answered us more courteously, -and you would not have committed this wrong if you had known us better. -If I do not know you, said Lisuarte, the world is wide enough; go -through it, and look for those who may know you better. Certes Sir, -quoth Amadis, till now I thought there was no King in the world who had -wisdom such as yours; but seeing how strangely different you are from -what I believed, since you are in this new mood we must seek a new way -of life. Lisuarte answered, Do your own will as I shall mine, and he -rose angrily and went to the Queen. - -Gandandel and Brocadan commended him much for what he had done in thus -dismissing such dangerous enemies, and he told Brisena all that had -passed, and how he rejoiced thereat. But she told him that what he -rejoiced at was to her cause for sorrow, for Amadis and his friends had -ever served him faithfully and well; and that other Knights seeing how -they were recompensed would have great reason to seek one who would -know and reward them better. Say no more, cried he, I know what I am -doing, and remember to say what I tell you, that you asked that Island -for Leonoreta, and that I have given it her. I will do as you command -me, replied Brisena, but God grant that it come to good! - -Amadis returned to his lodging in a more melancholy mood than he was -wont, he would say nothing to the Knights of his company till he had -spoken with Oriana, so calling Durin aside he bade him tell Mabilia -that he must see Oriana that night, and that they should expect him -by the water course in the garden. Then he ate and regaled with the -Knights as he used to do, and he desired them to assemble there on the -morrow for he had something to impart to them. When day was gone and -night was come, after they had retired and all were at rest, he went -with Gandalin to the water course, and having entered it went forthwith -to the chamber of Oriana, where she with as true love expected him; and -being in her arms she asked him why he had sent that message by Durin, -and he told her all that had past. Now Lady mine, said he, since it -is so that for my honour I must depart I beseech you do not command -me otherwise, for I am more yours than my own, and if I am shamed the -shame will be yours also. But Oriana, though she felt as though her -heart were breaking, took courage as she could and answered, True -friend, with little reason can you complain of my father, for it is -not him but me whom you have served, for my sake you abode here, and -for my sake have done so many great actions, and from me you have had -your guerdon, and shall have while I live; yet should not my father -have done thus, seeing what you have been to him. Howbeit, though your -absence will be like as if my heart were breaking, I will regard reason -more than my unbounded love. Do as you think best! my father will find -when you are gone that all that is left will be to him cause of sorrow -and evil! Amadis kissed her hands; my own true Lady many and great -kindnesses have I received from you which have saved me from death, -but for this I thank you above all, inasmuch as honour is above all -delights. Thus past they that night mingling tears with their love, -thinking of the long solitude that was to come, and towards day-break -Amadis rose; that dear cousin Mabilia and the Damsel of Denmark went -out with him, and he embraced them, and commended Oriana to their -consolations, and so they parted weeping. - -Amadis went to his lodging and slept the remainder of the night and -some part of the morning, but when it was time he arose, and the -Knights assembled, they heard mass and rode forth, and being assembled -in the field he addressed them after this guise:—It is notorious to you -good Sirs and honourable Knights, whether the affairs of King Lisuarte -have prospered or declined since I and my brethren and friends for my -sake came to Great Britain. I may therefore be excused from recalling -what is past to your memory, this only I ought to say, that ye as well -as myself might reasonably have expected great recompence; but either -that Fortune hath been using her accustomed inconstancy, or by the -influence of evil counsellors, or perhaps because age hath altered -the conditions of the King, we have found him different from what we -expected; for when I myself and Agrayes, and Don Galvanes besought -him that he would give Madasima to Don Galvanes in marriage, and with -her her lands in vassallage, he nothing regarding the worth of this -Knight nor his high lineage, not only would not grant us the boon, but -denied it in terms so discourteous and dishonourable, that because -they proceeded from a tongue so true, and from a judgment so sound, I -would not willingly repeat them were not things at this extremity that -it cannot be excused. Know then Sirs that towards the end of our talk, -when we said to him that he did not know our services, he replied, -the world was wide enough and we might seek those who would know them -better. So therefore as we have hitherto obeyed him in concord and -friendship, now must we in discord and enmity, fulfilling that which -he thinks fitting; it seemed right to me that you should know this, -because it not only concerns us in particular but all in general. - -When these Knights heard what Amadis had said they were greatly -astonished, and they talked one with another and said, that ill would -their poor services be recompensed when what Amadis and his brethren -had done was so forgotten, so that their hearts were moved against the -King. And Angriote of Estravaus, as one who had resolved to take his -share in the good or evil which might befall Amadis, said to them, -Sirs, I have long known the King, and have always seen him temperate -in all his actions, and never moved without great and just cause, -therefore I cannot believe that this should proceed from his own nature -or inclination but from some meddling traitors who have bereft him of -his wisdom. Not for this do I excuse the King! for many days I have -seen him speak more with Gandandel and Brocadan than he was accustomed -to do, they being false and treacherous men, and I believe that they -have done this thing hoping to obtain thereby for themselves and their -sons that which they have never merited, and that you may see how the -justice of God comes to pass I will arm myself, and challenge them for -their villainy which they have done to the King and to Amadis, and will -do combat against them both, or against their sons in their stead, -if they dare sustain their father's treason. Forthwith he would have -departed but Amadis withheld him saying, God forbid my true and loyal -friend that your life should be put in danger for an uncertain cause. -I am certain, quoth Angriote, that it is as I say by what I have -long known of them, and if it pleases the King to speak truth he will -confirm it. If you love me, replied Amadis, let this rest at present, -that the King may not be offended; if these men who seemed so friendly -are indeed my enemies, that will be known hereafter, and then may you -better proceed against them. Then Angriote albeit unwillingly consented -to delay vengeance. Amadis then turned to the assembled Knights and -said, Sirs, I will take leave of the King and Queen if they chuse to -see me, and will go to the Firm Island, where they who shall please to -live with me shall be partakers with me in all the honour and pleasures -that I can command. The land is rich and aboundeth with all things, -there is store of forests and of fair women. I have treasure enough for -our wants; they who know us will come thither to see us, and strangers -to demand our help, and there we may return from our adventures to -recover strength. While my father King Perion lives the kingdom of -Gaul will not fail us, nor after his days. I have letters from the -lesser Britain telling me that they give me that land, that then you -may esteem our own; I must remind you also of Scotland, the country of -my Cousin Agrayes, and of Queen Briolania's kingdom, which will not -fail us for weal or for woe. That you may say truly Sir Amadis, quoth a -Knight present, whose name was Tantiles, and who was governor of that -kingdom. Sobradisa and its fair Queen, whom you have established there, -will be always at your service. Now then Sir, cried Don Quadragante, -take leave of the King and then will it be seen who they are who love -you, and will continue in your company. Amadis answered, greatly shall -I esteem those who at this time will so honour me, yet do I not say, -that if they can profitably remain with the King they should not do so, -for of a truth so good a Lord cannot soon be found. As they were thus -talking the King and Gandandel past by with many other Knights, hawking -with merlins, and sported near them awhile without speaking to them or -noticing them, and then returned to the palace. - - - - -_CHAPTER 21._ - - -Then Amadis taking with him all those Knights went to take leave of the -King; they who were in the palace, when they saw with how altered a -countenance he entered, and at that hour when the tables were placed, -all drew nigh to hear what he should say. He being before the King -spake thus: Sir, whether or not you have dealt ill with me God and -yourself can witness: of this I say no more, for though my services -may have been great, much greater was the will I had to requite those -honours which I from you received. Yesterday you told me that I might -go about the world and seek for one who would know me better, giving me -to understand that what you wished was my departure from your court; -since this would please you it becomes me so to do. I do not come to -discharge myself of vassallage, for I never was subject to you, nor to -any but God alone; but I take leave of that good will which you once -manifested to honour and favour me, and of that great love wherewith -I ever strove to requite and serve you. Then Don Galvanes also took -leave, and Agrayes and Florestan, and Dragonis and Palomir, who were -cousins to Amadis, and Don Bruneo of Bonamar and his brother Branfil, -and Angriote of Estravaus, and Grindonan his brother, and Pinores his -nephew. Don Quadragante then came before the King and said, Sir, I -abode with you only at the request of Amadis, and because I have been -yours for his sake, for the same reason I will continue so no longer; -small hope of recompence can there be for my poor services when he is -so rewarded! for ill have you remembered how he saved you from the -hands of Madanfabul, from whence none other could have saved you, and -how he won for you that battle against King Cildadan, and how his -brethren and kinsmen there shed their blood for you; how he delivered -you from my enmity, and from Famongomadan and his son Basagante, who -were the strongest giants in the world, and from Lindoraque, who was -so mighty a Knight, and from Arcalaus the Enchanter—all this you have -forgotten; but I tell you that had all we been in the field and Amadis -away, how think you would it then have fallen out? The King answered, -Don Quadragante I well perceive by your words that you have no love -towards me, neither are you so beholden to Amadis that you should -desire his welfare; perchance what you say of that is not so true as -it sounds. Quadragante replied, you are of that rank that you may say -what pleases you, but sure am I that you will not move Amadis with -mischief-making words as others have been moved, who will discover -their error when too late. Then Landin came up and said, Sir, of all -your household I could find no help or healing for my wounds save -only from Amadis, therefore shall I go with him and with my uncle Don -Quadragante. Certes, quoth Lisuarte, if you staid I should not have a -friend the more. Landin replied, such as they are towards you will I -be. At this time were assembled together in another part of the palace, -Don Brian of Monjaste, a right good Knight, who was son of King Ladasan -of Spain and of a sister of King Perion, and Gandal, and Orlandin, son -to the Count of Orlanda, and Grandores, and Madancil, he of the Silver -Bridge, and Listoran of the White Tower, and Ladadin of Fajarque, -and Branfiles the haughty, and Don Gavarte of the Perilous Vale; and -when they saw how all those other Knights were about to depart for -the love of Amadis, they also went before the King and said, Sir, we -came to your court to see Amadis and his brethren, and to obtain his -friendship, and as he was the cause of our coming so will he be of our -departure. These Knights having departed, and there remaining no other, -Amadis would have taken leave of the Queen but Lisuarte would not -permit him, because she had always opposed this quarrel, so he sent his -excuses by Don Grumedan. Then went he to his lodging, and after they -had made their meal they all mounted being fully armed, five hundred -Knights were they in all who followed Amadis, among whom were the sons -of Kings and of Counts, and others, who for their prowess as well as -birth, were renowned throughout all the world. - -Mabilia beheld them from a window of the Queen's palace, in what order -they went, their arms how rich they were, and how glittering in the -sun, so that none who saw them depart but marvelled and thought the -King unhappy, that he would so lose such a Knight and so goodly a -company. Then Mabilia went to Oriana and said, Cease thy sorrow and -come look at your vassals! and let your heart rejoice that you have -such a lover; for if till now he has led the life of an Errant Knight -serving your father, now that he has left his service, he appears like -a powerful Prince, and that Lady will redound to your honour. Oriana -being comforted by her words looked at the company, subduing by her -fortitude that grief and passion which tormented her heart. There went -out with Amadis to honour him, King Arban of North Wales, and Grumedan -the Queen's fosterer, and Brandoyuas and Quinorante, and Giontes the -King's nephew, and Listoran the good jouster. All these rode with him -apart from his company and very sorrowful for his departure, and Amadis -besought them that they would still be his friends so far as they could -without breach of honour, for he should still esteem and love them as -he had done; nor though the King had ceased to love him, having no -cause for this change, should they do so likewise, nor for that cease -to serve the King and honour him as for his worth he deserved. They -answered, that they should never cease to love him however they were -bound by loyalty to serve the King. Then said Amadis, I beseech you -tell the King that what Urganda said before me is now made manifest, -how I should gain for another, and my guerdon should be wrath, and the -long delay of my will! So has it come to pass! but the just Judge of -all will allot to every one his right. Don Grumedan cursed Urganda for -prophesying so truly, and then they returned to the town. Presently -Don Guilan came up and he was in tears; and he said, Sir, You know how -it is with us, that I have neither will nor heart of my own, but must -obey her for whom I suffer so much, and she has forbidden me to follow -you, and thus am I put to great shame: now would I repay those honours -which I have ever received from you and your brethren, but I may not! -But Amadis, who knew the great and excessive love of this Knight, and -remembered how he himself loved and obeyed Oriana, embraced him and -said, Don Guilan my dear friend, God forbid that a Knight like you -should disobey your Lady, not so would I advise you, nor so advising -should I be your friend; obey her and serve the King, and sure am I -that you will keep your loyalty and yet that I shall have in you the -same friend. So Guilan answered, he trusted in God to serve him yet; -and he took his leave. They rode on about three leagues to the shore -where Amadis had ordered tents to be pitched; there they regaled that -night, congratulating each other that they had not remained longer in -the service of one so thankless, but Amadis felt his heart fail him, -for he knew not when he should again see Oriana. In the morning they -set forth again and took the straight road to the Firm Island. - -On the day after Amadis had departed, the King when mass was over sate -in his palace according to custom, and looked on one side and on the -other, and beholding how desolate the place appeared without those -Knights who were gone, he began to muse upon his own conduct, and was -lost in thought. Gandandel and Brocadan, who knew what Angriote had -said of them, when they saw him thus thoughtful began to fear that he -was ill satisfied with what had been done. Howbeit as they could not -now retreat they resolved to push farther on, for this is the ill fate -of all great errors. So Gandandel went up to Lisuarte and said to him, -henceforth Sir you may rest secure since those who could have injured -you are dismissed from your service; the trouble of your state and -household you may lay on us and we will attend to it more carefully -than to our own concerns, and when you think of the treasures which you -must have bestowed upon those Knights but which are now your own, you -should greatly rejoice. Lisuarte looked sternly at them and answered, -I marvel much at what you say, that I should commit the management of -my state and household to you! that I and those about me are not equal -to the task—but you, in whom I did not perceive such great ability are -capable thereof! Even if you were, my vassals and household would -be ill contented with the authority of such as you! You tell me too -that I shall save the wealth which would else have been bestowed among -those Knights. I would know how it could be better employed than to -my own honour and service, my honour was defended by it, my dominion -increased, and so it at last returned to me again, for the wealth that -is bestowed where it ought, lies in a good treasury whence it never can -be lost. No more of this! I shall not take your counsel! He then arose -and called his huntsmen and went forth to the field, leaving them in -amazement and great dismay. - -At this season arrived a Damsel from Queen Briolania with tidings to -Oriana, whereat all greatly rejoiced for that Queen was much beloved by -all. Lady, quoth she, I come from Briolania to tell you the wonders of -the Firm Island, that you may know all, for I was witness. God grant -long life to her! said Oriana, and good fortune to you for the trouble -which you have taken. So all drew round to hear her. Then said the -Damsel, when Briolania and her company had arrived at the Firm Island -she was asked if she would attempt the Forbidden Chamber or the Arch of -True Lovers, but she answered, that she would leave those two proofs -till the last. They then led us to a fair dwelling about a league from -the Castle, which, because of its goodly situation, was one of the -chief habitations of Apolidon, and when it was dinner time they led us -to a large hall, at the one end whereof was a deep cave so dark and -fearful that none durst go nigh to it, and at the other end of the -palace was a fair tower where they led us, and we found the tables and -benches placed by the windows, and from thence we could see all that -past below in the large hall. So there were we well served by Dames and -Damsels, and the Knights and our people feasted below in the hall. But -when the second service was brought in loud hissings were heard from -the cave, and a hot wind came forth therefrom, and there issued out -a great serpent into the middle of the hall, so fierce and terrible -that none dared look on him, and he breathed smoke from his mouth and -nostrils, and lashed the ground with his tail so that the whole palace -shook; presently two Lions came out of the cave and attacked him, and -began such a battle that there is not heart of man which would not have -felt fear at beholding it. The Knights and people fled with all speed -from the table, and though the windows whereat we were were very high, -yet were we greatly terrified. Half an hour that battle lasted till the -Lions were so wearied that they lay as though they were dead, and the -serpent so exhausted that he could scarce draw breath; but after he had -rested a little he took one Lion in his mouth and carried him into the -cave, then returned for the other, and they were seen no more that day. -The men of the Island laughed at our fear, and assured us that they -would appear no more that day, so we then returned to the tables and -finished our meal. - -The next day they led us to a place still fairer, where we were well -feasted, and at night they showed us a rich chamber, marvellously fair -where there was a rich and costly bed for Briolania, and other good -ones for us. But about midnight the doors flew open with so great -noise that we all awoke in terror, and a hart came in, having lighted -candles upon his horns, so that the whole chamber was as light as day. -One side of that hart was white as snow, and the neck and the head -were black as pitch, and the one horn seemed gilt and the other was -red; four dogs pursued him in full cry, and behind them an ivory horn -moved and sounded in the air as if a man were sounding it, and gave the -proper sound of the chase, and cheared the dogs so that they pursued -the hart and allowed him no respite, and drove him from one part of -the chamber to another, and sometimes they leaped over our beds, and -sometimes they fell on them, so that we rose up in our shifts and our -hair hanging about and fled from them, and some hid themselves under -the beds, till the Hart finding no safety there leaped through a window -and the dogs after him; then were we right glad, and taking up the -cloaths which were thrown about covered ourselves, and gave a robe to -Briolania wherein she drest herself, and then as the fear was past we -laughed at the confusion into which we had been thrown. While we were -making our beds again, a Dame and two Damsels entered and a little girl -with candles, and she spake to Briolania and said, How is it Lady that -you have risen at such an hour? but when she heard they laughed and -answered, Now then Ladies go to sleep again, for you have nothing more -to apprehend to-night. - -Early in the morning we went to a wood where there were fine groves -and fair gardens, and there we had tents pitched by a brook side. We -found there a round building with twelve marble pillars, the walls -were of crystal so curiously made that they who might be within could -see all without; the doors were made of plate of gold and of silver, -and by every pillar there was placed the image of a Giant made in -copper, and these images had bows in their hands, and the arrow heads -were of fire. We were told that nothing could enter that chamber but -would be presently reduced to ashes by those arrows which never failed -of their mark; and they put in two fallow deer and a stag, immediately -the images shot at them and they were reduced to ashes, and the arrows -returned to the bows from whence they fled. On the doors of the chamber -there were letters written which said, Let no man or woman dare enter -here except they twain who love each other truly, as truly as did -Grimanesa and Apolidon, and they must enter here together, else will -they die the cruellest death that ever was seen. This enchantment will -endure till they twain shall have entered the Forbidden Chamber, and -then shall all the enchantments of the Firm Island be done away. Then -Briolania called Ysanjo and Enil, and told them she wished to see -nothing more except the Arch of True Lovers and the Forbidden Chamber, -and she asked Ysanjo the meaning of the Lion and Serpent, and of the -Hart and the Dogs. Lady, he replied, we know nothing more than that -always at that hour they appear; and the Hart and the Dogs run from the -window into a lake which we believe proceeds from the sea, but were -you to remain here a whole year you could not see half the wonders -that are in this Island. - -On the morrow we mounted our palfreys and returned to the Castle; -without delay Briolania went to the Arch of True Lovers and past -through the Forbidden Perrons like one who had never failed in her -love, and the image with the trumpet made so sweet a sound that we were -all astonished, and when she entered where the images were of Apolidon -and Grimanesa, it ceased with so sweet a finish as was marvellous to -hear. There beheld she those images as fair and fresh as life, and -being alone with them she thought herself in good company; and while -there she saw letters newly written in the Jasper, saying, this is the -name of Briolania, daughter to King Tagadan of Sobradisa, the third -Damsel that hath entered here. Then she felt a fear of being alone and -returned. The fifth morning she went to attempt the Forbidden Chamber; -she was in rich attire, and she wore nothing upon her beautiful head -except a gold clasp with jewels, and all who saw her said, that if -she did not enter the Chamber there was none in the world who could, -and that they should now see the end of all those enchantments. She -commended herself to God, and passed through the copper Perron, and -came up to the marble Perron and read the writing there, and proceeded -so far beyond that all surely thought the adventure was atchieved; but -when she was within three paces from the door three hands seized her -by those beautiful locks, and pitilessly cast her out of the Forbidden -ground as they had done all others, and she lay in such plight that we -could not soon recover her. Till now Oriana's heart had been misgiving -her, but now she looked at Mabilia and the Damsel of Denmark, and -they at her, being all well pleased; the next day pursued the Damsel, -Briolania departed for her own kingdom. So the Damsel then received her -bidding from Brisena and Oriana, and the other Ladies, and set out on -her return to her Mistress. - -Now Amadis and his company arrived at the Firm Island, where they -were joyfully received by all the dwellers therein, who, as they had -felt great sorrow for the loss of their new Lord, so now had they -double pleasure in welcoming him. But when those Knights who were -with him beheld the Castle how strong it was, and how there was no -other entrance to the Island large as it was, and that the land was so -fertile, and peopled with so many and such inhabitants, they thought -it might maintain war against all the world; so they were lodged in -the largest town which stood under the Castle. You are to know that -this Island was nine leagues long and seven wide, all full of villages -and rich dwelling-houses of the Knights of the land. And in the -pleasantest parts thereof Apolidon had built four palaces for himself, -the strangest and most delightful that ever man could behold. One was -that of the Serpent and the Lions. Another that of the Hart and the -Dogs. The third was called the Whirling Palace, for three times in the -day and as often in the night it whirled round, so that they who were -in it thought it would dash to pieces; and the fourth was that of the -Bull, because every day a wild Bull issued out of an old covered way, -and ran among the people therein as though he would kill them, and -when they fled from him he ran against the iron door of a tower and -burst it open and went in, and presently he came out again being quite -tame, and ridden by an old Ape, so wrinkled that his skin hung all in -folds, which Ape flogged him into the place from whence he came. Great -pleasure had all these Knights in beholding these enchantments, and -enough pastime had they there, and they were all firm in their love to -Amadis, and ready to follow him wherever he would. - -At this time came Andalod the Hermit of the Poor Rock to establish the -monastery as had been appointed, and he seeing Amadis gave thanks to -God for giving life to so good a man, and looked at him and embraced -him as if he had never seen him before. But Amadis kist his hands, and -with all humility thanked him for his preservation and for his life, -which he owed to God and to him. So a monastery was founded at the foot -of the rock, where that Chapel of the Virgin stood, wherein Amadis had -prayed in his despair before he departed into the mountain. A good man -called Sisian, whom Andalod brought, remained there, and thirty Friars -with him, and Amadis assigned to them rents enough, and Andalod then -returned to the Poor Rock as before. Then Balays of Carsante arrived, -he whom Amadis had released from the dungeon of Arcalaus, who had gone -to take leave of King Lisuarte, so soon as he knew that Amadis had -left him in discontent; with him also came Olivas whom Agrayes and -Don Galvanes had helped in battle against the Duke of Bristol. They -asked of Balays, what news in the court? he answered, enough to tell. -King Lisuarte Sir has summoned all his people; for Count Latine and -they whom he sent to take possession of the Island of Mongaza, have -informed him that the old Giant had given up to them all the Castles -which he and his sons had in their keeping. But Gromadaza refused to -yield the Castles by the Boiling Lake, which is the strongest place in -the Island, and also three other strong Castles, for she says she will -never yield the place where she was Mistress in the life of her husband -Famongomadan, and Basagante her son, but always annoy Lisuarte to the -utmost of her power, and for Madasima and the Damsels she cares not -what may become of them so she can do any harm to the King. The King -therefore has summoned his forces, and hath sworn, if Gromadaza does -not yield up her Castles within a month, that he will behead Madasima -and the Damsels, and that he will go against the Castle of the Boiling -Lake, and not depart from before it till he shall have won it, and if -he can take the old Giantess he will throw her to the Lions. At this -news they were all greatly troubled, and Galvanes said to them, Sirs, -you all know the promise which I have made to Madasima, to defend her -with reason, or if that failed by force of arms; and for this cause -was it that Amadis and all of us forsook Lisuarte; now I beseech you, -if he will not hear reason, assist me in arms to fulfil my word. At -that uprose Don Florestan, and said, Don Galvanes, there are better -advisers here than I, but if reason fail I will undertake the battle in -the name of God. Good friend, replied Galvanes, I thank you with all my -heart; but if it must be by battle I have promised and I will perform -it. Then Don Brian of Monjaste and Quadragante said that the quarrel -appertained to all, and all ought to bear a part, for all Knights were -bound to succour Damsels who were opprest, and as Madasima and her -Damsels had gone as hostages in obedience to her mother, they were -innocent before God. Sirs, said Amadis, you rejoice me in what you say; -for whatsoever is undertaken with such concord will have good issue. -But I will tell you what seems to me good: these Damsels are twelve in -number, and therefore ought to be succoured by twelve Knights. Sure I -am that such as ye will think such danger but pastime, if it please ye -I will name twelve champions, and let the other Knights remain here for -greater perils if they should befal us. You, Sir Don Galvanes shall -be the first, as it is your quarrel, and Agrayes your nephew, and my -brother Florestan, and my cousins Palomir and Dragonis, and Don Brian -of Monjaste, and Nicoran of the White Tower, and Urlandin and Gavarte -of the Perilous Vale, and Ymosil brother to the Duke of Burgandy, and -Madansil of the Silver Bridge, and Ladadin of Fajarque; let those -twelve go, there are among them the sons of Kings and Dukes and Counts, -so that their peers will not be found. Hereat were all well pleased, -and the Knights appointed made ready forthwith, and shortly after -midnight armed themselves and rode towards Tafilana, the town where -Lisuarte then was. - - - - -_CHAPTER 22._ - - -Now Oriana felt herself great with child, and she asked counsel of -Mabilia and the Damsel of Denmark in that danger; they albeit they were -sore dismayed dissembled that, and Mabilia bade her take heart for all -should be remedied. I always expected, said she, that to such[347:A] -a saint such an offering would be brought. Oriana could not forbear a -smile. I will feign myself worse, she said, and withdraw as much as -I can from all company; and if the Damsel of Denmark will hazard her -honour for me, my honour and life may both be saved. Lady, quoth the -Damsel, I am at your command even were it to my death. Good friend, -quoth Oriana, this I hoped, and if I live you shall recover your honour -and with great praise. Then the Damsel knelt and kissed her hands, and -Oriana proceeded: continue to visit Adalasta the Abbess of my Nunnery -as you have hitherto done, and when it is time tell her that you are -pregnant, and beseech her to help you, so that you may lay the child at -the church door, and that she will order it to be taken in and brought -up for Charity's sake; thus will my secret be safe, nor will you be -shamed, for none but this honourable Lady will know what you shall tell -her, and she loves you much. Thus they determined that it should be. - - [347:A] This is D'Herberay's phrase, it is better than the - original: Siempre me tuve por dicho que de tales juegos - auriades tal ganancia. - -When Lisuarte knew how Gromadaza persisted in her warfare, by advice -of Gandandel and Brocadan he sent for Madasima and her Damsels, and -told them that they must all be put to death for an example. When she -heard this so rigorous doom the fair and fresh colour of her cheeks -suddenly changed to a pale and deadly hue, and falling at the King's -feet she said, Sir, the fear of death doth make my heart weaker than -it naturally is, weak Damsel as I am, so that I have neither thought -nor words to answer you; but if in this court there be any Knight -willing to uphold the right let him speak for me as a Knight is bound -to do, for I did not enter your prison willingly but in obedience to -my mother. If there be none such here, do you O King, whom hitherto -never distressed Dame or Damsel hath implored in vain, do you deal -justly by me, and let not anger have the mastery over you. Gandandel, -who was present, was greatly desirous that Madasima should be slain, -knowing that then Amadis could never be reconciled with the King; and -he said, Sir, do not hear her, these Damsels were given you as hostages -to die if the conditions were not performed, and therefore justice -ought to be executed without delay. But Don Grumedan, who was a good -Knight, and well versed in all the laws of Knighthood, as one who had -not only practised but read much, replied, that shall not the King -do if it please God! nor ever shall such cruelty and wrong be by him -committed. This Damsel came hither in obedience to her mother, and as -that obedience will in secret be by God rewarded, so should it be in -public by the King as his servant, and one who obeys his will. Moreover -I have learnt that within three days here will arrive certain Knights -from the Firm Island to take up their quarrel; and if you Gandandel, or -your sons are willing to maintain the justice of your advice; you will -there find those who will answer you. Gandandel answered, Don Grumedan, -tho' you wish me ill I have never deserved it at your hands; if you had -offended my sons you know they are such Knights that they can maintain -what I have said. We shall soon see that, quoth old Grumedan; as for -you I only wish you well or ill as it shall be found that you have -counselled the King. Albeit that Lisuarte had acted much amiss toward -Amadis, and had it in his heart to do him all displeasure, yet could -not that new passion subdue his old virtue, so that he was glad at -what Grumedan said, and asked who the Knights were that were coming to -defend the Damsels, and when Grumedan had told their names, he observed -that they were enough good and prudent Knights. But then was Gandandel -sore dismayed, and he repented him of what he had said concerning his -sons, knowing that they were nothing equal in arms to Florestan and -Agrayes, and Don Brian of Monjaste, and Gavarte of the Perilous Vale. -So when Madasima was remanded to prison he went to his brother-in-law -Brocadan in trouble of heart, receiving now the guerdon which the -merits of his misdeed deserved. - -Here came to pass what the Gospel saith, That no hidden thing but -shall be made known; for Gandandel retiring with Brocadan to a private -chamber to consult with him how they might prevail upon the King to -execute Madasima and her Damsels before the Knights of the Firm Island -arrived, Brocadan began to reproach him for the wrong he had done to -Amadis, greatly repenting his own wickedness now that he saw his own -honour and his sons in danger. Now it happened that a niece of Brocadan -was enamoured of a young Knight called Sarquiles, who was nephew to -Angriote of Estravaus, and she had hidden him near this chamber, so -that he heard the whole secret of this treachery; and when it was night -he went out and armed himself, and mounting his horse he rode on the -morrow into the town as if he came from another place, and he went -before the King and said to him, Sir, I am your natural subject and was -brought up in your household, and therefore would save you from all -treachery, that you may not commit wrong in compliance with another's -will. It is not three days since I was in a place where I heard persons -counselling how to instigate you to do an evil thing against your own -honour and good reason. I say to you, give no heed to Gandandel and -Brocadan in what they say to you, touching Madasima, for there are -others in your court who more honestly advise you; you and all here -shall know wherefore I say this, within twelve days, if you will delay -following their will for so long. Now Sir, God be with you, for I go -to my Uncle Angriote. God be with you, replied Lisuarte, and remained -musing on what he had heard. - -Sarquiles rode on by the shortest way he knew to the Firm Island, and -when he arrived there his horse was so overspent with the speed he had -made that he could scarcely carry him. He found Amadis, and Angriote, -and Don Bruneo, riding on the shore to hasten the equipment of some -vessels which they had ordered to pass over to Gaul, for Amadis was -desirous to see his parents. Right well was Sarquiles received, and -Angriote said to him, Nephew, what business have you that your horse -is in such plight? Very great, replied he, and he told him how his -Mistress Gandaza had hidden him in Brocadan's house, and what he had -there heard. Now Sir, quoth Angriote to Amadis, was my suspicion right? -You would not suffer me to bring the matter to an end, but now if it -please God neither you nor ought else shall let, but that this great -treason against the King and against you shall be made manifest. Good -friend, replied Amadis, you may now do it with reason and certainty, -and God therewith will speed you. I will depart to-morrow, said -Angriote, and Sarquiles upon another horse with me. Accordingly on the -following morning they twain set out for the dwelling of King Lisuarte. - -Meantime the King mused much upon that Sarquiles had told him. One day -Gandandel and Brocadan came before him and said, Sir, we are grieved -to see how little you regard your own welfare; that, quoth Lisuarte, -may well be, but why say you this?—Because these Knights who are your -enemies are coming to your Court without any fear to defend these -Damsels for whom you ought to have the land given up. If you will take -our advice you ought to behead them before these champions arrive, and -send to forbid the Knights to enter your kingdom; thus would you make -them fear you, and Amadis would not venture to offer you any wrong, -for if they do not forbear for fear, for nothing else will they; the -sooner this is done the better will it be, and the more terror will -it strike. The King then called to mind the words of Sarquiles, and -saw how he had spoken truth. You tell me two things, he replied, -against all reason: the one that without any form of judgment I should -have these Damsels slain, what account could I give to the Lord whose -minister I am if I should do this? He has appointed me here in his -stead to administer right in his name, and if I did this wrong which -you counsel to strike fear into others, it would fall upon my own head -at last. Those Kings who follow their own will instead of what is -reasonable rely on themselves and not on God, which is the worst error -into which they can fall. Their best security is to chuse out good -counsellors, and honest ones, and to remember that however evil actions -appear at first, the just Judge directs, and the end thereof cannot be -good. You tell me also to forbid these Knights from coming to my court; -a dishonourable thing would it be to prevent any one from claiming -justice before me, much more they being my enemies, for it is to my -honour that I have the power and inclination to do what they request. -I do not like your counsel! you have done ill to those who deserved no -ill at your hands! I have sinned and I have my punishment; and if you -have been false so I trust will you have yours at the end. And with -that he went away and left them. - -The following day Lisuarte rode forth after mass with a great company, -and seeing that the twelve Knights were approaching he rode forward to -receive them, for he was a courteous man to all, and they well deserved -such honour being what they were. They made obeisance to him, and while -their people pitched tents in the field Don Galvanes spake to the King. -Sir, confiding in your virtue and in your wonted goodness, we are -come hither to request that you will hear Madasima and her Damsels, -that they may have their right; we are come to plead their cause, and -if by that means we cannot succeed, let it not offend you Sir if we -support it by arms, for there is no cause wherefore they ought to die. -The King answered, go now and rest yourselves, I will do all that can -justly be done. Don Brian of Monjaste then replied, So Sir we hoped, -that you would do what behoved your royal dignity and your conscience, -and whenever you have failed so to act it has been the work of evil -advisers, and that, if it did not offend you, I would prove upon any -one who dared gainsay. Don Brian, quoth the King, if you would listen -to your father I know that you would neither forsake me for another, -nor come hither to plead against me. Sir, replied Don Brian, my -pleading is for you, it is that you should do justice, and not listen -to those who would serve you less faithfully than I, and stain your -worth. You say Sir, that if I had listened to my father I should not -forsake you: I have not forsaken you Sir, for I never was yours, albeit -I am of your lineage. I came to your court to seek my kinsman Amadis, -and when you were pleased that he should be no longer yours, then I -departed with him; in all this I have not erred a single point of duty. -The King then returned to the town, and they remained in their tents -where they were visited by their friends. But for Oriana I tell you she -never left the window, looking at those who so loved her lover, and -beseeching God to give them the victory in this appeal. - -That night did Gandandel and Brocadan pass in great perplexity, wishing -that they could recall what was past, but now perforce must they go on. -On the morrow the twelve Knights heard mass with the King, and that -done accompanied him to his palace. He then called for Gandandel and -Brocadan, and said to them, You must now support the advice which you -have always given me in the affair of Madasima, and make these good men -understand why she ought not to be heard, and he bade them stand where -all might hear them. Ymosil of Burgandy, and Ladadin of Fajarque then -came forward and said, We Sir, and these Knights beseech you of your -goodness that Madasima and her Damsels may be heard, for so we conceive -it is right. Then answered Gandandel, many talk about the right and -few know what it is; you say that of right these Damsels ought to be -heard, which of right they ought not, for without any such condition -they bound themselves to death, and entered the prison of the King -thereupon, that if Ardan Canileo were slain or vanquished, and the -whole Island of Mongaza were not then freely surrendered, they and the -Knights with them should suffer death. The Knights delivered up the -Castles in their keeping, which Gromadaza will not do, therefore there -neither is nor can be reason for which they should be excused from -death. Ymosil replied, Certes Gandandel, you might have been excused -from uttering such reasons before so good a King and such Knights as -are here! It is manifest to all who have any knowledge, that man or -woman are to be heard, of right in their own defence, in all cases -except in treason and conspiracy; this is the custom in all lands -wherein justice is observed, and this is what we require. Gandandel -replied, that nothing more was to be said: the King was to decide, so -the matter was at issue, and the King remained with certain Knights, -all the others leaving the hall. - -The King wished his Uncle Argamonte, an honourable Count and of great -prudence, to deliver his opinion, but he referred it to the King, -saying that none so fully understood what was right as he himself; the -other counsellors did the same. Lisuarte seeing this then said, Since -you leave the decision to me, I think Ymosil of Burgundy hath spoken -to the purpose, and the Damsels should be heard. Certes Sir, quoth the -Count, and all they who were present said the same, you have determined -justly, for thus it ought to be. They then called in the Knights and -said what had been resolved; for this Ymosil and Ladadin of Fajarque -kissed his hands and said, be pleased therefore Sir to let Madasima -and her Damsels be summoned, and we will save them by fair reason, or -by arms if need shall be. Let them come, replied the King, and see if -they will commit their cause to you. Presently they came before the -King so modestly and in such fear that not a man could behold them -without great pity. The twelve Knights of the Firm Island took them by -the hand, and Agrayes, Florestan, Ymosil and Ladadin said to Madasima, -Lady Madasima, these Knights come to save you and your Damsels from -death, will you commit your cause to us? Sirs, she replied, if the -cause of Damsels so forlorn and wretched may be undertaken, we commit -it to you, and trust in God and you. Since it is so, quoth Ymosil, let -who will come forward against you! if he be one I will defend you by -reason or by arms; if more, twelve shall be answered. The King looked -at Gandandel and Brocadan, and saw that they looked down, and were -dismayed, and did not answer. Return to your lodgings till the morrow, -said Lisuarte, and meanwhile those who are to answer you will take -counsel. The Knights then conducted Madasima to her prison and went to -their tents. - -Lisuarte led Gandandel and Brocadan aside, and said to them, you have -often urged me to put those Damsels to death, and said you would -maintain the justice of the deed by reason, or your sons should in -arms, if need should be, now then do as you said, for what Ymosil -advances seems just to me, and I will not appoint any of my Court to -combat against these Knights. Look ye to it! Else will the Damsels be -delivered, and I shall have been ill advised by ye, and wrongfully. -They replied, that to-morrow they would be ready with their reply, and -returned very sorrowfully to their homes. And they agreed to persist -in their advice and maintain it by reason, but not put their sons in -danger, because the cause was not just, and they were not such in arms -as those Knights. But that same evening tidings came to the King how -Gromadaza the Giantess was dead, and had ordered her Castles to be -delivered up to save her daughter and the Damsels, and that they had -accordingly been yielded to Count Latine. Greatly pleased thereat was -Lisuarte, and when the Knights came before him on the morrow he said, -proceed no farther in this cause, for you are quit of your defence, -and the Damsels are free; the Castles for which I held them in pledge -having been surrendered. Gandandel and Brocadan then rejoiced, for they -surely expected to be dishonoured. Then Lisuarte sent for Madasima and -the Damsels, and said to them, ye are free; do what it pleases you, the -Castles have been given up; but he would not tell her that her mother -was dead. Madasima would have kissed his hand but the King permitted -not that, for he never suffered Dame or Damsel to kiss his hand save -when he bestowed upon them some boon. Then said she, since you leave me -at my own disposal; I give myself to my Lord Galvanes, who hath been so -willing to help me. Agrayes took her by the hand and said, good Lady, -you do that which is right; and though you are now disherited of your -own land, you shall be honoured in another till it please God to remedy -your loss. But Ymosil then said to the King, Sir, if right be done to -Madasima she will not be disherited, for children who are in the power -of their parents must obey them, however unwillingly, but not for that -should they be disherited, when obedience and not free will hath made -them bind themselves to what their parents commanded. And because you -Sir are appointed here to make every one render to another his right, -so ought you yourself to do as an example. Ymosil, replied the King, -you have the Damsels at liberty, say no more upon this other matter; I -have had sufficient trouble about that land, and will defend it now it -is mine, nor can I take it from my daughter Leonoreta, to whom I have -granted it. Don Galvanes then said, Sir, that right which Madasima has -to the land of her fathers is now mine. I beseech you remember some -services which I have done you, and do not disinherit me, for I would -willingly be your vassal and stand in your favour, and serve you as -loyally as it is possible. Say no more Don Galvanes, quoth Lisuarte, -that is done which cannot be undone. Since it is so, quoth he, that I -find neither right nor courtesy here, I shall strive to win it how I -can. Do your utmost, replied the King, it was in the power of those -who were stronger than you, and easier will it be to defend it from -you, than it was to win it from them. You won it, answered Galvanes, -by means of one who was badly guerdoned, he will help to recover it. -If he helps you, cried Lisuarte, many others will serve me who would -not serve me before for his sake, when I had him in my household and -protected him from them. Agrayes then grew angry and exclaimed, Certes -all here, and others beside can tell whether Amadis was protected by -you or you by him, though you are a King and he was always as an Errant -Knight. Don Florestan seeing how Agrayes was moved laid hand upon his -shoulder and drew him back, and then said himself, it seems, Sir, you -prize the services of these you speak of above those of Amadis, whether -they be so indeed, we shall soon see. Don Brian of Monjaste then stept -forward, however little you esteem the services of Amadis and his -friends, they must be of great worth indeed who can reasonably make -them to be forgotten. It is plain Don Brian, replied the King, that -you are one of those friends!—Sure Sir I am; he is my kinsman and I -shall do what he pleases. We have enough, quoth Lisuarte, to dispense -with you. All you have, replied Don Brian, will be wanted to resist -what Amadis can do. The Knights on both sides drew nigh to answer, but -Lisuarte stretched out a wand which he held and commanded them to say -no more, and they returned to their places. - -Just then Angriote of Estravaus, and his nephew Sarquiles entered, -compleatly armed, and approached to kiss the King's hand. The twelve -Knights marvelled at their coming being ignorant of the cause thereof, -but Gandandel and Brocadan were put in fear, and they looked at each -other, for they knew what Angriote had said of them before, and albeit -they held him for the best Knight in the King's dominions, yet they -took courage to answer what he might say; and they called their sons -and bade them say nothing more than they should tell them. Angriote -stood up before the King and said, Sir, let Gandandel and Brocadan -come hither, and I will say that to them which shall make you and -all present know them better than ye have hitherto done. The King -accordingly called on them to come forward, and all the Knights drew -nigh to hear. Then said Angriote, know Sir that Gandandel and Brocadan -are disloyal and false toward you, they counselled you wickedly and -lyingly, neither regarding God, nor you, nor Amadis, who had so -honoured them, and had never done them wrong. They, villains as they -are, told you that Amadis designed to seize your kingdom, a thing which -never was in his thoughts, for what he desired hath ever been your -service, and thus have they made you lose the best Knight that ever -King had to serve him, and many other good Knights with him, for no -fault of their own. Therefore I say that these wicked and false men, in -whom you trusted, have committed a great treason against you, which if -they deny, I will do battle with them both; but if their age excuses -them, let their sons come forward, and by God's help I will make them -confess the disloyalty of their fathers before you, that you shall -understand it. Sir, replied Gandandel, you see how Angriote comes to -dishonour your court! and this is because you permit those to enter -your land who do not seek your service, if you had prevented that at -first this would not have happened; and now Sir do not marvel if Amadis -should come hither to-morrow and defy you yourself! If Angriote had -met me in those days when I did good service in arms for this kingdom, -and for your brother King Falangris, he would not then have dared to -say what now he says, but now he sees me old and weak, and dares insult -me as one already overcome; this shame Sir falls more upon you than me. -No Sir Knave, quoth Angriote, I am not come hither to dishonour the -Court, but for its honour to destroy treason, and root out the tares -which you have scattered among the good seed! Then said Sarquiles, -Sir, you know the words which I spake to you upon this matter; with my -own ears I heard the villainy which these old traitors were devising; -they are old, but their sons are young and strong; let them answer for -them, they are three and we are two, then will God discover the truth, -and it will be seen if they are such as to make amends for the loss of -Amadis and his lineage as their fathers have boasted! When the two sons -of Gandandel heard this, and saw that the whole Court were smiling to -see their fathers so prest, they thrust angrily through the throng, and -came before the King and said, Sir, Angriote lies in all that he hath -said and we will combat with him; here are our gages, and they threw -their gloves into his lap. Angriote then held out the lappet of his -armour—here Sir is mine! let them go arm themselves, and do you Sir -behold the battle. The King answered, the day is far spent and there -will not be time, let it be after mass to-morrow. With that Adamas -came up, the son of Brocadan by a sister of Gandandel; he was great of -stature and strong, but of so villainous a nature that none esteemed -him. He said to the King, Sir, Sarquiles lies in all he hath said, -and if he dare enter the field with his Uncle I will combat him! at -this Sarquiles right joyfully gave his gage; the Court then broke up. -Angriote and Sarquiles went with the twelve Knights and Madasima, who -had taken leave of the Queen and of Oriana, and Brisena sent her a rich -tent to lodge in. - -The King remained with Don Grumedan and Giontes his nephew; he sent for -Gandandel and Brocadan, and said to them, I marvel at you! you have -so often told me that Amadis designed treason and meant to seize my -kingdom, and now when the proof was necessary you shrunk from it! and -have suffered your sons to risque themselves who know not what is the -justice of their cause. You have sinned against God and me; great evil -have you done me in making me lose such a man and such Knights, but you -will not escape without your punishment, for that just Judge will give -to every one his due. Sir, said Gandandel, my sons came forward hastily -thinking that the proof was delayed. Of a truth, quoth Grumedan, they -thought right; for there neither is nor can be proof that Amadis in -this or in aught else hath done wrong toward the King, and if you -suspect it, it is against all reason; even the devils in hell cannot -think so! If you had a thousand heads, and the King were to cut them -all off, he would not be enough revenged for the wrong you have done -him, and now you will be left for more mischief, which God forbid! and -your wretched sons must suffer for your fault! Don Grumedan, said they, -whatever you believe and wish we trust that our sons will save their -honour and our own. God never save me, replied he, if I wish more than -that you be rewarded as your counsel deserves. The King then bade them -cease, and he went to table, and they departed to their homes. - -That night the arms and horses of the champions were made ready. -Angriote and Sarquiles past the remainder of the night from midnight -in a chapel of Saint Mary, which was near their tents. At day-break -the twelve Knights armed themselves, for they doubted the King seeing -how wroth he was against them, and with Madasima and her Damsels, each -upon her palfrey, they rode through the town to the field of battle, -Angriote and Sarquiles going before them. The King and his Knights -were already assembled, and three Judges were appointed: King Arban of -North Wales, and Giontes the King's Nephew, and Quinorante the good -Jouster; they placed Angriote and Sarquiles at one end of the lists. -Presently the two brothers Tarin and Corian came with their cousin -Adamas, well armed and mounted, and disposed to do their part well, if -the wickedness of their fathers had not been against them. They being -opposed each to the other, Giontes blew his trumpet and they ran the -career, Corian and Tarin at Angriote, and Adamas against Sarquiles. -Tarin broke his lance upon Angriote, who encountered Corian, and bore -him from his saddle, then turned and saw Tarin sword in hand. Tarin -struck at him but the blow fell upon the horses' head and wounded him, -and cut away the headstall, so that the reins fell on his neck, and the -horse being thus at liberty, Angriote was carried against his enemy, -and they dashed against each other and Tarin fell; then Angriote leaped -lightly from his horse as one accustomed to such perils, and took his -shield, and laid hand upon that sword with which he had heretofore -dealt so many and mighty blows. He saw his nephew maintaining a brave -sword-combat on horseback, and then made at the two brethren who stood -by each other, and laid on him a heavy load like brave and strong -Knights. But Angriote well defended himself, holding out his shield -against one and laying on the other with the sword, so that he made -them give back, for never stroke came from him that did not shear away -the armour, for as I have told you this Knight was the best foyner -with the sword of any in the King's dominions. So that their shields -were soon chipt away, and their harness broken that the blood started -through, nor was he so whole but that the blood ran from many wounds. -When Sarquiles saw how his Uncle sped, and that he was still coping -in equal battle with Adamas, he spurred his horse and grappled with -his enemy, and there they struggled each to overthrow the other. -Angriote seeing them drew nigh to succour Sarquiles if he should fall -undermost, and the two brethren followed him to help their cousin. At -length the two Knights fell from their horses, still grappling; then -might you have seen a great conflict, Angriote pressing to help his -nephew and the brethren to assist Adamas. But in that hour Angriote -did such wonders in arms, and laid on such terrible and heavy blows -that the brethren, albeit they did their utmost, could not save Adamas -from the hands of Sarquiles. When Gandandel and Brocadan saw this, who -till now had hoped that the valour of their sons might have defended -their wickedness they withdrew from the window in great sorrow and pain -of heart, and the King withdrew also, for all the good fortune which -befell the friends of Amadis displeased him, and he would not witness -the victory of Angriote. But all else who were present rejoiced to see -that Gandandel and Brocadan would suffer some part of the punishment on -earth which they deserved. The four Knights meantime continued their -fierce conflict, but it did not long endure, for now Tarin and Corian -gave ground and fled, seeking some place of safety, but finding none -they turned, and struck again at their pursuers and then again fled, -till they were smitten down and slain to the great joy of Madasima -and her Damsels, and the Knights of the Firm Island, but above all of -Oriana, who had never ceased praying to God to grant her friends that -victory. Angriote then asked the Judges if there was aught more to be -done? they replied, he had done enough for his honour, and led the two -champions from the lists; their comrades then received and took them -with Madasima to their tents where they were healed of their wounds. - - -_Here endeth the Second Book of Amadis of Gaul._ - - -END OF THE SECOND VOLUME. - - - - -INDEX. - -VOL. II. - - - CHAPTER 36. - Page - _How Amadis and Galaor knew of this great treason and - took counsel to procure, if they could, the liberty of - the King and Oriana_ 1 - - CHAPTER 37. - - _How Don Galaor delivered King Lisuarte from the - captivity to which they were treacherously leading him - away_ 9 - - CHAPTER 38. - - _How tidings came to the Queen that King Lisuarte was - made prisoner, and how Barsinan executed his treason, - and how at last he was overthrown and the King restored - to his kingdom_ 17 - - CHAPTER 39. - - _How Amadis came to succour the City of London, and - what he did there_ 21 - - CHAPTER 40. - - _How King Lisuarte held a Cortes which lasted twelve - days, at which great feastings were made, and of the many - Chiefs and Knights who came there_ 29 - - CHAPTER 41. - - _Of the battle which Amadis had promised the fair child - Briolania to perform against Abiseos and his two sons in - revenge of her father's death_ 36 - - CHAPTER 42. - - _How Don Galaor went with the Damsel in quest of the - Knight who had overthrown them, till he did battle with - him_ 43 - - CHAPTER 43. - - _Showing how Don Florestan was the son of King Perion by - a fair Damsel, daughter to the Count of Salandia_ 55 - - CHAPTER 44. - - _How Don Galaor and Florestan, going towards the kingdom - of Sobradisa, met three Damsels at the Fountain of the Elm - Trees_ 72 - - - _Here beginneth the Second Book of Amadis of Gaul; and - because the great things which will be related in the - Fourth Book concerning Amadis are all relating to the - Firm Island, it behoves that in this second it should - be related what this Island was, and who left those - enchantments and the great riches which were therein_ 84 - - CHAPTER 2. - - _How Amadis with his brethren and his cousin Agrayes - went towards King Lisuarte, and how by adventure they went - to the Enchanted Firm Island, and of what befel them - there_ 91 - - CHAPTER 3. - - _How Durin went with the letter of Oriana to Amadis, - and how when Amadis had seen the letter he abandoned - every thing in despair, and went to hide himself in the - forest_ 105 - - CHAPTER 4. - - _How Gandalin and Durin followed the track of Amadis, - carrying his arms which he had left, and how they found - him, and how he did battle with a Knight and conquered - him_ 113 - - CHAPTER 5. - - _Showing who the Knight was whom Amadis conquered, and - what had befallen him before he was conquered_ 119 - - CHAPTER 6. - - _How Don Galaor and Florestan and Agrayes went in quest - of Amadis, and how Amadis forsaking his arms and changing - his name betook himself to a solitary life with a good man - in a hermitage_ 126 - - CHAPTER 7. - - _How Durin returned to his Lady after having delivered - her bidding to Amadis, and of the grief she made for the - news_ 141 - - CHAPTER 8. - - _How Guilan the Pensive took the shield and armour of - Amadis, which he found by the Fountain, and carried them - to the Court of King Lisuarte_ 146 - - CHAPTER 9. - - _Relating how, Beltenebros being upon a Poor Rock, - Corisanda came there in a ship in search of her lover - Florestan, and of what happened, and what she said - in the Court of King Lisuarte_ 153 - - CHAPTER 10. - - _How the Damsel of Denmark went in search of Amadis, - and by adventure after much toil came to the Poor Rock, - where Amadis was, who called himself Beltenebros_ 166 - - CHAPTER 11. - - _How Don Galaor and Florestan and Agrayes having gone - a long time in search of Amadis and found no trace of - him, came all disconsolate to the Court of King - Lisuarte_ 173 - - CHAPTER 12. - - _How, when King Lisuarte was at table, there came in a - strange Knight armed at all points, and defied the King - and all his Court, and of what passed between him and - Florestan, and how Oriana was comforted and Amadis - found_ 183 - - CHAPTER 13. - - _How Beltenebros ordered arms to be made, and prepared - to see his Mistress Oriana, and of the adventures which - befel him upon the road_ 195 - - CHAPTER 14. - - _How Beltenebros having finished these adventures went - to the Fountain of the Three Channels, where he concerted - his going to Miraflores, where his Lady Oriana sojourned. - And how a strange Knight brought certain jewels, which - were to try true lovers to the Court of the King, and how - Amadis agreed with his Lady Oriana that they twain should - go in disguise to try them_ 213 - - CHAPTER 15. - - _How Beltenebros and Oriana sent the Damsel of Denmark - to know what answer was given to their demand, and how - they went to the proof_ 223 - - CHAPTER 16. - - _How Beltenebros went to Miraflores and abode there with - his Lady Oriana after the conquest of the Sword and - Garland, and how he went from thence to the battle which - had been appointed with King Cildadan, and of what there - befel_ 239 - - CHAPTER 17. - - _How King Cildadan and Don Galaor were carried away to - be cured, and how they were placed, the one in a strong - tower surrounded by the sea, the other in a garden with - high walls and iron railings, where each thought he was - in prison, not knowing by whom he had been brought there, - and of what befell them_ 256 - - CHAPTER 18. - - _How the King beheld a strange sight of fires upon the - sea, and of what happened_ 271 - - CHAPTER 19. - - _How when King Lisuarte was talking with his Knights - how he would go against the Island of the Boiling Lake, - to deliver King Arban of North Wales and Angriote of - Estravaus, there came a Damsel of the race of the Giants - from the sea, and demanded before the Court that Amadis - should do battle with Ardan Canileo, and if he conquered - the prisoners should be released and the Island - surrendered to the King; but if Ardan Canileo won the - battle he desired nothing more than to carry the head of - Amadis to Madasima_ 283 - - CHAPTER 20. - - _How the battle was performed between Don Bruneo of - Bonamar, and Madaman the envious, brother to the - Insolent Damsel, and of the confusion which was - occasioned by envy among the friends of Amadis, for - which Amadis forsook the Court of King Lisuarte_ 310 - - CHAPTER 21. - - _How Amadis took leave of King Lisuarte and with him - ten Knights, his friends and kinsmen, who were the best - and bravest of the Court, and went their way to the Firm - Island, where Briolania proved the adventures of the Arch - of True Lovers and of the Forbidden Chamber, and how they - determined to deliver Madasima and her Damsels from the - King's power_ 328 - - CHAPTER 22. - - _How Oriana was greatly afflicted for the departure of - Amadis, and moreover to find herself great with child; - and how twelve Knights came from the Firm Island to - defend Madasima and the other Damsels, who were in danger - of death with them, though there was no just cause why - they should be put to death_ 347 - - - - -TRANSCRIBER'S NOTES: - - -The following corrections have been made to the original text: - - Page 2: how the party had separated[original has "seperated"] - - Page 5: Arcalaus and the others[original has "other"] ran at him - - Page 9: but dexterously[original has "dextrously"] moved aside - - Page 53: She answered[original has "ansswered"], A curse upon - him - - Page 65: I cannot forbear to pity.[period missing in original] - - Page 69: and turned to Abiseos[original has "Abiseous"] - - Page 94: in a higher niche[original has "nich"] than the other - - Page 106: observing what secrecy[original has "secresy"] Amadis - had chosen - - Page 124: Tell me, said[original has "siad"] he - - Page 127: two lions azure in a field or.[period missing in - original] - - Page 129: Say what you will, quoth Amadis[original has "Amaids"] - - Page 139: he returned, and[original has "aud"] this morning - - Page 159: there are strangers[original has "stangers"] here - - Page 159: serving-men were carrying[original has "carrrying"] - the sick Lady - - Page 170: having no power to[original has "so"] speak - - Page 188: I feel strange thoughts in me rebelling.[original has - a comma] - - Page 188: Queen Brisena, Oriana, Mabilia[original has - "Mabililia"], and Olinda - - Page 207: who always[original has "alway"] took this waggon - with him - - Page 211: then put on Basagante's[original has "Basangante's"] - helmet - - Page 230: but drew back greatly abashed.[original has a comma] - Next was Briolania[original has "Briloania"] - - Page 246: When Beltenebros[original has "Beltrenebros"] beheld - that he exclaimed - - Page 247: galloped after him[original has "him him"] sword in - hand - - Page 248: all rejoicing that[original has "that that"] - Beltenebros was Amadis - - Page 301: Florestan carried[original has "carcarried"] his lance - - Page 301: his helmet he looked at[original has "look-at" split - across a line break] his Lady - - Page 330: Sir, of all your household[original has "houshold"] - - Page 338: nothing more to apprehend to-night[original has "to - night"] - - Page 352: had hidden him in Brocadan's[original has "Brocadan"] - house - - Page 366: leave of the Queen and[original has "nd"] of Oriana - - Page 377: CHAPTER 11.[original has "CAAPTER 11" without a - period] - -There is an Errata page at the end of Vol. IV. listing the following -corrections: - -VOL. II. - - 100 18 —_saw_——_seen_. - 115 18 —for God's speak——for God's _sake_ speak. - 211 12 —_the_ blood——_this_ blood. - 229 4 —then blessed——then _he_ blessed. - 240 3 —unless miraculously——unless _God_ miraculously. - 279 11 —_knew_ that I _know_——_know_ that I _knew_. - 291 23 —so dangerous, they esteem it——so dangerous _did_ they esteem it. - 324 7 —_King_——_Knight_. - 339 12 love each truly——love each _other_ truly. - 340 8 _vast_——_sweet_. - -The listed corrections have been made to this text. - - - - - - -End of Project Gutenberg's Amadís of Gaul, Vol. II. of IV., by Vasco Lobeira - -*** END OF THIS PROJECT GUTENBERG EBOOK AMADÍS OF GAUL, VOL. II. 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You may copy it, give it away or -re-use it under the terms of the Project Gutenberg License included -with this eBook or online at www.gutenberg.org/license - - -Title: Amadís of Gaul, Vol. II. of IV. - -Author: Vasco Lobeira - -Release Date: February 1, 2016 [EBook #51099] - -Language: English - -Character set encoding: UTF-8 - -*** START OF THIS PROJECT GUTENBERG EBOOK AMADÍS OF GAUL, VOL. II. OF IV. *** - - - - -Produced by Josep Cols Canals, Lisa Reigel, and the Online -Distributed Proofreading Team at http://www.pgdp.net (This -file was produced from images generously made available -by The Internet Archive/Canadian Libraries) - - - - - - -</pre> - - -<div class="notebox"> -<p>Transcriber's Notes: The <a href="#INDEX">Table of Contents</a> is at the end of this volume. -A complete <a href="#TN">list</a> of corrections as well as other notes follows the text.</p> -</div> - - - - -<div class="chapter"> -<hr class="newchapter" /> -<div class="title"> -<h1 title="Amadis of Gaul, Vol. II. of IV.">Amadis of Gaul,</h1> -</div> - -<p class="tpother">by</p> - -<p class="tpauthor">VASCO LOBEIRA.</p> - -<p class="tpvolume">IN FOUR VOLUMES.<br /> - -VOL. II.</p> - -<p class="tppublisher">LONDON:<br /> -Printed by N. Biggs, Crane-court, Fleet-street,<br /> -FOR T. N. LONGMAN AND O. REES, PATERNOSTER<br /> -ROW.</p> - -<p class="tpother">1803.</p> -</div> - - - - - -<div class="chapter"> -<hr class="newchapter" /> -<p><!-- Page 1 --><span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_1" id="Page_1">[1]</a></span></p> -<h2 class="nobreak"><a name="Amadis_of_Gaul_Book_1" id="Amadis_of_Gaul_Book_1"></a><i>AMADIS of GAUL.</i><br /> - -Book the First.</h2> - - - - -<hr class="newchapter" /> -<h3><a name="CHAPTER_36" id="CHAPTER_36"></a><i>CHAPTER 36.</i></h3> -</div> - - -<p>Amadis and Galaor were within two leagues of London when they saw -Ardian the Dwarf coming towards them as fast as horse could gallop. -Never trust me, quoth Amadis, if he comes not with the news of some -great mishap to seek us. Presently the Dwarf came up and related all -his tidings, and how Oriana was carried away. Holy Mary, help me! cried -Amadis: which way did they take her?—By the city is the nearest road. -Amadis immediately spurred his horse, and gallopped amain towards -London, so confounded with the terror of this news that he never spoke -word to Galaor, who followed him full speed. They passed close by the -town without stopping a minute, only Amadis enquired of all he saw -which way the Princess had been taken; but as Gandalin passed under the -windows where the Queen and <!-- Page 2 --><span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_2" id="Page_2">[2]</a></span>her Ladies were, the Queen called him, -and threw the King's sword to him, which was the best sword that ever -Knight girded on; take it to your Master, quoth she, and God speed him -with it! and tell Galaor that the King went from hence with a Damsel -this morning, and is not yet returned, and we know not where she has -led him. Gandalin took the sword and rode as fast as he could after -Amadis, who coming to a brook missed the bridge in his hurry, and -forcing the horse to leap the tired animal fell short into the mud; -then Gandalin came up to him and gave him the sword, and the horse -which he himself rode. Presently they turned aside from the road to -follow the track of horsemen, and there they saw some woodmen, who -asked them if they came from London, for if a Knight and a Damsel be -missing there, said they, we have seen an adventure; and then they -told them what they had beheld. Who is it that has taken them? quoth -Amadis; for he knew it was Lisuarte by the description. They answered, -the Damsel who led the Knight here called loudly for Arcalaus. Lord -God! quoth Amadis: let me but find that traitor!—The woodmen then told -them how the party had separated, and said that one of the five Knights -who went with the Damsel was the biggest Knight they had ever seen. -Amadis knew that that was <!-- Page 3 --><span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_3" id="Page_3">[3]</a></span>Arcalaus; and bidding Galaor follow where -the King went, he spurred on after Oriana. By sunset the horse could -carry him no farther, and he being greatly distressed, saw a little to -the right of the road a Knight lying dead, and a Squire by him holding -his horse. Who slew that Knight? cried Amadis. A traitor that passed -by, carrying the fairest Damsel in the world by force, and he slew my -master only for asking who they were, and here is no one to help me -to remove the body.—My Squire shall help you: give me your master's -horse: I promise to give you two better in return. He told Gandalin to -follow him after the body was disposed of, and gallopped on. Towards -day-break he came to a hermitage in a valley, and asked the Hermit -if he had seen five Knights pass carrying with them two Damsels? Do -you see yonder castle? he replied: my nephew tells me that Arcalaus -the Enchanter is lodged there, and with him two fair Damsels whom he -hath taken by violence. By God the very villain whom I seek!—He hath -done much evil in this land, replied the Hermit. God remove him, or -mend him!—Then Amadis asked him if he had any barley for his horse; -and, while the horse was feeding, enquired who was the Lord of the -castle. Grumen, said the good man, cousin to Dardan who was slain in -Lisuarte's <!-- Page 4 --><span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_4" id="Page_4">[4]</a></span>court, and therefore the King's enemies put up there. Now -God be with you, father! quoth Amadis; I beseech you remember me in -your prayers! which way to the castle?—Amadis followed the path which -the good man had pointed out, and came up to it, and saw that the wall -was high and the towers strong. He listened and could hear no sound -within, and that pleased him, for he knew that Arcalaus was not gone -forth; and he rode round, and saw that it had only one issue. Then he -retired among some crags, and, dismounting, stood holding the bridle, -and with his eyes fixed upon the gate, like one who had no will to -sleep. By this the morning broke, and he removed farther across a -valley to a hill that was well wooded, for he feared that if those of -the castle saw him they would suspect there were others at hand, and -therefore not come out. Presently the gate opened, and a Knight came -out, and went to a high eminence and looked all round; then returned -into the castle. It was not long before he saw Arcalaus and his four -companions come out, all well armed, and among them Oriana. Ah, God! -quoth he, now and for ever help me in her defence! They drew near him, -and he heard Oriana say, Dear friend, I shall never see thee more, for -I go to my death. The tears came <!-- Page 5 --><span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_5" id="Page_5">[5]</a></span>into his eyes; he descended the hill -as fast as he could, and came after them into a great plain, and then -cried, Arcalaus! traitor! it becomes not one like thee to carry away -so excellent a Lady! Oriana knew the voice, and shook all over; but -Arcalaus and the others ran at him. He took his aim at Arcalaus, and -bore him right over the crupper; then turned his horse and smote at -Grumen, so that the point and part of the stave of the spear came out -at his back, and he fell down dead, and the spear broke in him. Then -he drew the King's sword, and laid about with such rage and violence, -and felt such strength in himself, that he thought if the whole plain -were full of Knights they could not stand before him. We are succoured! -quoth the Damsel of Denmark: it is the fortunate Knight! look at the -wonders he performeth! Ah God protect thee, dear friend! cried Oriana: -none other in the world can save us. The Squire who had her in his -keeping seeing what had passed, cried out, Certes I shall not wait -till those blows come upon my head which shields and helmets cannot -resist! and he put the princess down, and rode off full speed. By this -Amadis had cut thro' the arm of another, and sent him away howling -with the agony of death; and he cleft a third down to the neck. The -fourth began to fly, and <!-- Page 6 --><span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_6" id="Page_6">[6]</a></span>Amadis was after him, when he heard his Lady -cry; and looking round, saw that Arcalaus had mounted again, and was -dragging her up by the arm. Amadis soon came up to them, and lifting up -his sword dared not put forth his strength lest he should slay both, -but with a half-blow he smote him on the shoulder, and cut away part -of the cuirass and the skin; then Arcalaus let Oriana fall, that he -might escape the better. Turn, Arcalaus, cried Amadis, and see if I be -dead as thou hast reported! but he in fear of death spurred on, and -threw his shield from off his neck for speed. The blow made at him just -reached his loins with the sword-end, and fell upon the horse's flank -and wounded it, so that the beast rode away more furiously. Amadis, -albeit he so hated the Enchanter, did not pursue him further, lest he -should lose his mistress, he turned towards her, and alighted and knelt -before her, and kissed her hand, saying, now let God do with me what he -will! I never thought to see you again. She being among the dead was -in great terror, and could not speak, but she embraced him. The Damsel -of Denmark going to hold his horse saw the sword of Arcalaus on the -ground, and admiring its beauty gave it to Amadis; but he seeing it -was right glad thereof, for it was King Perion's sword which had been -placed in his cradle, <!-- Page 7 --><span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_7" id="Page_7">[7]</a></span>and which Arcalaus had taken when he enchanted -him. Presently Gandalin came up, who had travelled all night long: a -joyful man was he seeing how the quest had ended.</p> - -<p>Amadis then placed Oriana upon the Damsels palfrey, while Gandalin -caught one of the loose horses for the Damsel, and taking her bridle -they left the place of battle. But Amadis as they went along reminded -Oriana how she had promised to be his; hitherto, said he, I have known -that it was not in your power to show me more favour than you did; but -now that you are at full liberty, how should I support disappointments -without the worst despair that ever destroyed man! Dear friend, quoth -she, never for my sake shall you suffer, for I am at your will: though -it be an error and a sin now, let it not be so before God.—When they -had proceeded about three leagues they entered a thick wood, and about -a league farther there was a town. Oriana, who had not slept a wink -since she left her father's house, complained of fatigue: let us rest -in that valley, said Amadis. There was a brook there and soft herbage; -there Amadis took her from her palfrey: the noon, said he, is coming on -very hot, let us sleep here till it be cooler, and meantime Gandalin -shall go bring us food from the <!-- Page 8 --><span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_8" id="Page_8">[8]</a></span>town. He may go, replied Oriana, but -who will give him food?—They will give it him for his horse, which -he may leave in pledge, and return on foot. No: said Oriana, let him -take my ring, which was never before so useful: and she gave it to -Gandalin, who, as he went by Amadis, said to him, he who loses a good -opportunity, Sir, must wait long before he find another. Oriana laid -herself down upon the Damsel's cloak, while Amadis disarmed, of which -he had great need, and the Damsel retired farther among the trees to -sleep. Then was his Lady in his power, nothing loth; and the fairest -Damsel in the world became a Woman. Yet was their love encreased -thereby, as pure and true love alway is.</p> - -<p>When Galaor returned, the Damsel prepared the food; and, though they -had neither many serving-men, nor vessels of gold and silver, yet was -that a sweet meal upon the green grass in the forest.</p> - - - -<div class="chapter"> -<hr class="newchapter" /><p><!-- Page 9 --><span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_9" id="Page_9">[9]</a></span></p> -<h3><a name="CHAPTER_37" id="CHAPTER_37"></a><i>CHAPTER 37.</i></h3> -</div> - - -<p>Galaor rode on after the King so fast as his horse could carry him; -still following the track of the horsemen. About vespers he met a -Knight who cried out to him, whither so fast? stop and tell me! I have -no time, quoth he.—By St. Mary, you pass not so! tell me, or fight me! -But Galaor still rode on.—Certes, Knight, cried the stranger, you have -committed some villainy that you fly so fast: defend yourself! Galaor -turned as if to meet him in his career, but dexterously moved aside, -so that the Knight's horse in his speed carried him a good way on. Ah, -coward! cried the Knight, when at last he turned, thou shalt answer me -or die! and he ran at him again full tilt. Again Galaor avoided the -encounter, and rode on as fast as he could. When the Knight saw him -far before, he said, as God shall help me, he shall not escape so! -and knowing the country well, he <!-- Page 10 --><span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_10" id="Page_10">[10]</a></span>struck across by a nearer way, and -took possession of a pass. Faint-hearted coward! quoth he, chuse now -of three things: fight, or turn back, or answer me! I like neither, -replied Galaor, and you are discourteous: if you want to know why I go -so fast, follow me and see; I should lose time in telling you, and you -would not believe me, it is for so great an evil. The Knight answered, -In God's name then go on, and I will follow thee though for these three -days.</p> - -<p>In about half a league's time they saw one Knight running after his -horse, and another gallopping away from him. He who was with Galaor -knew him on foot, for he was his cousin, and he caught the horse -for him, and asked him, how is this? He replied, I was riding along -thinking upon you know what, when that Knight yonder gave me such a -thrust on my shield that the horse fell upon his knees and threw me. I -drew my sword, and called to him to do battle; but he only cried out, -remember to answer another time when you are spoken to! and so he rode -away. By my faith in God, let us follow him, and see you how I will -avenge myself. I cannot, said his cousin, now, for I must keep this -Knight company for three days; and then he related what had befallen -him <!-- Page 11 --><span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_11" id="Page_11">[11]</a></span>with Galaor. Quoth the other, certes either he is the greatest -coward in the world, or he goes upon some great adventure: I will -forego my own vengeance to see the end of this. By this Galaor was far -before them, for he did not tarry a whit, and they rode after him. It -was now drawing towards night. Galaor entered a forest, and soon lost -the track, for it was dark, so that he knew not which way to take. Then -he began to pray to God to guide him that he might be the first to -succour the King; and thinking that those horsemen might have led the -King apart from the road to rest themselves, he went along the bottoms -listening every where if he might hear them. The Knights thinking he -had kept the road, rode straight forward about a league till they came -through the forest, and not seeing him there they imagined he had -hidden himself, and they turned aside to lodge in the house of a Dame -hard by.</p> - -<p>When Galaor had searched the forest throughout, and found nothing, he -resolved to proceed, and ascend some eminence the next day to look -about. So recovering the road, he went on till he came into the open -country, and there he saw before him in a valley a little fire. Thither -he went; it was some forgemen, and they seeing him come <!-- Page 12 --><span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_12" id="Page_12">[12]</a></span>among them in -arms, took up lances and hatchets to defend themselves; but he bidding -them not fear, besought them to give him some barley for his horse. -The which they did, and he gave the beast his supper. They would have -given him also to eat, but he would not; only he lay down to sleep, -requesting them to wake him before day-break. The night was two parts -gone, and Galaor lay down by the fire, completely armed. At dawn he -rose, for he had not slept much for pure vexation, and, commending them -to God, he took his leave. His Squire had not been able to keep pace -with him, and thenceforth he vowed if God prospered him, to give his -Squire the better horse. So he rode to a high hill, and from thence -began to look all round him.</p> - -<p>The two cousins had now left the Lady's house, and it being now day -they saw Galaor on the eminence, and knowing him by his shield rode -towards him. As they drew nigh they saw him descend the hill as fast -as horse could carry him. Certes, quoth the one, he is flying and -concealing himself for some mischief: if I come up with him, God never -help me if I do not learn from him what he hath deserved. But Galaor, -thinking nothing of them, had just seen ten Knights passing <!-- Page 13 --><span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_13" id="Page_13">[13]</a></span>a strait -at the entrance of the forest, of whom five rode first and five behind, -and some unarmed men went in the middle. These he thought to be the -villains with the King, and went towards them like a man who has -devoted his own life to save another. Coming near, he saw Lisuarte with -the chain about his neck; and then, with grief and rage that defied -danger, he ran at the first five, exclaiming, Ah, traitors! to your own -misfortune have you laid hands upon the best man in the world! The five -at once ran at him; he smote the first so sternly, that the wood of his -lance appeared through his back, and he fell dead; the others smote -him with such force that his horse fell upon his knees, and one of -them drove his spear between Galaor's shield and breast-plate. Galaor -forced it from him, and striking at another with it, nailed his leg -to the horse, and left the broken lance in them; then putting hand to -sword, the others all came at him, and he defended himself so bravely -that every one wondered how he could bear up against such blows. But -being in this great press of danger, it pleased God to succour him -with the two cousins who were in his pursuit, who seeing his great -chivalry, exclaimed, Of a truth we wrongly called him coward: let us -go help the best Knight in the world! With that they ran <!-- Page 14 --><span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_14" id="Page_14">[14]</a></span>full tilt to -his assistance, like men who knew their business, for they had each -been Errant Knights for ten years, and the one was called Ladasin, the -sword-player, and the other Don Guilan the pensive, the good Knight. -At this time Galaor had great need of their aid, for his helmet was -hacked and battered, his harness open in many places, and his horse -tottering with loss of blood; yet he felt assured that, if his horse -did not fail him, he should bring it to a good end. But when the two -cousins came to his help, then he bestirred himself more hopefully, for -he marvelled at their prowess. The load of blows was lightened, and he -had room for action. When the Cousin of Arcalaus saw how things were -going, for his Knights were falling on all sides, he ran to Lisuarte to -slay him. Those who were with the King had fled, and he got from off -the palfrey with the chain about his neck, and caught up a shield and -sword from the ground, and received upon the shield the blow that was -meant for his death. The sword passed a palm's length through the rim -of the shield, and with its point reaching the head made a slant wound -to the skull; but the King smote at his enemy's horse in the face, so -that the traitor could not repeat the blow, and the horse reared and -fell back upon the <!-- Page 15 --><span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_15" id="Page_15">[15]</a></span>rider. Galaor now on foot, for his horse could not -move, ran to him to smite off his head; but the King called out not to -slay him. By this the two cousins had made an end of their last enemy, -and then turning round they knew the King, to their great wonder, -for they knew nothing of what had happened; and they took off their -helmets, and knelt before him. He raised them up, saying, By my God, -friends, you have succoured me in time! great wrong, Don Guilan, hath -your mistress done me in withdrawing you from my company, and for your -sake I lose Ladasin also. Guilan was ashamed at these words, and his -cheeks crimsoned, for he loved the Dutchess of Bristol and she loved -him, and the Duke always suspected it was he who had entered his castle -when Galaor was there.</p> - -<p>Galaor had now taken the chain from Lisuarte, and fastened it round -the cousin of Arcalaus; they took the horses of the dead, one for the -King, and one for Galaor, and rode towards London. They halted at -the dwelling of Ladasin, and there found Galaor's Squire and Ardian -the Dwarf, who thought his master had taken that way. A Squire was -sent forthwith to inform the Queen of Lisuarte's safety. They rested -that night; and, as they set forth on <!-- Page 16 --><span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_16" id="Page_16">[16]</a></span>the morning, their prisoners -confessed how all that had passed had been concerted with Barsinan, -that he might make himself King of Great Britain; which, when Lisuarte -heard, he spurred on in greater haste.</p> - - - - -<div class="chapter"> -<hr class="newchapter" /> -<p><!-- Page 17 --><span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_17" id="Page_17">[17]</a></span></p> -<h3><a name="CHAPTER_38" id="CHAPTER_38"></a><i>CHAPTER 38.</i></h3> -</div> - - -<p>The woodmen had carried the news of Lisuarte's imprisonment to London; -immediately there was a great stir in the city: the Knights all ran -to horse, and gallopped to his rescue, so that the whole plain seemed -full of them. King Arban of North Wales was talking with the Queen, -when his Squires brought him horse and arms, and a Page said to him, -arm yourself, Sir! what are you doing? there is not a Knight of all -the King's company, except yourself, who is not gone full speed to the -forest. And why? quoth Arban.—Because they say ten Knights are carrying -away the King prisoner. Holy Mary! exclaimed the Queen; I always feared -this! and she fell down in a swoon. Arban left her to the care of her -Ladies, all making loud lamentation, and armed himself. As he was -mounting, he heard a great cry that the Tower was taken. Holy Mary! -<!-- Page 18 --><span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_18" id="Page_18">[18]</a></span>quoth he, we are all betrayed! and then he knew he must not leave the -Queen. By this time there was such an uproar in the town, as if all the -people of the world were there. Arban drew up his two hundred Knights -before the Queen's palace, and sent two of them to discover the cause -of the tumult. They went to the Tower, and saw that Barsinan had got -possession of it, and was killing some and throwing others from the -walls, for he had six hundred Knights with him, besides footmen, and -the King's Knights suspecting nothing had all gone to their master's -rescue. The townsmen hearing this, ran all armed as they could in haste -to the Queen's palace, and there also Barsinan went that he might take -her, and get possession of the crown and throne. When he arrived he -found Arban ready for defence. Arban, quoth he, you have hitherto been -the wisest Knight of a young man that has been known: see now that you -lose not your wisdom. Why do you say this? cried Arban.—Because before -five days end Lisuarte's head will be sent me, and there is no other -in this land who can and ought to be King except myself, and King I -will be! I give you the kingdom of North Wales which you now hold, -because you are a good Knight and wise: so retire now, and let me take -the crown and throne, for whosoever <!-- Page 19 --><span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_19" id="Page_19">[19]</a></span>opposes me shall lose his head. -Villain and Traitor! quoth Arban; and then began a sharp conflict, -wherein many were slain, which lasted till night, for the streets being -narrow Barsinan could not avail himself of his numbers, and King Arban -so behaved himself that he that day saved the Queen.</p> - -<p>At night both parties retired: the Queen then sent for Arban; he went -to her armed as he was, and wounded in many places, and, when he came -before her, took off his battered helmet. There were five wounds in -his face and neck, and his countenance was all bloody; but it seemed a -beautiful face to those who, under God, thought him their protector. -But the Queen seeing him, wept aloud with great pity: Ah, good nephew, -God defend thee! what will become of the King? and what will become of -us? Of him, quoth Arban, we shall have good news; for ourselves, fear -nothing from these traitors: your vassals who are with me can defend -themselves in their great loyalty.—But, Nephew, you are not in a state -to bear arms, and what can the others do without you?—Fear not, Lady, -so long as life is in me I shall not forsake my arms.</p> - -<p><!-- Page 20 --><span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_20" id="Page_20">[20]</a></span></p><p>Barsinan, who found his people had need of rest, took twenty Knights -with him in the morning, and went to a post which Arban's High Steward -kept. They at the barrier took their arms to defend themselves, but -Barsinan cried out that he came to speak with them, and make a truce -till noon; to which Arban, being advised thereof, assented willingly, -for the most part of his company had been so hardly handled that they -could not bear arms. Barsinan then went to Arban, and said he would -make a truce for five days. Agreed, said Arban, but provided that -you shall not attempt to take any thing in the town; and that if the -King comes, we immediately act as he may order us. I grant all this, -said Barsinan, that there may be no more battling, for I value my own -Knights, and I value you who will be mine sooner than you think. I will -tell you how: the King is dead, and I have his daughter and will make -her my wife. God forsake me then, quoth Arban, if ever thou shalt have -truce with me, since thou art a partaker in the treason against my -liege Lord! go and do thy worst! And before night Barsinan made three -attacks upon him, and was repulsed.</p> - - - - -<div class="chapter"> -<hr class="newchapter" /> -<p><!-- Page 21 --><span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_21" id="Page_21">[21]</a></span></p> -<h3><a name="CHAPTER_39" id="CHAPTER_39"></a><i>CHAPTER 39.</i></h3> -</div> - - -<p>Meantime Amadis asked Oriana what Arcalaus had said to her. He told -me not to grieve, said she, for within fifteen days he would make me -Queen of London, and give me Barsinan for my husband, to whom he was to -give me and my father's head, and be made his High Steward in return. -Holy Mary! quoth Amadis: Barsinan, who seemed such a friend! I fear -lest he do injury to the Queen. Dear friend, cried Oriana, hasten on! -I must to my sorrow, replied Amadis, for else I should have delighted -to pass four days here in the forest with you, if it had pleased you. -Oriana answered, God knows how willingly! but great evil might happen -thereby to this land, which if God pleases will one day be yours and -mine. As soon as it was morning Amadis armed himself, and leading his -Lady's bridle, rode on as fast as they could towards London; and every -where they met <!-- Page 22 --><span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_22" id="Page_22">[22]</a></span>the Knights, five by five, and ten by ten, as they -were seeking the King; more than a thousand they met, and told them -which way the King was gone, and how Galaor was in quest of him. When -they came within five leagues of London they met Grumedan, the good -old Knight who had fostered the Queen; twenty of his lineage were with -him, and they had been all night long scouring the forest. He seeing -Oriana went towards her weeping: Oh God, Lady, what a good day with -your coming! but what tidings of the King? They told him what they -knew, and Amadis said to him, Take you charge of Oriana, and bid all -the Knights that you shall meet turn back, for if numbers can succour -him, there are already more than enough gone: I must go with all speed -to protect the Queen. With that he gallopped away: at the entrance of -the city he found the Squire whom Lisuarte had sent with the news of -his deliverance, and learnt also the state of the city. So entering -as privately as he could he went to Arban, who embraced him right -joyfully, and asked, what news? As good as heart could wish! quoth -Amadis: let us go to the Queen. He took with him Ladasin's messenger, -and kneeling before Brisena, said, Lady, this Squire has left Lisuarte -safe and well, and I have left Oriana with your fosterer <!-- Page 23 --><span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_23" id="Page_23">[23]</a></span>Grumedan; -they will soon be here, but I must go look after Barsinan. He then -changed his shield and helmet that he might not be known, and bade -Arban throw down the barriers, that the traitors might come freely -on, for by God's help they shall pay dearly for their treason! The -barriers were thrown down, and Barsinan prest on at the head of his -people, thinking that all would now be his, for his own men were many -and his enemies few, and he was eager to seize the Queen. The King's -party gave back being overpowered, then Amadis went forth; he had on -a rusty helmet, and a plain shield hanging from his neck; but he was -soon judged to be a good one, and he went on making his way through the -press; and having the good sword of Lisuarte by his side. He forced his -way to Barsinan and encountered him; drove his lance through shield -and corselet, and left the broken spear in him half way of its iron; -then drew he his sword, and smote off the crest and top of his helmet, -and the scalp of his head, for the sword cut so finely that Amadis -could scarce feel the blow he gave; with another stroke he sheared -thro' gauntlet and hand, and the sword passing through the bone of the -wrist, fell on the leg and entered in half through. Then Barsinan fell, -and Amadis turned upon the throng, and King Arban so prest <!-- Page 24 --><span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_24" id="Page_24">[24]</a></span>them that -they who could escape slaughter ran to the Tower, and made fast the -gates. Amadis finding he could not force entrance readily, went back -to Barsinan, and finding him still alive, ordered that he should be -carried to the palace and kept till the King's return. Then the strife -being over, he looked at the bloody sword which he held in his hand. -Sword! quoth he, in a happy day was the Knight born who shall wield -you! and certes you are well employed, for being the best in the world, -you belong to the noblest King! He then disarmed himself, and went to -the Queen; and Arban was laid in his bed, as there was great need, for -he was sorely wounded.</p> - -<p>At this time King Lisuarte was hastening to London. Of the Knights whom -he met, some he made turn back, others he sent through the vallies and -by all roads to recal their comrades from their search. The first whom -he met were Agrayes and Galvanes, and Solinan and Galdan, and Dinadaus -and Bervas, all six together making great moan; who when they saw him -would have kissed his hand, but he joyfully embraced them. Sir, said -Dinadaus, the whole city are in quest of you like mad men. Nephew, -replied the King, take some of these Knights with you, and carry my -shield <!-- Page 25 --><span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_25" id="Page_25">[25]</a></span>that you may be the sooner obeyed, and turn back all whom you -meet. This Dinadaus was one of the best Knights of the King's lineage, -and well esteemed among all good Knights, as well for courteous bearing -as for his good chivalry and prowess. When they came into the high -road to London they fell in with Grumedan, the King's so dear friend, -who was conducting Oriana home; and I tell you their pleasure was -exceeding great, and the old man told him how Amadis was gone to the -Queen's succour. Presently they heard news what Barsinan had done, and -how King Arban had defended the city, and how by the coming of Amadis -all had been ended and the traitor taken. By the time the King reached -London, there were in his company more than two thousand Knights. When -he came to the palace, who can tell the joy that was made? Immediately -he had the Tower surrounded, and having made Barsinan and the Cousin -of Arcalaus confess the whole manner of their treason, they were both -burnt in sight of their own people, who having no provisions, neither -any remedy, in five days came to the King's mercy, and he executed -justice upon some and pardoned others. Thus ended this treason, but it -was the cause of much enmity between the countries of Great Britain -and Sansuena, for a son of <!-- Page 26 --><span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_26" id="Page_26">[26]</a></span>Barsinan, who was a good Knight, came -afterwards against Lisuarte with a great power.</p> - -<p>These dangers over the court proceeded as before, making great pastimes -and festivals as well by night in the town, as by day in the fields. -On one of those days the Lady and her sons arrived, before whom Amadis -and Galaor had made their covenant with Madasima. They seeing her went -honourably to bid her welcome. Friends, said she, you know wherefore I -am come: what will you do in this case? will you not keep your promise, -for to-day is the time? In God's name, replied Galaor, let us go before -the King. Let us go, quoth she. Then coming into the presence, the Lady -made her obeisance and said, Sir, I come here to see these Knights -perform a covenant which they have made; and then she repeated what -they had promised to Madasima, the Lady of Gantasi. Ah Galaor, cried -the King, you have undone me! Galaor answered, better this than to die: -if we had been known, all the world could not have saved our lives; and -now the remedy is easier than you imagine. Brother, remember you have -promised to follow my example! Then Galaor related before the King, -and all the Knights present, by what treachery they had been taken. -Sir King, said he, I now forsake you <!-- Page 27 --><span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_27" id="Page_27">[27]</a></span>and your company for the sake -of Madasima, the Lady of Castle Gantasi; for it is her will to do you -this displeasure, and whatever others she can, for the hatred she bears -you. Amadis affirmed what his brother had said. Have we performed our -covenant? then said Galaor to the three witnesses; they answered, yes, -truly, you have acquitted your promise. In God's name! quoth Galaor, -and now you may return when you please, and tell Madasima that she hath -not made her terms so cunningly as she thought, as you may see. Sir, -we have kept our covenant with Madasima, and forsaken your service; -but it was not stipulated how long we were to be out of your service, -therefore we are free to use our own will, and freely again enter your -service as before. At this Lisuarte was greatly pleased, and said to -the Lady, Certes these Knights have fairly acquitted themselves of a -promise so treacherously obtained, and just it is that they who deceive -should be themselves deceived. Tell Madasima, that, if she hates me, -she had it in her power to do me the greatest ill that could happen; -but God, who has preserved them from other perils, would not suffer -them to perish by such hands. If it please you, Sir, said the Lady, -tell me who these Knights are?—Amadis and Don Galaor his brother. What! -was <!-- Page 28 --><span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_28" id="Page_28">[28]</a></span>Amadis in her power? cried she: now God be praised that they are -safe, for certes it had been great misadventure if two such good men -had so perished? She will be ready for pure vexation to inflict the -death upon herself which she designed for them. Truly, quoth the King, -that would be more justly done. So the Lady went her way.</p> - - - - -<div class="chapter"> -<hr class="newchapter" /><p><!-- Page 29 --><span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_29" id="Page_29">[29]</a></span></p> -<h3><a name="CHAPTER_40" id="CHAPTER_40"></a><i>CHAPTER 40.</i></h3> -</div> - - -<p>Twelve days together did King Lisuarte continue his court, and, when -it broke up, though many Knights departed to their own lands, it was -a wonder how many remained, and in like manner many Dames and Damsels -continued to abide with the Queen. Among those whom the King received -into his company were the cousins Ladasin and Guilan the pensive, both -good Knights, but Guilan was the better of the twain, for in the whole -kingdom of London there was none who surpassed him in worth; but so -absent was he, that none could enjoy his conversation or company, and -of this love was the cause, and that to a Lady who neither loved him -nor any thing else to such an excess: her name was Brandalisa, sister -to the Queen of Sobradisa, and married to the Duke of Bristol.</p> - -<p>The day came whereon that Duke was summoned to appear and answer the -appeal of Olivas. The <!-- Page 30 --><span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_30" id="Page_30">[30]</a></span>Duke arrived, and was courteously by the King -received. Sir, quoth he, you have summoned me to answer an accusation: -he who made it lies, and I am ready to acquit myself as you shall judge -right. Then uprose Olivas, and with him all the Errant Knights present. -Lisuarte asked why they all arose. Grumedan answered, because the Duke -threatens all Knights Errant, and therefore we are all concerned. -Certes, quoth the King, a mad war hath he undertaken! there is not in -the world a King so mighty, or so wise, that he could bring a war like -that to good issue! but retire you at present, and seek not now to -avenge yourselves: he shall have full justice. All then withdrew, but -Olivas, who said, the Duke who standeth before you, Sir, hath slain my -Cousin-german, who never by word or deed gave him occasion of offence: -I therefore accuse him as a traitor for this, and will either make him -confess it, or kill him, or force him out of the lists. The Duke told -him he lied, and that he was ready to acquit himself. The combat was -fixed for the next day, for the Duke's two nephews who were to fight on -his side were not yet arrived.</p> - -<p>They came that evening; the Duke made such account of them that he -thought Olivas could not <!-- Page 31 --><span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_31" id="Page_31">[31]</a></span>produce their peers. They went before the -King. Olivas defied the Duke, who demanded battle, three to three. Then -Don Galvanes, who was at the feet of the King, rose, and called his -nephew Agrayes, and said to Olivas, Friend, we promised to be on your -side if need was: now then let the battle be. When the Duke saw them, -he remembered how they had rescued the Damsel whom he would have burnt, -and he was somewhat abashed. They armed themselves, and entered the -place appointed for such trials; one party through the one gate, the -other on the opposite side. From the Queen's window Olinda overlooked -the lists, and seeing Agrayes about to fight her heart failed her; and -Mabilia and Oriana were greatly grieved for the love they bore to him -and Galvanes. The lists were cleared: the King withdrew from them, and -the champions ran their encounter. Agrayes and his Uncle dismounted -their enemies, and broke both their lances. Olivas made the Duke fall -on his horse's neck, but received a deep wound himself, and the Duke -recovered his seat. Agrayes rode at him, and laid on him a heavy load -of blows, heartily hating him for his great discourtesy and falsehood; -but one of the dismounted Knights struck at the Prince's horse, and -buried the sword in his flank: the horse fell, and the Duke and his -<!-- Page 32 --><span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_32" id="Page_32">[32]</a></span>Nephew both assailed Agrayes as he lay upon the ground. Don Galvanes, -closely busied with his antagonist, saw nothing of this. At that hour -all who loved Agrayes were in great consternation; Amadis yearned to -be among them, for he greatly feared his cousin's death; the three -Damsels above were well nigh desperate, and it was pitiful to behold -Olinda, what she suffered. Howbeit, Agrayes got on his feet, and with -the good sword of Amadis, which he wielded, laid lustily about him. Ah, -God, cried Galaor aloud, what is Olivas about this while! better that -he had never borne arms, if he fails at a time like this! But Galaor -knew not what sore agony Olivas suffered; for he had such a wound, -and bled so fast, that it was a wonder how he kept his seat. He saw -the peril of Agrayes, and heaving a deep sigh, as one whose heart did -not fail him though his strength was failing, he cried, Oh God, let -me help my good friend before my soul depart! and then, feebly as he -could, he laid hand to sword and turned upon the Duke, and his spirit -kept him up. Agrayes was now left man to man, and he remembered that -his Lady saw him, and he laid on so furiously that his friends trembled -lest his strength and breath should fail him; but this was his custom, -and if his strength had been equal to his great <!-- Page 33 --><span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_33" id="Page_33">[33]</a></span>courage, he would -have been one of the best Knights in the world; but even as it was he -was right good, and of great prowess. Anon he had cut through armour -and flesh in sundry places, and left his foe quivering with death, at -the same moment when Olivas, fainting for loss of blood, fell from -his horse. The Duke not seeing how Agrayes had fared, turned upon -Galvanes; Agrayes leaped upon Olivas's horse, and rode to his Uncle's -assistance: he smote the Duke's Nephew upon the helmet, so that the -sword stuck there; and plucking it away, he burst the lacings, and -left him bareheaded to the wrath of Galvanes, while he turned upon the -Duke. Presently Galvanes having finished his enemy, attacked the Duke -on the other side, but his horse being wounded fell and bruised him, -so that man to man were left. Still were all the beholders right glad; -but above all Don Guilan, who hoped to see the Duke slain, for the love -he bore to his wife. The Duke was flying, Agrayes reached the rim of -his shield, the sword went in, the Duke threw off the shield from his -neck, and still fled; then turned, while Agrayes was recovering his -sword, and struck twice at him. The Prince, as soon as his weapon was -free, requited him with a blow on the left shoulder that went through -harness and flesh and bone, down to the <!-- Page 34 --><span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_34" id="Page_34">[34]</a></span>ribs. The Duke fell, but hung -in the stirrup, and the horse dragged him out of the lists, and when -he was picked up his head was found dashed to pieces by the horse's -heels. Agrayes forthwith alighted, and ran to his uncle, and asked how -he fared. Bravely, quoth Galvanes, God be thanked! but I am right sorry -for Olivas, for methinks he is dead. They then cast the two nephews out -of the lists; then went to Olivas, and found that he had just opened -his eyes, and was asking to be confessed. Galvanes looked at his wound: -take heart, cried he, it is not in a dangerous place! Sir, replied -Olivas, my heart and all my limbs are dying away; I have been sore -wounded ere now, but never was in such weakness. They disarmed him, -and the fresh air was of service, and the blood somewhat ceased. The -King sent a bed whereon to remove him, and skilful surgeons dressed his -wound, and said that though it was very deep, by God's help they could -heal it.</p> - -<p>The Queen then sent Grumedan to bring Brandalisa to court, and, with -her, her niece Aldeva: Thereat was Don Guilan well pleased, and in -a month they arrived, and were honourably welcomed. So the fame of -King Lisuarte went abroad, and in half a year it was a marvel how -<!-- Page 35 --><span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_35" id="Page_35">[35]</a></span>many Knights came from foreign parts to serve him, whom he rewarded -bountifully, hoping by their aid not only to preserve his own kingdom, -but to conquer others, that in old times had been subject and tributary -to Great Britain.</p> - - - - -<div class="chapter"> -<hr class="newchapter" /> -<p><!-- Page 36 --><span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_36" id="Page_36">[36]</a></span></p> -<h3><a name="CHAPTER_41" id="CHAPTER_41"></a><i>CHAPTER 41.</i></h3> -</div> - - -<p>This history has related to you how Amadis promised Briolania to -revenge her father's death, and how she gave him a sword, and that when -in his combat with Gasinan he broke the sword, he gave the pieces to -Gandalin's care: You shall now hear how the battle was performed, and -what great danger he underwent because of that broken sword, not from -any fault of his own, but for the ignorance of his dwarf Ardian.</p> - -<p>Amadis, now recollecting that the time was come to perform his promise, -acquainted Oriana, and requested her leave, though to him it was like -dividing his heart from his bosom to leave her; and she granted it, -albeit with many tears, and a sorrow that seemed to presage what evil -was about to happen. Amadis took the Queen's leave for form's sake, and -departed with Galaor and Agrayes. They <!-- Page 37 --><span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_37" id="Page_37">[37]</a></span>had gone about half a league, -when he asked Gandalin if he had brought the three pieces of the sword -which Briolania had given him, and finding he had not, bade him return -and fetch them. The Dwarf said he would go, for he had nothing to delay -him; and this was the means whereby Amadis and Oriana were both brought -into extreme misery, neither they nor the Dwarf himself being culpable.</p> - -<p>The Dwarf rode back to his master's lodging, found the pieces of the -sword, put them in his skirt, and was retiring, when, as he passed the -palace, he heard himself called. Looking up, he saw Oriana and Mabilia, -who asked him why he had not gone with his master. I set out with him, -said he, but returned for this; and he showed her the broken sword. -What can your master want a broken sword for? quoth Oriana. Because, -said the Dwarf, he values it more than the two best whole ones, for her -sake who gave it him.—And who is she—The Lady for whom he undertakes -this combat, and though you are daughter to the best King in the world, -yet, fair as you are, you would rather win what she has won, than -possess all your father's lands.—What gain so precious hath she made? -perchance she hath gained your <!-- Page 38 --><span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_38" id="Page_38">[38]</a></span>master?—Yes, she has, his whole heart! -and he remains her Knight to serve her! Then, giving his horse the -lash, he gallopped away, little thinking the wrong he had done. Oriana -remained pale as death; she burst into bitter reproaches against the -falsehood of Amadis, and wrung her hands, and her heart was so agitated -that not a tear did she shed. It was in vain that Mabilia and the -Damsel of Denmark strove to allay her rage with reasonable words: as -passionate women will do, she followed her own will, which led her to -commit so great an error, that God's mercy was necessary to repair it.</p> - -<p>The Dwarf rejoined his master, and showed him the pieces of his sword, -but Amadis asked him no questions, and he said nothing of what had -passed. Presently they met a Damsel, who asked whither they were -going.—Along this road.—I advise you to leave it.—Why?—Because no -Knight hath taken it for fifteen days but he hath been either slain -or wounded. And who hath done all this mischief? quoth Amadis.—The -best Knight in arms that I have ever seen. Damsel, said Agrayes, you -must shew us this Knight.—He will shew himself so soon as you enter -the forest. The Damsel then followed them; they looked all round the -<!-- Page 39 --><span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_39" id="Page_39">[39]</a></span>forest in vain, till, as they were at the other side thereof, they saw -a Knight of good stature completely armed, on a roan horse, holding -a lance, and a Squire by him with four other lances. He speaking to -his Squire, the man laid the lances against a tree, and came up to -the Knights.—Sirs, yonder Knight sends to inform ye that he hath kept -this forest for fifteen days against all Knights Errant with fair -fortune, and for the pleasure of the joust hath yet stayed a day and -a half longer than his time appointed; he says, that if it please you -to joust with him he is ready, but there shall be no sword combat, -for in that he hath done much evil against his own will, and will -avoid it henceforth if he can. Agrayes had taken his helm and thrown -the shield round his neck, while the Squire was speaking: tell him to -defend himself! quoth he. They ran their race; their spears brake, and -Agrayes was dismounted, and his horse ran loose, whereat he was greatly -ashamed. Galaor took his arms to avenge him; the lances were broken: -their bodies met with such force, that Galaor's horse, being the -weaker and more weary, fell and threw him, and then ran away. Amadis -seeing this, blessed himself: in truth, said he, the Knight may well -be praised, for he hath proved himself against two of the best in the -world; but as he <!-- Page 40 --><span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_40" id="Page_40">[40]</a></span>went on to take his turn he found Galaor on foot, -with his sword in hand defying the Knight to battle, but the Knight -laughed at him; and Amadis said, brother, do not chafe yourself; it was -the covenant that there should be no sword-battle. Then he bade the -stranger defend himself, and they ran at each other: their spears flew -up in splinters; they came against each other, shield and helmet; the -horse fell with Amadis, and the horse broke his shoulder; the Knight of -the forest was dismounted, but he held the reins, and lightly took the -saddle again. Quoth Amadis, you must joust again, for this encounter -was equal, we both fell. I do not chuse to joust again, said he. Amadis -replied, Knight, you do me wrong. Right yourself when you can! said -the other: I am bound no farther, as I sent to tell you! and then he -gallopped away through the forest.</p> - -<p>Amadis leapt upon Gandalin's horse, and told his companions to follow -him as fast as they could to find that Knight, for they were all -greatly abashed. Quoth the Damsel, it will be a foolish quest: all the -Knights of King Lisuarte's household would fail to find him without a -guide. My friend, said Galaor, belike you know who he is, and where -to be found? If I do, quoth she, I mean not to tell <!-- Page 41 --><span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_41" id="Page_41">[41]</a></span>you, for I would -bring no harm to so good a man. Ah, Damsel, said Galaor, by the faith -you owe to God, and by the thing in the world which you love best, tell -me what you know of him. She answered, I care not for these conjurings, -and will not discover him for nothing. Ask what you will, quoth -Amadis.—Tell me your name, and promise me each a boon hereafter, when -I shall demand it. They in their earnestness promised. When she heard -the name of Amadis, she exclaimed, God be praised, for I was seeking -you!—And wherefore?—You shall know when it is time; but tell me, have -you forgot your promise to the daughter of the King of Sobradisa, -who let loose the lions to save you? I am now going, replied Amadis, -to perform the battle. Why then, quoth she, would you turn astray to -follow this Knight, who is not so easy to find as you imagine, when -your day is appointed for the combat? She says true, Sir brother, said -Galaor: go you with Agrayes upon this business; I will follow the -Knight with this Damsel, for I shall never have joy till I find him, -and I will join you in time for the battle if it be possible. In God's -name! cried Amadis, but tell us, Damsel, the name of the Knight.—I know -it not, yet once I was a month with him and saw never else such deeds -of arms; but I can <!-- Page 42 --><span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_42" id="Page_42">[42]</a></span>show where he is to be found. Then Galaor departed -with her.</p> - -<p>Amadis and Agrayes proceeded till they came to the castle of Torin, the -dwelling of that fair young Damsel, who was now grown so beautiful that -she appeared like a bright star. What think you of her? said Amadis. -Agrayes answered, if her Maker designed to make her beautiful, he has -most perfectly accomplished his will. They were disarmed, and mantles -given them, and they were conducted into the hall. But when Briolania -saw Amadis how young he was, for he was not twenty, and how beautiful, -for even the scars in his face became him, and of what fair renown he -was, she thought him the best Knight in the world, and greatly affected -him; so that when by his help she had recovered her kingdom, she would -have given him herself and that, but Amadis told her right loyally how -he was another's.</p> - - - - -<div class="chapter"> -<hr class="newchapter" /> -<p><!-- Page 43 --><span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_43" id="Page_43">[43]</a></span></p> -<h3><a name="CHAPTER_42" id="CHAPTER_42"></a><i>CHAPTER 42.</i></h3> -</div> - - -<p>Four days Galaor rode with the Damsel, and so wrathful was he for -this fall that whatever Knight encountered him in that time felt the -effects, and many were slain for the act of another. At length they saw -a fair fortress, built above a vale; the Damsel told him there was no -other place near where he could lodge that night, and they made up to -it. At the gate they found many men and Dames and Damsels, so that it -seemed to be the house of a good man, and among them was a Knight of -seventy years, with a cloak of scarlet skin, who courteously bade him -welcome. Sir, quoth Galaor, you welcome us so well, that, tho' we found -another host, we would not leave your hospitality. Then were they led -into a hall, and supper was given them right honourably; and, when the -cloths were removed, the old Knight went to Galaor and asked him if -the Damsel was <!-- Page 44 --><span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_44" id="Page_44">[44]</a></span>to be his bedfellow. He replied, no; and two Damsels -then conducted her to her chamber, while he was shewn a rich bed for -himself. Here rest yourself, said his host: God knows the pleasure I -have in entertaining you, and all Errant Knights, for I myself have -been one, and have two sons who are the like, but both now are badly -wounded, for there came by a Knight who dismounted them both, and they -greatly ashamed of their foil rode after him, and came up to him by a -river as he was about to cross it in a boat; and they would have made -him do battle with the sword, since they knew how he could joust. The -Knight, who was in haste, would have declined the battle, but my sons -prevented him from entering the boat. A Lady who was in the boat then -said to them, that they were discourteous in detaining her Knight -against her will; but they said, he must needs do battle. Let it be, -then, said the Lady, that he shall fight with the better of you twain, -and if he conquer him that shall suffice. Not so, they answered; if one -failed, the other would prove his fortune. The Knight then grew angry, -and cried, come both, since you will not let me proceed! and one after -the other he sent them from their horses, utterly confounded; then -crossed the river and went his way. I went afterwards to bring home -<!-- Page 45 --><span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_45" id="Page_45">[45]</a></span>my sons, for they were sorely wounded: you shall see with what wounds, -such as never before were given by any Knight. He then sent for the -armour which they had worn, and it was so cut through with the sword -that Galaor greatly marvelled, and asked what arms the Knight bore.—A -vermilion shield with two grey lions, and another on his helmet, and -he rides a roan horse. Know you who he is? cried Galaor. No, said the -old Knight. It is the same Knight whom I am seeking, quoth Galaor, and, -if I find him, I will revenge your two sons and myself, or die. Sir -friend, quoth his host, I would counsel you to forbear the attempt, for -as for what my sons have suffered they brought it on themselves; and -then he bade him good night.</p> - -<p>The next morning Galaor and his guide departed; they crossed the river -in the boat, and proceeding about five leagues came to a fortress. Wait -for me a little, said the Damsel; I will be here presently: and she -entered the castle. Presently she returned, bringing with her another -Damsel and ten Knights on horseback; and that other Damsel, who was -passing fair, said to Galaor, Sir, my Cousin tells me you are in quest -of the Knight who bears two grey lions in a vermilion shield, that you -may <!-- Page 46 --><span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_46" id="Page_46">[46]</a></span>know who he is; but I tell you that you cannot learn by force, for -there is no Knight like him in all the islands, and he will neither -tell you nor any other for three years, unless it be forced from him. -Damsel, said Galaor, I shall not cease my enquiry, and would rather -learn his name by force than by other means. Since that be so, said -she, within three days I will bring you to him, at my Cousin's request. -They set forth, and by vespers time came to an arm of the sea that -clipped round an island, so that there was full three leagues of water -to cross; a bark was ready at the harbour, but before they entered it -an oath was demanded, that there was only one Knight in company. Why -is this oath required? said Galaor. The Damsel replied, the Lady of -the island will have it so; when one Knight has crost over, no other -is suffered to come till the first return, or is slain.—Who is it that -kills or conquers them?—The Knight whom you are seeking; he has been -here half a year, and by this occasion: a turney was held here by the -Lady of the island, and another Dame of great beauty; this Knight came -hither from a foreign land, and being on her side won the victory. -Whereat she was so pleased, that she never rested till she had won him -for her paramour; but because he is desirous of seeking adventures, -the <!-- Page 47 --><span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_47" id="Page_47">[47]</a></span>Lady, to detain him with her, invites Knights to joust against -him. If by chance they are slain, they are there interred; otherwise, -they are sent back, and he gives their arms and horses to his mistress. -She is a full fair Lady, and her name Corisanda; the island is called -Gravisanda. How came he, said Galaor, to keep the forest? It was a boon -asked of him by a Damsel, said she, tho' his mistress hardly permitted -him to perform it.</p> - -<p>By this they had reached the island; the night was some way advanced, -but it was clear moonlight, the Damsel had two tents pitched beside -a little brook, and there they supped, and rested till the morning. -Galaor would fain have shared the Damsel's tent, but to that, albeit, -she thought him the fairest of all Knights and much delighted in his -conversation, she would not consent. In the morning they set forward, -and he asked his guide if she knew the Knight's name?—Neither man nor -woman in all this land know it, except his mistress. Then was Galaor -the more curious that one of such worth in arms should so conceal -himself. Presently they saw a castle on a height, surrounded for a -league on all sides by a rich plain. In that castle, quoth the Damsel, -is he whom you seek. Having advanced farther, they found a stone -<!-- Page 48 --><span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_48" id="Page_48">[48]</a></span>pillar curiously wrought, and a horn upon it. Sound that horn, said -she, and you shall presently see the Knight. Galaor blew the horn, and -forthwith there came certain men from the castle, and pitched a tent -in the meadow before the gate, and then there issued out ten Dames and -Damsels, and in the midst of them one richly clad, who was the Lady of -the rest. Why does the Knight tarry? quoth Galaor, who saw all this. -The Damsel answered, he will not come till the Lady send for him. I -beseech you then, said he, go to her and request her to summon him, for -I have much to do elsewhere and cannot tarry. When the Lady heard this -errand, what! cried she, holds he our Knight so cheap that he already -thinks of doing ought elsewhere? he will depart sooner than he thinks, -and more to his cost. Then she turned to her man: go, call the strange -Knight. Anon he came from the castle, armed and afoot; his men led -his horse, and carried his shield and lance and helmet, and he went -straight to his mistress. You see a foolish Knight yonder, said she, -who thinks lightly to take his leave of you: I desire you would make -him know his foolishness! and then she embraced, and kissed him. All -this made Galaor the more angry.</p> - -<p><!-- Page 49 --><span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_49" id="Page_49">[49]</a></span></p><p>The Knight mounted, and slowly rode down the height. Galaor was ready -as soon as he saw him in the level, and bade him defend himself: they -ran at each other; both lances were broken, both shields pierced, both -Knights deeply wounded. Don Galaor drew his sword: the stranger said -to him, Knight, by the faith you owe to God, and to the thing you love -best, let us joust once more! You conjure me so, said Galaor, that I -will do it, but I am sorry my horse is not so good as yours, else we -would joust till one of us fell, or till all your lances were broken! -The Knight made no answer, but called to his Squire for two lances, -and sent the one to Galaor. Again they encountered: Galaor's horse -came on his knees and tottered, and was almost down; the stranger lost -both his stirrups, and was fain to hold round the neck of his horse. -Galaor spurred up his and had now sword in hand; thereat the stranger, -somewhat abashed, exclaimed, you are desirous to do combat with the -sword; certes, I fear it rather for you than for myself: if you do not -believe me, you shall see. Do your worst! quoth Galaor: I will either -die, or revenge those whom you left in the forest. Then the stranger -recollected that it was he who had defied him on foot, and he answered -him angrily, revenge yourself if you can, <!-- Page 50 --><span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_50" id="Page_50">[50]</a></span>but I rather think you will -carry back one shame upon another.</p> - -<p>The Ladies, seeing how gallantly they had jousted, thought they would -then have accorded, but when they saw the sword-battle, they were -greatly amazed at the fury with which it was begun. Such mortal blows -they gave each other, that the head was often made to bow upon the -breast, and the steel <a name="FNanchor_50:A_1" id="FNanchor_50:A_1"></a><a href="#Footnote_50:A_1" class="fnanchor">[50:A]</a>arches of the helmets were cut through, and -their trappings, and the sword went through the linings and was felt -upon the head; and the field was strewn with the fragments of their -shields and their broken mail. This continued long, till each wondered -that his antagonist could hold out. Galaor's horse at last began to -fail him, and could scarcely move, whereat he waxed exceeding wroth, -thinking that only this delayed his victory, for the stranger could -lightly come on, and withdraw again from his blows. Galaor, when indeed -he did reach him, made him feel the sword, but his <!-- Page 51 --><span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_51" id="Page_51">[51]</a></span>horse tottered as -if he had been blind, and he began to fear his own death more than -he had ever done before in any battle, save in that with his brother -Amadis, for from that he never expected to leave off alive. Next to -Amadis, he thought this the best Knight he had ever encountered, -albeit he doubted not of conquering him, were it not for the fault of -his horse. Being in this strait, he called out. Knight! either finish -the battle on foot, or give me another horse, or else I will slay -yours, and that villainy will be your fault. Do your worst! replied -the stranger: the battle shall not be delayed; it is a great shame -that it hath lasted so long. Look to your horse then! quoth Galaor. -The Knight rode close to him, fearing for his horse; so close, that -Galaor caught him with both arms, and at the same instant spurred his -own horse violently, and they both fell upon the ground, each holding -his sword, and there they struggled for some time before they released -each other. But, when they rose, they attacked again so furiously as if -the battle were but then beginning; there was not a moment's respite, -now that they could freely close or strike. As the fight continued -Galaor perceived he was gaining the better, for his enemy's strength -evidently <!-- Page 52 --><span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_52" id="Page_52">[52]</a></span>weakened: Good Knight! quoth he, hold a while! whereat the -other paused, being indeed in need of rest. You see, quoth Galaor, -that I have the better of the battle; tell me your name, and why you -so carefully conceal yourself, and I will acquit you from the combat -and shall receive great pleasure; but unless you do this I will not -leave you. Certes, quoth the Knight, I shall not leave off with these -conditions: I never found myself so hardy in any battle as in this, -and God forbid that any single Knight should ever know me, except to -my great honour. Be not rash, cried Galaor; by my faith I swear never -to let you go till I know who you are, and why you conceal yourself. -God never help me, quoth the stranger, if ever you learn it from me: -I will rather perish in battle than tell it, except to two Knights, -to whom, tho' I know them not, I neither could nor ought to deny any -thing. Who are they whom you value so much? quoth Galaor. Neither shall -you know that, replied the stranger, because it seems that it would -please you. Certes, rejoined Galaor; I will know what I ask, or one of -us, or both, shall die. I am not averse to that, quoth his enemy. Then -they renewed the combat with full fury; but the stranger waxed weaker, -his armour was <!-- Page 53 --><span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_53" id="Page_53">[53]</a></span>every where laid open and streaming with blood, till at -last the Lady of the Island ran like one frantic to Galaor, and cried, -hold, Knight! would the bark had been sunk that brought thee hither! -Lady, said he, if it offends you that I am avenging myself, and one who -is better than myself, the fault is not mine. Offer him no more harm, -quoth she, or you shall die by the hands of one who will have no mercy. -He answered, I know not how that may turn out, but I will not leave him -till I know what I have asked.—And what is that?—His name, and why he -conceals it? and who the two Knights are whom he esteems above the rest -of the world. She answered, A curse upon him who taught you to strike, -and upon you who have learnt so well! I will tell you: his name is Don -Florestan; he conceals himself because he hath two brothers in this -land of such passing worth in arms, that, albeit you have proved his -prowess, he dares not make himself known to them, till, by his fame, he -is worthy to join them; and these two Knights are in the household of -King Lisuarte, the one is called Amadis, the other Don Galaor, and they -are all three sons of King Perion. Holy Mary! cried Galaor, what have -I done? and then he presented his sword to Florestan: good brother, -take my <!-- Page 54 --><span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_54" id="Page_54">[54]</a></span>sword, and the honour of the battle!—Are you my brother?—I -am your brother Don Galaor. Then Florestan fell on his knees before -him, saying, Sir, pardon me! for this offence that I have committed in -combatting against you, was caused by no other reason than that I durst -not name myself your brother, as I am, till I had somewhat resembled -you in prowess. Galaor raised him up, and took him in his arms, and -wept over him for joy, and for sorrow to see him so sorely wounded.</p> - -<p>But the Lady beholding all this was greatly rejoiced. Sir, quoth she, -if you gave me great anguish you have repaid it with double pleasure. -They were then both carried into the castle and laid in bed, both in -one apartment, and Corisanda, being skilful in chirurgery, looked to -their wounds herself with great care; for she knew that if the one -died, the other would die also for pure sorrow, and her own life would -be doubtful if Florestan were in great danger.</p> - - -<hr class="footnotes" /> -<p class="sectctrfn">FOOTNOTES:</p> - -<div class="footnote"> -<p class="noindent" lang="es" xml:lang="es"><a name="Footnote_50:A_1" id="Footnote_50:A_1"></a><a href="#FNanchor_50:A_1"><span class="label">[50:A]</span></a> Cortando de los yelmos los arcos de azero con parte de -las faldas dellos, assi qui las espadas descendian a los almofares, y -las sentian en las cabeças.</p> -</div> - - - - -<div class="chapter"> -<hr class="newchapter" /> -<p><!-- Page 55 --><span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_55" id="Page_55">[55]</a></span></p> -<h3><a name="CHAPTER_43" id="CHAPTER_43"></a><i>CHAPTER 43.</i></h3> -</div> - - -<p>This valiant and hardy Knight, Don Florestan, you should know how and -in what land he was begotten, and by whom. Know then that when King -Perion, being a young man and of good heart, sought adventures, he -passed two years in Germany, doing great deeds in arms, and as he was -returning with great glory to his own land, he lodged one day with the -Count of Selandia, where he was right worshipfully entertained, and -at night he was shewn to a rich bed, and there being weary with his -journey fell asleep. Ere long he felt a Damsel embracing him, and her -mouth joined to his; and, waking thereat, was drawing back, but she -cried out, how is this, Sir? would you rather be alone in the bed? The -King then looked at her by his chamber-light, and saw the fairest woman -that ever he saw: tell me, quoth he, who you are? She answered, one -that loves <!-- Page 56 --><span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_56" id="Page_56">[56]</a></span>you, and gives you her love.—First tell me your name?—Why -do you distress me with the question?—I must know.—I am the Count's -daughter. Then the King said, it becomes not a woman of your rank to -commit this folly: I tell you I will not do this wrong to your father. -Ah, quoth she, ill betide those who praise your goodness! you are the -worst man in the world, and the most discourteous! what goodness can -there be in you when you thrust away a fair Lady of such lineage? King -Perion answered, I shall do that which is to your honour and my own, -not what would injure both. Then, quoth she, I will do that which shall -grieve my father more, than if you consent to my will! and she leapt -up and took King Perion's sword, that same sword which was laid in the -ark with Amadis, and unsheathed it, and placed the point against her -heart:—Will not my father grieve more for my death? When the King saw -that, he was greatly astonished, and he sprung from the bed, crying, -hold! I will perform your will! and he snatched the sword from her, -and that night she became pregnant. On the morrow Perion departed, and -never saw her more.</p> - -<p>She, so long as she could, concealed her situation, and when the time -drew nigh contrived to go visit <!-- Page 57 --><span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_57" id="Page_57">[57]</a></span>her Aunt, with one Damsel; but as she -was passing through a forest her pains came on her, and she alighted -from her palfrey, and there brought forth a son. The Damsel seeing -her in this plight, put the baby to her breast. Now, Lady, said she, -the same courage that you showed in sinning, show now in supporting -yourself till I return; and then she mounted her palfrey, and rode on -as fast as she could to the Aunt's castle, and told her all that had -happened. The Dame was greatly troubled, yet delayed not for that to -succour her, but went forthwith with a litter, wherein she used to -visit her brother to shade her from the sun; and when she saw her niece -she alighted, and wept with her, and had her placed with the infant in -the litter, and taken by night into the castle, and enjoined secrecy to -all who were with her. So the mother returned after her recovery to the -Count's castle, and nothing was known of what had passed, and the boy -was educated till he was of eighteen years, a braver youth, and better -limbed than any other in the district; and the Dame his Aunt seeing -this gave him horse and arms, and took him to the Count to knight him, -who knew not that he whom he was knighting was his own grandson.</p> - -<p>As they were returning, the Dame told him the <!-- Page 58 --><span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_58" id="Page_58">[58]</a></span>secret of his birth, and -said that he ought to go seek his father and make himself known to him. -Certes, Lady, quoth he, I have often heard of King Perion, but never -thought he was my father; but by the faith I owe to God, and to you who -have brought me up, neither he nor any one else shall know who I am, -till they can say that I am worthy to be the son of so good a man. Then -taking his leave, he went with two Squires to Constantinople, where he -heard there was a cruel war; there he remained four years, and did such -deeds in arms as never Knight had wrought before in those parts, so -that at the end of that time he determined to go and discover himself -to his father. But as he drew nearer France, he heard the fame of -Amadis and Galaor, who were now beginning to work wonders, so that he -changed his first intention, and resolved to gain more honour in Great -Britain, where there were more good Knights than in any part of the -world, and that he would not make himself known till his prowess had -given him sufficient renown: in which mind he continued till his combat -with Galaor, as you have heard.</p> - -<p>Amadis and Agrayes remained five days at the castle of Torin; then all -things being prepared, <!-- Page 59 --><span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_59" id="Page_59">[59]</a></span>they set forward with Briolania and her aunt, -who took with them two damsels and five serving-men, on horseback, -and three palfreys laden with apparel, for Briolania went in black, -and would wear nothing else till her father's death was avenged. As -they began their journey Briolania requested a boon of Amadis, and -her Aunt another of Agrayes; the which they granted, without knowing -what it might be: they then demanded, that, let what would happen, the -Knights should not leave the road, that so their present quest might -not be interrupted. Much did they repent their promise, and great -shame did they endure thereby, for in many places was their succour -needed, and rightly might they have bestirred themselves if they had -been at liberty. Thus they travelled twelve days before they entered -the kingdom of Sobradisa; it was night when they reached it: they left -the high road, and struck by a by-way for three leagues; and then, -great part of the night being past, they came to a little castle, where -a Lady dwelt named Galumba, who had served in the court of the King -Briolania's father. She right joyfully admitted them, and set supper -before them, and provided their night's entertainment; and the next -morning asked the Aunt whither they were going. A joyful woman was she, -hearing <!-- Page 60 --><span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_60" id="Page_60">[60]</a></span>that those Knights were going to revenge her Master's death; -but I fear, said she, lest that traitor should destroy them by some -deceit: for that reason, said the old Lady, am I come to consult with -you. Leave it to me, quoth Galumba. Then she took ink and parchment, -and wrote a letter, and sealed it with Briolania's seal, and gave it -to a Damsel, and directed her what she should do. The Damsel mounted -her palfrey, and rode on till she came to the great city of Sobradisa, -from whence the whole kingdom took its name. She went directly to the -palace of Abiseos, and rode through the gate, being richly apparelled. -The Knights came around to assist her to dismount; but she said, no, -she would not alight till the King saw her, and commanded her so to -do. They then took her bridle, and led her into a hall where the King -was, with his sons and many other Knights, and he bade her alight if -she had any thing to say. She answered, I will, Sir, on condition that -you protect me, and that I shall suffer no injury for any thing that I -may say against you, or against any other here. The King assured her -that she should be under his protection and royal faith, and bade her -deliver what she was come to say. Upon that she alighted, and said, -Sir, I bring a message which must be delivered in the <!-- Page 61 --><span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_61" id="Page_61">[61]</a></span>presence of all -the chiefs of your realm: summon them, and it shall be made known. -Quoth Abiseos, it is as you would wish: they are already in my court, -and have been assembled on business these six days. Call them together, -said she. Forthwith they were summoned, and being all met, the Damsel -then said, King, Briolania, she whom you disherited, sends you this -letter, to be read before this assembly. When Abiseos heard the name -of his niece he was touched with shame, remembering the wrong he had -wrought her; yet, the letter was openly read, which was to give credit -to the Damsel's words. To this he only replied, that they were not to -believe what the Damsel might say on Briolania's behalf: but the people -of the realm who were there present were moved with great compassion -at the name of their lawful Lady, who was so unjustly dispossessed, -and they besought God secretly that he would no longer suffer so great -a treason to remain unpunished. Give your errand, quoth the King. -Sir King, said the Damsel, it is true that you killed the father of -Briolania, and have disherited her of her kingdom; and you have often -declared, that you and your sons would justify what you have done by -force of arms. Briolania now sends to say, that if you hold your word -she will bring here two Knights <!-- Page 62 --><span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_62" id="Page_62">[62]</a></span>who will undertake the battle in her -cause, and make you know your treason and great tyranny. When Darasion, -the eldest of the sons heard this, he arose in great anger, being of -a hot nature, and without his father's permission replied, Damsel, -if Briolania has these Knights, I promise the combat for myself, and -for my father and brother; and, if I do not perform this, I promise -before all these Knights to give my head to her, that she may take it -in requital of her father's. Certes Darasion, answered the Damsel, you -answer like a Knight of great courage, yet may I doubt your words to -proceed from choler, for I see you are enraged; but if you will obtain -from the King an assurance of your words, I shall think they proceed -from that great worth and hardihood which are in you. What would you -have? quoth he. Cause the King, she replied, to give our Knights -assurance that, for any mishap which you may receive in the battle, -they shall sustain no injury from any in this land, nor be meddled -withal but by you three: give them this safe conduct, and they will -be here within three days. Darasion knelt down before his father;—you -see, Sir, what the Damsel requests, and what I have promised; and, -because my honour is yours, let it be granted, else they will without -danger have put us to shame, for we <!-- Page 63 --><span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_63" id="Page_63">[63]</a></span>have always avowed that if any -one attainted your deeds we would justify it in battle; and even -without the promise we ought to accept the defiance, for they tell me -these Knights are some of King Lisuarte's rash household, whose pride -and folly makes them magnify their own worth and despise all others. -The King, albeit he felt himself guilty of his brother's murder, and -dreaded the battle, yet, because he loved his son as he did himself, -gave the safe conduct as the Damsel had demanded, the hour appointed by -the Most High being come. The Damsel having accomplished this, said, -hold yourselves ready, for to-morrow the Knights will be here. And then -she mounted her palfrey, and departed.</p> - -<p>Much were the Ladies and the Knights rejoiced at the success of her -embassy. When Amadis heard that Darasion held them as fools, because -they were of King Lisuarte's household, he grew angry, and exclaimed, -there are those in that household who could easily break his pride, and -his head too! but, when he had said this, he was ashamed that he had -been so mastered by anger. Briolania, who could not keep her eyes off -him, observed this, and said, you cannot, Sir, either say or do any -thing against those traitors which they have not <!-- Page 64 --><span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_64" id="Page_64">[64]</a></span>deserved, and worse: -have pity on me, since you know my father's murder, and my wrongs: my -trust is in God and in you. Amadis, whose heart was submiss to virtue -and all gentleness, moved with pity for that fair Damsel, answered, if -God be so pleased, Lady, I ween that ere to-morrow night your sorrow -will be turned into joy. Then Briolania would, for thankfulness, have -humbled herself to have kissed his feet, but he drew back abashed, and -Agrayes raised her up. They determined to set forward by day-break, and -hear mass at the chapel of the Three Fountains, which was half a league -from Sobradisa.</p> - -<p>That night they made good cheer, and Briolania, who talked much with -Amadis, was oftentimes moved to offer marriage to him, but seeing his -frequent reveries, and the tears that sometimes fell down his cheeks, -which she knew proceeded from no fear in his brave heart, she suspected -that he loved elsewhere, and so refrained. At dawn they all departed; -and, arriving at the Three Fountains, heard mass from the good Hermit, -who hearing wherefore they were on their way, besought God to speed -them well in the battle, as he knew their cause was right. There they -armed themselves all save the head and hands, and so proceeded to -the <!-- Page 65 --><span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_65" id="Page_65">[65]</a></span>city. Without the walls they found King Abiseos and his sons, -and a great company attending them: the people all flocked towards -Briolania, whom in their hearts they loved, thinking her their rightful -and natural Lady. Amadis led her bridle, and uncovered her face,<a name="FNanchor_65:A_2" id="FNanchor_65:A_2"></a><a href="#Footnote_65:A_2" class="fnanchor">[65:A]</a> -that all might see her how beautiful she was: she was weeping, and the -multitude blessed her in their hearts, and prayed that she might now -be restored to her rights. Abiseos dissembled a feeling from which -neither his ambition nor his wickedness could shield him, and seeing -how the people flocked round Briolania, he exclaimed, fools, I see -how you rejoice in her sight! but it is to your honour and safety -that a Knight like me should protect you, not a weak woman; who in -so long a time has only been able to get these two Knights for her -champions; whom, because they are thus deceitfully brought to their -death, or dishonour, I cannot forbear to pity. These words so kindled -the indignation of Amadis, that blood seemed starting from his eyes; -he rose in his stirrups that all might hear him, and <!-- Page 66 --><span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_66" id="Page_66">[66]</a></span>answered, King -Abiseos, I well see how the coming of Briolania troubles you, because -you have murdered her father, who was your King and brother: if there -be yet virtue enough in you to resign to her what is her own, I will -excuse the battle, that you may have leisure for repentance, that, -though you have lost your honour in this world, you may save your soul. -Before the King could reply, Darasion exclaimed, Thou foolish Knight -of King Lisuarte's court! I never thought I could endure to hear a -speech like thine: come on! and if your heart fails, you cannot fly -where I cannot reach you with such a vengeance, that none can behold it -without compassion. Arm thyself, traitor, and do battle! quoth Agrayes. -Darasion answered, say what thou wilt now! presently I will send thy -tongue without thy body to King Lisuarte's court, as a warning to all -such fools! Then they armed themselves; and Amadis and Agrayes laced on -their helmets, and took their shields and spears, and entered the place -which had been of yore marked out for such trials. Dramis, the second -son, who was so good a Knight that no two Knights of that country could -keep the field against him, said to his father, Sir, where you and my -brother are present, I might well be excused from speaking; but now I -have to act with that strength <!-- Page 67 --><span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_67" id="Page_67">[67]</a></span>which I have received from God and you. -Leave that Knight who has reviled you to me: if I do not slay him with -the first lance-thrust, may I never again bear arms! or if it be his -good fortune that the spear does not strike right, the first blow with -the sword shall do it. There were many who heard this speech, and did -not think it vain boasting, he was of such exceeding strength. Darasion -looked round the lists: how is this? quoth he; ye are but two! hath the -heart of the third failed him? call him to come directly, for we will -not tarry. Trouble not yourself about the third, said Amadis, you will -presently wish the second away: now look to your defence!</p> - -<p>They placed their shields before them, and gave their horses the rein. -Dramis ran right at Amadis, and pierced his shield and broke his lance -against his side; but Amadis smote him so roughly, that the spear went -through his shield, and, without piercing his breast-plate, burst his -heart within him, and he fell like the fall of a tower. In God's name, -cried Ardian the Dwarf, my Master's deed is better than his word! The -other twain ran at Agrayes: he and Darasion broke their lances upon -each other, and both kept their seats. Abiseos failed in his course; -he saw Dramis on <!-- Page 68 --><span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_68" id="Page_68">[68]</a></span>the ground, and in great grief, albeit he did not -suppose him to be dead, ran full at Amadis, and pierced his shield, and -broke the lance in his arm, so that all thought he could not continue -the battle. Well may you think how Briolania felt at that; her heart -sunk, and the sight of her eyes failed her, and without support she -would have fallen from her palfrey. But he, who was not to be dismayed -by such wounds, graspt well that good sword which he had so lately -recovered from Arcalaus, and struck Abiseos upon the helm; through helm -it went, and slanted down the head, and pierced into the shoulder; a -slant wound, but so staggering that Abiseos tottered on his seat, and -fell, half senseless. Then he of Gaul rode up to Darasion, who was -close engaged with Agrayes:—now Darasion, you had rather the second -were absent, than that the third were come! Agrayes cried out to him -to hold:—Cousin, you have done enough, leave me this man who has -threatened to cut out my tongue. Amadis did not hear him; he had made a -blow which sliced off a part of the shield, and came through the pummel -of the saddle to the horse's neck; but Darasion, as he past, ran his -sword into the belly of Amadis's horse; the horse instantly ran away; -the reins broke in the rider's hand, and Amadis seeing <!-- Page 69 --><span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_69" id="Page_69">[69]</a></span>that he had -no remedy, and that he should be carried out of the lists, struck the -beast between the ears with his sword, and split his head; the fall -bruised him sorely, but he arose, and turned to Abiseos.</p> - -<p>At this time Agrayes had driven his sword into Darasion's helmet, so -that he could not recover it. Darasion had forced it from his hand, -and was driving at him. Agrayes grappled him; they fell together and -struggled on the ground. Abiseos came up, and was lifting the skirts of -his armour to thrust his sword into him. Amadis came up in time. The -King was compelled to look to his own safety; he lifted his shield, -the blow dashed shield against helmet, and made him reel. Agrayes and -Darasion had loosed each other: Agrayes caught up Darasion's sword; -Darasion plucked the other from his helm, and ran towards his father. -Amadis saw that Agrayes was all bloody from a wound in his neck, and -fearing it was mortal, he cried, leave them to me, good cousin, and -rest yourself! I have no wound, quoth Agrayes, to keep me from aiding -you: see if it be so! Have at them, then! cried Amadis; but the fear he -felt for his cousin gave him such anger, that presently his enemies, -their armour all hacked, and their flesh <!-- Page 70 --><span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_70" id="Page_70">[70]</a></span>too, began to turn here and -there disorderly, and with the fear of death. So it continued till the -hour of tierce, when Abiseos, seeing death before him, lifted his sword -in both hands, and ran desperately at Amadis, and gave him a blow, -such as might not be looked for from a man so wounded: it cut away the -brim of the helmet, and the shoulder mail and a part of the flesh with -it. Amadis felt it sorely, and did not delay to give him his wages: he -struck his shoulder, and lopt off that arm with which he had murdered -his own king and brother; arm and shoulder he lopt off, and cried, that -arm brought thee by treason to the throne, and it now brings thee to -death and the depth of hell! The King had fallen in the pangs of death. -Amadis looked round him, and saw that Agrayes had smitten off the head -of Darasion. Then the people of the land went joyfully to kiss the hand -of Briolania their <a name="FNanchor_70:A_3" id="FNanchor_70:A_3"></a><a href="#Footnote_70:A_3" class="fnanchor">[70:A]</a>Lady.</p> - -<p>The conquerors dragged their enemies out of the lists. Amadis, though -he was much wounded, <!-- Page 71 --><span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_71" id="Page_71">[71]</a></span>would not disarm himself till he knew if there -were any to gainsay Briolania's right. But one of the chiefs of the -realm, by name Goman, came before him with an hundred men of his -lineage and household, and they declared that they had only endured the -usurpation of Abiseos because they had no remedy: now God had delivered -them, they were in that loyalty and vassallage which they owed to -Briolania. Within eight days all the kingdom came joyfully to do homage -to her. Amadis meantime was laid in bed, and that fair Queen never left -him but when she went to sleep herself. Agrayes, who was dangerously -wounded, was put under the care of a skilful man, who suffered none to -approach him, that he might not speak, for the wound was in his throat.</p> - - - -<hr class="footnotes" /> -<p class="sectctrfn">FOOTNOTES:</p> - -<div class="footnote"> -<p class="noindent"><a name="Footnote_65:A_2" id="Footnote_65:A_2"></a><a href="#FNanchor_65:A_2"><span class="label">[65:A]</span></a> <i lang="es" xml:lang="es">Quitole los antifazes.</i> She was muffled in the Moorish -manner, not veiled.</p> -</div> - -<div class="footnote"> -<p class="noindent"><a name="Footnote_70:A_3" id="Footnote_70:A_3"></a><a href="#FNanchor_70:A_3"><span class="label">[70:A]</span></a> There follows in the original a page of advice to all -wicked kings and rulers.</p> -</div> - - - - -<div class="chapter"> -<hr class="newchapter" /> -<p><!-- Page 72 --><span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_72" id="Page_72">[72]</a></span></p> -<h3><a name="CHAPTER_44" id="CHAPTER_44"></a><i>CHAPTER 44.</i></h3> -</div> - - -<p>Don Galaor and Florestan remained in the castle of Corisanda till their -wounds were well healed, then took they their departure; but Corisanda -made such sorrow that it was pitiful to see her, albeit Florestan -comforted her, and assured her of his speedy return. They crossed to -the mainland, and proceeded towards Sobradisa, hoping to arrive there -before the battle. Brother, quoth Florestan, as they rode along, grant -me a boon for courtesy. Sir, and good brother, cried Galaor, is it a -thing that I shall repent? You will not repent it, said Florestan.—Ask -it then; for what I can grant without shame, I shall grant with good -will.—I ask then, that you will attempt no combat in this journey -till I have tried my fortune. Certes, quoth Galaor, I repent. Not so, -replied Florestan, for if there be any worth in me, it is to your -honour as well as to mine. Four days they rode without <!-- Page 73 --><span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_73" id="Page_73">[73]</a></span>adventure: -on the fifth at evening they came to a Tower. A Knight, who stood at -the court-gate, courteously invited them for the night; and there -were they worshipfully entertained. The Knight their host, was a fair -Knight and a wise, and of goodly stature; but oftentimes he appeared -so lost in thought and sadness, that the brethren asked each other -what it might mean, and Don Galaor at last said to him, Sir, methinks -you are not so chearful as you should be! if your sadness is for any -cause which our aid can remedy, tell us, and we will do your will. -Many thanks, replied he of the Tower: I believe you would do so like -good Knights; but my sadness proceeds from the force of love, and I -will not tell you more now, for it would be to my own great shame. The -hour of sleeping came on; their host went to his apartment, and the -brethren remained in a handsome chamber where there were two beds. In -the morning he rode to bear them company, but unarmed; and, that he -might see whether they were such in arms as their appearance bespoke -them, he led them not along the high road, but through bye ways, till -they came to a place called the fountain of the Three Elms, for there -were three great and lofty Elm-trees above the fountain. Three fair -Damsels and well apparelled, were by the fountain, and there <!-- Page 74 --><span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_74" id="Page_74">[74]</a></span>was a -Dwarf aloft in the trees. Florestan went first and saluted them gently, -as a courteous man, and one who had been gently bred. God save you, Sir -Knight, quoth the one; if you are as brave as you are handsome, God -hath gifted you well. Damsel, he replied, if my beauty pleaseth you, -my courage would please you more if it were put to proof. You answer -well, quoth she: see now, if your courage be enough to carry me from -hence.—Certes, quoth Florestan, little goodness is enough for that; -since it is your pleasure, I will do it.—He then bade his Squires place -her upon a palfrey which was tied to one of the Elms: when the Dwarf, -who was sitting up in the tree, cried out aloud, Come forth, Knights, -come forth! they are carrying away your mistress! At these words a -Knight, well armed and on a great horse, came up from the valley, and -cried out to Florestan, Knight! who bid you lay your hands upon that -Damsel? I do not think she can be yours, replied Florestan, seeing of -her own will she desired me to carry her hence. The Knight answered, -though she consent, I do not; and I have defended her against better -than you.—I know not how that may be, but unless you act up to your -words, carry her away I will!—Learn first what the Knights of the -Valley are, and how they defend their mistresses! <!-- Page 75 --><span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_75" id="Page_75">[75]</a></span>With that they ran -at each other, and Florestan smote his shield so strongly against -his helmet that the laces brake, and the helmet came off. The Knight -could not keep his seat; he fell upon his sword, and broke it in two. -Florestan turned his horse and pointed his lance at him:—you are dead, -unless you yield the Damsel! I yield her, quoth he, and cursed be she, -and the day wherein I first beheld her, for she made me commit so many -follies that at last I have destroyed myself. Florestan left him, and -went to the Damsel, saying, you are mine! You have well won me, quoth -she, and may do with me as you please. Let us go then! said he; but -one of the other Damsels then said to him, Sir Knight, you are parting -good company; we have been a year together, and it grieves us to be -separated. Said Florestan, if you chuse to go in my company I will take -you also, otherwise you must be separated, for I will not leave so fair -a Damsel as this. And if she be fair, quoth the Damsel, neither do I -esteem myself so ugly, but that Knight should venture something for me -also; but I believe you are not of that temper. What! cried he, think -you that I would leave you here for fear? so help me as I would have -done so only to respect your free will, but you shall see. He bade the -Squires place her also on her <!-- Page 76 --><span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_76" id="Page_76">[76]</a></span>palfrey, and the Dwarf, who sate up -aloft, cried out again for help.</p> - -<p>Presently there came another Knight from the valley, and said to -Florestan, Don Cavalier, you have won one Damsel, and, not content with -her, you would carry off another; you must, therefore, lose both, and -your head too; for it is not fit that a Knight of such degree as you -should have in your keeping a Damsel of such rank. You praise yourself -bountifully, quoth Florestan; yet had I rather have two Knights of my -kin for my helpers than thee! I neither regard thee nor them, said the -Knight: you have won this Damsel from him who could not defend her; if -I conquer thee, she shall be mine; if the victory is yours, you shall -take the other whom I defend. Content, quoth Florestan. Defend yourself -now, if you can! said he of the valley; and they ran their encounter. -The Knight pierced through Florestan's shield, and broke his lance -against the strong mail. Florestan failed in the race; ashamed at that, -when the Knight had taken from his Squire another lance, he ran again, -and pierced the shield of his antagonist and the arm that held it, and -drove him back upon the crupper of his horse; the horse reared and -threw him, and, the ground being hard, <!-- Page 77 --><span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_77" id="Page_77">[77]</a></span>he neither moved hand nor foot. -Damsel, said Florestan, you are mine; for methinks your friend can -neither help you nor himself. So it seems, quoth she.</p> - -<p>Florestan looked at the other Damsel, who now remained alone by the -fountain, and saw that she was very sad. Damsel, said he, if it please -you, I will not leave you here alone. She did not answer him, but -said to his host, Go from hence, I counsel you! you know that these -Knights are not enough to protect you from him who will presently be -here, and, if he take you, you are sure to die. I will see what may -happen, he answered, my horse is swift, and my Tower at hand. Ah, said -she, take care of yourself; ye are but three, and you unarmed, and you -well know that is nothing against him. When Florestan heard this, he -became more desirous to carry away that Damsel, and see him whom she -praised so greatly. So he had her also placed on her palfrey; and the -Dwarf, who sate up aloft, said, Don Cavalier, in an ill hour are you -so bold: here comes one who shall take vengeance for all! and then he -shouted out, help! help, Sir! you linger too long! Presently there came -another Knight from the same valley; his armour was inlaid with gold, -and he <!-- Page 78 --><span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_78" id="Page_78">[78]</a></span>rode upon a bay horse, big enough for a giant. Two Squires -came after him, armed with corselets and morions like serving men, and -each carried a huge battle-axe in his hand, in the use of which weapon -their master prided himself. He cried out to Florestan, stay, Knight, -and seek not to fly, for it will not save you: die you must, and it is -better die like a brave man, than like a coward! When Florestan heard -himself threatened, he waxed wonderous angry, and cried out, come on, -wretch and rascal, and clumsy<a name="FNanchor_78:A_4" id="FNanchor_78:A_4"></a><a href="#Footnote_78:A_4" class="fnanchor">[78:A]</a> fool! So help me God, as I fear -thee no more than a great cowardly beast. Ah, quoth the Knight, how it -grieves me that I cannot wreak sufficient vengeance upon thee! would -that the best four of thy lineage were here, that I might cut off their -heads with thine! Protect yourself from one, cried Florestan, you may -dispense with the rest. Then, being both greatly incensed, they ran -at each other, and the shields and the mails of both were pierced -with the violence of the encounter: the large Knight lost <!-- Page 79 --><span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_79" id="Page_79">[79]</a></span>both his -stirrups, and was fain to save himself by clinging round his horse's -neck. Florestan, as he past on, caught at one of the battle-axes, and -plucked it with such force from the Squire who held it, that both the -man and his horse were brought to the ground. The Knight of the Valley -had recovered his seat, and was ready with the other battle-axe, and -Florestan made at him with equal arms: both struck at once, each on the -helmet of his enemy; the axes went in three fingers' depth. Florestan -bowed his face upon his breast with the weight of the blow: the Knight -fell upon the neck of his horse, and the axe, being fast in the other's -helmet, slipt from his hand; before he could raise himself, Florestan -smote him as he lay between the helm and gorget, so that his head fell -at the horse's feet. This done, he turned to the Damsels. Certes, good -Knight, quoth the first of them, I once thought that not ten such as -you could have won us.</p> - -<p>The young Knight, their host, then came up to Florestan, and said, Sir, -I love this Damsel dearly, and she loves me. It is a year since this -Knight whom you have slain hath forcibly detained her, so that I could -not see her: now, that I may receive her from your hands, I beseech -you refuse <!-- Page 80 --><span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_80" id="Page_80">[80]</a></span>me not. My host, quoth Florestan, of a truth I will right -gladly aid you, if it be as you say; but against her will I will yield -her to none. Ah, Sir, cried the Damsel, this is with my will! I beseech -you give me to him: he is my true love. Florestan answered, in God's -name, dispose of yourself as you like best! and she went joyfully to -her true love. Galaor then gave his horse to their friend, and took -the bay horse of the dead Knight, which was the handsomest he had ever -seen, and then they separated. The two Damsels whom Florestan had won, -were young and fair; he took the one to himself, and gave the other to -Galaor: I give you to this Knight, said he, and command you to do as -he pleases. What! quoth she, do you give me to this Knight, who has -not the heart of a woman? who stood by and saw you in such danger, -and did not help you? Damsel, answered Florestan, by my faith to God -and to you, I swear that I give you to the best Knight whom I know -in the world, except it be Amadis my Lord. The Damsel then looked at -Galaor, and seeing him so handsome, and so young, she marvelled at his -worth, and granted him her love. That night they had their lodging at -the house of a Lady, sister to their last night's host. On the morrow -they resumed their road, and said to their fair <!-- Page 81 --><span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_81" id="Page_81">[81]</a></span>friends, we have a -long journey to perform thro' foreign lands, where you would endure -many hardships in following us: tell us where you would like best to -go, and there we will conduct you. They replied, that their Aunt had -a castle four days journey on that road whither they would go. As -they proceeded, Galaor asked his Damsel how she came into the power -of those Knights. She answered, that great Knight who was slain loved -the Damsel who went with your host, but she hated him. He took her by -force, for he was the best Knight in all these parts, and none could -gainsay him, yet would she never yield him her love; and he, for the -affection he bore her, withheld from offering her any wrong; and he -said to her, My fair friend, great reason is it that I should be loved -by you, being the best Knight in the world. Now I will do this for your -sake: there is a Knight who is called the best that ever was, Amadis of -Gaul by name, and he slew my cousin Dardan, in King Lisuarte's court; -I will find him, and cut off his head, and then shall I inherit all -his renown. Till I do this, I will give you two of the fairest Damsels -in all this land for your companions, and they shall have the two best -Knights of my lineage for their friends; and you shall every day be -taken to the fountain of the Three <!-- Page 82 --><span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_82" id="Page_82">[82]</a></span>Elms, where many Errant Knights -pass, that you may see brave jousting, and learn to love me as I love -you. He then took us by force, and gave us to his kinsmen, and thus had -we past a year, till Don Florestan broke the bonds. That Knight, quoth -Galaor, had a haughty mind: what was his name? Alumas, she answered; -and, if it had not been for his exceeding pride, he was of great -prowess. Thus they proceeded till they reached the Lady's castle, who -thankfully entertained them, because they had delivered her nieces from -Alumas and his kinsmen, who had forcibly and dishonourably detained -them.</p> - -<p>Galaor and Florestan proceeded till they reached the kingdom of -Sobradisa, and there heard the joyful tidings of what their brother -and Agrayes had done. They hastened to the city, and went immediately -to the palace, where Amadis and his cousin, now whole of their wounds, -were conversing with the new Queen. Amadis, from the Damsel who had -guided Galaor, knew who they were, and went to welcome Florestan with -tears of joy, embracing and kissing him who would have knelt before -him. But when Briolania saw four such Knights in her palace, and -recollected how powerful she now was, and how lately she had lived, -<!-- Page 83 --><span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_83" id="Page_83">[83]</a></span>not without fear, in a single castle, she knelt down, and thanked the -Most High for the mercy he had vouchsafed her. Of a truth, Sirs, said -she, these changes are the work of him, before whom the mightiest are -nothing; but for this dominion, and this wealth, which we suffer so -much anxiety and trouble to gain, and having gained, to keep; would it -be better, as being neither certain nor durable in themselves, and as -things superfluous and destructive to the body, and moreover to the -soul,—would it be better to reject and abhor them? Certainly I say, -no: and affirm, that, when they are gained with a good conscience, and -justly administered, we may enjoy from them comfort and pleasure and -joy in this world, and everlasting glory in the next.</p> - -<p class="sectctr"><i>Here endeth the First Book of the noble and virtuous<br /> -Knight, Amadis of Gaul.</i></p> - - -<hr class="footnotes" /> -<p class="sectctrfn">FOOTNOTES:</p> - -<div class="footnote"> -<p class="noindent"><a name="Footnote_78:A_4" id="Footnote_78:A_4"></a><a href="#FNanchor_78:A_4"><span class="label">[78:A]</span></a> <span lang="es" xml:lang="es">Ven cativa cosa, y mala, y fuera de razon, sin talle.</span> -The language of vituperation is not easily translatable.</p> -</div> - - - - -<div class="chapter"> -<hr class="newchapter" /> -<p><!-- Page 84 --><span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_84" id="Page_84">[84]</a></span></p> -<h2 class="nobreak"><a name="AMADIS_of_GAUL_Book_2" id="AMADIS_of_GAUL_Book_2"></a><i>AMADIS of GAUL.</i> - -Book the Second.</h2> - - - - -<hr class="newchapter" /> -<h3><a name="CHAPTER_1" id="CHAPTER_1"></a><i>CHAPTER 1.</i></h3> -</div> - - -<p>There was a King in Greece married to the sister of the Emperor of -Constantinople, by whom he had two fair sons, especially the elder, -named Apolidon, who in his days had no equal for strength of body and -courage of heart. He having a subtle genius, which is so seldom found -with valour, gave himself to the study of the sciences and of all arts, -so that he shone among those of his own time like the Moon among the -stars; especially he excelled in necromancy, whereby things that appear -impossible are done. The King his father was very rich in treasure, -but poor in life, by reason of his great age; and seeing himself at -the point of death, he commanded that the kingdom should be given to -Apolidon, as his eldest son, and his books and treasures to the other. -The younger was not contented with this, and told his father so with -tears, and complained that he was disherited; <!-- Page 85 --><span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_85" id="Page_85">[85]</a></span>but the old man, not -knowing what to do, wrung his hands for pure sorrow. Then that famous -Apolidon, seeing his father's grief and the littleness of his brother, -bade him take comfort, for he would accept the books and treasure, and -relinquish the kingdom to his brother. Whereat the father gave him his -blessing with many tears. So Apolidon took his inheritance, and fitted -out certain ships, manning them with chosen Knights, and set forth into -the sea, trusting himself to Fortune, who seeing his great obedience to -his father, and how he had thrown himself upon her mercy, resolved to -requite him with glory and greatness. A fair wind carried him to the -empire of Rome, where Siudan was then Emperor, at whose court he abode -some time, doing great feats in arms, till there grew a true affection -between him and the Emperor's sister, Grimanesa, who then flourished -among all other women for beauty. So it was that as he was loving, even -so was he loved, and as their loves might no other ways be indulged, -they left Rome together, and set sail in Apolidon's fleet, and sailed -till they came to the Firm Island. There Apolidon landed, not knowing -what country it was, and pitched a tent upon the shore, and placed a -couch there for his Lady, who was weary of the sea. Presently there -came down a fierce Giant, <!-- Page 86 --><span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_86" id="Page_86">[86]</a></span>who was Lord of the island, with whom, -according to the custom of the place, Apolidon was to do battle for the -preservation of his Lady and himself, and his company. It ended in such -sort that the Giant lay dead on the field, and Apolidon remained master -of the island. When he had seen its strength, he neither feared the -Emperor of Rome, whom he had offended, nor all the world besides; and -there he and Grimanesa, being greatly beloved by the islanders, whom he -had delivered from their oppressor, dwelt in all happiness for sixteen -years. During that time many rich edifices were made, as well with -his great treasures, as with his surpassing wisdom, such as it would -have been difficult for any Emperor or King, how rich soever, to have -completed. At the end of that time the Emperor of Greece died without -an heir, and the Greeks, knowing the great worth of Apolidon, and that -by his mother's side he was of the blood and lineage of the Emperors, -elected him with one common consent to rule over them. He, albeit -he was enjoying all possible delights in his own island, yet, with -Grimanesa's consent, accepted the Empire; but she, before they left -the island where she had enjoyed such rare happiness, requested her -husband that he would work such a means by his great knowledge, that -that island <!-- Page 87 --><span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_87" id="Page_87">[87]</a></span>might never be possessed, except by a Knight as excellent -in arms and loyal in love as himself, and by a Dame resembling her in -beauty and truth.</p> - -<p>Then Apolidon made an arch at the entrance of a garden, wherein there -were all kind of trees, and also four rich chambers, but it was so -surrounded that none could enter, except by passing under the arch, -over which he placed the Image of a man made of copper, holding a -trumpet in his mouth as if he would wind it. And in one of the chambers -within he placed two figures, in the likeness of himself and his Lady, -the countenances and the stature like unto them, so true that they -seemed alive, and near them he placed a bright stone of jasper; and, -about the distance of half a cross-bow shot, he made a <a name="FNanchor_87:A_5" id="FNanchor_87:A_5"></a><a href="#Footnote_87:A_5" class="fnanchor">[87:A]</a>perron -of iron. Henceforward, said he, no man or woman who hath been false -to their first love shall pass here, for yonder Image shall blow from -that trumpet so <!-- Page 88 --><span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_88" id="Page_88">[88]</a></span>dreadful a blast with smoke and flames of fire, that -they shall be stunned and cast out as dead. But if Knight, or Dame, or -Damsel come, worthy by virtue of true loyalty to finish this adventure, -they shall enter without let, and the Image shall make a sound so sweet -that it shall be delightful to hear, and they shall see our images, -and behold their own name written in the jasper. Grimanesa afterwards -ordered some of her Knights and Ladies to make trial, and then the -Image blew the dreadful blast with smoke and flames of fire; whereat -Grimanesa laughed, knowing them to be in more dread than danger. But -yet, my Lord, quoth she, what shall be done with that rich chamber -wherein we have enjoyed such great contentment? He answered, you shall -see. Then he made two other perrons, one of stone, the other of copper: -the stone one was placed five paces from the chamber, the copper one -five paces farther off. Know now, said he, that henceforth in no -manner, nor at any time, shall man or woman enter this chamber, till -a Knight come who surpasses me in prowess, or a woman exceeding you -in beauty; they shall enter. He then placed these words in the copper -perron: Knights shall advance here, each according to his valour; and -in the stone perron, he wrote: here none shall pass except the Knight -who exceeds <!-- Page 89 --><span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_89" id="Page_89">[89]</a></span>Apolidon in prowess. And over the door of the chamber he -wrote: He who surpasses me in prowess shall enter here, and be Lord of -the island. And he laid such a spell, that none could approach within -twelve paces of the chamber round about, nor was there any entrance but -by the perrons.</p> - -<p>Then he appointed a Governor to rule the island, and collect the -revenues, which were to be reserved for the Knight who should enter -the chamber; and he commanded that all who failed in attempting to -pass the Arch of Lovers, should, without ceremony, be cast out of -the island; but such as passed through were to be entertained and -served with all honour. And farther, he appointed that all Knights who -attempted the adventure of the Forbidden Chamber, and did not pass -the copper perron, should leave their arms there; but from those who -advanced any way beyond it, only their swords should be taken. They -who reached to the marble perron should leave only their shields, and -if they penetrated beyond that, but failed to enter the chamber, they -should lose only their spurs. From the Dames and Damsels who failed, -nothing was to be taken, only their names should be placed upon the -castle-gate, and an account how far they had advanced. Apolidon then -said, when <!-- Page 90 --><span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_90" id="Page_90">[90]</a></span>this island shall have another Lord, the enchantment shall -be dissolved, and all Knights may freely pass the perrons and enter the -chamber; but it shall not be free for women, till the fairest shall -have come, and lodged in the rich chamber with the Lord of the island. -These enchantments being thus made, Apolidon and his wife entered their -ships, and passed over into Greece, where they reigned during their -lives, and left children to succeed them.</p> - - -<hr class="footnotes" /> -<p class="sectctrfn">FOOTNOTES:</p> - -<div class="footnote"> -<p class="noindent"><a name="Footnote_87:A_5" id="Footnote_87:A_5"></a><a href="#FNanchor_87:A_5"><span class="label">[87:A]</span></a> <i lang="es" xml:lang="es">Padron</i> is the Spanish word: the English version -renders it pillar, but the word means more; there must be a roof and a -flooring. Our market-crosses would be called <i lang="es" xml:lang="es">padrones</i>. <i>Perron</i> is -used in the English Amadis of Greece.</p> -</div> - - - - -<div class="chapter"> -<hr class="newchapter" /> -<p><!-- Page 91 --><span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_91" id="Page_91">[91]</a></span></p> -<h3><a name="CHAPTER_2" id="CHAPTER_2"></a><i>CHAPTER 2.</i></h3> -</div> - - -<p>While Amadis remained with his comrades at the court of Sobradisa, -his thoughts were perpetually fixed upon his Lady Oriana; and, so -thoughtful was he, and so often, both sleeping and waking, was he in -tears, that all saw how he was troubled, yet knew they not the cause, -for he kept his love silent, as a man who had all virtues in his -heart. At length, not being able to support a longer absence, he asked -permission of the fair young Queen to depart, which she not without -reluctance having granted, loving him better than herself, he and his -brethren and their cousin Agrayes took the road towards King Lisuarte. -Some days had they travelled when they came to a little church, -and entering there to say their prayers, they saw a fair Damsel, -accompanied by two others, and by four Squires, who guarded her, coming -from the door. She asked them whither they went. Amadis <!-- Page 92 --><span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_92" id="Page_92">[92]</a></span>answered, -Damsel, we go to the court of King Lisuarte, where, if it please you -to go, we will accompany you. Thank you, quoth the Damsel, but I am -faring elsewhere. I waited, because I saw you were armed like Errant -Knights, to know if any of you would go and see the wonders of the Firm -Island, for I am the Governor's daughter, and am returning there. Holy -Mary! cried Amadis, I have often heard of the wonders of that island, -and should account myself happy if I might prove them, yet till now -have I never prepared to go! Good Sir, quoth she, do not repent of your -delay; many have gone there with the same wish, and returned not so -joyfully as they went. So I have heard, said Amadis: tell me, would it -be far out of our road if we went there?—Two days journey.—Is the Firm -Island then in this part of the sea, where is the enchanted Arch of -True Lovers, under which neither man nor woman can pass that hath been -false to their first love? The Damsel answered, it is a certain truth, -and many other wonders are there. Then Agrayes said to his companions, -I know not what you will do, but I will go with this Damsel, and see -these wonderful things. If you are so true a lover, said she, as to -pass the enchanted Arch, you will see the likenesses of Apolidon and -Grimanesa, and behold <!-- Page 93 --><span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_93" id="Page_93">[93]</a></span>your own name written upon a stone, where you -will find only two names written besides, though the spell hath been -made an hundred years. In God's name let us go, quoth Agrayes, and I -will try whether I can be third. With that, Amadis, who in his heart -had no less desire and faith to prove the adventure, said to his -brethren, we are not enamoured, but we should keep our cousin company -who is, and whose heart is so bold. Thereto they all consented, and set -forth with the Damsel. What is this island? said Florestan to Amadis, -tell me, Sir, for you seem to know. A young Knight whom I greatly -esteem, replied Amadis, told me all I know; King Arban of North Wales: -he was there four days, but could accomplish none of the adventures, -and so departed with shame. The Damsel then related the history of the -enchantments, which greatly incited Galaor and Florestan to the proof.</p> - -<p>So they rode on till sunset, and then entering a valley, they saw many -tents pitched in a meadow, and people sporting about them, and one -Knight, richly apparelled, who seemed to be the chief. Sirs, quoth the -Damsel, that is my father: I will go advertise him of your coming, -that he may do you honour. When he heard of their desire to <!-- Page 94 --><span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_94" id="Page_94">[94]</a></span>try the -enchantment, he went on foot with all his company to welcome them, -and they were honourably feasted and lodged that night. At morning -they accompanied the Governor to his castle, which commanded the whole -island, for at the entrance there was a neck of land, only a bow-shot -over, connected with the main land, all the rest was surrounded by the -sea; seven leagues in length it was, and five broad, and because it was -all surrounded by the sea, except where that neck of land connected -it with the continent, it was called the Firm Island. Having entered, -they saw a great palace, the gates whereof were open, and many shields -hung upon the wall; about an hundred were in one row, and above them -were ten, and above the ten were two, but one of them was in a higher -niche than the other. Then Amadis asked why they were thus ranked. -The Governor answered, according to the prowess of those who would -have entered the Forbidden Chamber; the shields of those who could -not enter the perron of copper, are near the ground; the ten above -them are of those who reached it; the lowest of the two passed that -perron, and the one above all reached to the marble perron, but could -pass no farther. Then Amadis approached the shields to see if he knew -them, for each had its owner's <!-- Page 95 --><span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_95" id="Page_95">[95]</a></span>name inscribed; the one which was the -highest of the ten bore a sable lion, with argent teeth and nails, and -a bloody mouth, in a field sable: this he knew to be the shield of -Arcalaus. Then he beheld the two uppermost; the lower bore, in a field -azure, a Knight cutting off the head of a Giant; this was the shield of -King Abies of Ireland, who had been there two years before his combat -with Amadis: the highest had three golden flowers in a field azure: -this he knew not, but he read the inscription, This is the shield of -Don Quadragante, brother to King Abies of Ireland. He had proved the -adventure twelve days ago, and had reached the marble perron, which was -more than any Knight before him had done, and he was now gone to Great -Britain to combat Amadis, in revenge for his brother's death. When -Amadis saw all these shields, he doubted the adventure much, seeing -that such Knights had failed.</p> - -<p>They went out from the palace towards the Arch of True Lovers. When -they came near, Agrayes alighted and commended himself to God, and -cried, Love, if I have been true to thee, remember me! and he past the -spell; and, when he came under the arch, the Image blew forth sweet -sounds, and he came to the palace, and saw the likeness of <!-- Page 96 --><span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_96" id="Page_96">[96]</a></span>Apolidon -and Grimanesa, and saw also the jasper-stone, wherein two names were -written, and now his own the third. The first said, Madanil, son of the -Duke of Burgundy, atchieved this adventure: and the second was, this is -the name of Don Bruneo of Bonamar, son to Vallados, Marquis of Troque: -and his own said, this is Agrayes, son to King Languines of Scotland. -This Madanil loved Guinda, Lady of Flanders. Don Bruneo had proved the -enchantment but eight days ago, and she whom he loved was Melicia, -daughter to King Perion, the sister of Amadis.</p> - -<p>When Agrayes had thus entered, Amadis said to his brethren, will ye -prove the adventure? No, said they, we are not so enthralled that we -can deserve to accomplish it. Since you are two, then, quoth he, keep -one another company, as I, if I can, will do with my cousin Agrayes. -Then gave he his horse and arms to Gandalin, and went on without fear, -as one who felt that never in deed or in thought had he been faithless -to his Lady. When he came under the arch, the Image began a sound far -different and more melodious than he had ever before done, and showered -down flowers of great fragrance from the mouth of the trumpet, the like -of which had never been done before to <!-- Page 97 --><span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_97" id="Page_97">[97]</a></span>any Knight who entered. He past -on to the Images, and here Agrayes, who apprehended something of his -passion, met him and embraced him, and said, Sir, my Cousin, there is -no reason that we should henceforth conceal from each other our loves. -But Amadis made no reply, but taking his hand, they went to survey the -beauties of the garden.</p> - -<p>Don Galaor and Florestan, who waited for them without, seeing that they -tarried, besought Ysanjo, the Governor, to shew them the Forbidden -Chamber, and he led them towards the perrons. Sir brother, said -Florestan, what will you do? Nothing, replied Galaor: I have no mind to -meddle with enchantments. Then amuse yourself here, quoth Florestan, I -will try my fortune. He then commended himself to God, threw his shield -before him, and proceeded sword in hand. When he entered the spell, he -felt himself attacked on all sides with lances and swords, such blows -and so many that it might be thought never man could endure them; yet, -for he was strong and of good heart, he ceased not to make his way, -striking manfully on all sides, and it felt in his hand as though he -were striking armed men, and the sword did not cut. Thus struggling, -he passed the copper <!-- Page 98 --><span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_98" id="Page_98">[98]</a></span>perron, and advanced as far as the marble one, -but there his strength failed him, and he fell like one dead, and was -cast out beyond the line of the spell. When Galaor saw this he was -displeased, and said, however little I like these things, I must take -my share in the danger! and bidding the Squires and the Dwarf to stay -by Florestan, and throw cold water in his face, he took his arms and -commended himself to God, and advanced towards the Forbidden Chamber. -Immediately the unseen blows fell upon him, but he went on, and forced -his way up to the marble perron, and there he stood; but, when he -advanced another step beyond, the blows came on him so heavy a load, -that he fell senseless, and was cast out like Florestan.</p> - -<p>Amadis and Agrayes were reading the new inscription in the jasper, This -is Amadis of Gaul, the true lover, son to King Perion,—when Ardian -the Dwarf came up to the line, and cried out, Help! help, Sir Amadis, -your brothers are slain! They hastened out to him, and asked how it -was.—Sir, they attempted the Forbidden Chamber, and did not atchieve -it, and there they lie for dead! Immediately they rode towards them, -and found them so handled as you have heard, albeit some little -<!-- Page 99 --><span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_99" id="Page_99">[99]</a></span>recovering. Then Agrayes, who was stout of heart, alighted and went on -as fast as he could to the Forbidden Chamber, striking aright and aleft -with his sword, but his strength did not suffice to bear the blows, he -fell senseless between the perrons, and was cast out as his cousins -had been. Then Amadis began to curse their journey thither, and said -to Galaor, who was now revived, Brother, I must not excuse my body -from the danger which yours have undergone. Galaor would have withheld -him, but he took his arms, and went on, praying God to help him. When -he came to the line of the spell, there he paused for a moment, and -said, O Oriana, my Lady, from you proceeds all my strength and courage! -remember me now at this time, when your dear remembrance is so needful -to me! Then he went on. The blows fell thick upon him and hard till he -reached the marble perron, but then they came so fast as if all the -Knights in the world were besetting him, and such an uproar of voices -arose as if the whole world were perishing, and he heard it said, if -this Knight should fail, there is not one in the world who can enter. -But he ceased not to proceed, winning his way hardly, sometimes beaten -down upon his hands, sometimes falling upon his knees; his sword fell -from his hand, and, though it hung <!-- Page 100 --><span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_100" id="Page_100">[100]</a></span>by a thong from the wrist, he -could not recover it, yet holding on still he reached the door of the -chamber, and a hand came forth and took him by the hand to draw him in, -and he heard a voice which said, Welcome is the Knight who shall be -Lord here, because he passeth in prowess him who made the enchantment, -and who had no peer in his time. The hand that led him was large, and -hard, like the hand of an old man, and the arm was sleeved with green -sattin. As soon as he was within the chamber it let go his hold, and -was seen no more, and Amadis remained fresh, and with all his strength -recovered; he took the shield from his neck and the helmet from his -head, and sheathed his sword, and gave thanks to his Lady Oriana for -this honour, which for her sake he had won. At this time they of the -castle who had heard the voices resign the lordship, and seen Amadis -enter, began to cry out, God be praised, we see accomplished what we -have so long desired. When his brethren saw that he had atchieved that -wherein they had failed, they were exceedingly joyful, because of the -great love they bore him, and desired that they might be carried to the -chamber; and there the Governor with all his train went to Amadis, and -kissed his hand as their Lord. Then saw they the wonders which were -in the chamber, the <!-- Page 101 --><span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_101" id="Page_101">[101]</a></span>works of art and the treasures, such that they -were amazed to see them. Yet all this was nothing to the chamber of -Apolidon and Grimanesa, for that was such, that not only could no one -make the like, but no one could even imagine how it could be made; it -was so devised, that they who were within could clearly see what was -doing without, but from without nothing could be seen within. There -they remained some time with great pleasure; the Knights, because one -of their lineage was found to exceed in worth all living men, and all -who for a hundred years had lived: the islanders, because they trusted -to be well ruled and made happy under such a Lord, and even to master -other lands. Sir, quoth Ysanjo, it is time to take food and rest for -to-day: to-morrow, the good men of the land will come and do homage to -you. So that day they feasted in the palace, and the following day all -the people assembled and did homage to Amadis as their Lord, with great -solemnities and feasting and rejoicing.<a name="FNanchor_101:A_6" id="FNanchor_101:A_6"></a><a href="#Footnote_101:A_6" class="fnanchor">[101:A]</a></p> - -<p><!-- Page 102 --><span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_102" id="Page_102">[102]</a></span></p><p>You have heard in the first part of this great history, how Oriana -was moved to great anger and rage by what the Dwarf had said to her -concerning the broken sword, so that neither the wise counsels of -Mabilia nor of the Damsel of Denmark aught availed her. From that time -she gave way to her wrath, so that wholly changing her accustomed -manner of life, which was to be altogether in their company, she now -forsook them, and for the most part chose to be alone, devising how she -might revenge herself for what she suffered, upon him who had caused -her sufferings. So recollecting that she could by writing make him -sensible of her displeasure, even at a distance, being alone in her -chamber, she took ink and parchment from her coffer, and wrote thus:</p> - -<p>My frantic grief, accompanied by so great a reason, causes my weak hand -to declare what my sad heart cannot conceal against you, the false and -disloyal Knight, Amadis of Gaul; for the disloyalty and faithlessness -are known which you have committed against me, the most ill-fortuned -and unhappy of all in the world, since you have changed your affection -for me, who loved you above all things, and have placed your love upon -<!-- Page 103 --><span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_103" id="Page_103">[103]</a></span>one who by her years cannot have discretion to know and love you. -Since then I have no other vengeance in my power, I withdraw all that -exceeding and misplaced love which I bore towards you; for great error -would it be to love him who has forsaken me, when in requital for my -sighs and passion I am deceived and deserted. Therefore, as the wrong -is manifest, never appear before me! for be sure the great love I felt -is turned into raging anger. Go, and deceive some other poor woman as -you deceived me with your treacherous words, for which no excuse will -be received, while I lament with tears my own wretchedness, and so put -an end to my life and unhappiness.</p> - -<p>Having thus written, she sealed the letter with the seal of Amadis, and -wrote on the superscription, I am the Damsel wounded through the heart -with a sword, and you are he who wounded me. She then secretly called a -Squire, who was named Durin, and was brother to the Damsel of Denmark, -and bade him not rest till he had reached the kingdom of Sobradisa, -where he would find Amadis; and she bade him mark the countenance <!-- Page 104 --><span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_104" id="Page_104">[104]</a></span>of -Amadis while he was reading the letter, and stay with him that day, but -receive no answer from him, if he wished to give one.</p> - - -<hr class="footnotes" /> -<p class="sectctrfn">FOOTNOTES:</p> - -<div class="footnote"> -<p class="noindent"><a name="Footnote_101:A_6" id="Footnote_101:A_6"></a><a href="#FNanchor_101:A_6"><span class="label">[101:A]</span></a> The Spanish Writer moralizes here a little upon the -mutability of fortune.</p> -</div> - - - - -<div class="chapter"> -<hr class="newchapter" /> -<p><!-- Page 105 --><span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_105" id="Page_105">[105]</a></span></p> -<h3><a name="CHAPTER_3" id="CHAPTER_3"></a><i>CHAPTER 3.</i></h3> -</div> - - -<p>Durin, in obedience to the command of Oriana, presently departed, and -hasted so well that on the tenth day he arrived at Sobradisa, where -he found the new Queen Briolania, whom he thought the fairest woman, -except Oriana, that ever he had seen; and learning from her that Amadis -had departed two days before, he followed him, and reached the Firm -Island just as Amadis was passing under the Arch of True Lovers, and so -he beheld how the Image did more for him than ever it had done for any -other. And though he saw Amadis after he came forth to his brethren, -yet he did not speak with him, nor give him the letter, till after he -had entered the Forbidden Chamber, and been received by all as Lord of -the island. This he did by Gandalin's advice, who, knowing the letter -to be from Oriana, feared that it might cause his Master either to -forslow or fail in the <!-- Page 106 --><span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_106" id="Page_106">[106]</a></span>atchieving of so great an enterprise, for he -would not only have left off the conquest of the Firm Island, but also -of the whole world, to fulfil what she had commanded; but, when every -thing was finished, Durin went before him, and Amadis took him apart -from his brethren and from all others into a garden, and asked him if -he came from the court of King Lisuarte, and what tidings. Sir, said -he, the court is as when you left it: I come from thence by the command -of my Lady Oriana; by this letter you will know the cause of my coming. -Amadis took the letter, and he concealed the joy that was in his heart, -that Durin might know nothing of his secret; but his grief he could not -conceal when he had read those strong and bitter words, for neither his -courage nor reason could support him then, for he seemed struck with -death. When Durin saw him so disordered, he cursed himself and his ill -fortune, and death, that had not overtaken him on the way. Amadis, for -he could not stand, sate down upon the grass, and took the letter which -had fallen from his hands, and, when he saw the superscription, again -his grief became so violent that Durin would have called his brethren, -but feared to do so, observing what secrecy Amadis had chosen. -Presently Amadis exclaimed, O Lord, wherefore <!-- Page 107 --><span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_107" id="Page_107">[107]</a></span>does it please thee that -I should perish, not having deserved it! and then again, Ah, truth, an -ill guerdon dost thou give him who never failed thee! Then he took the -letter again, saying, you are the cause of my unhappy end; come here, -that it may be sooner! and he placed it in his bosom. He asked Durin -if he had aught else to say; and hearing that he had not, replied, -well then thou shalt take my answer. Sir, quoth he, I am forbidden -to receive any.—Did neither Mabilia nor thy sister bid thee say any -thing?—They knew not my coming: my Lady commanded me to conceal it from -them.—Holy Mary help me! I see now my wretchedness is without remedy. -He then went to a stream that proceeded from a fountain, and washed -his face and eyes, and bade Durin call Gandalin, and bid him bring -Ysanjo the Governor; and he said to the Governor, promise me, as you -are a loyal Knight, to keep secret all that you shall see till after -my brothers have heard mass to-morrow; and the same promise he exacted -from the two Squires. Then he commanded Ysanjo to open privately the -gate of the castle, and Gandalin to take his horse and arms out, -privately also. This done they left him, and he remained alone, -thinking upon a dream which he had dreamt the last night, wherein it -<!-- Page 108 --><span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_108" id="Page_108">[108]</a></span>seemed, that being armed and on horseback he was on a hill covered with -trees, and many persons round about him making great joy; when a man -from amongst them presented him a box, saying, Sir, taste what I bring -you; which he did, and it was exceeding bitter; and therewith feeling -himself cast down and disconsolate, he loosed the reins of his horse, -and let him go whither he would; and he thought that the mirth of all -around him was changed into such sorrow as was pitiful to behold; but -his horse carried him far away from them, and took him through the -trees to a rocky place surrounded with water; and then it seemed in his -dream that he left his horse and arms, as if by that he would have had -rest, and there came to him an old man in a religious habit, and took -him by the hand as if he had compassion, and spoke to him in a language -which he did not understand, whereupon he awoke. Upon this dream Amadis -now mused, thinking that he now found it true.</p> - -<p>Then hiding his face from his brethren, that they might not see his -trouble, he went to the castle-gate, which the sons of Ysanjo had -opened. Come you with me, said Amadis to the Governor, and let your -sons remain here, and keep this matter <!-- Page 109 --><span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_109" id="Page_109">[109]</a></span>secret. So they went to the -foot of the rock, where there was a little chapel, and Gandalin and -Durin went with them. There he armed himself, and asked the Governor -to what saint that chapel was dedicated.—To our Lady the Virgin, who -hath wrought many miracles here. Hearing this, Amadis went in and -knelt down, and said, weeping, Our Lady Virgin Mary, the consoler and -helper of those that are afflicted, I beseech you to intercede with -your glorious Son, that he may have mercy on me; and, if it be your -will not to help me in my body, have mercy on my soul in these my -last days, for other thing than death I do not hope. He then called -Ysanjo, and said, promise as a loyal Knight to do what I shall direct! -and turning to Gandalin, he took him in his arms and wept abundantly, -and held him somewhile, for he could not speak. At length he said, my -good friend Gandalin, you and I were nursed by the same milk, and our -lives have been past together, and never have I endured hardship and -danger in which you had not your part also. Your father took me from -the sea when I was so little, being only that night's child, and they -brought me up as a good father and mother bring up their beloved son; -and you, my true friend, have always thought how to serve me, and I -have hoped in God that he would <!-- Page 110 --><span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_110" id="Page_110">[110]</a></span>one day enable me to requite thee; -but now this misery, which is worse than death, is come upon me, and -we must part, and I have nothing to leave thee, except this island: I -therefore command Ysanjo and all others, by the homage which they have -done to me, that so soon as they shall know my death they take thee for -their Lord. The Lordship shall be thine, but I enjoin that thy father -and mother enjoy it while they live, and afterwards it shall remain -to thee. This I do for what they did for my childhood, for my ill -fortune will not suffer me to do what they deserve, and what I desire. -He then told Ysanjo to take from the rents of the island, which had -accumulated, enough to build a monastery by that chapel, in honour of -the Virgin Mary, and to endow it for thirty friars. But Gandalin cried -out, Sir, you never yet had trouble wherein I was separated from you, -nor shall it be now; and if you die, I do not wish to live: and I want -no honours or lordships; give it to your brethren, I will not take it, -and I do not want it. Hold thy peace, for God's sake, quoth Amadis, and -say no such folly to displease me. My brethren are of such worth that -they can gain lands for themselves, and to bestow on others. Then he -said to Ysanjo, it grieves me, my friend Ysanjo, to leave you before -<!-- Page 111 --><span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_111" id="Page_111">[111]</a></span>I could honour you according to your deserts; but I leave you with -those who will do it. Ysanjo answered, let me go with you, Sir, and -suffer what you suffer. Friend, answered Amadis, it must be as I say; -God only can comfort me! I will be guided by his mercy, and have no -other company. He then said to Gandalin, if thou desirest knighthood, -take my arms; for, since thou hast kept them so well, it is right they -should be thine. I shall little need them: if not, my brother Galaor -shall knight thee. Tell him this Ysanjo, and serve and love him as thou -hast me, for I love him above all my lineage, because he is the best, -and hath ever been humble towards me. Tell him, too, that I commit -Ardian the Dwarf to his care. They for great sorrow could make him no -answer. Then Amadis embraced them, and commended them to God, saying -that he never thought to see them more, and he forbade them to follow -him; and with that spurred his horse and rode away, forgetting to take -either shield, or helmet, or spear. He struck into the mountain, going -whither his horse would. Thus he kept till midnight, being utterly -lost in thought; the horse came then to a little stream of water, -and proceeded upward to find a place so deep that he could drink -thereat. The branches struck Amadis in the face, and so <!-- Page 112 --><span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_112" id="Page_112">[112]</a></span>recalled him -to himself, and he looked round, and seeing nothing but thickets, -rejoiced, thinking that he was hidden in that solitude. So he alighted, -and fastened his horse to a tree, and sate upon the green herb by, and -wept till his head became giddy, and he fell asleep.</p> - - - - -<div class="chapter"> -<hr class="newchapter" /> -<p><!-- Page 113 --><span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_113" id="Page_113">[113]</a></span></p> -<h3><a name="CHAPTER_4" id="CHAPTER_4"></a><i>CHAPTER 4.</i></h3> -</div> - - -<p>Gandalin and his companions remained by the chapel, looking after -Amadis as he rode so fast away: then Gandalin, who was passionately -weeping, cried out, I will follow and carry his arms to him, although -he hath forbidden me! And I, quoth Durin, will bear you company for -this night. So they left Ysanjo, and getting to horse, rode after him, -coasting here and there about the wood, till fortune brought them so -near the place where he was lying, that his horse scented theirs, and -began to neigh. Then they knew that he was near, and Gandalin alighted, -and went quietly through the shrubs till he saw his Master sleeping by -the fountain. The Squire then took his horse and led it where he had -left Durin, and taking off the bridles from all the horses that they -might browze the green boughs, they remained still. It was not long -before Amadis awoke, for his sleep <!-- Page 114 --><span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_114" id="Page_114">[114]</a></span>was restless: he rose, and looked -round: the Moon was almost down, but it was yet some time till day; -then he lay down again, and broke out into pitiful lamentations for his -evil fortune.</p> - -<p>The two Squires heard all he said and were greatly moved thereat, yet -durst they not appear before him. Presently there came up a Knight -singing along the way, and, when he was near the place where Amadis -lay, he exclaimed, Love, love, I thank thee for exalting me above all -other Knights! giving me good first, and better afterwards. You made -me affect the fair Queen Sardamira, thinking to secure her heart by -the honour which I should bear away from this land; and now, for my -greater happiness, you make me love the daughter of the greatest King -in the world, the fair Oriana, who hath no peer on earth: you make -me love her, and you give me strength to serve her. Saying this, he -drew from the wayside to a great tree, whereunder he meant to wait for -day-break. Then said Gandalin to his comrade, stay here while I go see -what Amadis will do. He went towards the fountain, but Amadis had risen -and was seeking his horse; and seeing Gandalin dimly in the night, he -cried out, who goes there? tell me, I beseech thee?—Gandalin, Sir! -<!-- Page 115 --><span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_115" id="Page_115">[115]</a></span>who is going to bring you your horse.—Who bade thee follow me against -my command? you have displeased me: give me my horse and go thy way, -and tarry not here, unless thou wouldst have me slay thee and myself. -Sir, cried Gandalin, for God's sake no more of this! did you hear the -foolish words of a Knight hard by? And this he said to make him angry, -that he might forget his displeasure for a while. Amadis answered, I -heard him, and therefore want my horse to depart.—How! is this all you -will do?—What wouldst thou more?—That you should fight with him, and -make him know his folly.—Fool that thou art! I have neither heart, -nor strength, nor spirit! having lost all in losing her from whom all -came: she gave me courage, and hath taken it away: the most caitiff -Knight in Great Britain might slay me now. Sir, said Gandalin, for -God's sake speak lower, that Durin may not hear this, for he has heard -all that the Knight said.—What! is Durin here?—We came together: I -think he tarries to see what you will do, that he may report it to her -who sent him. I am vexed at what you tell me, quoth Amadis; but his -spirit arose, knowing that Durin was there, and he said, give me my -horse then, and guide me to the Knight. He mounted and took his arms, -and Gandalin led him where <!-- Page 116 --><span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_116" id="Page_116">[116]</a></span>the Knight sate under a tree, holding his -horse by the bridle. You Sir Knight, quoth Amadis, who are enjoying -yourself, rise, and let us see if you can maintain the love of which -you boast. The Knight arose, and cried, who are you who question me? -you shall see how I maintain it, if you dare do battle with me, for I -will strike terror into thee, and all who are scorned by Love. I am -one of those, quoth Amadis: Love hath foully requited me: I tell thee -this, Sir Lover, where I have found one truth in him, I have found -seven lies. Come, and maintain his justice: let us see if he has gained -more in you than he has lost in me! and, as he spake these words, his -anger kindled, feeling how unjustly his Lady had abandoned him. The -Knight mounted and took his arms, and said, You Knight, whom Love has -justly forsaken, because you were not worthy to serve him, get you -gone! I am offended even at the sight of you. And he would have rode -away, but Amadis cried out, What, Knight! do you defend your love only -with words, and ride off like a coward? How! quoth he: I was leaving -thee for contempt, and thou callest it fear! thou art very desirous -of thy own hurt: defend thyself now if thou canst! They ran against -each other, and both shields were pierced, but the Knight was thrown -down: he kept the reins, and <!-- Page 117 --><span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_117" id="Page_117">[117]</a></span>mounted again lightly. Quoth Amadis, If -you do not defend Love better with the sword than with the lance, you -will be a bad champion. The Knight made no reply, but struck at him in -great fury: the sword fell on the rim of the shield, and entered in -aslant, and he could not pluck it out. Amadis stood in his stirrups, -and gave him a blow on his head, and cut away the trappings of his -helmet and the skin of his head, and the sword held on and came upon -the neck of the horse, so that he fell dead, and the rider senseless. -Amadis waited a minute, thinking that he had slain him; then seeing -him recover, he said, Knight, what Love has gained in you, and you in -him, you may both enjoy: I leave you. So departing from him, he called -Gandalin, and seeing Durin there, he said to him, friend Durin, my -sorrow hath no equal, and my grief and recollections are intolerable: -it is better that I should die: pray God it may be soon! Go, with -good fortune! Salute for me, Mabilia, my good cousin, and the Damsel -of Denmark, thy sister; and tell them, if they grieve for me, that I -perish more undeservedly than ever Knight perished; and tell them that -I sorely regret that those who have loved me so much, and done so much -for me, have never had their guerdon! Durin stood weeping before him, -and could make <!-- Page 118 --><span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_118" id="Page_118">[118]</a></span>no reply. Amadis embraced him, and he commended him to -God, and kissed the skirts of his armour and departed. By this it was -day-break: Amadis said to Gandalin, if you chuse to go with me, attempt -not to disturb me in whatever I say or do: if you will not obey this, -go back. He promised obedience. Then Amadis gave him his arms, and bade -him pluck the sword from the shield and give it the Knight, and so they -rode on.</p> - - - - -<div class="chapter"> -<hr class="newchapter" /> -<p><!-- Page 119 --><span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_119" id="Page_119">[119]</a></span></p> -<h3><a name="CHAPTER_5" id="CHAPTER_5"></a><i>CHAPTER 5.</i></h3> -</div> - - -<p>This wounded Knight was Patin, brother to Don Sidon, who was then -Emperor of Rome; he was the best Knight in all those lands; and -therefore greatly feared throughout the empire. The Emperor was very -old, and had no son, therefore all thought this brother should succeed -him. He loved Sardamira, Queen of Sardinia, who was a fair and comely -Damsel, and being niece to the Empress had been brought up in the -court; and he had so far profited by his service, that she had promised -him, if ever she married, to marry him. El<a name="FNanchor_119:A_7" id="FNanchor_119:A_7"></a><a href="#Footnote_119:A_7" class="fnanchor">[119:A]</a> Patin upon this grew -more presumptuous, though his natural arrogance was enough; and he -<!-- Page 120 --><span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_120" id="Page_120">[120]</a></span>said to her, I have heard that King Lisuarte hath a daughter who is -renowned over all the world for her beauty. I will go to his court, -and say she is not so fair as you, and this I will maintain against -the two best Knights who dare undertake her cause. They say there are -Knights there of great worth in arms, but if I do not conquer them in -one day, I will that King Lisuarte do cause my head to be cut off! The -Queen answered him, do not do this; for, if that Princess be fair, it -impaireth not the beauty which God hath bestowed upon me, if beauty -there be; and, methinks, you might with more reason and less pride -prove your prowess in some other cause, for this enterprize is not -becoming a man of so high a rank, and moreover it is unreasonable and -arrogant, and you cannot expect it to come to a good end. Come what -will, quoth he, I will do it, to prove that you, who are the fairest -Lady in the world, have the best Knight for your servant. So he took -his leave, and with rich arms and ten Squires passed over into Great -Britain, and went directly to where King Lisuarte was, who seeing him -so accompanied thought him to be some great personage, and courteously -welcomed him. When he was disarmed, all that saw his great stature -judged him to be of great courage. Lisuarte then asked him who he was. -He <!-- Page 121 --><span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_121" id="Page_121">[121]</a></span>answered, King, I will tell you, for I do not come to your house -to conceal myself, but to make myself known. Know, then, that I am El -Patin, brother to the Emperor of Rome, and so soon as I see the Queen, -and your daughter Oriana, you shall know the cause of my coming. When -the King heard that he was a man of so high rank, he embraced him -and said, Good friend, much are we pleased with your coming, and you -shall see the Queen and her daughter and all others of my house, when -it pleaseth you. Then he placed him at his own table, and they were -feasted in a manner befitting the table of such a personage. El Patin -looked round him, and when he saw so many Knights he was astonished, -and began to hold the household of his brother, the Emperor, as -nothing. Don Grumedan took him to his lodging, by the King's command, -and did him much honour. The next day after mass, the King took with -him El Patin and Don Grumedan, and went to the Queen, who received -him honourably, and made him sit before her and near her daughter. -Now Oriana's beauty was much impaired by reason of her great trouble -of mind, yet when El Patin saw her he marvelled greatly, and thought -that they who praised her had not mentioned half her beauty, and his -heart was entirely changed <!-- Page 122 --><span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_122" id="Page_122">[122]</a></span>from the purpose with which he had come, -and wholly bent to obtain her. Wherefore calling to mind his own high -birth and great qualities, and moreover that he should one day possess -the empire, he thought that if he demanded her in marriage she would -not be refused him. So taking the King and Queen apart, he said, I come -hither to request the marriage of your daughter, for your worth and for -her beauty: if I sought others of her rank, I could obtain them, seeing -what I am, and what I expect to be. The King answered, we thank you -much for what you say, but the Queen and I have promised our daughter -not to give her in marriage against her consent: we must talk with her, -before we can answer you. This the King said that he might not offend -him, but in his mind he was resolved not to give her to him, or to any -other who would carry her out of the land which she was to inherit. -El Patin was satisfied with this, and waited five days, expecting a -favourable answer; but the King and Queen, thinking it folly, had said -nothing to Oriana. Then El Patin asked the King how the business went -on. He answered, I do what I can, but it is necessary that you should -speak to my daughter, and request her to obey my commands. El Patin -went to the Princess, and said, Lady Oriana, I wish to ask a <!-- Page 123 --><span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_123" id="Page_123">[123]</a></span>thing of -you which will be much to your honour and profit. What thing is that? -quoth she.—That you will do the will of your father. She knowing not -for what reason he spake, replied, that shall I right willingly, being -sure it will be as you say. Then Patin was full joyful, thinking he -had won her, and said, I will go through this land seeking adventures; -before long you will hear such things of me, as will make you with more -reason grant what I require. And this also he said to the King, telling -him that he would see the wonders of his land. The King replied, you -have it in you to do this; yet would I dissuade you, for in this land -you will find many great and perilous adventures, and many strong and -hardy Knights, practised in arms. I like this, quoth El Patin: if they -are strong and hardy, I am neither weak nor faint, as my deeds shall -show. So he departed, right joyful at Oriana's answer, and for this joy -he was singing as you have heard, when his ill fortune led him where -Amadis was making moan; and this is the reason why that Knight came -from so far a land.</p> - -<p>Durin departed from Amadis when it was clear day-light, and he passed -by El Patin, who had taken off the piece of his helmet that was left, -and <!-- Page 124 --><span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_124" id="Page_124">[124]</a></span>had his face and neck all bloody. He seeing Durin, said to him, -Good child, so may God make you a good man as you tell me if there -be any place near where I may have remedy for my wound. Yes, quoth -he, but all there are so afflicted that they will hardly attend to -you.—For what cause?—For the loss of a good Knight, who hath won that -lordship, and seen the likenesses and secrets of Apolidon, which none -other could ever do, and he is departed in such sorrow that nothing -but his death is looked for.—Methinks you speak of the Firm Island?—I -do.—What! hath it found a a master? certes I am heartily sorry, for I -was going there myself to prove the adventure and win the Island. Durin -laughed, and answered, Truly, Sir Knight, if there be no more prowess -in you than you have just now manifested, you would have gained little -honour! El Patin raised himself as well as he could, and tried to catch -his bridle, but Durin turned aside. Tell me, said he, what Knight is -he that hath won the Firm Island?—Tell me first who you are?—I am El -Patin, brother to the Emperor of Rome.—God-a-mercy! quoth Durin, your -birth is better than your prowess or your courtesy. Know that the -Knight you ask about is the same who hath just now left you: by <!-- Page 125 --><span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_125" id="Page_125">[125]</a></span>what -you have seen you may judge that he is worthy of what he hath won. So -he went his way, and took the straight road to London, greatly desirous -to tell Oriana all that he had seen of Amadis.</p> - - -<hr class="footnotes" /> -<p class="sectctrfn">FOOTNOTES:</p> - -<div class="footnote"> -<p class="noindent"><a name="Footnote_119:A_7" id="Footnote_119:A_7"></a><a href="#FNanchor_119:A_7"><span class="label">[119:A]</span></a> The article is uniformly prefixed to his name, except -where he is first mentioned. In our language it is only used where the -name is a family or clan appellation: The Plantagenet, the Douglas, the -Graham.</p> -</div> - - - - -<div class="chapter"> -<hr class="newchapter" /> -<p><!-- Page 126 --><span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_126" id="Page_126">[126]</a></span></p> -<h3><a name="CHAPTER_6" id="CHAPTER_6"></a><i>CHAPTER 6.</i></h3> -</div> - - -<p>Ysanjo, according to his promise, revealed nothing concerning Amadis -till after mass the next day. Then, when his brethren and his cousin -enquired for him, he said, arm yourselves, and I will tell you his -commands. And, when they were armed, Ysanjo began to weep passionately, -and exclaimed, O Sirs, what a grief and a misery is come upon us, that -we should lose our Lord so soon! Then he told them all that Amadis had -said, and how he besought that they would not seek him, for they could -not help his ill, and that they should not grieve for his death. Holy -Mary! cried they, the best Knight in the world is about to perish! but -we will seek him, and, if we cannot with our lives help him, we will -bear him company with our deaths. Ysanjo then told Galaor his brother's -request that he would make Gandalin a Knight, and take the Dwarf into -his service: this he <!-- Page 127 --><span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_127" id="Page_127">[127]</a></span>delivered weeping, and they weeping also heard -it. The Dwarf for pure grief was beating his head against a wall; but -Galaor caught him up and said, Ardian come with me, since thy Master -has so commanded, and my lot shall be yours. The Dwarf answered, Sir, -I will follow you, but not as my Master, till we know some certain -tidings of Amadis. Forthwith they went to horse, and all three hastened -along the road which Ysanjo pointed. All day they rode on, meeting -no one of whom they could ask tidings, till they came where El Patin -lay wounded beside his dead horse: his Squires had found him, and -were cutting down boughs and poles to make him a litter, for he was -exceeding faint with loss of blood, so that he could not answer them, -but made sign that they should speak to his Squires, and they replied, -that their Lord had sped so ill in an encounter with the Knight who had -won the Firm Island. Good Squires, know you which way he went?—No; but -before we came up to this place we met an armed Knight in the forest, -upon a stout horse, and he was weeping and accusing his fortune: a -Squire behind him carried his arms; the shield had two lions azure in a -field or., and the Squire was lamenting also. That is he! cried they; -and they pushed on with great speed till they came out of <!-- Page 128 --><span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_128" id="Page_128">[128]</a></span>the forest -upon a great plain, where there were many roads in every direction, -so that they knew not which way to take; therefore they agreed to -separate, and meet at the court of Lisuarte upon St. John's day, that -if by then they had been unsuccessful in their search, they might -consult anew how to find him. There then they embraced and separated, -each earnestly bent on his quest, but in vain; for, when Amadis reached -the open country, he took none of those roads, but struck aside along a -glen, and thence made into the mountain.</p> - -<p>He rode on lost in thought, suffering his horse to chuse the -path. About noon the horse came to some trees that grew beside a -mountain-stream, and then stopt, being weary with the heat and with the -toil of last night. Here Amadis recollected himself and looked round, -and was pleased to see no signs of a habitation: he alighted and drank -of the brook. Gandalin came up, and turning the horses to feed came -to his Master, whom he found more dead than alive; and, not daring to -disturb him, he lay down before him. Amadis continued in this mood -till sunset, then rising, he struck his foot against Gandalin: art -thou sleeping? quoth he. No, replied Gandalin, but I am thinking upon -two things which concern you, the which, if <!-- Page 129 --><span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_129" id="Page_129">[129]</a></span>it please you to hear, I -will speak: if not, I will be silent. Amadis answered, go saddle the -horses, and let us begone: I do not chuse to be found by those who seek -me. Sir, said Gandalin, you are in a solitary place, and your horse is -so weary that, unless you allow him some rest, he cannot carry you. -Amadis replied, weeping, do what you think best: whether I stay or go, -there is no rest for me! Then Gandalin looked after the horses, and -returned to his Master, and begged him to eat of a pasty which he had -brought, but he would not. Sir, said he, shall I say the two things -whereon I have been thinking? Say what you will, quoth Amadis; I care -nothing now for any thing that may be said or done, and wish to live no -longer than till I can confess.—Then I pray you hear me, Sir: I have -thought much upon that letter which Oriana sent you, and upon the words -of the Knight with whom you fought; and seeing how light is the faith -of many women, it may be that she hath changed her affections, and so -has feigned anger against you, before you discover it. The other thing -is, that I believe her to be so good and loyal that she could not have -been thus moved, unless some great falsehood had been spoken of you, -which she believes and feels in her heart; and, since you know that you -have never been <!-- Page 130 --><span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_130" id="Page_130">[130]</a></span>false, you should make the truth known, whereby she -will repent of what she hath done, and intreat your forgiveness for the -wrong, and you will enjoy your former happiness. It is better to take -food with this hope, than, by abandoning yourself to despair, to die -and lose her, and the glory of this world, and even the other. Hold thy -peace, for God's sake! quoth Amadis, for such foolishness and lies as -thou hast uttered, are enough to provoke the whole world. Oriana, my -Lady, has never done wrong; and, if I perish, it is but reasonable, not -for my deserving, but to accomplish her will and command: if I did not -know that thou hast said this to comfort me, I would cut off thy head! -you have greatly displeased me: never say the like to me again! He then -turned away in anger, and walked along the side of the stream.</p> - -<p>But Gandalin, who for two days and a night had not slept, was overcome -with heaviness, and at length fell asleep. When Amadis saw this, he -saddled his horse, and hid Gandalin's saddle and bridle among the -bushes, that he might not be able to find them; and, taking his arms, -he struck into the wildest part of the mountain. All night he went; and -the next day till vespers, then he came to a plain at the foot of a -mountain: there <!-- Page 131 --><span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_131" id="Page_131">[131]</a></span>were two high trees there that grew over a fountain, -and there he went to give his horse drink, for they had found no water -all that day. When he came up to the fountain, he saw an old man in a -religious habit, who was giving his ass water; his beard and hair were -grey, and his habit was very poor, being made of goat's hair. Amadis -saluted him, and asked him if he was a Priest. The good man answered, -he had been one forty years. God be praised! quoth Amadis: I beseech -you for the love of God stay here to-night, and hear my confession, of -which I am in great need. In God's name! said the old man. Then Amadis -alighted, laid his arms upon the ground, and took the saddle from his -horse and let him feed; and he disarmed, and knelt before the good -man, and began to kiss his feet. The good man took him by the hand -and raised him, and made him sit by him, and, beholding him well, he -thought him the goodliest Knight that ever he saw, but he was pale, -and his face and neck were stained with tears, so that the old man -had great pity, and said, Sir Knight, it seems that you are in great -affliction: if it be for any sin that you have committed, and these -tears spring from repentance, in a happy hour came you here! but if it -be for any worldly concerns, from which by your <!-- Page 132 --><span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_132" id="Page_132">[132]</a></span>youth and comeliness -it seems you cannot be removed, remember God, and beseech him of -his mercy to bring you to his service. He then raised his hand and -blessed him, and bade him relate all the sins he could call to mind. -Hereon Amadis began the whole discourse of his life, without letting -any thing pass. The good man then said, seeing that you are of such -understanding, and of so high a lineage, you ought not to despair and -cast yourself away for any thing that may befall you, much less for -the action of a woman, for they are as easily won as lightly lost. I -counsel you to lay aside such folly, for the love of God, to whom it -is displeasing, and even for worldly reason, for man ought not to love -where he is not beloved. Good Sir, replied Amadis, I am now in such -extremity that I cannot live any long time: I beseech you, by that God -whose faith you hold, take me with you for the little while I have to -live, that I may have comfort for my soul. My horse and arms I need no -longer: I will leave them here, and go with you on foot, and perform -whatever penitence you enjoin. If you refuse, you will sin before God, -for else I shall wander and perish in this mountain. When the good man -saw him thus resolute, he said to him, with a heart wholly bent to his -good, Certes, Sir, it becomes not a Knight like you to abandon <!-- Page 133 --><span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_133" id="Page_133">[133]</a></span>himself -as if he had lost the whole world, by reason of a woman: their love -is no longer than while they see you with their eyes, and hear such -words as you say to them, and that past, presently they forget you; -especially in those false loves that are begun against the Lord: the -same sin which makes them sweet at first, gives them a bitterness in -the end, as you experience. But you who are of such prowess, and have -such power, you who are the true and loyal protector of such as are -oppressed, great wrong would it be to the world if you thus forsake -it. I know not what she is who hath brought you to this extremity, but -if all the worth and beauty of the sex were brought together in one, -I know that such a man as you ought not to be lost for her. Good Sir, -quoth Amadis, I ask not your counsel upon this, where it is not wanted; -but, for my soul's sake, I pray you take me in your company, for else I -shall have no remedy, but to die in this mountain. The old man hearing -this, had such compassion on him that the tears fell down his long -white beard. Sir, my son, said he, I live in a dreary place, and a -hard life; my hermitage is full seven leagues out at sea, upon a high -rock, to which no ship can come except in summer time. I have lived -there these thirty years, and he who lives there must renounce all the -<!-- Page 134 --><span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_134" id="Page_134">[134]</a></span>pleasures and delights of the world, and all my support is the alms -which the people of the land here bestow upon me. I promise you, said -Amadis, this is the life I desire for the little while I shall live, -and I beseech you, for the love of God, let me go with you. The good -man, albeit against his will, consented; and Amadis said, now, Father, -command me what to do, and I will be obedient. The good man gave him -his blessing, and said vespers, and then taking bread and fish from -his wallet, he bade Amadis eat; but Amadis refused, though he had been -three days without tasting food. You are to obey me, said the good man, -and I command you to eat, else your soul will be in great danger if you -die. Then he took a little food; and when it was time to sleep, the old -man spread his cloak and laid him down thereon, and Amadis laid himself -down at his feet.</p> - -<p>The most part of the night Amadis did nothing but turn from side to -side, but at last being sore wearied he fell asleep, and in that sleep -he dreamt that he was fastened in a dark chamber, where there was -no light at all, neither could he find any way to come out thereof, -whereat he greatly lamented; then he thought that his cousin Mabilia -and the Damsel of Denmark came to him, and <!-- Page 135 --><span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_135" id="Page_135">[135]</a></span>there was a sun-beam before -them which dispelled the darkness, and they took him by the hand, -saying, Come forth, Sir, to this great palace. And he thought that he -was right joyful; and going out he saw his Lady Oriana surrounded with -a great flame of fire, whereat he cried out, Holy Mary, help her! and -ran through the fire to save her, feeling no hurt, and took her in her -arms and carried her into a garden, the greenest and pleasantest that -ever he had seen. At the loud cry which he made the good man awoke, and -took him by the hand, asking him what he ailed? Sir, said he, I felt -such pain in my sleep that I was almost dead. So it seemed by your cry, -said the old man, but it is time to set out; then he got upon his ass. -Amadis would have walked by him, but the good man with great entreaty -made him mount his horse, and so they fared on together.</p> - -<p>As they went, Amadis besought him to grant one boon, which should be -no-ways hurtful, the which the old man granted. I pray you then, said -Amadis, that so long as we are together you will not tell any man who -I am, nor any thing concerning me, and that you will call me by some -other name, not my own; and, when I am dead, you tell my brethren of -me, that they may take my body into <!-- Page 136 --><span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_136" id="Page_136">[136]</a></span>their country. Your life and -death, said the good man, are in the hands of God, so talk no more -of this, he will help you if you know and love and serve him as you -ought; but tell me, by what name will you be called?—Even by whatever -it shall please you.—So the old man, seeing how fair he was, and in -how forlorn a condition, replied, I will give you a name conformable -to your appearance and distress, you shall be called Beltenebros. -Now Beltenebros being interpreted, signifyeth, the Fair Forlorn. The -name pleased Amadis, and he admired the good sense of the old man -in chusing it; so by this name he was long known, till it became as -renowned as that of Amadis. Thus communing they reached the sea-side -just as the night closed in; there they found a bark, wherein the good -man might cross to his hermitage. Beltenebros gave his horse to the -mariners, and they gave him in exchange a cloak of goat skin, and a -garment of coarse grey woollen. They embarked, and Beltenebros asked -the good man what was his own name, and the name of his abode. They -call my dwelling-place, said he, the Poor Rock, because none can live -there without enduring great poverty: my own name is Andalod. I was -a clerk of some learning, and spent my youth in many vanities, till -it pleased God to awaken me, and then I withdrew <!-- Page 137 --><span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_137" id="Page_137">[137]</a></span>to this solitary -abode: for thirty years I have never left it, till now that I went to -the burial of my sister. At length they reached the Rock and landed, -and the mariners returned to the main land. Thus Amadis, now called -Beltenebros, remained on the Poor Rock, partaking the austerities of -the hermit, not for devotion, but for despair, forgetful of his great -renown in arms, and hoping and expecting death,—all for the anger of a -woman!</p> - -<p>When Gandalin awoke in the mountain, he looked round him, and seeing -only his own horse, started up, misdoubting what had happened; he -called aloud, and searched among the shrubs in vain, he could find -neither Amadis nor his horse. Then, knowing that Amadis was departed, -he turned to his horse to ride after him, but the saddle and bridle -were gone! upon that he cursed himself and his evil fortune, and the -day wherein he was born, going from one place to another, till at -length he espied the harness, and immediately set out on pursuit. -Five days he rode on, sleeping in desert places, enquiring at every -habitation for his Master. On the sixth, chance led him to the fountain -where Amadis had left his armour. Here he beheld a tent, in which were -two Damsels: he <!-- Page 138 --><span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_138" id="Page_138">[138]</a></span>alighted, and asked them if they had seen a Knight who -bore two lions azure in a golden field. They answered that they had not -seen him, but such a shield and the whole harness of a Knight, they -had found beside that fountain. When Gandalin heard this, he tore his -hair, and exclaimed, Holy Mary, help me! my Master, the best Knight in -the world, is dead or lost! how badly have I served you, my Lord! and -now with reason ought I to be hated by all men, and the earth ought -not to suffer me upon her, since I have left you at such a time! You -were he who succoured all, and now all have forsaken you! the world and -all in it have abandoned you! and I, caitiff wretch, and more wretched -than all that ever were born, have left you in your death! And with -that, for excess of passion, he fell down. The Damsels shrieked out, -Holy Mary, help! the Squire is dead! and they ran to him, and flung -water in his face, but it was long before they could recal him to his -senses. Good Squire, they cried, be not desperate for a thing which -is not certain: you had better seek him till you learn whether he be -alive or dead: good men ought to bear up against sorrow, not to die in -despair. Gandalin took heart at their words, and resolved to seek his -Master as long as he lived. <!-- Page 139 --><span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_139" id="Page_139">[139]</a></span>Ladies, said he, where did you see these -arms?—We will tell you willingly: we were in the company of Don Guilan -the Pensive, who delivered us and twenty other Knights and Damsels -from the prison of Gandinos the ruffian, behaving himself there so -valiantly that he hath destroyed the wicked customs of the castle, and -constrained the Lord thereof to swear never more to maintain the same. -We came with Guilan to this fountain four days ago, and when he saw the -shield for which you enquired, he was very sorrowful, and alighting, -said, the shield of the best Knight in the world should not lie thus! -and with that, weeping sorely, he hung the shield upon this tree, and -bade us keep it while he rode to seek him whose it was. We set up our -tents here, and Guilan sought for him three days without success: -yesterday he returned, and this morning, giving his own arms to his -Squires, he girded on the sword and took the shield, saying, By God, -shield, thou makest a bad exchange, in losing thy master to go with me! -He told us, he would carry the arms to Queen Brisena. We also, and all -who were delivered by him, are going to that court, to beg the Queen of -her goodness to recompense Don Guilan, as the Knights will beseech the -King. <!-- Page 140 --><span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_140" id="Page_140">[140]</a></span>Then God be with you! quoth Gandalin. I shall take your advice; -and, as the most caitiff and unhappy wretch in the world, go seek for -him upon whom my life or death depends.</p> - - - - -<div class="chapter"> -<hr class="newchapter" /> -<p><!-- Page 141 --><span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_141" id="Page_141">[141]</a></span></p> -<h3><a name="CHAPTER_7" id="CHAPTER_7"></a><i>CHAPTER 7.</i></h3> -</div> - - -<p>On the tenth day after he had left Amadis in the forest, Durin reached -London, and, alighting at his own lodging, went straight to the Queen's -palace. So soon as Oriana saw him, her heart throbbed violently, so -that she could not calm it, and she went into her chamber and lay down -upon the bed, bidding the Damsel of Denmark go for her brother, and -bring him to her secretly. The Damsel returned with Durin, and leaving -him with her mistress, went out to Mabilia. Now, friend, said Oriana, -tell me where you have been, and where you found Amadis, and what he -did when he read my letter, and if you have seen Queen Briolania: -tell me every thing. Then Durin related how he had followed Amadis -from Sobradisa to the Firm Island, and arrived there just as Amadis -was passing under the Arch of True Lovers, under the which none might -pass <!-- Page 142 --><span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_142" id="Page_142">[142]</a></span>that had been false to his first love. How, cried she, dared -he prove that adventure, knowing that he could not accomplish it? It -did not turn out so, replied the Squire; he accomplished it with more -loyalty than any other had ever there displayed, and was received with -more honour, and such signs as had never been seen before. When Oriana -heard this, her joy was very great, that that which had occasioned her -great anger was thus disproved. He proceeded with his tale, how Amadis -had won the Forbidden Chamber. Hold! quoth she, and she lifted up her -hands and began to pray God that she might one day be in that Chamber -with him who had worthily won it. Now, quoth she, tell me what did -Amadis when you gave him the letter? The tears came into Durin's eyes. -Lady, I advise you not to ask, for you have done the worst cruelty -and devilry that ever Damsel committed. Holy Mary! cried Oriana, -what art thou saying? I say, repeated Durin, that you have unjustly -destroyed the best and truest Knight that ever woman had, or will have -to the end of the world. Cursed be the hour in which such a thing was -devised, and cursed be death that did not take me before I carried -such a message: if I had known what I carried, I would rather have -slain myself than have appeared before <!-- Page 143 --><span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_143" id="Page_143">[143]</a></span>him, for you in sending that -letter, and I in taking it, have been the cause of his death. Then he -related every thing that had passed, and all that Amadis had said, and -how he was gone into the mountain to die. While he was relating these -things, all Oriana's anger was gone, and her shame and anguish became -so intolerable, that when he had ceased she could not utter a word, -but remained like one who had lost her senses. Durin, albeit that he -thought she well deserved this suffering, was yet moved to pity, and he -went to Mabilia and his sister, and said to them, go and help Oriana, -for, if she hath done wrong, her punishment is come upon her: and he -went his way.</p> - -<p>They ran to her, and seeing in what state she was, they fastened the -door of her chamber, and threw water in her face, and brought her to -herself, and she then began to lament what she had done, and cry out -for death. But those true friends sent again for Durin, and learnt from -him all that had past, and then began to comfort her, and they made her -write a letter to request his forgiveness, and bid him come with all -speed to the castle of Miraflores, there to receive her atonement. This -letter the Damsel of Denmark would take and search for him, for she -refused no trouble or difficulty <!-- Page 144 --><span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_144" id="Page_144">[144]</a></span>for the two persons in the world whom -she loved best; and, because Amadis in his sorrow had talked so much -of Gandales, they thought he might be with him; and they agreed, as a -pretext for her going there, that she should carry gifts to the Queen -of Scotland, and tidings of her daughter Mabilia. Oriana therefore told -her mother they were about to send the Damsel, and Brisena approving -thereof, sent also presents from herself. This being settled, the -Damsel, in company with her brother Durin, and Enil, a nephew of -Gandales, rode to a port called Vegil, which is in that part of Great -Britain towards Scotland, and embarking there, in seven days they came -to the town called Poligez, in Scotland. From thence they proceeded to -the castle of Gandales; him they met going to the chace, and saluted -him; and he, perceiving that the Damsel was of a foreign land by her -speech, asked her from whence she came. I am the messenger, quoth she, -of some Damsels who love you much, and who have sent gifts to the Queen -of Scotland.—Good Damsel, and who are they?—Oriana, daughter of King -Lisuarte, and Mabilia, whom you know. Then Gandales joyfully bade them -welcome, and took them to his castle. As they were conversing, the old -Knight enquired for his foster son, Amadis. At this the <!-- Page 145 --><span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_145" id="Page_145">[145]</a></span>Damsel was -grieved, perceiving that he was not there as they had hoped; but, not -to distress Gandales by the truth, she only answered that he was not -yet returned from Sobradisa. We thought, said she, that he would first -accompany his cousin Agrayes here, to see you and the Queen his aunt; -and I bring letters to him from Queen Brisena and his other friends, -which he would be right glad to receive. This she said, that if Amadis -were there in secret, he might be induced to see her. She remained with -Gandales two days, then proceeded to the Queen.</p> - - - - -<div class="chapter"> -<hr class="newchapter" /> -<p><!-- Page 146 --><span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_146" id="Page_146">[146]</a></span></p> -<h3><a name="CHAPTER_8" id="CHAPTER_8"></a><i>CHAPTER 8.</i></h3> -</div> - - -<p>Don Guilan the Pensive proceeded with the arms toward the court of -Lisuarte. He always carried the shield of Amadis round his neck, -except when he was constrained to fight, and then he took his own. So -as he rode, two nephews of Arcalaus met him and knew the shield, and -attempted to force it from him, saying they would take that shield, or -the head of him who carried it, to their uncle. When Guilan knew of -how bad a race they were, he cared the less for them, and gave them -both battle. They were strong Knights, and both younger men than he; -he, nevertheless, was a valiant man and tried in arms, so that he slew -one, and drove the other to flight. That evening he took up his lodging -in the house of a Knight whom he knew, who welcomed him gladly, and -gave him another lance, for his own was broken in the encounter. He -continued his way till he <!-- Page 147 --><span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_147" id="Page_147">[147]</a></span>came to a river called Guinon, which was a -great water, and over it was a wooden-bridge, just so broad that one -horseman might come and another go. At one end of the bridge was a -Knight who wished to pass; he bore a shield vert, with a bend argent, -whereby Guilan knew him to be his cousin Ladasin. On the other side -was a Knight who kept the passage; he rode a large bay horse, and did -bear in his shield argent a lion sable: this Knight called out aloud to -Ladasin, You must joust, Knight, if you would pass. Your joust shall -not prevent me, quoth Ladasin. They ran at each other upon the bridge, -and Ladasin and his horse fell into the river. There would Ladasin -have perished, by reason of the weight of his arms, and the height -whence he had fallen, if by good hap he had not caught the boughs of -some willows, by which he got to the bank. Don Guilan ran to his help, -and with the aid of his Squires got him out of the water. Cousin, said -he, you would hardly have been saved without these boughs: all Knights -should avoid to joust upon these bridges, for they who keep them have -their horses practised to the place, and rather by that, than by their -own prowess, win the honour. I would rather turn out of the way and go -round, if this had not happened to you, but now I must try to revenge -you. By this, <!-- Page 148 --><span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_148" id="Page_148">[148]</a></span>Ladasin's horse had got upon the opposite bank, and the -Knight bade his servants lead him to the castle, which was a strong -and pleasant fortress, built in the river, and the way to it was by a -bridge of stone. The Knight was ready at the bridge-end. Don Guilan -gave the shield of Amadis to his Squire, and took his own, and they met -together upon the bridge with a most rude encounter. The Knight was -unhorsed and fell into the water; Guilan also was dismounted, and his -horse went over, but he saved himself by clinging to the planks. The -Knight got upon Guilan's horse, and so to shore, while Guilan's Squires -took the bay courser for their master. Don Guilan presently saw the -Knight of the bridge shaking off the water, and holding the bridle: -give me my horse, said he, and let me depart. How! quoth he, think you -to escape so lightly with this?—Quoth Guilan, have we not performed the -custom? The battle is not yet over, cried the Knight, because we both -fell: we must decide it with the sword. Perforce must I fight? cried -Guilan: is not the wrong done already enough, for bridges should be -free for every passenger? Will you, nill you, quoth he of the bridge, -you shall feel how my sword can cut. He then sprung upon Guilan's -horse, without setting his foot in the stirrup, and <!-- Page 149 --><span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_149" id="Page_149">[149]</a></span>placed himself -right in the road. Don Cavalier, tell me, said he, before we fight, -if thou art of Lisuarte's country or court?—Why ask you?—I wish it -pleased God, that I had King Lisuarte here as I have thee, by my head -his reign should be finished. Certes, quoth Guilan, you have now given -me a good will to fight with thee, which before I had not: I am of his -household, and, if it be in me, you shall never more do him disservice. -Before noon, quoth the Knight, you shall carry my message to him, and -I will tell you who I am, and what present I will send him: my name -is Gandalod, son to Barsinan, Lord of Sansuena, he whom King Lisuarte -slew in London. The presents you shall carry him, are the heads of -four of his Knights, whom I hold prisoners in yonder tower: the one is -Giontes his nephew, and thy own right hand, which I mean to cut off and -tie round thy neck. Don Guilan laid hand to sword; you have boasting -enough, if that were all that were needed.</p> - -<p>Then began so fierce a battle, that Ladasin and the Squires thought -even the conqueror could not escape with life; but they were both hardy -Knights, and their armour of excellent temper, and they knew how to -defend themselves. Now when their <!-- Page 150 --><span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_150" id="Page_150">[150]</a></span>fight was at the hottest, they heard -the winding of a horn from the top of the tower. Gandalod knew not what -it could mean, and Guilan thought it was a signal for succour to his -enemy; therefore they both more eagerly bestirred themselves to end the -battle. Gandalod grappled with him, and they both fell; then was the -fight closer and more dangerous, but Guilan had the advantage; it was -evident that his antagonist waxed weary and weak, and at length, by a -well driven blow, Don Guilan lopt off his right arm. He shrieked out, -and turned to fly to his tower, but Guilan reached him, plucked the -helmet from his head, and bade him chuse instant death, or to present -himself with his presents, but in another guise, to King Lisuarte. -I will rather trust his mercy, quoth Gandalod, than be slain here -outright.</p> - -<p>Don Guilan then took horse, and rode with Ladasin towards the tower, -where there was a great uproar. The Knights had broken from their -prison and seized arms, and one of them it was who wound the horn, and -now they had won the castle; the gate was opened, and the servants -and one Knight came flying out: they called out to Ladasin and Guilan -to kill those villains, and particularly the Knight: three of the men -escaped them, <!-- Page 151 --><span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_151" id="Page_151">[151]</a></span>but the Knight they took. Then said Guilan to them, -Sirs, I cannot tarry, but my cousin Ladasin shall keep you company; let -the castle be kept for me, and do you carry this Knight and Gandalod to -King Lisuarte for his judgment. Then he gave his own shield, which was -much battered, to his Squire, and took that of Amadis, and as he hung -it round his neck the tears came. They knew the shield, and hearing how -Don Guilan had found it, were sorely troubled, thinking that some great -mishap had befallen Amadis. So he proceeded to the court, and all that -saw the shield crowded round him; and the King said, for God's sake, -Don Guilan, tell us what you know of Amadis. I know nothing of him, -Sir, quoth he, but how I found the shield I will declare before the -Queen. So he was taken to the Queen, and he knelt before her weeping, -and told her how he had found the arms of Amadis, and sought for him -three days in vain. Knowing, said he, the value of that good Knight, -and that it was his desire to employ it till death in your service, I -have brought you these arms, in testimony of the duty which I do owe -both to you and to him. Let them be placed where all may see them; -there may be some among the many strangers who come here, who may know -some tidings of their master, and they <!-- Page 152 --><span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_152" id="Page_152">[152]</a></span>will be memorials to all who -follow arms, that they may take example by his great chivalry. Greatly -was the Queen distressed at this, and Lisuarte also, and all the -court; but Oriana could not remain there, and she went to her bed, and -bitterly reproaching her own folly, wished for death. Albeit Mabilia -did somewhat cheer her with a hope that the Damsel of Denmark might -find him and repair all.</p> - -<p>The Knight and Damsels whom Don Guilan had released, soon arrived, -and the two Damsels who had seen Gandalin, and they related what -lamentation a Squire had made over the arms. Presently after came -Ladasin, and the Knights who led Gandalod prisoner; and when Lisuarte -heard what cruelties he had purposed, he said to him, here I slew -thy father for the great treason which he committed against me, and -here thou shalt die for that which thou didst purpose to commit. So -he commanded him, and the Knight his follower, to be thrown from the -Tower, before which Barsinan had been burnt.</p> - - - - -<div class="chapter"> -<hr class="newchapter" /> -<p><!-- Page 153 --><span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_153" id="Page_153">[153]</a></span></p> -<h3><a name="CHAPTER_9" id="CHAPTER_9"></a><i>CHAPTER 9.</i></h3> -</div> - - -<p>Beltenebros and the Hermit were one day sitting on the stone-bench -by the door of their chapel, when the old man said, I pray you, son, -tell me what it was that made you cry out so in your sleep, when we -were by the fountain of the plain? That shall I willingly, father, he -replied, and I beseech you tell me what you understand by it. Then he -related to him the manner of his dream, only the names of the women, -those he did not tell. The good man mused for a while, and then said, -with a cheerful countenance, Beltenebros, you have given me great -pleasure by this account, and you also have great reason to rejoice. -The dark chamber, in the which you thought yourself to be, and from -whence you could not get out, signifieth this great tribulation which -you now endure. The Damsels who opened the door, are those friends -who continually solicit your cause <!-- Page 154 --><span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_154" id="Page_154">[154]</a></span>with her whom you love so much, -and they will succeed so well as to withdraw you from this place. The -sun-beam which went before them, is the joyful news that they are to -send you here; and the fire, wherein you saw your Lady enveloped, is -the great pain of love which she suffers for you as well as you for -her: from that fire you delivered her, that is, from the pain which -your presence will remove; and the pleasant garden is a sign of great -happiness, wherewith you shall pass your lives. Truly, I know a man of -my habit should not discourse of such things as these, yet it is more -for God's service to speak the truth that may comfort you, than to -conceal it, seeing your desperate state.</p> - -<p>Beltenebros knelt down and kissed the old man's hands, thanking God -for having given him such a friend in his need, and praying with tears -that he would mercifully be pleased to accomplish the words of that -holy man his servant. Then he besought him to tell the interpretation -of the dream he had dreamt before Durin gave him the letter, which when -the Hermit had heard, he answered, This I can show you clearly, for it -is all accomplished. The place overshadowed with trees, was the Firm -Island, and the people who made such <!-- Page 155 --><span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_155" id="Page_155">[155]</a></span>great joy about you, signified -the great pleasure of the Islanders in gaining you for their Lord. The -man who came to you with the box of bitter electuary, was the messenger -of your Lady, for the bitterness of her words, you, who have proved -them, can best tell; and you laid aside your arms. The stony place -amidst the water, is this Poor Rock; and the religious man who spoke -to you in an unknown tongue, am I, who tell you the holy word of God, -which before you neither knew nor thought of.</p> - -<p>Verily, said Beltenebros, you tell me the truth of this dream, for -these things have all come to pass, and therefore great cause have I to -hope for the future. Yet was not this hope so great or so certain as -to remove his sorrow, for he would often sit with his eyes fixed upon -the ground, remembering what he had been, and his life would have been -endangered by exceeding melancholy, had it not been for the counsel of -that good man. And sometimes, to take him away from that pensiveness, -the Hermit would make him go with two nephews that kept him company -there, to angle in a little stream hard by, where they caught plenty of -fish.</p> - -<p><!-- Page 156 --><span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_156" id="Page_156">[156]</a></span></p><p>Here Beltenebros dwelt in penitence and great grief, and he past the -night most frequently under some large trees in the garden near the -chapel, that he might there lament, without the knowledge of the Hermit -or the boys; and calling to mind the great wrong he endured, he made -this song in his passion:</p> - -<div class="poem i"> - <div class="stanza"> - <div class="line">Sith that the victory of right deserved</div> - <div class="line">By wrong they do withhold for which I served;</div> - <div class="line">Now sith my glory thus hath had a fall,</div> - <div class="line">Glorious it is to end my life withall.</div> - <div class="line">By this my death, likewise my woes release,</div> - <div class="line">My hope, my joy, my inflamed love doth cease.</div> - <div class="line">But ever will I mind my during pain,</div> - <div class="line">For they, to end my glory and my gain,</div> - <div class="line">Myself have murdered, and my glory slain.<a name="FNanchor_156:A_8" id="FNanchor_156:A_8"></a><a href="#Footnote_156:A_8" class="fnanchor">[156:A]</a></div> - </div> -</div> - -<p>He had passed one night as usual under these trees, when towards -morning he heard certain <!-- Page 157 --><span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_157" id="Page_157">[157]</a></span>instruments touched so sweetly, that he -took great delight in hearing them, and marvelled what it might be, -knowing that in that place there dwelt none else than the Hermit and -his nephews. He rose, and went softly towards the sound, and saw that -there were two Damsels by a fountain, who, tuning their voices to their -lutes, did sing a most pleasant song. He stood awhile listening, then -advanced, and said, God save you, gentle Damsels, but your sweet music -has made me lose my <!-- Page 158 --><span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_158" id="Page_158">[158]</a></span>matins! They wondered who he should be, and said -to him, tell us, friend, for courtesy, what place is this where we have -landed, and who are you who speak to us? Ladies, he replied, they call -it the Rock of the Hermitage, because of the Hermit that dwells here. -As for me, I am a poor man who bear him company, doing great and hard -penance for the sins that I have committed. Then said they, friend, is -there any house here where our Lady could rest for two or three days? -for she is very sick: she is a Lady of high rank and wealth, whom love -hath greatly tormented. Beltenebros answered, here is a little cabin, -it is very small, in which I lodge: if the Hermit pleases, you shall -have it, and I will asleep abroad in the field, as I often use to do. -For this courtesy the Damsels heartily thanked him. By this the day -began to break, and Beltenebros saw under some trees the Lady of whom -they spake, lying upon a rich bed; four armed Knights and five serving -men, who attended her, were sleeping on the shore, and a well appointed -ship rode at anchor. The Lady was young and beautiful, so that he took -pleasure in beholding her.</p> - -<p>Beltenebros then went to the Hermit, who was robing himself to say -mass. Father, said he, <!-- Page 159 --><span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_159" id="Page_159">[159]</a></span>there are strangers here: it will be well -to wait mass for them. So they both went out from the chapel. The -Knights and serving-men were carrying the sick Lady towards them, and -her Damsels were coming with her, and they asked the Hermit if there -was any house wherein they could place her. He answered, here are two -cabins: I live in the one, and by my will never woman shall enter that. -This poor man, who makes his penitence here, lodges in the other, and -I will not remove him against his will. To this Beltenebros replied, -Father, you may well give them that, for I will rest under the trees, -as I often do. They then entered the chapel to hear mass; but the sight -of Knights and Damsels reminded Beltenebros of what he had been, and -of his own Lady, and renewed in him his exceeding sorrow, so that he -sobbed aloud, and kneeling down at the altar, besought the Virgin Mary -to help him in his affliction. The Knights and Damsels, who saw how -he wept, held him for a man of good life, and marvelled how he could -employ his youth and beauty in that desert place, for any sin that he -could have committed, seeing that the mercy of God may be obtained in -all places alike, by such as truly repent. As soon as mass was ended, -they carried the Lady into his cabin, and laid her in her rich bed, -and she lay <!-- Page 160 --><span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_160" id="Page_160">[160]</a></span>there weeping and wringing her hands. The Damsels went -for their lutes to solace her, and Beltenebros asked them wherefore -she appeared so distressed. Friend, said they, this Lady hath great -possessions, and is of high rank and beautiful; though her sorrow -doth now diminish her fairness, and we will tell you the cause of her -sorrow, tho' it should not be told to others. It is excessive love that -afflicts her: she is going to seek him whom she loves at the court of -King Lisuarte, and God grant that she may find him there! When he heard -the house of King Lisuarte mentioned, and that the Lady was sick of -love, the tears came into his eyes, and he said, I pray you, Ladies, -tell me the name of the Knight whom she loves. They answered, he is -not of this country, but is one of the best Knights in the world, -excepting only two who are of the greatest renown.—By the faith you -owe to God, I beseech you tell his name, and the name of those other -two.—We will tell you, on condition that you in return tell us if you -be a Knight, as you seem by every thing, and likewise what is your -name. I am content, said he, that I may know what I ask.—Know then, -the Knight whom our Lady loveth, is Don Florestan, brother to the good -Knight Amadis of Gaul, and to Don Galaor, and son of King Perion -<!-- Page 161 --><span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_161" id="Page_161">[161]</a></span>of Gaul and the Countess of Selandria. Now, quoth he, you tell me -truly of his goodness, for you cannot say so much good of him as he -deserveth.—Do you then know him?—It is not long since I saw him in the -house of Briolania, for I saw the battle there of Amadis and his cousin -Agrayes against Abiseos and his sons; after which Florestan arrived -there, and I heard Don Galaor speak great things of his prowess, for -they say he fought with him.—Yes, replied the Damsels, it was in that -battle they knew each other, and then Florestan went away.—What! is -this the Lady of the island where that battle was fought?—The same.—Her -name is Corisanda. I do not now grieve for her so much, for he is so -gentle and of such disposition, that well I know he will do whatever is -her pleasure. Now then, said the Damsels, tell us who you are. Gentle -Damsels, replied he, I am a Knight who have had more pleasure in the -vanities of the world than falls to my lot now, for which I am now -suffering, and my name is Beltenebros. God's mercy upon you! said they: -we must now go play to our Lady.</p> - -<p>After they had sung to her awhile, they told her what Beltenebros had -said of Florestan. Ah, call him here, cried she, he must be some good -man, <!-- Page 162 --><span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_162" id="Page_162">[162]</a></span>since he knows Don Florestan. They brought him to her. These -Damsels, said she, tell me that you have seen and that you love Don -Florestan: by the faith you owe to God, tell me all you know concerning -him. Beltenebros then related how he had gone with his brethren and -Agrayes to the Firm Island, and that he had not seen him since. Tell -me, said Corisanda, are you akin to him, for you seem to love him -much?—Lady, I love him for his great valour, and because his father -knighted me, wherefore I am greatly bound to him and his sons; but I -am very sad for the tidings which I heard of Amadis before my coming -here.—What are they?—I met a Damsel in a forest by the way side, -singing a sweet song, and I asked her who had made it. She answered, a -Knight, to whom God give more comfort than he had when that was made, -for by the words it seemed he had suffered great wrong in love, and -complained heavily. I stayed two days with the Damsel till I had learnt -it. She told me that Amadis did show it her, and that he wept at the -time and was in great misery. I beseech you, quoth Corisanda, teach -it to my Damsels, that they may sing and play it to me. That will I, -said he, for your own sake, and for his sake whom you love; albeit that -is no time for singing, nor for aught that is matter of joy. He <!-- Page 163 --><span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_163" id="Page_163">[163]</a></span>then -went with the Damsels to the chapel, and showed them the song which he -had made: his voice was of rare sweetness, and now his melancholy made -it more soft and in unison; and the Damsels learnt the song, and did -sing it to their Lady, who took great pleasure to hear them. Corisanda -remained there four days; on the fifth she took leave of the Hermit, -and asked Beltenebros if he should remain there long? Lady, till I die, -he replied. Then she entered her ship, and made voyage to London.</p> - -<p>Lisuarte and the Queen received her in a manner suitable to her high -rank, and lodged her in the palace, and the Queen asked her if she had -any suit to Lisuarte, that, if so, she might further it. My Lady, said -Corisanda, I thank you for the favour; but my coming is to seek Don -Florestan, and because tidings from all parts reach this court, I will -remain here some time till I hear news of him. Good friend, replied -Brisena, that may you do so long as you think good; at present we have -no other news of him, than that he is gone in search of his brother -Amadis, who is lost, we know not for what cause; and she then related -how Guilan had found the arms. Hearing this, she began to weep, and -say, O Lord God, what will <!-- Page 164 --><span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_164" id="Page_164">[164]</a></span>become of my Lord and friend Don Florestan! -for he so loves that brother, that, if he finds him not, he also will -become desperate, and I shall never see him more! The Queen having -great pity, consoled her, and Oriana, who was by, hearing the love -she bore to the brother of Amadis, had the greater desire to honour -her, and accompanied her to her chamber, and learnt from her all her -love. Thus talking with her and Mabilia of sundry things, Corisanda -related how she had been upon the Poor Rock, and found a Knight there -doing hard penance, who had taught her Damsels a song made by Amadis -in his affliction, and the words, she said, were very sad. My good -friend and Lady, quoth Mabilia, beseech you let your Damsels sing it! I -desire much to hear it, seeing it was made by that Knight, my cousin. -The Damsels then sung the song, which it was a pleasure to hear, and -yet so sorrowful that it made those sad who heard it. But Oriana, who -understood the complaint, could no longer abide there for the shame of -the tears that she felt flowing, and she went to her chamber. Mabilia -therefore said to Corisanda, I see Oriana is unwell; she hath for -courtesy remained here longer than she should: I must go and assist -her; but tell me what manner of man was he whom you saw upon the Poor -Rock of the <!-- Page 165 --><span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_165" id="Page_165">[165]</a></span>Hermitage, and what did he know concerning Amadis? She -then told her how they had found him, that she had never seen a man so -comely in grief and being wasted, nor one of such manners in poverty, -nor a man so young of such discourse and reason. Mabilia forthwith went -joyfully to her friend's chamber. He who asks news, said she, sometimes -learns more than he expects: the melancholy man who lives upon the -Poor Rock, and calls himself Beltenebros, by all that I can learn -from Corisanda, must be Amadis. Oriana lifted up her hands, O Lord of -the World, grant that it be true! Dear friend, tell me what to do, -for I have neither sense nor judgment: unfortunate wretch, who by my -own folly and intemperate passion have lost all my happiness! Mabilia -turned away her face, that the tears might not be seen: we must wait -for the Damsel's return, said she; if she should not find him, leave it -to me: I am sure he is this Beltenebros.</p> - - -<hr class="footnotes" /> -<p class="sectctrfn">FOOTNOTES:</p> - -<div class="footnote"> -<p class="noindent"><a name="Footnote_156:A_8" id="Footnote_156:A_8"></a><a href="#FNanchor_156:A_8"><span class="label">[156:A]</span></a> This is the version in the English translation from -the French: the matter is preserved, the manner lost. The poem is -curious from its age; it is printed with these marks:</p> - -<table summary="Spanish version of poem on page 156" border="0" lang="es" xml:lang="es"> - <tr> - <td class="tdleftpoem">Pues seme niega victoria</td> - </tr> - <tr> - <td class="tdleftpoem">dojusto mera deuida</td> - </tr> - <tr> - <td class="tdleftpoem">alli do muere la gloria</td> - <td> </td> - <td class="tdcenterb">(:·:)</td> - <td> </td> - </tr> - <tr> - <td class="tdleftpoem">es gloria morir la vida.</td> - </tr> - <tr> - <td> </td> - </tr> - <tr> - <td class="tdleftpoem">Y con esta muerte mia</td> - </tr> - <tr> - <td class="tdleftpoem">moriran todas mis daños,</td> - <td class="tdcenterb">(:·:)</td> - <td> </td> - <td class="tdcenterb">(:·:)</td> - </tr> - <tr> - <td class="tdleftpoem">mi esperanza y mi porfia</td> - </tr> - <tr> - <td class="tdleftpoem">el amor y sus engaños;</td> - </tr> - <tr> - <td class="tdleft" style="padding-right: 3em;">mas quedara en mi memoria</td> - </tr> - <tr> - <td class="tdleftpoem">lastima nunca perdida,</td> - <td> </td> - <td class="tdcenterb">(:·:)</td> - <td> </td> - </tr> - <tr> - <td class="tdleftpoem">que por me matar la gloria,</td> - </tr> - <tr> - <td class="tdleftpoem">me mataron gloria y vida.</td> - </tr> -</table> -</div> - - - - -<div class="chapter"> -<hr class="newchapter" /> -<p><!-- Page 166 --><span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_166" id="Page_166">[166]</a></span></p> -<h3><a name="CHAPTER_10" id="CHAPTER_10"></a><i>CHAPTER 10.</i></h3> -</div> - - -<p>Ten days that Damsel of Denmark remained in Scotland, not so much for -pleasure, as because she had suffered much from the sea, and for the -ill success of her search, and she feared that to return, when she had -sped so ill, would be the death of her mistress. At length she took -her leave, and receiving presents from the Queen of Scotland to Queen -Brisena and Oriana and Mabilia, she embarked for Great Britain, not -knowing what other course to pursue; but that Lord of the World, who -to those that are utterly without hope or remedy shows something of -his power, that we may know it is he that helpeth us and not our own -wisdom, he changed her voyage, to her own great fear, and the fear -and sorrow of all in the ship; for the sea began to rage, and such -a tempest arose, that the sailors lost all power over the ship, and -all knowledge of their course, and the ship was driven <!-- Page 167 --><span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_167" id="Page_167">[167]</a></span>whither the -winds would, they that were in her having no hope of life. At last -one morning they came to the foot of the Poor Rock; some of them knew -the place, and said that Andalod the Hermit lived there, which, when -the Damsel heard, she ordered them to put to land, that being rescued -from such a danger, she might hear mass from that holy man, and return -thanks to the Virgin Mary for the mercy which her glorious Son had -shown them.</p> - -<p>Beltenebros was sitting at this time by the fountain under the trees, -where he had passed the night, and he was now so reduced that he did -not expect to live fifteen days. What with weeping, and with the -wasting away of sorrow, his face was more deadly pale than sickness -could have made it, and so worn down and wan that no one could have -known him. He saw the ship, and the Damsels and two Squires landing; -but his thoughts being wholly bent upon death, the things that once -gave him pleasure, as in seeing strangers that he might help them if -they needed succour, now had become hateful. So he rose and went into -the chapel, and told the Hermit that there were strangers landed and -coming up; and then he knelt before the altar, and prayed God to have -<!-- Page 168 --><span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_168" id="Page_168">[168]</a></span>mercy upon his soul, for he was soon going to his account. The Hermit -vested himself to say mass, and the Damsel with Durin and Enil entered. -After she had prayed, she uncovered her face. Beltenebros rose from his -knees, and seeing her and Durin, the shock was so great that he fell -down senseless. The Hermit thought him dead, and exclaimed, Ah, Lord -Almighty, why has it not pleased thee to have pity upon him who might -have done so much in thy service! and the tears fell fast adown his -long white beard. Good Damsel, said he, let these men help me to carry -him to his chamber, I believe it is the last kindness we can do him. -Enil and Durin assisted to lift him up, and they carried him into his -chamber, and laid him upon a poor bed, and neither of them knew him.</p> - -<p>After the Damsel had heard mass, she resolved to make her meal ashore, -for she was weary of the sea. So by chance she asked who that poor -man was, and what sore sickness afflicted him.—He is a Knight, who -liveth here in penance. He is greatly to be blamed, quoth she, to -chuse so desert a place. It is as you say, replied the Hermit, for he -has done so for the foolish vanities of the world, more than for the -service of God. I will see him, said the Damsel, since you tell me he -is a Knight, perhaps there may be something in the ship which <!-- Page 169 --><span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_169" id="Page_169">[169]</a></span>would -relieve him.—That you may do, but he is so near his end, that I believe -Death will ease you of that trouble. Beltenebros was lying upon his -bed, thinking what he should do: if he made himself known, that would -be breaking his Lady's command, and, if he did not, he should remain -without any hope or possible remedy; but he thought to disobey her will -would be worse than death, and so determined to be silent. The Damsel -came to the bedside, and said, Good man, I learn from the Hermit that -you are a Knight, and because Damsels are beholden to all Knights for -the dangers they encounter in our defence, I resolved to see you, and -leave with you any thing which is in the ship that may contribute to -your health. He made her no answer, but sobbed with such exceeding -passion, that she thought his soul was departing; and because the room -was dark, she opened a shutter for the light, and drew near to see -if he were dead. They looked at each other some time, and the Damsel -knew him not. At last, she saw a scar in his face: it was the mark of -a wound which Arcalaus had given him with his lance, when Oriana was -rescued; then, tho' before she had no suspicion, she knew that this -was Amadis.—Ah, Holy Mary, help me! you are he, Sir! and she fell with -her face upon the bed, <!-- Page 170 --><span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_170" id="Page_170">[170]</a></span>and knelt down, and kist his hands. Now, Sir, -said she, your compassion and pardon are needed for her who has wronged -you, for, if her unjust suspicion have reduced you to this danger, -she herself with more reason passes a life more bitter than death. -Beltenebros took her in his arms, and held her awhile, having no power -to speak. She then gave him the letter: your Lady sends you this, and -she bids you, if you are the same Amadis, whom she loves so well, to -forget the past, and come to her in the castle of Miraflores, and there -receive her atonement for your wrongs, which excessive love occasioned. -Amadis kissed the letter, and placed it upon his heart, saying, Heart, -take thy remedy, for there was none other that could save thee! This -was the letter:</p> - -<p>If great faults committed by enmity, when humbly acknowledged, deserve -pardon, what shall we say to those which proceeded from excess of love? -Not that by this do I deny, my true friend, that I deserve exceeding -punishment, for neither having considered your truth, that had never -before failed, nor my own mind in how passionate a state it was. I pray -you receive this Damsel as coming from one who humbly confesseth her -fault, and who will tell you the wretchedness which she <!-- Page 171 --><span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_171" id="Page_171">[171]</a></span>endures who -requests your pity, not because she deserves it, but for your comfort, -as well as her own.</p> - -<p>Such joy had Beltenebros at this letter, that he was lost even as in -his past sorrow, and tears that he did not feel ran down his cheeks. It -was agreed between them, that the Damsel should give out how she took -him aboard for his health sake, because on that Rock he could have no -help, and that as soon as possible they should take land, and leave -the ship. Beltenebros then told the Hermit by what happy chance the -Damsel had found him, and besought him that he would take charge of the -Monastery that was to be built by his command at the foot of the rock -of the Firm Island. This the old man promised, and Beltenebros then -embarked, being known of none but the Damsel.</p> - -<p>They soon landed with the two Squires, and left the mariners. Presently -they found a pleasant place upon the side of a brook, with many -goodly trees, and there they resolved to rest, because Beltenebros -was so weak; and there, if it had not been that the absence of his -Lady afflicted him, he would have passed the pleasantest life, and -best for his recovery that might be, for under those <!-- Page 172 --><span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_172" id="Page_172">[172]</a></span>trees where the -brook-springs arose, they had their meals, and there was their tent -for the night. There related they to each other all that had past, and -a pleasure was it now to him to talk over his misery. Ten days they -remained, and in that time he so regained strength, that his heart felt -its old inclination for arms. He made himself known to Durin there, -and took Enil for his Squire, who knew not whom it was that he served, -but was well content with him for his gentle speech. Hence departing, -in four days they reached a nunnery; there they determined that he and -Enil should abide, while the Damsel and her brother went to Miraflores. -She then gave Beltenebros money to buy horses and armour, and for -his wants; and she left behind her part of the Queen of Scotland's -presents, that she might send Durin for them as if they had been -forgotten, and so he might bring news.</p> - - - - -<div class="chapter"> -<hr class="newchapter" /> -<p><!-- Page 173 --><span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_173" id="Page_173">[173]</a></span></p> -<h3><a name="CHAPTER_11" id="CHAPTER_11"></a><i>CHAPTER 11.</i></h3> -</div> - - -<p>After their year's vain search, Agrayes, Galaor, and Florestan, met -at the place appointed, which was a chapel half a league from London. -Gandalin came with Florestan, and, when he found no tidings of his -Master, he said to them, that they should leave their lamentation and -begin their search again, remembering what Amadis would have done for -them if they had been in like case. So they determined to enter the -court, and, if they learnt nothing there, to set out again upon their -quest; and they wept to think how happily they had accomplished all -adventures that had befallen them, and yet had failed to find him whom -they sought.</p> - -<p>Then having heard mass at the chapel, they rode towards the city. It -was St. John's day, and presently they met King Lisuarte riding out -with all <!-- Page 174 --><span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_174" id="Page_174">[174]</a></span>his Knights in honour of that holy day, because the Saint was -so great a Saint, and also because on that day he had been made King. -When he saw three Errant Knights approaching, he drew nigh to welcome -them. Great joy was there when they unhelmed, and at first Lisuarte -thought Florestan was Amadis, for he much resembled him; but Gandalin -and the Dwarf, when they beheld this meeting, wept with great grief. -The news soon spread: greatly was Corisanda rejoiced thereat, and -Olinda, the gentle friend of Agrayes, who knew how he had past under -the Arch of True Lovers. Mabilia, in joy for her brother's coming, -went for Oriana, who was sitting sorrowfully at her chamber-window, -reading. She answered, weeping and sighing as if her heart-strings -would have broken, how can I go? do you not see my face and eyes, how -they show that I have been weeping? and how can I see those Knights, in -whose company I was wont to see Amadis: it is better to die! Mabilia -comforted her how she could:—the Damsel might yet bring tidings. Nay, -quoth Oriana, if these Knights have failed, who have sought him so far -and so long, how shall she succeed? a woman! and seeking him but in -one place? But she may induce him to discover himself, said Mabilia, -for she carries comfort to him, and knows <!-- Page 175 --><span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_175" id="Page_175">[175]</a></span>the secret of his love, -which they did not. So she cheared her, and made her wash her eyes, -and called Olinda to go with them to the Queen. Look, quoth the King -to Galaor, how ill your friend Oriana is! I grieve to see her thus, -replied he: reason is it that we should try to help her health by -our services. My good friend, Galaor, said she, God it is who heals -sickness and sorrow, and if it pleaseth him he will me, and recover -your brother Amadis, whom you have lost, and whom we all lament. Anon -an outcry was heard without, for Gandalin and the Dwarf seeing their -Master's shield where it was hung, began to lament aloud, and the -Knights were comforting them. What! cried Lisuarte, is Gandalin here? -Florestan answered, I met him two months ago seeking for his Master, -and made him bear me company. I hold Gandalin, said the King, to be -one of the best Squires in the world, and we ought to comfort him. So -he rose, and went out to him. When Oriana heard the name of Gandalin, -and the lamentation that he was making, she grew pale, and would have -fallen, but Galaor and Florestan caught her. Mabilia, who knew the -cause, ran to her, and put her arms round her neck. Good and true -friends, then said Oriana to the two brethren, if I do not show you -what honour I <!-- Page 176 --><span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_176" id="Page_176">[176]</a></span>ought and desire to show, I pray you impute it to its -true cause, this sore illness! and then she went to her chamber. Dear -friend, said she to Mabilia, since we entered this city of London, I -have never been without some cause of sorrow: let us go to Miraflores, -that is a delightful place, and there I can have the comfort of -solitude. We will ask your parents' permission, said Mabilia, and there -the Damsel of Denmark will find us, and there you may the more freely -see him, when he shall be found. Ah, quoth Oriana, let us lose no time!</p> - -<p>This castle of Miraflores was about two leagues from London, a little -place, but the pleasantest abode in all that land, for it was in a -wood by the side of a mountain, surrounded with orchards and gardens -that abounded with fruits and flowers, and there were fountains in the -courts canopied with trees, that all the year round bore flower and -fruit. The King one day had taken the Queen and Princess there when -he was hunting, and because the Princess was much pleased with the -place, he gave it her for her own. About a bow-shot from the gate was a -nunnery, which she had founded, and there were nuns in it of holy life. -So that night she asked permission of Lisuarte and her Mother to retire -there, which was readily granted.</p> - -<p><!-- Page 177 --><span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_177" id="Page_177">[177]</a></span></p><p>The King being at table with Agrayes and his cousins, said to them, I -trust we shall have good news of Amadis, for I have sent thirty Knights -of the best of my household to seek him, and, if they fail, take you -as many as you will and seek him; but I beseech you do not depart till -after a battle which has been appointed between me and King Cildadan of -Ireland, who is a King renowned in arms, and has married the daughter -of King Abies, whom Amadis slew. The battle is to be an hundred against -an hundred, and the quarrel this: That kingdom has been obliged to -pay tribute to the Kings of Great Britain: Cildadan demands battle on -condition, that, if he be conquered, the tribute shall be doubled; but, -if he succeed, the country shall be freed therefrom. I trow he will -need all his Knights and friends! The three companions, albeit loth to -have their search delayed, yet could they not refuse to stay and share -the peril. After the cloths were removed, Florestan bade Gandalin go -to Mabilia, who wished to see him. He went accordingly, and, when they -saw each other, they both wept. Ah, Lady, quoth he, what great wrong -hath Oriana done to you and to your lineage, in depriving you of the -best Knight in the world! and what wrong hath she done to him, who -never <!-- Page 178 --><span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_178" id="Page_178">[178]</a></span>erred against her in deed nor word! Ill hath God bestowed such -beauty and such goodness, when this could be in her! and yet none hath -lost so much by it as herself! Say not thus, Gandalin! cried Mabilia, -what she did was from exceeding love, and in the belief that he was -loving another. And then she related all that had been said by Ardian -concerning the broken sword. O God! quoth Gandalin, where were all your -understandings? he would have buried himself alive for her displeasure! -and she believed this! and thus is the best Knight in the world -destroyed! Oriana had listened to all this: she came forward as if she -had heard nothing; and weeping, so that hardly could she speak, she -said, O Gandalin! God preserve and bless you, as you shall do what you -ought! Lady, said he, in tears also, what do you command me? Kill me! -cried she, for I killed your master, and you should revenge his death, -as he would have revenged your's! And then she fell senseless.</p> - -<p>The King bade Grumedan accompany his daughter to Miraflores, and see -that there were serving-men left there, and porters for the gate, and -all things needful. Early the next morning they set out, and when -Oriana saw the place, how fresh it was <!-- Page 179 --><span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_179" id="Page_179">[179]</a></span>with flowers and roses, and the -water-pipes and fountains, her mind felt greatly comforted. The keys of -the castle and of the garden-gates were every night to be carried by -the porters to the Abbess Adalasta, that she might keep them securely. -I have desired to have the keys by day, said Oriana to Mabilia, that -Gandalin may get another set made, so that if by good fortune Amadis -should come, we may admit him by the postern-door thro' the garden; and -there Oriana determined to remain till she saw Amadis, or till she died -in that solitude. Her apartments were full pleasant, and before the -chamber-door there was a little court wherein three trees grew, that -quite shadowed it; and there they took their pleasure, but with great -anxiety expected the Damsel of Denmark and her tidings. The next day -the Porter came and said, a Squire asked for Mabilia. Let him in, quoth -Oriana; it is Gandalin, a right good Squire, who was brought up with -us, and is the milk-brother of Amadis, whom God preserve from harm! God -preserve him, indeed! cried the Porter, for great loss to the world -would it be if such a Knight were to perish. Lo now! said Oriana to -her friend, as the Porter went away, how Amadis is loved by all, even -by these simple men! and I who was so loved by him, I have been his -death! <!-- Page 180 --><span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_180" id="Page_180">[180]</a></span>Herewithal Gandalin entered, and Oriana making him sit by her -side, related how she had sent the Damsel of Denmark to seek Amadis, -and what she had written to him: think you, Gandalin, said she, that he -will forgive me? You little know his heart, Lady, quoth the Squire; by -God for the least word in the letter he will come: if you bade him, he -would bury himself alive under the earth,—how much sooner will he come -at your command! And the Damsel of Denmark will sooner find him than -all the persons in the world; for, if he hid himself from me, he will -not show himself to any other. And you, Lady, should take comfort with -this hope, lest he should find your beauty so altered when he comes, -and fly from you. What, Gandalin! seem I so ugly? quoth she, being -well-pleased at his words. You seem so to yourself, said he, that you -thus hide yourself where none may see you. I do it to this end, said -Oriana, that, when thy master cometh, if he would fly, he may not be -able. She then showed him the keys, and bade him get others made like -them, that when his master came they might admit him at their pleasure.</p> - -<p>Gandalin took the keys to London, and returned that same night with -others so exactly like them, <!-- Page 181 --><span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_181" id="Page_181">[181]</a></span>that there was no difference, except -that these were new and the others old. Here they are! cried Mabilia, -showing them to Oriana: come, we have supt, and all the people are at -rest! let us try them. They took hand, and went in the dark to the -posterns that opened from the castle into the garden. When they were -near the first, Oriana cried, I cannot go on, I am dying with fear! -Fear nothing! quoth Mabilia, laughing as she spake, when I am here to -protect you, for I am cousin to the best Knight in the world, and am -going on his service. Oriana could not but smile. I will take courage, -and trust in your prowess in arms. Come on boldly, quoth Mabilia, and -see how I finish the adventure! if I fail, I swear for one whole year -never to hang shield from my neck, nor gird on a sword. In this merry -mood she opened the first postern, and presently the other with as -little difficulty, and then they were in the garden. How will he get -over the wall? cried Oriana. At yonder corner, replied Mabilia, there -must be a piece of wood laid on the other side, and we will give him -our hands here. You must perform this labour, for it is you who will -be paid for it. Oriana at this took hold of her cousin's coif and -threw it on the ground, and they stood laughing for some time, then -returned <!-- Page 182 --><span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_182" id="Page_182">[182]</a></span>and fastened the gates, and went to rest. As Oriana lay down, -Mabilia cried, I wish that poor wretch were here who is now despairing! -eat, cousin! and sleep, that you may recover your beauty, as Gandalin -advised!</p> - - - - -<div class="chapter"> -<hr class="newchapter" /> -<p><!-- Page 183 --><span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_183" id="Page_183">[183]</a></span></p> -<h3><a name="CHAPTER_12" id="CHAPTER_12"></a><i>CHAPTER 12.</i></h3> -</div> - - -<p>King Lisuarte was at table; the cloths were removed, and Galaor, -Florestan, and Agrayes, were about to take their leave and conduct -Corisanda to her island, when there came a strange Knight into the -palace, all armed except his head and hands, and with him two Squires, -and he carried in his hand a letter sealed with five seals, which on -his knees he presented to the King, saying, let this be read, and then -I will say for what I am come. Lisuarte saw that it was a letter of -credence, and bade him speak his errand. Then said the Knight, King, I -defy thee on the part of Famongomadan, the Giant of the Boiling Lake; -Cartadaque, his nephew, Giant of the Defended Mountain; and Madanfabul, -his marriage-brother, the Giant of the Vermillion Tower; and for -Quadragante, brother of King Abies, and Arcalaus the Enchanter: they -tell thee that thy death, and the death of all <!-- Page 184 --><span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_184" id="Page_184">[184]</a></span>who call themselves -thine is in their hands, for they are coming against thee on King -Cildadan's side. Howbeit, if thou wilt give thy daughter Oriana to -Madasima, the fair daughter of Famongomadan, to be her damsel and -servant, they will not injure thee, nor be thine enemies, but will -give her in marriage when it is time to Basagante, Madasima's brother, -who doth well deserve to be Lord of her and thy land. Therefore, King, -look to thy choice! such peace, or such war! Lisuarte smiled when he -began to reply, as one who set at nought the defiance. Knight, said -he, better is a dangerous war, than a dishonourable peace: a bad -account should I render to Him, who hath placed me in this high rank, -if for lack of heart I should so shamefully debase it! Tell them I -would rather chuse war with them all the days of my life, and death in -that war at last, than consent to the peace they offer! Tell me where -I may send a Knight to carry them this answer? They may be found, -replied the Embassador, in the Boiling Lake, which is in the Isle of -Mongaza. I know not the manner of these Giants, quoth Lisuarte, whether -a Knight can go amongst them safely? That, replied he, doubt not; -where Don Quadragante is present, no wrong can be committed: I will -be his warrant. In God's name! said <!-- Page 185 --><span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_185" id="Page_185">[185]</a></span>Lisuarte, now tell me who you -are?—Landin, the son of Quadragante's sister. We are come to revenge -the death of King Abies of Ireland, and greatly it grieves us that we -cannot find him who slew him, neither know we whether he be alive or -dead. Quoth Lisuarte, I would you did know him to be alive and well! -all would then be right. I know wherefore you say thus, replied Landin; -you think him the best Knight living, but, be I what I may, you shall -find me in the battle with King Cildadan, and see what I can do against -you. I had rather have you in my service, answered Lisuarte; but there -will not be wanting those who will oppose you there.</p> - -<p>Meantime Florestan's anger was rising. Knight, said he, I am a stranger -in this country, and not vassal to the King, so that there is no -quarrel between us for what you have said to him, nor do I undertake -it because there are many Knights in his household. But, you say, you -seek for Amadis, and cannot find him; that I believe is not to your -loss! but if it please you to do battle with me, who am Don Florestan, -his brother, let it be with this condition: if you are conquered, you -shall give over the pursuit of vengeance; if I am slain, your wrath -will in part be satisfied, for whatever <!-- Page 186 --><span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_186" id="Page_186">[186]</a></span>sorrow you feel for the loss -of King Abies, that and much greater would Amadis endure for my death. -Landin replied, Don Florestan I perceive you have a heart for battle, -but I cannot satisfy you now, being bound to return with this embassy -on an appointed day, and also having pledged myself to undertake no -enterprize before the battle; but, if I come from that field alive, I -will meet you in the lists. Landin, quoth Florestan, you answer like a -good and honourable Knight, as you are bound to do; let it be as you -have said. And he gave his gloves in gage to the King, and Landin gave -the lappets of his armour; and the day for their combat was fixed for -the thirtieth after the battle. Lisuarte then sent a Knight called -Filispinel with Landin to carry his reply, and they departed together.</p> - -<p>When they were gone, the King said to Galaor, and Florestan, and their -cousin Agrayes, you shall see something that will please you! and -he sent for his daughter Leonoreta to come with her little damsels -and dance before him, as she used to do; a thing which he had never -ordered, since the news that Amadis was lost. She came, and the King -said to her, Daughter, sing now the song which Amadis, being your -Knight, made for your <!-- Page 187 --><span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_187" id="Page_187">[187]</a></span>love. So the child and the other young damsels -began to sing.</p> - -<div class="poem i"> - <div class="stanza"> - <div class="line">Leonor, sweet Rose, all other flowers excelling,</div> - <div class="line">For thee I feel strange thoughts in me rebelling.</div> - </div> - <div class="stanza"> - <div class="line">I lost my liberty when I did gaze</div> - <div class="line">Upon those lights which set me in a maze,</div> - <div class="line">And of one free am now become a thrall,</div> - <div class="line">Put to such pain thou serv'st thy friends withal;</div> - <div class="line">And yet do I esteem this pain a pleasure,</div> - <div class="line">Endured for thee whom I love out of measure.</div> - <div class="line i1">Leonor, sweet Rose, all other flowers excelling,</div> - <div class="line i1">For thee I feel strange thoughts in me rebelling.</div> - </div> - <div class="stanza"> - <div class="line">I little joy in any other's sight,</div> - <div class="line">My heart is thine, thyself my chief delight.</div> - <div class="line">But yet I see the more that I do love,</div> - <div class="line">More smart I feel, more pain, more grief I prove.</div> - <div class="line">Well! let Love rage, though he be angry ever,</div> - <div class="line">I'll take my loss for gain, though I gain never.</div> - <div class="line i1">Leonor, sweet Rose, all other flowers excelling,</div> - <div class="line i1">For thee I feel strange thoughts in me rebelling.</div> - </div> - <div class="stanza"> - <div class="line">And though to you I manifest my woes,</div> - <div class="line">My martyrdom, my smart, another knows;</div> - <div class="line">One unto whom I secretly invoke,</div> - <div class="line">Who is the cause of this my fire, my smoke.</div> - <div class="line">She hath a salve to cure my endless grief,</div> - <div class="line">And only she may yield me some relief.</div> - <div class="line i1"><!-- Page 188 --><span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_188" id="Page_188">[188]</a></span>Leonor, sweet Rose, all other flowers excelling,</div> - <div class="line i1">For thee I feel strange thoughts in me<a name="FNanchor_188:A_9" id="FNanchor_188:A_9"></a><a href="#Footnote_188:A_9" class="fnanchor">[188:A]</a> rebelling.</div> - </div> -</div> - -<p>You should know by what occasion Amadis made this song for the Princess -Leonoreta. One day, as he was talking with Queen Brisena, Oriana, -Mabilia, and Olinda, told Leonoreta to go and ask Amadis to be her -Knight, and that he would then serve her and no one else. The little -girl went to him, and did so; and Amadis, smiling, took her <!-- Page 189 --><span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_189" id="Page_189">[189]</a></span>in his -arms, and placed her on the estrado. Since you would have me be your -Knight, said he, give me some jewel in token that you hold me <!-- Page 190 --><span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_190" id="Page_190">[190]</a></span>for -yours; and then she took from her head a gold clasp set with gems, -and gave it him. All began to laugh at seeing how verily she believed -the jest, and Amadis, being thus chosen her Knight, made for her this -song. And when she and her damsels sung it they were dressed alike, -having garlands on their heads, and garments of the same costliness and -fashion as Leonoreta wore. She was a fair princess, albeit not so fair -as Oriana, who had no peer, and afterwards she became Empress of Rome, -and her twelve little damsels were all daughters of Counts and noble -chiefs. So having sung their song, they knelt before Lisuarte, and then -returned to the Queen.</p> - -<p>Galaor and Florestan and Agrayes then asked the King permission to -guard Corisanda home. He took them aside and said, Friends! there are -no other three in the world in whom I have the same confidence as in -you. This battle is to be the first week in August, and you hear who -are coming against me, and they will bring others with them, who are -brave and terrible in arms, and are also of the nature and blood of -the Giants: therefore, I request you not to undertake any adventure -that may delay you from being there to aid me, for with your aid, and -the justice of my cause, I trust <!-- Page 191 --><span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_191" id="Page_191">[191]</a></span>in God, my enemies, powerful as they -are, will be put to shame. Sir, said they, this command was not needed: -as Errant Knights, our wish is to be in danger, to be where, being -conquerors, we may win the renown which we seek; or, if conquered, come -to the end for which we were all born: we will presently return. So -they took their leave, and departed with Corisanda.</p> - -<p>Gandalin, who saw them depart, went to Miraflores, and related to -Oriana and Mabilia all that had past. Now, quoth Oriana, is Corisanda -in all happiness, for she hath with her Don Florestan, whom she loves. -God ever continue her joy! for she is a good Lady. And then she herself -began to weep, and cry, Lord God, let me see Amadis again, if it be -but for a day!—Gandalin greatly pitied her, but he affected anger, -and said, Lady, you will make me stay away from Miraflores, for here -are we looking for good tidings, and you will make us thus unhappy! -Oriana wiped away her tears: Do not reproach me, Gandalin! I would do -otherwise if I could; but, whatever semblance I should put on, my heart -is always weeping! But tell me, what will become of the King my father, -since Amadis will not be in the battle? He cannot so have hidden -himself, replied Gandalin, <!-- Page 192 --><span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_192" id="Page_192">[192]</a></span>that such news should not reach him; and -though you have forbidden him your sight, yet he may be present there, -thinking then to merit pardon for a fault which he never committed, nor -thought to commit. While they were thus communing, a little girl came -running in, Lady, here is the Damsel of Denmark, and she brings noble -presents for you! At this her heart trembled, and sunk within her, so -that she could not speak, and she was altogether so agitated as one -who expected life or death from the messenger who was coming. Mabilia -answered for her: tell the Damsel to come to us alone, that we may -speak with her in private. This she said that there might be none to -witness Oriana's agitation; but she herself and Gandalin were dismayed, -not knowing what was to come. The Damsel entered with a chearful -countenance, and kneeling before Oriana gave her a letter; here, Lady, -are tidings of joy! I have fulfilled all your commands: read, and see -if Amadis have not written it with his own hand. The letter fell from -Oriana's hand, she trembled so with exceeding joy: she opened it, and -found in it the ring which she had sent by Gandalin to Amadis, the day -whereon he fought with Dardan at Windsor, the which she knew well and -kissed it many times, and said, blessed be the hour in which thou <!-- Page 193 --><span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_193" id="Page_193">[193]</a></span>wert -made, that art transferred with such joy from one hand to another! -So when she had read the letter, and blest God with lifted hands for -his mercy, she made the Damsel relate how she had found him. Greatly -were they pleased at her wisdom in leaving a part of the presents with -Amadis; now then, said they, produce the rest before those who are -here, and say how you have forgotten the others, that we may send for -them.</p> - -<p>They showed Durin to what part of the garden-wall he was to bring -Amadis, and he kissed Oriana's hands for sending him upon this errand, -which might atone for what unwittingly he had carried before. It was -agreed that Mabilia should publicly ask him to go; but he feigned -himself little contented at the bidding, and said, angrily, to Mabilia, -for you, Lady, I will go, but not for the Queen or Oriana, for I have -had great hardships in this journey for their pleasure. Friend Durin, -said Oriana, you should not upbraid us with your services, so that we -shall not thank you for it. Your thanks, replied he, I believe will be -worth about as much as my service! however, said he to Mabilia, since -you desire it, I will set out to-morrow. He then took leave, and went -with Gandalin to the town to sleep; and Gandalin bade him remember -<!-- Page 194 --><span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_194" id="Page_194">[194]</a></span>him to his cousin Enil, and tell him, said he, to come and see me as -soon as he can, for I have much to say to him, and request him while he -continues with that Knight, to see if he can learn any news of Amadis. -This he said that Amadis might be the better disguised, and that he -might not want a pretext to send Enil away. So Durin mounted his -palfrey the next morning and departed.</p> - - -<hr class="footnotes" /> -<p class="sectctrfn">FOOTNOTES:</p> - -<div class="footnote"> -<p class="noindent"><a name="Footnote_188:A_9" id="Footnote_188:A_9"></a><a href="#FNanchor_188:A_9"><span class="label">[188:A]</span></a> The song of Amadis has suffered much in this second -translation, this "shadow of a shade."</p> - -<p class="sectctr">VILLANCICO.</p> - -<div class="poem" lang="es" xml:lang="es"> - <div class="stanza"> - <div class="line">Leonoreta, fin roseta,</div> - <div class="line">blanca sobre toda flor,</div> - <div class="line">fin roseta, no me meta</div> - <div class="line">en tal cuyta vuestro amor.</div> - </div> - <div class="stanza"> - <div class="line">Sin ventura yo en locura</div> - <div class="line">me meti;</div> - <div class="line">en vos amar es locura</div> - <div class="line"><span class="ln"><b>⁂</b></span>que me dura,</div> - <div class="line">sin me poder apartar,</div> - <div class="line">o hermosura sin par,</div> - <div class="line">que me da pena y dulzor,</div> - <div class="line">fin roseta, no me meta</div> - <div class="line"><span class="ln"><b>⁂</b></span>en tal cuyta vuestro amor.</div> - </div> - <div class="stanza"> - <div class="line">De todas las que yo veo</div> - <div class="line">no desseo</div> - <div class="line">servir otra sino a vos;</div> - <div class="line"><span class="ln"><b>⁂</b></span>bien veo que mi desseo</div> - <div class="line">es devaneo,</div> - <div class="line">do no me puedo partir,</div> - <div class="line">pues que no puedo huyr</div> - <div class="line">de ser vuestro servidor,</div> - <div class="line">no me meta, fin roseta</div> - <div class="line"><span class="ln"><b>⁂</b></span>en tal cuyta vuestro amor.</div> - </div> - <div class="stanza"> - <div class="line">Aunque mi quexa parece</div> - <div class="line">referirse a vos senora,</div> - <div class="line">otra es la vencedora,</div> - <div class="line"><span class="ln"><b>⁂</b></span>otra es la matadora,</div> - <div class="line">que mi vida desfallece,</div> - <div class="line">aquesta tiene el poder</div> - <div class="line">de me hazer toda guerra;</div> - <div class="line">aquesta puede hazer,</div> - <div class="line">sin yo selo merecer,</div> - <div class="line"><span class="ln"><b>⁂</b></span>Que muerto biva so tierra.</div> - </div> -</div> -</div> - - - - -<div class="chapter"> -<hr class="newchapter" /> -<p><!-- Page 195 --><span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_195" id="Page_195">[195]</a></span></p> -<h3><a name="CHAPTER_13" id="CHAPTER_13"></a><i>CHAPTER 13.</i></h3> -</div> - -<p>While Beltenebros remained in the Nunnery, his health and strength -recovered, and he sent Enil to the next town to get arms made for him, -a green shield with as many golden lions as it could hold, and to buy -him a horse, and a sword and breast-plate, the best he could find. In -twenty days all was ready, as he had ordered it, and at the end of that -time Durin arrived. Beltenebros was right glad to see him, and asked -him before Enil how the Damsel was, and wherefore he had returned. -Durin answered, that the Damsel commended herself to him, and had sent -for two jewels which she had left in her bed; and then he delivered -to Enil the bidding of his cousin Gandalin. Who is Gandalin? said -Beltenebros. A Squire, my cousin, replied Enil, who long time served -a Knight called Amadis of Gaul. Then Beltenebros took Durin apart to -walk with him, and heard the message of <!-- Page 196 --><span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_196" id="Page_196">[196]</a></span>Oriana, and also how his -brethren were to be in the battle with Cildadan, and of the defiance -that Famongomadan had sent, and how he had demanded Oriana to be -serving-damsel to his daughter, till he should give her in marriage to -his son. When he heard this, his flesh shook with exceeding anger, and -he resolved in himself, so soon as he had seen his Lady, to undertake -no adventure till he had found Famongomadan, and fought with him a -combat to the utterance for what he had dared propose.</p> - -<p>That night Beltenebros took leave of the Nuns, and early the next day, -armed in his green armour, he set forth, and Enil with him carrying his -shield and helmet and lance. The day was clear, and he feeling himself -in his strength and once more in arms, began to manage his horse so -skilfully that Enil said to him, I know not, Sir, what the strength of -your heart may be, but I never saw a Knight appear so well in arms. -The worth, quoth Beltenebros, lies in a good heart, not in a good -appearance! happy dole hath he whom God has gifted with both! You have -judged the one, judge the other as you shall see it deserves when put -to proof. Seven days they travelled without adventure, and Beltenebros, -as he drew nearer, wore his helmet <!-- Page 197 --><span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_197" id="Page_197">[197]</a></span>that he might not be known. On the -eighth, as they were passing the foot of a mountain, they met a Knight -upon a large bay horse, so huge in stature that he appeared to be a -Giant, and two Squires carrying his arms. He cried out with a loud -voice to Beltenebros, Stop, Sir Knight, till you have told me what I -want to know! Beltenebros looked at the stranger's shield, and seeing -three golden flowers in a field azure, he knew it was Don Quadragante, -for he had seen a like shield in the Firm Island, hanging above all the -others, as his who had approached nearest the Forbidden Chamber. Yet, -remembering Famongomadan, he would willingly now have avoided battle; -as also, because he was on his way to Oriana, and feared lest the great -prowess of this Knight should cause him some delay. Howbeit he stopt, -and bade Enil give him his arms if they were wanted. God protect you! -quoth Enil, he looks to me more like a Devil than a Knight! He is no -Devil, quoth Beltenebros, but a right good Knight, of whom I have heard -heretofore. By this Quadragante was come up, and said to him, Knight, -you must tell me if you belong to the household of King Lisuarte?—Why -ask you?—Because I have defied him and all his household, and kill all -of them whom I meet. Beltenebros felt his anger rising, and replied, -you <!-- Page 198 --><span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_198" id="Page_198">[198]</a></span>are one of those who have defied him?—I am; and I am he who will -do to him and his all the evil in my power.—And who are you?—My name -is Don Quadragante.—Certes, Don Quadragante, notwithstanding your high -lineage, and your great prowess in arms, this is great folly in you to -defy the best King in the world! they who undertake more than they can -effect, are rather rash than hardy. I am not this King's vassal, nor am -I of his land, but for his goodness my heart is disposed to serve him, -so that I may account myself among those whom you have defied: if you -chuse battle with me, you may have it; if not, go your way! I believe -Knight, said Quadragante, you speak thus boldly because you know me so -little: pray you, tell me your name?—They call me Beltenebros: you will -know me by it no better than before, for it is a name of no renown; -but, though I am of a far land, I have heard that you are seeking -Amadis of Gaul, and, by what I hear of him, it is no loss to you that -you cannot find him. What! quoth Quadragante, do you prize him, whom I -hate so much, above me? Know, that your death-hour is arrived! take thy -arms, and defend thyself if thou canst. I might do it with some doubt -against others, he replied, but can have none in opposing thee, who art -so full of pride and threats.</p> - -<p><!-- Page 199 --><span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_199" id="Page_199">[199]</a></span></p><p>Then they ran their course; both felt the shock; the horse of -Beltenebros reeled, and he himself was wounded at the nipple of his -breast. Quadragante was unhorsed and hurt in the ribs; he rose, and ran -at Beltenebros, who did not see him, for he was adjusting his helmet, -and he mortally stabbed his horse. Beltenebros alighted, and went -against him sword in hand in great anger. There was no courage in this! -cried he; your own horse was strong enough to have finished the battle -without this discourtesy! The blows fell as thick and loud as though -ten Knights had been in combat, for both put forth all their strength -and skill, and the fight lasted from the hour of tierce till vespers; -but then Quadragante, overcome with fatigue, and with a blow that -Beltenebros gave him on the helmet, fell down senseless. Beltenebros -took off his helmet to see if he were dead; the air revived him; he -placed the sword-point at his face, and said, Quadragante, remember thy -soul, for thou art a dead man. Ah, Beltenebros, cried he, for God's -sake let me live for my soul's sake!—Yield thyself vanquished, then, -and promise to fulfil what I command! I will fulfil your will to save -my life, said Quadragante, but there is no reason wherefore I should -confess myself vanquished: he is not vanquished, who in his defence -<!-- Page 200 --><span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_200" id="Page_200">[200]</a></span>hath shown no fear, doing his utmost till strength and breath fail him -and he falls; but he who does not do what he could have done, for lack -of heart. You speak well, said Beltenebros, and I like much what I -have learnt from you: give me your hand and your promise then; and he -called the Squires to witness it. You shall go forthwith to the court -of King Lisuarte, and remain there till Amadis arrives, and then you -shall pardon him for the death of your brother, King Abies; for they by -their own will fought in lists together, and such revenge, even among -those of meaner degree, ought not to be pursued. Moreover, you shall -make null the defiance against King Lisuarte, and not take arms against -those who are in his service. All this did Quadragante promise against -his will, and in the fear of death. He then ordered his Squires to make -a litter, and remove him; and Beltenebros mounting the bay horse of his -antagonist, gave his arms to Enil, and departed.</p> - -<p>Four Damsels, who were hawking with a merlin, had seen the battle, and -they now came up, and requested Beltenebros would go to their castle, -where he should be honourably welcomed, for the good will which he had -manifested to King Lisuarte. He thankfully accepted their <!-- Page 201 --><span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_201" id="Page_201">[201]</a></span>hospitality, -being sore wearied with the struggle, and accompanied them. They -found no other wound than that upon the nipple of his breast, which -bled much; howbeit, in three days he departed. On the second day at -noon, from a hill top, he beheld the city of London, and, to the right -thereof, the castle of Miraflores, where his Lady Oriana then abode. -Here he stood awhile, gazing, and devising how he might dispatch Enil. -Do you know this country? said he. Yes, replied Enil; that is London, -in the valley.—Are we so near? but I will not go to the court till I -have won some renown, and deserve to be there: go you therefore and -visit your cousin Gandalin, and there you will hear what may be said of -me, and when the battle is to be with King Cildadan.—But shall I leave -you alone?—I sometimes go alone; but we will first appoint a place to -meet at. They proceeded a little way and saw three tents pitched by a -river side, the middle a rich one, and before it there were Knights -and Damsels sporting; and he saw five shields at the entrance of one -tent, and five at another, and ten armed Knights, therefore he turned -aside from the road that he might not joust with them. The Knights -called out to him to joust. Not now, said he, for you are many and -fresh, and I am alone and weary. I <!-- Page 202 --><span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_202" id="Page_202">[202]</a></span>believe, said the one, you are -afraid you should lose your horse.—Why should I lose him?—Because he -would be won by the man who dismounted you: a likelier chance than that -you should win his. Since that is the case, said Beltenebros, I will -ride on and secure him while I can; and he continued his course. The -Knights cried after him, your arms, Sir Cavalier, are protected better -by a smooth tongue than by a stout heart: they will last to be hung -over your monument, tho' you should live these hundred years! Think of -me as you please, quoth he, your words will not destroy my worth such -as it is. I would to heaven you would break one lance with me! cried -the Knight; I would not mount horse again for a whole year, if you -rode to your lodging this night upon that bay steed! Good Sir, said -Beltenebros, that is the very thing I am afraid of, and have therefore -got out of the way. Holy Mary, they all exclaimed, what a cowardly -Knight! He nothing heeding them, rode on to a ford, at which he meant -to cross, when he heard a cry from behind. Stop, Knight! and looking -round saw a Damsel following him upon a palfrey richly trappinged. Sir -Knight, said she, Leonoreta, daughter to King Lisuarte, is in yonder -tent, and she and all her Damsels request that for their sake you will -joust with her <!-- Page 203 --><span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_203" id="Page_203">[203]</a></span>Knights, a thing you will be more bound to do by this -request than by their defiance.—What! quoth he, is the daughter of the -Queen there?—Aye, truly!—I should rather do her service myself than -commit enmity against her Knights, but at her command I will consent, -on condition that they require from me nothing farther than the joust. -With this answer the Damsel returned; and Beltenebros took his arms, -and rode to an open part of the field to wait for the encounter. The -first who came was the one who had such an inclination to win his -horse. Beltenebros was pleased that this was the first: he unhorsed -him, and bade Enil take his horse, and said, Sir Knight, if you keep -your word, you will not have another fall for a whole year, for so -you promised unless you won my bay; but he lay groaning, for he had -three ribs and a hip broken. Three others shared the same fortune with -less hurt; on the last, Beltenebros broke his lance. Enil took their -horses one by one, and tied them to the trees, and then Beltenebros -would have departed; but he saw another Knight making ready, and a -Squire brought him four lances, and said, Sir, Leonoreta sends you -these lances, and bids you do your duty with them against the other -Knights, since you have overthrown their companions. For her sake, said -he, who is <!-- Page 204 --><span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_204" id="Page_204">[204]</a></span>daughter to so good a King, I will do what she requires; -but for her Knights I would do nothing, for they are discourteous to -make Knights who are travelling joust against their will. So he took -a lance, and one after the other dismounted all the rest; only the -last endured two encounters, and fell not till the third, for he was -Nicoran of the Perilous Bridge, and was one of the good jousters in -Great Britain. When Beltenebros had finished, he sent all the horses -that he had won to Leonoreta, and bade her tell her Knights to be more -courteous to strangers, or else to joust better, for they might find -a Knight who would make them go afoot. The Knights remained greatly -abashed; if Amadis were alive and well, quoth Nicoran, verily I should -say this were he, for I know no other who would have left us thus. It -is not he, said Galiseo, some of us should have known him, and he would -not have jousted with us, being his friends. Giontes, the nephew of -King Lisuarte, who was one of them, replied. Would it were Amadis, our -dishonour would be well gained! but be he who he may, God prosper him -wherever he goes! for he won our horses like a good Knight, and like a -good Knight restored them. Curse him, quoth Lasamor, he has broken my -hip and my ribs, but it was my own fault.</p> - -<p><!-- Page 205 --><span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_205" id="Page_205">[205]</a></span></p><p>Beltenebros went on satisfied with his success, and admiring the lance -which he held, for it was a good one. About a quarter of a league -on, he saw a chapel overbowered with trees, and there he determined -to alight for the sake of prayer, and because the great heat and the -exercise of jousting had made him athirst. At the chapel-door were -three palfreys equipped for women, and two for Squires. He went in, -but there was no one there, and commended himself from his heart to -God and the Virgin. As he was coming out, he saw the three Damsels and -their Squires sitting under the trees beside a fountain, and made up -to them that he might drink: but neither of them did he know. Knight, -said they, are you of King Lisuarte's household? I would, quoth he, I -were so good a Knight as to be approved in such a company: but whither -go ye?—To Miraflores, to see our Aunt who is Abbess there, and to see -Oriana the Princess; but we are waiting here till the heat of the day -be over. In God's name, quoth he, and I will keep you company till it -be time to travel: how is this fountain called?—We know not but there -is one in yonder valley, by those great trees there, which is called -the Fountain of the Three Channels. He knew it better than they, for -he had often passed it when hunting, and there he <!-- Page 206 --><span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_206" id="Page_206">[206]</a></span>determined to fix a -meeting-place with Enil, whom he wished to send away while he went to -his Lady.</p> - -<p>Presently, while they were thus talking, there came along the road -which Beltenebros had passed, a waggon drawn by twelve palfreys, and on -it were two Dwarfs who drove. There were many Knights in chains in the -waggon, and their shields were hanging at the side, and many damsels -and girls among them weeping and lamenting loudly. Before it went a -Giant, so great that he was fearful to behold; he rode a huge black -horse, and he was armed with plates of steel, and his helmet shone -bright, and in his hand he had a boar spear, whose point was a full -arm's-length long. Behind the waggon was another Giant, who appeared -more huge and terrible than the first. The Damsels seeing them were -greatly terrified, and hid themselves among the trees. Presently the -Giant who rode foremost turned to the Dwarfs, and cried, I will cut -you into a thousand pieces if you suffer these girls to shed their own -blood, for I mean to do sacrifice with it to my god, whom I adore. -When Beltenebros heard this, he knew it was Famongomadan, for he had a -custom to sacrifice damsels to an Idol in the Boiling Lake, by whose -<!-- Page 207 --><span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_207" id="Page_207">[207]</a></span>advice and words he was guided in every thing, and that sacrifice used -to content his god, being the Wicked Enemy who is satisfied with such -wickedness. At this time Beltenebros did not wish to encounter him, -because he expected to be that night with Oriana, and also because his -joust with the ten Knights had wearied him; but he knew the Knights -in the waggon, and saw that Leonoreta and her Damsels were there, for -Famongomadan, who always took this waggon with him to carry away all -he could find, had seized them in their tents shortly after their -encounter. Immediately he mounted, and called to Enil for his arms; but -Enil said, let those Devils pass by first. Give me! quoth Beltenebros, -I shall try God's mercy before they pass, to see if I can redress this -villainy. O Sir, cried the Squire, why have you so little compassion -upon your own youth! if the best twenty Knights of King Lisuarte's -court were here, they would not venture to attack them. Care not -thou for that, replied his Master, if I let them pass without doing -my best I should be unworthy to appear among good men: you shall see -my fortune. Enil gave him his arms, weeping, and Beltenebros then -descended the sloping ground to meet them. He looked toward Miraflores -as he went, and said, O Oriana, my Lady, never did I <!-- Page 208 --><span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_208" id="Page_208">[208]</a></span>attempt adventure -confiding in my own courage, but in you: my gentle Lady, assist me now, -in this great need! He felt his full strength now, and all fear was -gone, and he cried out to the Dwarfs to stop.</p> - -<p>When the Giant heard him, he came towards him with such rage that smoke -came through the vizor of his helmet, and he shook his boar-spear with -such force that its ends almost met. Unhappy wretch! cried he, who -gave thee boldness enough to dare appear before me? That Lord, quoth -Beltenebros, whom thou hast offended, who will give me strength to-day -to break thy pride. Come on! come on! cried the Giant, and see if his -power can protect thee from mine! Beltenebros fitted the lance under -his arm, and ran against him full speed: he smote him below the waist -with such exceeding force that the spear burst through the plates of -steel and ran through him, even so as to strike the saddle behind, -that the girths broke, and he fell with the saddle, the broken lance -remaining in him. His boar-spear had taken effect upon the horse of -Beltenebros, and mortally wounded him. The Knight leapt off and drew -his sword. The Giant rose up so enraged that fire came from him, and -he plucked the lance from his <!-- Page 209 --><span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_209" id="Page_209">[209]</a></span>wound, and threw it at Beltenebros so -forcibly that if the shield had not protected his helmet, it would -have driven him to the ground; but his own bowels came out with the -weapon, and he fell, crying, help, Basagante! I am slain. At this -Basagante came up as fast as his horse could carry him: he had a steel -axe in his hand, and with this he thought to have cut his enemy in -two; but Beltenebros avoided the blow, and at the same time struck at -the Giant's horse: the stroke fell short, but the end of his sword cut -through the stirrup-leather, and cut the leg also half through. The -Giant in his fury did not feel the wound, though he missed the stirrup; -he turned and raised his axe again. Beltenebros had taken the shield -from his neck, and was holding it by the thongs: the axe fell on it and -pierced in, and drove it from his hands to the ground. Beltenebros had -made another stroke, the sword wounded Basagante's arm, and, falling -below upon the plates of fine steel, broke, so that only the handle -remained in his hand. Not for this was he a whit dismayed; he saw the -Giant could not pluck his axe from the shield, and he ran and caught -it by the handle also; both struggled; it was on that side where the -stirrup had been cut away, so that Basagante lost his balance, the -horse started and he fell, and <!-- Page 210 --><span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_210" id="Page_210">[210]</a></span>Beltenebros got the battle-axe. The -Giant drew his sword in great fury, and would have ran at the Knight, -but the nerves of his leg were cut through; he fell upon one knee, -and Beltenebros smote him on the helmet, that the laces burst and it -fell off. He seeing his enemy so near, thought with his sword, which -was very long, to smite off his head; the blow was aimed too high, -it cut off the whole crown of the helmet, and cut away the hair with -it. Beltenebros drew back; the helmet fell over his head upon his -shoulders, and Leonoreta and the Damsels, who were on their knees in -the waggon praying to God to deliver them, tore their hair and began -to shriek and call upon the Virgin, thinking he was surely slain. -He himself put up his hand to feel if he were wounded to death, but -feeling no harm, made again at the Giant, whose sword falling upon a -stone in the last blow had broken. Basagante's heart failed him now, he -made one stroke more, and cut him slightly in the leg with the broken -sword; but Beltenebros let drive the battle-axe at his head; it cut -away the ear and the cheek and the jaw, and Basagante fell, writhing in -the agony of death.</p> - -<p>At this time Famongomadan had taken off his helmet, and was holding his -hands upon his wound <!-- Page 211 --><span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_211" id="Page_211">[211]</a></span>to check the blood. When he saw his son slain, -he began to blaspheme God and his Mother Holy Mary, saying that he did -not so much grieve to die as that he could destroy their monasteries -and churches, because they had suffered him and his son to be conquered -by one Knight. Beltenebros was then upon his knees returning thanks -to God, when he heard the blasphemer, he exclaimed, Accursed of God -and of his Blessed Mother! now shalt thou suffer for thy cruelties; -pray to thine Idol, that, as thou hast shed so much blood before him, -he may stop this blood of thine from flowing out with thy life! The -Giant continued to curse God and his Saints; then Beltenebros plucked -the boar-spear from the horse's body, and thrust it into the mouth -of Famongomadan, and nailed him backward to the earth. He then put -on Basagante's helmet that he might not be known, and mounting the -other's horse, rode up to the waggon and broke the chains of all who -were prisoners therein, and he besought them to carry the bodies of the -Giants to King Lisuarte, and say they were sent him by a strange Knight -called Beltenebros; and he begged the Princess to permit him to take -the black horse of Famongomadan, because it was a strong and handsome -horse, and he would ride him in the battle against King Cildadan. The -<!-- Page 212 --><span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_212" id="Page_212">[212]</a></span>bodies of the Giants were so huge, that they were obliged to bend -their knees to lay them in the waggon. Leonoreta and her Damsels made -garlands for their heads, and being right joyful for their deliverance -entered London singing in triumph. Much was King Lisuarte astonished -at their adventure, and the more for Quadragante had already presented -himself on the part of Beltenebros, of whom nothing else was known -except what Corisanda had related. I would he were among us, said the -King, I would not lose him for any thing that he could ask and I could -grant.</p> - - - - -<div class="chapter"> -<hr class="newchapter" /> -<p><!-- Page 213 --><span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_213" id="Page_213">[213]</a></span></p> -<h3><a name="CHAPTER_14" id="CHAPTER_14"></a><i>CHAPTER 14.</i></h3> -</div> - - -<p>Beltenebros having taken leave of the Princess, returned joyfully to -the fountain where the Damsels were. He bade Enil go to London, and -get him other arms made the same as those he wore, which were now so -battered as to be useless, and he was to buy him another sword, and -bring them in eight days to the Fountain of the Three Channels. Enil -forthwith departed, and the Damsels also taking their leave, rode on -to Miraflores, and there told Oriana and Mabilia what great feats they -had seen that day atchieved by a Knight called Beltenebros. He meantime -struck into the forest, and rode slowly the same way, till he came to -a brook winding among the trees, and there, for it was yet early, he -alighted and took off his helmet, and drank of the water, and cleansed -himself from the sweat of the battle; and there he remained, musing -over his past and present fortunes and the <!-- Page 214 --><span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_214" id="Page_214">[214]</a></span>strange vicissitudes of -life, till night approached; then he made for the castle. Durin and -Gandalin met him at the garden-wall, and took his horse. Oriana and -Mabilia and the Damsel were on the wall: they gave him their hands: -presently he was over, and held Oriana in his arms; but who can tell -what joy there then was in embracing and kisses, and the mingling of -tears? Mabilia roused them as from a dream, and led them into the -castle, and there Beltenebros remained eight days with Oriana in joys -dearer to him than even Paradise.</p> - -<p>Meantime King Lisuarte was preparing for the battle against King -Cildadan, which he much doubted, knowing what Giants and mighty -Knights would be with his enemy. Florestan and Galaor and Agrayes -were returned, and Don Galvanes Lackland had arrived, and many other -good Knights. The whole talk was of Beltenebros, and many said his -deeds surpassed those of Amadis; whereat Galaor and Florestan were -so enraged, that nothing but their promise to undertake no adventure -before the battle, withheld them from seeking him and proving him in -mortal combat, but of this they only communed with each other. One day -there came into the palace an old Squire with two <!-- Page 215 --><span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_215" id="Page_215">[215]</a></span>others, all clad in -garments of the same cloth. The old man's beard was shorn, his ears -were large, and the hair of his head grey. He, kneeling before the -King, addressed him in the Greek language: Sir, the great fame which -is gone abroad of the Knights and Dames and Damsels of your court hath -brought me hither, to see if I can find among them what for sixty years -I have sought through all parts of the world, and reaped no fruit for -my labour. Noble King, if you hold it good, permit that a trial may be -made here, which shall not be to your injury nor to the shame of any. -All who were present, desirous to see what it might be, besought the -King's assent, which he, feeling the like curiosity, readily granted. -The old Squire then took in his hand a coffer of jasper, three cubits -long and a span wide, its sides being fastened with plates of gold; -this he opened, and took out a sword, so strange as the like was never -seen; the sheath was of bone, yet green like an emerald, and so clear -that the blade of the sword could be seen through, and it was unlike -other blades, for the one-half was as bright as it could be, and the -other burning red like fire; the hilt was of the same green bone, and -the belt also, being made of such small pieces fastened together with -gold screws, that it could be girt on like a common <!-- Page 216 --><span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_216" id="Page_216">[216]</a></span>belt. This the -Squire hung round his neck, and took from the same coffer a head-dress -of flowers, the half whereof were as beautiful and fresh as though -they had just then been cut from the living stem; the other half so -withered and dry, that it seemed they would crumble at a touch. The -King asked why those flowers, that all seemed to grow from the same -stem, were yet in such different condition, and what was the nature of -that strange sword? King, said the old Squire, this sword cannot be -drawn from the scabbard, except by the Knight who of all men in the -world loveth his Lady best; and as soon as he shall have it in his -hand, the half which is now of burning red, shall become clear and -bright like the other part, and the whole blade be of one colour; and -when this garland of flowers shall be set upon the head of that Lady -or Damsel, that with the same surpassing love doth love her husband or -friend, the dry flowers shall again become fresh and green. And know, -Sir, that I cannot be knighted except by the hands of that true lover, -nor take sword except from that loyal Lady; for this, O King, having -searched all other courts and parts of the world, I am come hither, -after sixty years, hoping that as there is no court of Emperor or King -like this, here I may succeed at last. Tell me, said Lisuarte, how is -it that the <!-- Page 217 --><span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_217" id="Page_217">[217]</a></span>half which is burning red, does not burn the scabbard? -You shall hear, quoth the Squire: Between Tartary and India there is -a sea so hot, that it boils like water over a fire, and it is all -green; and in that sea serpents breed bigger than crocodiles, having -wings wherewith they fly, and so venomous that all people run from -them in fear; nevertheless, they who at any time find one dead esteem -it much, being a thing excellent in medicine. These serpents have one -bone reaching from the head to the tail, it is so strong that the whole -body is formed upon this one bone, and green as you see it here in this -scabbard and hilt and belt, and because it grew in that boiling sea no -fire can burn it. Now I will tell you of this garland: the flowers are -from trees in Tartary, in an island fifteen miles from the shore; the -trees are only two, nor is it known that there are any such in any part -elsewhere; but in that sea is a whirlpool, so terrible that men fear to -venture to take them, howbeit they that have dared pass and succeeded, -sell them for what they will to ask, for this freshness and life-green -never fails. Having told you thus much, you shall know who I myself am. -I am nephew of the best man of his own time, who was called Apolidon, -and who long time dwelt here in your country in the Firm <!-- Page 218 --><span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_218" id="Page_218">[218]</a></span>Island. My -father was King Ganor, his brother, to whom he gave his kingdom, and -my mother, daughter to the King of Panonia, and, when I was of age to -be knighted, my father, because of the exceeding love between him and -my mother, made me promise to be made Knight by none but the most true -Lover in the world, and to receive sword only from the truest Lady. -I lightly promised, thinking to accomplish this as soon as I should -see my Uncle Apolidon and his Grimanesa; but so it was, that, when I -arrived, Grimanesa was dead, and he knowing wherefore I came, greatly -pitied me, for it is the custom of my land that no one who is not a -Knight can reign therein. So having no remedy to give me then, he bade -me return to him at a year's end, and at that time he gave me this -sword and garland, telling me by the labour of this search to remedy -the folly of such a promise. And now, Sir, I beseech you, as without -wrong or shame it may be done, that you and your Knights and the Queen -and her Ladies be pleased to make the proof; and if such can be found -as shall accomplish it, let the sword and garland be theirs, the profit -will be mine, and rest from my weary toil, and the honour yours above -all other Princes, that they who could accomplish this adventure were -found in your court. The King then <!-- Page 219 --><span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_219" id="Page_219">[219]</a></span>said, that Santiago's day was but -five days off, and then he had summoned many Knights to be present, -wherefore if it pleased him to wait so long, his chance of success -would be greater among so many more Knights. This the Squire thought -good.</p> - -<p>Gandalin was at this time in the court, and heard all that the Squire -had said. Forthwith he rode to Miraflores. Beltenebros and Oriana -were playing chess in the little court under the trees. When he had -related all that had past, and how a day was appointed for the trial, -Beltenebros sate musing for a while, lost in thought, till Gandalin -and his cousin had left the place, and then, as he looked up, Oriana -asked what had made him so deep in thought. Lady mine, quoth he, if by -God's help and your's my thought could be accomplished, I should be a -happy man for ever. Dear friend, she answered, she who hath made you -master of her person will do for you any thing! He took her hands and -kissed them often, and said, this is what I have been thinking; that, -if you and I could win this sword and garland, our hearts would be for -ever at rest, and all those doubts that have tortured us be utterly -destroyed. But how can I do this, said Oriana, without great shame -and <!-- Page 220 --><span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_220" id="Page_220">[220]</a></span>greater danger to myself and to these Damsels, who are privy to -our loves? That, replied Beltenebros, may easily be done, you shall -go so disguised, and I will obtain such security from the King your -father, that we shall be as unknown as before strangers. Then do your -pleasure, quoth she, and God prosper it to good! I doubt not to gain -the garland, if it is to be won by exceeding love. I will obtain your -father's promise, said Beltenebros, that nothing shall be demanded -from me against my own consent, and will go completely armed; and you, -Lady, shall have a cloak fastened round you, and your face muffled, -so that you shall see all, yet no one see you. Let us call Mabilia, -cried Oriana, without her counsel I must not adventure. So they called -her and Gandalin, and the Damsel of Denmark, and they, albeit they -saw great peril, did not gainsay their inclination; and Mabilia said, -there was a rich cloak among her mother's presents that the Damsel had -brought, which never had been worn or seen in that land. She brought -it, and took Oriana apart and dressed her in it, so that when she came -out with her gloves on, and her face-cloths,<a name="FNanchor_220:A_10" id="FNanchor_220:A_10"></a><a href="#Footnote_220:A_10" class="fnanchor">[220:A]</a> no one knew her, -<!-- Page 221 --><span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_221" id="Page_221">[221]</a></span>though they looked narrowly. Lady mine, cried Beltenebros, I never -thought it would give me pleasure not to see and know you! He then -bade Gandalin buy the fairest palfrey that could be found in all that -country, and bring it at midnight before the day of the adventure, to -the garden-wall; and he told Durin to have his horse ready for him this -evening, that he might meet Enil, and send him to obtain the security -from King Lisuarte.</p> - -<p>Beltenebros rode that night through the forest, and at day-break -reached the fountain of the Three Channels. Presently Enil came up and -brought with him the arms: they were good arms, and pleased him well. -He then asked the Squire what news of the court, and Enil told him the -talk there was of his prowess, and was about to relate concerning the -sword and garland, but Beltenebros said, this I learnt three days since -from a Damsel who made me promise to carry her secretly to this proof: -this I must do, and will prove the sword myself; but, as you know it is -my will not to make myself known to the King nor to any other till my -deeds make me worthy, you must return directly and tell the King, that -if he will promise and secure us that nothing shall be said or done -to us against our pleasure, we will come and try the <!-- Page 222 --><span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_222" id="Page_222">[222]</a></span>adventure; and -say you, before the Queen and her Ladies, that this Damsel makes me go -greatly against my inclination. On the day of the proof, meet me here -at dawn, that the Damsel may know if she has this security; meantime I -must return to bring her here, for she dwells far off. Beltenebros then -took his arms, and while Enil went to the city, lay down by the same -brook-side till night, then rode to Miraflores. Durin was ready to take -his horse, and his fair friends expected him at the garden-wall. What, -Sir Cousin! quoth Mabilia, seeing his arms, you return richer than you -went. Do you not understand it? cried Oriana, he went to get arms, that -he might free himself from this prison. Thus chearfully they entered -the castle, and they gave him food, for he had not eaten the whole day, -lest he might be seen.</p> - - -<hr class="footnotes" /> -<p class="sectctrfn">FOOTNOTES:</p> - -<div class="footnote"> -<p class="noindent"><a name="Footnote_220:A_10" id="Footnote_220:A_10"></a><a href="#FNanchor_220:A_10"><span class="label">[220:A]</span></a> Antifazes.</p> -</div> - - - - -<div class="chapter"> -<hr class="newchapter" /> -<p><!-- Page 223 --><span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_223" id="Page_223">[223]</a></span></p> -<h3><a name="CHAPTER_15" id="CHAPTER_15"></a><i>CHAPTER 15.</i></h3> -</div> - - -<p>The next day the Damsel of Denmark was sent to London to learn what -answer Enil obtained, and to tell the Queen and her Ladies that Oriana -was ill, and did not rise. It was late before she returned, because the -King had gone forth to meet Queen Briolania, who was come to his court, -and brought with her three hundred Knights to go in search of Amadis, -as his brothers might dispose of them. Twenty Damsels accompanied her, -all dressed in mourning like herself, for in that dress had he found -her, and that dress had she worn when he recovered for her her kingdom, -and that she would wear till some tidings of him were known. Is she -so handsome as they say? quoth Oriana. So save me God, Lady, replied -the Damsel, as excepting yourself, I think her the fairest and most -graceful woman that I have ever seen. And it grieved her much when she -heard of your <!-- Page 224 --><span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_224" id="Page_224">[224]</a></span>malady, and she bade me say, when it pleased you, she -would come and see you. I should be much pleased, answered Oriana, -for she is the person in the world whom I most wish to see. Honour -her well, said Beltenebros, for she well deserves it, although, Lady, -you have suspected something.—Dear friend, no more of this, I know my -thoughts were false. But this trial, quoth he, will make you more free -from this, and me more subject.—The garland, said Oriana, will prove -whether my error proceeded from excess of love. The Damsel then told -them how the King had promised Enil the security which he required.</p> - -<p>They rose at midnight before the day of the proof. Oriana was wrapt -in Mabilia's mantle, and her face muffled, and Beltenebros armed -himself in his new arms. They crossed the wall; Gandalin was there -with the horse and palfrey: they mounted, and rode alone into the -forest. Mabilia and the Damsel of Denmark remained in great fear -lest ill should befal; but, when Oriana found herself in the midst -of the forest at night, she was so affrighted that her whole body -trembled and her speech failed, and she began to apprehend that she -might fail to accomplish the adventure, and that if so her lover, who -now trusted in her so fully, <!-- Page 225 --><span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_225" id="Page_225">[225]</a></span>would suspect her truth, and then she -wished she had never undertaken the danger. When Beltenebros perceived -her agitation, he said, I would rather have died, Lady, than brought -you here, if I had thought you would have been so terrified; we had -better turn back, and he turned his horse and led her palfrey round. -But then Oriana's heart changed, seeing that so great an adventure -would be for her sake foregone, and she said, dear friend do not heed -my fears, for I am a woman, and this is a strange place to me; regard -only what you, as a good Knight, ought to atchieve. Dear Lady, mine, -quoth he, your prudence guides my folly: I can neither do or say other -than you command me: so they proceeded, and about an hour before the -dawn reached the Fountain. When it was broad day Enil came up. Lady -Damsel, said Beltenebros, this is the Squire of whom I spake, let us -hear if the King grant your demand. Enil then told them what Lisuarte -had promised, and that the proof was to begin immediately after mass. -Beltenebros then gave him his shield and spear, the helmet he wore -himself; they took the road to London, and in this guise entered the -gate. All flocked to see them crying out, this is the good Knight -Beltenebros, who sent here Don Quadragante and the giants! This is the -prime of all knighthood! <!-- Page 226 --><span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_226" id="Page_226">[226]</a></span>Happy the Damsel who comes in his guard! When -Oriana heard this she felt a pride to know herself the mistress of him, -who, by his great valour, could command all others. Thus they reached -the palace, where the King and all his Knights, the Queen and her -Ladies, were assembled for the adventure. As soon as their approach was -known the King went to receive them at the entrance. They knelt to kiss -his hand, but he withdrew it, saying, Good friend, I shall willingly -observe your pleasure, for in a short time you have done more for me -than ever Knight did for King before. Beltenebros bowed thankfully, -but made no answer, and proceeded with his Damsel up to the Queen: But -Oriana's flesh quivered with fear, seeing she was before her parents, -but her true friend never let go her hand, and so they both knelt -before Brisena. The Queen raised them and said, Damsel, I know not who -you are, never having seen you; but for the great services which this -Knight hath performed, and for your own deserts also, you are both -honourably and deservedly welcome. Beltenebros thanked her, but Oriana -held down her head as if for humbleness, and made no answer. The King -and his Knights then went on one side of the hall, the Queen and her -Ladies to the other; but Beltenebros said, <!-- Page 227 --><span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_227" id="Page_227">[227]</a></span>that if it pleased the King -he would stand apart with his Damsel, and prove the adventure last of -all.</p> - -<p>Lisuarte then took the sword and drew it a hands breadth, no more. -Macandon, the old Squire, said, King, if there be no better lover in -the Court than you, I shall depart without my wish, and he thrust -the sword back, for so it was to be at every trial; then Galaor -essayed, and could only draw it three fingers breadth. Florestan and -Galvanes, and Grumedan, and Brandoyuas, and Ladasin, all tried, none -so successfully as Florestan, who drew it at a full palm's length. -Don Guilan the Pensive was the next, and he drew it half out; had you -loved just as much again, said Macandon, you would have won the sword. -Others there were who tried and could not move it, and these the old -Squire called heretics in love. Then came Agrayes to the proof, he -looked at Olinda, and thought surely the sword would be his, for his -true and loyal love; he drew it within a hand of the point, and as he -still attempted to pluck it forth the burning part of the blade touched -his cloak and burnt it; then he retired sufficiently rejoiced that he -had so far exceeded all others. Almost Sir Knight, quoth old Macandon, -had you been the winner, and <!-- Page 228 --><span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_228" id="Page_228">[228]</a></span>I satisfied. Palomir and Dragonis, who -had arrived the day before, next essayed, and drew it no farther than -Galaor. Knights, quoth the Squire, if you had only as much of the -sword as you can draw, you would have but little for your own defence. -True, said Dragonis; and if you should be knighted at the end of the -adventure, you are not so young but that you may remember the ceremony. -At this all laughed, but there remained no more to make the trial; -Beltenebros then arose and took his Lady by the hand, and went towards -the sword. Sir Stranger, quoth Macandon, this sword will become you -better than the one you wear, yet I would not have you be so sure of -it as to lay aside your own, for this is to be won by truth of heart, -and not by force of arms. But he took the sword, and drew it from the -scabbard, and immediately the whole blade became clear and shining -with one brightness. When Macandon saw this, he knelt down and said, O -good Knight, God give thee honour, for thou hast done great honour to -this court! Reason is it that you should be beloved well by your Lady -unless she be the falsest and most unreasonable of women. Now then give -me the honour of Knighthood, which I may receive from no other hand -but yours! and you will give me with it lands and the lordship over -<!-- Page 229 --><span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_229" id="Page_229">[229]</a></span>many good men. Good friend, replied Beltenebros, let the proof of the -garland be made, then I will do with you what can rightly be done. And -then he blessed the sword, and laying his own aside, hung it round his -neck, and led his Lady back to her station. Great were the praises then -which he received for excellence in arms and in love, so that Galaor -and Florestan were moved to great anger, for they thought it shame that -any other than Amadis should be esteemed above them, and they resolved -within themselves that their first business after the battle with King -Cildadan should be to fight him, and either die or show to the world -the difference there was between him and their brother.</p> - -<p>Lisuarte now called upon the Queen and her Ladies to make their proof, -without fear, and in the hope of honour; for she who won the garland, -if Dame should be more loved and honoured by her husband, if Damsel -acquire the praise of loyalty above all. Brisena first placed the -flowers on her own head, they did not in the least alter. Queen and -Madam, quoth old Macandon, if the King your husband gained little by -attempting the sword, it seems you have well requited him; she answered -nothing, but drew back greatly abashed. <!-- Page 230 --><span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_230" id="Page_230">[230]</a></span>Next was Briolania, that fair -Queen of Sobradisa; she, like Brisena, produced no change. Lady and -most fair Damsel, cried the Squire, you must be loved before you can -love so as to gain the garland; four other King's daughters came on, -Eluida and Estrelleta her sister, who was fair and proud, and Aldeva -and Olinda the gentle. Upon her head the flowers began to revive so -that all thought she would win the praise, but they only began, and -when the garland was taken off they withered again as before; more than -a hundred other Dames tried, but all with less success than Olinda, -and all received their jest from the old Squire. Oriana had felt a -fear when Briolania made the proof, and she rejoiced at the failure, -lest, had she succeeded, her friend might deem it was for his love, -for never had she seen so fair a Damsel, and she thought surely, that -if his heart were not won by her, there was no danger of a rival. All -others had now failed; she made sign to Beltenebros to lead her up, -the garland was placed round her head, and immediately the dry flowers -quickened with full freshness and verdure. Excellent Damsel, quoth -Macandon, you are she for whom I sought forty years before you were -born!</p> - -<p>Then the old Squire besought Beltenebros to knight <!-- Page 231 --><span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_231" id="Page_231">[231]</a></span>him, and that -Damsel to give him a sword. Let it be presently, said Beltenebros, for -I cannot tarry. Macandon then put on white garments, and white armour -over it like a new Knight, and Beltenebros knighted him according to -the manner, and put on his right spur, and Oriana girded on a rich -sword which his Squires had brought. The Dames and Damsels laughed at -seeing him, and Aldeva said so loud that all heard her. What a fair -Child! and he will be a new Knight as long as he lives! How know you -that? cried the rest. She answered, because the dress he has now put -on will last as long as himself. Gentle Damsels, quoth the old man, I -would not exchange my pleasure for your manners; my youth may be ranked -with your modesty. The King was pleased at this reply, for he thought -their speeches were unseemly.</p> - -<p>This done, Beltenebros and his Lady took leave of the Queen; and -Brisena said to her daughter, Lady, though it is your pleasure not to -be known here, yet I beseech you, when you are returned home, ask of me -whatever favour I can grant. I know her Lady, quoth Beltenebros, just -as much as you do, though we have been seven days together; but this -I can say, that she is fair, and she has locks that need not be thus -concealed. <!-- Page 232 --><span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_232" id="Page_232">[232]</a></span>Damsel, said Briolania, I know you not: but if your friend -love you as you love him, and as he will do if he be wise, love never -made a better union. Her words gave pleasure to Oriana; then they took -their leave, and mounted, the King and Don Galaor accompanying them; -and Beltenebros said to the King, take this Damsel and honour her, Sir, -for she well deserves it, having honoured your court. Lisuarte took her -bridle, and he went on talking with Galaor, who had little inclination -for friendly talk with him, longing to engage him in battle. When they -had gone a little way Beltenebros took the bridle from the King, and -said, Now, Sir, God be with you, and if it please you that I should -be one of your hundred in the battle, I shall willingly serve you. -The King embraced and thanked him, and said, that great part of his -fear was removed by having him on his part; they parted then, and -Beltenebros and his Lady, Enil following, entered the forest, he having -round his neck that green sword, and she that garland of flowers upon -her head.</p> - -<p>When they reached the fountain of the Three Channels, they saw a Squire -on horseback coming down the mountain, who said, Knight, Arcalaus the -Enchanter bids you send him that Damsel, if you make him fetch her, -he will cut off both your <!-- Page 233 --><span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_233" id="Page_233">[233]</a></span>heads. Where is Arcalaus the Enchanter? -cried Beltenebros; the Squire showed him where he and another Knight -were under a tuft of trees, both being armed, and their horses ready -by them. At hearing this Oriana could scarce keep her seat upon the -palfrey. Lady Damsel, fear not! quoth he, if this sword fail me not I -will protect you. He then took his arms—tell Arcalaus I am a stranger -Knight, who know him not, and have no reason to obey him. When Arcalaus -heard this he grew greatly enraged, and said to the Knight with him, -Nephew Lindoraque, take that garland which the Damsel wears for your -Mistress Madasima; if the Knight attempts to hinder you cut off his -head, and hang the woman by the hair to a tree. Lindoraque mounted -and moved on to do it: he was a huge man, and well might be so, being -son of Cartadaque the giant of the defended mountain, by a sister of -Arcalaus. But Beltenebros held him at nought, and placing himself -right in his way, for he had heard his errand, cried, Knight, you pass -no farther! You shall not hinder me, quoth he, from performing the -pleasure of Arcalaus. Beltenebros answered, we shall see what your -pride and his villainy can do. They couched their lances and ran, the -lances broke, Lindoraque fell with the truncheon in his body, <!-- Page 234 --><span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_234" id="Page_234">[234]</a></span>he -rose, being of stout heart, and seeing Beltenebros about to strike -him, bent from the blow, and reeled and fell upon the truncheon, and -drove it clean through his back, so that he died instantly. Arcalaus -was riding up to help him. Beltenebros galloped up to him and made him -lose the joust, and struck at him with his sword a blow that cut off -the lance, and with it half the hand, so that only his thumb was left. -He turned to fly, and threw away his shield, and by the fleetness of -his horse escaped. Beltenebros then bade Enil take the shield and hand -of Arcalaus, and the head of Lindoraque to the King, and tell him what -had happened. He and his Lady went on their way, and rested beside a -fountain till it was near night, then rode to Miraflores. The Squires -were ready, and Mabilia and the Damsel joyfully received them, for if -there had been delay they only expected death. Fair prizes have you -won, quoth Mabilia, but they have cost us a great alarm and many tears.</p> - -<p>As Lisuarte and Galaor were returning to the town, a Damsel came up -and gave them each a letter, and rode away. The King read his thus: -To thee Lisuarte, King of Great Britain, I Urganda, the Unknown, send -salutation, and I tell <!-- Page 235 --><span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_235" id="Page_235">[235]</a></span>thee that in the perilous and cruel battle -between thee and King Cildadan, Beltenebros, in whom you confide, shall -lose his name and his renown, and for one blow that he shall give all -his great deeds shall be quite forgotten. In that hour thou shalt be -in the greatest extremity, and in all danger of death, when the sharp -sword of Beltenebros shall shed thy blood. Cruel and dolorous will the -battle be; there will be great rage and cruelty, and no compassion. But -at last by three blows from the hand of Beltenebros his party shall -remain conquerors. Look to it King, for she who sends thee this warning -knows what is to come!</p> - -<p>Brave as the King's heart was, this letter dismayed him; he believed -that Beltenebros was to lose his life, and that his own would be in -the utmost danger; howbeit he put on a good countenance, and gave the -letter to Galaor, and asked his counsel. Sir, quoth Galaor, I stand -in need of your counsel myself; but if this battle can honourably be -avoided, I should advise that it be done so; if that cannot be, you -should not be in the field; by the sword of Beltenebros your blood is -to be shed, and by three blows from his hand his party are to remain -conquerors. This I do not understand, for he is to be on your side; and -yet the letter says <!-- Page 236 --><span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_236" id="Page_236">[236]</a></span>otherwise. Friend, quoth the King, your love for -me makes you advise me ill. I must not, for the knowledge of any one, -how wise soever, distrust the power of him who ordaineth all things. My -good friend, I will be in the battle, and take what fortune it please -God to give. The King's answer roused Galaor; rightly are you esteemed -the best King in the world! quoth he, and he then shewed him his own -letter.</p> - -<p>You Don Galaor of Gaul, the strong and the brave, I Urganda, salute as -him whom I esteem and love; know from me what must befall you in the -dolorous battle, if you be there. After many cruelties and deaths that -you will have witnessed in the last press, your strong body and stout -limbs will fail your brave and ardent heart, and at the end your head -will be in his power, who, with the three blows that he shall give, is -to decide the day.</p> - -<p>Friend, quoth Lisuarte, if this say true, you will be slain if you -enter the battle; I will so order that you may honourably decline it. -Sir, said Galaor, it seems the advice I gave displeased you, that you -would command me to my shame. God forbid that I should herein obey -you. Don Galaor! you <!-- Page 237 --><span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_237" id="Page_237">[237]</a></span>are right, the King answered, we will trust in -God. Meantime say nothing of these letters lest our friends should be -discouraged. Before they entered the town two Knights came up to be -present in the battle, they were Don Bruneo of Bonamar, and Branfil -his brother; and Bruneo grieved much that he had not arrived in time -to prove the sword, for he had passed under the arch of Loyal Lovers, -and by his love to Melicia doubted not that he should have won it. Him -Galaor courteously saluted, and took to his lodging as a right worthy -Knight. Presently Enil arrived with the head of Lindoraque hanging from -the horse's breast-plate, and the hand and shield of Arcalaus. Then was -the great prowess of Beltenebros more praised, and Galaor and Florestan -more desirous, to prove in battle that he was not equal to their lost -brother Amadis. At this time Filispinel returned who had been sent with -the King's defiance to the giants; he brought word that they were gone -to Ireland, and would in four days time land in the port of the plain -where the battle was to be fought, and he brought with him this letter. -To the great Lord Lisuarte, King of Great Britain, and to all our -friends in his dominions. I Arban, a wretch, once King of North Wales, -and I Angriote of Estravaus, inform you that our <!-- Page 238 --><span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_238" id="Page_238">[238]</a></span>unhappy fortune hath -thrown us into the power of the fierce Gromadaza, wife of Famongomadan, -who, in vengeance for the death of her husband and her son, inflicts -upon us such torments, that we wish for death to relieve us; but she -will not kill us that she may lengthen our sufferings, the which are -such, that we should have ridden ourselves of life, if it were not -for losing our souls thereby; but being now near death, we write this -letter with our blood, praying God to grant you the victory over these -traitors, who, in such inhuman sort torment us. Great sorrow had the -King hereat, and all his Knights; however he comforted them, assuring -them that there was no other remedy, or way of helping their friends, -than by conquering in this great battle: so they all prepared, and set -forth for the place appointed.</p> - - - - -<div class="chapter"> -<hr class="newchapter" /> -<p><!-- Page 239 --><span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_239" id="Page_239">[239]</a></span></p> -<h3><a name="CHAPTER_16" id="CHAPTER_16"></a><i>CHAPTER 16.</i></h3> -</div> - - -<p>Three days Beltenebros remained at Miraflores, on the fourth he -departed alone at midnight. He had told Enil to meet him at the Castle -of an old Knight, called Abradan, which was by the place of battle, and -there on the next day he found him. The old Knight received him well, -for he always, hospitably welcomed all Errant Knights. Presently two -Squires arrived, the nephews of the host, and said, that King Cildadan -was landed, and had pitched his tents upon the sea-shore, and his -Knights with him, and they were landing their horses and arms. Grumedan -and Giontes had been to them on the part of King Lisuarte, and made -truce till the day of battle, and also concluded that neither party -should bring out more than the hundred Knights appointed. Nephews, -said the host, what think you of those <!-- Page 240 --><span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_240" id="Page_240">[240]</a></span>enemies whom God confound! -Good Uncle, said they, we must not speak of them; they are so strong -and terrible, that unless God miraculously assist our King, he and his -power will be nothing against them. Herewithal, the tears fell from -the old man's eyes, who cried, O Lord, do not forsake the best and -justest King in the world! Good mine host, quoth Beltenebros, be not -dismayed for their fierceness, for worth and modesty often overcome -proud valour. I pray you go to the King for me, and tell him that there -is in your house a Knight called Beltenebros, who requests to know the -day of battle that he may be there. How, Sir, cried old Abradan, are -you he who sent Don Quadragante to the King my Master, and who slew -Famongomadan and his son! Now am I overpaid for all the services that -ever I have rendered to Errant Knights. So taking his Nephews to guide -him, he went to King Lisuarte, who was arrived within half a league of -his enemies. Greatly was the King rejoiced with what he said, and he -told him the battle should be on the next day, and said, there lacked -him but one Knight of the hundred. Don Grumedan replied, you are rather -above the number, for Beltenebros should be counted for five. When the -old man returned with these tidings, Enil took his Master aside, and -kneeling <!-- Page 241 --><span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_241" id="Page_241">[241]</a></span>down, said, Albeit Sir my services have not merited it, yet -your great goodness emboldens me to ask a boon, and I beseech you for -God's sake to grant it me. Beltenebros raised him and said, ask any -thing that I can do. Enil would have kissed his hand; Sir, I ask you -to make me a Knight, and to entreat the King that I may be one of the -hundred since one is wanting. Friend Enil, replied Beltenebros, let it -not enter your heart to begin so perilously. I do not say this because -I will not make thee a Knight, but to advise thee to undertake lighter -adventures first. My good Master, quoth Enil, where can I adventure so -well? if I come from the field alive it will always be to my praise -and honour, and if I die it will be dying well, and my memory will be -joined with all those good Knights who must perish there. But then an -affectionate pity was felt at the heart of Beltenebros, and he said -within himself, thou dost well show thyself to be of the lineage of -Gandales, my excellent and true fosterer! Be it so! said he, and he -asked the host to give the Squire arms; and Enil watched them that -night, and after dawn they heard mass, and Beltenebros knighted him, -and they departed, their host and his Nephews carrying their arms. They -found Lisuarte putting his battle in order to go against the enemies, -<!-- Page 242 --><span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_242" id="Page_242">[242]</a></span>who were ready in the plain. The King and his Knights rejoiced to -see Beltenebros. Sir, quoth he, I come to perform my promise, and I -bring with me this Knight to supply the one lacking. The King joyfully -welcomed him, and placed his Knight to make up the complement. Then -they moved on in one battalion: the King was in the middle of the rank, -before him Beltenebros and his companion were placed, and Galaor, -Florestan, and Agrayes; Gandalac, the Giant who had fostered Galaor, -and his two sons Bramandil, and Gavus whom Galaor had knighted; -Nicoran, of the Perilous Bridge, Dragonis and Palomir, and Pinorante, -Giontes, nephew to the King, the renowned Don Bruneo of Bonamar, -and his brother Branfil, and Don Guilan the Pensive. All these were -together, and before them went that honourable and good old Knight Don -Grumedan, Brisena's fosterer, with the banner of the King.</p> - -<p>King Cildadan on his side placed the Giants in the front of the battle, -and twenty Knights of his lineage of great valour. He stationed -Madanfabul, the Giant of the Isle of the Vermillion Tower, upon a -little rising ground, and with him ten of the best Knights, and -directed them not to move till they saw that all were weary, and that -then they should <!-- Page 243 --><span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_243" id="Page_243">[243]</a></span>make way fiercely towards King Lisuarte, to kill -him or carry him prisoner to the ships. In this array the two parties -approached with deliberate pace till they came near, and then they met -with such a shock that many a man fell, and many a horse ran over the -field without a rider. That was a hard and dolorous day for all who -were there present! for striking and struggling they continued thus -without rest or intermission a third part of the day, with such toil -and effort, being in the mid heat of summer, that they and their horses -were so wearied, and the wounded bled so fast, that in many life could -endure no longer, and there they fell dead, especially those whom the -Giants had wounded with their great force. In that hour Beltenebros -did wonders in arms with that good sword, striking and slaying all -before him, though the care with which he kept watch over the King -most employed him; for Lisuarte knowing that the great shame, or great -glory of the day would be his, thrust himself into the hottest press -of the battle. Galaor and Florestan, and Agrayes kept by him, being -emulous to equal Beltenebros that day, and Don Bruneo watched to assist -Galaor, who, like a lion made among the Giants, to equal him whom he -thought the rival of Amadis, regardless of their great strength, and -<!-- Page 244 --><span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_244" id="Page_244">[244]</a></span>those whom he saw fall under their blows. In this heat he came before -Cartadaque, the Giant of the Defended Mountain, who with a heavy battle -axe, notwithstanding Florestan had given him a deep wound in the -shoulder, had already killed six Knights at his feet. Galaor made at -him, and with his sword struck him upon the helmet; it cut away all it -touched, and lopt off his ear, and passing downward cut the battle-axe -helve from his hand. When the Giant saw his enemy so near, and that he -had no weapon to wound him, he laid hold on him with his hands, and -plucked him so forcibly that the saddle girth broke, and he fell, but -still the Giant held him; and Galaor thought he never could escape -from that mighty grasp, and that all his bones were broken. Yet before -his senses were gone he recovered his sword that hung from his wrist -by the chain, and thrust it through the vizor of Cartadaque's helmet; -the Giant's gripe relaxed, and he fell dead. Galaor arose then, but so -weak and exhausted, that he could not pluck his sword from the Giant's -head. The Knights on both sides pressed towards him, some to kill him -at this disadvantage, his own friends to his help. The battle became -fiercer there than it had yet been; King Cildadan came up, and on the -other part Beltenebros. Beltenebros <!-- Page 245 --><span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_245" id="Page_245">[245]</a></span>twice smote Cildadan on the head -such stunning blows that the King fell from his horse at the feet of -Galaor. Galaor caught up the sword of Cildadan, and laid about him till -his strength and senses were gone, and he fell upon the body of King -Cildadan.</p> - -<p>At this time the Giants Gandalac and Albadanzor were engaged; they -smote each other so furiously with their clubs, that they and their -horses both fell. Albadanzor's arm was broken, and Gandalac's leg; -howbeit he and his sons slew their enemy. The day was now half over, -and on the two sides an hundred and twenty Knights had been slain. -Madanfabul, the Giant of the Vermillion Tower, was looking on from the -hill; he saw how the field was thinned, that they who remained were -weary with their toil, their armour broken, and their horses stiff -and exhausted. He thought that he and his companions could now have -discomfited all that were left on both sides, and descended into the -field, crying out, Leave not a man of them alive; I will kill or take -King Lisuarte. Beltenebros had just mounted a fresh horse, which one -of old Abradan's nephews gave him; he saw the Giant and his troop come -on, and placed himself before the King, and called on <!-- Page 246 --><span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_246" id="Page_246">[246]</a></span>Florestan and -Agrayes, who were near; with these Don Bruneo of Bonamar joined, and -Branfil, and Guilan the Pensive, and Enil, who had done much in that -battle, and was therefore always held in high esteem, all these albeit -they were grievously wounded, and their horses also, placed themselves -before the King. Before Madanfabul came a Knight called Sarmadan the -Lion, the Uncle of King Cildadan, and for strength and prowess the -best of his lineage. Beltenebros stood foremost to meet him. Sarmadan -drove his lance at him, it broke, yet pierced the shield and wounded -him, though with no deep wound. Then Beltenebros hit him a thwart blow -with his sword across the bever, straight over both eyes, and through -both, that he fell dead. But Madanfabul and his other comrades came on -so fiercely, that the most of those who were of King Lisuarte's part -were beaten down before them, and he made right for the King, with -such fresh strength, that the Knights about the King, bravely as they -adventured, could not protect him; he seized Lisuarte round the neck, -and grasped him so strongly that he lost all power of resistance, -plucked him from the saddle, and carried him towards the ships. When -Beltenebros beheld that he exclaimed, O Lord God, let not Oriana have -this <!-- Page 247 --><span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_247" id="Page_247">[247]</a></span>affliction! He struck the spurs into his horse and galloped after -him sword in hand, and reaching him smote at him with his whole force. -The sword fell on the right arm with which he held the King, and cut it -clean through by the elbow; the weapon stayed not there, but passing on -cut through the King's breast-plate, and wounded him so that the blood -streamed down. Lisuarte was left upon the ground, and the Giant fled -like a lost man, bleeding to death. When Beltenebros saw that with that -one blow he had slain that mighty Giant, and rescued King Lisuarte from -so great a danger, he shouted out, Gaul! Gaul! for I am Amadis. This he -cried as he laid on among his enemies, felling them or slaying them, -and in good season did he exert this prowess, for great havock had been -made among the Knights of his party, so many slain, others wounded, -and fighting on foot, and the enemies had come fresh against them with -great strength, and an eager desire to kill all they could. For this -cause Amadis put forth his strength, so that it might well be said his -great prowess was the safety and support of his party that day; but -what most kindled him was, that he had seen his brother Galaor afoot -and sore wearied, and looking again saw him no longer, so that surely -he thought him dead, and with this grief <!-- Page 248 --><span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_248" id="Page_248">[248]</a></span>and anger he encountered no -Knight whom he did not slay. When they of King Cildadan's party saw the -great feats that he atchieved, they took for their leader a Knight of -the race of the Giants, whose name was Gadancuriel, and who had made -such slaughter that day that he was noted by all. They expected, being -led by him to win the day, and at this time Amadis had thrust in so -far among the enemy that he was beset by them and in great peril. King -Lisuarte had mounted again, and with him were Don Bruneo of Bonamar, -and Florestan, and Guilan the Pensive, and Ladasin, and Galvanes -Lackland, and Olivas, and old Grumedan, from whose hand the banner had -been cut. The King seeing Amadis in such danger made up to succour him -like a worthy King, although he had many wounds, and all rejoicing that -Beltenebros was Amadis, forced their way up to him, and released him -from the press. He then turned whither he would, and chance guided him -to where his cousin Agrayes, and Palomir and Dragonis were on foot, -and many Knights upon them striving to slay them, but they standing -together, and still defending themselves manfully. He seeing them thus, -called upon his brother Florestan, and Guilan the Pensive, to their -succour. There came against him a Knight of great renown, <!-- Page 249 --><span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_249" id="Page_249">[249]</a></span>called -Vadamigar, whose helmet had been struck off; he wounded the horse of -Amadis in the neck, but Amadis reached him, and cleft him down to the -ears, and as he fell cried out. Cousin Agrayes, take this horse! And -Florestan struck down a good Knight, called Daniel, and gave his horse -to Palomir, and Palomir then won one for Dragonis; and Guilan wounded -Landin sorely, and unhorsed him, and gave his horse to Branfil: thus -they were all helped, and then they followed in the path of Amadis, -who went on cutting his way manfully, and shouting Gaul! Gaul! Amadis! -that the enemy might know he was in the field. Such courage did he -then display, and so well did Florestan and Agrayes, and those other -Knights second him, and King Lisuarte also played his part so well, -that they won the battle; the enemies who survived flying to their -ships, and Amadis still among them raging for the death of Galaor. But -Gadancuriel still made head with those whom he could turn from flight, -and he turned upon the King. Florestan, who had seen his feats that -day, thrust himself before Lisuarte to save him, though he had only a -broken sword. Gadancuriel cut through the helmet and wounded him in the -head, he with his broken sword smote him on the helmet so that it fell -off, and then Lisuarte <!-- Page 250 --><span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_250" id="Page_250">[250]</a></span>cleft his head; there was none other left to -maintain the field: they who fled perished before they could reach the -water, or in the water before they could reach their ships.</p> - -<p>Then Amadis cried to Florestan and Agrayes, weeping as he spake, Good -kinsmen, I fear we have lost Don Galaor, let us seek for him. They went -to the spot where Amadis had smitten down King Cildadan, and seen his -brother last on foot; but so many were the dead who lay there that they -saw him not, till as they moved away the bodies, Florestan knew him -by the sleeve of his surcoat, which was of azure worked with silver -flowers, and then they made great moan over him. But when Amadis saw -him thus with exceeding grief he threw himself from his horse, and his -wounds over which the blood had clotted burst open with the fall, and -bled abundantly, and he laying aside his shield and helm that were -all hacked and bruised, went to Galaor and took off his helmet, and -took his head upon his knees. Galaor at the fresh air began to move a -little, and they all gathered round him weeping to see him thus. While -they were thus standing twelve Damsels richly apparelled came up, and -some Squires with them, who brought a bed covered with rich <!-- Page 251 --><span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_251" id="Page_251">[251]</a></span>drapery. -The Damsels knelt before Amadis and said, Sir, we are come hither for -Don Galaor, if you would have him live give him to us: if not, all the -Masters in Great Britain cannot help him. Amadis knew not the Damsels, -and he saw the great danger of Galaor, and could not tell what to do; -but those Knights advised him to trust his brother to this fortune, -rather than see him die without any possibility of saving him. Good -Damsels, said Amadis, may I know whither you would carry him? They -answered, not as yet; but if you desire his life give him to us; else -we must go our way. Then Amadis besought that they would take him also; -this they refused, but at his request they suffered Ardian the Dwarf, -and his Squire to follow them. Then they laid him in the bed, armed as -he was, all except his helmet and gauntlets, and half dead; and Amadis -and the Knights followed them, weeping, to the shore. A ship was ready -there in which the Damsels placed him, and then returned and went to -King Lisuarte, and besought him that he would be pleased to give them -King Cildadan also, who lay among the dead, bidding him remember that -he was a good King, and had suffered this evil in doing what he was -bound to do: and they prayed the King to have pity upon him, that he -might <!-- Page 252 --><span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_252" id="Page_252">[252]</a></span>look for pity himself in his need. Lisuarte readily assented. -They took up Cildadan more dead than alive, and carried him in the same -bed on board, then made sail, and were speedily out of sight.</p> - -<p>Meantime Lisuarte had secured the enemies fleet that nothing might -escape, taking prisoners all who were not slain in battle. He now came -up to Amadis, and the Knights that were weeping with him, and when he -heard their lamentation was for the loss of Galaor, he was grieved at -heart, for Galaor had faithfully and affectionately served him from the -hour wherein he became his Knight; then he dismounted, his armour being -all stained with blood, and embraced Amadis, and bade him take comfort, -for God would not suffer such a man as his brother to perish. They -all then went to the tent of King Cildadan, and there took food, and -he ordered that all the Knights who had fallen on his side should be -buried in a monastery that was at the foot of a near mountain, and he -ordered the due service for their souls, and assigned rents for masses -for them. Moreover he ordered a stately chapel to be built there, and -rich monuments therein for them, and that their names should all be -engraved upon their tombs. Messengers were sent to inform Queen Brisena -of <!-- Page 253 --><span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_253" id="Page_253">[253]</a></span>his good fortune, and he and his Knights then went to Ganota, a -town four leagues off, and there they remained till their wounds were -healed.</p> - -<p>While this battle was expected Queen Briolania went to visit Oriana -at Miraflores. Oriana had her apartments hung with rich hangings to -receive a guest whom she so greatly desired to see. When they met both -were somewhat abashed, for neither the proof of the Enchanted Arch, -nor of the Green Sword, could keep Oriana's heart so calm, but that it -beat fast with fear, thinking that no affection, how true soever, could -resist such beauty as she saw before her. And Briolania, who had seen -the tears and thoughtfulness of Amadis, and knew what proof of love he -had given at the Firm Island, presently concluded it could be only for -this Princess, before whom she felt her own beauty even as nothing. So -as they were freely communing together, Briolania related at length all -that Amadis had done for her, and said how in her heart she loved him. -Oriana then willing to learn farther, asked her why, as they were of -equal rank, and she at her own disposal, she did not make him master of -herself and her own dominions? Friend and Lady, replied Briolania, much -as you have seen him, I think you know him <!-- Page 254 --><span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_254" id="Page_254">[254]</a></span>not. Do you not believe I -should think myself the happiest woman in the world if this could be? -But you shall know all—and keep it I pray you secret, as one like you -should do. I ventured upon this proposal, and it shames me whenever I -remember it, but he replied, that he could neither bear affection to -me nor to any other; the which I then believed, for unlike all other -Knights, I never heard him speak of woman. You tell me wonders, quoth -Oriana, glad at heart of what she heard; but unless Amadis loved some -one he could not have passed under the Arch of True Lovers, which yet -showed him more honour than ever any other had received. He may love, -replied Briolania, but in his love he is the most secret that ever yet -Knight was.</p> - -<p>Briolania remained ten days with Oriana, and then they both went -to join Queen Brisena at Fenusa, a town, where she was waiting for -Lisuarte. Greatly rejoiced was she to see her daughter so recovered. -There the tidings came of the victory, for joy whereat Brisena gave -great alms to the churches and convents, and to those who were in -want. But who can tell what joy there was to hear that Beltenebros was -Amadis! What think you now of Amadis, quoth Briolania to Oriana, <!-- Page 255 --><span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_255" id="Page_255">[255]</a></span>who -affected the same surprise as the rest; I was in doubt whether he or -Beltenebros most deserved my love. Queen and Lady, replied Oriana, we -will ask him when he comes, wherefore he changed his name, and who the -Damsel is that won the garland of flowers.</p> - - - - -<div class="chapter"> -<hr class="newchapter" /><p><!-- Page 256 --><span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_256" id="Page_256">[256]</a></span></p> -<h3><a name="CHAPTER_17" id="CHAPTER_17"></a><i>CHAPTER 17.</i></h3> -</div> - - -<p>Now you shall know what became of King Cildadan and Galaor. The -Damsels who removed them dressed their wounds, and on the third day -they recovered their senses. Galaor found himself in a rich room, -which stood upon four marble pillars, and had an iron grating on all -sides, through which he saw that he was in a garden, surrounded with -a high wall, in which was only one little door covered with plates -of iron. Astonished to find himself in such a place, he thought he -was in prison, and felt such pain from his wounds that he expected -nothing but death; and he remembered the battle, but knew not who had -carried him from it, nor how he had been removed there. King Cildadan -also, when he came to himself, saw that he was lying in a rich bed in -the vaulted chamber of a large tower. He looked round and saw no one, -neither door nor <!-- Page 257 --><span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_257" id="Page_257">[257]</a></span>any entrance into the chamber, but over the arch he -heard voices. There was a window near his bed from whence he looked -out and saw the sea, and it seemed that the tower he was in was a high -tower upon a rock, and that the sea washed it on three sides. He too -remembered the battle but nothing more: but he well knew that if he was -thus a prisoner, his friends could not be in better plight, and seeing -no remedy, lay down again in bed, groaning and in great pain with his -wounds.</p> - -<p>Don Galaor, as he was lying in the open chamber, saw the little door -of the garden wall open, and raised his head with great difficulty; -there came in a Damsel very fair and richly apparalled, and with her -a man so feeble and old that it was a wonder how he could walk, they -came up to the iron grating, and said to him, Don Galaor, look to your -soul, for we cannot warrant you. The Damsel then produced two little -boxes, one of iron the other of silver, and showing them to Galaor, -said, She who brought you here wills not that you should die till she -knows whether you will perform her will; if so, your wounds shall be -healed, and you shall have food. Good Damsel, replied he, if what she -desire be any thing <!-- Page 258 --><span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_258" id="Page_258">[258]</a></span>that I ought not to do, it will be worse than -death. Do as you please, quoth she, we care little for your answer: -it is at your own choice to live or die. The old man then opened the -door of the grating, and they both went in, and she took the box of -iron, and told the old man to withdraw, and then she said to Galaor, -Sir, I have such compassion on you, that I will venture my own life -to save yours. I have been ordered to fill this box with poison, and -the other with an ointment to make you sleep; the poison being then -rubbed into your wounds will act more instantly and you would presently -die; but instead of this I have put here a remedy, the which, if you -take it daily for seven days, will so heal you, that by that time you -shall be wholly recovered, and able to ride on horseback as before. She -then applied the ointment to his wounds, and the pain was instantly -assuaged. Good Damsel, quoth he, you do so greatly bind me to your -service, that if by your help I may escape from hence, never was Damsel -so well guerdoned by Knight as you shall be: but if you have not means -for this and yet wish to serve me, contrive that Urganda the Unknown -may know in what perilous prison I am laid, for in her I have great -hope. The Damsel then began to laugh—what hope can you have in Urganda, -who <!-- Page 259 --><span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_259" id="Page_259">[259]</a></span>cares little for your weal or woe? So much, replied Galaor, that -as she knows the wishes of all, she knows how greatly it is my wish to -serve her. The Damsel then answered, Look for no other Urganda than -me, Don Galaor; and take you good hope, for it is the part of courage, -not only to encounter danger, but to endure its after-chances for the -danger in which I place myself to heal you, and deliver you from hence, -I ask one boon, which shall be neither to your dishonour nor hurt. I -grant, quoth he, all that may rightly be performed. Now then, said she, -it is time to depart, lie you down, and feign to sleep soundly. He -did accordingly; she called the old man and said, Look how he sleeps! -Now the poison will work. So it ought, quoth the old man, that he who -brought him here may be avenged. Since you have obeyed so well you may -come alone for the future, and see that you keep him fifteen days, that -he die not, but live in great agony, and by that time they will be here -who shall make him atone for the wrongs he hath done them. When Galaor -heard this he found that the old man was his mortal enemy, howbeit he -took hope for what she had said to him. The old man and the Damsel then -went out of the garden; presently she returned, and brought with <!-- Page 260 --><span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_260" id="Page_260">[260]</a></span>her -two little girls, fair girls and well apparelled, who took food for -Galaor; and she let them into the chamber to keep him company, and gave -them books of history to read to him, that he might not sleep by day, -and then she fastened the door and left them.</p> - -<p>King Cildadan in the tower saw also a door open in the wall, a stone -door so neatly fitted that it looked like the wall itself, and a Dame -of middle age entered with two armed Knights, and approached the bed -without saluting him; he on his part spake to them with courteous -salutation, but they answered not. The Dame took off the bed cloaths, -and applied salves to his wounds, then gave him food, and they went -out again and fastened the stone door, not having spoken a word. The -King thought that verily he was in prison, and where his life was not -secure; howbeit having no remedy, he took as good comfort as he could.</p> - -<p>When it was time the Damsel returned to Galaor, and asked him how he -fared? So well, quoth he, that if it proceed so I shall be in good -plight by the time you promised. Doubt not, said she, that what I have -said shall be accomplished. But you <!-- Page 261 --><span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_261" id="Page_261">[261]</a></span>must promise me the boon as a -loyal Knight, for only by my help can you escape; the attempt would be -to your mortal danger and hurt, and you could not effect it at last. -That Galaor promised, and he besought her to tell him her name. What, -quoth she, Don Galaor, know you not my name? I am deceived in you! Time -was that I did you a service, which it seems you little remember. They -call me the Wise<a name="FNanchor_261:A_11" id="FNanchor_261:A_11"></a><a href="#Footnote_261:A_11" class="fnanchor">[261:A]</a> among the wisest. With that she departed, and -he remained thinking who she might be; and remembering the good sword -which Urganda had given him when he was knighted by Amadis, he thought -it should be her, but Urganda was old, and this was a Damsel. He looked -for the two little girls and they were gone, but in their stead he saw -his Squire Gasavel, and Ardian the Dwarf of Amadis, both sleeping. He -joyfully called them, they awoke; and when they saw who was there ran -weeping for joy to kiss his hand, and exclaimed, O good Sir! blessed be -God who has brought us here to serve you! He asked them how they came -there: they replied, they knew not; only that Amadis and Agrayes, and -<!-- Page 262 --><span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_262" id="Page_262">[262]</a></span>Florestan, had sent them with him. Amadis, quoth he, was he found at -such a time? Sir, said they, know that Beltenebros is your own brother -Amadis, and that by his prowess the battle was won. Thou tellest me -great things, cried Galaor, and great pleasure have I therein, though -he has not given me cause for pleasure in keeping himself so long -concealed from me. Thus abode King Cildadan and Don Galaor: the one -in that great Tower, the other in the Garden-chamber, where they were -both healed of their hurts. Then Urganda made herself known to them, -for they were in her power in her Undiscovered Island; and she told -them that the fear wherein she had put them was to effect their cure -more speedily, for in their perilous state it so behoved. And she sent -two Damsels to attend them and compleat their recovery; they were her -nieces and fair Damsels, being the daughters of King Falangris, who -was brother to Lisuarte by Grimota, Urganda's sister; by him begotten -when he was a young batchelor. The one was called Julianda, the other -Solisa: and it so chanced that the one bore a son named Talanque, to -Don Galaor, and the other a son to King Cildadan, who was called Maneli -the discreet, who were both valiant and strong Knights, and in this -state of great pleasure these two Knights <!-- Page 263 --><span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_263" id="Page_263">[263]</a></span>remained till it pleased -Urganda to set them at liberty, as you shall hear hereafter.</p> - -<p>When Lisuarte and Amadis, and the other Knights were all whole of their -wounds, he went to Fenusa, where the Queen then sojourned, and there -was he received with such joy by her, and by Briolania and Oriana, and -the other Dames and Damsels, as never welcomed man before. But the -joyful greeting which Queen Briolania gave to Amadis, that can in no -way be written; she taking him by the hand made him sit between her -and Oriana, and she said to him, my Lord, the grief and sorrow which -I felt when they told me you were lost I cannot relate to you. I came -hither with an hundred Knights immediately that your brothers might -order them whither they would in your search, and because this battle -delayed their departure, I resolved to remain here till it was decided. -Now then direct me what I shall do, and it shall be done. Good Lady -mine, quoth Amadis, if you felt sorrow for my mishap, great reason had -you: for there is no man in the world who hath a better will to obey -you; but since you desire me to direct you, I would have you abide here -ten days, and dispatch your business with the King; in that time we may -know something of my <!-- Page 264 --><span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_264" id="Page_264">[264]</a></span>brother Don Galaor, and there will be a battle -which has been appointed between Don Florestan and Landin, after that -I will conduct you to your kingdom, and from thence I must go to the -Firm Island, where I have much to do. So let it be, replied Briolania, -and I beseech you tell us the wonders which you found in that Island. -He would have excused himself, but Oriana took his hand and said, -You shall not leave us till you have told us something of them. Good -Ladies, quoth Amadis, trust me, labour however I should, I could never -relate all; but this I say, that that Forbidden Chamber is the most -rich and beautifullest thing in the world, and if by one of you it is -not atchieved, I believe none else will ever win it. Briolania, after -a while of silence, answered, I do not esteem myself such a one as can -accomplish that adventure, yet such as I am, if you will not impute it -to folly, I will prove it. Lady, quoth Amadis, I hold it no folly to -attempt that wherein all have failed for want of beauty, especially -in you whom God hath gifted so bountifully therewith, rather I hold -it honourable to desire to win a fame which may endure through long -ages. At this was Oriana greatly displeased, and her countenance fell, -so that Amadis, whose eyes never left her, understood her feelings, -and repented him of what <!-- Page 265 --><span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_265" id="Page_265">[265]</a></span>he had said, albeit that all his design had -been to her greater praise, for having seen the likeness of Grimanesa -he knew that Briolania, fair as she was, did not equal her beauty, -and of his own Lady's success he nothing doubted. But Oriana feared -that whatever was to be won by beauty Briolania could win, and having -requested her if she succeeded to let her know all the wonders of -the Chamber, she withdrew, and went to Mabilia and told her what had -passed. This always is the case with your Cousin, said she, my poor -heart thinks only of pleasing him, neither regarding God nor the anger -of my parents, and he knowing his full power holds me at little price, -and then the tears came and coursed down her fair cheeks. Mabilia -answered, I marvel Lady what manner of heart is yours! you are no -sooner out of one trouble than you seek another. What great wrong is -this that my Cousin hath committed? If Apolidon left this Chamber to be -proved by all, shall he forbid the proof to Briolania? Certes I believe -that neither her beauty nor yours will avail to accomplish that which -none in a hundred years for lack of beauty could effect. But this is -his over-ruling destiny that hath made him forsake all his lineage for -your service, and thus it is you reward him; you do not desire his -life, and will therefore drive <!-- Page 266 --><span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_266" id="Page_266">[266]</a></span>him to death. This will be his reward! -and mine, for all the friendship I have borne you, will be to see the -flower of all my family, him who so dearly loves me, perish before my -eyes. This will I never remain to see: for my brother Agrayes, and -Galvanes my Uncle, shall take me home to my own country! and with that -she wept and exclaimed, God grant that this cruelty toward Amadis may -be well requited to you, and this wrong you do his friends! but their -loss, great though it be, will be less than yours, destroying him who -for your sake has deserted them, to give himself wholly to you. When -Mabilia spake thus Oriana's heart was so overcharged that she could not -speak, till at last the tears came, and she cried, wretch that I am -above all others! I came to you for relief and you increase my sorrow, -suspecting that which was never in my heart! Let God never help me if -ever I had such thought! but what distresses me is, lest another woman -should accomplish that proof which would be to me worse than death, and -this fear has made me think wrongly of him who perhaps had but good -in his intention: but come—forgive me—and for the love you bear your -Cousin advise me! And then with a sweet smile she embraced Mabilia, -True friend and dearest, I promise you I will never speak of this to -your <!-- Page 267 --><span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_267" id="Page_267">[267]</a></span>Cousin, nor let him know that I have had such a thought, but say -you to him what you think best. Mabilia answered, I will forgive you on -one condition, that whatever anger you conceive against him you never -discover it to him till you have first consulted me, that no evil like -the past may happen again. With this were they well reconciled, between -whom there could never be a want of love.</p> - -<p>But Mabilia sharply reprehended Amadis, and warned him to be wary in -his conduct to Briolania, remembering what he had suffered on her -account, and how difficult it is to root out jealousy from a woman's -heart. Amadis replied, Lady and good Cousin, my thoughts were very -different. Briolania is held by all for one of the most beautiful -women in the world, so they make no doubt she can enter the Forbidden -Chamber, but I who have seen the likeness of Grimanesa know that it -will not be so. That honour which any one hitherto has won, that -certainly will Briolania win: but Oriana has only to try and to -succeed. But if Oriana atchieves the adventure before Briolania has -essayed it, all will say that the other would have won had she been -first; on the contrary, when she will have failed, as sure I am she -must fail, <!-- Page 268 --><span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_268" id="Page_268">[268]</a></span>my Lady will have her full glory. Well was Oriana satisfied -at hearing this, and greatly repented her of her fault, to atone for -which they appointed that Amadis should come to her apartment, through -an old water way that issued into a garden. Presently Oriana and -Briolania called Amadis, and requested him to answer them truly what -they should ask, the which he promised. Tell us then, said Oriana, who -the Damsel was who won the garland when you gained the sword? Then was -Amadis grieved at the question because he was bound to answer it truly. -As God shall help me Lady, said he, I know no more of her name than you -do, though I was seven days in her company; but this I can say, that -she had beautiful locks, and as far as I could see was right fair. Thus -was Oriana sporting with him, when there came a Damsel to summon him -on the King's part, saying, that Don Quadragante and his nephew Landin -were come to acquit themselves of their promises. Being all assembled -Quadragante rose and said, I come to discharge a promise made to -Amadis of Gaul; and he then related how they had done battle together, -and added, that both by the event of that battle, and by reason -he was bound to forgive him the death of King Abies, who had been -slain in fair combat, and to receive him for a friend even in <!-- Page 269 --><span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_269" id="Page_269">[269]</a></span>what -degree it pleased him. Then Amadis embraced him and thanked him; and -notwithstanding this friendship appeared a thing constrained, yet did -it long and faithfully continue. And because Florestan and Landin were -to fight upon the same quarrel, it was judged, that since Quadragante, -who was principal in the cause had forgiven it, their dispute should -cease; the which pleased Landin not a little, for he had witnessed the -prowess of Florestan in the great battle.</p> - -<p>King Lisuarte now called to mind the cruel prison of King Arban of -North Wales, and Angriote of Estravaus, and determined to pass over -to the Island of Mongaza to deliver them; this resolution he imparted -to his Knights. Then Amadis answered, Sir, you know what loss to your -service is the absence of Don Galaor; if it please you I and my brother -and my cousins will go in search of him, and if it please God return -with him by the time that you make this voyage. The King replied, God -knows with what good will I myself would seek him, if so many things -did not prevent me, since I cannot, do what you say. Then more than -an hundred Knights arose, all good men in arms, and said that they -would enter upon that quest, for <!-- Page 270 --><span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_270" id="Page_270">[270]</a></span>in no worthier adventure could they -be employed. Thereat was King Lisuarte well pleased, and he besought -Amadis not to depart, for he would speak with him.</p> - - -<hr class="footnotes" /> -<p class="sectctrfn">FOOTNOTES:</p> - -<div class="footnote"> -<p class="noindent" lang="es" xml:lang="es"><a name="Footnote_261:A_11" id="Footnote_261:A_11"></a><a href="#FNanchor_261:A_11"><span class="label">[261:A]</span></a> Sabencia sobre sabencia.</p> -</div> - - - - -<div class="chapter"> -<hr class="newchapter" /> -<p><!-- Page 271 --><span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_271" id="Page_271">[271]</a></span></p> -<h3><a name="CHAPTER_18" id="CHAPTER_18"></a><i>CHAPTER 18.</i></h3> -</div> - - -<p>After supper, it being almost the hour of sleep, as the King was in -the gallery looking toward the sea, he saw two fires coming on through -the water, whereat all were greatly astonished, marvelling how the -fire and water could exist together. As they drew nearer, a galley was -seen between the two fires, and on its mast there were great torches -burning, so that the whole vessel seemed ablaze. The uproar was great, -for all the people ran to the walls to see this wonder, expecting that -if the water could not quench this fire nothing else could, and the -city would surely be consumed; so they were greatly terrified. The -Queen with all her Ladies went in their fear to the chapel, and the -King mounted, and with his guard of fifty Knights rode down to the -shore, and found there the most part of his Knights, and in the front -of all Amadis, and Guilan the Pensive, and Enil, so near the <!-- Page 272 --><span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_272" id="Page_272">[272]</a></span>fires -that he wondered how they could endure them; then spurring his horse, -whom the tumult had frightened, he rode up to them. Presently he saw -come from under a cloth that covered the deck a Dame clad in white -holding a golden casket in her hands, the which she opened and took out -a lighted candle and threw it into the sea, where it was extinguished. -At once the two great fires were quenched so that no trace of them -remained, only the torches upon the mast remained burning, and cast -a light along the shore. Then was the cloth which covered the galley -withdrawn, and they saw how it was all hung with green boughs, and -strewed with roses and flowers, and they heard instruments within -sounding very sweetly; and when the instruments ceased, ten Damsels -came forth, all richly garmented, with garlands on their heads and -wands of gold in their hands, and before them was the Lady who had -quenched the candle in the sea: and they coming to the galley's edge -opposite to the King made obeisance to him, and he on his part returned -the greeting. Then said Lisuarte, Dame, you have put us in great fear -with your fires, if it please you tell me who you are, though I believe -with little difficulty we can divine. Sir, quoth she, in vain should he -labour who strove to strike fear into your great heart, and <!-- Page 273 --><span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_273" id="Page_273">[273]</a></span>into these -Knights in whom no fear is; these fires I bring to protect me and my -Damsels: and if you think I am Urganda the Unknown, you think aright; -I come to you as the best King in the world, and to behold the Queen, -who for virtue and goodness hath no peer. Then said she to Amadis, Sir, -draw nearer, and I will tell you of your brother Galaor to save you -and your friends the labour of searching him; for though all in the -world were to seek him it would be but labour lost: he is healed of his -wounds, and leads a life of such pleasure as he never till now enjoyed. -Lady, quoth Amadis, I always thought that next to God the safety of Don -Galaor was in your hands, else would I rather have died than suffer him -to be carried from me as he was. You shall soon see him, quoth she. The -King then said, it is time that you should leave the galley and come -to my palace. Many thanks, she answered, but this night I will remain -here, to-morrow I will be at your command; then let Amadis and Agrayes, -and Don Bruneo of Bonamar, and Don Guilan the Pensive come for me, for -they are all lovers and of high heart, even as I am myself. Use your -own pleasure, replied Lisuarte, in this and every thing; then ordering -all the people to return into the town he took his leave, and appointed -twenty cross-bowmen <!-- Page 274 --><span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_274" id="Page_274">[274]</a></span>to keep guard that none should go down to the -shore.</p> - -<p>In the morning the Queen sent twelve palfreys richly accoutred for -Urganda and her Damsels. Amadis and the other Knights whom she had -named, being clothed in costly garments, went with them; they found -Urganda and her company in a tent which she had pitched upon the sand, -and they placed them on their palfreys, and went towards the town, -the four Knights surrounding Urganda. Now, said she, is my heart -glad, because I see those around me who are like myself, and this she -said because of the love she bore to that fair Knight who was her -friend. When they arrived at the palace the King welcomed her right -courteously, and she kissed his hand; and looking round and beholding -the Knights on every side how many they were, she said, Sir, you are -well accompanied, and this I say, not so much for the valour of these -Knights as for the love they bear you, for when princes are loved by -their people then are their kingdoms safe. Therefore preserve their -love, and beware of evil counsellors! Now if it please you I will see -the Queen. So she and the four Knights went to Brisena, by whom and -by Oriana, and Briolania, and all the Dames and <!-- Page 275 --><span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_275" id="Page_275">[275]</a></span>Damsels, she was -lovingly received. Much did she admire the beauty of Briolania, and -saw that it fell far short of Oriana's perfection. Lady, quoth she, -I came to this court to see the greatness of the King and you, the -height of prowess and the flower of beauty, and the perfection of true -love; for as valour was proved in the conquest of the Firm Island, -and in the death of the giants, and in that dolorous battle with King -Cildadan, so was true love in the proofs of the burning sword and of -the garland. When Oriana heard her say this her colour changed, and she -greatly feared, as did Mabilia and the Damsel of Denmark, fearing that -Urganda should tell all; and Oriana looked at Amadis, but he seeing her -apprehension drew near to her and said, fear nothing, she will not say -what you imagine; and then he went to the Queen and said, Lady, ask -Urganda who she was who won the garland, and the Queen replied, if it -please you friend, tell us what Amadis desires to know! She smiled and -answered, he better ought to know than I for he was in her company, and -with great toil delivered her from Arcalaus and Lindoraque. I? quoth -Amadis; it cannot be that I should know either her or myself better -than you know us, for from you nothing is concealed. Then, said she, -I will tell you what you know of her, and raising <!-- Page 276 --><span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_276" id="Page_276">[276]</a></span>her voice that all -might hear her she pursued: Though Amadis brought her here as a Damsel -she is certainly no Damsel: and because she loves so truly she won -the garland. She is a native of this kingdom, and in this kingdom she -dwells and hath here her heirship; but her mother is not of this land; -and if she lacks any thing it is only because she cannot have him whom -she loveth. He who would discover her must seek her in this kingdom, -and he will lose his labour. She said no more, and Oriana's heart was -then at rest. Then went they to their meal.</p> - -<p>Urganda besought the Queen that she might be lodged with Oriana and -Queen Briolania. That shall you, replied Brisena, but I believe their -follies will disquiet you. Their beauty, quoth Urganda, will more -disquiet the Knights, whose valour cannot protect them against that -danger. They may easily, replied the Queen, be pardoned the deaths of -all they have yet slain! So taking her leave Urganda went to Oriana's -apartment, where there were four beds, one for Briolania, and one for -Mabilia, and for Urganda and herself. When Urganda saw that they were -all asleep except Oriana, she said to her, Lady and friend, if you do -not sleep reason it is that he should keep you waking who has no rest -<!-- Page 277 --><span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_277" id="Page_277">[277]</a></span>but in your sight. Oriana was abashed at her words: but she added, fear -nothing, I will not divulge your secrets. Speak low, cried Oriana, that -they may not hear you. I will relieve you of that fear, quoth Urganda; -therewithall she took forth a book which was so little that a hand -might have shut over it, and began to read. Now, said she, do what you -will they shall not awake, and if any one should enter the room she -would fall down asleep. Oriana rose and went to awaken Briolania but -she could not, and she laughed and took her by the head and hands and -pulled her out of bed, and did the same to Mabilia, but they neither of -them awakened; and then she called the Damsel of Denmark, who was just -without the door, and she, so soon as she entered, fell upon the floor -in a deep sleep. Then Oriana joyfully went into Urganda's bed and said, -I beseech you, since you know what is to come, tell me what will happen -to me! Urganda looked at her and smiled. Dear daughter, said she, do -you think to escape it, if it be evil, by knowing it aforehand? Believe -not so! for that which is permitted and ordained by the Most High none -can alter, whether it be good or ill, unless he remedies it; but since -you so greatly wish me to say something I will speak: look now, if -when you have the knowledge you can profit by it! At <!-- Page 278 --><span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_278" id="Page_278">[278]</a></span>that time, when -great sorrow shall be present with you, and many shall because of you -be greatly afflicted, the strong Lion with his beasts shall come forth, -and with his loud roaring shall in such sort astonish those who have -you in their keeping, that you shall be left in his strong talons. And -the famous Lion shall throw from your head the lofty crown which shall -no longer be yours, and the hungry Lion having your body in his power -shall bear it into his den that his extreme famine may be slacked. Now -daughter dear look how you act, for this must come to pass! Lady, quoth -Oriana, I should have been better content if I had not enquired, for -you have made me in great terror of this strange and cruel end. Lady -and daughter fair, replied Urganda, seek not to know that which neither -your prudence nor strength can avert. Of these dark things men often -dread that for which they ought to be joyful. Meantime be you happy, -for God has made you daughter of the best King and Queen in the world, -and has gifted you with such beauty that it is ever spoken of as a -wonder, and has made that Knight love you, who shines above all other -in prowess, even as day above darkness. Now it is time to awaken these -ladies; she then opened her book again, and read, and they recovered.</p> - -<p><!-- Page 279 --><span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_279" id="Page_279">[279]</a></span></p><p>After some days Urganda besought the King to summon all his Knights, -and the Queen to assemble her Dames and Damsels, that she might speak -to them before her departure; accordingly they met together in a -spacious hall that was richly furnished, and Urganda placed herself -where all might hear her. Then she said to the King, Sir, since you -have kept the letters which I sent to you and Don Galaor just after -Beltenebros had won the sword, I beseech you let them be produced, that -all here may know that I knew what was to come to pass. The letters -were then read, and it was seen how all had been accomplished, whereat -the Knights marvelled, and still more admired the courage of the King -who, notwithstanding that fearful forewarning, had dared enter the -battle. In like sort was it certainly known that by three strokes from -Beltenebros the battle was won; the first when he felled King Cildadan -at Galaor's feet, the second when he slew Sarmadan the Lion, the third -when succouring the King he lopt off the arm of Madanfabul the fierce -giant of the Vermilion Tower. That also was fulfilled which had been -written of Don Galaor, that his head should be in the power of him who -should strike the three strokes, for so it was when Amadis held it -in his lap as dead. Now, said Urganda, I will tell what <!-- Page 280 --><span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_280" id="Page_280">[280]</a></span>shall come -to pass in process of time. Contention shall arise between the great -Serpent and the strong Lion, in which many fierce beasts shall take -part; anger and fury shall come upon them, so that many shall suffer -cruel death. The great Roman Fox shall be wounded by the claw of the -strong Lion, and his skin cruelly torn, whereby a part of the great -Serpent shall be in great affliction. In that time the gentle Sheep -covered with black wool shall come between them, who by his humble -and loving blandishments shall assuage the fury of their hearts. But -presently the Wolves shall come down from the mountains against the -great Serpent, who being with all his animals by them conquered, shall -be blocked up in one of his dens; and the tender Unicorn putting his -mouth to the ear of the strong Lion shall rouse him from his sleep, and -make him hasten to the succour of the great Serpent, whom he shall find -so wounded and bitten that the blood shall flow over his scales, and he -shall deliver him from the mouths of the Wolves, and they shall all be -destroyed. Then the great Serpent having his life restored, and casting -all his poison from his entrails shall consent that the white Doe shall -be placed in the cruel talons of the Lion. Now good King, let all this -be written, for so it must be. The King said it should be done, albeit -<!-- Page 281 --><span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_281" id="Page_281">[281]</a></span>he understood it not. Time will come, she answered, when it shall be -manifest to all. Then looking at Amadis, who was musing, she said, -Amadis, you muse upon that which cannot avail you: let that be, and -think of a bargain you have to make. At that time you shall be brought -near to death for another's life, and for another's blood shall expend -your own, and of that bargain the martyrdom will be yours, and another -will have the gain; and the guerdon which you shall have will be wrath -and the long delay of your will; then shall that keen and beautiful -sword so pierce thy flesh and bones that you shall be poor of blood, -and in such plight that if half the world were yours you would give it -so that that sword were broken or thrown into some lake from whence it -could never be recovered. Look to it! for so it must be. Amadis saw -that all eyes were upon him, and he answered chearfully as he felt. -Lady, by what you have said of the past we may believe this also, but -I knowing that I am mortal, and that my life cannot be prolonged one -minute longer than it pleaseth God, am desirous to end it justly in -some great and honourable enterprize. It were as easy, quoth Urganda, -to rob your heart of its courage as to drain the sea dry. Then said she -to the King, Sir, I must depart; remember what I have <!-- Page 282 --><span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_282" id="Page_282">[282]</a></span>said as one who -desire your honour and would serve you,—shut your ears to those whose -works you know to be evil! With that she departed, suffering none but -the four Knights whom she had chosen to conduct her to the shore; then -she embarked, and the ship put forth to sea, and was presently covered -with a great darkness.</p> - - - - -<div class="chapter"> -<hr class="newchapter" /> -<p><!-- Page 283 --><span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_283" id="Page_283">[283]</a></span></p> -<h3><a name="CHAPTER_19" id="CHAPTER_19"></a><i>CHAPTER 19.</i></h3> -</div> - - -<p>Some few days after, as King Lisuarte was consulting with his Knights -about the passage which he would make to the Isle of Mongaza, to -deliver King Arban of North Wales, and Angriote of Estravaus, they saw -a ship making toward the port, and went thither to see whom it brought. -When they came near a Damsel and two Squires were in the boat, and when -they landed the Damsel asked if King Lisuarte were there? They answered -yes, but they were all astonished at her greatness, for there was not a -Knight in the court who equalled her by a full palm in stature, and her -features and limbs were in proportion; she was fair enough, and richly -attired. Sir, said she to Lisuarte, I bring you a message which, if it -please you, I would deliver before the Queen. Be it so, said the King, -and he returned to the palace, and the Damsel with him. Then being in -presence of the <!-- Page 284 --><span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_284" id="Page_284">[284]</a></span>Queen and of all the Knights and Ladies of the Court, -she asked if Amadis of Gaul were there, he who had called himself -Beltenebros. He answered, good Damsel I am he. She looked at him with -an evil eye and said, you may well be he! but now it will be seen if -you are as good as you are famous! Then she produced two letters with -seals of gold; the one she gave the King, the other to the Queen; they -were letters of credence, and the King bade her say her bidding.</p> - -<p>Sir, quoth the Damsel, Gromadaza, the Giantess of the Boiling Lake, -and the fair Madasima, and Ardan Canileo the Dreadful, who is with -them for their defender, know that you design to come against their -country, and as that cannot be attempted without great loss, they are -willing to put it upon trial of a battle in this guise, that Ardan -Canileo shall combat Amadis of Gaul. If he conquer or slay him the -land shall be free, and he shall be allowed to carry his head to the -Boiling Lake; if he be conquered or slain himself, the land shall be -yours, and King Arban of North Wales, and Angriote of Estravaus shall -be delivered. They shall be brought hither, and if Amadis loves them -as they believe, and will fulfill the hope they have in him, he will -accept the battle to deliver <!-- Page 285 --><span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_285" id="Page_285">[285]</a></span>two such friends; if he be conquered, -Ardan Canileo will still hold them prisoners, and if he will not accept -the defiance he shall presently see their heads cut off before him. -Good Damsel, quoth Amadis, if I accept the battle, how shall the King -be certain that the terms will be accomplished? She answered, the fair -Madasima, with twelve Damsels of great birth, will put themselves as -prisoners in the Queen's power, in security that the terms shall be -observed, otherwise they are content to lose their heads, and they -demand no other assurance than that she may carry away your head if -you be overcome; and moreover the old giant Andanguel and his two -sons will enter the King's prisons, and nine Knights beside, who have -the towns and castles of the Island in their keeping. Said Amadis, if -this be done the security is sufficient; but from me you shall have -no answer unless you and your Squires come and eat with me. Why do -you invite us? quoth she; this is no wisdom, your trouble will all be -lost, for I hate you to death. Good Damsel, said Amadis, I am sorry -therefore, for I love you, and will show you all the honour that I can; -if you desire to be answered you must grant this. I grant it, quoth -she, more to get my answer than for any good will. <!-- Page 286 --><span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_286" id="Page_286">[286]</a></span>Then said Amadis, -good Damsel to venture myself for two such friends, and to increase -the dominions of the King is a just thing, and therefore I undertake -the battle in the name of God, let therefore those whom you have named -come as hostages. Truly you have answered to my will, replied the -Damsel; but let the King promise, that if you fail to perform your word -he will never protect you against the kindred of Famongomadan. That -promise, quoth Amadis, may be excused, the King would have no one in -his company who lacked truth: now let us go eat, for it is time.—I will -go, more joyfully than I expected; to-morrow Madasima and her Damsels -will be here, and the Knights will put themselves in the King's hands, -for Ardan Canileo would have the battle without delay; but you must -give him a safe conduct from all but Amadis, whose head he will take -from hence. Don Bruneo of Bonamar answered, Lady Damsel, sometimes it -happens that he who thinks to take away anothers head loses his own, -and so it may fall out to Ardan Canileo. Amadis besought him to be -silent, but the Damsel replied to Bruneo, who are you who speak for -Amadis? A Knight, quoth he, who would willingly bear a part in the -battle if Ardan Canileo will bring a <!-- Page 287 --><span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_287" id="Page_287">[287]</a></span>companion. She answered, you may -be excused from that battle, but if you are desirous of combat, after -that is finished I will produce a brother of mine to answer you, as -much the mortal enemy of Amadis as you are his friend, and one who will -prevent you from taking up the quarrel again. Good Damsel, quoth Don -Bruneo, your brother had need be as you boast to perform all that you -have promised! See, here is my gage that I defy him, and he stretched -out the end of his cloak towards the King. The Damsel took a silver net -from her head—here Sir, you see mine that I will make good my words. -The King took the pledges, though against his will, for he thought the -combat of Amadis against Ardan Canileo enough to trouble him, for that -enemy was so dreadful that for four years he had found no Knight hardy -enough to do battle against him.</p> - -<p>This being settled Amadis took the Damsel to his lodgings, which he -ought not to have done for the best castle in his father's lands; and -to do her more honour he lodged her in the Chamber where Gandalin kept -his arms and accoutrements. She looking round saw the sword of Amadis, -and seeing how strange a one it was, she told her two Squires, and -the others who were present, to leave her <!-- Page 288 --><span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_288" id="Page_288">[288]</a></span>alone<a name="FNanchor_288:A_12" id="FNanchor_288:A_12"></a><a href="#Footnote_288:A_12" class="fnanchor">[288:A]</a> for a little -while; when they were gone she drew the sword, and leaving the sheath -and belt so that the theft might not be discovered, she wrapt it under -her mantle; then opening the door she gave it secretly to one of her -Squires under his cloak, and bade him carry it to the vessel—this she -spake softly; then spake aloud, go bring me my cup! and all present -thought that the Squire was sent for that. Then Amadis and Branfil -entered, and they made the Damsel be seated on the Estrado, and -Amadis asked at what hour of the morrow Madasima would arrive.—Before -breakfast: but why ask you?—Because we would go out to receive her and -show her every honour, that if she have received any displeasure from -me I may make her such amends as she shall demand. If you keep your -promise, quoth she, and Ardan Canileo be what he always hath been in -arms, you will give her your head for amends; any other amends will -be good for little. That, said Amadis, I shall keep if I can; but if -it could be I should gladly obtain her pardon. With that he went out, -leaving Enil <!-- Page 289 --><span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_289" id="Page_289">[289]</a></span>and others to attend her, but she was so desirous to be -gone, that the number of dishes provoked her, and as soon as the cloths -were removed she rose and said to Enil, Knight, tell Amadis that I am -gone, and that all the pains he has taken to please me are lost. God -save me, quoth Enil, as I believe it! and whoever should strive to -please such a one as you would lose his pains. She answered, you please -me little, and he still less! Enil replied, neither he nor I nor any -one else can like so insolent a Damsel. With these words they parted.</p> - -<p>The Damsel entered the ship glad for the sword which she had stolen, -and she told Ardan Canileo and Madasima how she had sped. Ardan thanked -her for what she had done, and he said to Madasima, my Lady, account -me not for a Knight if I do not bring you back with honour; and if I -give you not the head of Amadis in less time than a man can go half a -league, how swift soever he be, never grant me your love. She answered -him not, for albeit she greatly desired vengeance for the death of her -father and her brother, yet for nothing in the world would she have -seen herself married to Ardan Canileo, for she was fair and noble, and -he foul and deformed and hideous, that there was none like him, and -this agreement was made at <!-- Page 290 --><span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_290" id="Page_290">[290]</a></span>her mother's will, not at her own, who had -promised, if he would defend and revenge her, to give him Madasima and -leave him all her lands. Now whereas this Ardan Canileo was a Knight -famous in the world, and of great prowess, the history shall tell you -of what land he was native, and the fashion of his body and face, -and what else to him appertaineth. Know then that he was born in the -province called Canileo, of the blood of the Giants, who abound there -more than in other parts; he was not unreasonably great of body, albeit -exceeding in stature any man who was not a giant; his limbs were large, -and his breast broad, and his shoulders square, and his hands and legs -proportioned; his face was large and flat and like a dog, wherefore -he was called Canileo, and his nose was flat and spreading, and his -colour purple freckled with black spots, which were all over his face -and neck and hands; his look was fierce like a lion, and his lips were -thick and curling out, and his hair so woolly that it could scarcely -be combed, and the beard like it. He was now five and thirty years -old, and for ten years past neither Knight nor Giant had been able -to withstand him, and so bony was he that there was scarcely a horse -could carry his weight. When the Insolent Damsel heard him promise the -head of Amadis to <!-- Page 291 --><span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_291" id="Page_291">[291]</a></span>Madasima, she said to him, we may well hope so Sir, -since Fortune already shows herself adverse to your enemy. Here is his -good sword which I bring you, which could not have been gained for you -without great mystery of his ill fate, and your good fortune; then she -gave it him and related how she had stolen it. He took it and replied, -I thank thee for the gift, more for the good manner in which you took -it than for any fear I have of a battle against a single Knight. Then -he ordered tents to be taken from the ship, and pitched in a plain near -the town, and there they all went with their horses and palfreys, and -the arms of Ardan Canileo, expecting the next day to appear before King -Lisuarte. Right joyful was Ardan that the combat was thus appointed, -and for two reasons: the one because he made no doubt that he should -carry off the head of Amadis, who being so famous all his glory would -remain upon him, and the other because he should win the fair Madasima -whom he loved so well.</p> - -<p>Meantime Amadis was with his friends who greatly feared this combat, -so dangerous did they esteem it. Presently Agrayes, and Don Florestan, -and Galvanes Lackland, and Don Guilan the Pensive, came in, knowing -nothing of what had past, <!-- Page 292 --><span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_292" id="Page_292">[292]</a></span>for they had been hunting in the forest; -but when they heard how the combat had been appointed, they complained -that it had not been fixed for a greater number of Knights, that they -might have entered it, and he who most passionately lamented this was -Don Guilan who had heard how Ardan Canileo was the strongest of any -Knight in arms, and the most powerful, and it grieved him to death, for -he thought that Amadis would never escape with life from him, fighting -him man to man in lists, and he greatly wished to share his fortune if -Ardan had brought a companion. Don Florestan too exclaimed in great -anger, as God shall save me, brother, you think me of no account as a -Knight, or you do not love me, since you did not remember me on such -an occasion! you make me perceive that it is bootless to accompany you -longer, for you always withhold me from such perils. Agrayes also and -Don Galvanes complained in the like manner. Sirs, quoth Amadis, you -blame me with little cause; the combat was demanded of me alone, so -that without showing cowardice I could not otherwise have answered; -else, if I might have had assistance whom else should I have looked -to but you, whose great valour might have aided mine in danger. Thus -having excused himself he said, it will be well that we ride forward -to-morrow <!-- Page 293 --><span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_293" id="Page_293">[293]</a></span>before the King goes forth, to meet Madasima, who is greatly -esteemed by all who know her.</p> - -<p>In the morning they apparalled themselves richly, and having heard -mass mounted on palfreys and rode to receive Madasima. Don Bruneo of -Bonamar went with them and his brother Branfil, and Enil, who was a -goodly Knight and of great worth, and of chearful heart, so that he -was beloved and esteemed by all, so they were eight companions. And as -they drew nigh the tents they saw Madasima coming, and Ardan Canileo -and their company. Madasima was arrayed in black, mourning for her -father and brother, but her beauty was so lively and excellent that -it was a marvel, and her Damsels went near her all drest in the same -cloth. Ardan Canileo led her bridle, and there came the old Giant and -his sons, and the nine Knights who were to be hostages. As they drew -near to each other the Knights made their obeisance, and she in like -manner bowed to them with good semblance; then Amadis approached her -and said, Lady, if you are praised it is with great reason I see, and -happy ought he to be esteemed who is allowed to honour and serve you; -that would I willingly do in what it might please you to command me. -Ardan Canileo, who looked at him and saw how handsome <!-- Page 294 --><span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_294" id="Page_294">[294]</a></span>he was, so that -he had seen none like him, was nothing pleased at this. Knight, quoth -he, give back, and dare not speak to one whom you know not. It is that -we may know her and serve her, replied Amadis, that we are come. And -who are you? cried Ardan scornfully; let me know if you are worthy to -serve her? Such as I am, quoth Amadis, I have the will to serve her, -and shall not cease to have that will, however unworthy I may be, and -since you ask who I am, tell me who are you?—I am Ardan Canileo, who -can better serve her in a day than you can in your whole life, though -you were of twice your worth.—That may well be: but your great service -would not proceed from so good a heart as my trifling one, this is -plain from your pride and evil mind. Know that I am Amadis of Gaul of -whom you have demanded battle. If I have offended and grieved that Lady -by doing that which without great shame I could not have left undone, -right willingly would I atone for it by some good service. Ardan -Canileo answered, if you dare perform your promise, certainly she shall -receive atonement with your head which I will give her. That amends, -quoth Amadis, she shall not have with my good pleasure, but she shall -receive a greater; for I will break off your marriage. No man can so -lack judgment <!-- Page 295 --><span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_295" id="Page_295">[295]</a></span>as to hold it good that your beauty and hers should be -united! At this Madasima being nothing displeased, laughed a little, -and her Damsels likewise, but Ardan became so wroth that his whole body -shook, and his face became so exceeding terrible, that many thought -Amadis was nothing in comparison with him, and that this would without -doubt be his last battle, and the last day of his life.</p> - -<p>Thus they proceeded till they came before the King, to whom Ardan -Canileo said, you see here the Knights ready to become your hostages, -if Amadis dare keep his word. Then Amadis came forth and answered, -you see me here: let the battle be without delay, and I tell you -that though I had not promised it, I would undertake it now solely -to save Madasima from so monstrous a marriage; but let King Arban of -North Wales, and Angriote of Estravaus be brought here, that they -may be delivered if I conquer. They shall come, replied Ardan, but -let Madasima be where she may see the combat and the vengeance which -I shall take for her. So the old Giant and his sons, and the nine -Knights put themselves in the King's power, and Madasima and the -Damsels went to the Queen, and so meekly and decorously did <!-- Page 296 --><span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_296" id="Page_296">[296]</a></span>Madasima -demean herself, that albeit by her means Amadis was brought into this -great danger, yet were they greatly pleased with her, and did her all -honour. But Oriana and Mabilia seeing the fierceness of Ardan Canileo -were greatly affrighted and retired in great fear and weeping to their -chamber, for they thought the strength of Amadis was not enough to -resist that Devil: yet did they remember his good fortune, how often it -had brought him off with honour, and Mabilia comforted her friend the -best she could. The following day was appointed for the battle; King -Lisuarte ordered his huntsmen and bowyers to surround the lists with -chains and stakes, that neither Knight might lose honour by the fault -of his horse. The lists were before the palace, and when Oriana saw -them preparing them from her window, the thought of how great a danger -was there designed for her Amadis so overpowered her, that she fell -almost senseless in Mabilia's arms.</p> - -<p>Lisuarte went to the lodging of Amadis where many Knights were with -him, and said to him, that as the Queen and his daughter, and Queen -Briolania and the other Dames and Damsels would pass that night in -the chapel, beseeching God to preserve their Knight, he would have -him return <!-- Page 297 --><span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_297" id="Page_297">[297]</a></span>in his company to the palace, and with him Florestan and -Agrayes, and Don Galvanes, and Guilan and Enil, and that there they -should regale themselves, and he desired Amadis to send his armour to -the chapel, that he might arm himself to-morrow before the Virgin Mary, -that so she and her glorious son might be his protectors. They went -therefore with the King, and Amadis ordered Gandalin to carry his arms -thither as Lisuarte had advised. But he taking them in obedience missed -the sword from the scabbard, whereat so amazed was he and exceeding -sorrowful that he wished himself dead, not only because the loss fell -out at a time of such danger, but because he held it as a sign that -his Master's death was nigh at hand. He sought for it every where, and -enquired of all who might know any thing; but when he could learn no -tidings he was on the point of throwing himself from a window, if the -thought had not come upon him that in that case he should destroy his -soul; forthwith in trouble of heart he went to the palace, and calling -Amadis apart said to him, Cut off my head Sir, for I am a traitor to -you; and if you do not kill me I must slay myself. How now? quoth -Amadis: are you mad? or what mishap is this? Better Sir, he said, that -I were mad or dead than that such a mishap should have <!-- Page 298 --><span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_298" id="Page_298">[298]</a></span>befallen. I -have lost your sword, it has been stolen from the scabbard. Is it for -this you are so distressed? replied Amadis, I thought something worse -had chanced; trouble yourself no more, there will be no want of another -wherewith God will assist me, if it be his good pleasure. But though -he spake thus to comfort Gandalin, yet was he grieved at heart for the -loss of that sword, as well for the lack of it now in such need, being -one of the best in the world, as because he had won it by the force of -his true love, and it was a comfort to him to look at it, and remember -that when he was absent from his Lady. Howbeit he bade Gandalin say -nothing thereof to any person, but bring him the scabbard, and he bade -him learn of the Queen if he could have the sword which Don Guilan had -brought there together with his own arms; and if he could see Oriana -he made him request her in his name that she would be somewhere where -he might see her when he was in the lists, for the sight of her would -make him become conqueror in that or in a worse danger. Gandalin went -to perform his bidding, and the Queen commanded the sword should be -given him; but Briolania and Olinda said to him, Ah Gandalin, what -think you can your Master do against that Devil? he answered smiling, -and with a chearful countenance, Ladies, this <!-- Page 299 --><span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_299" id="Page_299">[299]</a></span>is not the first -perilous enterprise which he hath undertaken, and as God as hitherto -preserved him so he will now. God grant it, cried they. Then went he -to Mabilia and told her what his Master requested of Oriana, and then -returned to Amadis, and said that all things were done as he desired, -whereat he had great pleasure and took more courage, knowing that his -Lady would be where he might see her from the lists. Amadis then took -the King aside, and said to him, Sir, I have lost my sword, and knew -it not till now; they have stolen it and left the sheath. The King -was grieved thereat and answered him, although I had determined and -promised never to give my sword to any Knight who was to fight man to -man before me, yet will I now give it you, remembering how many dangers -you have encountered for my sake. God forbid, quoth Amadis, that I who -ought to maintain your royal word should make you break it, and that -too when you have pledged it before so many good men. The tears came -into Lisuarte's eyes, and he said, such a man are you for maintaining -justice and right! but what will you do?—I have here the sword which -was laid in the Ark with me, which Don Guilan brought hither, herewith -and with your prayers to the Lord which will avail before him, I may -be assisted. Then he <!-- Page 300 --><span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_300" id="Page_300">[300]</a></span>placed the sword in the sheath, which became it -well, although the sword was somewhat short, and the King was glad he -took the sheath because of its virtue, which would protect him from -exceeding heat or cold, for the bones of the serpents whereof it was -made were of such a constellation; but of very different goodness was -this sword from the other.</p> - -<p>Thus they passed that day till it was the hour of sleep, and then all -those Knights had their arms around the King's bed. But all that night -Ardan Canileo had merry-making in his tents, with music and dancing, -and ever at the end of his songs his people all cried out, come -Morning, come! and let the day be clear, that Ardan Canileo may perform -what he has promised to the fair Madasima! but it fell out otherwise -than they expected. That night Amadis slept in the King's chamber, but -the sleep which he slept was of no avail, for presently at midnight he -rose without speaking, and went to the chapel, and having awakened the -chaplain confessed all his sins to him, and there they both were before -the altar of the Virgin Mary making prayers, and beseeching her to be -his patroness in this battle. When it was dawn the King and those other -Knights arose, and heard mass, and Amadis was <!-- Page 301 --><span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_301" id="Page_301">[301]</a></span>armed by such Knights as -well knew how to do it; but before his breast-plate was put on Mabilia -came up and hung round his neck certain reliques shrined with gold, -saying, that the Queen her mother had sent them to her by the Damsel of -Denmark; but it was not so, for Elisena had given them to Amadis when -she knew him for her son, and he gave them to Oriana when he delivered -her from Arcalaus. When he was armed they brought him a goodly horse, -which Corisanda had sent with other presents to her friend Florestan. -Florestan carried his lance, and Don Guilan his shield, and Don Bruneo -his helmet, and the King went before on a great horse, holding a wand -in his hand. All the people of the court and town were assembled about -the lists to see the battle, and the Dames and Damsels were at the -windows, and the fair Oriana and Mabilia were at their chamber window, -and with the Queen were Briolania and Madasima, and other princesses. -As Amadis came up to the lists they loosened one of the chains and he -entered and took his arms, and as he put on his helmet he looked at -his Lady, and felt therewith such strength as though no one in the -world could withstand him. Then the Judges entered the field, who were -to assign to each his right; they were three in number, that good -old man Don Grumedan, who was <!-- Page 302 --><span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_302" id="Page_302">[302]</a></span>well skilled in such things, and Don -Quadragante, who was now the King's vassal, and Brandoyuas; then came -Ardan Canileo well armed, and upon a great horse: his harness was of -thick mail, and his shield and helmet were of steel, so polished that -it was bright like looking-glass; and he had girded at his side the -good sword of Amadis, which the Damsel had stolen, and he bent his huge -lance as if he would have broken it, and thus he entered the lists. -When Oriana saw him, she said in great agony, ah my friend, how fierce -and terribly my death approaches, unless God in his mercy prevent -it. Leave this, quoth Mabilia, and make good chear, for so shall you -encourage your friend.</p> - -<p>Then Don Grumedan led Amadis to one end of the lists, and Brandoyuas -placed Ardan Canileo at the other, with their horses heads fronting -each other; and Quadragante at an equal distance between them held a -trumpet in his hand to sound the signal. Amadis, who was looking at -his Lady, exclaimed, What is Quadragante about that he does not blow -the trumpet? Quadragante then blew the blast, and the two Knights ran -full speed, and encountered lance against shield so fiercely that -the lances shivered, and they hurtled with such force that the horse -of Ardan Canileo fell and broke his <!-- Page 303 --><span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_303" id="Page_303">[303]</a></span>neck and died, and the horse of -Amadis broke his shoulder and could not rise. Amadis presently arose, -though with some difficulty, for a truncheon of the lance was sticking -in his shield, and through the lappets of his armour, though it had -not reached the flesh; he plucked it out, and laid hand to sword and -made at Ardan, who had risen hardly and was adjusting his helmet. -But Ardan seeing his approach drew his sword, and they joined battle -so furiously that there was not a man who saw them but was greatly -amazed, for their strokes fell so fierce and so fast that flames of -fire seemed to proceed from their helmets and swords as if they burnt, -and chiefly from the shield of Ardan Canileo, for that being of steel, -and the blows of Amadis so rapid and heavy, it appeared as if the whole -shield and arm were in a blaze of fire, but the great hardness of the -shield protected him and saved his body, which was to the mortal evil -of Amadis; for as his arms were not so good, and as Ardan had one of -the best swords in the world, never blow reached him that did not -pierce through and reach his flesh, so that in many parts the blood -ran down, and his shield was all hacked. The sword of Amadis could -make no impression upon the shield and helmet of his enemy, and though -his own harness was of thick and strong <!-- Page 304 --><span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_304" id="Page_304">[304]</a></span>mail, it was pierced in more -than ten places, and the blood streamed from them all. What then most -profited Amadis was his activity, for by that he made Ardan miss all -his heaviest blows, though Ardan was well practised and expert with -the sword. Thus they continued till the hour of tierce, striking and -foyning, and grappling and struggling so manfully that Ardan Canileo -was in great amazement, for he had never before found Knight nor -Giant so strong as to resist him thus much; and what made him doubt -the issue was, that he always found his antagonist more active and -stronger than at the beginning, whereas he himself waxed weary and -faint, being full of blood. Then Madasima knew that he had boasted -vainly when he promised to conquer Amadis before the swiftest footman -could run half a league, whereat she was little grieved, nor would she -though Ardan were to lose his own head there, for such was her mind, -that she would rather lose all her lands than be joined in marriage -with such as he. The Knights still continued in battle, striking at -each other in every part where they could work most harm, each striving -for the other's death; and if Amadis had then had arms good as his -own activity and breath, Ardan could not have held the field against -him, but all his efforts were now <!-- Page 305 --><span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_305" id="Page_305">[305]</a></span>needed, for his arms were broken, -and his shield broken, and the blood flowing from many wounds, and he -had to deal with a Knight fierce and strong in battle. When Oriana -saw him in such plight her heart failed her for sore anguish, and she -threw herself upon the ground, and beat her face, thinking that Amadis -was come to his death. Mabilia seeing this, notwithstanding her own -exceeding trouble, put on an appearance of much anger, and told her -that at such a time and in such danger she ought not to forsake her -lover, and because she could not endure to see his danger, Mabilia -made her stand with her back to the window that Amadis might see her -long hair. At this time Brandoyuas, who was one of the Judges, said, -I am grieved to see the arms and shield of Amadis so battered! and I, -quoth Grumedan, I am much troubled. Sirs, said Quadragante, I have -proved Amadis in combat, and his strength seems to double while he -fights, and of all Knights whom I have seen he endures the best, and -is the best breathed; he is now in his full strength, which is not the -case with Ardan, if any fault be in Amadis it is that he is too eager: -he should suffer his enemy to press on him, and then his own weight -would weary Ardan. But his great courage will not let him thus spare -himself. When Oriana and Mabilia heard these <!-- Page 306 --><span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_306" id="Page_306">[306]</a></span>words they were greatly -comforted; but Amadis, who had seen his Lady retire from the window, -knew that it was for sorrow at beholding him, and he made a blow at -Ardan with exceeding fury, and smote him so rudely upon the helmet that -he brought him down upon one knee, but that blow was so mighty, and -the helmet so hard, that the sword broke in three pieces, and a piece -only remained in his hand. Then was Amadis in all fear of death, and -they who beheld him expected his death also. When Ardan saw this he -rose and drew back, and took his shield by the straps, and brandishing -his sword cried aloud to Amadis, Look! here is the good sword which -thou hast won to thy own destruction. Look at it! this is it, and thou -shalt die by it. Come, Lady Madasima! come to the window, and you shall -behold the full vengeance which I will give you! When Madasima heard -this she fell at the Queen's feet, and besought her to protect her from -Ardan, which, said she, you may lawfully do, for Ardan promised to win -the battle before a man could run half a league, and it has now lasted -four hours. I hear you, replied Brisena, and will do what is just. But -when Amadis saw in what plight he stood, his arms in pieces and without -a sword, he remembered the words of Urganda when she told him <!-- Page 307 --><span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_307" id="Page_307">[307]</a></span>that -he would give half the world if it were his, so that that sword were -sunk in a lake; and he looked toward Oriana's window, and seeing her -back towards him, knew why she had turned away, and his courage revived -so that he resolved to die rather than fail to do his utmost. He made -at Ardan Canileo as if he were about to strike him; Ardan raised his -sword and awaited him, and struck at him as he came up, but Amadis bent -aside and closed with him so close that Ardan could not interpose his -sword, and he seized the shield by the rim, and plucked it with such -force that he tore it from his arm and well nigh brought him to the -ground, then he drew back, and put that shield upon his own arm, and -took up the truncheon of a lance which had its point, and again turned -to Ardan, being now defended by Ardan's shield. Ardan in great fury -for this loss ran at him thinking to smite him on the helmet; Amadis -caught the blow upon his shield, and though it was of fine steel, such -was the temper of that good sword that it pierced through the rim and -entered three fingers' depth, and with the broken lance Amadis wounded -him in the right arm by the wrist, thrusting the iron half through -between the two bones, therewith Ardan lost all power to pluck the -sword out, and Amadis forced it from his hand; if he <!-- Page 308 --><span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_308" id="Page_308">[308]</a></span>was then right -glad and satisfied need neither be asked nor said; he cast away the -broken lance, and drew the sword from the shield, thanking God for his -mercy. Mabilia, who beheld, caught hold of Oriana and made her turn -and see her lover obtain this victory over so imminent a danger. Ardan -Canileo grew faint as he beheld his death at hand, howbeit he attempted -to recover the shield in the like manner as he had lost it, but Amadis -smote him upon the left shoulder, and cut through armour, and flesh and -bone. Ardan felt the use of his arm was gone, and he fled round the -lists, fearing that good sword. Amadis followed close and caught him -by the helmet, and plucked it off, and brought him to the ground at -his feet, then knelt upon him and cut off his head, to the great joy -of all, especially of King Arban of North Wales, and Angriote, who had -endured great agony while they witnessed the danger of Amadis. Then -Amadis cast the head out of the lists, and he dragged the body to a -rock and threw it into the sea, then he wiped the blood from his sword -and placed it in its sheath.</p> - -<p>The King sent him a horse, on which he rode well accompanied to his -lodging, but he was sore wounded and had lost much blood. With him he -<!-- Page 309 --><span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_309" id="Page_309">[309]</a></span>took King Arban and Angriote, whom he had delivered from their cruel -chains. Brisena sent for her nephew Arban, and Angriote remained in the -chamber of his true friend Amadis, and there were they both healed; and -they were lovingly visited there by many Knights and Dames and Damsels -of the court, and his cousin Mabilia came to Amadis, and brought with -her that true medicine wherewith his heart could heal all lesser evils.</p> - - -<hr class="footnotes" /> -<p class="sectctrfn">FOOTNOTES:</p> - -<div class="footnote"> -<p class="noindent" lang="es" xml:lang="es"><a name="Footnote_288:A_12" id="Footnote_288:A_12"></a><a href="#FNanchor_288:A_12"><span class="label">[288:A]</span></a> Y pensando que alguna cosa de las naturales que no se -pueden escusar hazer queria, dexaron la sola.</p> -</div> - - - - -<div class="chapter"> -<hr class="newchapter" /> -<p><!-- Page 310 --><span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_310" id="Page_310">[310]</a></span></p> -<h3><a name="CHAPTER_20" id="CHAPTER_20"></a><i>CHAPTER 20.</i></h3> -</div> - - -<p>On the day after the battle Don Bruneo of Bonamar appeared before -the King, and there he found the Insolent Damsel, who said that her -brother was ready to do combat with him, and take that poor vengeance -for Ardan Canileo. Forthwith they armed and went to the field, Don -Bruneo accompanied by many good Knights, and Madaman the Envious, for -so he was called, by them who bore his arms. At the first encounter -Madaman was thrown and Bruneo slightly hurt in the breast; he kept his -seat, but when he turned the reins Madaman cried out to him, sword in -hand, Don Bruneo, if you would not lose your horse, alight or let me -mount. Take your own choice, quoth Bruneo. Alight then, said Madaman, -for being of huge stature he thought to have the advantage afoot; then -began a brave battle, and while they were thus engaged there happened -a strange thing, <!-- Page 311 --><span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_311" id="Page_311">[311]</a></span>whereby it was manifested that beasts know their -masters, for the horses being loose in the field attacked each other, -fighting with their feet and teeth so furiously that all were amazed -thereat, and this lasted till Madaman's horse being no longer able -to hold out ran away, and in his fear leaped over the barriers, the -which, all they who wished for the victory of Bruneo, held as a good -sign; and turning their eyes now to the two combatants they saw how -Don Bruneo prest upon the enemy hard, so that Madaman drew back and -said, Why do you fatigue yourself? is not the day long enough? Hold -awhile and let us rest; look at your arms and the blood which you have -lost, and you will find it needful. Madaman, quoth he, if our combat -were of another nature you should find in me all courtesy, but for -this pride and hatred I will not suffer thee to rest, and show thy own -faint-heartedness, lest my own fame should be lessened; with that he -prest upon him and foyned so fast at him, that Madaman had enough to -do to defend himself from the blows; and he thinking he might protect -himself better among the rocks drew back towards the cliff, and there -he stood upon the edge, being affrighted at the depth, till Bruneo came -up, and with his shield and hand thrust him over, so that he was all -<!-- Page 312 --><span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_312" id="Page_312">[312]</a></span>shattered before he reached the water; then Bruneo knelt and returned -thanks to God.</p> - -<p>But when Matalesa the Insolent Damsel beheld the fall of her brother, -she ran furiously to the cliff and looked over, and seeing the bloody -fragments floating on the waves, she caught up his sword which he had -dropt and cried, Here, where the blood of my Uncle Ardan Canileo and -my brother has been shed, shall mine be shed also, that my soul may -be with theirs; and she ran herself through, and fell backward into -the sea. Don Bruneo then rode to the lodging of Amadis, and his bed -was placed by the beds of Amadis and Angriote, and there were they all -healed, and during their confinement the Knights and Ladies of the -court often went there to amuse them.</p> - -<p>Now Briolania perceiving that the malady of her love increased, with -the advice of Amadis departed for her own kingdom; but she determined -first to see the wonders of the Firm Island, and prove the Forbidden -Chamber. So she took Enil with her, and promised to tell Oriana all -that she should see there, as shall be related hereafter.</p> - -<p>As this history now proceeds you will see the little <!-- Page 313 --><span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_313" id="Page_313">[313]</a></span>power of human -wisdom when it pleases God to leave man to himself. You have heard how -King Lisuarte being a prince, and possessing nothing but his arms and -his horse, and going about with only a few servants seeking adventures, -came to Denmark, where Brisena, the King's daughter, preferred him -to all her many suitors, and chose him for her husband; this was his -first good fortune. But ere long his brother died, and he became King -of Great Britain, and subdued other Kingdoms, and the sons of Kings, -and Princes, and Dukes, abode in his court, so that his name was famous -above all Emperors and Kings in the world. Now there were two Knights -in his court who had served his brother King Falangris, and for this, -and because of their age more than for their goodness, they were of -Lisuarte's counsel: the one was named Brocadan, the other Gandandel. -This Gandandel had two sons who were thought passing good Knights in -arms, before Amadis and those of his lineage arrived there, whose -exceeding worth and courage had now made them be forgotten. On this -account Gandandel neither fearing God nor regarding his duty to the -King, nor the good deeds done by Amadis to himself, devised in his evil -heart a foul treason. He led the King apart and said to him, Sir, I -have long forborne to speak to you upon this matter, hoping <!-- Page 314 --><span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_314" id="Page_314">[314]</a></span>some other -remedy might be devised, and therein have I greatly sinned against -you; but I should sin both against you and God if I were longer to -keep silence, and I have been always careful to preserve my soul and -honour, and do evil to no one, so that my judgment is free from all -passion. You know Sir what great quarrels have subsisted between the -kingdoms of Gaul and Great Britain, because that country ought to be -subject to this as all the other neighbouring countries are, and this -is an evil which will never be thoroughly healed till it be so. But now -Amadis, who is not only a native of Gaul, but the chief person of his -lineage, is come hither with his kinsmen, and has acquired such power -that the kingdom is in his hand, as if he were right heir thereto. True -it is that from him and his friends I have never received any wrong, -but great honour and pleasure; but you are my natural Lord, and I must -discharge my duty lest I fall into a wretched plight in this world, and -my soul be cast into hell in the other. The King without any seeming -alteration answered him, These Knights have already served me well to -my honour and profit, so that I cannot think of them otherwise than -well. Sir, quoth Gandandel, that is the worst sign, for if they did -any thing against your service you would be upon your guard <!-- Page 315 --><span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_315" id="Page_315">[315]</a></span>against -them, but the treachery is concealed under their good services. Thus -have you heard all the talk, for the King answered nothing farther. -But Gandandel took counsel with his cousin Brocadan, whose evil mind -was like his own, and they two both working upon the King to the -same effect wrought in him a great change against those who had done -him such services, so that he seemed to have forgotten how Galaor -rescued him from the ten Knights of Arcalaus, and Amadis from the arms -of Madanfabul, although in both cases they saved his life and his -<a name="FNanchor_315:A_13" id="FNanchor_315:A_13"></a><a href="#Footnote_315:A_13" class="fnanchor">[315:A]</a>kingdoms.</p> - -<p>So much was Lisuarte moved thereby that he now began to hate Amadis and -his friends, and he left off visiting Amadis where he lay wounded, and -would pass by his lodging without asking how he fared. All who saw this -novelty marvelled much thereat, and they sometimes talked concerning it -before Amadis, but he knowing his own true meaning would not believe -but that the King also was like himself, and that business occupied -him, and this he said to his friends, and particularly <!-- Page 316 --><span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_316" id="Page_316">[316]</a></span>to Angriote of -Estravaus, who was the most troubled. While things were in this state -King Lisuarte sent for Madasima and her Damsels, and the old Giant and -his sons, and the nine Knights whom he held as hostages, and he told -them that if they did not forthwith cause the Island of Mongaza to be -given up to him, according to terms, he would have their heads cut off; -which, when Madasima heard, the tears came abundantly, and not knowing -what to reply her flesh all shook with exceeding fear. But Andaguel -the old Giant replied, that if he would send him with a certain force -he would cause the Island to be surrendered to him, or else return -again. The King therefore dismissed him with this force, and Madasima -returned to prison, accompanied by many Knights, among whom was Don -Galvanes Lackland; he beholding the tears on that fair face was moved -to exceeding pity, and yielded up that liberty which he had before -preserved, and without delay speaking apart to her, he opened his -heart and said, that if it pleased her to marry him he would so deal -that both her life and lands should be safe. Madasima, who well knew -his great worth, and of what lineage he was, was nothing averse; then -Galvanes knelt down and kissed her hand, and it was not long before -he acquainted Amadis and Agrayes of <!-- Page 317 --><span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_317" id="Page_317">[317]</a></span>his love, and besought them to -enable him to perform what he had promised as they regarded his life. -They marvelling at this sudden change told him that, considering his -good services to King Lisuarte, what he required was a little thing, -especially as the Lordship of the Island would remain to the King, and -Amadis promised, as soon as he could ride, to request the boon for him.</p> - -<p>Meantime Gandandel often went to visit Amadis with semblance of great -regard, and always spoke to him of the King as being changed, and -warned him to beware of him lest some evil should happen, which, -said the old traitor, would be a great grief to me, because of the -many favours I and my sons have received at your hands; but never -could he kindle any wrath or suspicion in the mind of Amadis, though -he persisted so that Amadis grew angry at him, and told him to say -no more, for if all in the world were to tell him so he never would -believe that so wise and good a King could be moved against one, who -sleeping and waking had no thought of any thing but his service. After -some days, when the three Knights were healed of their wounds, they -rode out one morning being richly apparelled, and after hearing mass -went to the palace, where they were right welcomed by all <!-- Page 318 --><span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_318" id="Page_318">[318]</a></span>except by -the King, who neither looked at them nor received them as he was wont. -Amadis did not conceive that this proceeded from any ill will, but that -traitor Gandandel came up to him, and embracing him, said with a smile, -people are sometimes not believed when they tell the truth. Amadis made -him no answer, and he seeing how Angriote and Don Bruneo were offended -that Lisuarte did not notice them, went up to the King and said, so -that no one could hear him, Do you not see Sir how those Knights look -towards you? Lisuarte did not reply, and Amadis then, who suspected -no evil, came up with Galvanes and Agrayes and said courteously, Sir, -if it please you we would speak with you, and let whom you will be -present; the King said, Gandandel and Brocadan; thereat was Amadis -well pleased, for he believed them to be his true friends. Then they -went together into a garden, where the King seated himself under a -tree, and they round about him, and Amadis said, Sir, it has not been -my fortune to serve you according to my good will, yet though I may -not have deserved it, relying upon your virtue and great nobleness, I -venture to ask a boon, which shall be to your service, and wherein you -shall show great courtesy and do what is right. Certes, said Gandandel, -if it be as you say you ask a fair boon, <!-- Page 319 --><span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_319" id="Page_319">[319]</a></span>but let the King know what -you would have. Sir, replied Amadis, what I and Agrayes and Galvanes, -who have served you also, now request, is the Island of Mongaza, that -reserving to yourself the Lordship you would give it with Madasima in -marriage to Don Galvanes, wherein you will show favour to him who is -of such lineage and hath no lands, and will gain a good vassal for -yourself, and also deal courteously with Madasima, who by us hath been -disherited. Gandandel and Brocadan hearing this looked at the King, -and made signs to him that he should not grant it; but he remained -silent for awhile, calling to mind the great worth of Galvanes, and the -services which he had received from him, and how Amadis had won that -Island with the extreme peril of his life, and knowing also that what -they asked was a reasonable and becoming thing, and just. But because -his will was perverted he answered as one who had no inclination to -consent, He is not wise who asks for what he cannot have. I say this -with respect to you, for you ask that which five days ago I promised -the Queen for her daughter Leonoreta; this answer he made to excuse -himself, not because it was true. At this Gandandel and Brocadan were -well pleased, and made signs to him that he had said well, but Agrayes, -whose heart was warm, <!-- Page 320 --><span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_320" id="Page_320">[320]</a></span>when he heard with how little courtesy the -King had refused them would not keep silence. You make us feel Sir, -quoth he, that our services will profit us little here; if my advice -be taken, our lives shall be differently employed. Nephew, exclaimed -Galvanes, services are worth little when they are done to those who -know not how to reward them: men should look where they bestow them. -Sirs, quoth Amadis, do not complain that the King cannot give you -what he hath already promised to another. I will ask the King to give -you Madasima and let him keep the land, and I will give you the Firm -Island till the King shall have something else to bestow upon you. The -King answered, Madasima is in my prison in hostage for her lands, and -if they be not surrendered I will have her head cut off. Then Amadis -replied, of a truth Sir you should have answered us more courteously, -and you would not have committed this wrong if you had known us better. -If I do not know you, said Lisuarte, the world is wide enough; go -through it, and look for those who may know you better. Certes Sir, -quoth Amadis, till now I thought there was no King in the world who had -wisdom such as yours; but seeing how strangely different you are from -what I believed, since you are in this new mood we must seek a <!-- Page 321 --><span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_321" id="Page_321">[321]</a></span>new way -of life. Lisuarte answered, Do your own will as I shall mine, and he -rose angrily and went to the Queen.</p> - -<p>Gandandel and Brocadan commended him much for what he had done in thus -dismissing such dangerous enemies, and he told Brisena all that had -passed, and how he rejoiced thereat. But she told him that what he -rejoiced at was to her cause for sorrow, for Amadis and his friends had -ever served him faithfully and well; and that other Knights seeing how -they were recompensed would have great reason to seek one who would -know and reward them better. Say no more, cried he, I know what I am -doing, and remember to say what I tell you, that you asked that Island -for Leonoreta, and that I have given it her. I will do as you command -me, replied Brisena, but God grant that it come to good!</p> - -<p>Amadis returned to his lodging in a more melancholy mood than he was -wont, he would say nothing to the Knights of his company till he had -spoken with Oriana, so calling Durin aside he bade him tell Mabilia -that he must see Oriana that night, and that they should expect him -by the water course in the garden. Then he ate and regaled with the -Knights as he used to do, and he desired <!-- Page 322 --><span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_322" id="Page_322">[322]</a></span>them to assemble there on the -morrow for he had something to impart to them. When day was gone and -night was come, after they had retired and all were at rest, he went -with Gandalin to the water course, and having entered it went forthwith -to the chamber of Oriana, where she with as true love expected him; and -being in her arms she asked him why he had sent that message by Durin, -and he told her all that had past. Now Lady mine, said he, since it -is so that for my honour I must depart I beseech you do not command -me otherwise, for I am more yours than my own, and if I am shamed the -shame will be yours also. But Oriana, though she felt as though her -heart were breaking, took courage as she could and answered, True -friend, with little reason can you complain of my father, for it is -not him but me whom you have served, for my sake you abode here, and -for my sake have done so many great actions, and from me you have had -your guerdon, and shall have while I live; yet should not my father -have done thus, seeing what you have been to him. Howbeit, though your -absence will be like as if my heart were breaking, I will regard reason -more than my unbounded love. Do as you think best! my father will find -when you are gone that all that is left will be to him cause of sorrow -and evil! Amadis <!-- Page 323 --><span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_323" id="Page_323">[323]</a></span>kissed her hands; my own true Lady many and great -kindnesses have I received from you which have saved me from death, -but for this I thank you above all, inasmuch as honour is above all -delights. Thus past they that night mingling tears with their love, -thinking of the long solitude that was to come, and towards day-break -Amadis rose; that dear cousin Mabilia and the Damsel of Denmark went -out with him, and he embraced them, and commended Oriana to their -consolations, and so they parted weeping.</p> - -<p>Amadis went to his lodging and slept the remainder of the night and -some part of the morning, but when it was time he arose, and the -Knights assembled, they heard mass and rode forth, and being assembled -in the field he addressed them after this guise:—It is notorious to you -good Sirs and honourable Knights, whether the affairs of King Lisuarte -have prospered or declined since I and my brethren and friends for my -sake came to Great Britain. I may therefore be excused from recalling -what is past to your memory, this only I ought to say, that ye as well -as myself might reasonably have expected great recompence; but either -that Fortune hath been using her accustomed inconstancy, or by the -influence of evil counsellors, or <!-- Page 324 --><span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_324" id="Page_324">[324]</a></span>perhaps because age hath altered -the conditions of the King, we have found him different from what we -expected; for when I myself and Agrayes, and Don Galvanes besought -him that he would give Madasima to Don Galvanes in marriage, and with -her her lands in vassallage, he nothing regarding the worth of this -Knight nor his high lineage, not only would not grant us the boon, but -denied it in terms so discourteous and dishonourable, that because -they proceeded from a tongue so true, and from a judgment so sound, I -would not willingly repeat them were not things at this extremity that -it cannot be excused. Know then Sirs that towards the end of our talk, -when we said to him that he did not know our services, he replied, -the world was wide enough and we might seek those who would know them -better. So therefore as we have hitherto obeyed him in concord and -friendship, now must we in discord and enmity, fulfilling that which -he thinks fitting; it seemed right to me that you should know this, -because it not only concerns us in particular but all in general.</p> - -<p>When these Knights heard what Amadis had said they were greatly -astonished, and they talked one with another and said, that ill would -their poor <!-- Page 325 --><span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_325" id="Page_325">[325]</a></span>services be recompensed when what Amadis and his brethren -had done was so forgotten, so that their hearts were moved against the -King. And Angriote of Estravaus, as one who had resolved to take his -share in the good or evil which might befall Amadis, said to them, -Sirs, I have long known the King, and have always seen him temperate -in all his actions, and never moved without great and just cause, -therefore I cannot believe that this should proceed from his own nature -or inclination but from some meddling traitors who have bereft him of -his wisdom. Not for this do I excuse the King! for many days I have -seen him speak more with Gandandel and Brocadan than he was accustomed -to do, they being false and treacherous men, and I believe that they -have done this thing hoping to obtain thereby for themselves and their -sons that which they have never merited, and that you may see how the -justice of God comes to pass I will arm myself, and challenge them for -their villainy which they have done to the King and to Amadis, and will -do combat against them both, or against their sons in their stead, -if they dare sustain their father's treason. Forthwith he would have -departed but Amadis withheld him saying, God forbid my true and loyal -friend that your life should be put in danger for an uncertain cause. -I am <!-- Page 326 --><span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_326" id="Page_326">[326]</a></span>certain, quoth Angriote, that it is as I say by what I have -long known of them, and if it pleases the King to speak truth he will -confirm it. If you love me, replied Amadis, let this rest at present, -that the King may not be offended; if these men who seemed so friendly -are indeed my enemies, that will be known hereafter, and then may you -better proceed against them. Then Angriote albeit unwillingly consented -to delay vengeance. Amadis then turned to the assembled Knights and -said, Sirs, I will take leave of the King and Queen if they chuse to -see me, and will go to the Firm Island, where they who shall please to -live with me shall be partakers with me in all the honour and pleasures -that I can command. The land is rich and aboundeth with all things, -there is store of forests and of fair women. I have treasure enough for -our wants; they who know us will come thither to see us, and strangers -to demand our help, and there we may return from our adventures to -recover strength. While my father King Perion lives the kingdom of -Gaul will not fail us, nor after his days. I have letters from the -lesser Britain telling me that they give me that land, that then you -may esteem our own; I must remind you also of Scotland, the country of -my Cousin Agrayes, and of Queen Briolania's kingdom, <!-- Page 327 --><span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_327" id="Page_327">[327]</a></span>which will not -fail us for weal or for woe. That you may say truly Sir Amadis, quoth a -Knight present, whose name was Tantiles, and who was governor of that -kingdom. Sobradisa and its fair Queen, whom you have established there, -will be always at your service. Now then Sir, cried Don Quadragante, -take leave of the King and then will it be seen who they are who love -you, and will continue in your company. Amadis answered, greatly shall -I esteem those who at this time will so honour me, yet do I not say, -that if they can profitably remain with the King they should not do so, -for of a truth so good a Lord cannot soon be found. As they were thus -talking the King and Gandandel past by with many other Knights, hawking -with merlins, and sported near them awhile without speaking to them or -noticing them, and then returned to the palace.</p> - - -<hr class="footnotes" /> -<p class="sectctrfn">FOOTNOTES:</p> - -<div class="footnote"> -<p class="noindent"><a name="Footnote_315:A_13" id="Footnote_315:A_13"></a><a href="#FNanchor_315:A_13"><span class="label">[315:A]</span></a> Here follows a column of caution against evil -Counsellors.</p> -</div> - - - - -<div class="chapter"> -<hr class="newchapter" /> -<p><!-- Page 328 --><span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_328" id="Page_328">[328]</a></span></p> -<h3><a name="CHAPTER_21" id="CHAPTER_21"></a><i>CHAPTER 21.</i></h3> -</div> - - -<p>Then Amadis taking with him all those Knights went to take leave of the -King; they who were in the palace, when they saw with how altered a -countenance he entered, and at that hour when the tables were placed, -all drew nigh to hear what he should say. He being before the King -spake thus: Sir, whether or not you have dealt ill with me God and -yourself can witness: of this I say no more, for though my services -may have been great, much greater was the will I had to requite those -honours which I from you received. Yesterday you told me that I might -go about the world and seek for one who would know me better, giving me -to understand that what you wished was my departure from your court; -since this would please you it becomes me so to do. I do not come to -discharge myself of vassallage, for I never was subject to you, nor to -any but God alone; but I take <!-- Page 329 --><span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_329" id="Page_329">[329]</a></span>leave of that good will which you once -manifested to honour and favour me, and of that great love wherewith -I ever strove to requite and serve you. Then Don Galvanes also took -leave, and Agrayes and Florestan, and Dragonis and Palomir, who were -cousins to Amadis, and Don Bruneo of Bonamar and his brother Branfil, -and Angriote of Estravaus, and Grindonan his brother, and Pinores his -nephew. Don Quadragante then came before the King and said, Sir, I -abode with you only at the request of Amadis, and because I have been -yours for his sake, for the same reason I will continue so no longer; -small hope of recompence can there be for my poor services when he is -so rewarded! for ill have you remembered how he saved you from the -hands of Madanfabul, from whence none other could have saved you, and -how he won for you that battle against King Cildadan, and how his -brethren and kinsmen there shed their blood for you; how he delivered -you from my enmity, and from Famongomadan and his son Basagante, who -were the strongest giants in the world, and from Lindoraque, who was -so mighty a Knight, and from Arcalaus the Enchanter—all this you have -forgotten; but I tell you that had all we been in the field and Amadis -away, how think you would it then have fallen out? The King answered, -<!-- Page 330 --><span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_330" id="Page_330">[330]</a></span>Don Quadragante I well perceive by your words that you have no love -towards me, neither are you so beholden to Amadis that you should -desire his welfare; perchance what you say of that is not so true as -it sounds. Quadragante replied, you are of that rank that you may say -what pleases you, but sure am I that you will not move Amadis with -mischief-making words as others have been moved, who will discover -their error when too late. Then Landin came up and said, Sir, of all -your household I could find no help or healing for my wounds save -only from Amadis, therefore shall I go with him and with my uncle Don -Quadragante. Certes, quoth Lisuarte, if you staid I should not have a -friend the more. Landin replied, such as they are towards you will I -be. At this time were assembled together in another part of the palace, -Don Brian of Monjaste, a right good Knight, who was son of King Ladasan -of Spain and of a sister of King Perion, and Gandal, and Orlandin, son -to the Count of Orlanda, and Grandores, and Madancil, he of the Silver -Bridge, and Listoran of the White Tower, and Ladadin of Fajarque, -and Branfiles the haughty, and Don Gavarte of the Perilous Vale; and -when they saw how all those other Knights were about to depart for -the love of Amadis, they also went before the King and said, Sir, we -came <!-- Page 331 --><span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_331" id="Page_331">[331]</a></span>to your court to see Amadis and his brethren, and to obtain his -friendship, and as he was the cause of our coming so will he be of our -departure. These Knights having departed, and there remaining no other, -Amadis would have taken leave of the Queen but Lisuarte would not -permit him, because she had always opposed this quarrel, so he sent his -excuses by Don Grumedan. Then went he to his lodging, and after they -had made their meal they all mounted being fully armed, five hundred -Knights were they in all who followed Amadis, among whom were the sons -of Kings and of Counts, and others, who for their prowess as well as -birth, were renowned throughout all the world.</p> - -<p>Mabilia beheld them from a window of the Queen's palace, in what order -they went, their arms how rich they were, and how glittering in the -sun, so that none who saw them depart but marvelled and thought the -King unhappy, that he would so lose such a Knight and so goodly a -company. Then Mabilia went to Oriana and said, Cease thy sorrow and -come look at your vassals! and let your heart rejoice that you have -such a lover; for if till now he has led the life of an Errant Knight -serving your father, now that he has left his service, he appears <!-- Page 332 --><span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_332" id="Page_332">[332]</a></span>like -a powerful Prince, and that Lady will redound to your honour. Oriana -being comforted by her words looked at the company, subduing by her -fortitude that grief and passion which tormented her heart. There went -out with Amadis to honour him, King Arban of North Wales, and Grumedan -the Queen's fosterer, and Brandoyuas and Quinorante, and Giontes the -King's nephew, and Listoran the good jouster. All these rode with him -apart from his company and very sorrowful for his departure, and Amadis -besought them that they would still be his friends so far as they could -without breach of honour, for he should still esteem and love them as -he had done; nor though the King had ceased to love him, having no -cause for this change, should they do so likewise, nor for that cease -to serve the King and honour him as for his worth he deserved. They -answered, that they should never cease to love him however they were -bound by loyalty to serve the King. Then said Amadis, I beseech you -tell the King that what Urganda said before me is now made manifest, -how I should gain for another, and my guerdon should be wrath, and the -long delay of my will! So has it come to pass! but the just Judge of -all will allot to every one his right. Don Grumedan cursed Urganda for -prophesying so truly, and then they <!-- Page 333 --><span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_333" id="Page_333">[333]</a></span>returned to the town. Presently -Don Guilan came up and he was in tears; and he said, Sir, You know how -it is with us, that I have neither will nor heart of my own, but must -obey her for whom I suffer so much, and she has forbidden me to follow -you, and thus am I put to great shame: now would I repay those honours -which I have ever received from you and your brethren, but I may not! -But Amadis, who knew the great and excessive love of this Knight, and -remembered how he himself loved and obeyed Oriana, embraced him and -said, Don Guilan my dear friend, God forbid that a Knight like you -should disobey your Lady, not so would I advise you, nor so advising -should I be your friend; obey her and serve the King, and sure am I -that you will keep your loyalty and yet that I shall have in you the -same friend. So Guilan answered, he trusted in God to serve him yet; -and he took his leave. They rode on about three leagues to the shore -where Amadis had ordered tents to be pitched; there they regaled that -night, congratulating each other that they had not remained longer in -the service of one so thankless, but Amadis felt his heart fail him, -for he knew not when he should again see Oriana. In the morning they -set forth again and took the straight road to the Firm Island.</p> - -<p><!-- Page 334 --><span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_334" id="Page_334">[334]</a></span></p><p>On the day after Amadis had departed, the King when mass was over sate -in his palace according to custom, and looked on one side and on the -other, and beholding how desolate the place appeared without those -Knights who were gone, he began to muse upon his own conduct, and was -lost in thought. Gandandel and Brocadan, who knew what Angriote had -said of them, when they saw him thus thoughtful began to fear that he -was ill satisfied with what had been done. Howbeit as they could not -now retreat they resolved to push farther on, for this is the ill fate -of all great errors. So Gandandel went up to Lisuarte and said to him, -henceforth Sir you may rest secure since those who could have injured -you are dismissed from your service; the trouble of your state and -household you may lay on us and we will attend to it more carefully -than to our own concerns, and when you think of the treasures which you -must have bestowed upon those Knights but which are now your own, you -should greatly rejoice. Lisuarte looked sternly at them and answered, -I marvel much at what you say, that I should commit the management of -my state and household to you! that I and those about me are not equal -to the task—but you, in whom I did not perceive such great ability are -capable thereof! Even if you were, my vassals <!-- Page 335 --><span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_335" id="Page_335">[335]</a></span>and household would -be ill contented with the authority of such as you! You tell me too -that I shall save the wealth which would else have been bestowed among -those Knights. I would know how it could be better employed than to -my own honour and service, my honour was defended by it, my dominion -increased, and so it at last returned to me again, for the wealth that -is bestowed where it ought, lies in a good treasury whence it never can -be lost. No more of this! I shall not take your counsel! He then arose -and called his huntsmen and went forth to the field, leaving them in -amazement and great dismay.</p> - -<p>At this season arrived a Damsel from Queen Briolania with tidings to -Oriana, whereat all greatly rejoiced for that Queen was much beloved by -all. Lady, quoth she, I come from Briolania to tell you the wonders of -the Firm Island, that you may know all, for I was witness. God grant -long life to her! said Oriana, and good fortune to you for the trouble -which you have taken. So all drew round to hear her. Then said the -Damsel, when Briolania and her company had arrived at the Firm Island -she was asked if she would attempt the Forbidden Chamber or the Arch of -True Lovers, but she answered, that she would leave those two proofs -<!-- Page 336 --><span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_336" id="Page_336">[336]</a></span>till the last. They then led us to a fair dwelling about a league from -the Castle, which, because of its goodly situation, was one of the -chief habitations of Apolidon, and when it was dinner time they led us -to a large hall, at the one end whereof was a deep cave so dark and -fearful that none durst go nigh to it, and at the other end of the -palace was a fair tower where they led us, and we found the tables and -benches placed by the windows, and from thence we could see all that -past below in the large hall. So there were we well served by Dames and -Damsels, and the Knights and our people feasted below in the hall. But -when the second service was brought in loud hissings were heard from -the cave, and a hot wind came forth therefrom, and there issued out -a great serpent into the middle of the hall, so fierce and terrible -that none dared look on him, and he breathed smoke from his mouth and -nostrils, and lashed the ground with his tail so that the whole palace -shook; presently two Lions came out of the cave and attacked him, and -began such a battle that there is not heart of man which would not have -felt fear at beholding it. The Knights and people fled with all speed -from the table, and though the windows whereat we were were very high, -yet were we greatly terrified. Half an hour that battle lasted till the -Lions <!-- Page 337 --><span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_337" id="Page_337">[337]</a></span>were so wearied that they lay as though they were dead, and the -serpent so exhausted that he could scarce draw breath; but after he had -rested a little he took one Lion in his mouth and carried him into the -cave, then returned for the other, and they were seen no more that day. -The men of the Island laughed at our fear, and assured us that they -would appear no more that day, so we then returned to the tables and -finished our meal.</p> - -<p>The next day they led us to a place still fairer, where we were well -feasted, and at night they showed us a rich chamber, marvellously fair -where there was a rich and costly bed for Briolania, and other good -ones for us. But about midnight the doors flew open with so great -noise that we all awoke in terror, and a hart came in, having lighted -candles upon his horns, so that the whole chamber was as light as day. -One side of that hart was white as snow, and the neck and the head -were black as pitch, and the one horn seemed gilt and the other was -red; four dogs pursued him in full cry, and behind them an ivory horn -moved and sounded in the air as if a man were sounding it, and gave the -proper sound of the chase, and cheared the dogs so that they pursued -the hart and allowed him no respite, and drove him from one part of -the chamber <!-- Page 338 --><span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_338" id="Page_338">[338]</a></span>to another, and sometimes they leaped over our beds, and -sometimes they fell on them, so that we rose up in our shifts and our -hair hanging about and fled from them, and some hid themselves under -the beds, till the Hart finding no safety there leaped through a window -and the dogs after him; then were we right glad, and taking up the -cloaths which were thrown about covered ourselves, and gave a robe to -Briolania wherein she drest herself, and then as the fear was past we -laughed at the confusion into which we had been thrown. While we were -making our beds again, a Dame and two Damsels entered and a little girl -with candles, and she spake to Briolania and said, How is it Lady that -you have risen at such an hour? but when she heard they laughed and -answered, Now then Ladies go to sleep again, for you have nothing more -to apprehend to-night.</p> - -<p>Early in the morning we went to a wood where there were fine groves -and fair gardens, and there we had tents pitched by a brook side. We -found there a round building with twelve marble pillars, the walls -were of crystal so curiously made that they who might be within could -see all without; the doors were made of plate of gold and of silver, -and by every pillar there was placed the image of <!-- Page 339 --><span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_339" id="Page_339">[339]</a></span>a Giant made in -copper, and these images had bows in their hands, and the arrow heads -were of fire. We were told that nothing could enter that chamber but -would be presently reduced to ashes by those arrows which never failed -of their mark; and they put in two fallow deer and a stag, immediately -the images shot at them and they were reduced to ashes, and the arrows -returned to the bows from whence they fled. On the doors of the chamber -there were letters written which said, Let no man or woman dare enter -here except they twain who love each other truly, as truly as did -Grimanesa and Apolidon, and they must enter here together, else will -they die the cruellest death that ever was seen. This enchantment will -endure till they twain shall have entered the Forbidden Chamber, and -then shall all the enchantments of the Firm Island be done away. Then -Briolania called Ysanjo and Enil, and told them she wished to see -nothing more except the Arch of True Lovers and the Forbidden Chamber, -and she asked Ysanjo the meaning of the Lion and Serpent, and of the -Hart and the Dogs. Lady, he replied, we know nothing more than that -always at that hour they appear; and the Hart and the Dogs run from the -window into a lake which we believe proceeds from the sea, but were -you <!-- Page 340 --><span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_340" id="Page_340">[340]</a></span>to remain here a whole year you could not see half the wonders -that are in this Island.</p> - -<p>On the morrow we mounted our palfreys and returned to the Castle; -without delay Briolania went to the Arch of True Lovers and past -through the Forbidden Perrons like one who had never failed in her -love, and the image with the trumpet made so sweet a sound that we were -all astonished, and when she entered where the images were of Apolidon -and Grimanesa, it ceased with so sweet a finish as was marvellous to -hear. There beheld she those images as fair and fresh as life, and -being alone with them she thought herself in good company; and while -there she saw letters newly written in the Jasper, saying, this is the -name of Briolania, daughter to King Tagadan of Sobradisa, the third -Damsel that hath entered here. Then she felt a fear of being alone and -returned. The fifth morning she went to attempt the Forbidden Chamber; -she was in rich attire, and she wore nothing upon her beautiful head -except a gold clasp with jewels, and all who saw her said, that if -she did not enter the Chamber there was none in the world who could, -and that they should now see the end of all those enchantments. She -commended herself to God, and passed through the <!-- Page 341 --><span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_341" id="Page_341">[341]</a></span>copper Perron, and -came up to the marble Perron and read the writing there, and proceeded -so far beyond that all surely thought the adventure was atchieved; but -when she was within three paces from the door three hands seized her -by those beautiful locks, and pitilessly cast her out of the Forbidden -ground as they had done all others, and she lay in such plight that we -could not soon recover her. Till now Oriana's heart had been misgiving -her, but now she looked at Mabilia and the Damsel of Denmark, and -they at her, being all well pleased; the next day pursued the Damsel, -Briolania departed for her own kingdom. So the Damsel then received her -bidding from Brisena and Oriana, and the other Ladies, and set out on -her return to her Mistress.</p> - -<p>Now Amadis and his company arrived at the Firm Island, where they -were joyfully received by all the dwellers therein, who, as they had -felt great sorrow for the loss of their new Lord, so now had they -double pleasure in welcoming him. But when those Knights who were -with him beheld the Castle how strong it was, and how there was no -other entrance to the Island large as it was, and that the land was so -fertile, and peopled with so many and such inhabitants, they thought -it might <!-- Page 342 --><span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_342" id="Page_342">[342]</a></span>maintain war against all the world; so they were lodged in -the largest town which stood under the Castle. You are to know that -this Island was nine leagues long and seven wide, all full of villages -and rich dwelling-houses of the Knights of the land. And in the -pleasantest parts thereof Apolidon had built four palaces for himself, -the strangest and most delightful that ever man could behold. One was -that of the Serpent and the Lions. Another that of the Hart and the -Dogs. The third was called the Whirling Palace, for three times in the -day and as often in the night it whirled round, so that they who were -in it thought it would dash to pieces; and the fourth was that of the -Bull, because every day a wild Bull issued out of an old covered way, -and ran among the people therein as though he would kill them, and -when they fled from him he ran against the iron door of a tower and -burst it open and went in, and presently he came out again being quite -tame, and ridden by an old Ape, so wrinkled that his skin hung all in -folds, which Ape flogged him into the place from whence he came. Great -pleasure had all these Knights in beholding these enchantments, and -enough pastime had they there, and they were all firm in their love to -Amadis, and ready to follow him wherever he would.</p> - -<p><!-- Page 343 --><span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_343" id="Page_343">[343]</a></span></p><p>At this time came Andalod the Hermit of the Poor Rock to establish the -monastery as had been appointed, and he seeing Amadis gave thanks to -God for giving life to so good a man, and looked at him and embraced -him as if he had never seen him before. But Amadis kist his hands, and -with all humility thanked him for his preservation and for his life, -which he owed to God and to him. So a monastery was founded at the foot -of the rock, where that Chapel of the Virgin stood, wherein Amadis had -prayed in his despair before he departed into the mountain. A good man -called Sisian, whom Andalod brought, remained there, and thirty Friars -with him, and Amadis assigned to them rents enough, and Andalod then -returned to the Poor Rock as before. Then Balays of Carsante arrived, -he whom Amadis had released from the dungeon of Arcalaus, who had gone -to take leave of King Lisuarte, so soon as he knew that Amadis had -left him in discontent; with him also came Olivas whom Agrayes and -Don Galvanes had helped in battle against the Duke of Bristol. They -asked of Balays, what news in the court? he answered, enough to tell. -King Lisuarte Sir has summoned all his people; for Count Latine and -they whom he sent to take possession of the Island of Mongaza, have -informed <!-- Page 344 --><span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_344" id="Page_344">[344]</a></span>him that the old Giant had given up to them all the Castles -which he and his sons had in their keeping. But Gromadaza refused to -yield the Castles by the Boiling Lake, which is the strongest place in -the Island, and also three other strong Castles, for she says she will -never yield the place where she was Mistress in the life of her husband -Famongomadan, and Basagante her son, but always annoy Lisuarte to the -utmost of her power, and for Madasima and the Damsels she cares not -what may become of them so she can do any harm to the King. The King -therefore has summoned his forces, and hath sworn, if Gromadaza does -not yield up her Castles within a month, that he will behead Madasima -and the Damsels, and that he will go against the Castle of the Boiling -Lake, and not depart from before it till he shall have won it, and if -he can take the old Giantess he will throw her to the Lions. At this -news they were all greatly troubled, and Galvanes said to them, Sirs, -you all know the promise which I have made to Madasima, to defend her -with reason, or if that failed by force of arms; and for this cause -was it that Amadis and all of us forsook Lisuarte; now I beseech you, -if he will not hear reason, assist me in arms to fulfil my word. At -that uprose Don Florestan, and said, Don Galvanes, there are better -<!-- Page 345 --><span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_345" id="Page_345">[345]</a></span>advisers here than I, but if reason fail I will undertake the battle in -the name of God. Good friend, replied Galvanes, I thank you with all my -heart; but if it must be by battle I have promised and I will perform -it. Then Don Brian of Monjaste and Quadragante said that the quarrel -appertained to all, and all ought to bear a part, for all Knights were -bound to succour Damsels who were opprest, and as Madasima and her -Damsels had gone as hostages in obedience to her mother, they were -innocent before God. Sirs, said Amadis, you rejoice me in what you say; -for whatsoever is undertaken with such concord will have good issue. -But I will tell you what seems to me good: these Damsels are twelve in -number, and therefore ought to be succoured by twelve Knights. Sure I -am that such as ye will think such danger but pastime, if it please ye -I will name twelve champions, and let the other Knights remain here for -greater perils if they should befal us. You, Sir Don Galvanes shall -be the first, as it is your quarrel, and Agrayes your nephew, and my -brother Florestan, and my cousins Palomir and Dragonis, and Don Brian -of Monjaste, and Nicoran of the White Tower, and Urlandin and Gavarte -of the Perilous Vale, and Ymosil brother to the Duke of Burgandy, and -Madansil of the Silver Bridge, and <!-- Page 346 --><span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_346" id="Page_346">[346]</a></span>Ladadin of Fajarque; let those -twelve go, there are among them the sons of Kings and Dukes and Counts, -so that their peers will not be found. Hereat were all well pleased, -and the Knights appointed made ready forthwith, and shortly after -midnight armed themselves and rode towards Tafilana, the town where -Lisuarte then was.</p> - - - - -<div class="chapter"> -<hr class="newchapter" /> -<p><!-- Page 347 --><span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_347" id="Page_347">[347]</a></span></p> -<h3><a name="CHAPTER_22" id="CHAPTER_22"></a><i>CHAPTER 22.</i></h3> -</div> - - -<p>Now Oriana felt herself great with child, and she asked counsel of -Mabilia and the Damsel of Denmark in that danger; they albeit they were -sore dismayed dissembled that, and Mabilia bade her take heart for all -should be remedied. I always expected, said she, that to such<a name="FNanchor_347:A_14" id="FNanchor_347:A_14"></a><a href="#Footnote_347:A_14" class="fnanchor">[347:A]</a> -a saint such an offering would be brought. Oriana could not forbear a -smile. I will feign myself worse, she said, and withdraw as much as -I can from all company; and if the Damsel of Denmark will hazard her -<!-- Page 348 --><span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_348" id="Page_348">[348]</a></span>honour for me, my honour and life may both be saved. Lady, quoth the -Damsel, I am at your command even were it to my death. Good friend, -quoth Oriana, this I hoped, and if I live you shall recover your honour -and with great praise. Then the Damsel knelt and kissed her hands, and -Oriana proceeded: continue to visit Adalasta the Abbess of my Nunnery -as you have hitherto done, and when it is time tell her that you are -pregnant, and beseech her to help you, so that you may lay the child at -the church door, and that she will order it to be taken in and brought -up for Charity's sake; thus will my secret be safe, nor will you be -shamed, for none but this honourable Lady will know what you shall tell -her, and she loves you much. Thus they determined that it should be.</p> - -<p>When Lisuarte knew how Gromadaza persisted in her warfare, by advice -of Gandandel and Brocadan he sent for Madasima and her Damsels, and -told them that they must all be put to death for an example. When she -heard this so rigorous doom the fair and fresh colour of her cheeks -suddenly changed to a pale and deadly hue, and falling at the King's -feet she said, Sir, the fear of death doth make my heart weaker than -it naturally is, <!-- Page 349 --><span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_349" id="Page_349">[349]</a></span>weak Damsel as I am, so that I have neither thought -nor words to answer you; but if in this court there be any Knight -willing to uphold the right let him speak for me as a Knight is bound -to do, for I did not enter your prison willingly but in obedience to -my mother. If there be none such here, do you O King, whom hitherto -never distressed Dame or Damsel hath implored in vain, do you deal -justly by me, and let not anger have the mastery over you. Gandandel, -who was present, was greatly desirous that Madasima should be slain, -knowing that then Amadis could never be reconciled with the King; and -he said, Sir, do not hear her, these Damsels were given you as hostages -to die if the conditions were not performed, and therefore justice -ought to be executed without delay. But Don Grumedan, who was a good -Knight, and well versed in all the laws of Knighthood, as one who had -not only practised but read much, replied, that shall not the King -do if it please God! nor ever shall such cruelty and wrong be by him -committed. This Damsel came hither in obedience to her mother, and as -that obedience will in secret be by God rewarded, so should it be in -public by the King as his servant, and one who obeys his will. Moreover -I have learnt that within three days here will arrive <!-- Page 350 --><span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_350" id="Page_350">[350]</a></span>certain Knights -from the Firm Island to take up their quarrel; and if you Gandandel, or -your sons are willing to maintain the justice of your advice; you will -there find those who will answer you. Gandandel answered, Don Grumedan, -tho' you wish me ill I have never deserved it at your hands; if you had -offended my sons you know they are such Knights that they can maintain -what I have said. We shall soon see that, quoth old Grumedan; as for -you I only wish you well or ill as it shall be found that you have -counselled the King. Albeit that Lisuarte had acted much amiss toward -Amadis, and had it in his heart to do him all displeasure, yet could -not that new passion subdue his old virtue, so that he was glad at -what Grumedan said, and asked who the Knights were that were coming to -defend the Damsels, and when Grumedan had told their names, he observed -that they were enough good and prudent Knights. But then was Gandandel -sore dismayed, and he repented him of what he had said concerning his -sons, knowing that they were nothing equal in arms to Florestan and -Agrayes, and Don Brian of Monjaste, and Gavarte of the Perilous Vale. -So when Madasima was remanded to prison he went to his brother-in-law -Brocadan in trouble of heart, receiving now the <!-- Page 351 --><span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_351" id="Page_351">[351]</a></span>guerdon which the -merits of his misdeed deserved.</p> - -<p>Here came to pass what the Gospel saith, That no hidden thing but -shall be made known; for Gandandel retiring with Brocadan to a private -chamber to consult with him how they might prevail upon the King to -execute Madasima and her Damsels before the Knights of the Firm Island -arrived, Brocadan began to reproach him for the wrong he had done to -Amadis, greatly repenting his own wickedness now that he saw his own -honour and his sons in danger. Now it happened that a niece of Brocadan -was enamoured of a young Knight called Sarquiles, who was nephew to -Angriote of Estravaus, and she had hidden him near this chamber, so -that he heard the whole secret of this treachery; and when it was night -he went out and armed himself, and mounting his horse he rode on the -morrow into the town as if he came from another place, and he went -before the King and said to him, Sir, I am your natural subject and was -brought up in your household, and therefore would save you from all -treachery, that you may not commit wrong in compliance with another's -will. It is not three days since I was in a place where I heard persons -counselling how to instigate you to <!-- Page 352 --><span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_352" id="Page_352">[352]</a></span>do an evil thing against your own -honour and good reason. I say to you, give no heed to Gandandel and -Brocadan in what they say to you, touching Madasima, for there are -others in your court who more honestly advise you; you and all here -shall know wherefore I say this, within twelve days, if you will delay -following their will for so long. Now Sir, God be with you, for I go -to my Uncle Angriote. God be with you, replied Lisuarte, and remained -musing on what he had heard.</p> - -<p>Sarquiles rode on by the shortest way he knew to the Firm Island, and -when he arrived there his horse was so overspent with the speed he had -made that he could scarcely carry him. He found Amadis, and Angriote, -and Don Bruneo, riding on the shore to hasten the equipment of some -vessels which they had ordered to pass over to Gaul, for Amadis was -desirous to see his parents. Right well was Sarquiles received, and -Angriote said to him, Nephew, what business have you that your horse -is in such plight? Very great, replied he, and he told him how his -Mistress Gandaza had hidden him in Brocadan's house, and what he had -there heard. Now Sir, quoth Angriote to Amadis, was my suspicion right? -You would not suffer me to bring the matter to an end, but now <!-- Page 353 --><span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_353" id="Page_353">[353]</a></span>if it -please God neither you nor ought else shall let, but that this great -treason against the King and against you shall be made manifest. Good -friend, replied Amadis, you may now do it with reason and certainty, -and God therewith will speed you. I will depart to-morrow, said -Angriote, and Sarquiles upon another horse with me. Accordingly on the -following morning they twain set out for the dwelling of King Lisuarte.</p> - -<p>Meantime the King mused much upon that Sarquiles had told him. One day -Gandandel and Brocadan came before him and said, Sir, we are grieved -to see how little you regard your own welfare; that, quoth Lisuarte, -may well be, but why say you this?—Because these Knights who are your -enemies are coming to your Court without any fear to defend these -Damsels for whom you ought to have the land given up. If you will take -our advice you ought to behead them before these champions arrive, and -send to forbid the Knights to enter your kingdom; thus would you make -them fear you, and Amadis would not venture to offer you any wrong, -for if they do not forbear for fear, for nothing else will they; the -sooner this is done the better will it be, and the more <!-- Page 354 --><span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_354" id="Page_354">[354]</a></span>terror will -it strike. The King then called to mind the words of Sarquiles, and -saw how he had spoken truth. You tell me two things, he replied, -against all reason: the one that without any form of judgment I should -have these Damsels slain, what account could I give to the Lord whose -minister I am if I should do this? He has appointed me here in his -stead to administer right in his name, and if I did this wrong which -you counsel to strike fear into others, it would fall upon my own head -at last. Those Kings who follow their own will instead of what is -reasonable rely on themselves and not on God, which is the worst error -into which they can fall. Their best security is to chuse out good -counsellors, and honest ones, and to remember that however evil actions -appear at first, the just Judge directs, and the end thereof cannot be -good. You tell me also to forbid these Knights from coming to my court; -a dishonourable thing would it be to prevent any one from claiming -justice before me, much more they being my enemies, for it is to my -honour that I have the power and inclination to do what they request. -I do not like your counsel! you have done ill to those who deserved no -ill at your hands! I have sinned and I have my punishment; <!-- Page 355 --><span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_355" id="Page_355">[355]</a></span>and if you -have been false so I trust will you have yours at the end. And with -that he went away and left them.</p> - -<p>The following day Lisuarte rode forth after mass with a great company, -and seeing that the twelve Knights were approaching he rode forward to -receive them, for he was a courteous man to all, and they well deserved -such honour being what they were. They made obeisance to him, and while -their people pitched tents in the field Don Galvanes spake to the King. -Sir, confiding in your virtue and in your wonted goodness, we are -come hither to request that you will hear Madasima and her Damsels, -that they may have their right; we are come to plead their cause, and -if by that means we cannot succeed, let it not offend you Sir if we -support it by arms, for there is no cause wherefore they ought to die. -The King answered, go now and rest yourselves, I will do all that can -justly be done. Don Brian of Monjaste then replied, So Sir we hoped, -that you would do what behoved your royal dignity and your conscience, -and whenever you have failed so to act it has been the work of evil -advisers, and that, if it did not offend you, I would prove upon any -one who dared gainsay. Don Brian, quoth the King, <!-- Page 356 --><span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_356" id="Page_356">[356]</a></span>if you would listen -to your father I know that you would neither forsake me for another, -nor come hither to plead against me. Sir, replied Don Brian, my -pleading is for you, it is that you should do justice, and not listen -to those who would serve you less faithfully than I, and stain your -worth. You say Sir, that if I had listened to my father I should not -forsake you: I have not forsaken you Sir, for I never was yours, albeit -I am of your lineage. I came to your court to seek my kinsman Amadis, -and when you were pleased that he should be no longer yours, then I -departed with him; in all this I have not erred a single point of duty. -The King then returned to the town, and they remained in their tents -where they were visited by their friends. But for Oriana I tell you she -never left the window, looking at those who so loved her lover, and -beseeching God to give them the victory in this appeal.</p> - -<p>That night did Gandandel and Brocadan pass in great perplexity, wishing -that they could recall what was past, but now perforce must they go on. -On the morrow the twelve Knights heard mass with the King, and that -done accompanied him to his palace. He then called for Gandandel and -Brocadan, and said to them, You must now <!-- Page 357 --><span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_357" id="Page_357">[357]</a></span>support the advice which you -have always given me in the affair of Madasima, and make these good men -understand why she ought not to be heard, and he bade them stand where -all might hear them. Ymosil of Burgandy, and Ladadin of Fajarque then -came forward and said, We Sir, and these Knights beseech you of your -goodness that Madasima and her Damsels may be heard, for so we conceive -it is right. Then answered Gandandel, many talk about the right and -few know what it is; you say that of right these Damsels ought to be -heard, which of right they ought not, for without any such condition -they bound themselves to death, and entered the prison of the King -thereupon, that if Ardan Canileo were slain or vanquished, and the -whole Island of Mongaza were not then freely surrendered, they and the -Knights with them should suffer death. The Knights delivered up the -Castles in their keeping, which Gromadaza will not do, therefore there -neither is nor can be reason for which they should be excused from -death. Ymosil replied, Certes Gandandel, you might have been excused -from uttering such reasons before so good a King and such Knights as -are here! It is manifest to all who have any knowledge, that man or -woman are to be heard, of right in their own defence, in all cases -<!-- Page 358 --><span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_358" id="Page_358">[358]</a></span>except in treason and conspiracy; this is the custom in all lands -wherein justice is observed, and this is what we require. Gandandel -replied, that nothing more was to be said: the King was to decide, so -the matter was at issue, and the King remained with certain Knights, -all the others leaving the hall.</p> - -<p>The King wished his Uncle Argamonte, an honourable Count and of great -prudence, to deliver his opinion, but he referred it to the King, -saying that none so fully understood what was right as he himself; the -other counsellors did the same. Lisuarte seeing this then said, Since -you leave the decision to me, I think Ymosil of Burgundy hath spoken -to the purpose, and the Damsels should be heard. Certes Sir, quoth the -Count, and all they who were present said the same, you have determined -justly, for thus it ought to be. They then called in the Knights and -said what had been resolved; for this Ymosil and Ladadin of Fajarque -kissed his hands and said, be pleased therefore Sir to let Madasima -and her Damsels be summoned, and we will save them by fair reason, or -by arms if need shall be. Let them come, replied the King, and see if -they will commit their cause to you. Presently they came before the -<!-- Page 359 --><span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_359" id="Page_359">[359]</a></span>King so modestly and in such fear that not a man could behold them -without great pity. The twelve Knights of the Firm Island took them by -the hand, and Agrayes, Florestan, Ymosil and Ladadin said to Madasima, -Lady Madasima, these Knights come to save you and your Damsels from -death, will you commit your cause to us? Sirs, she replied, if the -cause of Damsels so forlorn and wretched may be undertaken, we commit -it to you, and trust in God and you. Since it is so, quoth Ymosil, let -who will come forward against you! if he be one I will defend you by -reason or by arms; if more, twelve shall be answered. The King looked -at Gandandel and Brocadan, and saw that they looked down, and were -dismayed, and did not answer. Return to your lodgings till the morrow, -said Lisuarte, and meanwhile those who are to answer you will take -counsel. The Knights then conducted Madasima to her prison and went to -their tents.</p> - -<p>Lisuarte led Gandandel and Brocadan aside, and said to them, you have -often urged me to put those Damsels to death, and said you would -maintain the justice of the deed by reason, or your sons should in -arms, if need should be, now then do as you said, for what Ymosil -advances seems just to <!-- Page 360 --><span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_360" id="Page_360">[360]</a></span>me, and I will not appoint any of my Court to -combat against these Knights. Look ye to it! Else will the Damsels be -delivered, and I shall have been ill advised by ye, and wrongfully. -They replied, that to-morrow they would be ready with their reply, and -returned very sorrowfully to their homes. And they agreed to persist -in their advice and maintain it by reason, but not put their sons in -danger, because the cause was not just, and they were not such in arms -as those Knights. But that same evening tidings came to the King how -Gromadaza the Giantess was dead, and had ordered her Castles to be -delivered up to save her daughter and the Damsels, and that they had -accordingly been yielded to Count Latine. Greatly pleased thereat was -Lisuarte, and when the Knights came before him on the morrow he said, -proceed no farther in this cause, for you are quit of your defence, -and the Damsels are free; the Castles for which I held them in pledge -having been surrendered. Gandandel and Brocadan then rejoiced, for they -surely expected to be dishonoured. Then Lisuarte sent for Madasima and -the Damsels, and said to them, ye are free; do what it pleases you, the -Castles have been given up; but he would not tell her that her mother -was dead. Madasima would have kissed <!-- Page 361 --><span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_361" id="Page_361">[361]</a></span>his hand but the King permitted -not that, for he never suffered Dame or Damsel to kiss his hand save -when he bestowed upon them some boon. Then said she, since you leave me -at my own disposal; I give myself to my Lord Galvanes, who hath been so -willing to help me. Agrayes took her by the hand and said, good Lady, -you do that which is right; and though you are now disherited of your -own land, you shall be honoured in another till it please God to remedy -your loss. But Ymosil then said to the King, Sir, if right be done to -Madasima she will not be disherited, for children who are in the power -of their parents must obey them, however unwillingly, but not for that -should they be disherited, when obedience and not free will hath made -them bind themselves to what their parents commanded. And because you -Sir are appointed here to make every one render to another his right, -so ought you yourself to do as an example. Ymosil, replied the King, -you have the Damsels at liberty, say no more upon this other matter; I -have had sufficient trouble about that land, and will defend it now it -is mine, nor can I take it from my daughter Leonoreta, to whom I have -granted it. Don Galvanes then said, Sir, that right which Madasima has -to the land of her fathers is now mine. I beseech you remember some -<!-- Page 362 --><span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_362" id="Page_362">[362]</a></span>services which I have done you, and do not disinherit me, for I would -willingly be your vassal and stand in your favour, and serve you as -loyally as it is possible. Say no more Don Galvanes, quoth Lisuarte, -that is done which cannot be undone. Since it is so, quoth he, that I -find neither right nor courtesy here, I shall strive to win it how I -can. Do your utmost, replied the King, it was in the power of those -who were stronger than you, and easier will it be to defend it from -you, than it was to win it from them. You won it, answered Galvanes, -by means of one who was badly guerdoned, he will help to recover it. -If he helps you, cried Lisuarte, many others will serve me who would -not serve me before for his sake, when I had him in my household and -protected him from them. Agrayes then grew angry and exclaimed, Certes -all here, and others beside can tell whether Amadis was protected by -you or you by him, though you are a King and he was always as an Errant -Knight. Don Florestan seeing how Agrayes was moved laid hand upon his -shoulder and drew him back, and then said himself, it seems, Sir, you -prize the services of these you speak of above those of Amadis, whether -they be so indeed, we shall soon see. Don Brian of Monjaste then stept -forward, however little you esteem the services of Amadis and <!-- Page 363 --><span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_363" id="Page_363">[363]</a></span>his -friends, they must be of great worth indeed who can reasonably make -them to be forgotten. It is plain Don Brian, replied the King, that -you are one of those friends!—Sure Sir I am; he is my kinsman and I -shall do what he pleases. We have enough, quoth Lisuarte, to dispense -with you. All you have, replied Don Brian, will be wanted to resist -what Amadis can do. The Knights on both sides drew nigh to answer, but -Lisuarte stretched out a wand which he held and commanded them to say -no more, and they returned to their places.</p> - -<p>Just then Angriote of Estravaus, and his nephew Sarquiles entered, -compleatly armed, and approached to kiss the King's hand. The twelve -Knights marvelled at their coming being ignorant of the cause thereof, -but Gandandel and Brocadan were put in fear, and they looked at each -other, for they knew what Angriote had said of them before, and albeit -they held him for the best Knight in the King's dominions, yet they -took courage to answer what he might say; and they called their sons -and bade them say nothing more than they should tell them. Angriote -stood up before the King and said, Sir, let Gandandel and Brocadan -come hither, and I will say that to them which shall make you and -all present know them better than ye have <!-- Page 364 --><span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_364" id="Page_364">[364]</a></span>hitherto done. The King -accordingly called on them to come forward, and all the Knights drew -nigh to hear. Then said Angriote, know Sir that Gandandel and Brocadan -are disloyal and false toward you, they counselled you wickedly and -lyingly, neither regarding God, nor you, nor Amadis, who had so -honoured them, and had never done them wrong. They, villains as they -are, told you that Amadis designed to seize your kingdom, a thing which -never was in his thoughts, for what he desired hath ever been your -service, and thus have they made you lose the best Knight that ever -King had to serve him, and many other good Knights with him, for no -fault of their own. Therefore I say that these wicked and false men, in -whom you trusted, have committed a great treason against you, which if -they deny, I will do battle with them both; but if their age excuses -them, let their sons come forward, and by God's help I will make them -confess the disloyalty of their fathers before you, that you shall -understand it. Sir, replied Gandandel, you see how Angriote comes to -dishonour your court! and this is because you permit those to enter -your land who do not seek your service, if you had prevented that at -first this would not have happened; and now Sir do not marvel if Amadis -should come hither to-morrow and defy you <!-- Page 365 --><span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_365" id="Page_365">[365]</a></span>yourself! If Angriote had -met me in those days when I did good service in arms for this kingdom, -and for your brother King Falangris, he would not then have dared to -say what now he says, but now he sees me old and weak, and dares insult -me as one already overcome; this shame Sir falls more upon you than me. -No Sir Knave, quoth Angriote, I am not come hither to dishonour the -Court, but for its honour to destroy treason, and root out the tares -which you have scattered among the good seed! Then said Sarquiles, -Sir, you know the words which I spake to you upon this matter; with my -own ears I heard the villainy which these old traitors were devising; -they are old, but their sons are young and strong; let them answer for -them, they are three and we are two, then will God discover the truth, -and it will be seen if they are such as to make amends for the loss of -Amadis and his lineage as their fathers have boasted! When the two sons -of Gandandel heard this, and saw that the whole Court were smiling to -see their fathers so prest, they thrust angrily through the throng, and -came before the King and said, Sir, Angriote lies in all that he hath -said and we will combat with him; here are our gages, and they threw -their gloves into his lap. Angriote then held out the lappet of his -armour—here Sir is <!-- Page 366 --><span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_366" id="Page_366">[366]</a></span>mine! let them go arm themselves, and do you Sir -behold the battle. The King answered, the day is far spent and there -will not be time, let it be after mass to-morrow. With that Adamas -came up, the son of Brocadan by a sister of Gandandel; he was great of -stature and strong, but of so villainous a nature that none esteemed -him. He said to the King, Sir, Sarquiles lies in all he hath said, -and if he dare enter the field with his Uncle I will combat him! at -this Sarquiles right joyfully gave his gage; the Court then broke up. -Angriote and Sarquiles went with the twelve Knights and Madasima, who -had taken leave of the Queen and of Oriana, and Brisena sent her a rich -tent to lodge in.</p> - -<p>The King remained with Don Grumedan and Giontes his nephew; he sent for -Gandandel and Brocadan, and said to them, I marvel at you! you have -so often told me that Amadis designed treason and meant to seize my -kingdom, and now when the proof was necessary you shrunk from it! and -have suffered your sons to risque themselves who know not what is the -justice of their cause. You have sinned against God and me; great evil -have you done me in making me lose such a man and such Knights, but you -will not <!-- Page 367 --><span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_367" id="Page_367">[367]</a></span>escape without your punishment, for that just Judge will give -to every one his due. Sir, said Gandandel, my sons came forward hastily -thinking that the proof was delayed. Of a truth, quoth Grumedan, they -thought right; for there neither is nor can be proof that Amadis in -this or in aught else hath done wrong toward the King, and if you -suspect it, it is against all reason; even the devils in hell cannot -think so! If you had a thousand heads, and the King were to cut them -all off, he would not be enough revenged for the wrong you have done -him, and now you will be left for more mischief, which God forbid! and -your wretched sons must suffer for your fault! Don Grumedan, said they, -whatever you believe and wish we trust that our sons will save their -honour and our own. God never save me, replied he, if I wish more than -that you be rewarded as your counsel deserves. The King then bade them -cease, and he went to table, and they departed to their homes.</p> - -<p>That night the arms and horses of the champions were made ready. -Angriote and Sarquiles past the remainder of the night from midnight -in a chapel of Saint Mary, which was near their tents. At day-break -the twelve Knights armed themselves, <!-- Page 368 --><span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_368" id="Page_368">[368]</a></span>for they doubted the King seeing -how wroth he was against them, and with Madasima and her Damsels, each -upon her palfrey, they rode through the town to the field of battle, -Angriote and Sarquiles going before them. The King and his Knights -were already assembled, and three Judges were appointed: King Arban of -North Wales, and Giontes the King's Nephew, and Quinorante the good -Jouster; they placed Angriote and Sarquiles at one end of the lists. -Presently the two brothers Tarin and Corian came with their cousin -Adamas, well armed and mounted, and disposed to do their part well, if -the wickedness of their fathers had not been against them. They being -opposed each to the other, Giontes blew his trumpet and they ran the -career, Corian and Tarin at Angriote, and Adamas against Sarquiles. -Tarin broke his lance upon Angriote, who encountered Corian, and bore -him from his saddle, then turned and saw Tarin sword in hand. Tarin -struck at him but the blow fell upon the horses' head and wounded him, -and cut away the headstall, so that the reins fell on his neck, and the -horse being thus at liberty, Angriote was carried against his enemy, -and they dashed against each other and Tarin fell; then Angriote leaped -lightly from his horse as one accustomed to <!-- Page 369 --><span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_369" id="Page_369">[369]</a></span>such perils, and took his -shield, and laid hand upon that sword with which he had heretofore -dealt so many and mighty blows. He saw his nephew maintaining a brave -sword-combat on horseback, and then made at the two brethren who stood -by each other, and laid on him a heavy load like brave and strong -Knights. But Angriote well defended himself, holding out his shield -against one and laying on the other with the sword, so that he made -them give back, for never stroke came from him that did not shear away -the armour, for as I have told you this Knight was the best foyner -with the sword of any in the King's dominions. So that their shields -were soon chipt away, and their harness broken that the blood started -through, nor was he so whole but that the blood ran from many wounds. -When Sarquiles saw how his Uncle sped, and that he was still coping -in equal battle with Adamas, he spurred his horse and grappled with -his enemy, and there they struggled each to overthrow the other. -Angriote seeing them drew nigh to succour Sarquiles if he should fall -undermost, and the two brethren followed him to help their cousin. At -length the two Knights fell from their horses, still grappling; then -might you have seen a great conflict, Angriote pressing to help his -nephew <!-- Page 370 --><span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_370" id="Page_370">[370]</a></span>and the brethren to assist Adamas. But in that hour Angriote -did such wonders in arms, and laid on such terrible and heavy blows -that the brethren, albeit they did their utmost, could not save Adamas -from the hands of Sarquiles. When Gandandel and Brocadan saw this, who -till now had hoped that the valour of their sons might have defended -their wickedness they withdrew from the window in great sorrow and pain -of heart, and the King withdrew also, for all the good fortune which -befell the friends of Amadis displeased him, and he would not witness -the victory of Angriote. But all else who were present rejoiced to see -that Gandandel and Brocadan would suffer some part of the punishment on -earth which they deserved. The four Knights meantime continued their -fierce conflict, but it did not long endure, for now Tarin and Corian -gave ground and fled, seeking some place of safety, but finding none -they turned, and struck again at their pursuers and then again fled, -till they were smitten down and slain to the great joy of Madasima -and her Damsels, and the Knights of the Firm Island, but above all of -Oriana, who had never ceased praying to God to grant her friends that -victory. Angriote then asked the Judges if there was aught more to be -done? they replied, he had done enough <!-- Page 371 --><span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_371" id="Page_371">[371]</a></span>for his honour, and led the two -champions from the lists; their comrades then received and took them -with Madasima to their tents where they were healed of their wounds.</p> - - -<p class="sectctr"><i>Here endeth the Second Book of Amadis of Gaul.</i></p> - - -<hr class="footnotes" /> -<p class="sectctrfn">FOOTNOTES:</p> - -<div class="footnote"> -<p class="noindent"><a name="Footnote_347:A_14" id="Footnote_347:A_14"></a><a href="#FNanchor_347:A_14"><span class="label">[347:A]</span></a> This is D'Herberay's phrase, it is better than the -original: <span lang="es" xml:lang="es">Siempre me tuve por dicho que de tales juegos auriades tal -ganancia</span>.</p> -</div> - - -<hr class="newchapter" /> -<p class="sectctr">END OF THE SECOND VOLUME.</p> - -<p><!-- Page 372 --><span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_372" id="Page_372">[372]</a></span></p> - - - -<div class="chapter"> -<hr class="newchapter" /> -<p><!-- Page 373 --><span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_373" id="Page_373">[373]</a></span></p> -<h2 class="nobreak"><a name="INDEX" id="INDEX"></a>INDEX.<br /> - -<small>VOL. II.</small></h2> -</div> - - -<table summary="Table of Contents" border="0"> - <tr> - <td class="tdcenter" colspan="2">CHAPTER 36.</td> - </tr> - <tr> - <td> </td> - <td class="tdpage">Page</td> - </tr> - <tr> - <td class="tdleft"><i>How Amadis and Galaor knew of this great treason and - took counsel to procure, if they could, the liberty of - the King and Oriana</i></td> - <td class="tdpage"><a href="#CHAPTER_36">1</a></td> - </tr> - <tr> - <td class="tdcenter" colspan="2">CHAPTER 37.</td> - </tr> - <tr> - <td class="tdleft"><i>How Don Galaor delivered King Lisuarte from the - captivity to which they were treacherously leading him - away</i></td> - <td class="tdpage"><a href="#CHAPTER_37">9</a></td> - </tr> - <tr> - <td class="tdcenter" colspan="2">CHAPTER 38.</td> - </tr> - <tr> - <td class="tdleft"><i>How tidings came to the Queen that King Lisuarte was - made prisoner, and how Barsinan executed his treason, - and how at last he was overthrown and the King restored - to his kingdom</i></td> - <td class="tdpage"><a href="#CHAPTER_38">17</a></td> - </tr> - <tr> - <td class="tdcenter" colspan="2">CHAPTER 39.</td> - </tr> - <tr> - <td class="tdleft"><i>How Amadis came to succour the City of London, and - what he did there</i></td> - <td class="tdpage"><a href="#CHAPTER_39">21</a></td> - </tr> - <tr> - <td class="tdcenter" colspan="2"><!-- Page 374 --><span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_374" id="Page_374">[374]</a></span>CHAPTER 40.</td> - </tr> - <tr> - <td class="tdleft"><i>How King Lisuarte held a Cortes which lasted twelve - days, at which great feastings were made, and of the many - Chiefs and Knights who came there</i></td> - <td class="tdpage"><a href="#CHAPTER_40">29</a></td> - </tr> - <tr> - <td class="tdcenter" colspan="2">CHAPTER 41.</td> - </tr> - <tr> - <td class="tdleft"><i>Of the battle which Amadis had promised the fair child - Briolania to perform against Abiseos and his two sons in - revenge of her father's death</i></td> - <td class="tdpage"><a href="#CHAPTER_41">36</a></td> - </tr> - <tr> - <td class="tdcenter" colspan="2">CHAPTER 42.</td> - </tr> - <tr> - <td class="tdleft"><i>How Don Galaor went with the Damsel in quest of the - Knight who had overthrown them, till he did battle with - him</i></td> - <td class="tdpage"><a href="#CHAPTER_42">43</a></td> - </tr> - <tr> - <td class="tdcenter" colspan="2">CHAPTER 43.</td> - </tr> - <tr> - <td class="tdleft"><i>Showing how Don Florestan was the son of King Perion by - a fair Damsel, daughter to the Count of Salandia</i></td> - <td class="tdpage"><a href="#CHAPTER_43">55</a></td> - </tr> - <tr> - <td class="tdcenter" colspan="2">CHAPTER 44.</td> - </tr> - <tr> - <td class="tdleft"><i>How Don Galaor and Florestan, going towards the kingdom - of Sobradisa, met three Damsels at the Fountain of the Elm - Trees</i></td> - <td class="tdpage"><a href="#CHAPTER_44">72</a></td> - </tr> - <tr> - <td class="tdleft"><!-- Page 375 --><span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_375" id="Page_375">[375]</a></span><i>Here beginneth the Second Book of Amadis of Gaul; and - because the great things which will be related in the - Fourth Book concerning Amadis are all relating to the - Firm Island, it behoves that in this second it should - be related what this Island was, and who left those - enchantments and the great riches which were therein</i></td> - <td class="tdpage"><a href="#CHAPTER_1">84</a></td> - </tr> - <tr> - <td class="tdcenter" colspan="2">CHAPTER 2.</td> - </tr> - <tr> - <td class="tdleft"><i>How Amadis with his brethren and his cousin Agrayes - went towards King Lisuarte, and how by adventure they went - to the Enchanted Firm Island, and of what befel them - there</i></td> - <td class="tdpage"><a href="#CHAPTER_2">91</a></td> - </tr> - <tr> - <td class="tdcenter" colspan="2">CHAPTER 3.</td> - </tr> - <tr> - <td class="tdleft"><i>How Durin went with the letter of Oriana to Amadis, - and how when Amadis had seen the letter he abandoned - every thing in despair, and went to hide himself in the - forest</i></td> - <td class="tdpage"><a href="#CHAPTER_3">105</a></td> - </tr> - <tr> - <td class="tdcenter" colspan="2">CHAPTER 4.</td> - </tr> - <tr> - <td class="tdleft"><i>How Gandalin and Durin followed the track of Amadis, - carrying his arms which he had left, and how they found - him, and how he did battle with a Knight and conquered - him</i></td> - <td class="tdpage"><a href="#CHAPTER_4">113</a></td> - </tr> - <tr> - <td class="tdcenter" colspan="2"><!-- Page 376 --><span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_376" id="Page_376">[376]</a></span>CHAPTER 5.</td> - </tr> - <tr> - <td class="tdleft"><i>Showing who the Knight was whom Amadis conquered, and - what had befallen him before he was conquered</i></td> - <td class="tdpage"><a href="#CHAPTER_5">119</a></td> - </tr> - <tr> - <td class="tdcenter" colspan="2">CHAPTER 6.</td> - </tr> - <tr> - <td class="tdleft"><i>How Don Galaor and Florestan and Agrayes went in quest - of Amadis, and how Amadis forsaking his arms and changing - his name betook himself to a solitary life with a good man - in a hermitage</i></td> - <td class="tdpage"><a href="#CHAPTER_6">126</a></td> - </tr> - <tr> - <td class="tdcenter" colspan="2">CHAPTER 7.</td> - </tr> - <tr> - <td class="tdleft"><i>How Durin returned to his Lady after having delivered - her bidding to Amadis, and of the grief she made for the - news</i></td> - <td class="tdpage"><a href="#CHAPTER_7">141</a></td> - </tr> - <tr> - <td class="tdcenter" colspan="2">CHAPTER 8.</td> - </tr> - <tr> - <td class="tdleft"><i>How Guilan the Pensive took the shield and armour of - Amadis, which he found by the Fountain, and carried them - to the Court of King Lisuarte</i></td> - <td class="tdpage"><a href="#CHAPTER_8">146</a></td> - </tr> - <tr> - <td class="tdcenter" colspan="2">CHAPTER 9.</td> - </tr> - <tr> - <td class="tdleft"><i>Relating how, Beltenebros being upon a Poor Rock, - Corisanda came there in a ship in search of her lover - Florestan, and of what happened, <!-- Page 377 --><span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_377" id="Page_377">[377]</a></span>and what she said - in the Court of King Lisuarte</i></td> - <td class="tdpage"><a href="#CHAPTER_9">153</a></td> - </tr> - <tr> - <td class="tdcenter" colspan="2"> CHAPTER 10.</td> - </tr> - <tr> - <td class="tdleft"><i>How the Damsel of Denmark went in search of Amadis, - and by adventure after much toil came to the Poor Rock, - where Amadis was, who called himself Beltenebros</i></td> - <td class="tdpage"><a href="#CHAPTER_10">166</a></td> - </tr> - <tr> - <td class="tdcenter" colspan="2">CHAPTER 11.</td> - </tr> - <tr> - <td class="tdleft"><i>How Don Galaor and Florestan and Agrayes having gone - a long time in search of Amadis and found no trace of - him, came all disconsolate to the Court of King - Lisuarte</i></td> - <td class="tdpage"><a href="#CHAPTER_11">173</a></td> - </tr> - <tr> - <td class="tdcenter" colspan="2">CHAPTER 12.</td> - </tr> - <tr> - <td class="tdleft"><i>How, when King Lisuarte was at table, there came in a - strange Knight armed at all points, and defied the King - and all his Court, and of what passed between him and - Florestan, and how Oriana was comforted and Amadis - found</i></td> - <td class="tdpage"><a href="#CHAPTER_12">183</a></td> - </tr> - <tr> - <td class="tdcenter" colspan="2">CHAPTER 13.</td> - </tr> - <tr> - <td class="tdleft"><i>How Beltenebros ordered arms to be made, and prepared - to see his Mistress Oriana, and of the adventures which - befel him upon the road</i></td> - <td class="tdpage"><a href="#CHAPTER_13">195</a></td> - </tr> - <tr> - <td class="tdcenter" colspan="2"><!-- Page 378 --><span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_378" id="Page_378">[378]</a></span>CHAPTER 14.</td> - </tr> - <tr> - <td class="tdleft"><i>How Beltenebros having finished these adventures went - to the Fountain of the Three Channels, where he concerted - his going to Miraflores, where his Lady Oriana sojourned. - And how a strange Knight brought certain jewels, which - were to try true lovers to the Court of the King, and how - Amadis agreed with his Lady Oriana that they twain should - go in disguise to try them</i></td> - <td class="tdpage"><a href="#CHAPTER_14">213</a></td> - </tr> - <tr> - <td class="tdcenter" colspan="2">CHAPTER 15.</td> - </tr> - <tr> - <td class="tdleft"><i>How Beltenebros and Oriana sent the Damsel of Denmark - to know what answer was given to their demand, and how - they went to the proof</i></td> - <td class="tdpage"><a href="#CHAPTER_15">223</a></td> - </tr> - <tr> - <td class="tdcenter" colspan="2">CHAPTER 16.</td> - </tr> - <tr> - <td class="tdleft"><i>How Beltenebros went to Miraflores and abode there with - his Lady Oriana after the conquest of the Sword and - Garland, and how he went from thence to the battle which - had been appointed with King Cildadan, and of what there - befel</i></td> - <td class="tdpage"><a href="#CHAPTER_16">239</a></td> - </tr> - <tr> - <td class="tdcenter" colspan="2">CHAPTER 17.</td> - </tr> - <tr> - <td class="tdleft"><i>How King Cildadan and Don Galaor were carried away to - be cured, and how they were <!-- Page 379 --><span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_379" id="Page_379">[379]</a></span>placed, the one in a strong - tower surrounded by the sea, the other in a garden with - high walls and iron railings, where each thought he was - in prison, not knowing by whom he had been brought there, - and of what befell them</i></td> - <td class="tdpage"><a href="#CHAPTER_17">256</a></td> - </tr> - <tr> - <td class="tdcenter" colspan="2">CHAPTER 18.</td> - </tr> - <tr> - <td class="tdleft"><i>How the King beheld a strange sight of fires upon the - sea, and of what happened</i></td> - <td class="tdpage"><a href="#CHAPTER_18">271</a></td> - </tr> - <tr> - <td class="tdcenter" colspan="2">CHAPTER 19.</td> - </tr> - <tr> - <td class="tdleft"><i>How when King Lisuarte was talking with his Knights - how he would go against the Island of the Boiling Lake, - to deliver King Arban of North Wales and Angriote of - Estravaus, there came a Damsel of the race of the Giants - from the sea, and demanded before the Court that Amadis - should do battle with Ardan Canileo, and if he conquered - the prisoners should be released and the Island - surrendered to the King; but if Ardan Canileo won the - battle he desired nothing more than to carry the head of - Amadis to Madasima</i></td> - <td class="tdpage"><a href="#CHAPTER_19">283</a></td> - </tr> - <tr> - <td class="tdcenter" colspan="2">CHAPTER 20.</td> - </tr> - <tr> - <td class="tdleft"><i>How the battle was performed between Don Bruneo of - Bonamar, and Madaman the envious, <!-- Page 380 --><span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_380" id="Page_380">[380]</a></span>brother to the - Insolent Damsel, and of the confusion which was - occasioned by envy among the friends of Amadis, for - which Amadis forsook the Court of King Lisuarte</i></td> - <td class="tdpage"><a href="#CHAPTER_20">310</a></td> - </tr> - <tr> - <td class="tdcenter" colspan="2">CHAPTER 21.</td> - </tr> - <tr> - <td class="tdleft"><i>How Amadis took leave of King Lisuarte and with him - ten Knights, his friends and kinsmen, who were the best - and bravest of the Court, and went their way to the Firm - Island, where Briolania proved the adventures of the Arch - of True Lovers and of the Forbidden Chamber, and how they - determined to deliver Madasima and her Damsels from the - King's power</i></td> - <td class="tdpage"><a href="#CHAPTER_21">328</a></td> - </tr> - <tr> - <td class="tdcenter" colspan="2">CHAPTER 22.</td> - </tr> - <tr> - <td class="tdleft"><i>How Oriana was greatly afflicted for the departure of - Amadis, and moreover to find herself great with child; - and how twelve Knights came from the Firm Island to - defend Madasima and the other Damsels, who were in danger - of death with them, though there was no just cause why - they should be put to death</i></td> - <td class="tdpage"><a href="#CHAPTER_22">347</a></td> - </tr> -</table> - - - - -<hr class="newchapter" /> -<div class="notebox"> -<p class="tnhead"><a name="TN" id="TN"></a>TRANSCRIBER'S NOTES:</p> - - -<p>Variations in spelling and hyphenation remain as in the original.</p> - -<p>The symbols at the end of lines in footnote [188:A] are asterisms.</p> - -<p>The following corrections have been made to the original text:</p> - -<div class="tnblock"> -<p>Page 2: how the party had separated[original has "seperated"]</p> - -<p>Page 5: Arcalaus and the others[original has "other"] ran at him</p> - -<p>Page 9: but dexterously[original has "dextrously"] moved aside</p> - -<p>Page 53: She answered[original has "ansswered"], A curse upon -him</p> - -<p>Page 65: I cannot forbear to pity.[period missing in original]</p> - -<p>Page 69: and turned to Abiseos[original has "Abiseous"]</p> - -<p>Page 94: in a higher niche[original has "nich"] than the other</p> - -<p>Page 106: observing what secrecy[original has "secresy"] Amadis -had chosen</p> - -<p>Page 124: Tell me, said[original has "siad"] he</p> - -<p>Page 127: two lions azure in a field or.[period missing in -original]</p> - -<p>Page 129: Say what you will, quoth Amadis[original has "Amaids"]</p> - -<p>Page 139: he returned, and[original has "aud"] this morning</p> - -<p>Page 159: there are strangers[original has "stangers"] here</p> - -<p>Page 159: serving-men were carrying[original has "carrrying"] -the sick Lady</p> - -<p>Page 170: having no power to[original has "so"] speak</p> - -<p>Page 188: I feel strange thoughts in me rebelling.[original has -a comma]</p> - -<p>Page 188: Queen Brisena, Oriana, Mabilia[original has -"Mabililia"], and Olinda</p> - -<p>Page 207: who always[original has "alway"] took this waggon -with him</p> - -<p>Page 211: then put on Basagante's[original has "Basangante's"] -helmet</p> - -<p>Page 230: but drew back greatly abashed.[original has a comma] -Next was Briolania[original has "Briloania"]</p> - -<p>Page 246: When Beltenebros[original has "Beltrenebros"] beheld -that he exclaimed</p> - -<p>Page 247: galloped after him[original has "him him"] sword in -hand</p> - -<p>Page 248: all rejoicing that[original has "that that"] -Beltenebros was Amadis</p> - -<p>Page 301: Florestan carried[original has "carcarried"] his lance</p> - -<p>Page 301: his helmet he looked at[original has "look-at" split -across a line break] his Lady</p> - -<p>Page 330: Sir, of all your household[original has "houshold"]</p> - -<p>Page 338: nothing more to apprehend to-night[original has "to -night"]</p> - -<p>Page 352: had hidden him in Brocadan's[original has "Brocadan"] -house</p> - -<p>Page 366: leave of the Queen and[original has "nd"] of Oriana</p> - -<p>Page 377: CHAPTER 11.[original has "CAAPTER 11" without a -period]</p> -</div> - -<p>The following errata page is found at the end of Vol. IV. The -corrections listed for Vol. II. have been made to this text.</p> - -<div class="figcenter"> -<img src="images/errata.png" width="345" height="500" alt="Errata page copied from Vol. IV." /> -</div> -</div> - - - - - - - - -<pre> - - - - - -End of Project Gutenberg's Amadís of Gaul, Vol. II. of IV., by Vasco Lobeira - -*** END OF THIS PROJECT GUTENBERG EBOOK AMADÍS OF GAUL, VOL. II. 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