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 FROM THE 
 
 SPANISH VERSION 
 
 OF 
 
 GARCIORDONEZ DE MONTALFO, 
 
 BY 
 
 ROBERT SOUTHEY, 
 
 VOL. Ill,
 
 Sfmatiis of 0unl 
 
 \\ 
 
 b^ 
 
 m9i^€^ ^<B>Me^^9l. 
 
 IN FOUR VOLUMES. 
 
 VOL. III. 
 
 LONDON : 
 
 Printed by N. Biggs, Crane-court, Fleet-streee, 
 
 JOR T. N. LONGMAN AND O. REES^ PATER* 
 
 NOSTER ROW, 
 
 1803. 
 
 SK
 
 V.3 
 
 AM AD IS of GAUL. 
 
 15ooh tlje (Stjifb. 
 
 CHAPTER 1. 
 
 So soon as King Lisuarte knew that Angriote and 
 his nephew were so far healed of their wounds 
 that they could ride, he sent to bid them quit 
 his kingdom, and not enter it again at their 
 peril. Of this those Knights complained loudly 
 to Don Grumedan and their other friends, es- 
 pecially Don Brian of Monjaste and Gavarte 
 of the Perilous Valley, who said that since the 
 King had so forgotten their past services, they 
 would give him cause to remember tlie future. 
 They then struck their tents and departed for the 
 Firm Island. On the tliird day of tlielr journey 
 they found Gandeza in a chapel, the neice of Bro- 
 cadan, she who had concealed her lover Sarquiles 
 where he overheard all the treason, and who had 
 now fled for fear. Great joy had they in finding 
 her, and above all Sarquiles who loved her truly, 
 and taking her \^-ith him he continued his way, 
 
 vox. III. A
 
 o. 
 
 Gmmedan and his friends after tliey had ridden 
 out witli the Knights of the Firm Island on their 
 departure, returned to Lisuarte, and told him what 
 had passed. He who was already much grieved 
 for the victory of Angriote, not for any regret for 
 the slain, whom he knew to be evil like their 
 parents, but because it was a triumph to Amadis, 
 became now more enraged. Forbearance, said he, 
 is for the most part a profitable thing, but at times 
 it is tlie cause of great mishap, and so hath it been 
 with me. If I had Mithdrawii my favour from 
 these Knights, tliey would not have dared say that 
 which they have said, nor have approached my 
 court, nor even entered ray dominions. But they 
 shall pay for their folly ! I will send and defy 
 tliem, and Amadis with them, and see whetlier 
 their pride can save them. King Arban of North- 
 Wales who traly desired tlie \\'elfare of the King 
 replied. Sir you should look well to tiiis before 
 you do as you have said, because of the great 
 valour of these Knights and because God hath 
 shown the justice of their cause, else w ould not 
 Angriote, good Knight as he is, have so acquitted 
 himself against two such enemies, nor Sarquiles 
 have .so come off from Adamas. The good cause 
 which they maintained gave them tlie victor)' ; 
 therefore I should think it well that they returned
 
 to your service, for poor profit is it for a King to 
 war with his subjects when he can avoid it : the 
 blood that is shed, and the wealtli tliat is expended 
 on botli sides, is tlae King's loss, and he gains no 
 lionour in victory. From such strife ^reat evils 
 often arise : tlic neighbouring Kings and Chiefs 
 who had been before kept in aw^e, take courage 
 and recover more tlian they had lost ; and what is 
 more to be feared, tlie vassals cease to respect their 
 Lord, who should rule them mildly, as a good 
 shepherd controuls his flock ; for if he oppresses 
 them more than they can bear, it oftentimes 
 chances, that where tlie first broke out the rest 
 follow, and when the fault is at last discovered, it 
 is difficult to amend it. Now Sir is tlie time to 
 amend what has been done amiss. Amadis is so 
 gentle and so kindly disposed to you, that you may 
 lightly recover him and all who follow him. 
 You say well, quoth Lisuarte, but I will not give 
 them that which I liave already given to my daugh- 
 ter Leonoreta, and great as his power may be, it 
 is notliing to miae ! so say no more, but prepare 
 arms and horses to serve me, and let Cendil of 
 Ganota go to-morrow and defy those of tiie Firm 
 Island. In God's name ! tliey all replied ; he will 
 appoint what seemelh good to him, and -we will 
 serve you, 
 
 A2
 
 'You must know that Gandandel and Brocadan 
 \\'hen they saw their sons slaiti, and that they were 
 undone in diis world and in tlie next, receiving 
 that due reward wlvich sxich. as them escape in our 
 days, (tor God reseires them eitlier in his mercy 
 that they may repent, or for his justice, that if they 
 continue in sin they may pay for all without re- 
 demption,) they took their dead sons, and with 
 their wives and household embarked in two ves- 
 sels with the curses of all who beheld them, and 
 went their way, and this history will not mention 
 them more ; but we may rcasonabl)' believe that 
 tliey who have grown old in v ickedness will die 
 in it, unless it pleases God, more for his riiercy 
 tlian their deserts,, to turn their hearts in time. 
 
 King Lisuarte then having assembled together all 
 the great Lords of his court, and tlie Knights of low- 
 er degree, complained to them of Amadts and his 
 friend, and besought them to redress his VTongs, 
 as he did theirs. They all replied tliat Uiey would 
 serve him in what he should command. He then 
 called Cendil of Ganota, and bade him to horse 
 and carry a letter of credence to the Firm Island, and 
 defy Amadis for me, and all those Kniglits with 
 him who will support the cause of Don Galvanes. 
 lell them to be-^are of me, for ^\•here\•er 1 liud
 
 them I will destroy their lives and fortune. Don 
 Cendil took his bidding and departed. 
 
 After some days the King went to one of his 
 to^\'ns which because it was so abundantly fur- 
 nished witli all things pleasant was called GracG- 
 donia. This removal greatly pleased Oriana, for 
 her time now drew nigh, and this vvas near I\Iira- 
 flores, so that she thought herself safer thei-e than 
 in any other place. Meantime the Knights who 
 escorted Madasima continued their way, till 
 when they were within two leagues of the Firm 
 Island they met with two thousand and tliree 
 hundred Knights who had come out to meet 
 them. Well were they then received, and Ama- 
 dis courteously welcomed Madasima, and embra- 
 ced Angriote many times, for Florestan had sent 
 tidings of tlie battle, Wh'.le they were thus re- 
 joicing they saw Don Cendil of Ganota come 
 riding down the mountain, but he beholding so 
 large a company and knowing that tliey had all 
 forsaken tlie King's service, tlie tears came into his 
 eyes, for he was a right loyal servant to Lisuarte. 
 Howbeit he put on the best couiitenance he could, 
 being a fair Knight, and of great valour and discre- 
 tion, and rode up to them and asked for Amadis, 
 by \%'hom and by the rest he was honourably wel- 
 
 A 3
 
 6 
 
 corned as he deserved to be. Sir^ said he, let this 
 letter be read. That behig done, Amadis rephcd, 
 it is your credential j now speak yonr embassy. 
 Sir Amadis, quoth he, my Lord the King hath 
 sent me to defy you and those of your lineage, and 
 tliose who are here present, and those who mean 
 to attempt tlie Isle of JMongaza, and he warns you 
 henceforward to defend your lands and possessions 
 and persons, for he will destroy all if he can, and 
 he Enys you may be excused from seeking adven- 
 tures in his country, for whomsoever of ye he 
 finds there he will slay. Quadi-agante answered, 
 Don Cendil you have said your bidding and have 
 therein done right ; but for your master -who 
 threatens our lives and lands, let these Knights 
 reply to him as they think good ; for me — tell him 
 that King as he is, I regard my poor life as much 
 as he can value his mighty one j that in birth I 
 yield noticing to him, being of as royal blood on 
 loth sides as himself, and since I must defend 
 mvsclf from him, bid him defend himself from me. 
 But Amadis wished tliat a milder answer should 
 be returned, and he said, Don Quadragante, Sir, 
 let this Knight take one answer for you and all. 
 We have heard the embassy, and we will take 
 counsel how to reply ; and you, Don Cendil, may 
 tell tlie King that he m ill find it difficult to per-
 
 form what he threatens. Come with us to the Frrni 
 Island meantime, and try the Arch of True Lovers, 
 for if you atchieve it you will find better favour 
 from your mistress. Sir, quoth Don Cendil, I 
 will go witli you if it please, but of my loves you 
 shall know nothing. They then rode thither, but 
 when Cendil beheld the Island, and its strength, 
 and the abundance of all things therein, he knew 
 that not all the force in the world could injure it. 
 So Amadis took him to his home, and lodged 
 him honourably, for Don Cendil was of high 
 lineage. 
 
 -o- 
 
 The next day the Knights assembled and resolved 
 to defy King Lisuarte by a Knight called Sadamon, 
 who came in the company of Dragonis and 
 f alomir. These two brethren were sons of Gra- 
 sugis. King of Low Germany, by Saduva, King 
 Perion's sister. And they and all tlie otlier sons 
 of Counts and Kings who were tliere, had brought 
 forces there from their father's laud, and vessels 
 wlierein to pass over to tlie Island of Mongaza, 
 To this Sadamon they gave a letter of credence 
 signed witli all their names, and they said to him, 
 tell King Lisuarte since he defies and thi'eatens us, 
 to defend himself. With fair weather we shall 
 go against tlie island of Mongaza, and if he is the 
 
 a4
 
 8 
 
 mighty Lord he says^ we sliall soon prove his 
 strength and our own. If he rephes aught to this^ 
 answer him hke a good Knight, and if God pleases 
 we will maintain it. Then Amadis spake witli his 
 foster-father Don Gandales and said, you must go 
 from me to King Lisuarte, and without fear tell 
 him I care little for his defiance and less for his 
 threats than he believes. Tell him that if I had 
 foreseen how thanklessly he would requite my 
 services, I would not have encountered such dan- 
 gers for his sake j for tliat power and dominion 
 wherewith he now menaces me and my friends 
 and kinsmen hath been supported and preserved by 
 the blood of my body, I trust in God this will 
 be all amended, more by my power than liis incli- 
 nation. But say to him that as I won for him the 
 island of Mongaza he shall not lose it by me ; nor 
 will I ever offend him in any place where the 
 Queen shall be, for tlie honour which she deserves. 
 Tell him this, and that as he desires my enmity, 
 he shall have it in such sort, tliat all he now feels 
 shall be forgotten. Don Gandales, said Agrayes, 
 strive to see the Queen, and kiss her hand for me, 
 and tell her to send me my sister Mabilia, for see- 
 ing on what terms we are with the King, she 
 should not remain in his court. At this was Ama- 
 dis sorely grieved, for rather tlian see INIabilia
 
 9 
 
 separated from Oriana he would liave had his own 
 heart taken from lii.s breast ; yet could he not 
 gainsay, lest the secret of Iiis love should be 
 discovered. 
 
 The Knights departed with Don Cendil of Ganota, 
 ten days they lode and then arrived at the court 
 "where King Lisuarte, knowing tlieir errand, ho- 
 nourably bade them welcome, and having read 
 their letter bade them speak. Sir Sadanion, Sir, 
 quoth Gandales, will deliver you the bidding of the 
 Knights, I come witli words from Amadis to 
 you, and from Agi'ayes to the Queen, if it })lcase 
 you that I may see her. It pleases me well, re- 
 plied Lisuarte, and much pleasure will she iiave 
 in seeing you, for you served her daughter Oriana 
 well while she abode in your countr}-, for which 
 I thank you. INIany thanks, quoth Gandales, and 
 God knoA\-s if I should delight to serve you, and 
 if it troubles me to do otherwise. Lisuarte an- 
 swered, I believe you. But trouble not yourself 
 for doing that whereto you are bound. Jn the 
 service of him whom you fostered, to act other- 
 wise would be to your shame. Then Sadamon 
 delivered the defiance, and when he said that the 
 Knights expected no peace till he restored the 
 island to Don Gal vanes and Madasiraa, the King.- 
 
 a5
 
 10 
 
 replied, tliat peace will come late if they wait for it ! 
 May I never be held a King if I do not break their 
 pride ! Sir, quoth Sadamon, thus far is my em- 
 bassy, what else I may say is of myself. I tell 
 you. Sir, that he must be of great prowess and 
 power who can break tlie pride of those Knights ; 
 and you will find it harder tlian you imagine. 
 
 Don Gandales then delivered tlie bidding of Ama- 
 dis, and when he related how Amadis would not 
 go against the island of Mongaza which he had 
 won for Lisuarte, nor yet war upon him in any 
 place where the Queen should be, all present 
 spake of it as being honourably and right loyally 
 done, and so the King licld it. 'I'hen the King 
 bade the Embassadors disarm themselves and come 
 to tablCj for it was time to take food. And lie 
 made them sit at a table opposite his own, with his 
 nephew Giontes, and Guilan the Pensive, and other 
 good Knights who were placed there in honour of 
 their prowess. The King grew chcarful at his 
 meal, and he ordered all tlie Knights ^vho were 
 there to prepare for going to the island of Mon- 
 gaza, and said that if need were, he would himself 
 iK-'conipany them. When the cloths were re- 
 moved, Don Gmmedan led Gandales to the Queen, 
 t?lvo wished to sec hun, whereat Oriana and M:i-
 
 If 
 
 bilia rejoiced, because from him they should have 
 tidings of Amadis. The Queen welcomed him 
 right lovingly, and made him sit before her by 
 Oriana, and asked him if he knew the damsel 
 beside him, for he had served her well ? Lady, 
 quoth he, happy am I to have served her, and 
 hsppy should I be to serve her again, or you Lady, 
 and so would I the King, were it not against Ama- 
 &s ray Lord and my foster-child : he bade me 
 l^iss your hand for him as for one who is much 
 grieved that he is dri^'en from your service. And 
 I do tlie same for Agrayes, who beseeches you to 
 send him his sister JMabilia, for as he and Don 
 Galvanes are no longer in the King's f ivour, it is 
 not meet that she should remain in his house. 
 When Oriana heard this she was greatly troubled^ 
 and the tears came, for she could not bear it j for 
 she loved her in her heart, and now aC tliis se<ison 
 fcnew not what to do if she should be taken away. 
 Mabilia exclaimed, ah how cruel- wiU your father 
 and mother be to me, if tliey separate me from 
 you ! Do not weep, cried Gandales, you shall be 
 taken to your aunt. Queen Eliseaa of Gaul, tlian 
 whom, except her before whom we stand, there 
 is not a more honourable Lady ; and there shall you 
 see your cousin Melicia, who- greatly desires your 
 coming. Don Gtindales, quoth Brisena, I am- 
 
 a6
 
 12 
 
 troubled at what Agrayes demands-, and will spenk 
 with the- Kin^ thereon j if he takes my counsel 
 the Princess shall not be dismissed, till she is mar- 
 ried as beseems her rank. Let it be determined 
 soon tlicn, said Gandales, for I cannot tarry. The 
 Queen then sent for Lisuarte, and Oriana knowing 
 that her remedy was in his will, went to him and 
 fill on her knees and said. Sir, you know what 
 honours I received in the house of the King of 
 Scotland, and how when }'ou sent for me, tliey 
 gave me their daughter Mabilia, and to my shame 
 would it be if I did ncjt sliew my gi-atitude to her. 
 ^Moreover she is my comfort .'uul help in my sick- 
 ness and sufferings, and now Agrayes has sent for 
 her ! If you take her from me, you will do me 
 the \\'orst cruelty that ever was inflicted, and for 
 no cause } for she is not yet repaid for the honours 
 I received from her father. INIabilia knelt before 
 him and held up her hands to beseech him that she 
 might not be taken away, for grief would kill her; 
 and then she clung to Oriana. But Lisuarte, \vha 
 was of a kind heart and of great discretion, an- 
 swered, think not you my child Mabilia be- 
 cause tliere is discord between your house and 
 Diine, tliat I should forget you, or cease to receive 
 i!nd honour any of your lineage who would chuse 
 to ser,-c me. I sh:ill not leave to lo\c one for
 
 13 
 
 the sake of another, much less you ! you shall not 
 depart till you have been recompensed as you de- 
 serve. She would have kissed his hand, but he 
 raised her up, and made her and Oriana sit down, 
 and sate himself between them. He would do ill 
 who should part ye. Ladies ! quolh Don Gandales, 
 and so shall I tell Agrayes, and be he pleased or 
 not, all will think tiiat good which the King does, 
 and ye yourselves desire. Now tlien I must depart. 
 God be with you, replied Lisuarte. Say to Am.a- 
 dis that in what he says of tlie island of Mongaza 
 I well understand him, it is for his own profit more 
 than for my honour, and as I understand it, so do I 
 thank him ; henceforth each must do what he can. 
 And then he left the Queen's apartment. Don 
 Gandales, said Brisena, do not you attend to the 
 angry words of the King, nor of Amadisj but 
 strive ever if you can to reconcile diem, as I shall 
 do. Salute Amadis for me, and tell him I tliank 
 him for ^\•hat he said that he would not attack any 
 place where I might be, and beg him to grant my 
 request when I shall make one. So she com- 
 mended him to God, and prayed that there might 
 be peace between her husband and Amadis ; and 
 Gandales took his leave. Then Uie Princesses cal- 
 led him, and Oriana said, Don Gandales, Sir, my 
 true friend, greatly ara 1 grieved that I cannot
 
 14 
 
 recompence yon for the service which you have 
 done me ; but the times will not permit me now, 
 nor have 1 wherewitli to repay you, but if it 
 please God I may one day do what is my duty and 
 desire. This enmity troubles me ; they are of 
 such hearts tliat much evil must follow unless it 
 please God to remedy it. I trust he will. Saluje 
 Amadis for me, and tell him I beseech him to re- 
 member all that past here ; and bear with the 
 present, and give way for the future to my father, 
 who still values and loves him. Then said Ma- 
 bilia, commend me kindly to my Lord and Cousin^ 
 Amadis, and to Agrayes my Lord and Brother^ and 
 to the right good Don Galvanes, my Uncle ; andi 
 tell them- to liave no concern for me, nor to trouble 
 themselves to separate me from my Lady Oriana, 
 for this trovible would be lost, and I would rather 
 die than leave her ; and give this letter to Amadis, 
 tell him he will find in it all I have to say, and I 
 believe he will receive great consolation thereby. 
 Gandales then sainted them and departed, and took, 
 his way with Sadcimon.. 
 
 As they left the town they saw a gaeat force which; 
 the King had prepared to go against tlie island of 
 Mongaza, and h'.'.d now drawn up in their sight, that 
 they might terrify those of the Firm IsLmd by the 
 report thereof. The Chiefs were the good Knight
 
 15 
 
 King Arban of NortliWales, andGasquilan the Bold, 
 son of Madarque, tlie fierce Giant of the Dolorous 
 Isle, by a sister of Lancino King of Sweden. This 
 Gasquilan tlie Bold was so strong and valiant ui 
 arms, that when King Lancino died without an 
 heir, all they of his kingdom held it good to chuse 
 him for their King. But when he heard of the 
 war between King Lisuarte and Amadis, he left Swe- 
 den to be present in tlie battle^ and to prove him- 
 self in combat against Amadis, by command of a 
 Lady whom he loved. The which how it fell out 
 shall be recorded hereafter. Gandales and Sada- 
 mon notliing afraid at beholding so great a force, 
 rode on till they arrived at the firm Island, and 
 having disarmed went into a fair garden,, where 
 Amadis and the Knights awaited them, and there 
 delivered they their bidding, and declared all^ that 
 they had seen, and also of the coming of King Gas- 
 quilan, because he desired to prove himself against 
 Amadis and the otiier Knights. Gavarte of the 
 Perilous Valley said tlien, he will find able masters 
 here to cure his longing sickness, Don Flo- 
 restan and Don Quadragants ; and if they should 
 be otherwhere employed, I v/ill offer to him my 
 body, for pity would it be if he should travel so 
 far in vain. Don Gavarte, said Amadis, if I 
 were longing sick, I would rather forsake all
 
 15 
 
 physic and only hope in God, than taste your 
 emulsions and electuaries. Nay, Sir, quoth 
 Brian, of Alonjaste, you are not sick like he who 
 comes to seek us, and we ought to remedy him, 
 that be may report in his own land wh::t leeches 
 are to be found here for such ailments. At this 
 tliey laughed awhile, and then Aniadis asked if 
 there were any .there who knew Gasquilan ? 
 Listoran of the White Tower, answered, I know 
 him well ; then told he of what race he came, and 
 how for his valour he was made King. I once, 
 said he, encountered him in a Turney at Valtierra, 
 and we both fell at \he first attaint, horse and man 
 to earth, but the press was so hot that we could 
 not finish our combat. That day the part on 
 which I was, was put to the worst, because the 
 Knights did not do their duty, and because of the 
 great strengdi of Gasquilan, who was our mortal 
 enemy, so tliat the praise was his, and he never 
 fell that day, save only when we encountered, 
 Certes, (juoth Amadis, you speak of a great mai>, 
 who comes like a valiant Knight to make his. 
 worth known. 1 h U is trae, answered Don Qnad- 
 rao-ante, but being free to chuse his •side, he ought 
 to have taken ours, for we are the fewest. lie 
 has chosen right, said Galvanes, for il'he has joined
 
 17 
 
 the many, they are the weakest, and he could 
 not have proved his prowess unless the worthiest 
 were against him. 
 
 While they thus communed, the Sailors came, and 
 bade them arm and aboard, for the wind was fair. 
 They tlien joyfiiUy left the garden, and such was 
 the press and clamour of people and of the instru- 
 ments of the fleet, that scarce could they hear each 
 other. Soon were they armed, and their horses 
 embarked in the brigantines, and all things needful 
 put aboard, and they themselves joyfully em- 
 barjced. Amadis and Don Bruneo of Bonamar 
 went in a boat among the fleet, and in one vessel 
 they found Don Florestan and Brian of Mopjaste, 
 and Don Quadragante and Angriote of Estravaus, 
 and they went aboard to them, and Amadis em- 
 braced them, as if it would be long before he 
 should see them again, and the tears came into his 
 eyes for the exceeding love he bare them, and for 
 the solitude he should feel when ihcy were gone. 
 Good Sirs, quoth he, I rejoice to see you thus 
 in company. Quadragante answered. Sir, we 
 have determined to continue by sea and by land, 
 unless Fortune should separate us ; and they then 
 shewed him tlicir banner, which was marvellously
 
 18 
 
 fair, in which twelve damsels were figured having 
 white flowers in their hands. Amadis then ex- 
 horted them to be cautious j and taking leave, he 
 went through the fleet from ship to ship with 
 Bruneo and his foster - father Gandales, till 
 the fleet put to sea, and then he and his comrades 
 returned. 
 
 The ships sailed on, following the vessel whereinr 
 Galvanes and Madasima led the way, with clarions 
 and trumpets. 1'he wind was fair, and in seven 
 days they came before day-light to the Castle of 
 the Boiling- Lake, which was near the Port. Fordi- 
 with they armed themselves, and prepared tlie 
 boats to land, and bridges and planks and mats 
 of reed to land the horses. All tliis did they as 
 secretly as they could, because Count Latine and 
 Gaidar de Rascuil were in the tow n with three hun- 
 dred Knights. The watchman saw tliem, and 
 cried out Uiat they were tliere, but he knew not 
 how many, for it was yet dark. The Count and 
 Gaidar went up to tlie Castle, and they heard the 
 noise and stir, and it seemed as of a great com- 
 pany, and when it was dawn many ships appeared, 
 and Gaidar exclaimed, surely tliis is Don Galva- 
 nes aad his friea<ls who are come against us ; God
 
 19 
 
 never save me if they land so lightly as they think f 
 He then armed his people, and went out to the 
 haven by the town with one part of the force, and 
 Count Latine went with the others to tlie Castle 
 port^ where Gal vanes and Agrayes were and their 
 company. Gavarte of the Perilous Valley went in 
 the front, and Orlandin, and Osinan of Bm-gundy, 
 and Madancil of the Silver Bridge. And at the 
 other port Gaidar found Florestan and Quadra- 
 gante and Brian of Monjaste and Angriote and 
 tlieir companions. Then began a cruel and peri- 
 lous battle, with lances and arrows and stones j so 
 that many were wounded and slain, and diey of 
 the land defended the ports till the hour of tierce. 
 But in tlie bark with Don Florestan there was Enil, 
 the good Knight of whom you have heard hereto- 
 fore, and his cousin A morantes of Salvatierra, and 
 Coman andNicoran, v/ere with Don Brian, and with 
 Quadragante, Landin, and Orlan the Brave, and 
 witli Angriote his brother Gradovoy and Sarquiles 
 his nephew. Florestan cried out, lower the bridge, 
 that we may ride out among them ! Angriote 
 answered, why would you venture so rashly ? if 
 the bridge were down, the water is so deep that 
 the horses could not reach land without swimming. 
 Quadragante said the same, but Brian was of Flo-
 
 20 
 
 restaii's opinion, and the bridge was lowered, and 
 they both rode out, and reaching the end of the 
 bridge, they made their horses leap into the water ; 
 it was up to the pummel of the saddle ; and there 
 the enemies attacked them, laying on heavy and 
 mortal blows. Quadragante and Angriote came 
 out to them, and so did their comrades ; but the 
 shore was so steep, and they who defended it so 
 many, that they knew not how to help themselves, 
 and the clamour was so great, and the shout and 
 cries so loud as if the whole world were in an uproar, 
 Dragonis and Palomir were up to their necks in 
 Water, catching at the planks of the galleys, and 
 their horses struggling under them ; but they prest 
 on till it was only to their middle, and altho' they 
 of the Island were many and well armed and 
 fought bravely, yet could they not prevent FIo- 
 restan and his comrades from landing, and pre- 
 sently Dragonis and Palomir and tlie other Knights 
 also. When Gaidar saw that the ground was lost, 
 he. made his people retreat as well as they could, 
 for he was sore wounded by Florestan and by Don 
 Brian, who had unhorsed him, and so bruised was 
 he that he scarce could sit on the horse whereon 
 iiis friends had placed him. As he retired toward 
 tlie toM'n, he saw Count Latiae and his troops
 
 01 
 
 ■come flying ^vith all speed, for Don Galva- 
 nes and Agrayes had won the landing, having 
 played their part like men m ho fought in tlieir 
 own cause. 
 
 Now you should know that the Count had Impri- 
 soned Dandasido, son of the old Giant, and twenty 
 other men of the town whom he suspected to be 
 against him, and they were in a prison in the high- 
 est part of the Caftle-tower, and men to guard 
 them. But their keepers when the Knights were 
 engaged went out to see the battle. When Dan- 
 dasido observed tliat they were thus left, he said 
 to his comrades, help me, and we will escape. 
 How can tliat be ? said they. — Break the bolt of 
 tliis chain which fetters us all. 1 liey then took 
 a strong rush rope, with which their hands and 
 feet were tied every night, and put it through the 
 bolt, and with tlie great strengtli of Dandasido 
 and his companions they plucked the bolt out, and 
 loosed themselves, and caught up their keepers 
 weapons, and went upon the towcF and slew them 
 who expected no such danger, and then they 
 shouted out to arms — to arms — for our Lady Ma- 
 dasima ! When the townsmen heard tliem they 
 rose, and seized the strong towers, and slew aU
 
 <>o 
 
 they could lay ham! on. Count Latine seeing this, 
 took shelter in a house by the gate, and Gaidar 
 of Rascuil with Iiini, not daring to venture farther, 
 and expecting death ; and they of the town taking 
 courage, ran through the streets and called to tlie 
 assailants, and bade them bring their Lady Madasi- 
 ma, that they might give her possession of die 
 place. Quadragante and Angi-iote rode up to the 
 gate to learn the truth, and having spoken with 
 Dandasido, they took the tidings to Don Galvancs 3 
 presently they all took horse, and brought out 
 Aladasima on a wliite palfrey, she having her f lir 
 face vmcovercd, and wearing a chaplet of gold. 
 As she approached the town tlic gates were thrown 
 open, and a hundred of the most honourable men 
 came out to meet her, and kissed her hand ; and 
 she said to them, kiss ye the hand of my Lord and 
 Husband, Don Galvancs, who next to God hath 
 tlelivered me from death, and hath now recovered 
 for me my natural subjects. If ye love me, take 
 him for your Lord ! Then they knelt before Don 
 Galvanes, and kissed his hand right hunil)ly, and he 
 courteously received them and thanked them for 
 their loyalty and love to their good Lady Madasima. 
 Dandasido met them at the town, and much was 
 he honoured for what he had done. This done
 
 £3 
 
 Ymosil of Burgundy said^ now then let us rid 
 the town of our enemies, Agrayes, whose wratli 
 was kindled, answered, I have sent to scour the 
 streets ; tlie way to rid the town of tliem, is not 
 to leave one of them alive. Sir, quolh Florestan, 
 give not way to anger, which would make you 
 commit that which }'ou would afterwards rather 
 die than have done. You say well, said Quad- 
 ragante, let them be put in prison ; it is better 
 to have the conquered prisoners than dead, con- 
 sidering the turns of fortune. Then Angriote and 
 Gavarte went to take charge of them, and coming 
 to the gate they found Count Latine end Gaidar 
 and tlieir people in sad plight, so that they were 
 glad to yield themselves to the gentle mercy of 
 Don Galvanes. Thus was Madasima put in pos- 
 session of tiie Town and Castle to the great joy of 
 her people. 
 
 But on the following day came tidings that King 
 Arban, of North Wales, and King Gasquilan 
 had landed with three thousand Knights, and sent 
 back their fleet to bring them supplies. Then 
 were they somewhat cast down, knowing the 
 number of their enemies, and seeing how they 
 themselves had been handled. However they
 
 24 
 
 remembered the advice of Amadis, and although 
 some among them would have issued out to battle, 
 tlicy determined to remain till their wounds were 
 healed, and their horses and arms made fit for 
 sen' ice.
 
 £5 
 
 CHAPTER 2. 
 
 Till the fleet was o;one from the Firm Island 
 teh turmoil had been so great that Amadis had 
 had no time to enquire from Gal vanes the news 
 from King Lisuarte's court ; but now he took him 
 into the garden to learn, andGalvanes told him 
 all that had past, and gave him Mabilia's letter, 
 whereby he learnt that his lineage was about to be 
 increased. At this had Amadis great joy, yet for 
 the loneliness he felt fur his Lady, he retired alone 
 and wept like a man beside himself. When this 
 passion was somewhat abated, he bade Gandalin 
 carry his arms aboard a vessel, for he and Don 
 Bruneo would depart the next day for Gaul. On 
 the morrow they put to sea, the wind was sometimes 
 fair at other times foul, and after five days they 
 found themselves abreast of a fair island and well 
 wooded. Let us stop here a day or t\^o, quoth 
 Don Bruneo, it seemeth a good land, and v\'e may 
 
 VOL. III. B
 
 126" 
 
 perchance find adventures here. They then bade 
 the master put to shore, for they would land. God 
 forbid tliat you should ! said he. Why so ? quoth 
 Amadis. — That you may escape death or cruel 
 imprisonment. For know tliat tliis is the Dolo- 
 rous Isle, whereof tlie great giant Madarque is 
 Lord, the cruellest and fiercest in the world. I 
 tell you no Knight or Damsel hadi entered here 
 for fifteen years, but hatli been killed or taken. 
 When tliey heard tliis they wondered greatly, and 
 with no little fear to undertake such an adventure ; 
 yet as their hearts were such, and as tlieir true 
 office was to cleanse the world of such customs, 
 not heeding danger they bade tlie Master make 
 to land, ^^ hich with difficulty and almost force 
 they made him do. Then took they tlieir arms 
 and horses, and with their two Squires Gandalin 
 and Lasindo, whom they told if they were set 
 upon by any other ilr.'.n Knights to bestir them- 
 selves to aid them, they rode into the Island. So 
 they went up the mountain, and being at the top 
 saw near tliem a Castle goodly and strong, toward 
 which tliey \Yent to hear news of the Giant. 
 Coming near they heard a horn sound from the 
 Tower so loud that it made the valleys ring. The 
 Master of the Ship had told them tliat that horn 
 sounded to call the Giant when his people had
 
 27 
 
 attacked any Knights whom they could not sub- 
 due, and that then he came forth in such fury that 
 he slew all whom he met, even sometimes his own 
 people. Let us go forward then ! said Amadis. 
 Far had tliey not gone \^'hen tliey heard a great 
 uproar and the clash of lances and the clang of 
 swords falling hea\y and fast. Presently they saw 
 a great crowd pressing upon two Knights and two 
 Squires, having slain their horses and now la- 
 bouring to kill tliem, but they four defended 
 themselves marvellously well. Anon Amadis 
 saw the dwarf Ardian come limning toward him, 
 and he knowing his master's shield, cried out, O ! 
 Sir Amadis ! help your brother Galaor, whom 
 tiiey are slaying and his friend King Cildadan. 
 At that they spiirred their horses full speed to their 
 rescue. 
 
 As they were thus gallcipping they saw the Giant 
 Madarque come up. He was on a huge horse ; 
 his mail was thick, and he was covered witli plates 
 of iron, and instead of a helmet he wore an armet 
 of bright steel, and in his hand he held a spear so 
 heavy that any other Knight could not without 
 difficulty lift it, and a great shield ; and he came 
 on crying, give room, give room, ye worthless 
 wretches^ who cannot kiU two tired and worthless 
 
 B 2
 
 28 
 
 Knights ! leave tliem to me that my spear may 
 enjoy their blood. O how God takes vengeance 
 upon the unjust ! and how is he dissatisfied with 
 those who follow pride ! remember Reader that 
 Nimrod who built the Tower of Babel, and many 
 others, whom I will not now mention that I may 
 not run into prolixity, so was it with Madarque in 
 this battle. Amadis who heard him feared greatly 
 seeing how monstrous he was, and commending 
 himself to God, he said, now Oriana Lady mine, 
 it is time to be succoured by you I he then be- 
 sought Don Bruneo to engage tlie other Knights, 
 for he would attack the Giant, and fitted his 
 lance under his arm and ran at him in full career, 
 and smote him so mdely on the breast that he made 
 him foil back upon the crapper. The Giant held 
 the reins short, and being thus driven back he 
 plucked them with him so strongly that the horse 
 reared and fell back upon his master ; so that 
 Madarque broke his leg, and the horses shoulder 
 was put out, -and neither of them could rise. 
 Amadis, who saw him thus, drew his sword and 
 cried out aloud at them, brother Galaor ! for 1 am 
 Amadis who help you. And he rode among them 
 marvelling to see the feats of Bruneo, who at one 
 stroke had pierced a nephew of the Giant through 
 the throat, and was laying about him with his
 
 ^9 
 
 sword. Then Amadis cleaved down another 
 Knight to the teeth, and Galaor mounted upon 
 his horse, yet would he not move on from King 
 Cildadan who was on foot by him : but Gandahn 
 came up and gave his horse to the King, and 
 fought himself with the Squires 3 then when the 
 four Knights were ail mounted you might have 
 seen wonderful deeds of arms/ how they smote 
 down and slew all before them ; and the Scjuires 
 also did their parts manfoUy. So that all who \\'ere 
 able to fly soon fled before tliem to the Castle, 
 and they followed them close to the Castle-gate. 
 Now the gate was shut, and might not be opened 
 till the Giant himself came, for so he had com- 
 manded ; when therefore his people saw that they 
 could not enter and had no remedy, they who 
 were on horseback alighted, and they threw away 
 their swords, and fell upon their knees before 
 Amadis, who was foremost in pursuit, and caught 
 hold of the lappets of his armour to escape from 
 his companions. Amadis protected them from 
 King Cildadan and Galaor, who were so enraged 
 at the wrong they had received that they would 
 not else have leit a man alive ; and he took assu- 
 rance from them to obey liis commands. Then 
 went they towards the Giant, who lay unable to 
 help himself, in such plight tliat he was well nigh
 
 o 
 
 
 
 expiring, for the horse lay upon his broken leg. 
 King Cildadan alighted, and bade his Squires help 
 him, and they together turned the horse over, so 
 that the Giant could breathe, for King Cildadan, 
 though by his means both himself and Galaor had 
 been brought to tlie point of death, had no design 
 to slay him, not for his own sake, for he was evil 
 and proud, but for the love of his son, King Gas- 
 quilan, A\ho was a right good Knight, and he 
 therefore besought Amadis to spare him. JNIa- 
 darquc, then quoth Amadis, you see in what plight 
 you are, if you will take my counsel you sliall 
 live, if not Deatli is with thee. Good Knight, 
 replied the Giant, since you place life or death in 
 my choice, I will do your pleasure and live, and 
 this I swear. What I will tlien, answered Ama- 
 dis, is tliat tliou shouldst become a Christian, with 
 all thy people, and build clmrches and monasteries 
 in thy dominions, and release all thy prisoners, and 
 never more keep this evil custom. The Giant 
 answered being in the fear of death, all this Mill I 
 do, for I well know that according to my force and 
 people compared with yours I could not have been 
 vanquished except for my sins, and tliat too by 
 one blow. Now if it please you let me be carried 
 to my Castle, and come ye there also and regale 
 yourselves, and tliere I will obey you. Then
 
 r) 
 
 1 
 
 Amadis called tlaose whom he had spared and 
 they took up the Giant, and all went to the 
 Castle. 
 
 When they had disarmed, Amadis and Gak'.or em- 
 braced each other many times, weeping for pure 
 joy, and thus happy were tliose four Knights till 
 tlie Giant sent to inform them that their food "was 
 ready 5 but Amadis replied that he would not eat 
 till the prisoners were all brought before him. 
 That shall presently be done, said the Giant's peo- 
 ple, for he has already sent to release them. Pre- 
 sently they came, one hundred and tliirty Knights 
 and forty dames and damsels, and they all came 
 humbly to kiss the hand of Amadis and ask what 
 he would command them to do. What will most 
 please me, replied Amadis, is that ye go to Queen 
 Brisena, and tell her that her Knight of the Firm 
 Island hath sent ye, and tliat he hath found here 
 his brother Galaor, and kiss her hand for me. 
 Then were they ser\ed with food, and Amadis 
 ordered that ships should be provided for the pri- 
 soners, and so they set sail to perform his bidding. 
 After they had made their meal Amadis and his 
 companions went into the Giant's chamber to see 
 him, and they found that his .sister Andandon.i Mas 
 looking to his wound. This was tlie fiercest and 
 
 B 4
 
 32 
 
 worst Giantess in the world ; she was fifteen years 
 older then her brother, and had holpen to bring 
 him up, and her hair was white and so woolly 
 that it could not be combed, and her face so de- 
 formed beyond all course of nature, that she 
 looked like nothing but a Devil, Of stature was 
 she huge, and fleet of foot, nor was there horse so 
 wild nor any other savage beast that she could not 
 tame and break in. She shot with tlie bow, and 
 threw darts certainly and strong, so that for the 
 most part she was hunting in the mountain, and 
 her clothing was of the skins of bears and lions and 
 wild boars whom she had slain. Great enemy was 
 she to the Christians, and always had done them 
 all the evil in her power, and much worse was 
 she hereafter and made her brother be the same, 
 till in the battle which King Lisuarte had with 
 King Aravigo and the six Kings, King Perion <lcw 
 him as shall be related. 
 
 After the Knights had remained awhile with 
 Madanjue, and he had again promised them to 
 turn Christian, they left him, and on the following 
 morning embarked for Gaul. They had to pass an 
 arm of the sea which had thick woods on citlier 
 side, and in these woods that devilish Giantess 
 A.ndandona lay in wait for them, and when she
 
 o 
 
 3 
 
 saw them on the water, she came close (o tlie shore 
 upon a rock above them, and took the sharpest of 
 all her darts and threw it at them m ith all her 
 force, it struck Don Bruneo and went through his 
 leg into the side of the galley, and there brake, 
 but with the force of her aim she overswayed her- 
 self and fell into the water, with such a sound as 
 if a tower had fallen. They seeing how monstrous 
 she was, and that she was clothed with the black 
 skins of bears, verily believed she was some Devil, 
 and began to cross themselves and commend them- 
 selves to God 3 but presently they saw her s^\■im 
 stiffly towards the shore, and tlien they shot ar- 
 rows at her, but she dived till she reached the 
 land, then just as she landed Amadis and Cildadan 
 wounded her with their arro\^'s in the shoulder ; 
 but she quickly ran into the wood, and Xing Cil- 
 dadan who saw her flying thus with tlie shafts in 
 her shoulder, could not forbear laughing. Then 
 they went to help Don Bruneo, and staunched the 
 blood and laid him in his bed. Presently the 
 Giantess appeared again upon an eminence, and 
 cried out aloud. If you think I am a Devil you are 
 wrong ! but I am Andandona, \\'ho will do you all 
 tlie mischief I can, and will not forbear for what pain 
 or trouble it may cost me ; and then she ran along 
 the rocks so fleetly that nothing could have over- 
 
 B 5
 
 34- 
 
 taken her, so that they Avere much amazed thereat, 
 for they thought surely that she would have died 
 of her wounds. Then they learnt all concerning 
 her from two of the prisoners whom Gandalin had 
 taken on board the galley because they were natives 
 of Gaul; and if DonBrnneohad not intrcatcd them 
 to carry him as quickly as possible where he might 
 have help for his wound, they would have returned 
 and hunted the whole island to catch that bedevilled 
 (jiantess, and have her burnt. 
 
 So they went on and entered the open sea, talking 
 of many things, and Amadis told them all that had 
 passed with King Lisuarte. Full sorrowful Uiere- 
 at was Don Galaor, and great grief did he feel 
 hi his heart, for he well understood what evils 
 might ensue, and he was placed in great trouble ; 
 for though his brother Amadis whom he so dearly 
 loved was on the other side, yet could not that so 
 influence his heart as to make him reflise to seiTC 
 King Lisuarte, with whom he had lived as you 
 have heard heretofore. And then he remembered 
 how Amadis had left him at the Firm Island, and 
 calling him aside he said. Sir Brother, what thing 
 so great or grievous could have happened to you 
 that the love and tie between us was not greater ; 
 but you concealed it from me as from a stranger ?
 
 '1 ,t 
 
 Good brother, replied Amadis, since it was pow- 
 erful enough to break that tie, you may well ween 
 it was worse than death itself. I beseech you ask 
 rae no farther now. Galaor then put on a better 
 semblance, for he had before been somewhat an- 
 gry, and seeing that his brother would still be 
 secret, said no more. Four days they continued 
 their voyage, and then took haven at a to\^'n in 
 Gaul called Mostrol, where King Per ion and his 
 Queen tlien sojourned, because it was opposite to 
 Britain, and they could better learn tidings of their 
 sons. They when they saw the galley sent to 
 know who was come. Amadis bade the messen- 
 ger reply that it was King Cildadan and Don Bru- 
 neo, but of himself or his brother to say nothing. 
 Right joyful was King Perion at these tidings, for 
 Amadis had sent him word how King Cildadan had 
 been with Galaor in the house of Urganda, and now 
 he thought he should hear of his son. He ordered 
 all his company to take horse, and rode out with 
 them to meet the new comers, for Don Bruneo 
 had sometimes been at his court, and he loved 
 him much, and knew that he was much M'ith 
 his sons. 
 
 Amadis and Galaor clad themselves richly and rode 
 to tlie Queen's palace, and bade the Porter tell her 
 
 b6
 
 r\ 
 
 G 
 
 that two Knights of her lineage \\ ished to speak 
 with her. She bade them enter, and seeing Ama- 
 dis, she knew Galaor by die likeness, albeit she 
 had never seen him before since the Giant took 
 him away being but a child, and she cried out in 
 one breath. Ah Virgin Mary Lady, what is this ! 
 I see my sons before me ! And she fell upon the 
 cslrado like one bereft of sense. They knelt down 
 and kissed her hand, and she rose and descended 
 from the estrado and took them in her arms, and 
 kissed them many times, before any of tliem could 
 speak, till their sister Melicia entered, and the 
 Queen drew back that tliey might greet her, and 
 much were they astonished at her exceeding beauty. 
 A\'ho can tell the joy of that noble Queen to see 
 before her her two sons, how fair Knights they 
 were, and considering tlie griefs and fears ^^'here- 
 with her heart was always troubled, knowing the 
 dangers which Amadis encountered, and expecting 
 life or death herself as the issue might be, and 
 having lost Galaor as you have heard, and now be- 
 holding tJiem both restored with such honour and 
 renown 3 certcs none can tell what joy she felt 
 except she herself or one who has been in like 
 rase. Then said Amadis, we have brought Don 
 Briuieo de Bonamar here, who is badly wounded ; 
 let him be honourably entreated as one of the be I
 
 37 
 
 Knights in the worltl. That shall he be, my son, 
 replied Elisena, because you love him and because 
 he has served us well, and when I cannot attend 
 him, your sister Melicia shall. Lady Sister, quoth 
 Galaor, you ought as a damsel to honour him 
 greatly, as one who serv^es and honours all damsels 
 better than any otiier ; happy may she think herself 
 whom he loves ! for without let he passed under 
 the enchanted Arch of True Lovers, a certain 
 testimony that he had never been false. When 
 Melicia heard this her heart leaped, for she well 
 knew that that adventure had been atchieved for 
 her sake ; and she answered like a discreet damsel 
 as she was. Sir I shall do my best because you 
 command me, and because they tell me he is a 
 good Knight, and one who loves you much. 
 
   While tliey were thus in talk the Kings Perion 
 and Cildadan came up, and when Amadis and 
 Galaor saw their father they knelt down and each 
 took him by the hand and kissed it, and he kissed 
 them, and the tears of joy ran down. King Cil- 
 dadan bade them remember Don Bruneo, and he 
 having spoken to the Queen and her daughter, 
 they all went towards Don Bruneo, who was car- 
 ried in Knights arms from the galley, and they laid 
 him in a rich bed, in a chamber of the Queen's
 
 38 
 
 apartments^, the windows whereof opened into a 
 garden of roses and other flowers. There the 
 Queen and her daughter went to visit him, and 
 she shewed great pity for his wound, and said to 
 him, Don Bruneo, I will see you the most I can, 
 and when any thing prevents me, your friend 
 Mehcia shall be with you and she shall cure your 
 wound. Elisena then departed, leaving her daugh- 
 ter and her damsels, Melicia sate herself opposite 
 his bed, where he could see her fair countenance, 
 and so happy was Don Bruneo tliat while he could 
 be so attended he did not wish to be healed. She 
 looked at his wound and saw that it was a great 
 one, but being open on both sides she hoped to 
 heal it speedily j and she said Don Bi"uneo, me- 
 tliinks I can cure the wound, but you must alto- 
 gether obey me, else you may bring on great dan- 
 ger. Lady, replied he, God forbid that I should 
 ever otherwise than obey you, for sure am I that 
 in that case none could help me. These words 
 she understood as he had meant them, better than 
 the damsels who were present. She then applied 
 an ointment to his leg which allayed the swelling 
 and pain, and gave him food witli her OM^n fair 
 hands, and said to him, compose yourself now, 
 and when it is time 1 will visit you again. As 
 she left the chamber she met his Squire Lasindo j
 
 39 
 
 now he knew the secret of his master's love. 
 Lasindo, said she, you are well known here, and 
 do you ask for whatever your master may need. 
 Lady, he replied, God send the time when this 
 kindness may be rewarded ! and drawing nearer 
 he said to her iu a low voice. She Lady who wislied 
 to cure the wounded should take heed to the worst 
 wound J for God's sake Lady have pity on him, 
 who so needs it, not for the pain which his wound 
 gives him, but for what he endures for you. 
 When Melicia heard this she replied, friend I 
 shall remedy the wound which I see, if I can j 
 of the other I know notliing. You know. Lady, 
 replied Lasindo, that the passion he endures for 
 you enabled him to see the statues of Apolidon and 
 Grimanesa. Ailings like these, Lasindo, she an- 
 swered, are often cured by only Time, so it may 
 be with your Master, and it is needless to ask reme- 
 dy for him from one who cannot bestow it. Witli 
 that she left him and went to her Mother. And 
 though Lasindo repeated tliis answer to Don Bru- 
 neo, yet did it nothing trouble him, for he be- 
 lieved she felt otherwise than tliat, and he often 
 blessed the Giantess Andandona for wounding 
 him, because thereby he enjoyed that pleasure, 
 without which all the world to him was only trou- 
 ble and solitude.
 
 40 
 
 Thus as you hear Khig Cildadan and Galaor and 
 Amadis Avere in Gaul with King Perion, to tlie 
 great joy of all, and Don Brnnco in the care of 
 her whoTi he loved so well. One day Galaor led 
 them aside and said. Sirs, I believe that though 
 I were to labour much I could not find other three 
 who would love me so -well, and therefore I be- 
 seech ye advise me concerning that which ought to 
 be prized next to my soul. You Sir my brothef 
 Amadis placed me with King Lisuarte, and com- 
 manded me to be his with great affection j and 
 now seeing how you are at enmity with the King, 
 and that I am not discharged from his service, 
 certainly I am greatly perplexed ; for if I should 
 help you, my honour would be tainted, and rf I 
 should aid him, it is the pain of death to me to 
 do aught against you. I beseech you give me 
 counsel upon this, which is your cause also, and 
 consider more my honour than your own inclina- 
 tion. King Perion answered, Son you cannot do 
 wrong in following your brother against a King 
 so thankless and unreasonable, for when you re- 
 mained with him, it was to do the will of Amadis ; 
 and now with just cause may you leave him, see- 
 ing tliat like an enemy he labours to destroy }'our 
 kindred who have served him so well. Sir, re- 
 plied Don Galaor^ I trust in God and in your fa-
 
 41 
 
 vour whereto I commit my honour, that it never 
 shall be said I left the service of that King now 
 when he needs my service so much, not having 
 taken leave of him before. Good brother, then 
 said Amadis, tliough we are bound to follow the 
 better judgment of the King our father, yet will 
 I now venture by his favour to say, that at a time 
 like this you ought not to forsake the King, unless 
 it were so that no one could be injured thereby. 
 As for this between him and me, there can be no 
 Knights on his side so powerfiil, powerful as they 
 may be, that the high Lord v/iil not be stronger, 
 who knows the services which I have wrought 
 for him, and the evil guerdon, v/hich nothing me- 
 riting such, I have from him received. Jt was 
 determined then that Galaor should go to King 
 Lisuarte. King Cildadan then said to tlie two bre- 
 thren, ye know friends the issue of that great bat- 
 tle, which by you was won, and wherein ye took 
 from me that great glory which I and my people 
 should have gained ; and ye know the terms of 
 the battle, that the conquered should serve the 
 conqueror, and this must I fulfill for my honour's 
 sake, though it grieves me to the heart. To-day 
 tliere came a summons to me from King Lisuarte 
 to serve him with my full number of Knights.
 
 t2 
 
 I must therefore go with t)on Galaor. So the next 
 day they took leave and entered into a vessel, and 
 having landed in Great Britain, took their road 
 towards tlie Kinff. 
 
 't>' 
 
 Greatly incensed was Lisuarte at what had hap- 
 pened in the island of IVIongaza, and the slaugh- 
 ter of his people. And he resolved wiUiout wait- 
 ing for all the forces which he had summoned to 
 go against it. But three days before he was to 
 embark he told the Queen to take Oriana and tlie 
 Ladies of the court to sport with him in the forest. 
 So tents were pitched there, and they enjoyed the 
 chace, but the King's tlioughts were more upon 
 the loss of the Firm Island than upon his sport.
 
 43 
 
 CHAPTER 
 
 King Cildadan and Don Galaor hearing that the 
 King prepared to embark made all speed to join 
 him. It chanced that having slept in a forest, 
 they heard a bell ring for mass at day-break, and 
 going to the Hermitage they saw twelve rich shields 
 ranged around the altar, bearing castles or in a 
 field azure, and in the midst of them was a white 
 shield rimmed with gold. Having made their 
 orisons they asked certain Squires who were there 
 to whom those shields belonged. They answered 
 that they could by no means tell them, but if they 
 went to the Court of King Lisuarte they would 
 soon know. Presently the Knights who owned 
 the shields came in, leading some Damsels, and 
 behind them, the new Knight talking with a Dame 
 who was not young. He was of good stature and 
 fair, and so strongly made that hardly might ano-
 
 44 
 
 tlier such be seen, so that King Cildadan and 
 Galaor marvelled much to see him, and weened 
 that he came from a far land, because till then they 
 had never beheld him. When mass was over, the 
 Lady asked them if they were of King Lisuarte's 
 household. — Why ask you ? — Because if it please 
 you we should desire your company, for the King 
 is in the forest hard by with the Queen and a 
 great company hunting and regaUng in their tents» 
 — x\nd what is your pleasure witli us ? — That for 
 courtesy you would request the King and the 
 Queen and their daughter Oriana to come hither 
 and make this Squire a Knight, for he is such that 
 he merits all the honour that may be done him. — 
 Right willingly Lady will we do tliis, and we trust 
 the King also will do as you say, according to his 
 wonted courtesy. Then they rode all togetlier to 
 a little hill by the way side to wait for tlie King, 
 and it was not long before they saw him and the 
 Queen and their company approaching. The King 
 rode foremost, and beholding the Damsels and 
 two armed Knights, he thought they wished to 
 joust, and he bade Don Grumedan, who guarded 
 him with thirty Knights, to go and tell them not 
 to trouble themselves to joust, but come to him. 
 Don Gnimedan rode foremost and the King stopt. 
 When Cildadan and Galaor saw that lie stopt.
 
 45 
 
 they and the Damsels came down the hill and 
 went towards him, and when Galaor was near 
 enough to know the old Knight, he exclaimed to 
 King Cildadan, here Sir is one of the good men 
 of the earth. — Who is he ? — Don Grumedan who 
 bore the King's banner in the battle against you. 
 In truth then, quoth Cildadan, I can say he is 
 such, for I plucked the banner from him, and 
 ^ could never force it from his hands till the staff 
 broke, and then saw I him do such feats of arms 
 as showed his great displeasure that it had been 
 taken. They then took off their helmets, and 
 Grumedan knowing Galaor as he approached ex- 
 claimed. Ah my friend Don Galaor, you are as 
 welcome as tlie angels from heaven ! and he rode 
 up to him as fast as he could. Don Grumedan, 
 quoth Galaor, this is King Cildadan. The old 
 Knight then kissed the King's hand, who welcomed 
 him very courteously, and then turned to Galaor 
 and they embraced, like those who loved each 
 other at heart. Then rode he back to Lisuarte. 
 Good news Sir and joyful ! here comes your vas- 
 sal and friend Don Galaor, who never failed you 
 in time of need, and the other is King Cildadan. 
 I am right glad of his coming, replied the King. 
 I well thought that if he were whole and at his 
 own free will, he w^ould not fail to come to me.
 
 46 
 
 as I Mould have gone to him if it were to his lio- 
 nour. By this the Knights came up, and he re- 
 ceived them fiiU graciously. Don Galaor would 
 have kissed his hands, but the King would not 
 permit that, embracing him so as to show how 
 Ml his heart he loved him. They tlien told him of 
 the Lady and the boon she begged. The King 
 mused awhile, for he was accustomed to knight 
 those only of great worth ; and he asked \\ hose 
 son he was. That, replied the Dame, j-ou shall 
 not know yet, but I swear to you that on both sides 
 lie is of good and royal parentage. What shall I 
 do, Don Galaor ? said the King. — Mctliinks, Sir, 
 you should consent 5 for tlie Child is of rare sta- 
 ture and comeliness, and cannot fail to be a good 
 Knight. Let it be so then ! Lisuarte answered. 
 And he bade Grumedan take Don Galaor and King 
 Cildadan to the Queen, and then all follow him 
 to the Hermitage. How tliey were welcomed by 
 the Queen and Oriana it is not necessary to relate, 
 never were others better or more lovingly. So 
 they all followed to the Hermitage, and w4ien they 
 saw those shields, and the white one which was 
 so rich among them, they marvelled thereat, but 
 still more at the goodly person of the Child, and 
 they could not think who he was, having never
 
 47 
 
 heard of hina before. He humbly kissed the hands 
 of the King, and would have kissed the Queen's 
 and Oriana's also, but that they would not permit 
 because of his high birth. The King then knighted 
 him, and said, take the sword from whom it shall 
 please you best. If it please you, he replied, I 
 will take it from the hands of Oriana, for so will 
 that be accomplished which my heart desired. 
 Dear daughter, tlien said Lisuarte, give if it please 
 you the sword to this Knight, who will rather re- 
 ceive it from you than from any other hand. 
 Oriana with great shamefastness, as one who 
 thought it strange, tlien took the sword and 
 gave it him, and thus was his knighting fidly 
 performed. 
 
 The Dame then said. Sir, I and my three Damsels 
 must be gone, though I would willingly remain 
 with you awhile, but so it is ordered. Norandel 
 whom you have armed Knight and these twelve 
 Knights with him may if it like yon abide in your 
 service. Well pleased was the King thereat, 
 greatly admiring the young man. The Dame then 
 took her leave, and as she departed slipped a letter 
 into Lisuarte's hand, saying, read this in private, 
 mid then do as you tliink best. She then went
 
 4S 
 
 towards the ship. He wondering what this might 
 be, bade the Queen go with King Cildadan and 
 Galaor to the tents, and feast them if he should 
 tarry in the chace. Brisena obeyed, and as soon 
 as he was alone he opened die letter. 
 
 Lisuarte, most high King of Great Britain, I the 
 Princess Celinda, daughter of King Hegido, kiss 
 your hand. You will well remember Sir how you 
 being only an Errant Knight found me besieged 
 in my Castle of the Great Rosier by Antifon the 
 fierce, because I would not accept him in mar- 
 riage; and how you undertook my cause in single 
 combat and slew him ; and how under the rosier 
 I yielded you my love. Then was this Child be- 
 gotten, so fair a one, that it seemetli that sin hath 
 produced good frait, and will therefore be by the 
 most high Lord forgiven. I send with him this 
 ring which you gave me, as that which witnessed 
 all. Honour him and love him my good Lord, 
 and make him Knight like one who on both sides 
 is sprung from Kings, and deriving from you dar- 
 ing courage, and from me that ardent love \\hich 
 I have borne towards you, reasonably may we 
 hope that Knightliood will be well bestowed 
 upon him.
 
 49 
 
 Pull well did Lisuarte remember this, and the 
 ring confirmed tliat Norandel was his son. How- 
 beit, though the young Knight promised so fairly 
 by his fair appearance, he resolved to conceal the 
 truth till he should have given proof of his valour. 
 He then went to the chace, and, returning with 
 plenty of game, went to the tent where King Cil- 
 dadan and Galaor lodged, being attended by all 
 the best Knights of his court, all richly clad, and 
 before all he praised them for their great feats of 
 arms as they desen^ed, and for the great help he 
 hoped from them in this war, which he now 
 waged against the best Knights in the world. 
 Then cheaifuUy he told tliem of his sport, and 
 said merrily that he would give tliem none of his 
 game ; and he sent it all to Oriana and the Prin- 
 cesses, but he bade them divide It with Cildadan 
 and Galaor. So there he ate with tliem. After 
 the clothes were removed, he took Galaor aside 
 vmder tlie trees, and leaning on his shoulder, said. 
 My good friend, Galaor, how I esteem and love 
 you God knows, for your courage and your coun- 
 sel have always profited me, and I liave full con- 
 fidence in your faith, so much, that I would not 
 say to my own heart the tiling which I would con- 
 ceal from you. Look now what hath happened ! 
 and he gave him the letter. Glad thereof was 
 
 VOL, III. c
 
 50 
 
 Galaor, seeing that Norandel was the King's son, 
 and he said, if you. Sir, went thro' tliis toil and peril 
 to deHver that Princess, she well repaid you by so 
 fair a son. As God shall help me, I think he will 
 be as' good as he is fair ; and however desirous 
 you now are to conceal his birth, you will here- 
 after be more so to acknowledge him. If it please 
 you, let him be my comrade for a year: thus will 
 somewhat of my great desire to serve you be ac- 
 complished. Much do I thank you, replied the 
 King, yet shall I give you a boy for your compa- 
 nion, who may prove we know not what ? how- 
 beit, as it pleases you, let it be so, for as nothing 
 will be secret, whate\er honour is done to him, is 
 done to me. So after they had returned to tJie 
 tents awhile, Galaor said to the King, Sir, you 
 well know it is the custom of your house, and of 
 the whole kingdom of London, that the first boon 
 which Knight or Damsel shall require from a new 
 made Knight, ought to be granted, Truly so 
 is the custom, replied the King. I am a Knight, 
 rejoined Galaor, and I ask a boon of Norandel : it 
 is that we keep company together for one whole 
 year, being true to each other, and that nothing 
 but death or captivity separate us. Norandel 
 marvelled greatly when he heard this, and full joy- 
 ful was he, for he saw how the Kin^ honoured
 
 A' 
 
 1 
 
 Galaor among so many good and esteemed 
 Knights, and he knew his tame, how except 
 Amadis there was none who surpassed him in 
 arms. My Lord Sir Galaor, quotli he, it is plain, 
 by your great wortii and my littleness, that you 
 have said thus more tor your goodness than my 
 deserts ; but I grant it, and thank you for it, as 
 the tiling in the world which next to the service of 
 the King most rejoices me. 
 
 The King then told them how he would put to 
 sea on the third day, for, according to the tidings 
 he received from the Island of Mongaza, his going 
 was necessary. In God's name, said King Cil- 
 dadan, and we will serve you in all things that 
 may be to your honour. Sir, quotli Galaor, since 
 you have the hearts of your people so fully, fear 
 you none but God. Even so, replied the King ; 
 great as your prowess is, your love and affection 
 maketh me more secure. The following day after 
 mass they set out to return to the town, and the 
 King told Galaor he might inform Oriana of No- 
 randel's birtli, but in secrecy. So Galaor took her 
 bridle, whereat well pleased was she for the love 
 her father bore him, and because being the hro • 
 ther of Amadis, it was to her a comfort to see 
 him. In the course of tlaeir talk tliey spake of 
 
 c2
 
 52 
 
 Korandel. Do you know any thing of this Knight, 
 said Oriana, for he came with you, and you have 
 asked him to be your companion in arms ; for one 
 of your prowess, this should not be done unless 
 you knew something of his worth, for all who 
 know you say there is no one equal to you, except 
 only your brother Amadis, My Lady, replied 
 Galaor, so equal is my prowess to that of Amadis 
 as earth is to heaven ; and fool would he be who 
 thought to equal his ! for God has gifted him 
 above all others in tlie world in hardihood, and in 
 all good customs that beseem a Knight. Oriana 
 became thoughtful, and a feeling came upon her, — 
 if ever thou shouldst be without tlie love of this 
 Amadis ! and without tliis fame of arms and of 
 beauty ! but she felt joy and pride, that he who 
 had no peer was her own. But for Norandel, 
 added Galaor, it surely seems that he will be a 
 good man, and I know that of him which will 
 surprize all whenever it comes to be known. So 
 I believed, replied Oriana, that not witliout great 
 cause you took him for your companion in arms : 
 if it may fairly be told, I should willingly know 
 it. That would be a dear secret, quoth he, which 
 you wished to know, and 1 should withhold, but 
 no other must know it : he is son to the King 
 your father ! and then he told her all. Yoit have
 
 13 
 
 made me right glad, cried Oriana, and I tmly 
 thank you, for the near tie between us : if he be 
 good by nature, you will make him more so ; and 
 if otherwise, your example will amend him. Thus 
 they went on till they reached the town ; tliere 
 Qriana went with her mother, and Galaor took his 
 comrade Norandel to his lodging. 
 
 On the follov/ing day, the ships being manned, 
 Lisuarte commanded that his dinner should be 
 prepared on board, and he, with Galaor, Noran- 
 del, and King Cildadan, took leave of the Queen 
 and his daughter, and went to tlie fort of Jafoque, 
 where his fleet lay, and sailed for the Island of 
 Mongaza. In five days they reached the port of 
 the town from whence die Island took its name, 
 and there they found King Arban of Nortli Wales 
 strongly encamped, and learnt from him what 
 had past. There had been a great battle with the 
 Knights who held the town, and his men had 
 been defeated, and would all have been lost, if 
 King Arban had not taken advantage of some 
 rocks and retired among them ; that brave King 
 Gasquilan, of Sweden, had been sorely wounded 
 by Don Florestan, and his people had carried him 
 away by sea to be healed. Brian of Monjaste had 
 advanced too far to attack King Arban, and was 
 
 G CI
 
 5i 
 
 made prisoner. From that time King Arban's 
 army had never ventured to stir from the rocks 
 where Lisnarte found them, and though the enemy 
 had often attempted, they were never able to at- 
 tack tiiem. Lisuarte was incensed again.^t the 
 Knights of the Island, hearing this, and he landed 
 all his men and stores, and pitched his camp. 
 
 In good .time for Oriana had King Lisnarte de- 
 parted. She felt her pains coming, and dismissing 
 all her other Damsels, went with only Mabilia and 
 the Damsel of Denmark to her chamber, and 
 there till midnight in great tear and agony she 
 endured, suppressing all cries, till it pleased God, 
 the Keliever of all, that she was delivered of a fair 
 son, who was forthwith wrapt in rich garments ; 
 and Oriana bade them bring him to her bed, and 
 she took him in her arms and kissed him many 
 times. Do you see, said the Damsel to Mabilia, 
 what the child has upon its breast ? No, quoth 
 she, I was too busy to look. Certainly, cried the 
 Damsel, he has something upon his breast which 
 other infants have not. They then lit a candle, 
 and uncovered him, and saw that under the right 
 nipple there were letters as white as snow, and, 
 under the left, seven letters as red as live coals ; 
 but neither one nor the other could read them.
 
 65 
 
 for the white letters were Latin and very difficult, 
 and the red ones were Greek. Presently, as they 
 had agreed, the Damsel privately went out and 
 came round under the chamber- window with 
 Durin on horseback. Mabilia had laid the child 
 in a basket, and lowered it to them by a string, 
 and they rode toward Miratlores, where the child 
 was to be brought up as the Dainsel's own. But 
 soon leaving the right road, they struck into a 
 bye-patli through the forest, to go more secretly. 
 They can:ie at last to a fountain, near which was 
 a deep valley, so thick with underwood that none 
 could enter it, where lions and other wild beasts 
 bred. Above this valley there was an old hermit- 
 age, where dwelt the Hermit Nasciano, who 
 was a holy man : it was the opinion of the neigh- 
 bouring peasantry, that he was sometimes regaled 
 with heavenly food ; and when he went out to beg; 
 provision, neither lion nor any wild beast would harm 
 him, but, when they met him on his ass, seemed 
 to fawn to him. Near this hermitage there was a 
 cave in the rock, where a lioness had whelped, 
 and tlie good man often went in and fed her cubs, 
 and would play \\ ith tliem after he had said his 
 prayers. Now when the Damsel came to this 
 fovuitain she was athirst, and she said to her bro- 
 ther, let us alight, and take the child, for I must 
 
 c 4
 
 5G 
 
 drink. Duriu alighted^ took the child and laid 
 him at the foot of a tree ; but, as his sister was 
 about to alight, they heard the roaring of a Hon 
 in the thicket, which frightened both palfreys, and 
 they started ctF full speed. The Damsel had no 
 command over her's, and expecting to be dashed 
 to pieces among the trees, cried out to God to 
 help her. Durin ran after her, and overtaking 
 her at last caught the reins j but she was in such 
 plight that she could scarcely speak. He took her 
 off, and said, stay here, and I will go on your 
 horse in pursuit of my own. Go for the child 
 first, said she, and bring him to me, lest any tiling 
 happen. Hold die reins, then, said he, for if I 
 take the horse I cannot bring him. So he set off 
 afoot, but meantime a marvellous adventure had 
 happened, for the lioness whom you have heard 
 of, and who had roared so loud, went every day 
 to that fountain to get scent of the beasts who 
 drank there ; and now, as she was looking about 
 her, she heard the child cry, and went to the foot 
 of a tree, and took him up in her keen teeth by 
 the clopths, without touching the flesh, for so it 
 pleased God. ;uid can'ied him to her cubs for food : 
 this was pbout day-break. But that Lord of the 
 V-'orld, who is merciful toward those who implore 
 his mercy, and with the innocent,, who have nei-
 
 57 
 
 tlier age nor understanding to implore it, helped 
 him in this guise. That holy Nasciano having 
 sung mass, and going to tlie fountain to refresh 
 himself, for tlie night had been hot, beheld the 
 lioness with the child in her mouth, and heard 
 him cr)^ing witli the voice of a new-born babe. 
 "Whereat he crossed himself, and said to her, go, 
 evil beast, and leave tliis creature of God's work, 
 who hath not made him for tliee ! The lioness 
 came crouching to him, and laid the babe at his 
 feet, and then departed, Nasciano made upon 
 him the sign of the true cross, then took him in 
 his arms, and went towards the hermitage. As he 
 past the cave, he saw tJie lioness was giving suck 
 to her cubs, and he called to her, saying, I com- 
 mand thee on the part of God, in whose power 
 are all tilings, to come feed this child like thy own 
 cubs, and to guard him like them. Slie came 
 and lay down at his feet: the good man placed 
 the infant at her teats, and the child sucked, and 
 tliencefortli the lioness came fondly to feed hira 
 whenever he cried. The Hermit then sent his 
 nephew, a lad who assisted him at mass, to call 
 his father and mother : they dwelt at the skirts of 
 the forest, but the father was gone from home, 
 and could not come till after ten days, during 
 
 which time the child was fed by tlie lioness, and 
 
 C 5
 
 58 
 
 by a she-go?.t and a ewe, who gave him suck 
 while tlie lioness was prowling about. 
 
 When Diirin came to the foot of tlie tree, and 
 saw that the child was gone, he was greatly dis- 
 mayed, and he looked on all sides, and beholding 
 only the track of the lioness, thought that surely 
 she had devoured liim. When he told his sister 
 tliis, she beat her face, and cried out aloud, curs- 
 ing her fortune and the hour wherein she was 
 born, and in this passionate grief she continued 
 more than, two hours. Sister, said Durin, this is 
 of no avail, and great evil may rise from it to 
 your Lady and her friend. At last she saw that 
 he had reason, and she said, what sliall we do ? 
 We must go to Mirafiores, said he, since my pal- 
 frey is lost, and stay there tliree or four days as if 
 some business brought us there, and when we re- 
 turn we must tell Oriana that the child is safe j 
 after she is recovered, you must take counsel witb 
 Mabilia what to do. So tlius they agreed, and 
 the Damsel put on a good countenaiice on her 
 teturn, and told Oriaua that the child was taken 
 care of. 
 
 In ten days the Hermit's sister and her husband 
 Arrived; and he told tliem by what great chance
 
 59 
 
 he had found the infant, whom God certainly- 
 loved because he had so saved him, and he be- 
 sought them to take charge of him till he could 
 speak, and then bring him to him for instruction ;. 
 but first, said the good man, I will baptize him. 
 When that dame stript him by the font, she saw 
 the white and red letters on his breast, and 
 shewed them to Nasciano, who greatly marvelled 
 thereat, and reading them he saw that the white 
 ones said, in Latin, Esplandian, and thought that 
 this was to be the child's name ; and so he bap- 
 tized him by that name, Esplandian, whereby he 
 was afterwards so known in the world. But the 
 red letters, though he tried earnestly, he could 
 neither read nor understand. So his nurse took 
 the child home with a good will, deeming that she 
 and her family should one day be well repaid j 
 and she nursed him diligendy, as one in. whom she 
 had placed her hopes ; and when he began to 
 speak, she took him again to her brother, and he- 
 was then so comely and well grown a child that all 
 -arhp. saw iiim were delighted. 
 
 cC
 
 6,0 
 
 CHAPTER 4. 
 
 Herptofore you have heard how King Lisuartf^. 
 having landed in the Isle of Mongaza, found King; 
 Arban among the rocks, whom he commanded to. 
 raise his camp and join him on the plain. Pie waS' 
 now advised tliat Don Galvanes and his compa- 
 nions had departed from the Boiling Lake, and. 
 crossed the mountains, with design to give him, 
 battle, Fortliwith he went to meet them, heart- 
 eiijijQg his anny the best he could, for they had to 
 deal with the best Knights in tlie world. So far 
 tkey marched, that they encamped that night 
 upon the banks of a river, a league apart from the 
 enemy. When it was day- break, they all heard 
 mass and armed themselves, and the King or- 
 dained his forces into three battalions. Don Ga- 
 laor had the first of five hundred Knights, with 
 him were his comrade Norandel, and Don Guilan 
 the pensive^ and his cousin Ladasin_, and Grimeo
 
 61 
 
 tlie valiant, and Cendil of Ganota, and Nicoran 
 the good jouster of the perilous bridge. The se- 
 cond battalion he gave to King Cildadan with 
 seven hundred Knights, with him went Ganides 
 of Ganota, and Acedis the King's nephew, and 
 Gradasen and Brandoyuas, and Tasian and Fills- 
 pinel, all Knights of great account, and in the 
 midst went Don Grumedan of Norway, and other 
 Knights with King Arban of North Wales, whose 
 cliarge it was to guard the King. In such order 
 they moved on, seeming a goodly and well-armed 
 company, and so many trumpets and clarions 
 sounded that scarce could voice be heard. They 
 drew up in a plain, and Baladan and Leonis kept 
 behind the King with thirty Knights. 
 
 When Don Galvanes and his noble friends knew 
 of the coming of King Lisuarte and his force, al- 
 beit that for one of them he brought five, yet 
 were they not dismayed, nor though the capture 
 of Don Brian of Monjaste was a great loss to 
 them, and the absence of Agrayes, who was gone 
 to provide supplies, of which they were in need. 
 But with a good heart and great courage Don 
 Galvanes cheared his troops, and formed them into 
 two battalions, the one of one hundred and six 
 Knights^ the other of one hundred and nine. In
 
 6^: 
 
 the first went Don Florestnn and Don Quadra- 
 gante, and Angriote of Estravaus, and his brotlier 
 Grovadan, and his nephew Sarquiles, and his cou- 
 sin Gasinan, who bore the banner of the Damsels j 
 and by the banner were Branfil and the good Don 
 Gavarte of the perilous valley, and Olivas, and Ba- 
 iays of Carsante, and Enil, the good Knight whom 
 Beltenebros knighted before the battle with King 
 Cildadan. In tlie otlier battalion was Don Gal- 
 vanes, and there were with him the two good 
 brethren, Palomir and Dragonis, and Listoran of 
 tlie white tower, and Dandales of Sadoca, and 
 Tantalis the proud, and by their battalions there 
 were cross-bow men and archers. With this^ 
 company, so unequal to the great numbers of tlie 
 Khig, they entered the open field where tlie ene- 
 my awaited tliera. Florestan and Quadragante 
 then called Ehan tlie gallant, one of the comeliest 
 Knights that could far or near be found, and bade 
 him go with tvvo other Knights, his kinsmen,, 
 and telJ King Lisuarte tliat if he would withdraw 
 the eross-bow men and archers from between the 
 wings, there would be one of the best battles he 
 had ever seen. The three Knights rode forward 
 before the army. Now you must know this Ehan 
 the gallant was Don Quadragante's nephew, being 
 son of his sister and of Count Lici^uedOj %\ho wa&.
 
 63 
 
 cousin to King Perion, They having reached the 
 fist battalion, demanded of Don Galaor a safe 
 conduct, who sent Don Cendil of Ganota to se- 
 cure them. So they went before the King, and 
 said to him. Sir, Don Florestan and Don Quadra- 
 gante, and the Knights who are here with them 
 to defend the lands of Madasima, send to say, 
 that if you will consent to withdraw the archers 
 and cross-bow men, there will be a good battle. 
 In God's name, replied Lisuarte, withdraw yours, 
 and Cendil shall send away mine. So the three 
 Knights returned, and Cendil informed Galaor 
 what had been agreed, and afterward both armies 
 moved on. When they were within tliree bow- 
 .shots of each otlier, Galaor knew Florestan and 
 the two Knights who rode foremost with him by 
 their arms, and he said to Norandel, my good 
 friend, you see there the three best Knights in 
 company whom man can find. He with tlie white 
 lions, is Don Florestan ; he with the dark lions 
 and the flower argent in a field azure, is Angriote 
 of Estravaus ; lie with flowers or, is Don Qua- 
 dragante ; and the foremost of them with green 
 arms, is Gavarte of tlie perilous valley, the good 
 Knight who slew a serpent, and so won that name. 
 Let us encounter them ! they threw their shields 
 before them., and lowered their lances, and those,
 
 64 
 
 Knights rode on to meet tliem. Norandel spurred 
 his horse and smote Gavarte, and bore him saddle 
 and all to the ground : this was his first essay, and 
 it was held by all for a right good beginning, 
 Galaor and Qu^idragante encountered, and fell man 
 and horses to the ground. Cendil ran against 
 Elian ; tlaeir lances brake > both were wounded, 
 but both kept their seats. And now the armies 
 had joined, and such was the uproar of voices and 
 the din of strokes, that the drums and clarions 
 were no longer heard. Then were there manv 
 Knights slain and many wounded, and many 
 thrown from their horses, and the hearts of all on 
 either side were incensed with great anger j but 
 the thickest press was to defend Galaor and Qua- 
 dragante, who were now foyning at each otlier, 
 and grappling and struggling, that it was fearful 
 to behold tlieiB, and more than an hundred Knights 
 on both sides were dismounted in attempting to 
 help horse them, for diey were so closely engaged 
 tliat none could part diem. Then in that hour 
 what feats Norandel and Don Guilan the pensive 
 performed by Galaor cannot be told, nor how 
 Florestan and Angriote bestirred tliemselves over 
 Quadragante, for though the Knights of Lisuarte 
 pressed on them iii lar greater number, they so 
 played their parts tliat Llicy lost not one jot. Such
 
 65 
 
 efforts were at last made, that Galaor and Quadra- 
 gante were mounted again, and rushed like two 
 lions into the battle. That day King Cildadan did 
 bravely, and sent many a Knight to earth ; but 
 Don Galvanes came up, and soon made it manifest, 
 that the quarrel was his, and that he neither feared 
 danger nor deatli in defending his heritance against 
 these enemies. Don Florestan too, holding his 
 brother -Amadis to be the chief in this dispute, 
 and feeling tliat it therefore became all his friends 
 to play the man, and himself above tlie rest, he 
 raged furiously from side to side, wherever he 
 could work most hurt 5 and seeing how King Cil- 
 dadan exceeded all tliose of his own party, he 
 made at him through the press of Knights, mau- 
 gre the load of blows that were laid on him, and 
 came up to him so fiercely, that he could do no- 
 thing but seize him in his strong, arms, and Cil- 
 dadan grappled him. Presently they were sur- 
 rounded by Knights to succour them ; their horses 
 drew back, and they fell together, and then fell 
 to witia swords, driving fierce and mortal blows at 
 each other. But Enil the good Knight and An- 
 griote got Florestan to horse again, and he remem- 
 bering what Amadis would do if" he were there 
 present, rode into the thickest of the battle, and 
 did marvellous feats that day. Norandel, whose
 
 66 
 
 armour was all hnck.d and red with m,ny 
 ^younds, and his sword bloody to the hilt, when 
 he saw King Cildadan on foot, called to Don 
 Galaor, let us help your friend King Cildadan, or 
 he will be slain. Now show your worth, my 
 comrade, quoth Galaor, and let us horse him and 
 hght by him. So they with toil and much dirii- 
 culty mounted him again, but he was sorely 
 wounded on the head by a stroke from Dragonis, 
 and tlie blood ran over his eyes. 
 
 In that hour could not the host of King Lisuarte 
 for all their great numbers keep the field ^ they 
 turned their backs and fled before the great hardi- 
 hood of their enemies, save only Don Galaor and 
 certain other good Knights, who went from part 
 to part rallying and heartening them till they came 
 to where the King w.s. Lisuarte seeing them 
 thus return discomfited, cried out, now show your 
 worth, good friends, and let us preserve tlie honour 
 of London. And lie spurred his horse, shouting 
 Clarence ! Clarence ! for that was his war-cry 
 and went full against liis enemies. He saw Don 
 Galvanes fighting full valiantly, and he smote him 
 so that his lance brake, and Galvanes lost his 
 stirrups ; then he drew his sword and laid about 
 him on all sides, and iiis people took heart ; but
 
 6'7 
 
 it availed nothing, for Florestau and Quadragnntej 
 and Angriote and Gavarte, being all joined toge- 
 ther, did such feats, that it seemed as if their 
 enemies were all vanquished, and all thought that 
 the held could not be kept against them. King 
 Lisuarte, seeing his people dismayed and so rudely 
 handled, was in all fear of being vanquished, 
 and he called Don Guilan, who was badly wound- 
 ed, and King Arban of North Wales, and Gru- 
 medan of Norway, and said to them, I see our 
 people are in an evil plight, and I fear that God, 
 whom 1 have never served as I ought, will not 
 give me this battle. Now let us do then, for I 
 may be called the King who was defeated and 
 slain to my honour, but never to my dishonour, 
 the living and defeated King. He then spurred 
 his horse onward without fear of death, and turned 
 to Quadragante, who was coming against him, 
 and they smote each other two such blows upon 
 the helmet, that each embraced tlie neck of his 
 horse ; but because the King's sword was far the 
 better, he wounded Quadragante in the head. Pre- 
 sently they were succoured by Galaor and Norandel 
 on the one side, and by Florestan and Angriote on 
 the other, and the King,who saw the wonders which 
 Don Florestan worked, made at him, and smote 
 his horse upon tlie head, so that he fell, but for
 
 6Q 
 
 this he soon paid, for Florestan leaj>ed from die 
 saddle, and made at the King, maugre all wha 
 giiarded him, yet. could he only reach tlie horse's 
 leg, which he cut through. The King lightly- 
 got on foot, so that Florestan was surprized- 
 tliereat, and gave him two blows with his good 
 sword, against which his armour nothing availed 
 him to save the flesh ; but Florestan remembered 
 how he had been in his court, and what honour 
 he had once received from him, and forbore to 
 strike him, only he protected himself with tlie 
 little of his shield that was left. But Lisuarte, in 
 great lury, smote at him as fiercely as he could j 
 still Florestan forbore to strike, but he grasped, 
 him in his arms, and would neither suffer him to 
 mount again, nor to get from him. Then was. 
 there a great press on both sides to the succour, 
 and the King cried out, shoitting his name, that he. 
 might be holpcn. At this Galaor cnme up, and 
 said. Sir, mount my. horse ; and Filispinel and. 
 Brandoyuas were with him, being afoot, and of- 
 fering each iiis horse. Take mine. Sir, quoth 
 Galaor ; but tlie King would not suffer him to. 
 alight, and took Filispinel' s horse and turned aside, 
 leaving Florestan sorely wounded with his good, 
 sv/ord, though Florestan would not harm hixn j 
 and presently Quadragante brought Florestan a
 
 69 
 
 liorse. Then Lisuarte called on GalaoT and No- 
 randel, and King Cildadan and the rest who fol- 
 lowed him, and they pressed on, he doing such 
 deeds tliat the praise of that day was justly given 
 him ; for tliough Florestan and Quadragante, and 
 Gavarte and their friends, did what tliey could and 
 marvellously bestirred themselves, yet they were 
 few in number, and for tlie most part sorely 
 v/ounded ; and the King's people had now taken 
 courage, and came on with such numbers, tliat 
 perforce they were driven back to the foot of the 
 mountains, where Florestan and Quadragante, and 
 Angriote and Gavarte, their arms being hacked 
 to pieces, their horses slain and themselves sorely- 
 wounded, fell senseless upon tlie field ; and Pa- 
 lomir and Elian the gallant, and Branfii and Enil, 
 and Sarquiles and Maratros of Lisando, who was 
 the cousin of Florestan, were all taken in their 
 defence, and many were there slain on both 
 sides. And Don Gal vanes would there have been 
 lost if Dragonis had not often succoured him, 
 and at last drawn him out of tlie press, so badly 
 hurt that he could scarcely sit, being well nigh 
 senseless, and he sent him to the Boiling Lake, 
 and remained himself with that small company 
 which had escaped, defending the mountains. So 
 thus by the courage of Lisuarte, and by the great
 
 70 
 
 fully of Florestan, who w'ould not hurl him, hav- 
 ing him ill his powerj it may well be said that day 
 was lost : * whereby we may understand, that in 
 such danger we should neither show pity nor 
 courtesy to friend nor kin^ till the victory be 
 secured. 
 
 When King Lisuarte saw how his enemies for- 
 sook the field and retired among the mountains, 
 and that the sun was going down, he forbade any 
 of his men to advance farther, and he placed 
 guards, because Dragonis had already occupied all 
 the strong passes, and sent for his tents which were 
 pitched beside a stream, at the foot of the moun- 
 tains. He then called for King Cildadan and Don 
 Galaor, but it was told him that they were la- 
 menting over Florestan and Quadragante, who 
 uere at tlie point of death. Hearing this, Lisu- 
 arte demanded a horse and rode towards them, 
 rather to console Don Galaor tlian with any wish 
 to give assistance to those Knights who had 
 been against him, albeit he was somewhat moved 
 in remembering how in the battle against King 
 
 * A long simile of Hector and Ajax follows liete.
 
 I 
 
 CiUadau, Florestan, being bareheaded, stept be- 
 fore him and received upon his shield dial mighty 
 blow from the great Giant Gandacuriel, and how 
 that very day he had for virtue forborne to strike 
 him. So going where they were, he comforted 
 them with gentle words, and assvirance that they 
 should be healed, yet had not this such weight, 
 but that Galaor swooned many times upon his 
 brother Florestan. The King made them be carried 
 to a good tent, and sent masters to look to their 
 wounds 3 and taking King Cildadan m ith hira, 
 permitted Galaor to abide with them that nighty 
 and he took to the same tent the seven Knights 
 vho had been taken prisoners, to be healed also. 
 There, by the help of God chiefly, and of the 
 masters, who were right skilful, before dawn 
 they had recovered their senses, and upon sight 
 and search made, hopeful signs of recovery were 
 found. 
 
 The next day as Norande! and Don Guilan were 
 ^vith Galaor, to console him for the great sorrow 
 which he endured because of his brother and his 
 kinsmen, tiiey heard the trumpets and clarions 
 sound in the King's tent, which was a signal for 
 the people to arm. They bound up their wounds 
 fast that the blood might not issue, and armed
 
 
 themselves and rode thither. They found the 
 King armed in fresh armour and on a fresh horse, 
 consulting witli King Arban, and King Cildadan, 
 and Don Grumedan, whether he should attack 
 the Knights Mho were in the mountain. The 
 opinions were different : some said, their own 
 people had been so hardly handled that it was not 
 reasonable till they were recovered to attack the 
 enemy ; others, that delay was dangerous, for 
 now the army was hot in anger, and if they 
 cooled they would have little will for another en- 
 gagement, and, moreover, Agrayes was expected 
 with stores and troops from Britanny. The King 
 then asked Don Galaor's advice. Sir, said he, if 
 your people are wounded and fatigued, so also 
 are the enemy, and because they are few and we 
 are many, I advise that we fortliwith attack them. 
 So let it be, said Lisuarte ; anon they made ready 
 and attacked the passes, Galaor going first and 
 Norandel following himj and tliough Dragonis 
 defended them well, yet so many were the bow- 
 yers and cross-bov/ men who annoyed him, that 
 he was compelled to retire to the plain beyond, 
 and from thence, after a perilous battle, to retreat 
 to the town and castle. Soon the King came up 
 and pitched his tents there, and ordered his fleet 
 to besiege the castle by sea j and because this his-
 
 73 
 
 tory is the history of Amadis, and he was not pre- 
 sent in that war, it is not necessary to relate all 
 that passed. You need only know that Lisuarte 
 besieged them thirteen months by land and by sea, 
 so that they could no ways be succoured, for 
 Agrayes was ill, nor had he a force tliat could at- 
 tack so great a fleet j and food failing witliin, they 
 began to treat with the King, that he and Don 
 Galvanes should mutually release their prisoners, 
 that the Town and Castle of the Boiling Lake 
 should be rendered, and there should be truce for 
 two years. Now although this was to the King's ad- 
 Tantage^yet such was his confidence that he would 
 not have granted tliese terms if he had not received 
 letters from his Uncle Count Argamonte, how all 
 the Kings of the Islands had risen against him, 
 seeing that he was engaged in this war, and 
 chosen Kinsc Aravigo of the Islands of Landas 
 for their chief, who was the most poAverful of all ; 
 and how all this was occasioned by Arcalaus the 
 Enchanter, who had gone from Island to Island, 
 telling them they would meet with no resistance^ 
 and might divide the land between them. Where- 
 fore Argamonte besought the King to leave all 
 other business, and return without delay. This 
 obliged the King to negociate, though against his 
 will, for his will was to take his enemies by force 
 
 VOL, III. D
 
 7'i 
 
 of aiTns and put them all to death. So the terms 
 being made, the King, accompanied by many 
 good men, went to the town and found the gates 
 open, and from thence to tlie Castle, when Don 
 Gal vanes came out, and die Knights who were with 
 him, and the fair Madasima, who was in tears, 
 gave him the keys and said. Do Sir herewidi what 
 is your pleasure. Lisuarte took and gave them to 
 Brando)aias. Then Galaor came to tlie King and 
 said. Sir, gentleness and courtesy are needed now j 
 if I have ever done you service, remember it 
 no^^^ Don Galaor, quoth he, if I were to look 
 to all the sen'ices you have done me, the guerdon 
 could never be found though I were wortli a thou- 
 sand times more than I possess : what I inay do 
 now shall not be reckoned in my debt to you. 
 Then, said he, Don Galvanes, tliis land which 
 you took from me by force, and which I by 
 force have recovered, I now willingly, for your 
 own worth, and for the goodness of Madasima, 
 and at the request of Don Galaor, give it to you 
 and Madasima j that reserving my Lordship 
 ye and they who proceed from ye may possess it 
 as your own. Sir, replied Don Galvanes, since 
 my fortune hath not suffered me to keep it as my 
 heart desires, though I have done my duty, I ac- 
 cept it as your vassiil. All tlie Knights thea
 
 7o 
 
 kissed the hand of Lisuarte for what he had then 
 done, and Don Galvanes and Madasima as his 
 vassals. The war thus finished. King Lisuarte re- 
 mained fifteen days to heal the wounded and re- 
 fresh the army, and then set sail for his own 
 kingdom, taking with him Don Galvanes and the 
 other Knights, who were willing to bear him com- 
 pany. There heard he how those Knights were 
 coming against him, which, albeit it greatly trou- 
 bled him, yet such semblance did he make, as if he 
 notliing regarded them, but he made ready for de- 
 fence, not ceasing meantime to enjoy himself, and 
 make merry with the Queen and his daughter. 
 
 b2
 
 76 
 
 CHAPTER 5, 
 
 After King Cildadan and Don Galaor had de- 
 parted from Gaul, Amadis and Don Bruneo re- 
 mained there, but much as they loved each other 
 their lives were now far different ; for Bruneo 
 being with his Lady Melicia all other things were 
 put out of his remembrance, and to Amadis being 
 absent from Oriana, and with no hope of seeing 
 her, all things were cause of sadness and solitariness. 
 One day as he rode forth with only Gandalin, he 
 went upon the cliffs to see if he could espy any 
 vessels from Great Britain, that he might hear 
 tidings of the land wherein his Lady dwelt. Pre- 
 sently there was seen a bark coming from the 
 wishcd-for quarter, and as it reached the port he 
 said to Gandalin, go learn what news they bring, 
 and learn it well that you may relate all to me ; 
 this he ditl that he might be iree to think upon
 
 11 
 
 his Lady, in which Gandalin ahvays interrupted 
 him. So being left alone he alighted and fastened 
 his horse to a tree, then sate himself upon a rock 
 that he might look upon Great Britain, and he 
 gazed upon that land remembering how happy he 
 had been there, and the tears fell. 
 
 When Gandalin came to the bark he saw Durin^ 
 the brother of the Damsel of Denmark, among 
 those who came from on board ; they embraced 
 as men who well loved each otlier, and went toge- 
 tlier towards the Knight. As they drew near him 
 they beheld a form like the Devil, and of giantly 
 size, with the back towards them, shaking a lance 
 at Amadis. Gandalin cried out, and that cry saved 
 Amadis, for he turned and the lance past close by 
 his head. Amadis saw that the Devil was aim- 
 mg anodier and he avoided it 5 he drew his sword 
 but the giant-like Devil run too fast to be over- 
 taken, and took the horse of the Knight and mount- 
 ed, crying. Ah Amadis, my enemy, I am Andan- 
 dona tlie giantuess of Uie dolorous isle 5 and if I 
 have not fulhiled my desire now, there will come 
 a time wherein I sliall be avenged. He was about 
 to follow her on Gandalin's horse, but seeing she 
 was a woman, he said to Gandalin, mount ! and 
 if you can cut off the head of that Devil it will be 
 
 D 3
 
 7S 
 
 a good tiling. Gand;ilin went to horse directly 
 and after her full speed ; but when Amadis saw 
 Durin he embraced him with great pleasure^ ween- 
 ing that he brought him news of his Lady. Durin 
 then gave him a letter of Oriana 3 it was his cre- 
 dentials. Your Lady Sir, said he, is well and sa- 
 lutes you much, and bids you not be distressed 
 but take comfort as she doth till God shall give ye 
 other times ; and she sends you word that she 
 hatli brought forth a son whom I and my sister 
 took to Adalasta, the Abbess of Miraflores, that 
 he might be brought up as my sister's son ; but 
 he told him nothing how the child was lost : and 
 she beseeches you, said he, by the great love 
 which she bears toward you, not to depart from 
 this country till you receive her bidding. Glad 
 was Amadis to hear of his Lady and his child, but 
 that command nothing pleased him, because it 
 might bring his honour in attaint, howbeit let 
 come what would he would not disobey. 
 
 Presently Gandalin returned with the horse of his 
 Master and Andandona's head hanging to the 
 poitral by her long gi-ey hair. How slew you 
 lier ? quoth Amadis. She gallopped towards tlie 
 shore, replied tlie Squire, where she had a bark 
 ready, but in her haste to dismount she made the
 
 79 
 
 hoTst rear and fell back, and before she could re- 
 cover herself I came up and cut off her head. 
 Amadis then mounted and rode to the town, and 
 sent the head to Don Bruneo that he might see it. 
 When Durin was about to depart, he said, Go to 
 my Lady, my friend, and tell her tliat I kiss her 
 hand for the letter and for all that you have told 
 me ; but beseech to have regard to my honour, 
 and not make me remain here in sloth, for so 
 would tlie fair renown which I have attained be 
 soon injured, die cause not being known, and men 
 being more inclined to slander tlie good than keep 
 their evil tongues silent. So Durin went his 
 way. 
 
 Don Bruneo of Bonamar was now healed of his 
 bodily wound, but his love was more kindled by 
 the frequent sight of his Lady Melicia ; and con- 
 sidering, that only by performing great feats of 
 arms he could hope to attain so high a Lady, he 
 said one day to Amadis, as they were hunting, 
 for in tliat did Amadis now pass his time, my 
 time of life. Sir, and the little which I have yet 
 atchieved, command me to change this easy way 
 of life for one whereby I may win more praise cf 
 prowess. If you are disposed to seek adventures 
 I will keep you company : if not, give me leave 
 
 D i
 
 80 
 
 to set forth to morrow. Greatly was Amadis 
 grieved liereat, for full gladly would he have gone 
 forth with him, but for his Lady's command, 
 Don Bruneo, replied he, I would willingly go in 
 your company, whereby much honour might 
 accrue to me, but the King my father has forbidden 
 it, saying, that my presence is needful here, be- 
 cause of certain affairs ; I can therefore only say 
 God be with you. That night Don Bruneo spake 
 witli Melicia, and learnt from lier, that if it were 
 her parents' will she would cheerfully wed him. 
 He then took leave of her, and on the following 
 morning departed after mass, going where fortune 
 guided him, and many and great feats did he in 
 arms which would here be long to relate. 
 
 Thirteen months and a half, while Lisuarte be- 
 sieged die Castle of the Boiling Lake, Amadis 
 abode thus in Gaul, going to the chase and to the 
 mountain, for to this was he chiefly inclined : 
 meantime his fair renown was obscured, and much 
 debased by all, who blessed the Kuiglits Errant, 
 but cursed him for forsaking arms in the best of his 
 life, when God had so gifted him above all others. 
 Dames and Damsels, who went to him to seek 
 revenge for their wrongs, now tinding him not as 
 before, all proclaimed the shame^ and though he
 
 8i 
 
 heard these things, and esteemed himself for thij 
 cause very unhappy, yet neither for this nor for 
 worse things would he have disobeyed his Lady. 
 Thus he remained loshig his honour, till Lisuarte 
 knowing how King Aravigo, and the six Kings, 
 and Arcalaus the Enchanter, were preparing in the 
 Island of Leonida to pass over into Great Britain,^ 
 made ready for his defence. But though his great- 
 heart and prudence made semblance to think little 
 cf this danger, not so did. the Queen, but in great 
 trouble spake to all of the loss M'hich the King 
 had brought upon himself, in losing x\madis and 
 his lineage ; if they were here, she said, she should 
 think lightly of the peril. Those Knights, how-^ 
 ever, who had been, defeated in the Isle of Mon- 
 gaza, though they bore no good M'ill to the King, 
 yet seeing Don Galaor with him, and Don Gal- 
 vanes, wdio was now his vassal, and that Don Brian, 
 of IMonjaste, whom tlie King of Spain, his father,, 
 had sent with two thousand Knights to aid Lisuarte, 
 was to be the leader, resolved to go also to his 
 succour in tliat battle which would be a full peril- 
 ous one. So Don Quadragante, and Listoran of 
 the White Tower, and Ymosil.of Burgandy, and 
 Madansil of the Silver Bridge, and tlieir comrades, 
 made ready, exptcting when, the Kings would, 
 come over from the Island, 
 D 5
 
 82 
 
 One day Mabilia spake with Oriana, and told her 
 it was ill judged not to consider what Amadis 
 might do at this time, perchance he might go 
 against her father, and that Avould be evil to both, 
 for if either were conquered he would be slain. 
 Oriana acknowledging the truth of this resolved 
 to write to Amadis, not to go against her father, 
 but to take the other side if he pleased, or else re- 
 main in Gaul. This letter Mabilia enclosed, and sent 
 by a Damsel who had presents from Queen Eli- 
 sena. When Amadis received this so glad was 
 he, that certes he could not be gladder, yet was he 
 somewhat troubled, not knowing what to do, for 
 to help King Liswarte he had no will, and against 
 him he might not be. So with a countenance 
 more chearful than he was wont to show, he 
 Went to his father, and they sat together under the 
 shade of some elms near the beach, and talked 
 togedier of sundry things, but chiefly of the fresh, 
 news from Britain, Ihere as they sate they saw 
 a Knight come up upon a weary horse, the arms- 
 which tlie Squire carried were so hacked that the 
 device could not be seen, and his harness was so 
 broken that it was of no defence ; the Knight 
 himself was large and well limbed. They rose to 
 receive him honourably as an Errant Knight, but 
 coming near Amadis knew his brother Don Flo-
 
 83 
 
 restaiij and said. Sir, you see here the best Knight 
 "next to Don Galaor, whom I know, know that 
 this is your son Don Florestan. Right glad was 
 the King, who had never seen him though he knew 
 his fome ; he hastened faster to meet him, and 
 Florestan alighted and knelt down, and would 
 have kissed his hand, but the King raised him 
 and gave him his hand and kissed his mouth. 
 Then took they him to the palace, and made him 
 disarm, and wash, and Amadis gave him rich gar- 
 ments which had never been worn ; and then it 
 appeared how fair he was, and of how goodly a 
 person, that few were like him; and they led him 
 to the Queen and to Melicia, who received him 
 with such love as one of her own brothers, for 
 not less did she esteem him for his great worth in 
 arms. So in their talk they asked him of the 
 news from Great Britain. Sirs, quoth he, the 
 power of those Kings is so great that I ween 
 King Lisuarte can neither help himself nor his 
 kingdom, v/hereat seeing how things have been we 
 need not grieve. Son Don Florestan, replied the 
 King, I hold King Lisuarte by all they tell me of 
 him to be such a one, that he will come off with 
 honour from tliis danger as he has heretofore 
 done ; but if it should be otherwise we ought not 
 to rejoice thereat 3 no King sliould rejoice at the
 
 84 
 
 destraction of another King, unless he have him- 
 self destroyed him for lawful causes, compelling 
 him thereunto. When Amadis and Florestan 
 had retired to their chambers and were alone, Flo- 
 restan said, I came hither Sir to seek you and tell 
 you of a thing which I have heard every where, 
 and which grieves me to the heart ; let it not dis- 
 please you to be lold of it. Brother, replied 
 Amadis, whatever }'ou shall say it pleases me to 
 hear ; if it be a tiling to be amended,, with your 
 counsel I vi'ill amend it. Sir, said Florestan, all 
 people speak to your disparagement ; they say 
 that you have unhappily forsaken arms, and that 
 for which, above all others, you were born. Ama- 
 dis smiled and answered, they think of me as they 
 ought not, henceforth I shall do otherwise, and 
 they shall say otherwise. 
 
 That night Amadis could not sleep for thinking 
 on two things : what feats of arms he should per- 
 form that year, to clean away his reproach, and 
 what he should do in this great battle. To be 
 against Lisuarte his Lady forbade him, and reason 
 forbade him to be for him, because of the wrong 
 ^^hich he and his lineage had endured; but at 
 length he resolved to go and assist him for two 
 reasons, because his force was much less in num-
 
 85 
 
 bcr than the enemy, and because. If he were con- 
 quered, the land of his Lady Oriana would be 
 lost. On the morrow Am-adis went with his bro- 
 ther to King Perion, and desiring all others to 
 withdraw, said to him. Sir, I have not slept this 
 nidit thinking of the battle which is to be be- 
 tween Lisuarte and the Kings of the Isles ; for so 
 famous will it be, that all Knights who follow 
 arms ought to be tliere ; and because, I having 
 remained so long without exercising my person> 
 have gained so ill a fame as you my brother know, 
 I have resolved to be present, and on Lisuarte's 
 side; not for any love to him, but for two reasons, 
 because he is the weaker, whom all good Knights 
 therefore ought to succour, and because my inten- 
 tion is to die, or to do my utmost ; and if I should 
 be against him, there would be with him Galaor 
 and Quadragante, and Don Brian of Monjaste, all 
 with a like determination, and as they could not 
 avoid encountering me their deaths or mine would 
 needs ensue, but my going shall be secret. King 
 Perion answered, Son, I am the friend of the 
 good, and knowing tliis King to be one of the 
 good, it was always my will to aid him wlien I 
 could, and if I have refrained from it it has been 
 because of your difference. Since this is your in- 
 tention I will go also, and sorry am I that it is so
 
 86 
 
 soon that I cannot carry the aid I should wish. 
 Sirs, said Florestan, when I remember the cruelty 
 of that King, how he would have let us die upon 
 the field if it had not been for Don Galaor, and of 
 his enmity against us without cause, there is no- 
 thing in the world should make me consent to 
 help him ; but now, because you will go, and be- 
 cause I cannot serve against him during the truce 
 which Don Galvanes has made, I will go with 
 you, and serve him against my will. Full glad 
 was Amadis at this. Your person and ourselves 
 Sir, said he, may well be accounted for man}', 
 and if you took forces our going could not be se- 
 cret ; now then let us provide arms whereby we 
 may know each other and yet not be known by 
 others. Come into m-V armoury, replied Perion, 
 and let vis chuse the most forgotten and remarka- 
 ble that we can find. 
 
 They went out into a court where there were 
 trees, and there came up a Damsel richly clad on 
 a goodly palfrey, and three Squires with her, and 
 a horse with a bundle. She came up to the King, 
 who received- her well, and asked her if she came 
 to the Queen. No, said she, I come to you, and 
 these two Knights from the Dame of the Undis- 
 covered Island, from whom I bring you giftSj
 
 87 
 
 srnd away all your people, and you sliall see them. 
 The King bade them \^'ithdraw. Then she made 
 her Squires open the bundle, and she took out 
 three shields, bearing gold serpents in a field 
 azure, so strangely feshioned that they seemed 
 alive, and the rims were of fine gold and precious 
 stones. She then took out three coat-armours of 
 the same device, and three helmets, but they were 
 all different ; the one white, which she gave with 
 one suit to King Perion, and one of purple for 
 Florestan, and one which was gilt to Amadis. 
 And she said. Sir Amadis, my Mistress sends 
 you these, and desires yoii will do better in them 
 than you have done, since you entered this land. 
 Amadis feared she would reve:'l the cause, and 
 said. Damsel, tell your Lady that I value this 
 counsel more than the arms, good as they are, 
 and with all my strength will endeavour to obey 
 her. Sirs, said she, my Mistress sends you these 
 that you may know and succour each other in the 
 battle. How knew she, quoth King Perion, that 
 we should be there when we knev/ it not our- 
 selves ? I cannot tell, replied the Damsel, only 
 she told me I should find 3"ou ail here in this 
 place, and give you the arms. The King then 
 bade them give the Damsel food and entreat her 
 honourably, and after she had eaten she departed
 
 83 
 
 for Great Britain, whither also she was sent, 
 "When Amadis saw the arms ready he was impa- 
 tient to be gone, lest they should not arrive in 
 time for the battle ; so the King ordered a ship to 
 be ready in secret, and on pretence that tliey. 
 went to hunt the mountain, they departed and 
 crossed over to that part of Great Britain where 
 they knew that tlie seven Kings were arrived. 
 
 They entered a thick wood where these men had 
 pitched tents, and from thence sent a Squire to 
 bring tidings of the seven Kings, and when the 
 battle should be ; and they sent another messenger 
 to King Lisuarte's camp with a letter to Don Ga- 
 laor, as if from Gaul, beseeching him to send tliem. 
 tidings of the battle as soon as it was ended : this 
 did they for the greater secrecy. The Squire re- 
 turned on the next evening, and said, that the 
 army of the seven- Kings was without number, 
 and that there were strange people among them, 
 and divers languages, and that they were besieg- 
 ing a Castle of certain Damsels, who were sorely, 
 distressed, albeit that the place was strong. He 
 had also seen Arcalaus tlie Enchanter with two 
 of the Kings, and heard him say, that the battle 
 ought to be within six days, for it would be hard 
 to find food for so many. So these three re-
 
 89 
 
 mained pleasantly in the wood, killing birds with 
 their arrows, who came to a fountain near them, 
 and also beasts of venery. On the fourth day 
 the otlier messenger returned, and told them how 
 he had left Don Galaor well and in good courage, 
 so that the rest took confidence in him. When I 
 told him your bidding Sir, said he, and how you 
 all three abode in Gaul, the tears came into his eyes, 
 and he sighed and said, O Lord, if it pleased thee 
 that tliese were in this battle on the King's side as 
 they used to be, 1 should have no fear ! And he 
 bade me say, that if he esc:iped with life he would 
 inform you without delay of all that had passed^ 
 God presei"ve him ! said they ; now tell us of 
 King Lisuarte's forces, — He has a good company 
 Sirs, and of good and well-known Knights ; but 
 they say tliat it is little against his enemies, and he 
 will within two days come up to succour the 
 Damsels who are besieged. And so it was, for 
 King Lisuarte came and encamped upon a moun- 
 tain, half a league from the plain where were the- 
 enemies, so that the armies were in sight of each 
 other ; but the army of the seven Kings were 
 twice as many. That night they prepared their 
 arms and their horses for the battle on the morrow. 
 Now yon are to know that the six Kings and tlie 
 other Chiefs did homage to King Aravigo that
 
 90 
 
 night, that lliey would hold him for their chief 
 in this battle, and obt-y -his commands, and he 
 swore to take no greater share of tlie kingdom 
 than each of them, only he required the ho- 
 nour. Presently he m;ide the people cross a river • 
 that ran between them and King Lisuarte, and thus 
 placed themselves near his army. 
 
 Early on tlie morrow they armed and appeared be- 
 fore King Aravigo, so great a multitude, and so 
 well armed, that tliey esteemed the otliers as no- 
 tliing, and said, tliat since the King ventured to 
 give tiieni battle, Great Britain was their own. 
 King Aravigo divided his army into nine bat- 
 talions, each of a thousand Knights, but in his owa 
 he had fifteen hundred ; and he gave them to 
 the Kings and the otlier Chiefs, and placed tlicra 
 in close array. King Lisuarte appointed Dun 
 Grumcdaa, and Don Galaor, and Don Quadra- 
 gante, and Angriote of Estravaus, to appoint the 
 order of his battle, fur they were well skilled ia 
 all matters of arms. Presently he went down the. 
 sidc of the mountain into the plain, and as it was 
 now at that hour when the sun was rising, it 
 slione upon their arms, and they appeared so well 
 disposed, that their enemies, who had before held 
 them as nothing, now thought of tiicm otherwiiJc
 
 51 
 
 These Knights, whom I have named, made five 
 battalions of their people. Don Brian of Mon- 
 jaste had the first with one thousand Knights of 
 Spain, whom the King his father had sent to Li- 
 suarte. King Cildadan had the second witli his 
 own people and other troops which were appointed 
 for him. Don Galvanes had the third ; and Ga- 
 varte, his nephew, wdio had come there more for 
 love of iiim and his friends than for the sake of the 
 King's service. In the fourth went Giontes, the 
 King's nephew, with enough good Knights. King 
 Lisuarte led the fifth, in vrhich were two thou- 
 sand Knights, and he besought Don Galaor and 
 Quadragante, and Angriote of Estravaus, and Ga- 
 varte of the Perilous Valley, and Grimon tlie 
 Brave, to look to him and defend him, for the 
 which cause he had appointed tliem no command. 
 In this array which you have heard they moved 
 slowly over tlie field one against the other. 
 
 At this season King Perion, and his sons Amadis 
 and Florestan, entered the plain upon their goodly 
 steeds, and with their arms of the serpents which 
 shone brightly in the sun ; and they rode on ta 
 place themselves between the two armies, bran- 
 dishing their spears, whose points were so polished, 
 and clean that they glittered like stars ; the father
 
 92 
 
 went between his sons. Much were they admired 
 by both parts, and each would wilhngly have had 
 tliem on his side, but no one knew whom they 
 came to aid, nor who they were. They seeing 
 that the host of Brian of Monjaste was about to 
 join battle, put spur to their horses and rode up 
 near to his banner, then set themselves against 
 King Targadan who came against him. Glad was 
 Don Brian of their help though he knew thera 
 not : but they, when they saw that it Mas time, 
 rode to attack the host of King Targadan so fiercely 
 that all were astonished. In that encounter 
 King Perion struck that other King so hardily 
 that a part of the spear iron entered his breast and 
 he fell. Amadis smote Abdasian the fierce, so 
 that armour nothing profited him, but the lance 
 passed thro' from side to side, and he fell like a 
 dead man. Don Florestan drove Carduel, saddle 
 and man, under the horses' feet : these three be- 
 ing the bravest of that battalion had come forward 
 to combat the Knights of the Serpents. Then 
 laid they hand to sword and passed through the 
 first squadron felling all before them, and charged 
 the second : and when they were thus between 
 both there was to be seen what marvellous feats of 
 prowess they wrought with their swords, Sucli 
 tliat none did hke them on either side, and they
 
 93 
 
 had now under their horses more than ten Knights, 
 whom they had smitten down. But when their 
 enemies saw that there were no more tlian three 
 they charged them on all sides, laying on such 
 heavy blows that the aid of Don Brian was full 
 needful, who came up with his Spaniards, a 
 brave people and well horsed, and rode among the 
 enemy, slaying and felling them, though his own 
 men fell also, so that the Knights of the Serpents 
 were succoured, and the enemy so handled, that 
 they perforce gave back upon tlie third batta- 
 lion. Then was there a great press and great 
 danger for all, and many Knights died on either 
 side : but what King Perion and his sons did there 
 cannot be expressed. Such was the uproar and 
 confusion, that King Aravigo feared, lest his own 
 men who had given ground should make the others 
 fly, and he called aloud to Arcalaus to advance 
 with all the battalions, and attack in one body. 
 This presently he did, and King Aravigo with 
 him, but without delay King Lisuarte did the 
 same, so that the whole battle was now joined ; 
 and such was tiae clang of strokes, and the cries 
 and the noise of horsemen, that the earth trembled 
 and the vallies rung again. 
 
 At this hour King Perion, going bravely among
 
 9^ 
 
 the foremostj had advanced so far into the ene- 
 mies ranks that he was well nigh lost, but pre- 
 sently was he succoured by his sons, and many 
 of those who struck at him were by them slain j 
 the Damsels who were looking on from the Castle 
 cried out. On Knights, on ! he of the white hel- 
 met does tlie best. But in this succour the horse 
 of Amadis was slain, and fell with him in tlie 
 tliickest press, and the horses of his father and Flo- 
 reston were badly wounded j they seeing him 
 a-foot and in such danger, alighted and placed 
 tliemselves by him, there came up many to slay 
 them, and others to their help, but in great peril 
 were they, and had it not been that they dealt 
 about their blows so cruelly they had surely been 
 slain. Now as King Lisuarte went from one 
 part to another with his seven companions, he saw 
 those of the Serpents in what peril tliey stood, and 
 he cried out to Galaor and the others. Now good 
 friends, let your wortli be seen, and let us succour 
 those who have aided us so well. At them ! quoth 
 Galaor j they spuired their horses into the 
 hottest of tlie throng till they came up to tlie ban- 
 ner of King Aravigo, who was crying out and en- 
 couraging his men. King Lisuarte went on so 
 fiercely, with tliat good sword in his hand, and 
 jgave so many and such mortal strokes therewith
 
 95 
 
 that all were astonished to behold him, and his 
 comrades scarce could follow him. Nor for all 
 the enemy could do could they prevent him from 
 reaching the banner^ which he plucked from the 
 standard-bearer, and tlirew under the horses' feet, 
 and shouted aloud, Clarence ! Clarence 1 for I am 
 King Lisuarte : for this was his cry. So much 
 he did, and continued so long among his enemies, 
 that at length his horse was slain and he fell, be- 
 ing grievously bruised in the fall ; and they, his 
 friends, who were at hand could not remount 
 him, but presently Angriote came up, and Arca- 
 mon the brave, and Ladadin of Fajarque, who 
 alighted, and with the help of his comrades placed 
 him, raaugre all the enemies efforts, upon Angri- 
 ote's horse. Yet though he was badly wounded and 
 so bruised he would not withdraw from thence till 
 Arcamon and Ladadin had brought to Angriote 
 another horse, one of those which he had appointed 
 to be held in readiness for those who might want 
 them. 
 
 While this was going on, Don Galaor and Quadra- 
 gante bore the brunt of the battle, and there they 
 well displayed their great courage in enduring and 
 dealing mortal blows, for know that if they had 
 not resisted and kept back their opponents, King
 
 96 
 
 Lisuarte and his comrades had been in great danger 
 when he was on foot. The Damsels from tlK; 
 Tower cried out^ that tlie Knights who bore the 
 flowers did the best ; but, notwithstanding all 
 they could do they could not forfend but that King 
 Aravigo's people were getting the better, and 
 bravely recovering tlie field. The principal rea- 
 son hereof was, that two fresh Knights had en- 
 tered the battle so valiant, and of such might in 
 arms, that they expected by them to win the vic- 
 toiy, weening tliat there was no Kuight on the 
 part of Lisuarte who could maintain the field 
 against them. The one was called Brontaxar Dom- 
 fania, the other Argomades of the Deep Island 3 he 
 bore white doves upon a green field, tlie odier bore 
 them or upon gules. So huge of stature were they 
 that their head and shoulder appeared above 
 others in tlie battle ; while their lances endured no 
 Knight who encountered them could keep his 
 seat^ when they were broken they laid hand upon 
 their huge and uncommon swords. What sliall I 
 say ? Such blows they smote therewith that scarcely 
 now could they meet with one to strike they had 
 stricken such fear into all, and then they went on 
 clearing the field, and the Damsels on the Tower 
 cried, Knights, fly not ! for these are men and not 
 Devils ! but their own party cried out aloud.
 
 57 
 
 u 
 
 King Llsnarte is conquered. When the King heard 
 this he began to encourage his people, saying, I will 
 die here or conquer, that the sovereignty of Great 
 Britain may not be lost ; the best Knights then ga- 
 thered about him, for there was great need. 
 
 Now Amadis had taken a fresh horse and was 
 waiting for his father to mount. When he heard 
 that cry. King Lisuarte is conquered ! he said to Flo- 
 restan, who was on horseback, what is this, or why 
 do these misbegotten people shout ? He answered, 
 do you not see those two the strongest and bravest 
 Knights that ever were seen, who slay and destroy 
 all whom they find before tliem ; and tliough 
 they have not appeared in the battle before, now by 
 their prowess make their party recover tlie field. 
 Amadis turned his head and beheld Brontaxar Dan- 
 fania coming towards him, smiting and overthrow- 
 ing Knights witli his huge sword, which some- 
 times he would let hang from his wrist by tlie chain, 
 and seize the Knights with hand and arm, so tliat 
 none remained in the saddle before him, and all 
 fled as they could. Saint Mary help me, quolli 
 Amadis, what is here ! then took he a strong: 
 lance from the Stjuire who had given him the horse, 
 and remembering Oriana in that hour, and the loss 
 which she would endure if her fatlier perished, he 
 
 VOL. Ill, E
 
 98 
 
 placed himself right in the saddle, saying to Flores- 
 tan, guard you our father. By this Brontaxar 
 drew near, and seeing Amadis make ready against 
 him, and how he wore the gilded helmet, and re- 
 membering what great things had been said of him 
 before he himself entered the battle, he came on 
 ■with a raging fury to encounter him, and took a 
 strong lance and cried aloud, now shall ye see a 
 good stroke, if he of the golden helmet will dare 
 abide me ! and he struck spurs into his horse, the 
 lance being under his arm at rest, and went against 
 him. The like did Amadis; they encountered 
 lancc against shield, the shields failed, the lances 
 brake, and their horses dashed against each other 
 so furiously that each felt the shock as if he had 
 struck against a rock. Brontaxar's head became so 
 giddy therewith that he could not keep his seat, he 
 fell upon the ground like one dead, and falling upon 
 one foot, by the reason of his great weight, he 
 broke the leg just above it, and a piece of the lance 
 remained sticking in his shield. The horse of Ama- 
 dis staggered back two arms-length and was ready 
 to fall, but Amadis was so stunned that he could 
 neither give him spur nor take his sword to defend 
 himself from those who struck at him. King Perioii, 
 who had seen that huge Brontaxar, and the encoun- 
 ter which Amadis had given him was much amaz-
 
 99 
 
 ed thereat, and he cried. Lord God preserve that 
 Knight ! now son Florestan to his succour. They 
 pushed on so bravely that it was a wonder to be- 
 hold them, hewing and slicing till they came up to 
 Amadis, and King Perion said to him, how now 
 Knight ? courage ! courage ! for I am here. 
 Amadis, though he had not wholly recovered his 
 recollection, knew the voice of his father, and he 
 took his svvord, seeing how many were upon King 
 Perion and Florestan, and began to strike at one 
 and at another, though with little force, and here 
 must they have endured great danger because their 
 enemies were in great strength, and King Lisu- 
 nrte's men had lost much ground, and many were 
 upon them to slay them, and few in their defence, 
 but- at this season Agrayes and Don Galvanes, and 
 Brian of Monjaste succoured them, who came up 
 with design to encounter Brontaxar Danfania, who 
 had made the havoc you have heard. They seeing 
 the Knights of the Serpents in such 'peril came up 
 like men whose hearts never failed in danger ; at 
 their coming many of the enemy were smitten down 
 and slain, and they of the Serpents had room to 
 strike with more effect. Now had Amadis reco- 
 vered, and looking to the right he saw King Lisu- 
 arte with a company of Knights awaiting King 
 Aravigo, who came against him with a great 
 
 s 2
 
 100 
 
 power of men, and Argomades before them with 
 two nephews of King Aravigo, both valiant 
 Knights. King Aravigo himself was crying out 
 to encourage his men, for he had heard it said from 
 the Tower how he of the golden helmet had slain 
 tlie great Devil. Then said Amadis, Knights, let 
 us go help the King who is in need ; they moved 
 on with one accord, and entered through the press 
 till they came up to King Lisuarte. He, when he 
 saw near him the three Knights of the Serpents 
 was much encouraged, for he had seen how he of 
 the Golden Helmet had slain with one blow that so 
 valiant Brontaxar Danfania, and forthwith he ad- 
 vanced against Aravigo, Argomades came on 
 sword in hand, wielding it to strike at King Lisu- 
 arte, but he of the golden helmet stept between 
 and their battle was but of one blow. He of tlie 
 golden helmet raised his shield and met the other's 
 sword ; the sword went through the rim a full 
 palm deep and entered tliree finger's depth into the 
 helmet, so that a little more and he had been slain. 
 But Amadis smote him upon the left shoulder 
 such a blow that it cut through the hauberk, tho' 
 of such thick mail, and through the fiesh and bone 
 down to the ribs, so that the arm and half the 
 shoulder hung dangling from the body. This was 
 the mightiest sword-blow that was given in all that
 
 101. 
 
 battle. Argomades fled like a man beside himself, 
 who knew not what he did, and his liorse carried 
 him whither he would, and they on the Tower 
 cried out, he of the golden helmet has put the 
 doves to flight ! One of Aravigo's nephews, who 
 was named Ancidel, then made at Amadis and 
 struck at his horse's head, which he cut clean 
 across, and the beast fell dead. Don Florestan 
 seeing this attacked him as he was boasting, and 
 smote him on the helmet that he bowed down upon 
 his horse's neck, then caught him by the helmet 
 and plucked it from his head with such force that 
 he laid him at the feet of Amadis, but Florestan 
 himself was hurt in the side by the point of Anci- 
 del's sword. At this time the two Kings and 
 their people encountered, and there was a fierce 
 and terrible battle : every one had then enough to 
 do to defend himself, and to succour those who 
 were smitten down, 
 
 Darin, who had come hither to carry the first tid- 
 ings of the battle to his mistress Oriana, was upon 
 one of those horses which King Lisuarte had or- 
 dered to be led about the field for Knights when 
 they might stand in need of them. When he saw 
 him of the golden helmet afoot he said to the other 
 pages who were on horseback, I will go help that 
 
 B 3
 
 good Knight to this horse, for I cannot do better 
 service to the King ; and making way where the 
 press was least, though to his own great danger, 
 he came up to him and said, I know not who you 
 are, but for what I have seen you do I bring you 
 this horse. He lightly mounted and said to him in 
 a low voice. Ah, friend Durin, this is not the first 
 service that thou hast done me ! Durin took him 
 by the arm — I will not let you go till you tell me 
 who you are ! He stooped down as low as he could 
 and answered lowly, Amadis ! let no one know it 
 except you know who ! then rode he forward 
 into the hottest of the fray, doing such feats as if 
 his Mistress were then present to behold, because 
 one was there who would know well how to re- 
 count them. King Lisuarte had now encountered 
 Aravigo, knowing that he was the head and leader 
 of his enemies, and had given him three such 
 blows with his own sword that he withdrew 
 behind his men, cursing Arcalaus the Enchanter, 
 who had brought him there ^^ ith hope to win the 
 kingdom, Don Galaor engaged Sarmadan a va- 
 liant Knight, and because his arm was weary now, 
 and his sword blunted by the blows that he had 
 dealt, he seized him in his strong grasp, plucked 
 him from the saddle, and threw him on his neck to 
 the groimd, so that he died. Cut as for Amadis I
 
 103 
 
 tell yoUj, that remembering in that hour the time 
 which he had lost in Gaul, and how his renown had 
 been diminished and reviled, and that only by great 
 prowess it could be recovered, he did such deeds 
 that none durst stand before him ; and with him 
 went his father and Don Florestan, and Agrayes 
 and Don Galvanes, and Brian of Monjaste, and 
 Norandel and Guilan the Pensive, and King Lisu- 
 arte, who shewed himself right valiant in that hour. 
 So that they smote down so many of the enemies, 
 and pressed them so closely, and struck such fear 
 into them, that they could no longer endure it ; but 
 seeing King Aravigo had fled away wounded, they 
 also took to flight, some toward their ships, some 
 to hide themselves among the mountains. But 
 King Lisuarte and his companions in arms, and 
 they of the Serpents before all, still pressed upon 
 them 5 the most who escaped got into a ship \Aith 
 King Aravigo, but many perished in the \\ ater or 
 were taken. By this the night closed in. King 
 Lisuarte turned back to the tents of his enemies, 
 and lodged there that night, being right loyful for 
 the victory which God had given him. 
 
 But the Knights of the Serpents when they saw- 
 that the field was won, and that there was no longer 
 any opposition, turned aside from the way which 
 
 E 4
 
 104 
 
 tlie King took, and rode till they came to a foun- 
 tain under some trees, and there they alighted and 
 drank, and let their horses drink, who had much 
 need after the toil of that day. As they were about 
 to mount they saw a Squire come up on horseback ; 
 they put on their helmets that he might not know 
 them, and then gently called him ; he at first hesi- 
 tated thinking they were of the enemies, but see- 
 ing the serpent-arms approached. Good Squire^ 
 said Amadis, deliver if it please you our message to 
 the King, say to him that the Knights of the Ser- 
 pents beseech hirn not to blame them, that they 
 have not spoken with him, because we are con- 
 strained to go far from hence to a strange land, and 
 put oorselves at the mercy of one who we believe 
 will have none for us j for our part of the spoils let 
 them be given to the Damsels of the Tower, for 
 the losses which they have endured, and take back 
 to him this horse, which I took from one of his 
 pages in the battle, for we desire no otlier guerdon. 
 The Squire took the horse and departed, and they 
 went their way to their tents in the forest, and 
 there washed the blood and dust from their hands 
 and faces, and did the best they could for their 
 wounds, and ate tneir supper which was well pro- 
 vided for them, and soundly did they sleep' that 
 night.
 
 105 
 
 When King Tiisuarte was in the tent of his con- 
 quered enemies he asked for the three Knights of 
 the Serpents, but all he could learn of them was 
 tliat they had been seen riding full speed toward 
 the forest. Perchance, said he to Galaor, he of 
 the golden helmet might be your brother Amadis, 
 for what he did can be ascribed to no other but 
 him. Trust me Sir, replied Galaor, it was not he; 
 for not four days ago I received tidings that he was 
 in Gaul with my father and our brother Florestan. 
 Holy Mary ! quoth Lisuarte, who then can he be? 
 Galaor answered, I know not, but whoever he be 
 God prosper him, for with great toil and peril 
 hath he won the honour and praise of prowess 
 above all. As they thus communed • the Squire 
 came up and delivered his message : much was the 
 King troubled to hear that those Knights went to 
 encounter such danger ; but if Amadis spake this 
 in jest, full truly did it turn out, as shall be related. 
 The horse which the Squire brought back dropt 
 down dead at the King's feet with his wounds. 
 That night Galaor and Agrayes and their friends 
 lodged in the rich tent of Arcalaus, in the Avhich 
 they found embroidered in silk the battle that he 
 fought against Amadis, and how he enchanted 
 him, and many other things that he had done. 
 The uext day the King divided the spoils, giving a 
 
 E 5
 
 lOG 
 
 great portion to the Damsels of the Tower ; then 
 gave he licence to all his followers to depart whe- 
 ther they would, and he himself went to a town 
 called Gandapa, where were the Queen and Oriana. 
 The joy which they had at meeting need not be 
 told, for every one, considering what had past, 
 may guess what it would be.
 
 107 
 
 CHAPTER 6. 
 
 Some days King Perion abode in the forest to rest, 
 then seeing that the wind was fair they put to sea, 
 thinking soon to be in Gaul 3 but the wind soon 
 changed and made the sea rage so that after five 
 days the storm obliged them to return back to Great 
 Britain^ to a distant part of the coast ; there, while 
 the weather continued, and while their men took 
 in fresh water, they rode into the country to learn 
 where they were, taking three Squires with them, 
 but leaving Gandalin to wait for them in the galley 
 because he was well known. They rode up a glen 
 and reached a plain, and proceeded not far before 
 they came to a fountain, whereat a Damsel was let- 
 ting her palfrey drink. Richly clad was she, and 
 over her garments she wore a scarlet cloak with 
 gold buttons, and tlie button-holes worked with 
 gold. Two Squires and two Damsels were in her 
 
 e6
 
 108 
 
 company -with falcons and dogs for sport. She 
 seeing their arms knew that they were the Knights 
 of the Serpents, and went towards them with a 
 shew of much joy, and saluted them courteously, 
 making signs 'that she was dumb, whereat they 
 were grieved seeing how fair she was, and of what 
 courteous demeanour. She went up to him of the 
 golden helmet and embraced him, and would have 
 kissed his hand, and then by signs she invited them 
 to be her guests that night, but they not under- 
 standing her signs she tokened to her Squire to 
 explain them. They seeing her good will, and that" 
 it was now late, rode with her in full confidence, 
 and came to a goodly castle, so that they held the 
 Damsel as very rich seeing she was Mistress there- 
 of. When they entered they found enough ser- 
 vants to welcome them, and sundry Dames and 
 Damsels, who all regarded the dumb Damsel as 
 their Lady. Their horses were taken from them, 
 and tliey were led up to a rich chamber about 
 twenty cubits from the ground, and then they were 
 disarmed and rich garments brought them, and 
 after they had talked to the dumb Damsel and with 
 the others, supper was brought and they were well 
 served. The Damsels then retired, but presently 
 they returned with many candles and with stringed 
 instruments to delight them ; and when it was
 
 109 
 
 time to sleep they again retired. The dumb Dam- 
 sel had ordered three rich and goodly beds to be pre- 
 pared in that chamber, and their arms were laid by 
 the bed side, so they lay down and fell asleep like 
 men who were fatigued. 
 
 Now you must know that this chamber was made 
 with great cunning, for the floor did not fasten into 
 the walls but was supported upon an iron screw like 
 a wine-press, and fitted into a frame of wood, so 
 that it could be lowered or raised from below by 
 turning an iron lever. So when they awoke in 
 tlie morning they had been let down twenty cu- 
 bits* loWj and perceiving no light, but yet hearing 
 the stir of people above them, they marvelled 
 greatly and rose from bed and felt for the door and 
 windows, but when they found them and put their 
 hands through they felt the wall of the castle, and 
 knew that they Mere betrayed. Being in this great 
 trouble a Knight appeared at a window above, who 
 was huge of stature and limb^ and of a sullen coun- 
 
 * Here the author compares the wicked dumb Damsel to 
 this deceitful world, and exhorts sinners to hope by what 
 followed.
 
 110 
 
 tenance, and in his beard and hair more white 
 hairs than black j he wore a mourning dress, and 
 upon his right hand a glove of white cloth that 
 reached to his elbow. You are well lodged there, 
 cried he, and according to the mischief ye have 
 done me shall be the mercy ye shall find, which 
 shall be a cruel and bitter death, and even with 
 that shall I not be revenged for what you did in 
 battle with the false King Lisuarte. Know that I 
 am Arcalaus the Enchanter, if you have never seen 
 me before, learn to know me now ; none ever in- 
 jured me without my taking vengeance, except 
 only one, whom J yet hope to have where I have 
 you, and to cut off his hands for the hand which he 
 lopt from me. The Damsel was by him, and she 
 pointing to Amadis said, good Uncle, that young 
 one is he of the golden helmet. But tliey hearing 
 they were in the power of Arcalaus were in great 
 fear of death, and much were they surprised to 
 hear that dumb Damsel speak. This Damsel was 
 Dinarda, the daughter of Ardan Canileo, who^was 
 expert in all wickedness, and had come to that land 
 to contrive the death of Amadis, and for that cause 
 had feigned herself dumb. Knights, said Arca- 
 laus, I will cut your heads off and send them to 
 King Aravigo as some atonement for the disservice 
 ye have wrought him ! then he drew back from
 
 Ill 
 
 the window and closed it, and the chamber re- 
 mained so dark that they could not see one ano- 
 ther. Good sons, then said King Perion, tliese are 
 the changes of fortune ! but we, whose office it is 
 to seek adventures, must take the evil as well as the 
 good, exerting ourselves to remedy it where we 
 can, and when our strength avails not trusting in 
 him who will do what is best. Therefore let us 
 repress the grief which you feel for me, and I yet 
 more for you, and commit ourselves patiently to 
 God. The sons who endured more for him than 
 for their own danger then knelt before him and 
 kissed his hand, and he gave them his blessing. 
 
 They remained there all that day without food or 
 drink. When Arcalaus had supped and part of 
 the night was gone, he came again to the window 
 with two lighted torches, and with him Dinarda 
 and two old men. You Knights there, cried he, 
 I suppose you could eat if you had wherewith! 
 Willingly, if you will give it us, answered Flo- 
 restan. He replied, if I have any such will God 
 prevent it ! but that you may not be quite discon- 
 solate, instead of food I will give you some news to 
 make amends. Two Squires and a Dwarf have 
 come to the Castle gate since it was dark to ask for 
 the Knights of the Serpents. I have had them
 
 112 
 
 seized and thrown into a prison under you ; in the 
 morning I will make them tell me who ye are or 
 else cut them limb from limb. Now this which 
 he said was true, for they in the galley seeing that 
 the wind was fair sent Gandalin and the Dwarf, 
 and Orfeo the King's wardrobe- keeper, to seek 
 for the Knights, and Arcalaus had taken them 
 thus. Much were Perion and his sons troubled at 
 these perilous tidings, but Amadis answered, say- 
 ing, sure am I that when you know who we are 
 you will not use us so wrongfully as now ; for as 
 you are a Knight yourself, you will not hold that 
 for wrong which we did fairly in battle to assist our 
 friends, as we should have done had we been on 
 your side. If there be any worth in you you ought 
 to esteem us for this, and do us the more honour, 
 being now in your power ; you show no courtesy 
 in treating us thus. Who disputes with you ? 
 quoth Arcalaus 3 the honour I will do you shall 
 be as 1 would do to Amadis of Gaul, who is the 
 man in the world that I love worst, and on whom 
 I most desire to take vengeance. Uncle, said Di- 
 narda, as you mean to send their heads to King 
 Aravigo, do not let them die of hunger, but just 
 support life for them that they may endure more 
 pain. I will niece, replied Arcalaus. Tell me 
 Knights on your faith are you most troubled with
 
 113 
 
 hunger or thirst ? In truth, said they, though meal 
 is of consequence, we are more desirous of drink. 
 Take them a bacon pasty, said he to another Dam- 
 sel, that they may not say I would not relieve 
 them, and then they all withdrew. 
 
 That Damsel seeing Amadis how comely he was, 
 and knowing the great feats of chivalry which he 
 had done in the battle, was moved to pity for him 
 and his comrades, and she put a vessel of water and 
 another of wine into a basket with the bacon 
 pasty, and lowered it by a cord saying, take this 
 and be secret, you shall not fare ill if I can help ye. 
 Amadis thanked her much, and she went away j 
 they then supped and went to bed, bidding their 
 Squires vvdio were with them keep their arms in 
 readiness where they could find them, for said they 
 if we do not die of hunger we will sell our lives 
 dearly. 
 
 Now Gandalin and Orfeo and the Dwarf were cast 
 into a prison underneath the platform whereon their 
 masters lay. They found there a Dame and her 
 husband, and a young Knight their son, who had 
 been there confined a year. Gandaiin talking 
 with them told them how coming in search of the 
 Knights of the Serpents he had been seized. Holy
 
 114 
 
 Mary, replied the old Kuight ! these of whom you 
 si>eak were well received in this Castle, and \s hile 
 tliey were asleep four men entered this prison, and 
 turning that iron lever which you sec lowered 
 down the platform above us, so that they have 
 suffered a great treason. Gandalin then under- 
 standing that his master was in danger of death 
 said, let us try to raise it then, else neither they 
 nor we shall ever escape, but if they save them- 
 selves we shall be delivered. Then the Knight 
 and his son on one side, and Gandalin and Orfeo 
 on the other, began to turn the lever and the plat- 
 form began to rise. King Perion, who could not 
 sleep for grief because of his sons presently felt it, 
 and waking them said, the floor is rising, I know 
 not for what intent. Amadis answered, let it be 
 for what it v/ill it is very different to die like 
 Knights or like thieves, and they leaped out of bed 
 and bade their Squires arm them. They below 
 turned the lever with great labour and difficulty 
 till the floor had risen to its place ; then Perion 
 and his sons saw light through the crevices of the 
 door whereby tliey had entered, and they burst it 
 open and rushed out upon the wall where the 
 guards were, and slew and threw down all they 
 met, crying aloud, Gaul ! Gaul I the Castle is ours. 
 Arcalaus hearing this was greatly dismayed, think-
 
 115 
 
 ing that it was the treason of some of his people 
 who had let in the enemy, and he fled naked into 
 a tower, and drew up tlie stairs after him which 
 were made like a draw-bridge. He feared no- 
 tliing from his prisoners thinking they were safe 
 enough, but looking from a window he saw the 
 Knights of the Serpents traversing the Castle ; 
 then not daring to descend himself, he called to 
 his men not to fear for there were but three 
 against them; Some of those who lodged below 
 then began to arm, but the Knights who had now- 
 cleared tlie walls went down, and soon so handled 
 them that not a man appeared before them. They 
 in the dungeon, who heard what was doing, cried 
 aloud for help. Amadis knew the Dwarf 's voice, 
 for he and tlie Dame were in the most fear, and 
 went forthwitli to release tliem, and with great 
 force breaking the iron staples they burst open 
 the door and set tliem at liberty, then searching 
 the buildings round the Court they found their 
 horses, and gave two of Arcalaus's to the Knight 
 and his son, and Dinarda's palfrey to the Dame ; 
 and having mounted the King ordered them to set 
 lire to the dwellings. It began to blaze till all was 
 in one flame, and the fire caught the door of the 
 Tower, and the Dwarf cried out, Su: Arcalaus ! 
 take this smoke patiently, as I did when you hung
 
 116 
 
 me up by the leg when you committed that grea£ 
 treason against Amadis. Much was the King* 
 pleased to hear how the Dwarf scoftcd him, and 
 they all laughed to see what plight he was now in 
 for all his force and cunning. Then they rode to- 
 ward their ship, and looking back from a hill be- 
 held the Castle burning to their great joy. When 
 tliey were got aboard and were disarmed, the 
 Dam.e knew the King and fell on her knees before 
 him, and he seeing her took her up and embraced 
 her as one he much loved. Sir, said she, which is 
 Amadis ? and when she knew she would have kiss- 
 sed his feet, but he raised her up being greatly 
 abashed, and she then told him how she was Da- 
 rioleta who had thrown him into the sea, and be- 
 sought his pardon. Dame, quoth he, now know 
 I what before I never knew, for though my foster- 
 father told me I was found in the sea, I knew 
 not how it had chanced, that do I indeed pardon, 
 for you did no wrong, for all was for the service of 
 her whom I am bound to serve while J have life. 
 The King took pleasure to talk of those times, and 
 thus chearfully they sailed till they arrived in 
 Gaul. 
 
 You have heard how Arcalaus was naked in the 
 Tovi'er, and because the fire caught the door he
 
 IV 
 
 <ct)uld not get out, and the smoke and the heat were 
 so great that he could not help huTiself, and though 
 he got into a stone vaulted chamber still the smoke 
 was so thick that he was in great agony. There he 
 remained two days, for tlie fire continued so fierce 
 that none of his people who survived could enter, 
 but on the third day they could go in, and they 
 went up to him and found him in such plight that 
 his soul Mas ready to depart from his body ; but 
 pouring water into his mouth they made him re- 
 cover, though in great tortures, and took him in 
 their arms to remove him to the town, but when 
 he saw his Castle so burnt and ruined, he said 
 in the bitterness of his heart. Ah, Amadis of Gaul, 
 what evil hast thou brought upon me ! if I catch 
 thee I will do such cruelty upon thee that my 
 heart shall be revenged for all, and for thy sake I 
 swear never more to spare the life of any Knight 
 whom I take, that if thou shouldst fall again into 
 -my hands thou mayest not escape. Four days he re- 
 mained in t' e town, then he set out in a litter for 
 his Castle of Mount Aldin with Dinarda who was 
 so fair and another Damsel, and seven Knights to 
 guard them. The second day of their journey was 
 far spent, and on that night they were to reach his 
 Castle, when at the skirts of a forest they saw two 
 Knights by a fountain, richly armed and well
 
 US 
 
 mounted. Good Uncle, said Dinarda, here are 
 two strange Knights, for tliey were waiting to see 
 what came in the litter. He raised his head and 
 said to his Knights, take your arms and bring me 
 hither those Knights witliout saying who I am, 
 if they resist bring me their heads. Now you are 
 to know that these Knights were Don Galaor and 
 his comrade Norandel ; the Knights of Arcalaus 
 came up to them, and bade them leave their arms 
 and go to him in the htter. In God's name, quoth 
 Galaor, who is he ? or what is it to him whether 
 we go armed or not ? We know not, replied the 
 other, but you had better obey him or we must 
 take your heads. We are not come to that point 
 yet, quoth Norandel, that you can do it. Now 
 shall ye see! said they. In the first encounter two 
 of the Knights fell wounded to death, the other 
 five broke their spears and could not move them 
 from their saddles, then drew they their swords 
 and began a fierce battle, but three of them being 
 overthrown and badly wounded, the other twain 
 durst no longer abide those mortal blows, and rode 
 full speed into the forest. The two companions 
 did not pursue them but rode up to the litter which 
 was now deserted by all except two men on horse- 
 back, and they raised the curtain and said. Sir 
 Knight, whom God curse^ is it thus you treat Er-
 
 U9 
 
 fant Knights ? if you were armed we would make 
 you confess that you are a wretch and false to God 
 and the world, but as you are sick we will send 
 you to Don Grumedan, who shall sentence you as 
 you deserve. 
 
 When Arcalaus heard this he was sore dismayed, 
 knowing tliat if Grumedan should see him his 
 death was come, but being crafty in all things he 
 put on a good countenance and said, certes Sir 
 much pleasure would you do me in sending me to 
 my cousin and Lord Don Grumedan, but I liold 
 myself unfortunate that you should complain against 
 me, whose only thought and wish is how to serve 
 Errant Knights. I beseech you Sirs for courtesy 
 hear my misfortune, and tlien do with me as ye 
 please. They hearing that he was cousin to Don 
 Grumedan, whom they loved so well, repented 
 them of the harsh words tliey had used towards 
 him ; speak on, said they, we will willingly hear 
 you. Know then Sirs that one day being armed 
 I was riding in the forest of the Black Lake, and 
 there I found a Dame who complained to me of 
 wrong which had been done her, I went with her 
 and recovered for her her right before Count Gun- 
 cestre. But as 1 was returning to my Castle I met 
 that Knight whom you have slain, who God curse
 
 120 
 
 • 
 
 him, was a perverse man, and he with two other 
 Knights attacked me to win from me my Castle. 
 I defended myself the best I could but was- at last 
 taken ; he kept me prisoner for a whole year, and 
 all tlie honour he shewed me was to have these 
 wounds healed ; then showed he the scars to them, 
 for being a brave Knight many were the wounds 
 which he had given and received. At length Sirs 
 being in despair of otherwise obtaining my liberty 
 I agreed to give him up my Castle, thinking to go 
 afterwards to my cousin Don Grumedan, and to 
 my Lord King Lisuarte, and demand justice against 
 the robber, which now Sirs, without my asking 
 it, you have taken for me more fully than I ex- 
 pected 5 and if I found no help there I resolved to 
 go seek Amadis of Gaul or his brother Don Ga- 
 laor, and seek from them that succour which they 
 grant to all who are oppressed. Now because I 
 was so weak as not to ride he carried me in this 
 litter to have my Castle yielded, and the reason 
 why he and those other traitors attacked you was 
 that you might not come up to see who was in the 
 litter, and so learn their villainy. Hearing this 
 they besought pardon of him for the tlireats tliey 
 had used, and asked his name. — Granfiles, I know 
 not if you have heard it heretofore. Yes, quoth Ga- 
 laor, and I know, as your Cousin hath told me, that
 
 lt\ 
 
 he shews great honour towards all Errant Knights. 
 God be praised that }'ou know me ! he replied, 
 now I beseech you take off' your helmets and tell 
 me your names also. — This Knight is Norandel, 
 son to King Lisuarte, and I am Galaor the brother 
 of Amadis. God be praised, quoth Arcalaus, that 
 I have been succoured by such Knights ! and he 
 looked well at Galaor, \^'hen they had luihelmed, 
 that he might know him again and do him a mis- 
 chief if ever he had him in his power. I trust in 
 God Sirs that you may one day be where my will 
 towards you may be satisfied ! tell me now what I 
 shall do ? — Even whatever is your will. — I will pro- 
 ceed then to my Castle — God guard you, said they, 
 and they parted. It was night but the moon shone, 
 and he presently struck into a bye path. 
 
 The two Knights resolved to rest by the fountain 
 because their horses were weary. As you will, 
 said Don Galaor's Squire, but there is better lodg- 
 ing ready for you than you are aware of. — How so ? 
 Two Damsels who came with the Knight in the lit- 
 ter have hid themselves in that old building among 
 the briars. They then alighted and washed their hands 
 and faces at the fountain, and went towards the 
 place, through the thicket and over rubbish. Who 
 is hidden here, cried Galaor aloud, bring- fire that 
 vor.. HI. F -
 
 1C2 
 
 I ftiay make them come out. When Diiiarda 
 heard this, bhe cried, mercy Kuiglit and I will 
 come out ! — Come out then that I may see who you 
 are. — Help me or I cannot. Galaor drew nearer, 
 she held out her arms, the moon shone brio^ht so 
 that he saw her distinctly, and he helped her out. 
 She had on a scarlet petticoat, and a white sattin 
 cloak^ and so fair was she that Galaor had never 
 seen one wdiom he liked so well. Norandel took 
 the other Damsel out, they all went back to the 
 fountain, and there regaled upon what the Squires 
 brought, and on wdiat ihey found upon a sumpter- 
 horse of Arcalaus. Dinarda was in great fear of 
 Galaor, lest he should know how she had betrayed 
 his father and his brothers, and take vengeance, 
 and therefore she looked at him with amorous 
 €yes, and made signs to her Damsel how she ad- 
 mired his beauty, and this she did in hope to make 
 him love her, thinking tliat she might be safe. 
 Galaor was not slow at comprehending these 
 signs, for he tliought of nothing but how he 
 might have her for his mistress ; so such was her 
 ill fortune tiiat she, loth as she was, yet seeming 
 nothing coy, yielded that to her enemy which no 
 lover could ever yet attain. 
 
 Meantime Norandel wooed the Damsel with whom
 
 l-.li 
 
 lie had been beside the fountain, but she replied, 
 3'ou shall never have my love unless my Lady Di- 
 narda bids me yield it. Dinarda ? quoth Noran- 
 del, what is this the daughter of Ardan Canileo 
 who is come to this land to consult with Arcalaas 
 the Enchanter how they may revenge her father's 
 death ?— I know not the cause of her coming, but 
 this is that Dinarda, and happy may he think him- 
 self who wins her love. By this Galaor and Di- 
 narda came up, and Norandel taking him apart, 
 asked him if he knew who the Damsel was ? — No. 
 Dinarda, Ardan Canileo's daughter, who your 
 cousin Mabilia told us was come to this country to 
 devise the death of Amadis. Galaor mused awhile 
 and answered, I know nothing of her heart, but 
 she seems to love me dearly, and she is tlie woman 
 who of all that I have seen has pleased me best, 
 and I will not part from her yet. But as we are 
 going to Gaul I will contrive that Amadis may 
 make her some satisfaction, and so be forgiven. 
 Meantime Dinarda learnt from her Damsel what 
 had passed with Norandel, and how she was dis- 
 covered. Friend, said she, our wisdom now is not 
 to regard our own wills but to yield to necessity, 
 v/e must feign love for these Knights, and yield te 
 them till Vv'e can find occasion to escape, ' 
 
 f2
 
 1124 
 
 That night Galaor asked his Mistress what was the 
 name of the wicked Knight who wanted to slay 
 thera. She thought he meant him in the htter and 
 answered, how is it that when you went up to 
 him in the htter you did not know he was Arca- 
 laus ? — Arcalaus ! — Yea, truly. — Holy Mary, and 
 have I let him escape death with his tricks ! When 
 Dinarda heard that he was not slain she greatly 
 rejoiced, but dissembling that she answered, a 
 httle while ago and I would have given my life to 
 save his, but now that you have won my love, and 
 I am in your favour, I wish him dead, for I know 
 he hates you and your lineage ; may the ill which 
 he designs you fall upon his own head! and she 
 clipped him in her arms as if with exceeding love. 
 So they passed that night there m the forest, and on 
 the morrow the Knights took each his Leraan and 
 proceeded towards Gaul. 
 
 Arcalaus greatly dismayed at what had befallen 
 him reached his Castle at midnight, and ordered 
 the gates to be closed, and no person admitted. 
 There had he his sores healed, designing to be 
 worse than ever, and commit greater wrongs, as is 
 the way of the wicked, who, though God is pa- 
 tient with them, strive not to loose tlie chains id
 
 125 
 
 "which the wicked enemy hath bound them, till 
 they are cast with them into the pit of hellj as we 
 ought to believe this Arcalaus was. 
 
 Two days Don Galaor and Norandel rode with 
 their Mistresses towards the port from wher.ce die/ 
 designed to cross over into Gaul ; on the third day 
 they reached a Castle where they resolved to lodge 
 that night, and tinding the gate open rode in. The 
 Lord of the Castle, when he saw them enter, 
 chid his people for leavhig the gates open j hovv- 
 beit he made good semblance to the Kniglils and 
 did them much honour, though against his will, 
 for his name was Ambades, and he was cousin to 
 Arcalaus, and he knew Dinarda his niece, who told 
 him that she was forced by Gidaor. The mother 
 of this Ambades wept in secret with Dinarda, and 
 said she would have the Knights slain. Let not 
 such folly possess you and my Uncle, quoth Di- 
 narda, and she then related how they had discom- 
 fited the seven Knights. To morrow I and the 
 Damsel will lag behind, and let them go through 
 the gate, then the bridge may be drawn up, and 
 we shall be safe. Thus they resolved to do. 
 Ambades feasted the Knights weil, and lodged 
 them well, but he could not sleep all that night, 
 &9 much was he disnjayed at having two such niea 
 
 r 3
 
 I'i6 
 
 in his Castle. In tlie morning he rose and armed 
 himseJf, and said he would accompany liis guests 
 some way, for tliis, said he, is my office to seek ad- 
 ventures. We thank you Host, said Galaor. So 
 they armed and placed their Mistresses on their pal- 
 freys and rode forth, but their Host and the Mis- 
 tresses remained behind, and as soon as they and 
 their Squires were out, drew up the bridge, so that 
 the scheme succeeded. Ambades immediately dis- 
 mounted and went upon the wall, and saw how the 
 Knights w^ere looking to sie any one of whom 
 they might demand their Damsels. Get ye gone 
 ye ill and false guests, quoth he. God confound 
 ye, and give ye as bad a niglit as ye gave me ! your 
 Mistresses with whom you thought to make merry 
 shall tarry with me. How now Host ? said Ga- 
 laor, have you so well entertained us, and do you 
 now commit this great disloyalty to detain our Dam- 
 sels by force ? More joy if it were so, replied Am- 
 bades, but it was you their enemies who held them 
 by force, and tliey stay here freely. — Let them 
 show themselves and we shall see if it be so. — 
 They shall, not to satisfy you but to show how they 
 hate you. Dinarda then appeared upon the wall. 
 Dinarda my Lady, said Galaor, this Knight saya 
 you remain there willingly, and I cannot believe it 
 because of tlis great love that is between us. If I
 
 127 
 
 manifested love towards yon, DinarJn replied, i£ 
 v/as only iu fe<irj for I being the daughter of Ardan 
 Csniieo, and you brother to Amadis, how is it pos- 
 sible that I could love you ? and especially when yoa 
 would have carried me into Gaul, into the power 
 of my foes ? Go your way Galaor, if I have pleased 
 you do not thauk mc, nor ever think of me except 
 as your enemy. Stay where you are, quoth Ga- 
 hor, with the bad fortune which God grant lliee ! 
 from such a root as Arcaiaus, there can only come 
 such shoots. And you, said Norandel in great 
 vexation to his Mistress, what will you do ? — the 
 will of my Lady. Confound her will, quoth he, 
 and that of the fellow who has deceived us. Such 
 as I am, cried Ambades, I should think it no praise 
 to conquer two such as ye ! If you are such a 
 Knight, quoth Norandel, come out and fight, you 
 0:1 horseback and I afoot j if you kill me you will 
 rid Arcaiaus of a mortal enemy, if I conquer, you 
 shall give us the Damsels. What a fool thou art, 
 Ambades replied, I think nothing of both, and 
 what should I do of thee singly on foot and I being 
 mounted r for what you say of my Lord Arcaiaus, 
 he would not give one straw for twenty such as 
 thee and thy comrade, and then he took a Turkish 
 bow and began to let iiy at them. They drev/ 
 back and went their way, sayip^ that the wicked-
 
 128 
 
 ness of Arcalaus extended to all his race, and laugh- 
 ing at what had passed. On the fourth day they 
 reached a sea-port called Alfiadj and taking ship 
 arrived in Gaul at a place where Amadis and Flo- 
 restan were with Xing Perion. 
 
 Amadis and Florestan were walking together when 
 they saw the vessel put to land, and they went to- 
 wards it to learn news. Preiently they saw Ga- 
 laor and Norandel in the boat. Holy Mary, quoth 
 Amadis, here is our brother Galaar ! Know you 
 who is with him r — Norandel his companion. King 
 Lisuarte's son, a right good Knight, and so he 
 proved himself in the Island of Mongaza, but he 
 was not acknowledged for his son till after the 
 battle wiih the seven Kings, and then Lisuarte 
 made it known because of his great worth, Gkd 
 was Amadis of his coming, because he was Ori- 
 ana's brother, and Durin had said how she loved 
 him. By lliis the Knights landed, and they four 
 joyfully embraced, and went forthwith to King 
 Perion, who embraced Norandel and led them to 
 the Queen. Now Amadis had before resolved to 
 go in quest of adventures thathe might redeem his 
 lost name, and had fixed the fourth day for his de- 
 parture. Accordingly he spake to the King and his 
 i>retliren, saying, that it behoved him to leave
 
 129 
 
 tliem, an ! that he would set forth on the morrow. 
 Son, rephed Perion, God kiiows tlie want of you 
 which I shall feel ! but not for that will I prevent 
 you from gaining honour and the praLse of prowess, 
 as you have ever (^one. Sir brother, quoth Ga- 
 laor, if it were not for a quest which I and Noran- 
 del have undertaken, we would bear you com- 
 pany, but we inust needs accomplish it, or pass a 
 year and a day in the pursuit, according to the 
 custom of Great Britain. Son, said Perion, what 
 is your quest ? if it may be known. Sir, replied 
 Galaor, we publicly undertook it, and this it is. 
 Know Sir that in the battle which we had with 
 the seven Kings of the Islands, there were en 
 the side of King Lisuarte three Knights, all bear- 
 ing serpents for their arms all alike, but tlicir hel- 
 mets were ditferent, the one being white, one 
 purple, and one golden, and these three did such 
 wonders in arms that we were all astonished, espe- 
 cially he of the golden helmet, whose goodness in 
 arms I think cannot be peered. Certes it is 
 that but for these King Lisuarte would not have 
 had th.e victory ; when the battle was over they 
 left the field so secretly that they could not be 
 known, and it is to find them out that we have un- 
 dertaken. We have heard here of these Knights,. 
 answered Perion. God give you good tidings of- 
 
 r 5
 
 130 
 
 them ! But Amadis took his father and Florestan 
 apart ar\d said. Sir, I shall depart early, and I think 
 after I am gone you should discover the truth to 
 Galaor that he may not go on a vain search ; show 
 him the arms whrch he will know, for if he learns 
 not the secret from us none else can tell him, 
 I'hat night was there great feastings made, but all 
 were heavy for the loss of Amadis, who was going 
 they knew not whither. On the morrow after 
 mass they rode out with Amadis, who would take 
 in company with him none but Gandalin and the- 
 Dwarf, to whom the Queen gave money enough 
 to suffice his master for a year. Don Florestan re- 
 quested to go with him, but that he would not 
 grant for two reasons, that he might have more 
 leisure to think of his Lady, and that in attempting 
 great adventures he alone might perish or acquire 
 the glory. They rode a league together, then 
 Amadis took leave of his father and brethren and 
 went his way. 
 
 When they returned King Perion took Galaor and 
 Norandel aside, and said to them, you have under- 
 taken to find out that of which you can learn no 
 1 idings in the world, except it be only here. I bless 
 God that he has guided you thus to save you the 
 labov;r of a fruitless search ! then led he t'lcm to a
 
 131 
 
 chamber where the arms hung, there s:'.id he Is t!is 
 white helmet which I wore, and Florestau's purple 
 one, and the golden helmet of Amadis. Well did 
 they remember them, for they bore the dints of 
 that battle, and often had they looked at them oiv 
 that day, sometimes rejoicing that King Lisuartis 
 had such aid, at other times envying the prowess 
 of their masters. God and you Sir, said Galaor, 
 have shewn ns great favour in saving us from this 
 search ; it was our intent to seek those Knights 
 every where, and if they would not discover them- 
 selves we should have fought with them till death, 
 to prove, that though in the general battle they 
 did the best, it would be otherwise in sing-le light. 
 Norandel then begged those arms of the King 
 which he courteously granted, then told he them 
 in what peril they had been at the Castle of Arca- 
 laus, and by what adventure they had escaped. The 
 tears came into Galaor's eyes for grief at that recital, 
 and he in his turn told what had chanced to him 
 and Norandel witli Arcalaus, and how the En- 
 chanter had escaped, and of their host Ambades. 
 So Galaor and Norandel abode fourteen days with 
 King Perion, then taking the arms of the sei-pents 
 they embarked for Great Britain, and took those 
 arms to the palace to shew ho^ they had atchlttved 
 their quest. Well were they welcomed by the KiiJg 
 
 F (5
 
 133 
 
 and all tlie Court. Sir if i(. please you, said Ga- 
 laor, let me be heard in presence of the Queen, 
 forth wth they all went to the Quetn's apartment, 
 and Galaor and his companion kissed her hand, and 
 then he said, ye know Sirs that 1 and Korandel 
 went in quest of the Knights of the Serpents, 
 blessed be God we have accomplished it without 
 difficulty, as Korandel shall show )'ou. Then 
 Norandel took in his hand the white helmet and 
 said. Sir, know you this helmet well ? yea, an- 
 swered Lisuarte, many times did I see it when I 
 wished it to be seen. — King Perion, m ho loves you 
 well, bore it on his head that day j this purple 
 one was Florestan's j here is the golden helmet : he 
 who wore it, and who did you such service as none 
 other could have done, is Amaclis. If I szy truth 
 or not you are the best witness, for you wtre often 
 among them in the battle, they enjoying now the 
 fame and you the victory. Then they related all that 
 had happened and concerning Arcalaus, and how 
 he had escaped by calling himself Grumedan's cou- 
 sin ; at tliat they all laughed, and old Grumedan 
 also, saying he was happy they had found such a 
 .kinsman for him. 
 
 Lisuarte then enquired much concerning King Pe- 
 rion : taist me Sir^ said Norandel, there is no
 
 1 O'l 
 
 King in the world of equal territories who is his 
 peer. He will lose nothing by his sons, quoth 
 Grumedan ; thereto the King answered nothing, 
 because he would not praise Galaor to his face, 
 and was at that time little pleased with his bre- 
 thren ; howbeit he ordered the arms to be hung 
 upon tlie crystal arch of his palace, where the arms 
 of other famous men were placed.
 
 13^ 
 
 ClIJPTER 7. 
 
 When Esplandian was four years old Nasciano the 
 hermit sent for him^ and when he saw how well 
 grown he was for his age and how fair he marvelled 
 greatly, and blessed him, and the child embraced 
 him as if he had known liim. Then theher mit 
 sent his sister home, keeping with him her son and 
 Esplandian, who had been fed with the same milk, 
 these children remained playing together before 
 the hermitage till Esplandian grew tired, and lay 
 down under a tree and fell asleep. Now the 
 Lioness coming as was her wont to the hermit for 
 food, saw the child and went up to him, and after 
 smelling him all round lay down by his side. The 
 other boy ran crying to the good man and told him 
 that a great dog was going to eat Esplandian. The 
 good man went out to see the Lioness, who came 
 and fawned upon liim^ and the child waking and
 
 155 
 
 seeing the Lioness said, father is this fine dog ours? 
 No, said tiie good man, he is God's, to whom all 
 things belong. — I wish father he were ours ! — Do 
 you wish to feed him son ? yes replied the child j 
 the old man then fetched him the leg of a stag, 
 which some hunters had given him, and the child 
 gave it to the Lioness, and played with her ears, 
 and put his hands in her mouth. And you must 
 know that from- this time the I iiess came every 
 day, and guarded him whence r he walked out 
 from the hermitage. And when lie was giown 
 bigger Nasciano gtive him a bow fit for him, and 
 another to his nephew, and they leiivned to shoot : 
 the Lioness always went out with them; and if 
 they wounded a stag she would fetch him for them. 
 Now the hermit had certain friends who were 
 hunters, and they would sometimes go out with 
 Esplandian, for the sake of the Lioness that she 
 might bring in their game, and thus Esplandian 
 learned to hunt, and in this manner he passed his 
 time being taught by that holy man. 
 
 Amadis having left Gaul with design to do away 
 by new atchievcments the ill report of his long 
 sloth, entered Germany, and great feats did he 
 there perform, redressing wrongs, passing through 
 great hazards, doing battle sometimes with one
 
 13G 
 
 Knighij sometimes with two or three — what shall. 
 I say ? he was soon famed as the best Knight that 
 hnd ever entered tliat country, though they knew 
 him by no other name than the Knight of the Green 
 Sword, or of the Dwarf, because of Ardian wlia 
 was with him ? and thus he passed four years with- 
 out returning to Gaul, or to the Firm Island, or 
 hearing tidings of Oriana, and no other consola- 
 tion had he than the certainty that his Lady being 
 as faithful as himself endured the same loneliness. 
 Now having past the whole summer in Germany, 
 when the winter drew nigh he feared the cold, and 
 resolved to go to Bohemia to pass it with the good 
 King Tafinor, of whom he heard a fair report, 
 and who was then at war with El Patin, who was 
 now Emperor of Rome, and whom Amadis hated 
 as you have heard, for pretending to Oriana. Ac- 
 cordingly he departed for that kingdom. Now it so 
 happened tliat having reached the bank of a river 
 he saw a great company on the other side, who 
 had let fly a Ger-falcon at a heron, and tlie quarry 
 was slain near where he stood He alighted, and 
 cnlling out loudly to those on the other side, asked 
 if he should lure the Falcon ? they answered yes j 
 he then gave him to eat what what was proper, as 
 one who had often done so. Now tlie river was 
 60 deep that it could not be crossed in that part.
 
 137 
 
 and you are to know that King Talinor of Bohe- 
 mia was with that company, and he seeing the 
 Knight asked if any one knew him^ bat none pre- 
 sent could say who he was. Belike, said the King, 
 it may be a Knisiht who has traversed all Ger- 
 many, and done such v/onderful things in arms, 
 that all speak of him as of a miracle ; they call 
 bim the Knight of the Green Sword, or of the 
 Dwarf, and because of the Dwarf I think this may 
 be he, A Knight named Sadian, who was Chief 
 of the King's guard, answered, certes this is he for 
 he hath a green sword. The King then rode more 
 than apace towards a ford, for the Knight was now 
 riding thither to cross, having the ger-falcon on 
 his fist. Good friend, said Tafinor, you are right 
 welcome to my land. — Are you the King ? — I am, 
 while it pleases God. Then the Knight approached 
 respectfully to kiss his hand. Sir, pardon me, tho' 
 not knowing you I have not offended. I come to 
 see and serve you, for they say you are at war 
 with so mighty a n:i:in that yon need the service of 
 all your subjects and of strangers also ; but though 
 I am a stranger yet while I am M'ith you you may 
 account me as' your natural vassal. — Knight of the 
 Green Sword and friend, how much I am beholden 
 to you for this coming and these v/ords, my heart 
 knows which haili its courage doubled ihertb/
 
 138 
 
 So they rode together to tlie towiij and much was 
 that Knight admired by all for his goodly person, 
 and because he was better armed than ever they had 
 seen Knight. When they reached the palace the 
 King ordered that he should be lodged, and being 
 disarmed in a rich chamber he clctlied himself in 
 costly apparel, which his Dwarf had brought, i:ud 
 went before the King with such a presence as tes- 
 tified to the truth of what had been spoken of his 
 prowess ; there did he eat with the King, and was 
 served as became the table of such a man. When 
 the cloths were removed the King said. Knight of 
 tlie Green Sword and my good friend, know that 
 against my will I am at war with the mightiest of 
 all the Christians, El Patin, Emperor of Rome, 
 who in his great power and great pride would have 
 this kingdom, which God gave fiee into my hands, 
 tributary to him. Hitherto by the good faith and 
 strengtli of my vassals and friends I have well de- 
 fended myself, an-d will continue so to do wliile 
 life shall last ; but difficult and perilous it is for the 
 few to defend themselves against tiie many, and 
 therefore my heart is ever troubled in seeking for 
 some remedy. But none other is tlicre except in 
 the worth and courage v/hich God has given to 
 some above others, and as he hatii ;io excellently in 
 this wise gifted you, much hope have I in your
 
 159 
 
 aid, if you will help to defend this kingdom which 
 shall be ever at your will. Sir, answered tlie Knight, 
 I will serve you ; as you shall see my deeds so 
 judge you my worth. Thus the Knight of the 
 Green Sword remained in the house of King Tafi- 
 nor of Bohemia, and to do him more honour the 
 King ordered his own son Grasandor to be in his 
 company and Count Gallines his cousin. 
 
 It chanced one day as they were riding out with the 
 King and talking of the war, for the truce was to 
 expire in five days, they saw twelve Knights ap- 
 proaching, their arms lying upon the horses, and 
 their Squires carrying the helmets, shields and 
 lances. The King knew among them the shield of 
 Don Garadan, cousin to the Emperor Patin, who 
 was the best Knight of all the Lordship of Rome, 
 and he said to him of the Green Sword, ah, what 
 evils he hath done me vvhose is yonder shield, and 
 he pointed to the shield which bore two large eagles 
 or, in a field murrey. Sir, replied he, the more in- 
 sults you receive from your enemies the more con- 
 fidence should you have that God will give you 
 vengeance. Now seeing" they are come into your 
 land, relying upon your courtesy, honour them 
 and accost ihem well, but make no terms that are 
 not to your own honour and profit. The King
 
 140, 
 
 embrnced him and said, would to God you had 
 been always with me 1 direct me as you please ! 
 So they met Garadan and his company, and the 
 King welcomed them with better words than 
 heart, and invited them to enter the town. Don 
 Garadan answered, I come for two things which 
 you must know first, and -whereon no other coun- 
 sel is needed than that of your own heart ; answer 
 VIS speedily for we must not tarry, seeing tlie trace 
 will soon be expired. He then produced a letter 
 of credence wherein the Emperor promised on his 
 faith to confirm whatever Don Garadan should 
 conclude with him. Methinks, quoth Tafinor, 
 when he had read it, the Emperor places no little 
 confidence in you ! now say your bidding. King, 
 then said Don Garadan, notwithstanding the Em- 
 peror is of higher lineage and lordbhip tJian you, 
 yet because he hath other things to attend to, he 
 wishes to put an end to this war, in either of these 
 ways which you may chuse. Eillier that you 
 shall do battle with Salustanquidio his cousin Prince 
 of Calabria, hundred to hundred up to a thousand, 
 or twelve to twelve, your Knights against me and 
 these my companions : on condition that if you 
 conquer you shall be for ever free from this de- 
 mand, but if you are conquered you shall remain 
 bis vassal, as tliis kingdom was iu times past to his
 
 141 
 
 empire, according to our Roman histories. Now 
 chuse which you will, for should you refuse either 
 the Emperor bids you know, that leaving aside all 
 other things, he will come against you in person, 
 and never depart till he haih destroyed you. Don 
 Garadan, cried he of the Green Sword, you have 
 spoken arrogantly enough as well for yourself as 
 for the Emperor, but God oftentimes with a little 
 of his mercy hath broken down such pride ; the 
 King will answer you as it may please him. I 
 would only ask if he should accept one of these bat- 
 tles, how shall he be secure that what you pro- 
 mise will be performed ? Don Garadan looked at 
 him, wondering that he should have answered 
 witliout waiting for the King's reply, I know not 
 who you are Sir Knight, quoth he, but by your 
 speech it seems you are of a foreign land ; this I 
 shall say, I hold you for one of little discretion to 
 reply without the King's command, but if he hold 
 it good, and will accede to what I demand, I will 
 tell you what you ask. The King replied, Don 
 Garadan, I confirm and warrant whatever the Knight 
 of the Green Sword shall say. When Garadan 
 heard mentioned the man of such high prowess 
 his heart leaped for two causes,, the one sorrow, 
 that such a Knight should be on the King's side, the 
 other pleasure, for he hoped to combat him, ajid
 
 1 iC 
 
 had confidence that he should subdue or slay hiin, 
 and so acquire all that glory which he had won 
 throughout Germany, and other countries wherein 
 no otiaer Knight was spoken of. Since the King 
 leaves it to you, said he, chuse the one. The 
 Knight answered, let the King do tliat ; all I shall 
 saj is, that in either I will serve him, if he permit 
 me, and so will I do in war while I remain with 
 him. The King put his arm round tiie Knight's 
 neck saying, good friend, such courage your words 
 give me that I fear not to accept either, I beseech 
 you say which is best. — Certes Sir that may I not 
 do ; summon you the good men of your counsel 
 and take their judgment, and command me where- 
 in I may serve you, else might they with reason 
 complain that I took upon myself more than I had 
 wisdom to discharge ; howbeit Sir at all events 
 see what security Don Garadan will give. Garadan 
 then bade a Squire bring him a casket, and he took 
 from it a writing sealed with thirty seals all sus- 
 pended by silken strings, and all were of silver ex- 
 cept the middle one which was gold, for that was 
 the Emperor's, and tlie others were of the great 
 lords of the Empire ; this he gave tlie King. 
 
 Then King Tafinor withdrew with his good men, 
 and finding that he might depend upon the condi-
 
 14^3 
 
 t'lons, asked counsel whether he should chuse : some 
 said the hundred to hundred, others the combat of 
 twelve, because for so small a number he could 
 chuse tried Knights, others that it were better to 
 continue the war and not put his kingdom upon 
 adventure of a battle; so that the opinions were 
 very different. Then said Count Galtines, Sir, let 
 us refer it to this Knight of the Green Sword, who 
 peradventure has seen many things, and hath great 
 desire to serve you. Thereto all assented, and the 
 King sent to call him, for he and Grasandor were 
 talking with Don Garadan, and the Knight of the 
 Green Sword seeing of what brave stature he was, 
 and that needs there mustbe great strength in him, 
 somewhat doubted the battle, yet the vain and 
 arrogant words which he had spoken made him hope 
 that God would enable him to confound his pride. 
 He at the King's bidding went before him, and the 
 King said. Knight of the Dwarf my great friend, I 
 beseech you now do not refuse to give us your ad- 
 vice, and he told him at what difference they were. 
 Sir, he replied, this is a weighty thing to deter- 
 mine, for the issue is in the hand of God, not in 
 the judgment of men. Howbeit speaking as the 
 adventure were my own, I will say Sir, that if 1 
 had but one castle and an hundred men, and an 
 eaemy with ten castles and a thousand Knighis
 
 warring to take it from me, if it pleased God to 
 make him propose to mc an equal battle I should 
 think it a great mercy. But for all which I have 
 said do not you Knights cease to counsel the King 
 that which will be most for his service ! with tliat 
 he would have departed but the King took him by 
 the cloak and made him sit by him, and said, good 
 friend, we all agree in your op'uaion. I chuse the 
 combat of twelve, and God who sees the violence 
 done me will be my helper, even as he helped 
 King Periou of Gaul when that mighty King Abies 
 came against him, and was slain by a stripling 
 Knight. In the name of God ! exclaimed he of 
 the Green Sword, and this is the best choice, but 
 if you can prevail witli Garadan let it be decided 
 by single combat, let he and I do battle, for I trust 
 in God, and in your good cause and his pride that 
 I could decide the war. 
 
 With that they went to Don Garadan, who was 
 impatient of their delay, and the King said to him, 
 I chuse the combat of twelve Don Garadan, and 
 let it be to-morrow. So help me God, quoth Ga- 
 radan, as you have answered to my heart's desire, 
 and I am right glad. He of the Green Sword an- 
 swered, oftentimes men are glad at the beginning 
 but when the end ccmcs it is otherwitc. Garadan
 
 U5 
 
 beheld him v,-kh an evil look — Don Cavalier, you 
 chuse to speak on every occasion ! it is plain enough 
 that )'ou are a stranger, since your discretion is so 
 scanty and strange ; if I knew that you were to 
 be one of the twelve I would give you these gloves ! 
 He of the Green Sword took them, — I shall be 
 there, and as I now take your gloves, so will I 
 then take that head which your pride and dis- 
 courtesy have offered me. When Garadan heard 
 this he %vas besides himself widi rage. — Ah, 
 wretch that I am, quoth he, if this were to-mor- 
 row, and we were in the battle, Don Cavalier of 
 tiie Dwarf, all these should see how I would chas- 
 tise your folly ! If till to-morrow seem so long a 
 time, replied he of the Green Sword, the day is 
 yet long enough for one to slay the other ; let us 
 arm if you will and begin the battle, on this cove- 
 nant, that he who survives may aid his comrades 
 to-morrow. Certes, Don Cavalier, replied Gara- 
 dan, if you dare do as you have nQW said, I forgive 
 you all you have said against me, and he called 
 hastily for his arms, and the Knight of tlie Dwarf 
 demanded his from Gandalin. 
 
 His companions armed Don Garadan, the King 
 and his son did the same tg their champion ; all 
 then withdrew, and left the twain in the field 
 
 VOL. III. G
 
 146 
 
 where they were to combat, Garadan mounted 
 upon a goodly steed, whom he made prance fiercely 
 over the field, then turning to his fiiends he said, 
 trust ye that ye shall see this King made subject 
 to our Emperor, and ye without striking a blow, 
 remain with much honour ; all tlie hope of oiu: 
 enemies is in this Knight, whom, if he dares abide 
 the encounter, I shall presently conquer, and \\ hen 
 he is slain they will not dare enter the lists with 
 us to-morrow. What are you doing Garadan ? 
 cried he of the Green Sword, you waste tlie day 
 hi boasting, and boasting will not do now we are 
 about to be proved. They then spurred against 
 each other, their shields, strong as they were, foiled, 
 their lances, thick as they were, splintered, and 
 they dashed helmet and shield against each other. 
 The horse of the Green Sword staggered back and 
 reeled, but did not fall ; Garadan was driven from 
 the saddle, and so rudely that he was well nigh 
 stunned. He of the Green Sword, when he saw 
 him trying to rise and stumbling, would have made 
 at him but his horse could not move, the en- 
 counter had so shaken him, and he himself had 
 been wounded in the left arm, but he alighted in 
 great wrath and went against Garadan with his 
 burning Sword. Now had Garadan recovered, 
 and stood sword in hand covered with his shield
 
 i4: 
 
 ready, but not so fierce as before. Many a nota- 
 ble blow was then given, and so fiercely they foin- 
 ed that all marvelled to behold them. But Gara- 
 dan yet felt his fell, and his enemy in anger prest 
 on him, and laid on such heavy load so fast that he 
 drew back and said, certes Knight of the Green 
 Sword I now know you better than before, and 
 like you less ! howbeit, though much of your 
 worth is now proved to me, mine is not in sucli 
 state that it can be known who shall conquer : if 
 you like to rest a while be it so, if not, again to 
 battle ! Traly Don Garadan, replied he, it would 
 please me far better to rest than to fight, but to 
 one of your high prowess and courage it must be 
 far otherwise, as I judge by your own words ; and 
 therefore that so good a man as you may not be 
 shamed, I will not leave the battle till it be ended. 
 Right sad was Don Garadan for that, for he felt 
 himself weak with his fall and wounds, and re- 
 membered the proud threats which he had uiter- 
 ed against that enemy, howbeit he took courage to 
 do his best and endure the end ; then again they 
 engaged with equal fury, but it was not long be- 
 fore Garadan fell down with a blow on the hel- 
 met, the sword had entered so deep that the 
 Knight could scarce pluck it out, then he hastened 
 and took off his enemy's helmet and saw that^he 
 
 G 2
 
 148 
 
 brains were cleft. Whereat greatly rejoicing be- 
 cause of the displeasure it could be to El Patin the 
 Emperor, and the service he had done the King, 
 he wiped his sword and put it in the scabbard, and 
 knelt down and gave God thanks. 
 
 King Tafinor iniinediately dismounted from his 
 jialfrey and went up to the conqueror, and seeing 
 his hands red with blood, his own as well as his 
 enemy's, he said to him, good friend, how feel you ? 
 Right well, replied he of tlie Green Sword, by 
 God's mercy ! I shall bear my part to-morrow in 
 the battle. So he was honourably accompanied to 
 the town, and his wounds were dressed. I'he Ro- 
 man Knights meantime carried the dead Garadan 
 to their tents, and great dole did they make, for 
 tl}ey loved him much, and were sore dismayed at 
 his loss, seeing that his conqueror would be agairist 
 ihem on tlie morrow ; so they were greatly trou- 
 bled, being afraid to do battle, yet knowing that 
 if they did not the Emperor would be disho- 
 noured, and tliey themselves therefore in peril of 
 death. Howbeit they resolved not to fight, and 
 to excuse themselves before the Emperor by say- 
 ing tliat Garadan had undertaken the combat, 
 wherein he died against the will of all, for his own 
 haughtiness. The most of them were of this
 
 149 
 
 mind and the others were silent. But there was 
 among them a young PInight called Arquisil, of 
 the imperial blood, and so near a-kia to El Patin 
 that he was his heir if he died without a son, and 
 for this reason vvas he hated by that Emperor. 
 He being so young, for he was yet but twenty, 
 liad not before ventured to speak 5 but now he 
 said, certes Sirs I marvel greatly that good men 
 like you should fall into so great an error ! if any 
 man had advised this you ought to have held him 
 as an enemy ! for Don Garadan's death, it is bet- 
 ter that so insolent a one should be out of our com- 
 pany, that we may not partake the reward of his 
 insolence ; and for that Knight whom you fear, I 
 will take him to my account, and not leave him till 
 death, what then will be the mighty odds ? eleven 
 to ten — that you should prefer perpetual disho- 
 nour to the chance of death ! Such weight had 
 these words of Arquisil that his companions gave 
 him many tlianks, and praised his council, and 
 bravely determined to undertake the combat. 
 
 When the Knight of the Green Sword had taken 
 food he said to the King, it is time Sir to appoint 
 the Knights who are to do battle to-morrow, that 
 they may prepare and meet at mass in )our chapel 
 by day-break, that we go forth together to the 
 
 G 3
 
 field. So let it be, replied Tafinor, my son Gra- 
 sandor shall be one, and die others such that witli 
 Gotl's help and yours we shall gain the victory. 
 God forbid, then answered thcKnight, that while I 
 can bear arms you or your son siiould wear them ! 
 and when the others are such that he and even I 
 might be excused. Sir Knight of the Green 
 Sword, exclaimed Grasandor, I will not be excused 
 where your person is exposed, neither in this nor 
 in any other battle ; if I were worthy to have a 
 boon granted by such a Knight as you I would 
 request you to have me always in your company. 
 In no wise will I forbear to be in tlie combat to- 
 morrow, though it were only to learn something 
 of your wonders in arms. He of the Green Sv/ord 
 bowed humbly to acknowledge that honour; 
 since you will so have it Sir, in God's name let it 
 be so. The King then said, my good friend your 
 arms have been rudely handled, I will give you 
 Others which never have been worn, and which 
 will please you, and a horse better than Avhich 
 you never have seen, and fortliwith he bade the 
 horse be brought bridled and saddled with most 
 rich trappings. When the Knight saw the horse 
 how handsome he was, and how well caparison- 
 ed, he sighed, thinking that if he was where it 
 could be done he should well bestow him by
 
 151 
 
 sending him to his trne friend Angriote of Estra- 
 vans. The arms were very nch, bearing Lions 
 murrey in a field or, and the coat-armour was 
 the same, but the sword was the best that ever he 
 had seen, except King Lisuarte's and his own, and 
 after having looked at it he gave it to Grasandor 
 for the battle. On the morrow betimes they 
 heard mass with the King, and armed and kissed 
 his hand, then took horse and rode to the field. 
 The Romans were coming forth, their men sound- 
 ing trumpets to encourage them, Arquisil among 
 them in green arms, and on a white horse, and he 
 said to his comrades, remember what wc have 
 said, I will perform my promise. They then en- 
 countered, and Arquisil met the Knight of the 
 Green Sword ; tlieir lances brake and Arquisil was 
 driven from the saddle, but he laid hold of the 
 crupper, and being active and of good heart lightly 
 recovered his seat. The Green Sword Knight 
 passed on, and with the truncheon of his lance 
 smote off the helmet of the first he met, and 
 he would have felled him if he had not himself 
 been attacked by two Knights at once ; the one of 
 which struck his shield, the other his leg, passing 
 through the lappet of his mail, the spear end gave 
 him a wound which he felt sorely, and which 
 made him jrage with more wrath. He laid hand 
 
 G 4
 
 152 
 
 to sword and smote at one a thwart blow which 
 fell upon the horse's neck, and cut it clean through, 
 so that the beast fell and broke the rider's leg. 
 By this Arquisil came up and smote him of the 
 Green Sword on the helmet xo fiercely that sparks 
 flew from helm and sword, and he made him 
 bend his head, but he soon received his guerdon, 
 for the Green Sword struck him on the shoulder, 
 and wounded him so sorely that Arquisil thought 
 surely his arm was lost ; then the Knight went on 
 among his other enemies, who were now hardly 
 put to by Grasandor and the Bohemians. But Ar- 
 quisil still followed him, though witli less ardour 
 than at first, and foined at him on all parts ; he 
 turned and struck him, with no will to wound, 
 esteeming him above all of his party for the cou- 
 rage with which he had singled him out. Arqui- 
 sil still prest on him, by this the Romans were 
 slain, or disabled or had yielded, and the Green 
 Sword Knight seeing how Arquisil still pursued 
 him, cried out, will no one deliver me from this 
 Knight ? Thereat Grasandor and two others turn- 
 ed upon him and plucked him from tlie saddle, for 
 he was weary and weak, and threw him down and 
 would have slain him, but tlien the Green Sword 
 Knight said. Sirs, I have received most hurt I'rom 
 him, leave me to take amends, and he went up to
 
 153 
 
 • 
 Arquisil and said. Knight, yield j'oyrself, and do 
 
 not perish by the hand of one who esteems you 5 
 then he who only expected death right joyfully 
 yielded himself prisoner, and thanked him for his 
 life, and pledged himself upon the Green Sword to 
 obey his bidding. Then went they all to the 
 King, who joyfully received them, and the Knight 
 of the Green Sword was laid in the King's cham- 
 ber, and Tafinor would have lodged Arqnisil with 
 him to honour him because of his high lineage 
 and great worth, but he said, I beseech you Sir, 
 let me go help my companions who are yet living, 
 and bear away the dead. I am your prisoner, and 
 %vill come to your command whenever you sum- 
 mon me. The Green Sword Knight embraced 
 him and dismissed him, and he went to his com- 
 rades, whom he foand in such plight as you may 
 guess, and taking with them the bodies of Gara- 
 dan> and the others who were slain they went 
 tlieir way. So you will hear nothing more of 
 this Knight till his time comes, and then it shall 
 be told to what his great courage brought him. 
 
 The Green Sword Knight remained with King 
 Tafinor till his wounds were healed, and then see- 
 ing that the war was ended, and tliinking that h^ 
 could better bear the miseiy of absence from Ori~
 
 154 
 
 ana, when he was wandering and enduring diffi- 
 culty, than in repose and enjoyment, he spake to 
 the King saying, Sir, since your war is ended, and 
 the time when my fortune will not let me rest is 
 come, I must obey the will of that fortune, not 
 my own. I will depart to-morrow, and God grant 
 tliat there may come a time wherein I may make 
 some return for the great honours and favours 
 which you have vouchsafed me. King Tatinor 
 thereat was sorely troubled, — Ah, Knight of the 
 Green Sword, my true friend, take what you will 
 of my kingdom, power as well as possessions, and 
 do not leave me ! Sir, replied he, this I always be- 
 lieved, that knowing my good will to serve you, 
 you would honour me accordingly, but I cannot rest 
 till my heart be in that place where its thoughts 
 are always. The King seeing how he spake, and 
 knowing him to be fixed in all his purposes, an- 
 swered then with a sad countenance, my loyal 
 friend, since it must be so, I beg of you two 
 things : the one, that if ever need betide you, you 
 will remember me and this my country ; the other, 
 that you will hear mass with me to-morrow for I 
 would speak with you. 
 
 He of the Green Sword then ordered Gandalin to 
 prepare for their departure. That night he did
 
 155 
 
 not sleep, even as though he had been overwearied 
 with bodily toil, for trouble and grief of mind so 
 mastered him, for his Lady's sake ; many tears did 
 he shed that night ; at dawn he rose and armed 
 and went to horse, and Gandalin and the Dwarf 
 mounted their palfreys, taking the things neces- 
 sary for their journey. Forthwith he went to the 
 King's chapel where they heard mass; King Ta- 
 finor then bidding all others go forth, said to him, 
 my great friend, I beg of you one boon, which 
 shall neither be to the hindrance of your journey 
 nor to your dishonour. — So Sir I well believe, do 
 you therefore ask according to your virtue, and I 
 grant it. — -Tell me then good frier^d your name, 
 and whose son you are, and trust me the secret 
 shall be kept by me till you divialge it. The 
 Knight remained silent awhile, repenting what 
 he had promised, — Sir, if it please you do not ask 
 this, for it will not profit you. — My good friend 
 doubt not to tell me — I will conceal it like you 
 yourself. He then replied, since it pleases you 
 Sir to know, I am that Amadis of Gaul, son to 
 King Perion, of whom you spake before the bat- 
 tle. Ah, happy Knight, quoth then King Ta- 
 finor, blessed was the hour wherein thou wert 
 begotten, by whom thy parents and kin, and we 
 also have derived such honour and advantage ! 
 
 66
 
 156 
 
 You have made me right joyful by telling me this; 
 and I trust in God that it will be for your own 
 good, and the means that I may somewhat dis- 
 charge tlie great debts I owe you. Now, though 
 the King spake thus from his own good will, and 
 not because of any thing which he could know of 
 that Knight's needs, yet was it fulfilled in two 
 Avays ; tlie one, because he made be written all 
 the feats of arms which Amadis had done in 
 those countries, and the other when he was a right 
 good ally to him with his son and his people, 
 when he had great need of help, as you shall hear 
 hereafter. Then he took leave of the King, and 
 being accompanied out of town by Grasandor and 
 Count Galtines, and other good Knights for half 
 a league, they then commended him to God, and he 
 set forth to go through the Islands of Romania, 
 and prove himself in such adventures as he might 
 there find.
 
 157 
 
 CHAPTER 8. 
 
 •King Lisuarte, to solace himself and his Knights, 
 resolved to go hunt in the forest and take with 
 him the Queen and her daughters and all her 
 Damsels, and he bade the tents be pitched by the 
 fountain of the Seven Beech Trees, which was a 
 pleasant place. Now you are to know that this 
 was the forest where the hermit Nasciano dwelt, 
 and where he was breeding up Esplandian. There 
 leaving the Queen in her fair tent, the King and 
 his huntsmen went into the thickest part of the 
 mountain, where, because that ground was kept, 
 they had plenty of sport. It so fell out that the 
 King started a stag and tollowed him down into 
 the valley, and tliere a strange thing chanced, for 
 he saw a child coming down the opposite hill, a 
 boy of five years old, the prettiest that ever he had 
 seen, leading a lioness in a ieash, and when he saw
 
 158 
 
 the stag he loosed her and hallooed her to the 
 game. Presently the Lioness overtook him and 
 slew him and began to suck his blood, and the 
 child came running up and with him another 
 somewhat older tlian himself, and they took out 
 their knives and gave the Lioness her share. The 
 King stood in tlie thicket wondering at what he 
 saw, and his horse was frightened at the lioness 
 and would not go towards her. Presently the 
 boy took a horn which hung from his neck and 
 blew it, and two spaniels cams up, the one tawny 
 and tlie other black, and they had their fees of the 
 game ; this done they leashed the Lioness again, 
 and went up the hill. By this the King had fast- 
 ened his horse to a tree, and called out to the boy 
 to stop, and when he came up and saw how beau- 
 tiful he was he marvelled more than before^ and 
 he said to him, God bless thee my fine boy, and 
 keep thee for his service ; tell me where you are 
 brought up and whose son you arc ? Sir, replied 
 the child, the holy man Nasciano the hermit 
 breeds me up and he is my father. The King 
 mused awhile how a man so holy and so old should 
 have so young and so fair a child, and did not be- 
 lieve that it could be so ; he then asked him 
 where the hermit's house was. The child shoA\'ed 
 him a path but little trodden,— you may go up
 
 159 
 
 there, but I must follow that bey who is taking the 
 Lioness to tlie fountain where we have our game. 
 So he went his way and the King went to horse, 
 and followed the patli till he came to tlie hermi- 
 tage, which was among beech trees and brambles, 
 and he saw no one there ; then he alighted and 
 went in, and he found an old man kneeling and 
 reading prayers in a book 5 he was in his habit, and 
 his hair was quite grey. When he had finished 
 his prayers he looked round and saw the King, 
 and the King knelt before him and besought his 
 blessing, which the good man gave and asked him 
 then what he would have. Good friend, replied 
 Lisuarte, I have met a fair boy in the mountain 
 hunting with a Lioness, who told me that you 
 bred him up, and because he is so beautiful and 
 this tiling so strange, I come to ask you who he 
 is, promising you on the word of a King that no 
 harm shall come from the discovery eitlier to him 
 or you. When the good man heard this he re- 
 collected the King's person and knelt down and 
 kissed his hand, but the King raised him up and 
 embraced him saying, friend Nasciano, I am very 
 desirous to know tliis, do not fear to tell me. 
 The good man led him out of the chapel and 
 they sat down on a bench in the porch, by where 
 his horse was fastened^ and he said^ Sir I believe
 
 you, that you will protect the child as it has pleased 
 God to protect him ! he then told him how he 
 had found the chilJ, and of the letters on his 
 breast. You tell me such wonders, replied Lisu- 
 arte, as I never heard till now : it must needs be 
 that the Lioness found him near this place. I 
 cannot say, said Nasciano, nor let us seek to know 
 more of this than pleases God. Then said the 
 King, I beseech you come and eat with me to* 
 morrov/ at the Fountain of the Seven Beech 
 Trees, where you will tind the Queen and our 
 company, and bring with you Esplandian and the 
 Lioness, andyour nephew, to whom I ought to show 
 favour for tlie sake of Sargii his father, who was a 
 good Knight, and served the King my brother 
 well. 
 
 The King then returned to his pavilion, he reached 
 it two hours after noon, and there he found Don 
 Galaor and Norandel, and Guilan the Pensive, 
 who had just arrived with two deer, with whorr> 
 he talked and made merry, but of his own adven- 
 ture he said nothing ; then bade he the cloths 
 be spread, but Don Grumedan came up and said. 
 Sir, the Queen hath not yet eat, and she requests 
 to speak with you first, for so it bchoveth. Im- 
 mediately he rose and went to her, and she showed
 
 161 
 
 him a letter sealed witli an emerald, through 
 ■wliich threads of gold were passed, and there were 
 letters round about it saying, (his is the seal of Ur- 
 gauda the Unknown. Sir, quoth she, as I came 
 along the road a Damsel met us, richly attired upon 
 a palfrey, and a Dwarf with her upon a good 
 horse. She rode by all my company, and close by 
 my daughter, without vouchsafing a word to 
 them, but when I came up she said. Queen, take 
 this letter, and read it with the King before you 
 dine, and then she and the Dwarf spurred away 
 so fast tliat there was no time to ask her any thing. 
 The King then opened the letter and read tlius : 
 
 To the most high and honoured King Lisuarte. 
 
 I Urganda the Unknown, who love you, advise 
 you to your benefit, that at the time when the 
 fair boy who has been nursed by three nurses shall 
 appear you love him and cherish him well, for 
 great joy shall he bring to you, and shall deliver 
 you from the greatest danger wherein ever you 
 were placed. He is of high lineage, and know 
 O King that from the milk of his first nurse he 
 shall be so strong and fierce of heart that his great 
 feats in arms shall obscure all the worthies o{ his 
 own time, and from his second nurse he shall be 
 gentle and courteous, and humble, and of all goo<i
 
 I Gil 
 
 qualities, and from his third nurse prudent and of 
 good understanding, and right catholic, and of 
 fair speech ; therefore will he be beloved by all, 
 and no Knight shall equal him. And his great 
 deeds in arms shall all be employed in the service 
 of the Most High God, despising that which other 
 Knights of these days follow more for the honour 
 and vain glory of this world than for the sake of 
 conscience, so that he shall have God on his right 
 hand and his Lady on his left. And I tell thee 
 moreover good King that this child shall make 
 peace between thee and Amadis and his lineage, 
 which shall last all thy days, and which none 
 other could do. 
 
 "When he had read this, the King blessed himself 
 and said, the wisdom of this woman can neither be 
 imagined nor expressed ! I have this day found 
 the child of whom she speaks ! and with that he 
 told the Queen what had happened, and how Nas- 
 ciano and the boy would be with them on the 
 morrow. Right joyful was Brisena to think she 
 should see that child, and talk with that holy man 
 about her conscience. The King then bade Jier 
 say nothing of all this, and he returned to his tent 
 to take food, there he told his Knights not to go 
 liuut the next day for lie had a letter to read ta.
 
 16 
 
 t-^ 
 
 them from Urganda the Unknown, and he order- 
 ed the huntsmen to drive all the beasts into a shel- 
 tered valley and keep them there all the day : tliis 
 did he that they might not be frightened by the 
 Lioness. So thus as you hear they passed the day 
 regaling themselves in that meadow which was 
 full of flowers and of fresh green grass. 
 
 Oa the morrow they all assembled in the King's 
 tent and tliere heard mass. Lisuarte then took 
 them to tlie Queen's Pavilion, which was pitched 
 beside a fountain in a fresh meadow, for it was 
 the month of AI ay. The curtains of tlie pavilion 
 were open, so that the Princesses and Dames and 
 Damsels of high parentage were all seen seated on 
 the estrados, and there tlie high-bom Knights 
 went and conversed with them. The King then 
 had the letter of Urganda read, whereat they were 
 all greatly amazed, marvelling what fortunate 
 child it might be, but most of all Oriana mused 
 tliereon and sighed for her son, thinking that per- 
 haps this might be he whom she had lost. What 
 think ye of this letter ? said the King. Certe^ 
 Sir, replied Don Galaor, I doubt not that what she 
 saith will come to pass, as it ever hath done, and 
 how much soever others may rejoice when the 
 child shall appear, with reasoa shall 1 above all
 
 1(34 
 
 others be glad, seeing that through him shall be 
 accomplished the thing I most desire, which is to 
 see my brother Amadis and his kinsmen in your 
 love and service once more, as t ey were hereto- 
 fore wont to be. Lisuarte answered, all this 
 is in the hand of God, he will do his service, and 
 we must be contented. While they were thus 
 communing they beheld the hermit coming and his 
 boys with him, Esplandian came first, leadino- 
 the Lioness in a slender leash and the two Spaniels 
 coupled, and behind him was the holy man Nas- 
 ciano ; then came Esplandian's foster brother 
 Sargil, and two bowmen who had taught Esplan- 
 dian in the mountain, and they brought upon one 
 beast the stags whom Lisuarte had seen the 
 Lioness slay, and on another two roe-bucks, and 
 hares, and rabbits whom the boys and they had 
 killed with thrir arrows. When they in the tents 
 beheld such a company, and that great and terri- 
 ble Lioness, they rose hastily and went to place 
 themselves before the King, but he held out a 
 wand and bade them remain in their places, saying 
 that he who led this Lioness- would defend them. 
 It may be so, replied Don Galaor, but methinks 
 we should have a weak defender in the huntsman- 
 who leads her if she should grow angry ; this is a 
 
 man'ellous thing to see !
 
 155 
 
 The boys and the archers now stopt to let the good 
 man go forward. Friends, said Lisuarte, this is 
 the holy man Nasciano who dwells iia the moun- 
 tain, let us go to him that he may give us his 
 blessing. They then went and knelt before him, 
 and the King said, servant of God and happy map 
 give us your blessing ! he raised his hand and re- 
 plied, receive it in his name as from a sinner ! 
 The King dien led him to Brisena ; but when the 
 women beheld that fierce Lioness lookina: at 
 them and rolling her eyes round, her red tongue 
 lolling out, and her teeth showing so sharp and 
 strong they were greatly affrighted. The Queen 
 and her daughter and all well welcomed Nasciano, 
 and they were all amazed at the great beauty of 
 the child, who went to the Queen saying. Lady, 
 we have brought you this game. My good boy, 
 said the King, divide it as you like, and this he 
 said to see what he would do. The boy answer- 
 ed, tlie game is yours, do you dispose of it. Nay, 
 quoth the King, you shall divide it j the boy was 
 abashed, and there came a colour like a rose into 
 his cheek. Sir, said he, take you tlie stag for your- 
 selves and your companions. He then went to 
 the Queen, who was talking with Nasciano, and 
 kneeling down kissed Iter hands and gave her the
 
 \66 
 
 roe-bucks j then looking on his right he thought 
 that none whom he saw appeared more worthy to 
 be honoured than Oriana his own mother whom 
 he did not know, and he gave her the partridges 
 and rabbits, saying, Lady we have slain no other 
 game than this with our arrows. Fair child, re- 
 plied Oriana, God speed you in your sport and in 
 all else. The King then called him, and Galaor 
 and Norandel took him in their arms and em- 
 braced him as if the force of kin were working in 
 them. Lisuaite commanded silence and said to 
 the good man, father and friend of God, say now 
 before all these what you related to me concerning 
 this child. The good man then related how he 
 had met the Lioness with this child in her mouth, 
 carrying him home to her whelps, and how by 
 God's mercy she laid the babe at his feet. And 
 how richly he was clothed, and how the Lioness 
 had suckled him first, and then a ewe-sheep, till 
 he had given him to a nurse, all as the history 
 hath related it. But when Oriana and Mabilia and 
 the Damsel of Denmark heard this they looked at 
 each otlier, and tlieir flesh trembled for exceed- 
 ing joy, for they knew of a truth that this child 
 was the son of Amadis, whom the Damsel had 
 lost. But when the hermit told of the letters oh
 
 167 
 
 ills breast, and uncovered his breast that all might 
 see, then were they certain tliat this was he, and 
 the delight of their hearts was so great that it can- 
 not be expressed, and above all that of Oriana to 
 behold the child whom she had lost. 
 
 Ilien Lisuarte asked the boys of Nasciano that he 
 might have them brought up, to the wiiich the 
 good man assented, seeing that God had made 
 them more for such a life than for one he could 
 give them, yet was it with great grief of heart 
 that he consented, and knowing tlie loneliness he 
 should feel in losing them, for he loved Esplan- 
 dian dearly. When the King had tliem thus at 
 his disposal he gave Esplandian to the Queen to 
 seiTe her, and she soon gave him to her daughter 
 Griana, greatly rejoiced thereat as slie who had 
 brought him forth. Thus was that child placed 
 under his mother's care, he who had been in the 
 Lioness's moutli. These are the wonders of tlie 
 Most High God the preserver of us all ! other sons 
 of princes are lapt in silks, and nursed with all 
 blandishments and delicacies, and so carefully that 
 they who tend them must neither sleep nor rest, 
 and yet witli little hurt and slight ailing they are 
 taken out of the world ; for so God willsj and
 
 168 
 
 fathers aiiJ moihers must receive his allotments as 
 what is just, and thank him for doing his own 
 will, which cannot err like ours. 
 
 The Queen then confessed to that holy man : 
 Oriana did the same, and told him the secret of 
 her love, and how that child was hers, and by 
 what adventure she had lost him, a thing which 
 till then she had never communicated, and she be- 
 sought him to remember it in his prayers; much 
 did the good man marvel to hear of such love in 
 one of so high degree, who was above all others 
 bound to give a good example, and he reproved 
 her sharply, bidding her give over so great an 
 error, else he would not absolve her, and her soul 
 would be in great peril. But she weeping told 
 him how when Amadis released her from Arca- 
 laus she had received his pledged word as husband, 
 as it ought to be ; then was the hermit full glad, 
 and he was the means whereby many were deli- 
 vered from cruel death that awaited them, as 
 shall be seen hereafter. Then he absolved her, 
 and appointed such penance as was convenient. 
 He then took Esplandian to the King, and em- 
 braced the boy and wept, saying, child of God, 
 whom he gave me to bring up, may he guard and
 
 m 
 
 protect thee, and make thee a good man for his 
 holy service ! then he kissed him and gave him 
 his blessing, and delivered him to the Kingj and 
 taking his leave he returned with the archers and 
 the Lioness to his hermitage. 
 
 VOL. liU H
 
 170 
 
 CHAPTER 9. 
 
 You have heard how the Green Sword Knight re- 
 solved to go through tlie Islands of Romania : there 
 he went, redressing the oppressed, and quelling the 
 proud, and passing through great perils combating 
 Knights and Giants, and suffering wounds and 
 sickness at times, gaining great renown, yet neither 
 danger nor toil abating the mortal grief which he 
 endured for Oriana's sake. Thus as he wandered, 
 having no rest either of body or mind, he came to 
 a sea-port called Sadiana, opposite Greece ; the 
 city was fairly situate at the extremity of the land, 
 with gardens and high towers. Now because the 
 day was yet before him he did not enter the city, 
 but went about beholding it, for it was a goodly 
 pises, and he delighted to look at the sea, which 
 he had not seen since he left Gaul, now more than 
 two years agone. Presently he saw a great com-
 
 tri 
 
 paiiy of Knights and Dames and Damsels going- 
 along shore towards the town. Among them was 
 a Lady most richly garmented, over whom they 
 carried a rich cloth upon four rods, to defend her 
 from the sun. The Knight of the Green Sword, 
 who toolv little pleasure in beholding company, 
 but rather in going alone, and thinking upon his 
 Lady, turned aside that he might not meet them. 
 Presently there came a Knight towards him upou 
 a strong horse, well armed and shaking a lance as 
 if he would have broken it ; he was strong of 
 body, and large limbed, and a good horseman, and 
 with him came a Damsel of tliat company in rich 
 attire. When he of the Green Sword saw that 
 they made towards him he stopt, the Damsel came 
 up and said, Sii", the Lady my mistress commands 
 you to come before her at her pleasure, and this 
 she tells you for your profit. He, though the 
 Damsel spake German, understood her well, for 
 it was always his custom to learn the language of 
 the countries which he passed through. Damsel, 
 he replied, may God rant honour to your Lady 
 and you, but tell me hat yonder Knight would 
 have ? That matters not, she answered, do what I 
 tell you. — That shall I not till you reply. — I must 
 then answer against my will. When my Lady 
 saw you and the Dwarf with you she thought you 
 
 h2
 
 172 
 
 might be the strange Kniglit who has gone tlirongli 
 this country, dohig such wonders in arms as had 
 never till now been witnessed, she therefore wish- 
 ed to honour yon, and to disclose to you a secret 
 -which hath hitherto been known to none. When 
 yonder Knight understood her pleasure he said he 
 would make you come to her command whether 
 you would or no, which he can well do, being ike 
 mightiest man in arms of all this land. I there- 
 fore counsel you to leave him alone and come 
 with me. Damsel, quoth he, I am ashamed not 
 to obey the command of your Lady, but I chuse 
 that you should see whether he can do as he hath 
 said. She replied, I am sorry at this, fur your 
 courtesy hath much pleased me, 
 
 1'hen she departed and he of the Green Sword 
 rode on as before, with that the other Knight cried 
 out in a loud voice, you Sir Good-for-nothing who 
 will not go with the Damsel ! alight directly, and 
 v.'ith your shield reversed get up the wrong way 
 upon your horse, and take the tail for a bridle, and 
 present yourself in that manner before yonder Lady, 
 unless ycu chuse to lose your head ; — take your 
 choice ! Certes Knight, replied he, it is not my in- 
 tention to chuse either of these things : I rather 
 chuse you should have the one. Quoth be, I shalj
 
 173 
 
 make thee^ and with that he spurred his Iiorse^ 
 thinking at tlie first encounter to bear him from 
 the saddle, as he had done many others, for he was 
 the best jouster far or near. The Knight of the 
 Dwarf had taken his arms, and now went towards 
 him being \^ell covered with his- shield. That 
 joust was decided at the first meeting, for the 
 lances brake, and the threatening Knight was borne 
 to the gi;ound j he of the Green Sword had his 
 shield and mail pierced, and the lance iron wound- 
 ed his throat, so' that he felt he should suffer much 
 therefrom. He turned upon Brandasidel, for so 
 was that Knight called, and seeing that he lay like 
 one dead, bade Gandalin take off his helmet and 
 see if he was slain. Pie did accordingly, and then 
 the Knight breathed and attempted to recover, but 
 he could not. But then that other placed tiie 
 point of the Green Sword at his fiice, You Sir 
 Knight, who threaten and despise those whom 
 you do not know, shall now either lose your head 
 or pass tlirough your own law ! He recovered his 
 senses better with the fear of death, and hung down 
 his head. — Will you not speak — I shall ofi^ with 
 thy head ? Then he cried. Ah Knight, mercy ! I 
 will rather obey you than die in such a state as to 
 lose my soul. — Be it done then forthwith ! Bran- 
 dasidel then called his Squires and they placed him 
 
 H.'i
 
 174 
 
 backward upon his horse, and reversed li'u shield 
 round his neck, and put the tail in his hand for a 
 bridle, and in this plight they led him before tliat 
 fair Lady, and tliTongh the town that all might see 
 him, and that he might be an example to those 
 who insult and despise those whom they do not 
 know. Greatly did that Lady and her company 
 and all the townsmen marvel at his overthrow, and 
 the more therefore they praised his conqueror, 
 believing now the wonders which they had heard 
 epokenofhim. - 
 
 This being done the Green Sword Knight went to 
 the Damsel who had witnessed all, and said, now 
 Lady Damsel, if it pleases you I will obey your 
 mistress. It does please me, quoth she^^and so it 
 will please my Lady Grasinda. So they went to- 
 gether, and when he beheld that Lady he thought 
 that since he had left his sister Melicia he had seen 
 none so fair, and she thought him the comeliest 
 Knight that ever she had beheld. Sir, quoth she, 
 I have heard of your great prowess, for by your 
 Dwarf and your Green Sword I perceive that you 
 are he who served King Tafinor of Bohemia so 
 well, and who have since atchieved such wonders 
 in arms ; now I see you are wounded, and beseech 
 you to be my guest here in this very town that you
 
 175 
 
 may be healed 5 you will not in all this p; evince be 
 so well lodged elsewhere. Lady, quotli he, see- 
 ing your good will I would obey you in a thing of 
 toil and danger, how much more in this which 
 is to me so necessary ! 
 
 They then went toward the town ; an old Knight 
 who led her bridle gave it to him of the Green 
 Sword to lead, and he rode forward to prepare the 
 stranger's lodging, for he was that Lady's steward. 
 When they entered the gates the doors and win- 
 dows were all filled with people crowding to see 
 this Lady, who was greatly beloved, and this Knight 
 of whom they had heard so much ; they thought 
 him the handsomest and best made whom they 
 had ever seen, and deemed that he had performed 
 never greater exploit than in discomfiting Bran- 
 dasidel, so much had he been feared. Thus they 
 arrived at the palace, and there was he lodged in a 
 rich chamber, such as became the dwelling of such 
 a Lady, and was disarmed, and his hands and face 
 washed from the dust, and they gave him a rose- 
 coloured mantle. When Grasinda saw him thus 
 attired she thought him more beautiful than she 
 had believed mortal man could be, and she sent 
 for a master to heal his wounds, the best and skil- 
 fullest in all those parts. He looked at the wound 
 
 H 4
 
 176 
 
 in his throat and said. Knight you are hurt in a 
 dangerous part, and you must rest, otherwise you 
 \\ ill be in great pain and danger. The Knight an- 
 swered. Master, I beseech you by the faith you 
 owe-to God and to this your Lady, that, as soon as 
 I am in a state to ride, you let me know it, for it 
 doth not befit me to rest or be at ease, till it shall 
 please God to bring me there where my heait de- 
 sires to be. And when he said this he could not 
 restrain his tears, whereat he was ashamed, and 
 wiped them hastily away, and made semblance of 
 mirth. The Master then drest his wound and gave 
 him food such as was fitting. Then said Grasinda, 
 rest now Sir and sleep, and we will go to our meal ; 
 ■we will see you when it is time, and do you- bid 
 your Squire ask freely for whatever is wanted ; 
 with that they left him, and he remained thinking 
 of Oriana, for in that thought was all his pleasure 
 and delight though mingled with such pain. 
 
 But when Grasinda had eaten and retired to her 
 chamber, and was in her bed, she thought upon 
 the beauty of the Green Sword Kniglit, and of the 
 great feats which he had performed in arms ; and 
 tliovigh she was of such high degree, being niece to 
 King Tafinor of Bohemia, and widow of a great 
 Knight, with whom sh.c hvA lived only one year.
 
 177 
 
 ha\iag no issue^ and though she believed him to bi? 
 only an Errant Knight, she resolved to have him 
 for her husband. But while she was devising how 
 this might be brought about, she recollected how 
 she had seen him weep, and thought that that 
 could only have been because of some woman 
 whom he loved and could not obtain. This made 
 her pause and resolve to learn more concerning 
 him. So hearing he was awake she went with 
 her Ladies to visit him, as well to show him ho- 
 nour as for the great pleasure she took in beholding 
 him^ and talking with him, nor had he less though 
 for a very different cause. Thus she continued to 
 be in his company, devising for him every pleasure 
 that could be, till one day being unable to endiare 
 this longer she took Gandalin aside and said. Good 
 Squire, whom God bless and make happy, tell nie 
 one thing if you know it, and I promise you it 
 shall never be by me discovered. Do you know 
 any woman whom your master dearly and affec- 
 tionately loves ? Lady, replied Gandalin, I and this 
 Dwarf have lived with him but a short time, serv- 
 ing him for the great renown which we had heard 
 of his great feats, and he told us never to enquire 
 his name, nor any thing concerning him, unless 
 we chose directly to be dismissed. But since we 
 have been with him we have seen enough to be as- 
 
 h5
 
 178 
 
 sured that he is the best Knight in the world : I 
 know nothing more. The Dame then iiung down 
 her head and mused greatly, Gandahn beheld her, 
 and suspecting that she loved his master wished to 
 relieve her from a wish which never could be sjra- 
 titied, and he said to her. Lady, I often see him 
 weep, and that so bitterly that it can only be for 
 extreme love, for tliat is an evil which neither 
 strength nor courage can overcome. As God 
 shall save me, she replied, I believe you, and 
 thank you for what you have told me ; go to him 
 now, and God help him in his \\ishes ! She then 
 went to her woman resolving no longer to encou- 
 rage those thoughts, for seeing how stedfast he was 
 in his words and actions she believed he was not 
 one who would be changed. 
 
 Thus as you hear was he of the Green Sword at- 
 tended in the house of that great Lady the fair and 
 rich Grasinda, as though she had known him, in- 
 stead of a poor Errant Knight, as he seemed to be, 
 son of a great King, as in truth he was. Now 
 when he felt himself able to bear arms he ordered 
 Gandalin to prepare for their departure, aad he 
 answered that all was ready. But while they 
 were speaking Grasinda with fuur Damsels entered 
 the apartment. He rose and led her to an tstrado,
 
 179 
 
 which was covered with a cloth of silk and gold, 
 and said to her, my Lady, I am now in a state to 
 travel ; if any service of mine can afford you 
 pleasure, willingly will I put it in action, for the 
 great honour which I have received at your hands. 
 — Certes Sir Knight of the Green Sword I believe 
 what you say, and when I ask a return for the 
 pleasure and service you have received here, if any 
 it have been, then will I without hesitation or 
 shame disclose to you that which hath hitherto 
 been known to none : meantime tell me I pray you 
 whitherward you design to go. — Toward Greece 
 if it please God, to see the manner of life among ' 
 the Greeks and their Emperotj of whom I have 
 heard good things —Then I must help you in your 
 voyage ; I will give you a ship manned with good 
 mariners to be at your command, and victualled 
 for a year 3 and I will give you Master Helisabad 
 who cured your wounds, for such another in his 
 art cannot be found far or near, on coi:>dition that 
 if you be at your own disposal you will be in this 
 town with me within a year. The Knight was 
 right glad of this good offer ; my Lady, quoth he, 
 if I cannot serve you for all these favours I shall 
 hold myself the unhappiest Knight in the world, and 
 so in like manner if I should know that you hesitate 
 
 H 6
 
 180 
 
 or shame to ask uhat you desire. Sir, she replied, 
 when God shall bring you back from this voyage I 
 -will demand that which my heart hath long desired, 
 and which will be to the advancement of your ho- 
 nour, albeit with some peril. — Be it so: audi trust \n 
 your wisdom that you will ask notJiing which I 
 may not rightfully perform. Do you then rest five 
 days, said she, while every thing is prepared. At 
 the end of that time the ship was ready, and the 
 Knight embarked with Master Helisabad, in whom 
 next to God he trusted for his safety. So they 
 set sail, not straight to Constantinople, but to those M 
 Islands of Romania which he had not visited, and I 
 
 to the Islands of Greece, and there for a long time 
 did that Knight prove himself in abating the inso- 
 lence of the haughty and against many Knights 
 who came to try themselves against him, but he 
 still won the victory and the praise from all ; and 
 Master Helisabad always healed his wounds. But 
 at length the mariners were weary of sailing tlms 
 from one Island to another and complained to 
 Master Helisabad of their great fatigue, and he 
 repeated it to the Knight, who bade them then 
 steer directly for Constantinople, for by the time 
 he had been to that city and could sail from it, the 
 year would be expired,
 
 181 
 
 We told you in the second book how El Patin went 
 to prove himself against the Knights of Great Bri- 
 tain, and how reckless of his former love to Queen 
 Sardamira of Sardinia, he asked Oriana of her father 
 in marriage, and how falling in with Amadis he 
 was by him sorely wounded in the head. That 
 wound brought him oftentimes to the point of 
 death, so that he returned forthwith to Rome, 
 where he was soon chosen Emperor by reason of 
 his brother's death. But then thinking that he 
 might more easily obtain Oriana, of whose love he 
 nothing doubted, he determined again to ask her 
 of King Lisuarte, and for this purpose to dis- 
 patch his cousin Salustanquidio Prince of Calabria, 
 a famous Knight in arms, and with him Broncadel 
 of the Rock his high steward, and the Archbishop of 
 Talancia, and a company of three hundred men, 
 and the fair Queen Sardamira, with Dames and 
 Damsels in her train to bring hoine Oriana. So 
 they prepared to fulfil the Emperor's pleasure as 
 you shall hear hereafter.
 
 1S2 
 
 GIIJPTER 10. 
 
 The Green Sword Knight sailed with his company 
 toward Constantinople, as you have heard, but 
 suddenly the wind changed, and the sea became so 
 high, that neither the strength of the ship nor the 
 skill of the mariners could withstand it, and they 
 were all in great peril of death. Eight days they 
 drove about not knowing whither they went, the 
 rain falling so heavy and the wind so violent, and 
 the heaven so dark, that, they, drenched in water, 
 and unable to rest, despaired of their lives. At 
 length the vessel was driven ashore, it was night, 
 and they were all greatly comforted as men who 
 had escaped from death to life, but when moriiino- 
 brake the mariners saw they were upon the Devil's 
 Island, and began to beat Llieir faces and lament 
 that tliey were fldlen into a worse danger than they
 
 183 
 
 had escaped, and they came to the Knight of the 
 Green Sword in this guise without teUing him 
 more. He enquired -wherefore they were so ter- 
 rified, O Knight, said they, we have not power to 
 tell you the cause is so great ; let Master Helisabad 
 speak ! he knows why this is called the Devil's 
 Island. The Knight then encouraged tlie Master, 
 who was in no less fear tlian they, and he at length 
 shaking all over and faltering in his speech, in 
 great seriousness and fear said. You must know 
 Sir Knight that a Giant called Bandaguido was 
 lord of tliis Island, and he was so mighty that he 
 made all the neighbouring Giants tributary. Now 
 he had to wife a Giantess who was gentle and well 
 disposed, who, when her husband \vas slaying 
 and destroying the christians, always, as fiir as 
 she could, took pity and reheved them. By this 
 Dame Bandaguido had one daughter, so adorned by 
 nature that in all the world there could not be 
 found one of her rank and blood to equal her in 
 beauty j but as great beauty is soon joined with 
 vanity, r.ud vanity with sin, this Damsel seeing 
 herself so worthy to be loved, and that none for 
 fear of her father durst pretend to her, at last as a 
 remedy took to loving her own father with a most 
 foul and shameful love, so that often when the 
 wife had risen from her husband's side the daugh-
 
 184 
 
 tcr would lay down by him sporting with him, and' 
 clipping and kissing him, which he at first received 
 as caresses of a daughter, but at length by long 
 continuance of this, and her great beauty, and the 
 want of all conscience and virtue in him, she ac- 
 complished her wicked* will. From this great 
 and abominable sin a worse arose, as often happens 
 when men seek to remedy one sin by committing 
 another, not knowing that tlie physic for sin is re- 
 pentance, which obtains pardon from that Most 
 High Lord, who for such sins placed himself upon 
 the cross, whereon he died as yery man and after- 
 wards rose again as very God. For this unhappy. 
 Giant and his daughter, being thus mutually ena- 
 moured, he was told by the false idols whom he 
 
   De donde devemos tomar enxemplo que ningun hombre- 
 en esta vida tenga tanta confian9a de si mcsmo, que dexe 
 de esquivar y apartar la conversacion, y contratacion, no 
 no solamente de las parientas y hermanas, mas de vsus pro- 
 prias hijas, porque esta mala passion venida en el estremo 
 de su natural encendimienio, pocas vezes cljuyzio, la con- 
 ciencia, el temor, son bastantes de le poner tal freno con 
 que la retraer puedan. The moralization is more loathsome 
 than the story.
 
 185 
 
 worshipped^ that if he married her, tJie fiercest and 
 strongest thing in the world should be by them 
 begotten. Wherefore that unhappy daughter de- 
 dermined to bring this to pass, and one day when 
 her mother, who loved her better than herself, was 
 walking in the garden this daughter called to her, 
 saying that she saw something odd in the well and 
 bade her look, and as she was looking, violently 
 pushed her in so that she was drowned. Then she 
 cried out that her mother Jiad fallen into the well, 
 whereupon the Giant himself, who knew how it 
 had been done, and all the m.en of the place gather- 
 ed round, and they seeing their Lady dead whom 
 they loved so well began to make great sorrow. 
 But the Giant said, make no lamentation for so the 
 Gods have willed, and I will take one to v/ife 
 from whom such a one shall be born as will give 
 us the mastery over all our enemies ; so they were 
 ail silent for fear, and he that day publicly took his 
 daughter Bandaguida to wife, upon whom in that 
 unhappy night a creature was begotten by the De- 
 \ il's ordinance, w^hotn she and her husband- father 
 brought up as you shall hear. This creature's face 
 was all hairy and its body covered with scales, one 
 lying over the other so hard that no weapon can 
 pierce them ; its legs and feet thick and strong, 
 aiid from its shoulders there grew two wings so
 
 186 
 
 large tliat they cover it down to the feet, not of 
 feathers bvit of a shaggy leather, black as pitch and 
 shining, and so hard that they resist all arms, and 
 with these wings the monster covers itself as with a 
 shield, and from under them come its arms which are 
 as strong as Lion's paws, all covered with smaller 
 scales, and its hands are like eagle's claws, and 
 their five talons so sharp and strong that there is 
 nothing in the world so hard that they cannot 
 pierce and tear it piece-meal. In each jaw it has 
 two long teeth tliat grow out a cubit long, its eyes 
 are round and huge and red like fire, so that at 
 night they can be seen far away, and all fly before 
 it. It bounds and runs so fast that no game, 
 how fleet soever, can escape, it seldom eats 
 or drinks, and sometimes goes without food feeling 
 no pain of hunger ; all its delight is to kill men 
 and living animals. When it finds any Lion or 
 Bear who resists it, then it grows furious, and sends 
 a smoke like flames of fire from its nostrils, and 
 roars so horribly that all living things fly from it 
 as from death, and its stench is rank poison, and 
 when it ruffles its scales, and gnashes its teeth, 
 and shakes its wings, it is as if the earth shook. 
 They call it Endriago, said Master Hdisabad, 
 and it is such as I have described ; moreover be- 
 cause of the sin of the Giant and his daughter tlie
 
 187 
 
 wicked enemy entered it and hath greatly in- 
 creased its force and cruelty. 
 
 Much was the Green Sword Knight astonished at 
 this tale. Master, quoth he, how could a thing so 
 monstrous be born of body of woman ? I will tell 
 you, he replied, as I found it written in a book 
 which the Emperor of Constantinople hath, for 
 this island was his till he lost it, not being able to 
 destroy this Devil. You are to know that Banda- 
 guida, finding herself pregnant told the Giant, who 
 greatly rejoiced thereat, believing that what his 
 Gods had told him would assuredly come to pass, 
 and he said that three or four nurses would be ne- 
 cessary for the child as it was to be the strongest 
 creature in the world ; but as this unborn creature 
 was the work of the Devil it oftentimes made the 
 mother fall sick, and her face and eyes became yel- 
 low like poison, but she bore it all as good signs, 
 believing also that the boy was to be the mightiest 
 in the world, and if he should prove so she would 
 then devise how to murder the father and marry 
 him in his stead. When her time came she 
 brought forth with little travail, for evil things al- 
 way go on pleasantly till the end. The nurses 
 took the babe, and seeing a thing so monstrous 
 were fearfully dismayed ; however fearing the
 
 188 
 
 Giant's anger they took and swathed it in the ricli 
 cloatlis which had been prepared, and one of tlieni' 
 having more hardiness than the other offered it 
 the teat, which it caught and sucked so furiously 
 that the woman screamed out, and when they took 
 the child away, fell down dead with the force of 
 the poison. This was presently told to the Giant,^ 
 who then looking at his child marvelled to behold 
 so monstrous a creature, and went to the temple 
 to ask his Gods why they had given him such 
 issue. These Idols were three in number, the one 
 like a man, the other as a lion, the third after tiie 
 manner of a griffin. So when he had made his 
 sacrifices he asked why they had sent him such a 
 child, and the man-idol answered, so it behoved 
 the child to be, that as its actions were to be 
 strange and marvellous so should itself be, espe- 
 cially for destroying the christians who seek to 
 destroy us, and for this I gave it my likeness, in 
 giving it a free will like man, which the beasts 
 possess not. The other Idol answered, I gifted it 
 with a strength and courage such as we Lions 
 possess, and the third said, I gave it wings and 
 talons such as no other creature in the world hnth, 
 and fleetness beyond all others. How shall I ieed 
 it, said the Giant, seeing that the nurse who- 
 auckled it fell down dead ? they answered, make
 
 189 
 
 the oilier two nurses give it the teat and they will 
 die also, but the fourth shall suckle it with milk of 
 your flocks for a year, and in that time it shall 
 wax as great and as fair as we ourselves are who 
 have made it be begotten, but take heed that nei- 
 ther thou nor thy wife, nor any otlier except the 
 nurse, see it during tliat year; The Giant ac- 
 cordingly did as these Idols commanded, and in 
 this wise was the monstrous beast brought up. 
 When the year was past the Giant, who under- 
 stood from the nurse that it was grown monstrous 
 great, and who heard its strong and terrible voice, 
 resolved with his daughter, who was his wife, to 
 go see it ; so they entered the chamber where it 
 was bounding about, but the monster, as soon as it 
 beheld its mother, leaped at her and with its claws 
 cut her nostrils open, and tore out her eyes, so tliat 
 she dropt down dead. The Giant drew his sword to 
 slay it but it gave him such a wound on the 
 leg as tore it off and he fell and died speedily, 
 then it leapt over him, and having poisoned all 
 the people in the Castle with its breath, took to 
 wing and fled among the mountains. It was not 
 long before the Island was dispeopled, they who 
 could, flying by sea, and the rest being by it slain^ 
 and thus hath it remained for forty years.
 
 K90 
 
 Great things hast thou told me Master! quoth 
 the Knight of the Green Sword, and the Lord our 
 God is of long suffering with those who offend 
 him, but if they do not amend at last the judgment 
 waxeth heavier like the sin. Now I beseech you 
 say mass betimes, for I will go see this Island, and 
 if it please God to assist me, restore it to his ser- 
 vice. The remaining part of the night tlie mari- 
 ners passed in great fear, as well of the sea, which 
 was still raging, as of tlie Eudriago, thinking that 
 it would come upon them from a Castle hard at 
 hand where it sometimes lodged. At morning 
 the Master sung mass, and the Knight having 
 humbly heard it besought God to help him in this 
 great danger which he undertook for his sake, or if 
 it was his pleasure that he should then meet his 
 death, to have mercy upon his soul. I'hen he 
 •armed himself and made his horse be landed, and 
 took Gandalin with him, saying to the sailors, 
 friends, I will go into yonder Castle, and if I find 
 the Endriago there I will fight it, and if not will 
 see if the Castle be in such state that you can lodo-e 
 in it till the weather be abated, and I will then 
 seek this beast among the mountains ; if I escape 
 from it I will retum to you, if I do not come back 
 do ye as ye shall think best. At Uiis were they 
 all sorely dismayed, for they, even where they
 
 191 
 
 were, could not endure the fear of the Endriago, 
 and Master Helisabad, who was a man of learning 
 and a priest of the mass, dissuaded him all he 
 could, saying that such things were against the na- 
 t^xre of man, and that he ought to give up tlie thought 
 lest he should fall into the guilt of self-murder j 
 but the Kinght of the Green Sword replied, that if 
 he entertained any thought like that he must have 
 given up the quest of adventures altogether, it be- 
 came him to kill this monster or die in the enter- 
 prize. Then he saw that Gandalin, while he was 
 thus talking, had armed himself to assist him, and 
 was on horseback lamenting greatly j and he said 
 to him, who has told thee to do this thing ? dis- 
 arm thyself ! for if thou dost thus to serve and 
 help me, that is not to be done by losing thy own 
 life, but by preserving it that thou mayest relate 
 tlie manner of my death in that place from whence 
 chiefly I receive it. So making him disarm he 
 went with him to the Castle. 
 
 He found the Castle desolate, none but birds hav- 
 ing their home therein, but there were good 
 dwellings there, albeit somewhat ruinous, and the 
 doors had chains and bars wherewith the. men 
 might secure themselves ; at this being full glad 
 he bade Gandalin call them, and tiiey, though in
 
 \9"^ 
 
 gi-eat fear of the Enclriago, went into the Castle, for 
 the storm still continued. Good friends, then said 
 the Knight, I shall go seek the Endriago, if it falls 
 out well, Gandalin shall wind his horn, and then be 
 ye assured that the beast is dead and I living ; if 
 the chance be against me there will be no need to 
 make any sign ; do ye therefore bring food from 
 the galley to last ye till the storm abates, and se- 
 cure yourselves here. Then the Knight of the 
 Green Sword departed leaving them all lamenting, 
 but the lamentations and bitter grief of Ardian tlie 
 Dwarf cannot be expressed, he tore his hair and 
 beat his face, and dashed his head against the wall 
 calling himself wretched, that his fortune had 
 made him serve such a master, for he had been a 
 thousand times brought to the point of death in 
 beholding his feats, and now he was about to at- 
 tempt what the Emperor of Constantinople with 
 all his power could not effect ! so he went up 
 upon the walls hke one out of his senses and look- 
 ed after his master. Master Helisabad made an 
 altar be erected and placed the relics there which he 
 had brought to enable him to say mass, and made 
 all the men take each a wax taper in his hand, and 
 kneel round the altar and pray to God to preserve 
 that Knight, who for his ser^'ice and their sakes, 
 knowingly exposed himself to death.
 
 iy3 
 
 But the Green Sword Knight rode on and Ganda- 
 lin followed him weeping, for sure he thought 
 that his Master's days would this day have their 
 €nd. The Knight turned to him — my good bro- 
 ther hast thou so little faith in God and in the 
 sight of my Lady Oriana^ that thou despairest 
 tlius ? Not only is her recollection present to me 
 now but her very person, and I see her beholding 
 me and telling me to defend her from this foul mon- 
 ster. What then my true friend ought 1 to do ? for 
 her life and death are mine, and the bare memory of 
 her has made me go through all that I have }'et per- 
 formed, how then will this actual vision enable 
 me ? and with these thoughts his courage was so 
 kindled that he thought he was long in finding the 
 Endriago. By this he came to a valley in the moun- 
 tain, a wild and craggy and deep place. Shout 
 Gandalin, said he, that the Endriago may hear 
 thee, and if I should die here T pray thee endeavour 
 to carry to my Lady Oriana that which is entirely 
 her own — my heart, and tell her I sent it to her 
 that I might not have to give account to God for 
 retaining that which was another's. When Gan- 
 dalin heard this he not only called out aloud but 
 began to shriek and tear his hair, hoping to die 
 himself before he saw the deatli of his Master, 
 whom he loved so dearly, and it was net long be- 
 
 VOL. III. X
 
 194 
 
 fore they saw the Endriago come bounding over 
 the rocks, but fiercer and more terrible than ever j 
 and die reason was, that the Devils seeing how 
 this Knight put more trust in his Mistress Oriana 
 than in God had power thereby to enter it and 
 make it more terrible than before, thinking that 
 if that Knight perished there would be none otlier 
 £0 bold as to attack this monster. 
 
 The Endriago came on breathing smoke and flames 
 of fire in its fury, and gnashing its teeth and 
 foaming, and ruffling its scales and clapping its 
 wings that it was horrible to see it, and when the 
 Knight saw it and heard its dreadful voice he thought 
 all that had been told him was nothing to what the 
 truth was, and the monster branded towards them 
 more eagerly because it was long since it had 
 seen living man. But the horses took fright at 
 seeing it and ran away in spite of all the Knight 
 and Gandalin could do, so the Knight dismounted 
 and said, brother, keep you aloof that we may not 
 both perish, and see what success God will give me 
 against this dreadfvil Devil, and pray to him to help 
 me that I may restore this Island to his service, or 
 if I am to die here to have mercy upon my soul j 
 for tlie rest do as I have said before. But Ganda- 
 lin could not answer for exceeding agony, for as-
 
 195 
 
 suredly he thought his Master's death was certain, 
 unless it pleased God miraculously to deliver him. 
 The Green Sword Knight then took his lance and 
 covered himself with his shield, and went against the 
 Endriago as a man already dead but without fear. 
 The Devil seeing him come on snorted out fire 
 and smoke so black and tliick that they could 
 scarcely see one another, and he of the Green 
 Sword went on through the smoke and drove at tlie 
 monster with his lance, and by great good fortune 
 pierced it in -the eye ; it caught the lance with 
 its talons and bit it into pieces, and the iron and 
 a fragment of the stave remained driven on through 
 its tongue and the skin of the throat, for it had 
 sprung on upon it thinking to seize the Knight 
 but he defended himself with good heart seeing his 
 exceeding peril, and the shock of this wound re- 
 pelled the monster, and the blood ran fast, and with 
 the shrieks it gave it ran down its throat and al- 
 most choaked it, so that it could neither close its 
 mouth nor bite with it, the Knight then drew his 
 Green Sword and struck at it, but the blow fell 
 upon its scales, and felt as though it had fallen 
 upon a rock and it made no impression ; ihe En- 
 driago thought then to grasp him, but only 
 caught his shield which it plucked so fiercely 
 that he fell upon his hands, but he recovered while 
 
 I 2
 
 \96 
 
 •witli its talons the monster rent the shield to pieces. 
 Hethen seeing thathis shield was gone,and that his 
 good sword availed him nothing, knew that he had 
 no hope unless he could strike the other eye. Now 
 the Endriago was faint and weak with its wound, 
 and our Lord having wrath that the wicked one 
 had so long had the dominion over those who, 
 sinners as they were, believed his holy catholick 
 faith, was pleased to give the Knight strength and 
 especial grace to perform what else could not by 
 course of nature have been done. He aimed his 
 sword at the other eye but God guided it to one of 
 the nostrils, for they were large and spreading, 
 and so hard he thrust that it reached the brain, the 
 Endriago itself forcing it on, for seeing him so 
 fiear it grappled wilh him and plucked him to- 
 wards itself, and with its dreadful talon rent away 
 the arms from his back, and crushed the flesh and 
 bones to the very entrails, but then being suffocat- 
 ed with its own blood, and the sword being in its 
 brain, and above all the sentence of God being 
 passed upon it, its grasp relaxed and it fell 
 like one dead, and the Knight plucked out his 
 sword and thrust it down its throat till he killed 
 the monster. 
 
 But before its soul departed the Devil flew from
 
 197 
 
 its moQth and went through the air wltli a greaf 
 thunder-clap, and they of the Castle heard it as if 
 close to them, and, though barred and bolted in as 
 they were, they feared greatly for their lives, and 
 if the sea had not been so stormy they would have 
 run to their ships^ howbeit they prayed earnestly 
 to God for the good Knight who was engaged in 
 so terrible a battle. Now he, when the Endriago 
 was dead, drew back and went toward Gandalin, 
 but he could not bear his wound longer and reeled 
 and fell beside a little brook. When Gandahn 
 came up and saw how he was wounded he verily 
 believed him slain, and fell from his horse and be- 
 gan to tear his hair and shriek ; the Knight at 
 this somewhat recovered and said. Good brotlier 
 and my true friend you see I am slain ; I beseech 
 you, by the fostering I received from your parents^ 
 and by the true love which I have ever borne you, 
 that so soon as I be dead you take my heart to my 
 Lady Oriana, and tell her to preserve it for his sake 
 whose it was, for in so doing my soul will riiceive 
 comfort! this was all he could say j Gandalin did 
 not stay to answer but went to horse and galloped 
 as fast as he could, and coming on the hill-top he 
 wound his horn as loud as he could wind it, in 
 token that the Endriago was dead : that sound Ardian 
 the Dwarf, who was on the tower, heard, and he 
 
 I S
 
 198 
 
 cried out to Master Helisabad to go help his Master 
 for the monster was slain. He took what was 
 needful and mounted and galloped that way, where 
 presently he met Gandalin who cried, for God's 
 sake help my Master I the Endriago is dead. 
 Right joyfully did he spur onward, not knowing in 
 what plight the Knight was, whom he found sense- 
 less and giving pitiful groans. How now Sir 
 Knight ? quoth lie, where is your great courage 
 gone now when you so need it ? fear not, for here 
 am I your good friend and true servant Master He- 
 lisabad to help you ! the Knight heard him and 
 opened his eyes and raised his arm as if to embrace 
 him. Then the Master took off his cloak and 
 spread it on the ground and he and Gandalin laid 
 the Knight upon it, and disarmed him j but when 
 the Master saw the wound, though he was the best 
 in the world for such needs, and had seen so many 
 cruel wounds before, he was dismayed and feared 
 for his life ; however he resolved to do his best, as 
 one who loved him as the best Knight in the 
 world, and looking more closely lie found that the 
 flesh and bones only had sufiered, but that the en- 
 trails were unhurt. At this he had greater hope, 
 and he set the bones and ribs and sewed up the 
 ilesh, and placed such salves and bandaged the 
 whole bod)- so well that the blood was staunched*
 
 199 
 
 and the breath did not come through the wound, 
 so that the Knight recovered strength to speak, 
 and opcnhig his eyes said, O Lord God Almighty, 
 who for thy great mercy didst come into the 
 world and take flesh of the Virgin Maryj and to 
 open the gatfs of paradise which were shut, didst 
 suffer so many Injuries and death at last from that 
 cursed and unhappy race, I beseech thee. Lord, as 
 one of the vilest of sinners, to have mercy upon 
 my soul, for my body is condemned to the earth ! 
 Sir Knight, quotli the Master, it pleases me to hear 
 you, for remedy must come from him of whom 
 you ask it in the first place, and in the second from 
 me who am his servant } fear not, for on my life I 
 will answer for yours I then he took a sponge that 
 was steeped in a confection good against the poi- 
 son, and placed it at his nostrils whereby he greatly 
 recovered, and Gandalin knelt down and kissed 
 the Master's hand beseeching him to save his 
 Lord, He then bade Gandalin ride in speed to 
 the Castle and bring men and a litter to convey the 
 Knight there before the night-fall. Away rode 
 Gandalin, and they made a litter the best they 
 could with boughs and carried the Green Sword 
 Knight thereon upon their shoulders to the Castle, 
 and made for him a bed as well as they could with 
 the rich linen which Grasinda had sent aboard, but 
 
 i4
 
 200 
 
 he was senseless and knew not what they did, and 
 groaned all night with the torment of his wounds, 
 and had no power to speak. The Master had his 
 own bed placed by him to comfort him, and from 
 time to time applied such excellent and fitting me- 
 dicines to draw out the poison of the Endriago that 
 by day-break he brought him to a sweet sleep, 
 such good things did he administer, and he order- 
 ed all thf men to withdraw that no noise might be 
 made to awaken him. After a long sleep the 
 Knight started and cried out aloud, Gandalin ! 
 Gandalin ! take care of thyself or that foul Devil 
 will slay thee ! The Master went immediately to 
 him smiling, and v,'ith a better face than heart, for 
 he still feared for his life ; if you took care of 
 yourself as he does Sir, quoth he, your renown 
 would not have spread so over the world. But 
 then he knew the Master and said, wliere are we ? 
 for he was yet beside himself. That day the 
 Master displayed his skill so well, as being natur- 
 ally the best leech in the world, that by vespers 
 the Knight v/as in his full senses, and knew all 
 around him, and the Master then saw by the ap- 
 pearance of the wounds, that through his great 
 cunning, and above all by the great mercy of God, 
 his life was safe. When the men heard this they 
 gave thanks to God with exceeding joy, but above
 
 201 
 
 all was the joy of Gandalin and the Dwarf, who 
 loved him from their inmost hearts. They then 
 all came round Gandalin beseechinGr him to tell of 
 the battle how it had passed, that they might be 
 able to relate the manner of so rare a feat of chi- 
 valry ; this Gandalin said he would willingly do, 
 on condition that the Master would first adminis- 
 ter an oath to him upon the holy Gospels, that they 
 might believe the truth of what he sliould say and 
 faithfully commit it to writing, that the remem- 
 brance of so signal an atchievement might not be 
 lost. Master Helisabad then administered the 
 oath that the thing might be certainly believed, 
 and Gandalin recounted all the circumstances of 
 the battle. V/hen he had finished they said they 
 would all go and see the Endriago, for when they 
 removed the Knight they had not thought of look- 
 ing for it in the thicket where it had fallen. 
 So the Master gave them all certain confections 
 good against the poison, but when they saw the 
 monster they were more than ever astonished and 
 could scarcely believe that heart of mortal man 
 could have courage to attack such a Devil's work. 
 Twenty days the Knight remained in that Castle 
 not being able to leave his bed, at length Master 
 Helisabad thinking him enough recovered to be re- 
 moved on boardj asked him whither he v/ouldgo, 
 
 16
 
 202 
 
 for some things were necessar}' for his full reco- 
 very which could not there be procured. Oh my 
 true friend, said the Knight, what guerdon can I 
 make you for the great ser\'ice you have done me, 
 being only a poor Knight with nothing but a horse 
 and these broken arms ! Sir, replied the Master, 
 I expect greater guerdon from you than King or 
 great Lord could give me, the succour that so many 
 distressed ones will receive from you, whereof I 
 under God shall have been the cause ! The Knight 
 was abashed to hear himself thus praised. Since 
 the weather is changed, said he, let us proceed to 
 Constantinople; great desire have I to see that great 
 Emperor, that if it please God that I should ever 
 return there where my heart desires, I may have 
 strange things to relate, such as can only be seen in 
 such places.
 
 203 
 
 CHAPTER 11. 
 
 Then said Master Helisabad, Sir, you should write 
 to the Emperor and tell him what hath befallen, 
 and we must send to Constantinople for some 
 things needful for you on the way. Master, re- 
 plied the Knight, I have never seen him and know 
 him not ; do you now what seemeth good. So 
 Master Helisabad wrote to the Emperor relating all 
 what had happened, and requesting on the part of 
 the Knight who had recovered the Island for him 
 from the power of that Devil, that he would be 
 pleased to call it thenceforth the Island of St« 
 Mary, This letter he gave to a Squire who was 
 his kinsman, and he forthwith embarked taking 
 •with him as many mariners as were needful, and 
 the time being fair in three days they took port at 
 Constantinople, The Squire went straightways
 
 204. 
 
 to the palace of the Emperor, whom he found at- 
 tended by many good men, as befitted one so great, 
 and falling on his knees before him he said, your 
 servant Master Helisabad sends to kiss your feet, 
 and to deliver to you this letter whereby you will 
 receive great pleasure. When the Emperor had 
 read the letter he was greatly astonished and cried 
 out aloud. Knights, such strange tidings are come 
 to me as till now I never heard spoken of ! Then 
 drew near to him his nephev/ Gastiles, son to the 
 Du t chess of Gajastehis sister, who was a good Knight 
 and young, and Count Saluder brother to the fair. 
 Grasinda, and the other Knights. Sirs, quoth the 
 Emperor, the Knight of tlie Green Sword hath 
 slain the Endriago, and if all the world does not 
 marvel at this what shall surprize us ? then he 
 showed them, the letter, and made the Sqiiire re- 
 late every thing more fully as one who had been 
 present.' Certes Sir, said Gastiles, this is a g'eat 
 miracle ! for T never yet heard tell of mortal man 
 who fought the Devil except the Saints with tlieir 
 spiritual arms, who with their sanctity might well 
 do it. Since such a man is come into your coun- 
 try it would be against reason not to do him great 
 honour. Ncj'htw yon sav well, replied the Em- 
 peror, do you and Count Saluder prepare vessels 
 and go biag him here^ and take with you Masters
 
 205^ 
 
 wKo may paint the Endriago to the life, for I will 
 have it cast in metal> and the Knight who fought 
 it, both of their natural size, and 1 will !iav& these 
 images set up upon the spot where the battle was 
 fought, and the w'hole manner of it written upon 
 a table of Copper and the name of the Knight. 
 And I will build a monastery there for religious 
 friars, who shall bring that Island again to the ser- 
 vice of God, for the people round about have been 
 greatly hurt by the cursed sight .of that wicked 
 one. 
 
 Right glad were all they to hear the Emperor speak 
 so honom'ably, and above all Gastiles and the 
 Marqnis because they should see the Endriago, 
 So they took chipping and past over to the Island 
 of St. Mary, as it was now to be called. The Green 
 Sword Knight hearing who were come, adorned 
 his apartment the best he could to receive them, 
 and, for he was now able to walk a little in his 
 chamber, went as far as he could to bid them 
 welcome, and made them be seated on the estrados 
 which he had prepared for ihem, and when he 
 learnt how Gastiles was brother to Grasinda, he 
 thanked him for all the favours he had received 
 from his sister, and above all for the help of Mas- 
 ter Helisabadj without whom lie must needs have
 
 £03 
 
 perished. So when they had delivered their bid- 
 ding they said they would go see the EndViago. 
 Sirs, said the Master, ye must take with ye some 
 defence against its poison. Good friend, they re- 
 plied, in that you must help us j that shall I do, 
 quoth he, and he gave them certain small boxes to 
 smell to while they looked at it. Gandalin went 
 with them to show the place, but when they saw 
 the End riago they w^ere more than ever amazed; 
 not thinking that tl^re had been such a monster 
 either on earth or in hell, and Gastiles said, we ought 
 not to praise the courage that dared attack such a 
 monster, for it is so great that it is not to be attributed 
 to man but to God alone. The Masters then paint- 
 ed the Endriago to the life for they were singular 
 in tlieir art. Three days tliey remained seeing that 
 island which was a fair land ; on the fourth day 
 they all embarked, and in short time havened at 
 Constantinople under the Emperor's palace. The 
 windows were soon tilled, all being eager to see 
 the Knight of the Green Sword, and the Emperor 
 sent horses to the shore for them. At this time 
 had the Knight greatly recovered his beauty as 
 well as strength ; he was right richly apparelled in 
 garments which the King of Bohemia had given 
 him, and round his neck was hanging that strange 
 »nd beautiful Green Sword which he had won by
 
 2or 
 
 his true and perfect love ; which, when he beheld it 
 made him remember the time when he gained it, 
 and the happiness in which he then was at Mira- 
 flores, and made him oftentimes shed tears that 
 were painful as M'ell as delightful. 
 
 The Emperor and his train went out to meet them ; 
 then would the Knight have ahghted to kiss his 
 hand but the Emperor prevented that, and went to 
 him and embraced him and said, by my faith 
 Knight of the Green Sword and my good friend, al- 
 though God hath made me so great, and tl:iough I 
 am of the lineage of those who have held such domi- 
 nion, more do you deserve glory than me ! for you 
 have gained it by such perils as never other went 
 through, and I possess that which came to me 
 sleeping and without desert ! The Knight replied, 
 things that are bounded Sir may be requited, but 
 so cannot this praise which it hath pleased you in 
 your great goodness to bestow. Thus commun- 
 ing they turned to the palace, he of the Green 
 Sword beholding that great city as he went, and 
 the strange and marvellous things therein, and the 
 crowds who came to see him, and humbly in his 
 heart he gave thanks to God for guiding him to 
 such a place where he received so great honour 
 from the greatest of all the Christians. All that he
 
 203 
 
 Hiad seen elsewhere appeared nothing in comparison 
 to what he beheld here, but much more did he 
 marvel when he entered the great palace, for it 
 seemed as if all the riches of the world were col- 
 lected there. There was an apartment there where- 
 in the Emperor was accustomed to lodge such great 
 lords as came to visit him, the fairest and most 
 delightful in the world, not only for the rich things 
 therein but also for fountains of water, and strange 
 trees, and there he bade the Knight remain and 
 Master Helisabad with him, and Gastiles and the 
 Manjuis Saluder to bear him company. 
 
 But if he marvelled at seeing the greatness of that 
 city and the number of its dwellers, rtiuch more 
 did they wonder to behold how comely he was, 
 knowing what he liad atchieved, and never was 
 King or Knight of foreign lands so commended j 
 the Emperor went to the Empress and said, the 
 Knight of the Green Sword is arrived of whom we 
 have heard such wonders, and for the service which 
 he hath done us reason it is .that we should do him 
 great honour, now then order that your house 
 may be so set in order, that wheresoever he go he 
 may truly speak in my praise, and let him see your 
 Dames and Damsels all so adorned as becomes 
 tljose who serve so high a Lady. In God's name.
 
 209 
 
 she replied, all shall be done as you command, 
 on the morrow the Knight and Master Helisnbad 
 and the Marquis and Gastiles heard mass in the 
 Emperor's chapelj and then all went to visit the 
 Empress, but before they came to her they found 
 the Dames and Damsels all in their best attire who 
 made way for them to pass. That house was so 
 rich and sumptuously filled, that except the For- 
 bidden Chamber in the Firm Island, the Knight 
 had never seen other such ; his eyes v/ere even 
 wearied with beholding so many women and so 
 fair, and the marvellous things around. So going 
 to the Empress, who was on her estrado, he knelt 
 before her and said. Lady, I bless God for bringing 
 me where I may see you and your great state, and 
 how far you are above all other Ladies in the 
 world, and I thank you much for desiring to see 
 me 5 may it please God tliat I may one day do 
 you some service in requital for the favour ! if I 
 err Lady in expressing what my will and my tongue 
 would say, pardon me, for this language is strange 
 to me and I have nof long learnt it from Master 
 Helisabad. The Empress then took him by the 
 hand and made him rise and sit by her, and she 
 conversed with him upon such subjects as so great 
 a Lady ought to converse upon with a strange 
 Knight whom she did not know, and he so de-
 
 210 
 
 meaned himself in his speech that the Emprcsg) 
 who was a right prudent woman, said within her- 
 self, his courage and strength cannot be so great 
 but that his discretion is greater. 
 
 Meantime the Emperor vv-as upon his seat talking 
 and laughing with the Dames and Damsels, as one 
 who was greatly beloved by them for showing 
 them great favours and bestowing them well in 
 marriage. Then said he in a loud voice, Honoured 
 Dames and D.amsels> ye see here the Knight of the 
 Green Sword your loyal servant ! honour him and 
 love him, as he hath you and all like you, in 
 whose service he hath many times been brought to 
 the point of death. God lionour and love and re- 
 quite him. Sir 1 quoth the Dutchess, the mother of 
 Gastiles ; the Emperor then sent two Infantas, 
 children of Baraudel King of Hungary, to bring hio 
 daughter Leonorina ; presently they led her in, and 
 though she was most richly dressed yet "was all that 
 as nothing to her exceeding beauty, for there was not 
 a man in the world who could behold her without 
 wonder and delight. She being a little girl of no^ 
 more than nine years old went and kissed the 
 hand of her mother and then sat down below hec. 
 But when the Knight of tlie Green Sword saw 
 her how beautiful sh,e was, he remembered his owii
 
 211 
 
 Lady^ and how she wns of that age when he first 
 saw her^ and they first began to love, and then re- 
 collecting all, he lost all sense of what was present, 
 and the tears came into his eyes, Howbeit pre- 
 sently recovering and in great shame he wiped 
 away the tears and made good semblance, but ^1 
 had seen him, and the Emperor became very de- 
 sirous to know why he had wept, seeing that such 
 a thing in such a place would have been thought 
 wrong even in a woman, and that in such a 
 Knight it could not be without great cause and 
 mystery. What can this mean ? said Gastiles, 
 The Emperor replied, I think it must be the force of 
 love. — If you would know none can tell you but 
 Master Helisabad, in whom he puts his confidence. 
 The Emperor then sent for Master Helisabad, and 
 bidding all others withdraw to a distance, asked 
 him if he knew wherefore the Green Sword 
 Knight had wept, and if he stood in any need 
 wherein he could help him. Sir, replied the Mas- 
 ter, he is the man in tliis world who best conceals 
 that which he wishes to be secret. I have oftea 
 seen him weep and sigh as though his heart Avere 
 bursting, and verily believe it is with great love, for 
 if it were for other causes sure am I that he would 
 ■;jhave revealed it to me. Certes, quoth the Em- 
 peror,, I believe it is as you say j,. and if it be for
 
 212 
 
 love of woman, would to God she were one In my 
 dominions, for such possessions could I give him 
 tiiat there should be neither King nor Prince who 
 v^ould not joyfully give me his daughter for his 
 wife. This would I willingly do to have him for my 
 vassal, for whatever good I could bestow upon him 
 he could more than requite with his services. I 
 beseech you persuade him to remain with me and 
 I will grant him whatever he may ask ; then hav- 
 ing mused awhile he said, go to the Empress and 
 whisper to her to persuade the Knight to remahi 
 here, and do you advise him so to do for my sake, 
 while I do what hath just occurred to my thoughts. 
 The Emperor then called his daughter Leonorina 
 and the two Infantas and spake to them awhile, 
 but no one heard what he said, and when he had 
 ceased speaking Leonorina kist his hand and went 
 to her chamber. 
 
 But neither the Empress nor Master Helisabad 
 could prevail upon the Knight to abide in that 
 court, for though that would be the most honoura- 
 ble course he could pursue during the life of King 
 Perion his father, he could have no rest or peace 
 except in the thought of returning toward that 
 land where his dear Lady Oriana dwelt. The Era- 
 press made a sign that she could not succeed, the
 
 21 
 
 c* 
 
 "Emperor then went toward hira and said. Knight 
 of the Green Sword, if by any means you could be 
 persuaded to remain with me, there is nothing in 
 my power which you could ask and I refuse. Sir, 
 replied the Knight, such is your goodness that I 
 should not dare to ask what you would grant, but 
 this is not hi my power, if I should consent death 
 would not long leave me hi your service. The 
 Emperor then verily believed that only love could 
 be the cause of this. At tliis time the fair Leono- 
 rina entered the hall, having a rich crown upon her 
 head and another far richer in her hands, and she 
 came up to the Knight and said. Sir Knight of 
 .the Green Sword, I have never yet asked boon of 
 other than my father, and now I ask one of you, 
 tell me that you grant it ! He knelt before her and 
 said, good Lady, who is he of so little understand- 
 ing that he would fail to obey your command, 
 having power to obey it ? Now then deniand what 
 you will, which even to death shall be performed. 
 Thank you, replied the Princess, I shall ask of 
 you three boons, and with that taking the crown 
 from her head, — this is one ; you shall give this 
 crown to the fairest Damsel whom you know, and 
 tell her I sent it her, though I know her not, for 
 such presents as this we use to bestow in our coun- 
 try. Then she took the otlier crown, which was
 
 right richly set with pearls and precious stones, 
 three of which in particular shone so that they would 
 give light in any chamber how dark soever, and 
 giving it to the Knight saidj this you shall give to 
 the fairest Dame whom you know, and say I sent 
 it to her that I might know her ; this is tlie se- 
 cond boon : now before I ask the third tell me how 
 you will obey these ? He took tlie first crown and 
 placed it upon Leonorina's own head — I give this, 
 said he, to the fairest Damsel whom I know, the 
 which, if any one gainsay, I will prove her so to be 
 in arms. At this were all well pleased, and so was 
 Leonorina herself, although shamefaced at hearing 
 her own praise, and they all said that he had fairly 
 acquitted the first demand ; but the Empress said, 
 certes Knight of the Green Sword, 1 would rather 
 have those whom you have overcome by arms than 
 those whom my daughter can overcome by beauty ! 
 then was he also abashed at his own praise from so 
 high a Lady, and answered nothing, but turning 
 to Leonorina said. Lady mine, will you ask the 
 third boon ? she replied, yes j tell me wherefore 
 you wept, and who is she who hath so great power 
 over you and your heart. But then the Knight's 
 colour changed and his chearfnl countenance, so 
 that all could see he was distressed by that de- 
 mand. Lady, said he, if it please you forego tliis
 
 215 
 
 question, and ask something which shall be more 
 to your ser\'ice. She answered, this and nothing 
 else is what I require ! but he hung dc vn his head 
 and mused awhile^ so that all knew how unwilling 
 he was to reply. At length he looked up chear- 
 fully at Leonorina and said. Lady, since I cannot 
 otherwise acquit myself of my promise I must 
 needs say, that seeing you when yoVi first entered, 
 what you were and at what age, a recollection 
 came upon me of other times that were full 
 happy, but have now past away, and this was what 
 made me weep. But tell me, quoth she, who is she 
 that hath such command over your heart ? It is my 
 great ill-fortune, replied the Knight, that your 
 gentle courtesy, which hath never failed towards 
 another is against me now ! I must obey greatly 
 against my will. Know then that she whom I 
 love is the same person to whom you send tliis 
 crown, to my thoughts the fairest Dame of all 
 •whom I have ever yet seen, and I verily believe of 
 all in the world, and now for God's sake Lady seek 
 to know no farther from me, for I am acquitted 
 of my promise. You are acquitted, rephed the 
 Emperor, but in such wise that we are nothing 
 the wiser. I have said more tlian ever passed my 
 lips before, quoth the Knight, for the desire I have 
 to obey so fair a Lady, As God shall help rae^
 
 216 
 
 ■cried the Emperor^ you must be right secret la. 
 your loves if you think you have disclosed any 
 thing now, and since my daughter was the cause 
 slie must exact pardon for her error. Nay, quoth 
 the Knight, I must rather hold it as a favour of 
 her that being so higli a Lady she should so ear- 
 nestly seek to know the secret of an Errant Knight 
 as I am ; but you Sir I do not so lightly excuse ! 
 for by the long secret talk you had with her, it is 
 manifest that she did so more by your will than 
 her own. The Emperor smiled at this j — God has 
 made you perfect in all tilings, for it is as you say, 
 and therefore I will make amends both for my 
 fault and hers! the Knight knelt and would have 
 kissed his hands had he permitted. I receive this 
 promise Sir, said he, to claim it when you perhaps 
 will not think of it. Quoth the Emperor, that 
 cannot be, I shall never fail to remember you, or 
 to make this atonement when you require it. 
 These words were sportively spoken between the 
 Emperor and the Green' Sword Knight, but the 
 time came when they were of great effect. 
 
 Then said the fair Leonorina, Sir Knight of tlie 
 Green Sword, though you excuse yet am I not free 
 from fault in having urged you so against your 
 will, in amends you must take this ring. Lady,
 
 217 
 
 quoth he, I will kiss the hand that wears it, for no 
 where else can it be placed where it will not have 
 reason to complain of me. — Nay you shall take it 
 to remind you of tlie snare I laid;, from which you 
 so subtilly escaped. She then threw the ring 
 upon the estrado by him. I have another such 
 stone, said she, m this crown which you gave me, I 
 know not witli what reason. Good witnesses of that 
 reason, he replied, are those eyes and those locks, 
 and all those other beauties with which God has gift- 
 ed you ! and taking the ring he saw it was tlie finest 
 stone tliat ever he had seen, nor was there in the 
 world another such, save that which was in the 
 crown. You must know the history of that 
 stone, said the Emperor, half of it as you see is the 
 finest burning ruby that you can ever have seen, 
 and the other half is white ruby, which belike you 
 never saw till now, far more beautiful and precious 
 than the red ; the ring itself is of emerald, such 
 that another like it could not easily be found. The 
 famous Apolidon was my grandfather, I know 
 not if you have heard this. I well know it, re- 
 plied the Knight, for I have seen his statue in the 
 Firm Island, and you truly appear to be of his line- 
 age. I beseech you, quoth the Emperor, tell me 
 the name of the Knight who, being greater than 
 Apolidon m arms, hath won that Island. — Amadis 
 
 VOL. Ill K
 
 218 
 
 of Gaul, son to King Perion. What! cried the 
 Emperor, is it he who was exposed in an ark upon 
 the sea, and being called the Child of the Sea slew 
 King Abies of Ireland, fighting him man to man ? 
 now am I right glad, and think it no shame 
 that he, exceeding all men that have ever been 
 born, should have exceeded Apolidon j if I could 
 believe that he, being the son of a King, would 
 Avander so far from his own country, of a tmth I 
 should think that you were he, but this makes me 
 think otherwise, and if it were so you would rtot 
 do me the discourtesy not to tell me. 
 
 At this was Amadis abashed and with good reason: 
 if it please you Sir, said he, tell me how the stone 
 was divided. — f'elipanos, who in that time was 
 King of Judea, sent twelve rich crowns to my 
 grandfather Apolidon ; all were set with pearls and 
 gems, but in that which you have given my daugh- 
 ter came this stone which was all one. Apolidon 
 therefore seeing that this was the most precious 
 erown by reason of the gem, gave it to my grand- 
 mother Grimanesa, and she, in order that Apolidon 
 might have his part, made a master dividft- the 
 stone, and with tlie half thereof make this ring j 
 so that for love was this stone divided, and for 
 love given to Apolidon^ and I believe that in good
 
 219 
 
 love my daughter gave it you, and you in still 
 greater love may give it to pjtiotlier ; and as the 
 Emperor had said even so it came to pasSj till at 
 length it returned to the hand that first gave it^ as 
 is recorded in a branch of this history called the 
 Sergas, which signifieth the Feats of Esplan- 
 dian. 
 
 Thus was the Green Sword Knight entertained 
 lor six days in the house of the Emperor, and then 
 he said that he must needs depart, being in honour 
 bound to appear else w litre, as Master Helisabad 
 knew. I beseech you, replied the Emperor, since it 
 is so, that you tarry with me yet three days longer. 
 To this the Knight assented, but then the fair Leo- 
 norina took him by the cloak— good friend, you 
 Lave given three days to my father, now then give 
 yet two more to me, that you may be my guest 
 where I and my Damsels dwell, for we would 
 enjoy your company without any others to disturb 
 us, except any two Knights whom you may chuse 
 to be your companions at bed and board ! this boon 
 you must freely grant, or else I will bid my Dam- 
 sels take you prisoner, and that you will little 
 like ! with that more tlian twenty-five Damsels 
 rose and surrounded him, and Leonorina laughed 
 and said, wait till we see what answer he makes : 
 
 k2
 
 220 - 
 
 but he right joyful at what that fair Lady had said, 
 and holding it as the greatest honour which had 
 been shown him in that court, replied, fair and 
 fortunate Lady, who would be bold enough to dis- 
 obey you, especially if threatened with so terrible 
 a captivity ? 1 willingly grant tliis as I would every 
 service to you and your parents ; God grant that 
 there may come a time when you may be recom- 
 pensed for these favours by me or my lineage ! and 
 what he wished fully came to pass afterwards, 
 even according to Urganda's prophecy, when Es- 
 plandian succoured this Emperor in his great need. 
 Wisely have you chosen, said tlie Damsels to the 
 Green Sword Knight, else you could not have 
 escaped from a worse danger than the Endriago. 
 So I believe, qxioth he, for worse is it to offend 
 against Angels than against a Devil like that. Much 
 were the Emperor and Empress and their court 
 pleased with his gracious answers, and tliereby judg- 
 ed that sure he was of high degree, for low born men 
 often excel in strength but in gentle and debonair 
 manners not, for they pertain to those of pure and 
 generous blood. I do not affirm that all such possess 
 them, but I say they ought to possess them as did this 
 Knight of the Green Sword, who, placing a border 
 of gentleness and courteous dealing round his brave
 
 2'21 
 
 heart, by that means shielded off all pride and 
 anger that they should not harm his virtues. 
 
 So he was the guest of Leonorina for the two 
 days, and when the time of his departure arrived 
 she and her Damsels would have given him many 
 rich jewels, but he would only accept six swords 
 which Menoresa Queen of the Island Gadabasta 
 gave him, the fairest woman except Leonorina in 
 all Greece, and these swords she told him to give 
 to his friends, and when he gave them to remem- 
 ber her and those others who loved him so well. 
 Sir Knight, then said the Infanta, I beseech you 
 that in courtesy you return hither to us so soon 
 as you can, if that may not be that you send here 
 one of your lineage to serve us, and talk with us 
 of you, for sure I am that there must be those of 
 your lineage well equal to such employ. Yea Lady, 
 he replied, that may 1 truly say, and there is one 
 among them who, if I cannot come hither, shall by 
 his services well requite the honours which I have 
 received here, great as I feel them, I'hus said he, 
 thinking of his brother Galaor, but it was accom- 
 plished by another Knight still nearer to him in 
 blood ; then took he leave and they ci-owded to the 
 windows of the palace, and ceased not to gaze 
 after him till his galley was out of sight. 
 
 K O
 
 
 You have heard heretofore how El Patin sent his 
 cousin Salustanquidio and Queen Sardamira with 
 a goodly company of Knights and Dames to de- 
 mand Oriana in marriage of King Lisuarte. Now 
 you are to know that by these messengers he sent 
 letters to all the princes and great men, through 
 whose lands tbey should pass, requiring them to 
 show honour to the Empress Oi iana as his wife ; 
 the which, though they promised with fair words 
 to do, yet secretly they prayed that so good a 
 Lady, daughter of such a King, might never fall 
 to the lot of one so hated and despised for his over- 
 bearing insolence as El Patin. So the Embassadors 
 came to a port called Zamando, opposite to Great 
 Britain, and there they waited till they could find 
 shipping, and meanwhile sent forward to inform 
 King Lisuarte of the Emperor's demand, whereat 
 he was well pleased.
 
 1223 
 
 CHAPTER 12. 
 
 Three years had tlie Knight of the Green Sword 
 passed in Germany, and two in Romania and 
 Greece, and in all that time had received no tid- 
 ings of his Lady Oriana, but now was he resolved 
 to go towards the country where she dwelt, and 
 that thought made him full joyful as he sailed 
 with a fair wind from the port of Constan- 
 tinople. In twenty days he arrived at the city 
 of the fair Grasinda, and she having heard of 
 the wonders he had wrought in arms went out 
 honourably to welcome him, and they gave the 
 greeting each to other, as those who loved each 
 other well with good love. Sir Knight of the 
 Green Sword, quoth she, God halh made you per- 
 fect in all things, for after such perilous adventures 
 you are returned within the year of your promise, 
 whereof five days only have yet to run ; this makes 
 
 k4
 
 224. 
 
 me think that you will as truly perform the other 
 boon, lb this he made courteous and fitting re- 
 ply. Then were he and Master Helisabad conducted 
 to that apartment in the court of Grasinda where- 
 in he had been healed of his ^^•ounds, and there 
 were they worshipfully served. That night be- 
 fore he slept the Green Sword Knight talked 
 much with Gandalin saying, how rejoiced at heart 
 he was now that he was returnina: toward Oriana. 
 if indeed this boon w hich he had to perform did 
 not prevent him. Sir, answered Gandalin, tiike 
 joy as it conies, and commit the rest to God, belike 
 this boon may be to your help and pleasure. So 
 he passed that night with somewhat more tlian 
 his wonted comfort. 
 
 On the morrow after mass Grasinda took him 
 apart and said. Knight of the Green Sword, a year 
 before you came into these parts all the fairest 
 Dames were assembled at a marriage feast given 
 by the Duke of Basilea, and thither did I also go 
 under the protection of my brother Marquis Salu- 
 der, whom you know. 1 hen all the Lords of the 
 country being present, my brother, whether for 
 pride or affection I know not, atfirmed with a loud 
 voice that my beauty exceeded that of any Dame 
 present, tlie which he would prove in combat
 
 opon any one who dared gainsay, I know not 
 whether it were because of his prowess, or if in- 
 deed it appeared the same to others as to him, but 
 so it was that no one answered, and thus was I ad- 
 judged to be the fairest of all the fair Dames in 
 Romania, whereof my heart is always right joyful 
 and proud ; but more joyful and proud should I 
 be if vou would obtain for me what I greatly de- 
 sire, and for which I would spare neither fatigue 
 of my person nor cost of my possessions. Lady, he 
 replied, let it be a thing which I can do, and with- 
 out doubt it shall immediately be taken in hand. 
 Sir, quoth she, the boon I require is this : that be- 
 cause the fairest women in the world are at the 
 Gourt of King Lisuarte of Great Britain, you carry 
 me there, and by arms if otherwise it cannot be, 
 obtain for me the praise of beauty above all the 
 Damsels of his court, as I have already won it over 
 all the Dames of these parts. You shall proclaim 
 that there is no Dam.sel there so fair as a Dame 
 who is in your company, and defy all Knights to 
 the proof, and I will take a rich. crown which yu\x 
 shall stake on my part, and whatever Knight will 
 combat with you upon this (juarrel shall stake 
 another, and the conqueror shall have both. If in 
 this enterprize we come off with the glory, you 
 shall carr)^ me to a place which they call the Firrai 
 
 K. 5
 
 226 
 
 Island, where they say there is an Enchanted 
 Chamber, into which neitlier Dame nor Damsel 
 can set foot, except she exceed in beauty the fair 
 Grimanesa, who in her own days had no peer. 
 When the Knight of the Green Sword heard 
 what she said, his countenance and his u hole feel- 
 ings changed, and he exclaimed, ah Lady, you 
 have undone me ! and he stood like one bereft of 
 his senses. This trouble came upon him because 
 he thought that if he went on such an enterprize 
 to King Lisuarte's Court, he should lose his Lady 
 Oriana, and moreover he knew that many good 
 Knights would undertake the quarrel in her behalf, 
 and that as their cause was so just he could not 
 escape without loss of honour or of life. But on 
 the other part his honour was greatly injured if he 
 refused to perform his promise to the Lady to 
 whom he was so beholden, so that he thought 
 himself in the worst danger he had ever endured 
 since he left Gaul, and cursed himself and his for- 
 tune, and the hour wherein he was boruj and that 
 ever he came into these lands of Romania. But 
 presently a remedy came into his mind, for he re- 
 collected that Oriana was no Damsel, and that 
 whoe\'er should undertake the combat for her as 
 such would maintain a wrong cause, and how 
 when he saw Oriana he could explain this to her.
 
 227 
 
 and the reason wherefore he undertook such a 
 quarrel. Then his good cheer returned and he 
 said, pardon me good Lady for what I said, and I 
 will fulfill all yqu require ; the doubt I felt was 
 not from want of will but from my heart which I 
 cannot resist, and which would have directed me 
 towards another part ; the cause which made me 
 uttf-r those words is the same as tliat which over- 
 rules all my actions. So she laid her fair arms 
 upon his shoulders and said, you greatly surprized 
 me ! when shall I see tlie day that I shall return 
 with the crown won by you from all the Damsels 
 of Great Britain, with the same glory that I have 
 here won over all the Dames ! Lady, quoth he, 
 if the boon was not promised, and my advice were 
 heard, I should counsel you to be content with 
 that great fame which you deservedly have gained^ 
 for whoso undertakes such a journey should not 
 lose the thought that it is a way of great toil 
 and danger, through many people of diverse 
 tongues. She answered, I am better pleased with 
 your courage to protect than 30ur counstl to direct 
 me 5 these strange lands we need not traverse for 
 this way is better by sea, and we will go with a 
 company befitting such a chief. In God's name then 
 so be it^ quoth he_, and thus their talk was at an 
 end 
 
 k6
 
 223 
 
 Now Mhen the Knight had sojourned here two 
 .davs he would sfo hunt, because he could have 
 no exercise in ariBs ; there went certain Knights in 
 his company, and huntsmen and two dogs well 
 trained to the sport, and he took his station in a 
 little valley between the wild part of the moun- 
 tains and the forest, where tlie game most fre- 
 (juently was to be found ; there he slew two fine 
 HartSj and tlie huntsmen slew another, and it be- 
 ing near night-tall they blew their bugle horns, 
 liut as the Knight went towards them another 
 goodly hart sprang from the thicket^ and he set the 
 dogs on, the hart being hardly run took to the wa- 
 ter in a great lake thereby, but the dogs came up, 
 and the Knight slew him 3 then Gandalin came 
 \ip, who was right glad to see his Master take 
 pleasure in the sport, for they had been talking of 
 their journey to Great Britain, and he alighted and 
 ijeshed the dogs. By tliis the niglit closed, they 
 kid their venison in the thicket and covered it with 
 green boughs, th^n having remounted they missed 
 their way; and were soon bewildered in the moun- 
 tains. At length they came to a fountain where 
 their horses drank, and having no hope of better 
 lodging, there they resolved to fare tliat night. 
 .\Vhile Gandalin took the saddles and bridles from 
 the beasts that they might feed, the Knight walked
 
 oo 
 
 29 
 
 on towards some fine trees that were near, that he 
 might muse upon his Mistress. When he came 
 up to them he saw a white liorse lying dead, hav- 
 ing many great wounds, and he heard a groan from 
 among the trees, but could not see from whence it 
 came, the night was so dark. He stopt and listened 
 and presently he heard these words. Ah, wretched 
 Bruneo of Bonamar, now shall thy mortal desires 
 perish with thee ! thou shalt never see thy friend 
 Amadis, whom thou hast sought with such toil 
 through strange lands, and who was beloved by 
 thee above all others in the world ! here, without 
 him or kinsman, or friend to console thee, thou must 
 pass from life to cruel death. O my Lady Meli- 
 cia, the flower and mirror of all women thy serv^ant 
 will never see the more, he who never sinned against 
 thee in word nor deed ! Lady thou wilt lose what 
 thou canst never recover, for never will you 
 find another who will love so loyally as I h;!ve 
 done. I would never have appeared before 
 thee till I had found thy dear brother, and now 
 death has overtaken me. Then having paused 
 awhile he cried again, Angriote, where have you 
 tarried this while, in an evil hour of night were we 
 separated ! and I have no help in my last hour. 
 True friend, God reward thee, and receive my 
 soul. But the Knight of the Green Sword weep-
 
 230 
 
 ing bitterly to hear Iiim, went up to him and said., 
 my true friend Don Bruneo of Bonamar take 
 heart ! for God has suffered me to find you, and 
 if man can be sav^ed by mortal skill be sure that so 
 shall you now if it pleases God. Don Bruneo 
 thought it was his Squire, whom he had sent to 
 seek some hermit or religious man, Lasindo, 
 said he, you have tarried long, for my death is come. 
 When you have disposed of me go straightways 
 and kiss the Infanta's hand, and give her this sleeve 
 of my shirt, whereon I have written seven letters 
 with my blood, for I had no strength to write 
 more. I trust that that pity which she would not 
 show me living r.he will feel for my death, consi- 
 dering that it befell me in her service, seeking 
 through such perils the brother whom she loves 
 so dearly. Dear friend Don Bruneo, quoth the 
 Knight, I am Amadis for whom you have under- 
 gone such peril ! fear not, I will help you with 
 such a master as shall save you if the soul have 
 not left the body. Don Bruneo, weak as he was, 
 then knew him, and raised his arms and embraced 
 him, weeping much ; the Green Sword Knight 
 embraced him too, and called to Gandalin, and 
 with his help disarmed him, and laid him upon 
 Gandalin's cloak, and covered him with bis own, 
 and bade Gaudalin go upon some hill and look out
 
 231 
 
 for the town as soon as it was liglit, and then 
 hasten for Master Helisabad, and he remained 
 holding Bruneo's head upon his knees and comfort- 
 ing him. 
 
 So soon as it was dawn Gandalin saw the town 
 and he galloped into it with such speed that all 
 who saw him knew surely that something had be- 
 fallen his master ; and he went to Master Helisa- 
 bad, and besought him to heal one of his Master's 
 dearest friends, and then went and begged of Gra- 
 sinda that she would send such things as were fittino^ 
 for one, as high in lineage and as good in arras as 
 his Master. Master Helisabad took all things that 
 were needful and mounted his palfrey and followed 
 Gandalin, and when he aiTived and saw how the 
 Green Sword Knight held Don Bruneo's head 
 upon his knees, and was weeping over him, he 
 knew that of a truth he loved him. He looked at 
 the wounds and found them swoln and festerino- 
 with the cold of the night, but such remedies did 
 he apply that the pain presently abated, so tliat he 
 fell asleep. When the Knight of the Green 
 Sword saw tliat the Master thought little of the 
 danger, he embraced him saying. All Master Heli- 
 sabad, my good Sir and friend, in a happy hour 
 was I in your company. I pray God tliat there
 
 232 
 
 may come a time wherein I may repay yon, for 
 tJiough you see me now but a poor Knight perhaps 
 ere long you may judge of me otherwise. I am 
 more pleased Sir Knight, he answered, in serving, 
 you than you can be in requiting me, though well 
 I know your gratitude would never fail ; but no 
 more of this, let us eat, for it is time. They 
 then took food with which Grasinda had provided 
 them, and after their meal, as they were saying 
 how those beech trees were the goodliest and 
 largest that ever they had beheld, they saw a man 
 come riding towards them, having two heads 
 lianging from the poitral of his horse, and an axe 
 in his hand all blood. He seeing this company 
 under the trees drew aside, but the Knight and 
 Gandalin knew that it was Lasindo, and feared 
 lest he should innocently betray them ; the Knight 
 therefore said, stay ye here, and I will go see who 
 this is that seems to fear us, and wherefore he carries 
 those heads 5 and he mounted and took a lance and 
 went with Gandalin towards him. The Squire at 
 that rode into the forest being afraid, and he of the 
 Green Sword after him, but when they were out 
 of sight, and hearing of the others^ the Knight 
 called out, Lasindo, stop ! — do not fear me ! When 
 he heard himself named he looked round and 
 knew Amadis, and came and kissed his hands. —
 
 L'53 
 
 Ah Slr^ you know not the unhappy news of my 
 Master, who has undergone such toil in your 
 search ! and he began to lament greatly. These 
 two Knights told Angriote that they had left him 
 dead in the forest, wherefore he cut off their 
 heads, and bade me lay them beside him if he 
 were dead, but if living present them to him on 
 his part. I have found Don Bruneo, replied the 
 Knight, but in such plight that he could tell me 
 nothing ; tarry you now here awhile with Gan- 
 dalin, as if he had overtaken you, and then come 
 up and tell us this, but remember that you call me 
 nothing but the Knight of the Green Sword. 
 Then he returned to his companions and told them, 
 that Gandalin was in pursuit of the Squire. 
 
 Presently the two Squires came up, and when- 
 Lasindo saw the Knight of the Green Sword he 
 alighted, and knelt to him and said, blessed be 
 God who has sent you here to help my Master 
 who loves you so well ! Friend Lasindo ! he re- 
 plied, welcome ! and he raised him up, — your 
 Master is doing well: but tell us wherefore you 
 carry those heads ? Sir, he said, take me to Don 
 Bruneo, for to him must I relate it. Then went 
 they to the tent which Grasinda had sent for Bru- 
 neo, and the Squire knelt and said, Sir, you see
 
 234. 
 
 here the heads of those Knights who did you such 
 great wrong j your true friend Angriote of Estra- 
 vaus sends them, for he knew their treason, and 
 fought with them both and slew them, and he will 
 be with you presently, for he hath stopt at a nun- 
 nery on the forest-edge to have a wound in his leg 
 drest, and so soon as the blood be staunched he 
 will proceed here. God reward him ! quoth Bru- 
 neo, but how could he direct you* here? — He 
 bade me go to the highest trees in the forest, for 
 tljiere he thought I should find you dead, by what 
 one of those villains told him before he was slain, 
 but the grief which he made for you cannot be 
 expressed. Ah God, preserve him from harm ! 
 quoth the Green Sword Knight, can you guide 
 me to the monastery ? then bidding Master Heli- 
 sabad convey Don Bruneo upon a litter to the 
 town, he armed himself in Bruneo's arms, and 
 went with Lasindo, who carried his shield and hel- 
 met and lance. 
 
 • This is an oversight ; it is said before that Bruneo had 
 sent his Squire for a Hermit to confess him.
 
 t35 
 
 When tliey arrived at the place where he had laid 
 his venison, they saw Angriote coming hanging 
 his head like a man who was in grief 5 presently 
 four Knights, all well armed, came riding after 
 him, and they cried out, stop Don False One ! 
 you must lose your head for cutting off theirs, 
 who were worth more than thee ! Angriote turn- 
 ed and took his shield and prepared to defend him- 
 self, for he had not seen the Green Sword Knightj 
 but he who had taken Bruneo's arms rode on as fast 
 as horse could carry him, and came up to Angriote 
 before the encounter and said, good friend, fear 
 not, for God will be with you ! Angriote weened 
 by the arms that it was Don Bruneo and his joy 
 was exceeding great. The Green Sword Knight 
 met the foremost of tlie four, who was that Bran- 
 dasidel whom he had made ride with his horse's 
 tail for a bridle. He struck him abDve the shield 
 on the helmet-mail that hung on the breast, and 
 he drove him to the earth so rudely that he could 
 neither move hand nor foot ; the otlaers attacked 
 Angriote, and he them, like a full hardy Knight ; 
 but tliat other laid hand on his Green Sword, and 
 thrust himself among them, and with one blov/ 
 sliced off the arm of one at the shoulder. Much 
 was Angriote amazed at that so mighty a stroke, 
 for he did not think there iiad been such strength
 
 230' 
 
 in Don Bruneo. By this he had made an end of 
 one enemy, and the remaining one fled before him 
 of the Green Sword, in his fear attempting to 
 pass a river he missed the ford and fell into deep 
 water, the horse escaped, but he, by reason of the 
 weight of his armour, was drowned. 
 
 The Green Sword Knight then gave his shield and 
 helmet to Lasindo and turned to Angriote, wha 
 stood astonished at his valour, thinking he was 
 Don Bruneo, but coming near him he knew Ama- 
 dis, and ran to him with open arms, thanking God 
 that he was found. Ihey then with tears 
 embraced as men who loved each other well. Now 
 indeed, said the Knight, doth your true love to- 
 wards me appear in this long and dangerous 
 search ! Angriote replied, you have bound me to 
 more services than I can ever perform, for yoii 
 have given me her without whom life could not 
 have been endured ; but tell me, have you heard 
 the unhappy tidings of your good friend Don Bru- 
 neo of Bonamar ? Then the Green Sword Knight 
 told him all that had chanced. So as they went 
 on tliey perceived that one of the conquered 
 Knights was still living, he of the Green Sword 
 stopt and said to him, foul Knight, whom God 
 confound, tell me why without reason you at-.
 
 9.^1 
 
 tempted to destroy Errant Knights ? or I will off 
 with thy head ; and if you were at the hurt of 
 that Knight whose arms I wear ? That can he not 
 deny, quoth A.ngriote, for I left him and two 
 others in the company of Don Bruneo, and after- 
 ward found the other twain boasting how they had 
 killed Bruneo, -svhom they led away to help tliem 
 as tliey said in the rescue of their sister, who would 
 else be burnt. He went upon this adventure, 
 and I went with an old Knight who had lodged 
 us to deliver his son, who was held prisoner in 
 some tents hear, the which I accomplished ; thus 
 we separated. Now let this one tell wherefore 
 they committed so great a treason. Descend and 
 cut off his head for he is a traitor, said he of the 
 Green Sword to Lasindo. Mercy for God's sake, 
 quoth the Knight, and I will tell you all ! We 
 knew that these two Knights were seeking the 
 Knight of the Green Sword, whom we mortally 
 hate, and because they were his friends we wished 
 to kill them ; and because we could not think to 
 succeed if they were together, we devised this false- 
 hood. So that Knight went with us to release 
 the Damsel, having his head and hands unarmed. 
 We came to the Fountain of the Beech Trees, and 
 •while he was giving his horse drink we took our 
 iances, and I, who was nearest him, snatched his
 
 238 
 
 sword from the scabbard, and before he could help 
 himself we threw him down and gave him so 
 many wounds that we left him for dead, as in 
 truth I suppose he be. What reason had ye to hate 
 me so much that ye would commit such villainy ?— 
 Are you then the Knight of the Green Sword ? — 
 Here is that Sword, see now if I be not he. — I 
 will tell you : it is now a year since you did battle 
 with one of these Kniglits who here lies dead, and 
 he pointed to Brandasidel. The combat was be- 
 fore the fair Grasinda, and he who was tlie strong- 
 est Knight in all these parts, appointed a shameful 
 law for the vanquished, the which you made him 
 undergo, and for this cause he and all his kmsmen 
 mortally hated you, and we fell into this treason ; 
 now then kill me or spare me, for I have told you 
 all. I shall not kill thee, quoth the Green Sword 
 Knight, for the wicked die many times while they 
 live, and pay what their wicked works deserve. 
 Then he bade Lasindo lay the venison upon one of 
 those Knight's horses, and unbridle the rest and 
 turn them loose into the forest: so they pro- 
 ceeded toward the town. 
 
 The Knight then earnestly asked news of Great 
 Britain, and Angriote told him all he knew, for it 
 was a year aivd a half since lie and Don Bruneo
 
 239 
 
 liad left it in quest of him. Among other things 
 he told him that there was the fairest child in the 
 world at the court of King Lisuarte, of whom Ur- 
 ganda had prophesied strange things, and he related 
 how the hermit had found him, and what letters 
 there were upon his breast. God preserve him, 
 quoth he of the Green Sword, you tell me of a 
 wonder. What age hath he ? — About twelve 
 years ; he and my son Ambor of Gandel serve 
 Oriana, who favours them greatly ; but they are 
 very different, for Ambor seems slow and slothful. 
 All Angriote, quoth the Knight, judge not of your 
 son yet, for he can yet know neither good nor evil. 
 If he were older, and Oriana would give him to 
 me, I would take him with me, and make Ganda- 
 lin, who has so long served me, a Knight. An- 
 griote replied, he well deserves it, and Knight- 
 hood would be fiill well bestowed upon him as 
 one of the best Squires in the world ; if this were 
 done, and my son were in your service, then 
 should I lose all fear, and be sure that he would do 
 honour to his lineage. In such talk they pro- 
 ceeded to the city, and there was Angriote laid in 
 bed by Don Bruneo's bedside, and his leg which 
 was greatly swoln was healed, and the Knight of 
 tlie Green Sword had his bed also placed in the 
 same chamber, tliat they might talk of all that
 
 240 
 
 had chanced. And when these Knights had heard 
 of the boon which he had promised Grasinda they 
 were well pleased, because having found him 
 whom they sought tliey were desirous to return to 
 Great Britain. So when they were well healed of 
 their wounds, and the fleet was ready and victual- 
 led for a whole year, they and the Green Sword 
 Knight and the fair Grasinda on a Sunday morn- 
 ing in the month of May went on board, and sailed 
 with a fair wind toward Great Britain.
 
 S41 
 
 CHAPTER 13, 
 
 The Embassadors of the Emperor Patin havuig ar- 
 Tived in Lombardy took ship and passed over to 
 Great Britain, and landed at Fenusa, where King 
 Lisuarte honourably welcomed them, and gave or- 
 der that they should be well lodged and served 
 -with all things fitting. There were many good 
 men with the King at this season, and he waited 
 for others with w^hom to take counsel upon this 
 matter of his daughter's marriage ; and he told the 
 Embassadors that they should be answered in a 
 month's time, giving them good hope that tlie re- 
 ply would be such as they wished ; he resolved 
 also, that Queen Sardamira should go to Miraflorcs, 
 that she might relate to Oriana the greatness of 
 Rome, and the great state whereto this marriage 
 would exalt her ; and this he did knowing how 
 
 vox-. III. h
 
 averse his daughter was to the proposal, and in the 
 hope thai Queen Sardamira, who was a discreet 
 woman, might bring her to consent j forOriana at 
 this time was in exceeding distress, thinking that 
 her father would give her up to El Patin, and thus 
 destroy both her and Amadis, Queen Sardamira 
 therefore set forth for Miraflores, and Don Grume- 
 dan went willi her by the King's command, and 
 many Knights of Rome and Sardinia, whereof she 
 was Queen, for her guard. 
 
 Kow it so happened that, arriving in a green and 
 flowery meadow by the river side, they resolved to 
 wait there till the heat of the noon was past, and 
 therefore pitched their tents ; and the Knights of 
 Sardamira, who were five in number, placed theii' 
 shields without ; whereon Don Grumedan said to 
 tliem. Sirs, ye should place your shields within the 
 tents, unless ye wish to maintain the custom of the 
 country, which is, that every Knight who places 
 shield or lance without side of the tent or house or 
 hut wherein he himself is, must joust with what- 
 soever Knight requires the combat. We know 
 the custom they replied, and for that very reason 
 have so placed our shields ; God send that some 
 Knight may claim it before we depart ! In God's 
 name, quoth Grumedan;, many Knights pass this
 
 5243 
 
 way, and we may perhaps see your prowess. Long 
 they had not tarried before the good Knight Don 
 Florestan came by, full of heaviness, for he had 
 been traversing many lands in quest of his brother 
 Amadis, andiiow having heard that these Knights 
 of Rome were at tlie Court of Lisuarte was going 
 thitherto see if they knew aught concerning him. 
 He, when he saw the tents, went towards them, 
 and coming up to that where the Queen was, he^ 
 beheld her sitting on the estrado, and that she was 
 one of the fair women of the world j the wings of 
 the tent were open, and he rode nearer, even within 
 the cords, that he might look at her. Presently 
 there came a Damsel to him and said, you are not 
 over courteous Sir Knight, to sit on horseback and 
 look at so good a Queen and ladies of so higli birth 
 as are tliere ; it would become you better to look 
 at those shields that are inviting you, and their 
 owners. Certes my good Lady, replied Florestan, 
 you say truth ; but my eyes, desirous to regard so 
 fair a Queen, led me into this fault, I beseech 
 pardon of her and those other Ladies, and will 
 make the atonement ye require. Tiie Damsel an- 
 swered, you say well, but the atonement must 
 •come before the pardon. That, quoth Florestan, 
 will, I if I can, perform, but on this condition : that 
 I ::hall not be required to desist from doing what I 
 
 l2
 
 1244 
 
 ought ngainst those shields, or that they be placed 
 M'ithin the tents. Sir Knight, said she, before 
 those shields be removed, the shields of all who 
 pass this way will be won, their owner's names 
 written on the rim, that they may be carried to 
 Rome and there preserved in proof that the Roman 
 Knights exceed all others. If you wish not to fall 
 into shame turn back, or else your own shield and 
 name will b'e carried away also. Damsel, quotli 
 he, I do not trust your love enough to follow your 
 counsel^ but for those shields, I design to carry them 
 to the Firm Island. Then he addressed Sardamira 
 — God preserve you Lady, and give you as much 
 happiness as beauty ! and \\'ith tliat he went to- 
 ward the shields. 
 
 Don Grumedan hearing this was well pleased, and 
 because the Knight spake of the Firm Island he 
 ■weened that he was of the good lineage of Amadis^, 
 and able to perform what he had said ; and though 
 he did not know that he was Florestan he saw 
 that he was well armed, and sat well upon his 
 horse, and he wished him good success. Florestan, 
 ■who knew Grumedan, and that no Knight was a 
 better judge of chivalry, took the more courage, 
 and with the blunt end of his lance struck tlie five 
 shields one after the other, that the Knights might
 
 245 
 
 meet him in succession : then he withdrew about 
 a bow- shot ofF, hung his shield round his neclv, 
 took a strong lance, and sate in readiness. Now it 
 was his custom always to take with him two or 
 three Squires that he might be the better served, 
 and have store of lances and battle-axes, which he 
 knew well how to wield. Presently the Roman 
 Knights armed themselves, and mounted and went 
 towards him. How now Knights ? cried Flores- 
 tan, would ye come all at once and break the cus- 
 tom of the country ? Gradamor, whom the others 
 obeyed, then asked Don Grumedan what they 
 ought to do, as he knew best ; and he answered, 
 the Knights must go one by one in order as their 
 shields were struck, and I advise them not to go 
 too rashly, for methinks that Knight is not one 
 who will chuse shame for himself. Don Grume- 
 dan, answered Gradamor, the Romans are not of 
 your condition ! ye praise yourselves before the thing 
 be done, and we, when it is done, suffer it to be 
 forgotten, and for this reason there are none equal, 
 to us. AVould to God our battle were upon this 
 quarrel, though my comrades were not to lend 
 hand I Try your fortune with him noAv, replied 
 Grumedan, and if he remain whole and unhurt 
 after the joust, I will engage tliat he shall combat 
 you upon that quarrel, and if by reason of any 
 
 l3
 
 harm that cannot be, I will undertake it myself in 
 God's name ! go to your joust now, Gradamor 
 laughed at him in disdain — I would this battle were 
 so near at hand as the encounter with yonder fool 
 \vho dares resist us ! then he said to the Kniglit, 
 whose shield had first been touched, go on, and 
 let us get rid of the little fame we can get from 
 such a victory ! The Knight replied, make yourself 
 easy ! I will bring him to be at your disposal ; his 
 shield and name shall be done with as the Em- 
 peror commanded : his horse is a good one, and 
 that I will keep myself. 
 
 With that he crossed the brook ; Florestan was 
 ready and they ran their encounter j both failed in 
 their attaint, but they met shields and bodies, and 
 the Roman, who was the worse horseman, fell and 
 broke his right arm, and lay like a dead man. Flo- 
 restan bade one of his Squires alight and hang the 
 shield to a tree and take the horse of the conquer- 
 ed Knight 3 then he, with a sign of anger that he 
 had missed his blow, took his place again, and sate 
 lance in hand, the blunt end resting upon the 
 ground, ready for the second foe. The second 
 came on, in that encounter Florestan did not miss, 
 but drove the lance so well that the Knight was 
 driven to the ground and the saddle with him, and
 
 OA 
 
 47 
 
 Florestan passed on. But presently turning he 
 said. Sir Roman, the saddle which you have car- 
 ried with you shall be yours, and the horse mine j 
 and if you chuse to relate your prowess in Rome 1 
 freely permit you : this he said so loud that the 
 Queen and her company could hear it. Now I 
 tell you Don Grumedan was right glad to see how 
 the Knight of Great Britain spake and acted against 
 the Roman, and he said to Gradamor, if you Sir 
 and your comrades do not speed better, there will 
 be no need to throw down the walls of Rome for 
 your triumphal return. Gradamor answered, you 
 think much of this ! but if my comrades finish the 
 joust, I shall settle what you appointed differently 
 from what you suppose ! We shall see I quoth old 
 Grumedan, that Knight of the Firm Island takes 
 good care of his armour, and I trust he will set 
 aside my battle. At tliat Gradamor began to laugh 
 witliout being pleased. When it comes to my 
 turn, said he, I shall allow all you say. But Queea 
 Sardamira was grieved to see the haughtiness of 
 Gradamor and the Roman Knights. 
 
 Florestan had now made his Squire take the shield 
 from this second Knight who lay like one dead, for the 
 spear had gone through him, but when it was drawn 
 out he spake with a dolorous voice, and demanded 
 
 l4
 
 248 
 
 confession. The diird Knight now took his place, 
 and rode full force against Florestan, but their 
 lances slanted and crossed each other, and Florestan 
 struck his helmet and burst the laces and sent it 
 rolling on the ground, and made him bow to the 
 horses neck, but he did not fall. Florestan then 
 took the lance and with an overhand blow made at 
 him 3 the Reman lifted his shield, but the blow 
 drove the shield against his face and stunned him, 
 so that he lost tlie veins, and then Florestan let his 
 lance fill, and plucked the shield from his neck 
 and dashed it twice on his neck, so that he fell, and 
 lay sprawling, while his shield and horse went to 
 keep the others company. The fourth Knight 
 tlien encountered him, but that joust was soon de- 
 cided, he and his horse were borne down and tiie 
 horse's leg was broke. Florestan took another 
 lance and made ready to meet Gradamor. Grada- 
 mor was in new and goodly arms, and mounted on 
 a bright bay horse large and strong ; he shook his 
 ance threateningly, and cried, Don Grumedan arm 
 yourself, for before you take horse this Knight will 
 stand iu need of your help ! I shall not take that 
 trouble yet, quoth old Gramedan, By this Grada- 
 mor had crossed the brook, and Florestan came at 
 Iiim angrily, for he had heard his boasts. Ihey met 
 in full career^ Gradamor pierced his shield, the laiice
 
 249 
 
 went through about a palm and then broke, FIo- 
 restan's spear drove through the shield, and broke 
 the armour on the left side, and sent hira out of 
 tlie saddle into a hollow which was fall of water 
 and mire. He then passed on and bade his Squire 
 take the fitth shield and horse. 
 
 Lady, quoth Don Grumedan to the Queen, I think 
 J may rest till Gradamor has cleaned his arms, and 
 procured another horse for our combat ! Cursed be 
 his arrogance, replied Sardamira, and the folly of 
 those who have made all the world hate them ! 
 Now had Gradamor, after rolling about in the pud- 
 dle, got out, and taken off his helm, and having 
 cleaned the dirt from his eyes and face as well as 
 he could, he laced on his helmet again. Florestaix 
 seeing this came up to him. — Sir Tbreatcner, un- 
 less you can help yourself better with the sword 
 than the lance, you will neither take my shield nor 
 my name to Rome. Gradamor answered, I only 
 wear my sword to avenge myself, and that shall I 
 do presently if you dare maintain the custom of 
 this country. And what is that ? quoth Florestan, 
 who knew it better than he. — ^lliat you give me 
 my horse or alight from your uwn, that the light 
 may be equal, and he who plays worst to receive 
 neither courtesy nor mercy. Florestan answered, 
 
 l5
 
 2jO 
 
 I believe you would not have maintained this cus- 
 tom had )ou been the conqueror ! however I will 
 alight, for it would not become so fair a Roman 
 Knight as you are to mount a horse which ano- 
 ther had won. With that he alighted and they be- 
 gan a most perilous battle, but it did not last long, 
 for Florestan seeing himself in the presence of 
 Queen Sardamira and her Ladies, and of Don Gru- 
 medan, who was a better judge of such feats, put 
 forth all his strength, so that Gradamor could not 
 endure it, but gave ground, and made back toward 
 the tent, thinking that for courtesy Florestan would 
 not follow him there. But Florestan got between 
 him and tlie tent and made him turn, and prest 
 him till the sword dropt from his hand, and he 
 fell down having no strength left. Then Florestan 
 took his shield and gave it to his Squires, and, 
 caught him by the helmet, which he plucked off so 
 forcibly tliat he dragged him some way along the 
 ground, and threw the helmet into that standing 
 pool, and took the Knight by the leg and was 
 about to cast him in also ; but Gradamor began to 
 cry mercy for God's sake, and the Queen exclaim- 
 ed, a bad bargain did that unhappy one make when 
 he proposed that the conquered should show nei- 
 ther courtesy nor mercy. At this Florestan said, 
 a covenant which so honourable a Knight as yoa
 
 '251 
 
 have made must not be broken, and you shaU have 
 it fully accomplished as you shall see. Ah wretch 
 I am dead, quoth tlie Roman. — You are, unless you 
 do two tilings at my bidding. — Tell me what, and 
 I will do them. — The one is that with your own 
 hand you write your name in your own blood upon 
 the rim of your shield, and the names of your com- 
 rades in their blood, each upon his shieldj that done 
 I will tell you what the other thing is : and as he 
 said this he held his sword over him who lay quak- 
 ing for great fear ; but Gradamor, because he 
 could not write himself, nor lift up his hand, called 
 for his secretary and bid him empt out the ink from 
 his inkstand, and fill it with his blood, and write his 
 name and the names of his companions. This was 
 forthwith done. Don Florestan then wiped his 
 sword and placed it in the scabbard, and mounted 
 his horse as lightly as if he had done nothing, and 
 gave his shield to his Squire, but his helmet he 
 took not off that Grumedan might not know him. 
 His horse was strong and well limbed and of a 
 strange colour, and the horseman of an auswer- 
 able make and stature, so that few were like him 
 in their appearance. Then taking a lance, wheretO' 
 there hung a rich pennon, he stopt by Gradamor 
 who had now risen, and said to him shaking the 
 lance, your life is no moi-e, unless Don Grumedan. 
 
 1.0
 
 252 
 
 will beg it ! but he cried out aloud to Grnmedan tO' 
 save him for God's sake. Tiie old Knight came 
 up, certes Gradiimor, quoth he, it would be but 
 right that you should lind neither courtesy nor 
 mercy, as in your pride you covenanted with this 
 Knight ; however I beg him to spare you, for 
 which I will greatly thank and serve him. That 
 will I do with a good will for you, replied Flores- 
 tan, as I would aught else to your honour and 
 pleasure. You Sir Roman may relate in Rome 
 when yon return there how you threatened the 
 Knights of Great Britain, and how you maintained 
 your threats, and the great honour which you won 
 from them in the short space of one day, so tell 
 this to your great Emperor and his Potentates, be- 
 cause it will please them. And I will make it 
 known in the Firm Island that the Roman Knights 
 are so frank and liberal- that they readily give their 
 shields and horses to those they do not knov/ ! but 
 for these gifts which you have made me I do not 
 thank you, bat tliank God who gave it me against 
 your will. These words were worse to Gradamor 
 than his wounds. Sir Knight, quoth Florestan, 
 you shall carry back to Rome all the arrogance yoa 
 brought from it, because they esteem it there, and 
 we in this land like it not, but like instead of it 
 what you abhor, courtesy and gentleness ; and if
 
 253 
 
 my Lord, you are as good in love as in arms, you 
 should go prove yourself in the Firm Island by the 
 Arch of True Lovers, that you might take home 
 that praise also, and then belike our Mistresses may 
 forsake us for you. 
 
 Now I tell you Don Grumedan heard all this with 
 great glee, and laughed to see the pride of the Ro- 
 mans so broken ; but it was not so with Grada- 
 mor, for his heart was almost breaking tg hear these 
 things, and he said to Grumedan, good Sir for 
 God's sake let me be carried to the tents for I have 
 been sorely handled. So it seems, replied the old 
 man, by your appearance, and it is all your own 
 fault I and then he made his Squires remove him. 
 Sir, said he then to Florestan, if it please you, tell 
 us your name, for so good a man as you onght not 
 to conceal it. My good Sir, he replied, Don Gru- 
 medan, I pray you be not displeased that I do not 
 tell it you, for I would not that this fair Queen 
 should in any ways know it, because of the dis- 
 courtesy which I have committed ; for though her 
 beauty was the occasion I feel myself greatly to 
 blame. I beseech you procure my pardon that 
 she may take from me what amends she will, and 
 send me the tidings to the ro\uul Chapel hard by.
 
 £54 
 
 where T shall rest to day. I will send my Squires 
 with her answer, replied Grumedan, and if it be 
 after my will it will be such as so good a man as 
 you deserve. The Knight of the Firm Island then 
 said, I beseech you Don Grumedan if you know 
 any news of Amadis tell me ! at that question the 
 tears came into the old man's eyes, — So help me 
 God, as I should rejoice to know any news of him_, 
 and communicate it to you and all his friends! 
 That I believe, replied Florestan, for such is your 
 nature, and if all were like you discourtesy and 
 falshood would not find harbour where they are 
 harboured now. God be with you ! I shall expect 
 your bidding at the hermitage. 
 
 Florestan then bade his Squires take the five horses 
 of tlie Knights and give the bay one, which was 
 the' best, to Don Grumedan, and the others to the 
 Damsel with whom he had spoken, and to say that 
 Don Florestan sent them. Right glad was Don 
 Grumedan to have that horse because it had been 
 won from the Romans, and still more to knov/ 
 that that Knight was Don Florestan whom he 
 loved so well. The Squires led the other horses to 
 the Damsel and said. Lady, the Knight whom you 
 disparaged to praise your Romans sends you these
 
 a 
 
 2b:) 
 
 to dispose of as you please, and as a sign that Ina 
 words were true. Much do I thank him, quoth 
 that Damsel, and of a truth he hath bravely won 
 them, yet had I rather he had left his own horse 
 than that he should give me these four. You 
 must procure better Knights than these, replied the 
 Squire, if you would gain that. But, said the 
 Damsel, marvel not if I wish well to my friends' 
 rather than to a stranger ; howbeit, because of the 
 goodly gift which he has sent me, I repent that I 
 said ought to offend so good a man, and will amend 
 it as he may require. With this answer the Squire 
 returned to Don Florestan, who went then to the 
 Round Chapel to wait there for Grumedan's an- 
 swer, for this chapel was in the way to the Firm 
 Island, and he being resolved not to enter Lisuarte's 
 court, was going thither to hang the Roman shields 
 there, and to hear if Gandales knew any tiling of 
 his brother. 
 
 Now when Don Grumedan had delivered his bid- 
 ding to the Queen she listened willingly and said, 
 this Don Florestan, — is he son of King Perion and 
 the Countess of Selandia ? — The same, and one of 
 the best Knights in tlie world. — I tell you then 
 Don Grumedan that the sons of the Marqviis of 
 Ancona speak wonders of his deeds in arms^ and of
 
 9,56 
 
 his prudence and courtesy, and they may well be 
 believed for they were his companions in the wars 
 which he had at Rome, where he abode three years, 
 when he was a young Knight, but they dare not 
 speak his praise before the Emperor, who loves him 
 not. Do you know, said Grumedan, why the 
 Emperor does not love him ? — Because of his bro- 
 ther Amadis, replied Sardamira, of whom the Em- 
 peror complains, because he won the Firm Island 
 by arriving there before him, and so deprived him 
 of the honour which he should else have won. 
 Certes Lady, quoth Grumedan, he complains with- 
 out reason, for in that Amadis saved him from 
 great shame ; trust me it is for another adventure 
 that the Emperor hates him. — By the fliith you 
 owe to God, Don Grumedan, tell me the reason.— 
 Do not you be displeased then Lady ! and then he 
 told her how Amadis and he had met in tlie forest, 
 and of their battle. Thereat was Queen Sarda- 
 mira well pleased, and she made him relate it three 
 times ; truly, said she, the Emperor hath reason 
 enou>rh to dislike him.
 
 25r 
 
 CHAPTER 14. 
 
 Well pleased was Queen Sardamira to hear how 
 the Emperor had been vanquished by Amadis, be- 
 cause that journey which El Patin made to Great 
 Britain, was for her love, as he at that time loved 
 her much, and she laughed to think how he had 
 concealed this adventure. Lady, said Grumedan, 
 tell me what message you will send to Don Flores- 
 tan. She, after pondering awhile replied, you see 
 in what plight my Knights are left, they can nei- 
 ther protect me nor themselves, and must stay here 
 to recover. I would wish Don Florestan therefore to 
 guard me with you. Grumedan answered, I tell you 
 Lady that so courteous is he that whatever Dame 
 or Damsel should ask of him that would he do, 
 how much more for one like vou, to whom he hath
 
 2.^8 
 
 to make atonement for a fault ? — Give me then a 
 guard to guide my Damsel. He gave her four 
 Squires, and she giving a letter of credence to her 
 Damsel, told her secretly what she should say. 
 The Damsel mounted her palfrey, and rode more 
 than apace till she reached the Round Chapel, 
 where she found Florestan talking with the Her- 
 mit, Her face was uncovered, so that the Knight 
 knew her, and welcomed her courteously. She 
 gave him the letter and said, the Queen haili bade 
 me say that you have left her Knights in such plight 
 that they are unable to guard her, and therefore as 
 this hindrance comes from you she requests you to 
 guard her to Miraflores, whither she goes to see 
 Oriana. I thank your Lady, replied Florestan, for 
 tlius commanding me ; we will go from hence so as 
 to reach her tent by day-break. Well was the Dam- 
 .sel pleased with the gentle demeanour of Florestan, 
 for he was comely and debonair, and in all things 
 such as beseemed one of such high degree. So there 
 they took their supper together, and the Damsel 
 was lodged that night in the hermitage, and Flores- 
 tan slept under the trees with his Squires, and 
 soundly did he rest after the fatigue of the day. 
 When it was time his Squires awakened him, and 
 they and the Damsel accompanied him to the tent 
 where they arrived full early. She went straight
 
 259 
 
 to the Queen, and Florestan to Grumedan's tent, 
 who was preparing to hear mass, and he seeing 
 Florestan embraced him joyfully. The Queen, 
 said he, desires you for her guard, and methinks she 
 has made no bad bargain in losing her own Knights 
 and gaining you in their stead. In truth, replied 
 Florestan, I am right glad to serve her, and tlie 
 more so since it will be in your company, whom I 
 had not seen so long. God knows, replied the old 
 Knight, how I rejoice to see you. What have you 
 done with the shields which you won? — I have sent 
 them to the Firm Island, that your friend Don 
 Gandales may hang them where they may be seen 
 by all comers,, and where the Romans may seek 
 them, if they are disposed to recover them. In 
 that case, said Grumedan, the Island will soon be 
 well stored with their shields and arms. 
 
 They now came to the Queen's tent. Florestan 
 would have kissed her hand, but she laid it on the 
 sleeve of his mail, to show how gladly she welcom- 
 ed him. Don Grumedan then sent the wounded 
 Knights to the nearest town that they might be 
 healed cf their wounds ; this done Queen Sarda- 
 mira mounted her palfrey, which was as white as- 
 snow, the saddle and trappings were all wrought 
 with gold, she herself was most richly habited, and
 
 260 
 
 about her neck were pearls and jewels of great 
 value, which were the more set off by her own ex- 
 ceeding beauty. Florestan took her bridle, and 
 then she and her company went their way toward 
 Miraflores. Now I say unto you that Oriana 
 greatly grieved at her coming, knowing for 
 what purpose she was coming ; yet did she rejoice 
 that Florestan was coming also, that she might en- 
 quire of Amadis from him, and complain to him 
 of the King her father} but disturbed as she was 
 she ordered the house to be made ready, and rich 
 estrados prepared for the guests, and she apparelled 
 herself in her best attire, and so also did Mabilia 
 and her other Damsels. When the Queen entered 
 she came in between Florestan and Don Grume- 
 dan, and Oriana liked her well, and thought that 
 she should have been full glad to welcome her had 
 she come thither on other errand. Sardamira would 
 have kissed her hand, nay said Oriana, you are a 
 Queen and I but a poor Damsel, who am suftering 
 for my sins ! Mabilia and the Damsels then saluted 
 her with great pleasure as being a Queen, but that 
 did not Oriana, who could show no sign of pleasure 
 since the Romans had arrived, but she did welcome 
 Florestan and Giumedan from her heart. They 
 then all seated themselves upon one estrado, and 
 Oriana having placed the two Knights before her^
 
 261 
 
 after she had spoken awhile with the Queen turned 
 to Florestan and said, good friend, long is it since I 
 have seen you, and that grieved me for I loved you 
 much, as do all who know you. Great is the loss 
 •which we in Great Britain feel by tlie absence of 
 you and Amadis and your friends, who used to re- 
 dress all wrongs ! and cursed be they who were 
 the cause of driving you from my father ! if ye 
 were here now as formerly, a poor wretch who ex- 
 pects to be disherited and brought to the point of 
 death, might have some hope of help, for ye would 
 defend her as ye have done, for ye never foj'sook the 
 helpless in their need ; but such is her fortune that 
 all have failed her except death ! and then she wept 
 bitterly, having two thoughts in her mind : the one, 
 that if her father gave her up to the Romans she 
 would cast herself into the sea ; the other was the 
 want of Amadis, which she remembered more 
 livelily because of the likeness which Florestan bore 
 to him. Florestan well understood that she spake 
 of herself. My good Lady, said he, God in his 
 mercy will relieve great sorrows, and do you I rust 
 in him; as for my brotlier Amadis, if his aid be 
 wanted here, there are others who experience it else- 
 where, for trust me he is well and at his own free 
 call, and is going about redressing wrongs, as the 
 one whom God hath gifted above all others in the
 
 262 
 
 v.-orld. Queen Sardamiia hearing this exclaimed, 
 God keep Amadis from falling inlo the hands of 
 the Emperor who hates him mortally ! there is no 
 other Knight in the world whom he regards with 
 such deadly hatred except it be one, who abode 
 sometime at the Court of King Tafinor of Bohe- 
 mia, and slew in battle Don Garadan, the best 
 Knight except Salustanquidio of all his lineage. 
 She then related how that battle had past, and ia 
 what manner the kingdom of Bohemia was by 
 him delivered from El Patin's claim. Florestan 
 said, know you the name of the Knight who at- 
 chieved all this so greatly to his honour ? — They 
 called him the Knight of the Green Sword, or of 
 the Dwarf, not that these were believed to be his 
 true names, but because of the green scabbard and 
 belt of his sword, and of a Dwarf, who, though he 
 had another Squire in his company, never leaves 
 him. When Florestan heard this he mused awhile, 
 resolving to go seek him, so soon as this business 
 was over, for he doubted not that this Knight was 
 his brother Amadis. Oriana knew this also, and 
 was dying to speak with Mabilia 5 she said there- 
 fore to Sardamira, you come from far Lady, and 
 must need rest, and then she led her to her apart- 
 ments, wdiich were full pleasant with trees and 
 fountains. So having left her there she retired
 
 ^63 
 
 ^'ith Mabilia and the Damsel of Denmark, and 
 told them she verily believed that the Knight, of 
 whom Queen Sardamira had spoken, was Ama- 
 dis. They answered, that they believed so also, 
 and now said Mabilia, the dream is out which I 
 dreamt this night, for methought we were all fas- 
 tened in a chamber, and there arose a great uproar 
 without which put us in fear, and your Knight 
 burst the doors, and called aloud for you, and I 
 showed him where you were lying upon an es- 
 trado, and he took us by the hand and carried us 
 away, and placed us in a tower marvellously 
 strong, and said, remain here and fear nothing ! 
 with that I awoke, and this hath encouraged my 
 heart, and he will succour you. At this Oriana 
 was rejoiced, and she threw her arms round her 
 friend, the tears running down her fair cheeks —   
 Ah Mabilia my good Lady and true friend, how 
 do you comfort me ! God grant that your dream 
 may come to pass ! or if this be not his will, that 
 Amadis may come and we may die together, nei- 
 ther surviving the other. Think not thus, replied 
 Mabilia, for God, who hath so prospered him in 
 the affairs of others, will not forsake him in his 
 own ; but do you speak with Florestan, and beg 
 him and his friends to endeavour that you may not 
 be carried away from this country, and let him re-
 
 264' 
 
 quest this of Don Galaor in his ox^ti name and in 
 yours. 
 
 But I must tell you that Don Galaor, though no 
 one had so counselled him, was resolved so to ad- 
 vise the King, and you shaU hear how it fell out. 
 Lisuarte had been hunting, and when their sport 
 was done, as he was leading the King's palfrey 
 along a valley he let the rest pass and called to Ga- 
 laor, and said to him, my good friend and loyal 
 servant, I never yet asked your council that good 
 did not come of it. You know the great po\^er of 
 .the Emperor of Rome, who has sent to ask my 
 daughter for his Empress, wherein I see two things 
 greatly to my advantage ; the one, that I shall wed 
 my daughter so honourably, and have that Em- 
 peror to assist me whenever need shall be ; the 
 other, that my daughter Leonoreta will remain 
 heiress of Great Britain, and upon this matter I 
 wish to consult with my good men whom I have 
 called together for that end. Meantime now we 
 are thus alone do you deliver to me your opinion, 
 for I well know you will advise me to my good. 
 Galaor remained thoughtful for a while, and then 
 replied. Sir, I am not so used to these things that I 
 should advise you. I pray you liold me excused. 
 — Nay; tell me your opinion Galaor or you will
 
 t65 
 
 toiFend me, and I shall be greatly grieved thereat^ 
 never having received aught from you but pleasure 
 and good ser\'ice. — Since you will put my weak- 
 ness to the proof, I must say, that, if you think 
 by this marriage to place your daughter honour- 
 ably, and in greater power, it will be quite other- 
 wise than you think ; for she being the heiress of 
 this land you cannot do her greater wrong than to 
 deprive her of that inheritance, and deliver her to 
 the subjection of a stranger ; for she will have no 
 rule in that strange land ; and allowing that she 
 could attain that which is the utmost in such cases, 
 that she should have sons, and see tliem married, 
 then will her state be worse than before, seeing 
 •another made Empress, But as to what you say, 
 that he will help you in your need,~considering 
 your high rank and power, it would be shame to 
 think, that you could ever need his help. More 
 likely is it, by what all say of his arrogance, you 
 should for his sake, incur great danger, and waste of 
 treasure without profit j but the worst is, that doing 
 service to him, you must become subject, and as 
 such, be recorded for ever, in his books, and 
 chronicles ; and this, Sir, I hold to be tlie worst 
 dishonour that could befall you. That you would 
 make your daughter Leonoreta heiress of Great 
 Britain is a still worse error, and so it is that many 
 VOL. in. M
 
 <166 
 
 errors proceed from one ; that you would dispossess 
 such a daughter, to endow another, who has no right 
 to her inheritance ! God forbid that 1 should coun- 
 sel such a thhig, not only when your daughter is 
 concerned, but were it the poorest woman m the 
 world. I say tliis for the faith I owe to God, to 
 you, to my own soul, and to your daughter ; for 
 being your vassal, I hold her as my liege Lady. 
 To-morrow I must set out for Gaul ; because the 
 King my father has sent for me. I know not for 
 what cause ; if it please, I will give this, my opi- 
 nion, in my own hand-writing, that you may 
 shew all your good men what I have said ; and if 
 there is any Knight who gainsays me, I will do 
 battle with him upon that point, and make him 
 confess it to be true. 
 
 The King was little pleased at this. Don Galaor, 
 said he, since you must go, leave me this writing. 
 This he asked with no design to produce it, unless 
 there should be great need. So the next day Ga- 
 laor left this writing with the King, and took his 
 leave, and departed for Gaul. Now it was his 
 wish to prevent the marriage, because it was not 
 for the King's honour, and because he suspected 
 the love of Amadis and Oriana j and when he 
 found the King was determined upon it, he wished
 
 267 
 
 to be absent. But Oriana knew nothing of this 
 and therefore besought Flores(an to request Don 
 Galaor's aid. Thus as you have heard, that day 
 passed at Mirafiores. Greatly was Queen Sarda- 
 mira pleased with Oriana, and much did she mar- 
 vel at her exceeding beauty ; albeit it was im- 
 paired by long sorrow, and the dread of this mar- 
 riage : nor would the Queen speak at first con- 
 cerning the Emperor, but rather of such news as 
 pleased her. But when on another day, she did 
 speak on that subject, she received such answers 
 from Oriana, that she never dared renew it. 
 
 When Oriana knew Florestan was about to depart, 
 she led him under some trees, where there was 
 an estrado placed, and making -him sit before 
 her, she covertly explained to him her will. Her 
 father, she said, wished to disinherit her, and 
 send her into a strange land, and she besought 
 him to pity her, for she expected nothing but 
 death ; she therefore besought not only him whom 
 she loved so well, and in whom she had confidence, 
 but she complained to all the Nobles of the realm 
 and to all Errant Knights, and she called upon them 
 to pity her, and change her father's purpose ; and 
 do you my good friend Don Florestan, said she, 
 counsel him thus ; and make him sensible of the 
 
 M 3
 
 263 
 
 great cruelty^ and wrong which he would do me. 
 Florcstan answered. Good Lady, believe you, that 
 I will serve you with tlie same earnest desire, as I 
 would serve the King my fadier. But I cannot 
 s^ this to King Lisuarte, because I am not his 
 vassal, nor -would he have me in his council, 
 knowing that I hate him for the wrong which he 
 hath done to me, and to my lineage. What ser- 
 vices I and my father have since done him, was 
 for the love we bore to Amadis, and because if 
 this land had then been lost, the loss would, have 
 been yours, whom my fuher esteems as one of the 
 best' Princesses in the world, and if he knew 
 your wrongs, believe mc Lady that he and all his 
 friends would make ready to redress them, which 
 he would do for the poorest woman living ; do you 
 therefore good Lady, take good hope, for yet if 
 it please God I tmst to bring you help. I will 
 not rest, till I arrive at the Firm Island, there I 
 shall find Agrayes, who greatly desires to serve 
 you, because you were brought up by his parents, 
 and we will consider together what may be done, 
 Ave you certain that Agrayes is there ? cried 
 Oriana. — Don Grumedan told me so, to whom he 
 had sent a Squire. — God be praised ! salute him 
 dearly from me, and tell him I have in him that 
 true hope which reasonably I ought to have, and
 
 Q69 
 
 if meantime he know any tidings of youF brother 
 Amadis, let him send me the news, that I may tell 
 tliem to his cousin Mabilia who is dying for want 
 of him J and God direct you, and grant that you 
 and Agrayes may come to some good result for 
 my succour. Florestan then kissed her hand, and 
 departed.
 
 270 
 
 CHAPTER 15. 
 
 The Knight of the Green sword, and Don Rmneo 
 of Bonamar, and Angriote went sailing on with 
 Grasinda, sometimes with fair wind, sometimes 
 witli foul, as it pleased God to send it, till they 
 came into the ocean -sea which is by the coast of 
 Spain ; and when he of the Green Sword saw him- 
 self so near Great Britain, he gave thanks to God, 
 that, after escaping so many perils, he was at last, 
 in sight of the land wherein his Lady dwelt. Then 
 called he the vassals, and desired that no one 
 would call him by any other name, than the Greek 
 Knight, and bade them strive to reach Great Bri- 
 tain. He then bade Gandalin bring him the six 
 swords, which Queen Menoresa had given him 
 in Constantinople. Two of tliem he gave to Bru- 
 neo and Angriote, who marvelled at the richness 
 of their accoutrements, and one he took himself.
 
 271 
 
 bidding Gandalin place his own Green Sword 
 where none might see it, lest he should be known 
 in King Lisuarte's Court. 
 
 This was between nones and vespers, and Grasinda 
 being aweary of the sea, was led on deck, that she 
 might be refreshed by the sight of land, and so sate 
 talking with the three Knights, when it was about 
 sun-set, they saw a ship, and the Greek Knight 
 bade the sailors steer towards her, and when they 
 were within hearing, Angriote hailed diem courte- 
 ously, and asked whence the ship was going, and 
 who were in her ? answer was made, the vessel 
 belongs to the Firm Island, and two Knights of the 
 Island are on board, who will tell you what you 
 please to ask. When the Greek Knight and his 
 comrades heard this, their hearts rejoiced, that 
 they should now hear, what they so much wished 
 to hear. Friend, said Angriote, I pray you for 
 courtesy, request your Knights to come up, that we 
 may ask news of them, and if it please you, tell 
 us their names. That, they answered, we will 
 not do, but we will say what you desire. Presently 
 the two Knights came on deck, and Angriote 
 asked them, if by chance they knew where King 
 Lisuarte then was. We know all concerning him,. 
 
 M 4
 
 ^79. 
 t^ i ^^ 
 
 they replied, but first we would enquire a thing fur 
 which we have undergone great toil, and will yet 
 go thro' more. Know you any tidings of a Knight 
 called Amadis of Gaul ? in quest qf whom his 
 friends are perishing, and wandering all over the 
 world. When the Greek Knight heard this, the 
 tears ran down his check for pure joy, to think how 
 true his friends and kinsmen were to him ; but he 
 continued silent. Tell me who you are, said 
 Angriote, and I will then relate to you, what we 
 know concerning him. The one answered, know 
 that my name is Dragonis, and this my companion 
 is Enil ; and we are going over the Mediterranean 
 Sea, to seek him in all its ports of either shore. 
 God give you good tidings, cried Angriote ; ia 
 these vessels we have mariners from sundry parts, 
 and I will enquire among them if any one have 
 heard of him. This said he by the Greek Knight's 
 bidding. Now tell me where King Lisuarte is at 
 present, and what you know of Queen Brisena, 
 and of his court, Dragonis answered, he is in 
 tlie town of Tagades, which is a sea port opposite 
 to Normandy ; and there he holds a court, to con- 
 sult witli the chief men of the land, if he shall 
 give his daughter Oriaua to the Emperor of Rome, 
 who hath demanded her in marriage ; many Ro- 
 mans are come to escort her, among whom aire
 
 Q73 
 
 Salustanquidlo, Prince of Calabria^ and with them 
 Queen Sardamira is arrived to accompany Oriana^ 
 whom El Patin already calls Empress. The heart 
 of the Greek Knight failed him, and he stood like 
 a man dismayed ; but when Dragonis came to- 
 relate the bitter lamentations which Oriana made, 
 and how she had appealed to all the high-born 
 men of Great Britain ; then was his heart com- 
 forted, and he took courage, thinking that as the 
 thing displeased her, the Romans could neither 
 be so many, nor so mighty, but that he would 
 rescue her from them, by sea or land. This- 
 would he do for the poorest Damsel in the world, 
 how much more for her, of whom if he had lost all 
 hope, he could not endure to live ! and then he- 
 gave God thanks for' directing him, at such a point 
 of time, to the place where he might serve hia 
 mistress, and somewhat requite her for the love 
 she bore him, and win her, and have her his own, 
 even as his heart desired, without fault. These 
 thoughts made him full joyful, and he bade Angriote 
 ask Dragonis, how he had learnt this news. It 
 is four days, replied tlie Knight, since Don Quad- 
 ragante arrived at the Firni Island, which we have 
 so lately left, and with him, his nephew Landing 
 and Gavarte of the Perilous Valley, and JMacda;- 
 
 M.5
 
 274 
 
 cil of the silver bridge^ and Hclian the haughty. 
 These five came to consult with Florestan and 
 Agraycs, how they should proceed in search of 
 Amadis, whom we are seeking. Don Quadra- 
 gante would have sent to the Court of King 
 Lisuarte, to know if any among the strangers 
 there, knew aught of that excellent Knight, but 
 Don Florestan told him, that they knew no tidings 
 of Amadis there, for he had been at Miraflores 
 with the Princess Oriana, as the guard of Queen 
 Sardamira, all whose Knights he had over- 
 thrown J and then he related tlie manner of his 
 combat. 
 
 Glad was the Greek Knight, and his companions, 
 to hear of Florestan's good fortune j but when he 
 heard Miraflores mentioned, his heart leaped, and 
 immediately he took Gandalin apart, and said to 
 him, my true friend, you hear how it is j that if 
 Oriana be thus given to another, both she and I 
 must pass through death. Now I beseech you, very 
 carefully perform what I shall bid thee. Do you 
 and Ardian the Dwarf, take leave of me, and of 
 Grasinda, saying you will go in that vessel, in 
 quest of' Amadis 5 and there tell my covisin Dra- 
 gonis, and Enil, all the news of me, and bid them 
 return to the Firm Island, and when you arrive
 
 275 
 
 there beseech Quadragante and Agrayes not to 
 leave the Island, for, in fifteen days I will be 
 with them : and tell them to collect all the Knights, 
 and bid Florestan, and your father Gandales, pre- 
 pare all tlie shipping tliey can find, and store them 
 with food, and arms, for I must go %\ith them ta 
 a place appointed, which tl:iey shall know when 
 I come. Be careful in all this, for you know how 
 it concerns me. Then he called the Dwarf, and 
 said, Ardian go you with Grandalln, and do as he 
 shall direct you. They obeyed their bidding, and 
 took leave of Grasinda, and Angrio:e said to tlie 
 Kniohts in the other vessel, Sirs, here are a Squire 
 v.nd Dv\'arf, who would go in your company in 
 quest of Amadls. But when Dragonis and Enil 
 sav/ Gandalin and Ardian, they were full joyful, 
 and the more, when they heard ilie truth from 
 them. So they made sail for the Firm Island, and 
 Grasinda with her company sailed on towards^ 
 Tagades. 
 
 King Lisuarte was at this time in his city of Taga- 
 des, taking council with the good men of his land 
 concerning the marriage of his daughter, but they 
 all advised him against the resolution he had taken, 
 saying he w^ould sin against God, if he dispossessed 
 
 M Q
 
 Q7G 
 
 his daughter of her lawful inheritance, and gave- 
 her to a stranger, a man of so c\ il a disposition^ 
 and so fickle, that in as much as he desired her*- 
 so much would he soon dislike her, as is the man- 
 ner of such men. But the King remained firm iii 
 his intentions, God permitting that his greatness 
 and honour should be abased by that very Amadis, 
 ■who had so greatly exalted it, and so often secured 
 his kingdom and his life. This King not to change 
 his purpose, but that his obstinacy and rigour might 
 be more manifest to all, thought proper to sum- 
 mon to that council his Uncle Count Argamon, 
 who was very old and gouty. Yet he knowing 
 the design of the King, did not wish to leave his 
 house, and advise him in vain. But when the 
 summons came for him, he obeyed. Lisuarte met 
 him at the palace door^ and led him to his seat say- 
 ing, Good Uncle, I have convoked you, and these 
 Good Men, to counsel me upon my daughter's 
 marriage with the Emperor. Tell me now your 
 opinion. Sir, replied Count Argamon, it is a 
 grievous thing to answer you, in whatever manner 
 I shall do it 5 to contradict you will be to displease 
 you, as all Kings are offended when their incli- 
 nations f.re opposed ; and to agree with you would 
 make us guilty of falsehood and disloyalty in the 
 sight of God and of the world, The same right
 
 277 
 
 which you had to this kingdom on your brother's 
 death, the same and even stronger right hath your 
 daughter Oriana after you. But you tliink by 
 making Oriana Empress, and inheriting Leonorcta 
 in Great-Britain, to increase the rank of both. If 
 you will look well to this, you will perceive that 
 the contrary must happen ; for you cannot set aside 
 the right order of succession to these kingdoms, 
 and the Emperor having your daughter Oriana to 
 wife, her right will become his ; and with his power 
 after you are gone he will easily win the land j 
 and thus will both your daughters be disherited, 
 and this land which is so honoured and famous in 
 the world will become subject to the Emperors of 
 Rome, and Oriana will have no other power therein 
 than it shall please her husband to permit ; so that 
 instead of Sovereign she will herself be a subject. 
 Uncle, replied Lisuarte, I well understand what 
 you say, but I had rather you had approved of the 
 promise which I have made to the Romans, for I 
 cannot recall it. The Comit answered, it is on 
 tlie terms and confirmation that that depends, and 
 then you may preserve yom* honour and your word^ 
 and confirm or set aside as shall be best. You 
 say well, replied the King, and with that he broke 
 up the assembly*
 
 278 
 
 Graslnda and her company sailed on so long that 
 the sailors one morning saw the mountain of 
 Tagades, from whence the city at its foot took its 
 name. Ihey immediately went to Grasinda, who 
 was talking with the Knights, and said. Sirs, give 
 us our alhicias* for if the wind hold but one hour 
 longer, you will be in your port. Full joyful was 
 Grasinda, and they all went on deck to see the 
 land which they had so desired to see, and Grasinda 
 gave thanks to God who had sately guided her, 
 and with great humility besought him to prosper 
 her enterprize and give her the honour which she 
 desired. But I tell you that when the Greek 
 Knight beheld that land wherein his Lady dwelt, 
 and which he had so long longed to behold, he 
 could not suppress his tears j he turned his face 
 away that Grasinda might not see him weep, and 
 having recovered, said to her with a cheerful coun- 
 tenance, take good hope, my Lady, that you shall 
 depart from this land with the honour which you. 
 desire, for seeing your beauty sure 1 am that our 
 cause is right, and since God is the judge, that the 
 honour will be ours also. But she, who, seeing 
 herself so near the trial, was somewhat fearful, 
 replied, I have more contidence in your prowess. 
 
 The icwurd of good Ujlings.
 
 Q79 
 
 than in my own beauty ; do you remember that, 
 and do as heretofore you have done, and you will 
 make me the most joyful woman alive. Then 
 they called Grinfesa one of her Damsels, who un- 
 derstood a little French, which King Lisuarte un- 
 derstood also, and they gave her a writing in Latin 
 to give to Lisuarte and Qaeen Brisena, and then 
 return on board with their answer. The Damsel 
 forthwith arrayed herself in rich attire, and her 
 father, who was Grasinda's steward, prepared 
 horses and palfreys, which were lowered into a 
 boat ; and the Damsel with her two brothers, who 
 were good Knights, and their Squires, left the ves- 
 sel, and put to land. 
 
 The Greek Knight then bade Lasindo go ashore in 
 another boat, and to the city by another road, and 
 ask if there was any news of his master Don Bruneo, 
 feigning that he had been left behind sick when that 
 Knight went in quest of Amadisj under this pre- 
 text he bade him learn what answer the Damsel 
 received, and return on the morrow. Now I tell 
 you that when the Damsel entered the town, aU 
 were deliglited to see her, how richly she was ar- 
 rayed, and how well accompanied by those Knights. 
 It so befell that Esplandian and Ambor de GanJel 
 Angriote's son, were going hawking, and met the
 
 280 
 
 Damselj who was enquiring the way to the palace. 
 Hearing tliis, Esplandian gave his merlin to Sargil, 
 and went up to her, saying in French, my good 
 Lady, I will guide you, and shew you the King, if 
 you do not know him. The Damsel marvelled at 
 his beauty and gentle demeanor, thinking that she 
 had never beheld man nor woman so fair. Fair 
 Child, said she, whom God make as happy as lie 
 hath made handsome, I thank God for such a 
 guide. Her brother then gave Esplandian her bri- 
 dle and he led her to the palace. 
 
 The King was at this time out in the court under 
 a porch, talking with the Roman Knights, and 
 had just given them his final promise to deliver 
 to them his daughter, and they had bound them- 
 selves to receive her as their Lady. I'he Damsel 
 alighted, and was led towards him by Esplandian. 
 She knelt down and would have kissed his hand, 
 but tliat the King never permitted, save only when 
 he conferred a favour upon a Damsel. She gave 
 him then the letter, and said. Sir, the Queen 
 and all her Damsels must hear my bidding, 
 that if peradventure the Damsels should be dis- 
 pleased thereat, they may procure a Knight to 
 defend their cause. King Arban of North Wales 
 then went to Brisena^ and brought her and her
 
 281 
 
 LadieSj so fair a company, that hardly could the 
 like be found, and she seated herself by Lisuarte, 
 aad the Damsels ranged themselves around her. 
 The Damsel Embassadress kissed Brisena's hand 
 and said. Lady, if my errand shall appear strange, 
 do not you marvel at us, for your court is remark- 
 able above all others for such things, because of 
 your worth and the King's. Hear this letter, and 
 grant what is requested therein. The King then 
 ordered the letter to be read, which was tlius. 
 
 To the most high and honourable Lisuarte, King 
 of Great Britain, I, Grasinda, the Lady of beauty 
 above all the Dames of Romania, kiss your hand, 
 and make known to you that I am come into your 
 dominions with the Greek Knight, and tlie reason, 
 of my coming is this. Having been judged the 
 fairest Dame of all the Dames in Romania^ so 
 would I in pursuit of that glory which hath made 
 my heart glad, be judged fair above all the Dam- 
 sels in your court, tliat having won this victory 
 also, I may rest in ihe happiness which I so much 
 desire. If there is any Knight who will undertake 
 the quarrel for any of your Damsels, he must 
 prepare himself for two things, Lo do battle with 
 the Greek Knight, and to place ia the field a rich 
 crown, such as 1 bring, that the conqueror may
 
 282 
 
 present both in token of victory to her for whom he 
 hath conquered. If this demand please you^ most 
 noble King, do you give me security for myself and 
 my whole company, and for the Greek Knight, 
 save only from him with whom he shall combat; 
 and if the Knight who fights for the Damsels 
 shall be conquered, let a second, and then a third 
 come on, for he in his worth shall keep the hsts 
 against all. 
 
 As God shall help me, quoth Lisuarte, the Lady 
 must be a full fair one, and the Knight must 
 think not a little of himself ! a great fancy have 
 they taken up, which they might safely have avoid- 
 ed ! howbeit. Damsel tell you your Mistress that 
 she may come safely, and if tliere be none to gain- 
 say her, her will will be satisfied. Sir, replied 
 the Damsel, you answer even as we expect, for 
 from your court none can depart with just com- 
 plaint, but because the Greek Knight brings with 
 him two companions, who require to joust, they 
 must have the same safe conduct. So be it, an- 
 swered Lisuarte. In God's name then, quoth she, 
 to-morrow you shall see them-*in your court j 
 and do you my Lady, said she to the Queen, com- 
 mand your Damsels to be present, that they may 
 see how their honour is increased or lessened by
 
 ^2^3 
 
 tlieir champion. Then took she leave and went her 
 way to the ship, where her tidings were joyfully 
 heard ; forthwith the ai'ms and horses were land- 
 ed, and one large tent, and two lesser ones were 
 pitched on shore, howbeit, only the steward and 
 certain men as a guard left tlie ship to sleep ia 
 them that night. 
 
 Now you must know that so soon as the Damsel 
 had departed, Salustanquidio, the cousin of the 
 Emperor of Rome, rose up, and with him a 
 hundred Roman Knights, and he spake aloud 
 that all might hear him. Sir, I and these good 
 Romans ask of you a boon, which will be to your 
 profit, and our honour. Lisuarte replied, I shall 
 willingly grant whatever boon ye ask. Let us 
 then, said Salustanquidio, answer this defiance 
 for the Damsels, we shall render them a better 
 account than the Knights of their own country 
 can, for we and the Greeks know one another, 
 and the Greeks will fear the name of the Romans 
 more than the deeds of those of tliis land. Don 
 Grumedan hearing tiiis immediately rose and said. 
 Sir, although it be a great honour to Princes, that 
 strangers come to seek adventures at their court, 
 it soon becomes a shame and a reproach, if they be 
 aiot discreetly received and restrained. This I say
 
 284 
 
 because of the Greek Knight's challenge, if his 
 pride should be satisfied, and he should conquer 
 those who are to oppose him, the danger would 
 be theirs indeed, but the shame and loss of honour 
 yours i therefore methinks Sir, you should wait 
 till Don Galaor and your son Norandel arrive, 
 who will be here within five days, and by that 
 time Don Guilan the Pensive will be recovered 
 enough to bear arms, and these three will under- 
 take the quarrel, and thus maintain your honour 
 and their own. Li suarte replied, this cannot be, 
 I have granted the boon to the Romans, and they 
 are such that they could bring greater adventure 
 to a good end. That may be, quoth Grumedan, 
 but I will prevent the Damsels from granting it, 
 and to them this matter appertains. No more, 
 cried the King ; what I do, I have done. 
 
 Salustanquidio then kissed the King's hand, and 
 said to Grumedan, I shall end this battle to my 
 own honour and to the Damsel's ; and since yoa 
 Don Grumedan think so much of these Knights 
 and of yourself that you say tliey would perfornx 
 tlie battle better than we shall ; if after the com- 
 bat I am able to bear arms, I and two companions 
 will do combat with them and with you, or if I 
 am uiiable I will bring another in my stead.
 
 285 
 
 \viio shall well supply my place. In God's name, 
 replied old Grumedaii;, I accept the challenge for 
 myself and for those who will bear a part with me! 
 aj?d taking a ring from his finger he held it toward 
 the King, saying Sir, here is my gage for myself 
 and those whom I shall produce with me, nor 
 can the battle be refused since they demanded it, 
 unless they confess themselves vanquished, Salus- 
 tanquidio replied^ sooner shall the seas be dry, 
 than a single word of Rome be unsaid, unless it 
 be to her honour ! if old age hath bereft thee of 
 thy senses thy body shall pay for it, if thou darest 
 risk it in the battle. Certes, answered Don Gru- 
 . iTiedan, I am not such a boy but that I have years 
 enough; but tliis which ye think against me, is 
 to my help, for I have seen many things, and one 
 of them is that pride never comes to a good end ; 
 so will it happen to you, who are the captain and 
 head of all pride. King Arban of North Wales 
 then rose to answer the Romans, and with him 
 full thirty Knights to take up the quarrel, and an 
 hundred others rose also, but the King held a 
 wand and bade them be silent, and Don Grumedau 
 also. And Count Argamon then said, order them 
 to their dwellings Sir, all pf both sides, for such 
 disputes are not to your honour.
 
 285 
 
 The King accordingly dismissed them, but the 
 Count tlien said, what tliink you Sir, of the arro- 
 gance of this people ? and yet you will give your 
 daughter to them ! how is it that one so wise as 
 you will thus venture to tempt God ? remember 
 how you made Amadis of Gaul and all his lineage 
 forsake you, for your pride, and now you would 
 commit yet another worse error ! Therefore Sir, 
 I discharge myself of my fealty and homage due 
 to you, and will go to my own lands, that I, may 
 not witness the tears and wretchedness of your 
 daughter Oriana, when she is delivered up, for 
 I am told that you have sent to Miraflores for her: 
 Uncle, replied tlie King, say no more upon this 
 subject, for what is done cannot be undone, and 
 I pray you tarry yet three days longer to see the 
 issue of these combats, of which you shall be 
 judge, with such other Knights as you shall ap- 
 point, because you understand the Greek tongue 
 better than any other man of my realm, by reason 
 of your long abode in Greece. Argamon answer- 
 ed I will do this to please you, but longer I will 
 not tarry, for I cannot endure these things, 
 
 Lasindo the Squire of Don Bruneo, as the Greek 
 Knight had enjoined him, learnt all that passed
 
 287. 
 
 after the departure of the Damsel, and returned 
 to the ship to acquaint him, and he told him also 
 how the King had sent for Oriana from Miraflores, 
 to deliver her to the Romans, so soon as this com- 
 bat was over. When the Greek Knight heard that 
 the Romans were to fight for the Damsel, he was 
 full joyful : for what he most feared was, that his 
 brother Galaor might be m the court, and take 
 up their cause against him, in the which case 
 either he must have died or have slain his brother, 
 for Galaor was the Knight who had put him in 
 greater danger than any with whom he had done 
 battle, even though a Giant : therefore was his 
 heart now at rest, and the more so knowing that 
 he was not to fight against any of his friends. 
 Lady, said he to Grasinda, let us hear mass be- 
 times to-morrow in the tent, and do you prepare 
 yourself, for by God's help we shall bring this 
 adventure to such issue as you desire.
 
 £88 
 
 CHAPTER 16. 
 
 On the morrow Grasinda with four Damsels heard 
 mass in the tent, the three Knights being armed 
 mounted, and Grasinda mounted her palfrey, she 
 and her palfrey being arrayed in cloth of (ilk and 
 gold, with pearls and jewels, that the greatest 
 Empress in the world could not have been more 
 richly adorned. 1 his day had she long looked for, 
 and therefore had prepared the ornaments, the cost- 
 liest tliat could be procured, for having great posses- 
 sions, and neither husband nor children, nor peo- 
 ple, she thought of expending her wealth no other 
 way than this. Her Damsels also were in rich array, 
 and she herself appeared so well, that all who 
 teheld her thought her beauty marvellous. Great 
 confidence did her champion feel in beholding her ap-
 
 2S9 
 
 pearance that day ; she wore nothing upon her head, 
 except the crown which she had won as the fairest 
 among all the Dames in Romania. The Greek Knight 
 led her bridle : the armour which he wore Grasinda 
 had provided for him ; the breast plate was white 
 as snow, the surcoat was of her colours and laced 
 with threads of gold, and his helmet and shield 
 were of the same colour as the surcoat. Don 
 Bruneo wore green armour, and he bore a Damsel 
 in his shield, and before her a Knight whose arms 
 were waved with gold and murrey, as if he had 
 been supplicating her. i\ngriote of Estravaus rode 
 a mettlesome horse, his arms were or and argent, 
 he led the Damsel Embassadress, and Bruneo took 
 her sister's bridle ; the three Knights had their 
 helmets closed, the steward and his sons went with 
 them, and in this array they reached the place 
 where combats were performed. In the middle of 
 this place was a maible pillar of the height of a 
 man, whereon they who came to demand battle 
 were to place shield, or helmet, or garland of flow- 
 ers, or glove, as their gage. When the Greek 
 Knight and his company arrived, they saw the 
 King at one end of the field, and the Romci* 
 Knights at the other, and among them Salustan- 
 quidio in black arms, bearing serpents or and ar- 
 
 VO-L, Mi. N
 
 250 
 
 gent; so huge of stature was he, that he seemed 
 like a giant ; and the horse he rode was of growth 
 marvellously great. The Queen was at her win- 
 dow, and the Princesses near her, and among 
 them was the fair Olinda wearing a rich crown. 
 But when the Greek Knight beheld the Queen and 
 lier Damsels, and saw not Oriana whom he was 
 wont to see among them, his heart trembled witli 
 the want he felt of her ; howbeit beholding Salus- 
 tanquidio how stern and strong he seemed, he tur- 
 ned to Grasinda whom he perceived to be dismayed, 
 and said to her, be not aftVighted Lady to behold 
 a man of such disproportionate body, for God will 
 be for you, and I will make you win that, which 
 will gladden your heart. May it so please him in 
 his mercy, she replied. 
 
 Then he took the rich crown from her head, and 
 riding gently to the marble pillar, placed it thereon, 
 and returning to his Squires who held three lances, 
 each with a pendant of a different colour, he took 
 the strongest, and threw his shield round his neck, 
 and rode to the King, to whom he said in Greek, 
 having forgotten himself, O King, God be with 
 you ! 1 am a foreign Knight who come hither from 
 Greece to preve your Knights, who are so good, 
 not at my own will, but at the will of her who has
 
 291 
 
 power in this instance to command nic ; but, my 
 good fortune it should seem so ordering it, the trial 
 will be between me and the Romans ; bid them 
 therefore place the crown of the Damsels upon the 
 pillar, as was covenanted. He then brandished 
 his lance and rode to one end of the lists. The King 
 did not understand what he said, because he had 
 spoken in the Greek tongue, but he said to Arga- 
 mon, it seems Uncle that Knight will not chuse 
 dishonour for hiuaself. Certes, Sir, replied the 
 Count, although you \\'ould partake some because 
 these Romans are in your court, I should be right 
 glad to see their pride humbled.^ I know not how 
 that will be, said Lisuarte, but methinks we shall 
 see a fair encounter. Now the Knights, and all 
 they of the King's household^ seeing how the Greek 
 Knight rode and appeared in arms, marvelled al: 
 him, and said they had never seen so promisino- a 
 Knight, except it were Amadis, But Salustan- 
 quidio who heard these praises and saw how all 
 eyes were fixed upon the Gree^ Knight, exclaimed 
 angrily — What is this ye men of Great Britain ? 
 why do ye manel to behold a Greek Knight, who 
 can do nothing but manage his horse in the field ? 
 this is a sign that you can never have performed an)^ 
 worthy feats of arms when this surprizes you. You 
 
 N 2
 
 292 
 
 shall see him who is so fair on horseback^ heartless 
 and dishonoured upon the ground ! 
 
 The Roman then went where the Queen was, and 
 said to Olinda, Lady give me your crown, for you 
 are she whom I prize above all others ; do not 
 fear to give it me, for 1 will return it presently 
 with the other, and you shall enter into Rome with 
 it ; for the King and Queen will consent that I 
 shall take you hence withOriana, and make you 
 the Lady of me and my land. Olinda hearing 
 this, despised his presumption, but her heart and 
 limbs trembled, and a lively colour flushed over 
 her cheeks, and she did not give him the crown. 
 Salustanquidio repeated, do not fear, the honour 
 shall be yours, and that foolish woman shall go 
 hence without her crown which she hath trusted 
 to yonder cowardly Greek. Yet would not Oiinda 
 give it, till the Queen herself took it from her head 
 and gave it him, and he placed it by the other on 
 the marble pillar, and hastily demanded his arms. 
 Three Roman Knights brought them to him ; he 
 hung on his shield and helmed himself, and took 
 a strong lance with a long and sharp iron head ; 
 then seated himself on his horse ; he now seeing 
 that all were looking with admiration at his great 
 h'lze, grew more confident, and said to the King
 
 293 
 
 I will let your Knights see what difference there i» 
 between them and the Romans. J shall conquer 
 that Greek, and as he said that if he conquered me, 
 he would combat other two, I will combat the two 
 best whom he can bring, and if their courage fail, 
 let a third come on ! Don Grumedan, who was 
 swelling with anger to see the arrogance of the 
 Roman and the patience of the King, exclaimed, 
 Salustanquidio, have you forgot the battle which 
 you are to wage with me if you escape from this, 
 that you demand another ? This is an easy busi- 
 ness, replied Salustanquidio. With that, the 
 Greek Knight cried aloud, Mishapen Beast, what 
 are you talking about, and letting the day run on ? 
 remember what you have to do. I The Roman at 
 this, turned and ran at him. Tliey ran at each 
 other full speed, their lances laid in rest, and being 
 covered with their shields ; the horses were both 
 fleet, the Knights both strong and mutually en- 
 raged. They met in the middle of the lists, and 
 neither failed in bis blow. The Greek Knight 
 struck hira on the edge of his shield and pierced it, 
 and struck the strong plates of iron beneath, with 
 so rude a blow that though it did not pierce them, 
 it bore him from his saddle. The Greek Knight 
 passed on, carrying the lance of Salustanquidio
 
 £9^ 
 
 hanging in his shieM and in the sleeve of his mail, 
 so that all thought he was wounded, but it was not 
 so. He drew out the lance, and raised it with an 
 overhand grasp and tunned to Salustanquidio and 
 saw that he did not move, but lay as if he were 
 dead ; this was no wonder for he was a large man 
 and bulky, and had fallen from a high horse, and 
 his armour was heavy and the ground was hard, 
 and moreover the left arm upon which he had hl- 
 len, was broken near the wrist, and the greater 
 part of iiis ribs put out. The Greek Knight who 
 thought him stronger than indeed he was, stopt 
 his horse, and held the lance point at his face, for 
 his helmet had fallen off with the shock, and said to 
 him, Knight you will not be so discourteous as not 
 to award the crown to that fair Dame, because 
 she merits it ! but tlie Roman made no reply. 
 
 I'he Greek Knight left him and went up to the 
 King. Sir, quoth he, though yonder Knight is 
 free from pride now, he will not award the crowns 
 to the Dame wlio is waiting for them, nor defend 
 tliem, nor yet answer me 3 do yovi therefore de- 
 cree that they are hers, as by right they are, 
 otherwise I will strike off his head, and so decide 
 it ; this he said in Greek, and then rode back to 
 Salustanquidio. The King asked Argamon what
 
 295 . 
 
 he had said, who having interpreted it, added, it 
 will be your fault if you suffer the Knight to be 
 slain before you, for you may lawfully award 
 the crowns to the Conqueror, Sir, quoth Gru- 
 medan, let the Greek Knight do what he will, 
 for these Romans have more tricks than a fox, 
 and if this one lives he will say tliat he was able to 
 maintain the battle, if you had not hastily given 
 judgement against him. All laughed at this except 
 the Romans, whose hearts were bursting. But the 
 King: seein? that the Greek Knii^ht had alighted 
 and was going to cut off Salustanquidio's head, 
 said to Count Argamon, haste uncle, and bid him 
 spare him, for I judge the crowns to be his. 
 Count Argamon cried out aloud to him lo hold 
 his hand and hear the King's request : he drew 
 back and resting his sword upon his shoulder 
 waited to hear the Count's bidding, which having 
 heard he replied, I am content, and know Sir, 
 tiiat if I had fought with any of the King's vassals 
 I would not have slain him, if by any other means 
 the combat could have been decided ; but for the 
 Romans I would kill them or dishonour them as 
 WTetches that they are, following the bad example of 
 their arrogant Emperor, to be boasters first, and 
 cowards when put to the proof. He tiien mourxted 
 
 N 4
 
 £96 
 
 again and took the two crowns from the pillar^ 
 and placed the crown of the Damsel upon Gra- 
 sinda's head^ giving the other to one of her Dam- 
 sels to keep, and he said. Lady, your wish is 
 accomplished, end I by the grace of God am 
 discharged of my promise I go now if it please you 
 and rest in your tent ; I will remain to see if any 
 of the Romans will take the lidd to revenge this 
 shame that they have received. Sir, she replied, 
 I will not leave you yet, for I can receive no 
 greater pleasure than in beholding your rare chi- 
 valry. 
 
 He then examined his horse, and found him fresh, 
 for he had had little labour that day, so he threw 
 the shield round his neck, and took another lance 
 with a fair pendant, and said to the Damsel Em- 
 bassndress, go my friend to the King, and tell 
 liim that as I promised if I was able after this first 
 battle, to combat with two Knights at once, I 
 must now make good that vaunt, but say that I be- 
 seech h.m not to send any of his Knights against 
 me, for they arc of such renown that tliey would 
 gain no honour in conquering me ; leave that 
 to the Romans, and let them see if I fear them 
 because I am a Greek. The Damsel delivered 
 her bidding in French, and Lisuarte answered, it
 
 297 
 
 would not please me that any of my househoIcC 
 should go against him ; he has done enough to day 
 for his honovxr, and if it might please him to re- 
 main with me I would recompense him well. 
 I forbid all my subjects to challenge him, for I have 
 other things to attend to 5 the Romans may do as 
 they hke. This he said, for he had much to 
 arrange about his daughter's departure, and like- 
 wise because at that time none of his good 
 Knights were present, they having all departed 
 ttiat they might not see the cruelty and injustice 
 which he was about to commit against Oriana^ 
 only Guilan the Pensive remained being sick, and 
 Cendil of Ganota who had been, shot through the; 
 leg with an arrow by the Roman Brondajel of the 
 Rock, when hunting with the King. The Dam- 
 sel answered, many thanks Sir for your gracious 
 offer, but the Greek Knight's choice is to go. 
 about the world redressing wrongs; if he would 
 have remained with the Emperor of Constantinople 
 he might have been rewarded with whatever he 
 would have asked. I pray you, quoth the King^ 
 tell me by whom is he commanded ? — Certes 
 Sir, I know not ; but if by any one, it must be 
 by one whom he greatly loves, I must bear hin>. 
 back your answer, whoever w ill seek, may find 
 him in the lists till noon. 
 
 k5.
 
 C98 
 
 Wlicn the Greek Knight heard this reply he gave 
 his Icince to one of the Steward's sons, and his 
 shield to the other, and bade him place the shield 
 upon the pillar to see if any of the Romans would 
 challenge him ; his helmet he did not take off 
 lest he should be known, and thus he stood talking 
 with Grasinda, and holding her bridle. There 
 was among the Romans a Knight called Maganil, 
 who was the best next to Salustanquidio, and his 
 countrymen surely thought that no two Knights 
 hi Great Britain could stand against him, and he 
 had two brethren both of great worth in arms ; to 
 him the Romans all looked for vengeance, but he 
 seeing this, said to them, I cannot take up this 
 challenge, for I promised Salustanquidio that if he 
 "was not able I and my brothers would do battle 
 for him against Don Grumcdan ; if he and his 
 companions should refuse it, then may I under- 
 take this. While they were thus speaking two 
 brethren well armed and mounted rode up, by 
 name Gradamor and Lasanor, they were nephews 
 of Brondi!Jel of tlie Rock, the sons of his sister, 
 who was a fierce and haughty woman, by the 
 Emperor's High Steward. They without speaking 
 or making obeisance to the King, went into the 
 lists, and the one taking the Greek Knight's shield 
 dashed it against the pillar so violently that he
 
 Q99 
 
 brake it to pieces, and exclaimed foul befall hira 
 who would permit the shield of a Greek to be 
 placed there against the Romans ! At this the 
 Greek Knight was so enraged that his heart burnt 
 for anger ; he left Grasinda and caught his lance, 
 and heedless of a shield though Angriote called to 
 him to take his, he rode full against the two Ro- 
 mans, and they at him ; the one who had broken 
 his shield he smote so rudely tliat he bore him 
 from his seat, and his helmet came off in the fail : 
 he himself lost his spear ; he drew his sword and. 
 turned upon Lasanor who was assailing him 
 fiercely ; him he smote upon the shoulder and cut 
 hira to the bone, and made him drop his lance, 
 and with another blow upon the head, he made 
 him lose his stirrups, and bow down upon the horse's 
 neck. Then lightly passing the sword to his left 
 hand he caught Lasanor's shield and tore it from 
 his neck, and with the force brought him to 
 the ground. The Roman presently rose, being in 
 fear of death, and went up to his brother who 
 had now recovered himself. Tlie Greek Knight 
 fearing lest they should kill his horse, alighted^ 
 grasping the shield he had won, and went towards 
 them sword in hand. But then all were amazed 
 to see his great prowess, and how little lie cared
 
 r> 
 
 00 
 
 for ihese enemies ! he bad so prest them tliat Lasa- 
 nor cried out for mercy, and while he was crying, 
 the Greek Knight lifted up his foot and kicking 
 him in the breast, felled him; then he turned to 
 the other who had broken his shield, but he could 
 not endure his might and ran towards tlie King 
 that he might save him. The Greek Knight 
 turned him, and drove him towards the pillar, 
 and then he ran round the pillar, avoiding the 
 blows which his enemy aimed at him in exceed- 
 ing wrath, and which fell sometimes on the 
 stones and struck fire there, till at last being sorely 
 wearied, the Greek Knight caught him in his arms, 
 and squeezed him till all his strength was gone, 
 then let him fall, and took his shield and dashed it 
 upon his helmet so that he broke the helmet, and 
 he made him mount upon the pillar, and then thrust 
 him down, and placed the fragments of the shield 
 ijpon his breast ; next he took Lasanor by the leg 
 and dragged him beside his brother, and all who 
 were present thought he meant to behead them. 
 And Don Grudeman cried out, methinks the 
 Greek hath well revenged his shield ! 
 
 But Esplandian seeing this was moved to pity for 
 the Knights, and calling out to Ambor, clapt 
 spurs to his palfrey, the Greek Knight seeing
 
 n 
 
 01 
 
 them approach, and that he was the fairest child 
 that ever he had seen, waited to know what he 
 would say, and Esplandian said. Sir, I beseech 
 you grant me their lives, for they are conquered, 
 and the honour is already yours. The Knight 
 made semblance as though he understood him not. 
 Count Argamon then came vip and interpreted ;, 
 and he replied, I should have had a pleasure in 
 killing them, but I spare them for bis sake. Who 
 is this fair child Sir, and wliose son ? No one 
 in this land, replied the Count, can tell, and with 
 that he related the manner how the cliild was 
 found. I have heard mention of him in Romania, 
 cried the Knight, is he not called Esplandian, 
 and hath he not certain letters on his breast? 
 Would you see them ? said Count Argamon, 
 Willingly, and should thank you and him to show 
 them to me, for it is a marvellous thing to hear, 
 and more to see, Esplandian then drew nearer. 
 He had on a coat of mail, and a French hood, 
 wrought with lions of gold, and was girt with 
 a golden girdle ; the hood and coat were fastened 
 together with, gold broaches, a few of them he 
 opened, and showed the letters. Much was. 
 that Knight amazed, for it was the strangest 
 thing: that ever he had seen. The white letters 
 made tlic word Esplandian, but the coloured
 
 302 
 
 letters could he not read, though they were sharp 
 and well made. God prosper ) ou fair child ! said 
 he, and taking leave of the Count, he mounted 
 and rode to Grasinda. 
 
 Lady, quoth he, you must have been displeased 
 at witnessing my follies, but impute you the fault 
 to the pride of these Romans who provoked them. 
 Nay Sir, she replied, it rejoiced me to see your 
 good fortune : then went they to tlieir ships, both 
 full joyful, she for the crown which she had won, 
 and he that he had shown himself to the Romans. 
 They took their tents aboard, and went towards 
 the Firm Island. But Angriote and Don Bruneo 
 remained on board one of the galleys, by his de- 
 sire, to help Don Grumedan secretly in his com- 
 bat, the which being past, they were to hasteu 
 to the Firm Island with tidings of Oriana.
 
 o /\ o 
 
 CHAPTER 17. 
 
 You have heard how King Lisuarte sent Queen 
 Sardamira to ]\Iiraflores to talk to his daughter of 
 the greatness of the Roman Emperor, and the high 
 rank whereto she would be exalted by this marriage. 
 Now you must know that he sent for her, that she 
 might depart, bidding Giontes his nephew take an 
 escort for her, and suffer no Knight to speak with 
 her on the way. Giontes took with him Ganjel of 
 Sadoca and Lasanor and other guards, and went to 
 Miraflores, and having placed Oriana in a litter, 
 for she could not go in any other manner by reason 
 of her exceeding affliction and continual tears, they 
 and Queen Sardamira and her company took the 
 road to Tagades. On the second day of their jour- 
 ney what you shall now hear befell them. Under 
 some trees near the road side there sate an armed
 
 304 
 
 Knight upon a grey horse beside a fountain. He 
 wore a green surcoat over his brenst-plate, fastened 
 ■with green strings and eye-loops of gold, whiclv 
 appeared marvellously well. As soon as he saw 
 them he hung the shield round his. neck and took 
 a lance having a green pendant, and brandishing it 
 awhile, said to his Squire, go and say to the guards 
 of Oriana that I req^uest their leave to speak with 
 her ; it will be neither to their hurt nor to hers ; if 
 they will permit me I shall thank them, if not, 
 sorry as I shall be, they mast try my strength. 
 They laughed at his message, and replied, tell 
 your Master he shall not see the Princess, and 
 that when he has done all he can do, he will have 
 done nothing. But Oriana hearing this, said to 
 them, how does it concern you if this Knight 
 wishes to speak with me ? perchance he jnay 
 bring tidings which I should rejoice to hear. I.ady, 
 replied Giontes, the King your father has ordered 
 us to suffer none to speak with you. With this 
 answer the Squire returned, and Giontes prepared 
 for battle. 
 
 He of the Green Arms immediately rode towards 
 him, they met with a brave encounter, both brake 
 their' lances, but the horse of Giontes dislocated 
 b%foot in the shock and fell, and Giontes having
 
 305 ; 
 
 one foot in the stirrup could not risej the Knight 
 passed fairly by hhiij and then turning said, I 
 beseech you let me speak with Oriana ! you will 
 not fail for my guarding her, replied Giontes, but 
 the fault was in my horse. Ganjel of Sadoca 
 then cried out to him not to touch that Knight, 
 or he should die for him. I shall have you anon 
 in the same condition, replied the Knight of the 
 Green arms, and taking another lance, ran at him, 
 but he missed his blow. Ganjel smote him full on 
 the shield and brake his own lance without moving 
 him ; he turned upon Ganjel who was now sword in 
 hand, and drove at him witii his spear and sent him 
 from the saddle. Lasanor then came on, the Green 
 Knight dexterously avoided his lance, and made him 
 lose that advantage ; they dashed against each other, 
 shield to shield, and Lasanor's shield-arm was 
 broken with tlie shock ; he of the Green Arms 
 had drawn his sword, but seeing how Lasanor was 
 disabled would not wound him, but he cut the bridle 
 of his horse, and smiting him with the side of his 
 sword, sent him gallopping away with his ride.*-, 
 at which he could not forbear laughing. Then he 
 took out a letter, and went up to Oriana's litter. 
 She, seeing how he had discomfited three such 
 good Knights, thought he was Amadis, and her 
 teart panted, but he humbly saluting her, saici.
 
 506 
 
 Lady, Agrayes and Don Florestan send you tliis, 
 ^vIlercin you M'ill receive news that will give you 
 great pleasure. God be with you ! I must return 
 to them, for certes they will need me, little worth 
 as I am. Nay, quoth Oriana, you are not so ! 
 tliat have I now seen. I beseech you tell me whcv 
 you are, who have gone through such danger for 
 my sake. — Gavarte of the Perilous Valley, who 
 grieves to see what your father purposes against 
 you 5 but I trust in God he will find it difficult to 
 accomjjlish, so many of this land and of other 
 lands shall perish first, that all the world shall 
 hear of it. — Ah, Don Gavarte my good friend ! 
 God grant there may come a time when I can re- 
 ward your loyalty ! — You are my natural Lady, 
 and it w^as alway my desire to serve you, and 
 now is it more so in tliis injustice. 1 will be in 
 your succour with those who .serve yon. — I be- 
 seech you my friend, think tli^ as you do now ! 
 That shall I do as loyally I ought, replied Ga- 
 varte, and with that he took his leave. 
 
 Oriana then went up to Mabilia who was with 
 Queen Sardamira. Methinks, said the Queen, 
 we are equal in our defenders, I know not if it be 
 their fault or the ill luck of tlie road, that your 
 Knl'^hts should be defeated where mine were. At 
 
 #i
 
 307 
 
 this they all laughed, but the Knights had such 
 shame that they durst not appear before them ; 
 then they waited awhile till the Knights had 
 holpen themselves, and till Lasanor's horse came 
 back. Meantime OrLana went aside with Mabilia 
 and read the letter, in which Agrayes and Don 
 Florestan and Don Gandales informed her that 
 Gandalln and Ardian the Dwarf had arrived in the 
 Firm Island, and that Amadis would be with them 
 in eight days, and had sent to bid them prepare 
 a great fleet. This tidings they knew would com- 
 fort her, and give her hope that God would be on 
 her side. At this were they greatly comforted as 
 with hopes of life, for before they had only looked 
 for death, and Mabilia comforted Oriana, and 
 besought her to eat, but she who had not eaten 
 food before for great affliction, could scarcely 
 eat now for very joy. 
 
 As they drew near the town. King Lisuarte with 
 the Romans and many others went out to meet 
 them, but then Oriana began to wail aloud, and 
 she alighted from her litter, and all her Damsels 
 alighted also, and when they saw her make that 
 dolorous lamentation, they also lamented, and 
 tore their hair, and kissed her hands and her gar- 
 ments, as if death was come upon them, so that-
 
 308 
 
 all present were moved to great compassion. The 
 King beholding this was greatly displeased, and he 
 said to King Arban of North Wales, go to Oriana 
 and tell her, I feel the greatest pain in the world 
 to see her thus ; and command her from me, to 
 return into her litter, and bid her Damsels re- 
 mount their palfreys, and let her make better 
 cheer and go to her mother, for I will tell her news 
 that shall rejoice her. King Arban did accordingly 
 as he was commanded ; but Oriana answered, 
 O King of North Wales ! my good Cousin, since 
 such is my ill fortune, that you and they who go 
 through many perils to assist unhappy Damsels, 
 cannot assist me with your arms, now help me 
 with your words ! and beseech my father not to 
 do me this wrong, and not to tempt God who hath 
 favoured him so long! persuade him to come to me 
 my Cousin, and with him Count Argamon and 
 Don Grumedan, for I will not stir from hence 
 till they come. King Arban hearing her speak 
 thus, could not reply for weeping : he went back 
 to the King and repeated what Oriana had said, 
 but King Lisuarte was full loth to expose himself 
 to public view with his daughter, for the more no- 
 torious her repugnance and grief should be, the 
 greater would be his fault. Howbeit Count Arga- 
 laon entreated hira to grant her request,, and Don
 
 309 
 
 Giumedau coming up, they went together towards 
 her. 
 
 When Oriana saw him approaching she went on 
 her knees towards him, and her Damsels with her 
 but he alighted and took her up and embraced her . 
 My father and Lord, said she, have pity on your 
 *own child, and hear me before these good men. 
 Daughter, said he, say what you please ; I will 
 hear you as I ought, with fatherly love. Then 
 she fell upon the ground to kiss his feet, but he 
 drew back and raised her again ; and she said. My 
 Lord, it is your pleasure to send me to the Em- 
 peror of Rome, and to separate me from you and 
 from the Queen my mother, and from this land of 
 which God has made me a native ; from this de- 
 parture I expect nothing but death, either that it 
 v/ill come to me, or that I shall give it to myself, 
 so that in neither way can your will be performed, 
 and you will incur great sin. I shall be disobe- 
 dient, and that upon your account, or I shall die 
 and by your fault. But to prevent all this and to 
 serve God, I will enter into religion and so pass my 
 
 * Aved picdad desta hija que en fuerte puntode vos fue 
 engendiada.
 
 310 
 
 life, leaving you to dispose of your Kingdom as 
 it may please you ; and the right which God hath 
 given me, I will renounce to my sister Leonoreta, 
 or to whomsoever else you may chuse, and better 
 Sir, could you give her to the Emperor of the Ro- 
 mans than me, for should he obtain me, he will 
 become ) our mortal enemy ; all that he covets 
 being the possession of this Kingdom. Daughter, 
 replied the King, I understand what you say, and 
 will answer you before your mother : go into your 
 litter and proceed to her. 
 
 They then placed her in her litter, and conducted 
 her to the Queen, who received her with great 
 love, but weeping, for that marriage was against 
 her will. But neither she, nor the nobles, nor the 
 people of the realm could make Lisuarte change 
 his resolution ; and for this reason. Fortune, who 
 was weary of favouring him, now shewed herself 
 contrary to him, more to the advantage of his soul 
 than of his honour. Count Argamon perceiving 
 that his advice was of no avail, requested leave to 
 go to his own land, and he departed. The King 
 then after he had taken food, and the cloths were 
 removed, called for Brondajel of the Rock, and 
 said to him, you see my friend how much this 
 marriage is against the will of my daughter and of
 
 311 
 
 •my vassals, who dearly love her^ but I will not 
 for that depart from my promise : make ready your 
 vessels, and on the third day I will deliver her into 
 your charge 5 but when you have her on board, 
 see that ye do not permit her to quit her cabin, lest 
 some evil should happen. Brondajel answered, 
 all shall- be done Sir as you command ; and though 
 it be now grievous to my Lady the Empress, to 
 depart from this land, where her friends are, yet 
 when she beholds the greatness of Rome, and 
 how Knights and Princes will then humble them- 
 selves before her, she will soon be well satisfied, 
 and ere long Sir, we shall write to you such ti- 
 dings. The King smiled, and embraced him, 
 saying, I believe that ye are such as will soon make 
 her regain her chearfulness. Salustanquidio who 
 was now recovered, besought him to send Olinda 
 with his daughter, and he being a King promised 
 to take her to wife when she arrived : at this the 
 King was well pleased, and praised Olinda, say- 
 ing, that for her virtues and great beauty, she 
 well deserved to become a Queen. 
 
 The next day they stored their ships, and Maga- 
 lin and his brethren presented themselves before 
 the King, and said to Don Grumedan, the day of 
 your shame is come, for to-morrow is the term
 
 312 
 
 which you in your folly appointed for the combat ; 
 hope not to avoid it, for that can only be done-bx'- 
 your confessing yourself conquered ; you shall 
 now pay for your insolence, as one who have more 
 years than wisdom. Don Grumedan who was al- 
 most beside himself at this menace rose up to answer, 
 but the King who knew his temper, when his ho- 
 nour was concerned, said to him, I beseech you 
 Don Grumedan, for ray sake say nothing in reply, 
 but make ready for the battle ; you know better 
 than any one else, that tliese matters are not to 
 be decided by words, but by deeds. Sir, said he, 
 I will obey you ; to-morrow I will be in the field 
 with my companions, and then shall the worth or 
 the no- worth of each be known. The Romans 
 then retired, and the King calling Don Grumedan 
 apart, asked of him, who have you to help you 
 against these Knights ? for they appear to me 
 strong and courageous. Sir, quoth the old man, 
 I have God to help me, and this body, and this 
 heart, and these hands, which he hath given me. 
 If Don Galaor should arrive before tierce to-mor- 
 rov?", I shall have him, for I know he will main- 
 tain my cause, and then I care not for a third 3 if 
 he does not come, I will fight them all three, one 
 after another, if that may be allowed. The King 
 replied^ do you not see tliat the challenge was
 
 313 
 
 three against three ? and they will not alter it : as 
 God shall help me^ I grieve to see that you have 
 no comrades such as you need in this great danger. 
 Sir, cried the old Knight, fear not for nie ; God 
 will help whom he pleases ; I go against pride 
 with courtesy and fair dealing, and that which 
 is pleasing to God will bear me out. If Don Ga- 
 laor should not come, and none other of your 
 Knights should offer themselves, I will take the 
 two best of my own. Nay, replied Lisuarte, such 
 assistants could not avail you ; I will advise you 
 better my friend : I will secretly adventure my 
 body with you in the battle, for you have often 
 thrust yourself into extreme perils for me, and un- 
 grateful should I be, if I did not risque my life and 
 honour for you in return ; and while he said this 
 he embraced the old Knight and wept. Don Gru- 
 medan kissed his hand and answered, this is indeed 
 the greatest favour I ei er received from you, and 
 more than any services can ever have deserved j 
 but this must not be, and God forbid that a King 
 like you should commit such a fault, for you are 
 King, and Lord, and Judge, and must deal by 
 strangers in this case, even as by your own subjects. 
 Since it is so then,, said Lisuarte, I can only pra 
 to God to help you, 
 
 VOL. III. o
 
 314. 
 
 Don Grumedan then went to his lodging and or- 
 dered two of his Knights to prepare to assist him 
 in this battlcj but I tell you that courageous and 
 practised as he was, his heart was bursting, for 
 these men were not such as were needed in such 
 a combat ; yet so good a heart had he, that rather 
 would he have died, than have done or said any 
 thing that might shame him ; and he shewed no 
 "fear. That night he passed in St. Mary's Chapel, 
 and on the morrow heard mass there with great 
 devotion, beseeching God that he might perform 
 this battle to his honour, or if it was his pleasure, 
 that his days should then come to an end, to have 
 mercy on his soul. Then with a good courage 
 he called for his armour ; he put on his breast-plate 
 which was strong and white, and over it a coat- 
 armour of his own colours, which were murrey with 
 Avhite swans : before he had finished arming himself, 
 there came in the fair Damsel who had been Em- 
 bassadress to Grasinda and the Greek Knight, and 
 with her two other Damsels and two Squires. She 
 bore in her hand a goodly sword, with rich accou- 
 trements, "and emjuired for Grumedan, to whom 
 she said. Sir, the Greek Knight, who loves you for 
 "what he has heard of you since he came into this 
 land, and because he knows you have to do battle 
 with the Romans, has left two right good Knights,
 
 <^ 1 /f 
 
 those whom you have seen in his company, and 
 requests you to take no others as your comrades 
 in this combat, but accept them on his faith 
 without fear 5 and he sends you also this good 
 sword, which has been tried as you beheld, when 
 he struck the stone pillar with it, chasing that Ro- 
 man. A joyful man was Don Grumedan at hear- 
 ing this, knowing his own danger, and that they 
 who were in the company or the Greek Knight, 
 must be good men. Damsel, said he, God prosper 
 the Greek Knight, who is thus courteous to me, 
 whom he knows not ; and God grant that I may 
 one day requite him. She replied. Sir, you would 
 truly esteem him if you knew him, and so will 
 you these his comrades, when you have tried them. 
 Go now forth, for you will find them waiting for 
 you at the lists. 
 
 Don Grumedan drew the sword which had been 
 sent him ; and he saw how bright it was, and that 
 it bore no mark of the mighty blow it had given, 
 and he blest it, and girded it on instead of his own. 
 And he mounted the horse which Florestan had 
 o-iven him when he won it from the Romans, and 
 rode "out, appearing like a comely and brave old 
 man. He and the two other Knights courteously 
 greeted each other, but he could not discover who 
 
 o 2
 
 3\6 
 
 they were, and then they entered the hsts to the 
 great joy of all who loved Don Gruniedan, to see 
 liim in such company. The King marvelled much 
 that these Knights having no cause, and not know- 
 ing Don Grumedan, should place themselves in 
 such danger ; and seeing tlie Damsel Embassadress 
 he sent for her, and said. Damsel why have these 
 Knights of your company taken up the quarrel of 
 one whom they know not ? Sir, she replied, the 
 good as well as the worthless are known by their 
 feats : and the Greek Knight having heard of the 
 worth of Don Grumedan, and how this battle was 
 appointed, and that few of your good Knights 
 were at this time present, left here his compa- 
 nions to be his help-mates ; such men are they, 
 that before noon be passed, the arrogance of the 
 Romans shall yet be humbled lower, and the ho- 
 nour of your Knights well maintained. Glad was 
 the King at this, for he feared greatly for Don 
 Grumedan, and in his heart he thanked the Greek 
 Knight more than he in words expressed. 
 
 The three Knights entered tlie hsts, and placed 
 themselves at one end, Don Grumedan being be- 
 ween the other twain : presently King Arban of 
 North Wales and the Count of Clara came in as 
 judges on their part; and Salustanquidio aijd
 
 517 
 
 Brondajel of the Rock, on the part of the Romans, 
 Ere long the Roman Kuights appeared on goodly 
 horses, and armed in new and rich armour ; and 
 being of great stature and large limb'd, they had 
 the semblance of valiant men: they came with 
 bag-pipes and trumpets, and otlier loud instru- 
 ments j all their countrymen accompanied them, 
 and in this array they went before the King, and 
 said. Sir, we will carry the heads of those Greek 
 Knights to Rome, and let it not displease you if 
 we do the same with Don Grumedan, for your 
 displeasure would grieve us : bid him therefore un- 
 say what he has said, and confess that the Roman 
 Knights are the best in the world. The King, in- 
 stead of replying to this speech, said, go do your 
 battle, and let them who shall win their enemies- 
 heads, do with them as they please. They then 
 entered the lists, and the two Roman judges placed 
 them in their places, v^'hile King Arban and the 
 Count of Clara, did the same by Grumedan, and 
 his companions. The Queen now came with her 
 Dames and Damsels to the window, to behold this 
 combat ; and she sent for Don Guilau the Pensive, 
 who was still weak with his sickness, and for Cen- 
 dil of Ganota, whose wound was not yet healed ; 
 and she said to Don Guilan, my gooJ friend, what 
 think you cf this point wherein my father Don 
 
 o3
 
 318 
 
 Grumedan is placed > for she called him father; 
 because he had fostered her ; those Devils terrify 
 me, they are so huge and fierce. Lady, replied 
 Guilan, tlie event of arms depends upon God and 
 a good cause 5 were I yonder with those two 
 Knights, in the stead of Gruimdan, I should not 
 fear the Romans, though a fourth were added to 
 them. Much was the Queen consoled at that say- 
 ing, and she prayed to God in her heart to help her 
 foster-father. 
 
 The Knights now moved on to their encounter ; 
 they were all practised ia arms and in horseman- 
 ship, and neither missed his encounter : their lan- 
 ces all brake, and then happened what never be- 
 fore had been seen in a combat of so many before 
 the King, that the three Romans were borne from 
 their saddles, and Don Grumedan and his comrades 
 kept their seats unmoved. Presently they turned 
 their horses, and saw that the Romans had risen, 
 and stood together. Don Brnneo who had recei- 
 ved a slight wound in his left side, said to Grume- 
 dan, since wo have shewn them that we know how 
 to joust, it would not be reason^ible now they are 
 on foot,' to attack them on horseback ; tlie three 
 theii alighted, and went up to their antagonists. 
 Sir Knights of Rome, said Eruneo, yoa must have
 
 319 
 
 left your horses to shew how httle you regard them}- 
 but though we are not so renowned as ye are, we 
 will nut permit you to make this boast, and there- 
 fore have also forsaken ours. The Romans, whose 
 pride was somewhat quelled by their fall, made no 
 reply, but fell to with their swords. Then was 
 there a fierce battle, and its marks were seen in 
 broken shields and helmets and streaming wounds. 
 But Don Grumedan, whose enmity against the Rp- 
 mans was very great, chafedhimself with great choler, 
 and pressing on before his comrades was sorely hurt : 
 but at that the other twain who iiad hitherto kept 
 biick their strength while they bore the heat of their 
 enemies fuiy, now showed themselves, and pressed 
 on the Romans with such might that the most they 
 could do was to defend themselves, and that hardly. 
 T'.Iaganil, who was the bravest of the Romans, being 
 no longer able to endure Angriote's blows, gave 
 way before him, and drew as near to the Queen's 
 window as he could, and cried out Mercy, Lady, 
 for God's sake ! and I confess all that Don Grume- 
 dan has said. Shame on thee, cried the conqueror, 
 that is already manifest. And he plucked off his 
 lielmet and lifted his arm as if to behead him, but 
 at that the Queen withdrew ; and Don Guilan then 
 cried Qut^ Sjj- Jvnlght of Greece, dq pot carry $9 
 
 q4
 
 3£0 
 
 proud a head as this to your country, but tet him 
 carry his sweet odours where they will be liked. 
 So be it then, replied Angriote, for the Queen'ssake 
 and for your's whom I know not, I leave him to 
 you, see you that his wounds be cured, for I have 
 cured him of his arrogance. Then he turned back 
 and saw that Don Grnmedan had smote his ene- 
 my, and was kneeling on his breast, and pummel- 
 ling his face with the hilt of his sword, but the 
 Roman cried out aloud. Ah ! Don Grumedan, 
 spare me ! I confess what you have said is truth, 
 and what I said is a lie. Angriote full glad at this, 
 called the judges, to hear what the Roman said, 
 and shewed them how the otlier one had fled out 
 of the lists from Don Bruneo. But Salustanquidio 
 and Brondajel were so cast down, that they re- 
 tired to their lodging, and could not appear before 
 the King.^ 
 
 Don Grumedan then rode before the King, and 
 kissed his hand : and Brvuieo said, God be with 
 yon Sir, we must return to our friend the Greek 
 Knight. God be with you, replied Lisuarte, ye 
 have truly shewn yourselves to be good men in 
 arms. The Damsel Embassadress then said to Li- 
 suarte, be pleased Sir to hear me a while in pri- 
 vate, before I depart : the King then bade all
 
 321 
 
 present withdraw, and then she said to him. Sir, 
 hitherto you have been the best of all Christian 
 Kings, and he to whom all Damsels looked with 
 the most assured hope, to have their wrongs re- 
 di-essed. How is your noble condition altered, that' 
 you use this cruelty and this sin against God and 
 your own daugliter and your natural subjects ! you 
 who as King are bound to observe right to all, and 
 as fatlier to protect her though she were by all the 
 world forsaken. Not only to all the world is this 
 an ill example, but her tears and lamentations rise 
 up to God against you. Look to it, and let the end 
 of your days' be like the beginning. Now God 
 prosper you ! — God be with you. Damsel, replied 
 Lisuarte, of a truth I believe you^are good and of 
 great discretion. 
 
 She went to the two Knights, and they embarked 
 on board their galley, and made such speed that in 
 two days and nights they rejoined their fleet. 
 Joyfully were they welcomed, and right glad was 
 the Greek Knight ta heai- how they had succoured 
 Don Gruraedan in his need. Know you what the 
 Kinof will do with his daughter ? said Grasinda. — 
 In four days she will be delivered to the Romans ; 
 but to see Lady, the grief which she and her 
 Damsels and all the people make ! no tongue can 
 
 o5
 
 
 tell it. Tears came Into Grasinda's eyes, and she- 
 prayed God to send that poor Princess some help 
 in this so great and undeserved a calamity. But 
 the Greek Knight was a happy man hearing this,- 
 for he hud resolved to rescue her ; he neither re- 
 garded the power of King Lisuarte nor of the 
 Emperor of Rome, for he could give them enough 
 to do, and as by no other way could he hope to 
 gain possession of his beloved, so also in thus 
 winning her, she would be his without any fault 
 or breach of duty ; these thoughts possessed him, 
 when at the hour of tierce they reached the port in 
 the Firm Island, The Islanders, who daily ex- 
 pected him, had seen the fleet afar off and knew 
 his signals ; then was there great joy, for they all 
 ioved him well, and they crowded down to tlie 
 shore, an.l with them his kinsmen and friends. 
 When Grasinda beheld such a multitude awaiting 
 them, she was greatly amazed, and the more so 
 hearinor them shout Welcome ! Welcome our 
 Lord, who has so long been absent from us ! Sir, 
 quoth she, how is this that they greet you thus ? 
 He replied, pardon me Lady that I have so long 
 "concealed myself, for otherwise I could not have 
 done without danger. I am master of this Island, 
 and that Amadis of Gaul of whom you have some- 
 times heard. These Knights are all my kinsmen
 
 323 
 
 and friends, and that multitude my vassals, hardl/ 
 will you find Knights in the world to equal their 
 valour. I did not know you, replied Grasinda, 
 and I treated you as a poor Errant Knight ! hpw- 
 beit some consolation is it to think that what ho- 
 nours you received from me, were paid to your own 
 valour only, not to your rank or power. Lady, 
 said Amadis, the honours I received from you, are 
 more than either I, or those who are better tbaji 
 me, can ever repay. 
 
 Now had they reached the shore. Don Gandale^ 
 was ready with twenty palfreys for the Damsel^, 
 but for Grasinda her own palfrey was landed, whose 
 trappings were worked with gold and silver. She 
 clad herself in rich attire ; planks were laid froin 
 the boat for their landing, and on the shore Agrayep 
 stood to welcome them, and Don Quadragante, and 
 Don Florestan, and Gavarte of the Perilous Valley, 
 and the good D ^n Dragonis, and Orlandin, and 
 Ganjes of Sadoca, and Argamon the brave, and 
 Sardonan the brother of Angriote, and his nephews 
 Pinores and Sarquiles and IMadansii of the Silvef 
 Bridge, and above thirty other good Knights, 
 and the good Knight Enil was already in the boat 
 talking with Amadis, and iirdian the Dwarf an4 
 Gaudalin with the Diimsels of Grasiada. Theei
 
 224 
 
 Amadis took Grasinda by the arm, and led her 
 on shore, and Agrayes and Florestan placed her 
 on her palfrey, and she and her Damsels were 
 conducted to the rich palace whereof you have 
 formerly heard. Then was there great feastings 
 made by Gandalin, and Ardian the Dwarf, who 
 was steward of the hall, saw that all was well or- 
 dered, and many things did he say of merriment 
 whereat they all laughed. Amadis took Master 
 Helisabad by the hand, and told all the Knights 
 that to liim next to God he was indebted for his 
 life, and he placed him at table between himself 
 and Gavarte of the Perilous Valley. Yet could 
 not all this festival, nor the joy at seeing again so 
 many and so dear friends, so cheer Amadis that 
 he was not sorely troubled, fearing lest the Ro^ 
 mans might escape him on the sea, so after the 
 cloths were removed, he besought all the Knights 
 to remain and hear him. They were all silent, 
 and he began. 
 
 Sirs, since I left yon last I have traversed many 
 strange lands, and atchieved many adventures 
 whereof it would be long to tell; but what most 
 occupied me was to redress the injuries of Dames 
 and Damsels, for as they are born to obey 
 •and as their strongest arms are tears and sighs, so
 
 325 
 
 are we bound to protect them against all who 
 would do them wrong, and fight their battles even 
 as the Greeks and Romans did in old times, where- 
 •by they have obtained such glory as shall last while 
 the world endures. But now since my return to 
 these countries I have heard how King Lisuarte 
 will deprive his daughter Oriana of the kingdom 
 which is her lawful inheritance, and give her in 
 marriage to the Emperor of Rome, against the 
 consent of all his people, and against her own will, 
 for she cries aloud to God and to the whole world, 
 complaining of this great cruelty. If this indeed be 
 true that LisUarte will commit this wickedness fear- 
 ing neither God nor man, in an ill hour were we 
 born if we do not remedy it ! Now tell me each of 
 ye your judgement, for ye know mine. The 
 Knights looked at Agrayes to speak for them. 
 Your coming my good Cousin, quoth he, hath 
 doubled our strength and courage, yet when wc 
 had little hope of that, we had determined to pre- 
 vent this wrong, and die ourselves or destroy these 
 Romans. This did they all affirm, and cried out 
 that there shonld be no delay. Then Amadis left 
 Grasinda in the care of Ysanjo the Governor, and 
 he would have left Master Helisabad also, but the 
 Master said. Sir, if ever I can serve you it must be 
 in adventures like these, wherein you may per-
 
 326 
 
 chance stand in need of my skill. Ali, good Master, 
 and my good friend, cried Amadis, God grant that I 
 may live to give you a tit guerdon. Then bade he 
 all the roads be guarded, that no tidings might be 
 carried from the Island : and that night they all 
 embarked and made sail towards that part of the 
 sea^ whereby tlie Romans must needs pass.
 
 327 
 
 CHAPTER 18. 
 
 The day was now come whereon King Llsuarte 
 had promised to deliver his daughter to the Ro- 
 mans ; he having in vain again attempted to win 
 her consent, left her in great anger, and went to 
 the Queen whom he bade go and soothe her 
 daughter's distress. Brisena had often attempted 
 in vain to change the King's resolution ; she now 
 made no reply but obeyed him, but when Oriana 
 saw her mother and sister approach her, she went 
 to her sobbing aloud and kissed her hand and said, 
 this parting will be for ever ! for my death is at 
 hand, and with that she swooned away. The 
 King then had her, senseless as she was, carried on 
 board, and he made Olinda go with her, thoucrh 
 that Princess on her knees besought him to send 
 her home to her father, he in his rage would not 
 listen, but had her forced on board, and Mabilia 
 and the Damsel of Denmark he made embark also. 
 All having thus embarked he mounted and rode to 
 the porf^ and then he consoled his child with a
 
 3C8 
 
 father's pity, yet gave he her no hope that his in- 
 tention was changed, but he himself was moved 
 nevertiieless, and wept after lie had left her, and 
 besought Salustanquidio andiirondjjd and the Arch- 
 bishop of Talancia to protect her and serve her well, 
 then he returned to his palace leaving in the ship the 
 greatest grief and lamentation that heart can think. 
 
 Salustanquidio thus having the Princesses in his 
 power, put Oriana and Mabilia into a cabin which 
 had been richly fitted up for her and fastened them 
 in with strong bars and bolts, and he left Queen 
 Sardamira and her coaipauy, and many of Oriana's 
 Damsels in the ship. But Olinda of whom he was 
 so passionately enamoured he resolved to carry to 
 his own ship, though she struggled and besouglit 
 him not to separate her from Oriana, and clung to 
 the door of Oriana's cabin, making such piteous 
 moan that Oriana at hearing it, swooned away in 
 Mabilia's arms. Thus having disposed of the Dam- 
 sels they spread their sails, and departed, being full 
 joyful that they had accomplished their Master's 
 desire, and tliey hoisted the great flag of the Em- 
 peror, upon the mast of the vessel wherein Oriana 
 was, and all the other ships kept round about that 
 to protect it. Thus merrily were they sailnig on, 
 when looking to the right they beheld the fleet of 
 Amadis_, coming on full speed, to cut them off from
 
 3^29 
 
 the land toward which they went. Agrayes and' 
 Don Quadragante, and Dragonis and Listoran of 
 the White Tower had agreed to attack the Romans 
 and attempt the rescue of Oriana before Amadis 
 could come up, and for this purpose they and their 
 ship got between tlie Romans and the shore. But 
 Florestan and Gavarte of the Perilous Valley, and 
 Orlandin and Ymosil of Burgundy had the same 
 wish, and they sailed up between Agrayes and the 
 enemy. And Amadis came on full sail straight after 
 them, that he might be the first in Oriana's succour. 
 
 Now I tell you that when first the Romans be- 
 held this fleet, ihey thought they were crossing 
 the sea in peace j but seeing how they divided into 
 three squadrons, that two cut off their landing, and 
 that the third made right toward them in pursuit, 
 they cried out, to arms ! — to arms ! for strangers 
 are coming against us ! presently they ran to arms : 
 the cross-bowmen were placed in their station, the 
 others with Brondajel of the Rock, were in the 
 vessel with Oriana, which carried the Emperor's 
 flag. At this season the fleets encountered, 
 Ap^rayes and Don Quadragante hailed the ship of 
 Salustanqnidio, who had with him the fair Olinda, 
 and then began a brave battle ; and Florestan and 
 Gftyartc sailing through the middle of the fleet, at- 
 tacked the ships of the Duke of Ancona^ and of
 
 330 
 
 the Archbishop of Talancia who Iiada great force- 
 on board, so that the battle between them was ob- 
 stinate. But Amadis steered right for the ship 
 that bore the imperial standard : and he laid his 
 hand on Angriote's shoulder, and said. Sir An- 
 griote, my good friend, remember now the loyalty 
 you have ever manifested toward your friends, and 
 help me manfully in this enterprize. If it please 
 God that I succeed, well now shall I here fulfil 
 my honour, and my good fortune ! Angriote re- 
 plied. Sir, I am ready to die for you ! your ho- 
 nour shall be maintained, and God will be with 
 you. The Ships were now near each other, and 
 such a discharge was there, of arrows and stones 
 and lances, that they fell as fast as though they 
 were rained down. Amadis aimed at nothing but 
 to grapple with the other vessel j but they whp 
 were therein, though far more in number, durst not 
 adventure that, seeing how fiercely they were at- 
 tacked, and defended themselves with iron hooks, 
 and sundry other weapons. Now when Tantiles 
 of Sobradisa, who was the Queen of Sobradi^a'g 
 high-steward, and was now in the Castle, saw 
 that Amadis could not bring this to effect, he or- 
 dered a great anchor to be brought, fastened to 3 
 long chain ; and from tlie Castle, they threw it; 
 into the Enemy's ship, and then pulling at the 
 chain with all their mighty they brought the ships
 
 o n t 
 
 ool 
 
 together, and held them so, tfiat tliey could by no 
 means separate, unless the chain should break. 
 
 Then Amadis made way through his own people 
 who were somewhat dismayed, and setting foot on 
 the edge of his own ship, leaped into the other ; it 
 was a great leap, so that he fell upon his knee, and 
 they laid on him many blows before he could rise. 
 Howbeit maugre their efforts he rose and laid hand 
 to his good sword. Angriote and Don Bruneo had 
 followed him, and they all laid on manfully and 
 shouted Gaul, Gaul, for Amadis is here ! Mabilia 
 heard that cry, and exclaimed to Oriana — comfort ! 
 comfort ! you are succoured by the blessed Knight, 
 your true servant and constant friend ! but Oriana 
 more dead than alive, recovered only enough to ask 
 •what she said, for she had heard nothing, and her 
 sight was almost gone. When Amadis beheld the 
 wonders which his two comrades v/cre performing, 
 and how his men were now fighting beside him, 
 he made at Brondajel, whom by his rich arms, he 
 knew to be the chief, and with one blow felled 
 him : then seeing that the rest terrified at that, 
 had ceased to resist, he tore off Brondajel's helmet, 
 and striking at his face with the pummel of bis 
 sword, demanded where Oriana was ; the Rcwnan 
 pointed to the chamber that was fastened. Amadis 
 called upon Angriote and Don Bruneo ; they join-
 
 <o 
 
 2 
 
 ed all their strength, and burst the door, and saw 
 Oriana and Mabilia within } he fell on his knees 
 before his Lady to kiss her hand, but she embra- 
 ced him, and then caught him by the sleeve of his 
 mail which was all bloody, — Ah Amadis ! light 
 of the oppressed ! you have saved me ! Mabilia 
 was on her knees before him, holding by his skirts, 
 for he had not seen her, but then he raised her and 
 embraced her, and called her his dear cousin. 
 Then would he have left the cabin, but Oriana took 
 his hand — for God's sake do not leave me ! fear 
 not, he replied ; for Angriote, and Don Bruneo, 
 and Gandales are in the ship, with thirty of our 
 Knights, and I must go elsewhere, for we are en- 
 gaged in a great battle. 
 
 Then Amadis went out of the cabin, and seeing" 
 that Ladadin of Fajarquehad made them in the cas- 
 tle cry for mercy, he commanded them to cease 
 ^om farther slaughter. He then got into the gal- 
 ley where Enil and Gandalin were with forty 
 Knights, and bade them steer towards where they 
 heard the cry of Agrayes ; m hen they came up, 
 they found that he, and Quadragante had boarded 
 Salustanquidio's ship ; and when Amadis got on 
 board, the Romans began to leap over, some pe- 
 rishing in the water, others escaping to the other 
 veiseli. He went oa, seeking his cousin, whonx
 
 <-> 
 
 33 
 
 he found, with Salustanquidio wounded at his feet, 
 and begging for mercy. Agrayes knew his love for 
 Olinda, and would shew him none : do not slay 
 him, said Quadragante, he is a good prize : Sir 
 Quadragante, said Amadis with a smile, let 
 Agrayes do his will, for else this Roman will not 
 leave one of us alive ; and while they thus spake, 
 the head of Salustanquidio was smitten off. Now 
 the ship was their own, and the banner of Agrayes 
 and Don Quadragante hoisted on her castle. 
 Agrayes forthwith went into the chamber where 
 Olinda was confined ; but Amadis, and Don Qua- 
 dragante, and Ladadin, and Listoran of the White 
 Tower, went in Enil's galley, to see how Flores- 
 tan fared. On the way they met Ysanes, a kinsman 
 of Florestan by the mother's side, who told them 
 how he had won all the ships, and taken the Duke 
 of Ancona and the Arch-bishop j they then looked 
 round, and saw that the Romans were every where 
 put to the worst, so that not one ship or boat es- 
 caped to carry tidings of their defeat. 
 
 With that they went on board the vessel of Oriana, 
 and there disarmed their heads and hands, and 
 washed off the blood. Amadis asked where Flo- 
 restan was, and was told, that Sardamira had cried 
 out to him to save her, and that she lay fallen at 
 the feet of Oriana, beseeching her to save her from
 
 
 deaih or dishonour. Amadis went into the cabin, 
 and saw that the Queen was embracinc: Oriana. 
 and that Florestan held her by the hand^ he M-ent 
 before her courteously, and would liave kissed lier 
 hand, but she withdrew it : fear nothing, Lady, 
 said he, Don Florestan is at your service, and wc 
 shall all obey him, even though it were not our 
 will to honour all M^omankind. Good Sir, said Sar- 
 damira to Florestan, who is this Knight so cour- 
 teous, and so much your friend ? Lady, said he, 
 it is my Lord and brother Amadis, with whom wo 
 are all come to succour Oriana. She then rose and 
 said. Good Sir Amadis, blame me not, if I have 
 not received you as I ought, for I knew you not. 
 God be praised, that in such a calamity, I am 
 placed under your courtesy, and the protection of 
 Don Florestan. So Amadis seated her beside Ori- 
 ana ; now all this while. Queen Sardamira knew 
 not the death of Salustanquidio, whom she greatly 
 loved. Queen, said Oriana, if I have hitlierto 
 heard your words with pain and dislike, now shall 
 I ever honour and love you as you deserve, for what 
 you did to my injuiT, was not your own will, but 
 in wiiatever was your own will, you were ever 
 courteous and gentle. While they were thus com- 
 muning, Agrayes and Olinda came in, and aftec- 
 tionately did Oriana embrace them, and thank the 
 other 'Knights as she 4inew tliCBi. Ah, friend Ga-
 
 '"'^S 
 
 ooi 
 
 varte, said she, to him of the Perilous Valley, well 
 have you fulfilled your promise, God knows how 
 truly I thank yon, and how I wish to reward you ! 
 Lady, he replied, I have done my duty, for you are 
 my natural Lady. Whenever time shall be, remem- 
 ber mc as one who will be ever at your service. 
 
 At this time were all the chief Knidits assembled 
 on board this vessel, to take counsel how they 
 should proceed. Then Oriana took Amadis aside 
 and said. Dear friend I beseech and command you 
 now more than ever to conceal our love ! order 
 it so novv that they may resolve to carry me to the 
 Firm Island, that being safe there, God may dis- 
 pose of me as he knows best and as ought to be. 
 Amadis replied, do you then send Mabilia to pro- 
 pose this, that it may appear to proceed from your 
 will and not fiom mine. Accordingly he went 
 among the Knights, and they were of divers opi- 
 nions, for some proposed to take Oriana to the 
 'Firm Island, others that she should go to Gaul, 
 others that she should go to Scotland, the country 
 of Agrayes. But presently Mabilia came to them 
 with four otlier Damsels, and said. Sirs, Oriana 
 beseeches ye to carry her to the Firm Island, till 
 she be reconciled to her parents, and she implores 
 ye as ye have begun so well, that ye would bring 
 this enterprize with the same good courage to good
 
 330 
 
 end, and do for her what ye have ever done for 
 other Damsels. Quadragante answered, good La- 
 dy, the good and brave Amadis and we who are 
 with him in her rescue, are of one will to serve 
 her till death, and we will protect her against 
 her father and against the Em"peror of Rome, if 
 they will not be brought to reason and justice. 
 That answer all the Knights approved, and declar- 
 ed that they should not hold themselves acquitted 
 of that promise till Oriana was restored to her own 
 free will, and made sure of her inheritance. 
 
 "With this accord they departed each to his ship, 
 to give order respecting the prisoners. Don Bru- 
 neo, and Ladadin, and the brother of Angriote and 
 Sarquiles, and Orlandin were left in tlie vessel 
 with Oriana and Queers Sardamira, and Enil the 
 good Knight who had received three wounds, but 
 had concealed them like a brave man, and one who 
 could endure all difficulty. These Knights were 
 left to guard Oriana till they should arrive at the 
 Firm Island. 
 
 Ikre endcth the Third Book of the noble and virtuous 
 Knight Amadis of Gaul, 
 
 END or THE THIRD VOLUME.
 
 INDEX. 
 
 VOL. II r. 
 
 Page 
 Here Icginnelh the third Book of Amadis of 
 Gaul, wherein are related the great discords 
 and jealousies which were occasioned in the 
 Household and Court of King Lisuarte, by 
 (he evil cowisel which Gandandel gave the 
 King, for the sake of injuring Amadis and 
 his kinsmen aiid friends. Wherefore the King- 
 sent to Angriote and his Nephew, command- 
 ing them to leave his court and. his kingdom, 
 and how he sent to defy them, and they re- 
 turned the defance- . . ...^ 1 
 
 CHAPTER 2. 
 
 How Amadis asked of his fosterer Don Gan- 
 dales the 7iews of the court, and how he and 
 
 VOL. III. P
 
 INDEX. 
 
 Page 
 hii covipaniojis departed for Gnul, and of 
 
 the adventures which lefell them in an Island 
 
 where they delivered Don Galaor and King 
 
 Cildadan from the peril of death . . 25 
 
 CHAPTER 3. 
 
 How King Cildadan and Don Galaor going 
 their way toward the court of King Lisuarte, 
 Viet a Dame, iclio had in her company a 
 fair Child accompanied ly twelve Knights, 
 and how the Dame asked them to ask the 
 King to make him a Knight, the which was 
 done, and afterward the King knew hivi to 
 he his son 43 
 
 CHAPTER 4. 
 
 In which is recounted the cruel lattle letween 
 Kin<T Lisuarte and Don Galvanes and their 
 people. And of the liberality and greatness 
 which the King showed after his victory 
 giving the land to Don Galvanes and Mada- 
 sima, they remaining his fassals as long as 
 they should dwell therein , 60
 
 INDEX. 
 
 CHAPTER 5. Page 
 
 How Amadis and Don Briincu alode in Gaul 
 ■where Don Bruneo was tvell content and 
 Amadis sorrowful, and how Don Bruneo 
 resolved to leave Amadis and go seek adven- 
 tures } and how Amadis and King Per ion and 
 Florestan agreed to succour King Lisuarte . . 7^ 
 
 CHAPTER 6. 
 
 How the Knights of the Serpents embarked 
 for Gaul, and fortuJie led them where they 
 ■were placed in great peril of their lives by 
 treachery, in the power of Arcalaus the En- 
 chanter; and how being delivered they embark- 
 ed and continued their voyage ; and also how 
 Don Galaor and Norandel came by chance 
 that way seeking adventures, and of what 
 befell them 10/ 
 
 CHAPTER 7- 
 
 Showing how Esplandian ivas brought up by 
 Nasciano the Hermit, and how his father 
 Amadis went to seek adventures having changed 
 
 f 2
 
 INDEX. 
 
 Page 
 his name to the Knight of the Green Sword, 
 
 and of the great adventures which he found . . 134 
 
 CHAPTER 8. 
 
 How King Lisiiarte going to the chace with 
 the Queen and his daughters came to the moun- 
 tain where the hermit Nasciano dwelt, and 
 ly iuhat strange adventure he met a fair 
 Child, who wai the son of Amadis and Ori- 
 una, and how he took the child, not knowing 
 him, . . 157 
 
 CHAPTER 9, 
 
 How the Knight of the Green Sword after 
 he had left King Tafnor of Bohemia, to go 
 to the Islands of Romaiiia, met a great com- 
 pany tcith the Lady Grasinda, and how one 
 of her Knights called Brandasidel would have 
 made him come before her ly force 1/0 
 
 CHAPTER 10. 
 
 How the nolle Knight of the Green Sword 
 going to Constantinople was driven upon the
 
 INDEX. 
 
 Page 
 
 Island of the Devil, where he found a fierce 
 vioitster called Endriago 183 
 
 CHAPTER 11. 
 
 How the Knight of the Green Sword wrote 
 to the Emperor of Constantinople to whom, 
 the Island belonged, telling him that he had 
 slain the monster, and also of what things 
 he was in need; the which the Emperor dili- 
 gently procured for him and repaid him witK 
 much honour and love for the service he had 
 done him in recovering that Isalnd which had 
 been so long time lost 203 
 
 CHAPTER 12. 
 
 How the Knight of the Green Sword departed 
 from Constantinople to perform his promise 
 made to the fair Grasinda, and how being about 
 to go with her to Great Britain to fulfil her will, 
 he chanced to find Don Bruneo of Bonamar 
 badly- wounded; and also of the adventure 
 ivhereby Angriote of Estravaus found them, 
 and they went together to the house of the fair 
 Grasinda 223
 
 INDEX. 
 
 CHAPTER 13. Piige 
 
 How Queen Sardumira arrived in Great Bri- 
 tain with the other Embassadors whom the 
 Emperor of Rome had sent to bring Oriana, 
 and of what happened to them in a forest 
 with a K?iight Errant whom they treated with 
 rude words, and the payment which he gave 
 them for their discourtesy 241 
 
 CHAPTER 14. 
 
 How Queen Sardamira sent to Don Florestan 
 requesting that, since he had left her Knights 
 in such plight, he would be her guard to Mira- 
 fiores whither she was going to speak with 
 Oriana, and of what passed there 257 
 
 CHAPTER 15. 
 
 How the Knight of the Green Sword who was 
 now called the Greek Knight, and Don Bru- 
 neo of Bonamar and Angriote of Estravaus 
 came with the fair Grasinda to the Court of^ 
 Kins[ Lisuarte, who had resolved to send his 
 daughter Oriana to the Emperor of Rome to
 
 INDEX. 
 
 Page 
 
 7e his wife, and of what happened when they 
 made their demand 2/0 
 
 CHAPTER 16. 
 
 Ho2v the Greek Knight and his companions 
 led Grasinda and her company to the place of 
 battle, where her Kiiight was to fulfill her 
 command . . . . 288 
 
 CHAPTER 17. 
 
 Hoic' King Lisuarte sent for his daughter Ori- 
 ana to deliver her up to the Romans, and of 
 ti'hat happened with a Knight of the Firm 
 Island, and of the battle which Don Grume- 
 dan and the companions of the Greek Knighf 
 fought against the three Roman Challengers, 
 and how after the Romans were conquered the 
 companions of the Greek Knight went to the 
 Firm Island, and of what they did there ... 303 
 
 CHAPTER 18. 
 
 How Kifig Lisuarte gave up his daughter 
 greatly against her own will, and of the sue-
 
 INDEX. 
 
 Page 
 
 cour which Amadis with all the other Knights 
 of the Firm. Island brought to the fair Ori- 
 ana j. ^ 327 
 
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