 Book 4, Chapters 29 and 30 of Amadis of Gaul This is a LibriVox recording. All LibriVox recordings are in the public domain. For more information or to volunteer, please visit LibriVox.org Amadis of Gaul by Vasco Deluveria, translated by Robert Saudi Book 4, Chapter 29 Showing for what reason, this Gaskelin king of Sweden sent a squire with a demand which he have heard to Amadis. He have heard who this Gaskelin was, and in what manner he became the king of Sweden. This king was enarmed of a princess who was called the fair Penela, and by a father's death became a lady of the strong island, which was near Sweden. She, because Gaskelin was of the race of the giants, and in himself proud and overbearing, would never encourage his hope. But because her chief feared him, and she herself saw no other remedy to prevent his love from changing into exceeding hatred, she devised this means. She told him that it was a determination, and what she had promised to her father at the time of his death, never to marry any other than the best knight in the world to find who this might be. She had dispatched messengers into all foreign parts, and the tidings they had all brought back was that a knight called Amadis of Gaul was the bravest and the best knight in the world, who undertook an achieved adventures which no other dad attempt. If therefore he was so strong and courageous would seek out this Amadis and conquer him, she would then fulfill her promise to her father and make him master of herself under kingdom, fully believing that he would then have no fear. This she did, in the hope that Gaskelin, strong as he was, was no ways equal to Amadis. When the square had brought him this answer, he exclaimed, My friend, you tell me that I most desire to hear. Everything is now as I wished, and I shall win the law of my lady, for I am the Gaskelin whom you know. Then he called for his arms, which were after this fashion, the field of his circle, and the beaver was Mourad, bearing griffins, or his helmet and shield were burnished and pried as a mirror. And on his shield, he had a griffin gripping a heart in his talons, brought in gold, and fastened it to the shield with golden nails, and garnished with jewels. By the griffin, he gave to understand the great rigor and cruelty of his lady, and that has that heart was pierced by his talons, even so his heart suffered from its mortal desires. He took a strong glance, whose eye was long and bright, and, going before the emperor, besought him to not let his troops begin the attack till he had performed one jost with Amadis, as he had agreed with him, and debate the emperor not to hold him as a knight, if he did not in his first encounter rid him of his enemy. The emperor, who knew Amadis better than he did, because he had proved him, thought within himself that this was more easily concited than performed. So Gaschelion advanced forward, between the armies, who both halted to witness this single encounter between two such knights. Amadis was ready to give him his welcome, he knew him to be a brave knight, yet, because he was so arrogant and vain glorious, cared little for his valor. For when such men, as he are in their greatest need, then God breaks their pride. He turned his horse towards him, uncovered himself with a shield, and giving the spur rode at him with all his force. Gaschelion did the same, driving at full speed. Their lances flew up in shivers, their shields and bodies met with such force, that all the beholders imagined that they would both be dashed to pieces. Gaschelion was driven up from his saddle with such force that, being of huge bulk, and falling upon the hard earth, his right arm broke, and he lay stunned, unlike a dead man. The horse of Amadis had his shoulder broken, and he himself was somewhat stunned. It not so much, but that he had leaped from his horse before the beast fell, and went on foot towards Gaschelion to see whether he was dead. When the Emperor saw Gaschelion lying for dead, and Amadis on foot, he called out to Florian to advance and help the king of Sweden. Don Quadragante, seeing them come on, cried out, attacked them, sir, and leave not a man of them alive. Both sides then hastened to encounter, but Gandalan, who saw his master on foot, and was fearful for his safety, rode the foremost to help him, and, seeing Florian in that front of his battle, encountered him so rudely that Florian fell, and he himself lost his stirrups. But kept his seat, both parties now strode to horse their knights, and Quadragante dismounted four Romans before he broke his lance, and the horse of the first was given by Angriot to Amadis. Meantime, the Romans carried Gaschelion, who was now recovering his senses out of the field. Gavarte of Peryliusville, and Landon, followed the path of Quadragante. These knights were used to such business, and were before the host, but when the two hosts encountered, then was there such a pro that none could understand another, and there might you behold horses without riders, and riders, some slain, others wounded, and trampled underfoot. Florian, who was now host again, decided both to gain honour and revenge to the death of Salustan Kido, his kinsman, made it Angriot, whom he saw doing great deeds in arms, and struck him in the sight so rudely, that he well knight dismounted him, the blow broke his lance, then drew he his sword, and dealt a blow to Enil, which made the fire flash from his helmet, and rode on between them, so that neither could strike him in requital, and they wandered at his courage and great prowess, and before he joined his own people, he met a knight of Ireland, one of the servants of Don Cordergante, and cut him on the shoulders, to the flesh and bone, so that he was constrained to quit the field. At this time, Amades, taking him with Balais of Karsanthi and Gandalin, attacked the flank of the Romans as fiercely as he could, being enraged to see how they defended themselves. His companions followed the path he made, and he smoothed such strokes with his sword, that the enemies were astonished and dismayed, and gave way before him, and strode to run the back behind their fellows, like a flock of sheep when they are set upon by the wolves. As he was thus making his way into the opposition, a bastard brother of Queen Saddamira, by name Flaminino, who was a good knight, advanced to meet him, and pierced his shield with a brave encounter, but then his lance failed him. Amades thought to strike him on the helmet as he passed, but he went by so fast, that the blow fell upon the horse behind the saddle, and cut away the greater part of his body, and of his bowels, so that Flaminino fell with such violence, that he thought his shoulders were burst under. Meantime, Don Quadro-Ganti, and they who were in his company, pressed so closely upon the enemies, that they would have destroyed them all, if Archicill had not come up with a second division. At his coming, they took courage, and such a shock was given, that more than a thousand of the two sides were dismounted. Archicill himself encountered Landon, the nephew of Quadro-Ganti, and both were driven to ground. Florian, who with fifty knights had succoured Flaminino, and remounted him, now saw Archicill engaged a foot with Landon, and cried out, Knights of Rome, help your leader! He himself, with more than five hundred knights, rode to his succour, and Landon would surely then have been slain, and had not been for Angriot, and Enil, and Gavate of Perylius Valley, who called upon Quadro-Ganti to support them, without delay, and bested themselves so bravely, that it was marvellous to behold their prowess. On the other part, Flaminino, who was again on horseback, collected a company, and came to support his friends. The battle then waxed out, and so many knights were slain, and beaten down, that the field was covered with dead and wounded. But the Romans were so numerous, that Mogre all their enemies could do, they rescued Archicill, and got him to horse, and Quadro-Ganti and his knights, did the same by Landon, for there were horses now at hand, who had no riders. This while Amades was doing wonders, and so well, Adi now made himself known, that the Romans, whenever he appeared, gave way. Great need was there for such prowess, for the enemies were so many, that had it not been for the goodness of the knights, they would have added all their own way. But presently Agraes and Ron Bruneu, came up with their division, and as the Romans were now confused, they broke them and divided them, so that they would have had no remedy. If the emperor himself had not now advanced with the 5000 knights, this occur was so powerful, that they had presently recovered the ground which they had lost. The emperor himself, armed as he had heard, led the way on a huge horse, being himself of great stature, and marvellously well did he appear, and was greatly admired. Balais of Carcante was the first whom he found before him. He struck a shield so rudely, that the lance broke. Their horses encountered, the empress was fresh. But that of Balais, could not stand the shock, and fell at his master with him, who was sorely bruised with the fall. At this success, the emperor was greatly elated. He drew his sword and shouted out, Rome, Rome, are them knights. Let not a man escape, and he thrust forward into the press, dealing about his blows like a good knight. As he was thus making his great havoc, he met with Don Quatergante, who on his part was laying about him, sword in hand. They seeing each other, both raised their swords, and gave such strokes on each other's helmets, that fire flashed from them. But as Don Quatergante was the stronger, and the emperor lost his stirrups with that blow, and was constrained to hold round his horses' neck, and was for a while astounded, it was so chanced at Constantio, a young knight and a good, who was breathed the bondage of the rock, was hard at hand, and seeing his lord the emperor in this plight, he pricked forward, and made it Quatergante with an overall thrust of his lance, which pierced the shield, and wounded him a little in the arm. Quatergante turned to strike him, and in the moment the emperor had time to shelter himself among his own knights. But Constantio, tearing their no longer, rode away toward the part where Amades fought, and when he saw the havoc he made, that not a man could stand before him, it was so astonished that he verily thought, it was some devil come there to destroy them. While he was looking at him, a good knight, who governed the principality of Calabria for Salistan Kedio, came forward, and struck the house of Amades in the neck. Amades, in require, and gave it to him on the helmet and head, through helmet and head. At this Constantio was greatly grieved for the loss of so good a knight, and he cried out to Florian, here, here, may more kill this man, for this is he who destroys us without mercy. Both he and Florian, then rode up to him together, and laid on him with their swords. It was Constantio whom Amades struck in return. The sword came upon the rim of his raised shield and split it, and went through upon the helmet with such weight that Constantio fell stunned. More than twenty knights, who were appointed to look to Florian, now joined, and all at once assailed Amades, but they could not move him from his horse, and everyone was afraid to come too near him, who had no need ever to make a second blow. How great the Romans were so many, that elsewhere they had somewhat the advantage, that killed the horses of Agraes, and on Bruneo, and Agriot, and surrounded the knights. Lassindo and Candelin, and Gavarte, and Branfil, came to their succour, but the multitude was so great, that though with great danger, that had beaten down and slain many knights, they could not force their way to them. At this time, Grassendor, and on Floristan, came up. Oh, Sir Floristan, cried Lassindo, for your friends are lost, come on then, replied Floristan, and let us attack those who will not die by us, then spored in hand, he cut his way, and those are the knights with him, to the place where their friends were so hardly beset, who can tell the feats which were performed in that succour, but set as what those knights had wrought, being on foot, and so few, and surrounded by so many enemies, cannot be told, they could they even then have been in great danger, if Hamadis had not heard the outcry, he had now beaten down six of twenty who assailed him, and the rest had retired and left him at liberty, so he rode toward the press, and knowing his friends by their arms, called out to his people, and followed by more than four hundred knights, rode up to them, and at the same time, Florian, and Archicel, and Constantio, came up with the greatest body, that they could recollect, and there began the fiercest and most perilous battle, that ever man beheld, then might you have seen Hamadis do such wonders, as it was never before seen or heard, that living man could perform, that both friends and enemies marveled to behold him, and such an uproar arose then, that the emperor, and the greatest part of their army, repaired Tithur, a crossbowman rode to Don Quadraganti, who was in another part of the field, and told him what was going on, and he took with him a thousand knights from his division, saying, No, sirs, show your worth and follow me, for your succor is needed, and away they went, he led the way, so Tithur was surprised that he could scarcely get at his enemies, but he wheeled around and attacked them in flank, with such an encounter, that more than two hundred knights were overthrown down to the ground, and I assure you, that they whom he reached with a full stroke are never need of a surgeon, at that hour Archicel and Florian and Flaminio, and many others of their comrades, did so well that no knights could do better, striving all they could to slay down Agraeus and those knights, who were dismounted, but Floristan and other knights, who had forced their way to them, never gave back, how hardly so ever they were pressed, and now are the Romans so sharply set on by Don Quadraganti, and by Amades on other side, who saw the feats of Quadraganti, and so bastured himself, that he left not a man in the saddle whom he could reach, and also we don't gander less, who had come up with eight hundred knights, that they began to give around. The emperor, who from the time he had received that blow from Quadraganti, had employed himself more in directing his troops than in fighting, called out to rally them, but with little effect, for now Agraeus and Agriot and Don Prunio, after so much peril and so hard contest, got to horse at last, and prickled forward into the press, and drove back the Romans, still they had retired to the division of King Arban of North Pales, about the hour of sunset, he made way for their retreat to protect them, but he did not advance to battle, because the lateness of the evening, and because King Lisvate had forbidden him, for many of the other army, had not as yet taken part in the battle, they on their part ceased from pursuit, and thus that they ended with great loss to both parties, although the Romans suffered most, the field was in possession of Hamadis, who had all his wounded men removed, and his people spoiled their enemies, but many of the wounded Romans perished for want of help, when the armies had thus withdrawn, the religious men of two hosts, went out to help the souls of those who were in need, and when they beheld the great destruction, that had been made, and heard the cries of the wounded crying for pity and help, they all agreed that it would be for God's service to make a truce, that the wounded might have help and the slain be buried, so they spoke to King Lisvate, and to the emperor, and also with King Perion, and the truce was made for the following day, when morning came many went to the field to seek their kinsmen and friends and masters, and then might you have beheld such lamentations on all sides, as were pitiful to hear, and how much more to see, the wounded were all carried into the emperor's camp, and the dead were buried, so that the field remained clear, that the whole day the knights passed in the refitting their arms, and looking to their horses, the wounded Don Quadragante's arm was dressed, and though it was such that if a knight not so good as he had received it, he would not have borne arms nor encountered danger till it was healed, yet he would not be hindered from helping his comrades in the following battle. On the following day the rows had dawned at the trumpet's sound and heard mass, and put themselves in RA, and it was determined on both sides, that they who had not fought in the former battle should take the lead in this. King Perion gave the friend to his nephew Don Breon of Monjusty, he himself and Gastelus supported him with the banner of the Emperor of Constantinople, and then came the other divisions, so arranged that they would have borne least part of yesterday's battle, should be given to the king, and the king was very proud of it, and he was very proud of it, and he was very proud of it, and he was very proud of it, and he was very proud of it, and he was very proud of it, and the Emperor of Constantinople, that he who had not fought in the former battle should now bear the brunt of this. When the Ten armies drew nigh, the trumpet sounded, and the horse of Don Breon and King Arban encountered with such a shock, that more than 500 knights were thrown, and their horses ran loose over the field. Don Breon and King Arban met, they break their lances, and then fell to with their swords, as men who well knew their business. year, and made great havoc among their foes, and whilst they would have made it, had it not been for Filinio, a kinsman of Don Brienne, who, collecting a body of Spanish knights, charged so hotly in that part, where they fought that Mowgrey all their efforts, they made them give back, and then the Tamil became so great that King Arban and Don Brienne were separated by the throng. Each of those knights then did its best, but the Spaniards being more in number and better host, had soon so greatly the advantage that their enemies would all have been cut off if King Lissuate and King Sildadan had not advanced to help them, their coming retrieved the laws, King Perion, who saw the wrath with which Lissuate advanced, then said to Gastilis, Now my good sir, let us go on, and let us always look to the standard, and then they made their own set, King Lissuate received them like a man whose heart never failed, you may believe that without doubt, there was no knight in this time, who more bravely adventured this person whenever his honour was concerned, as you have seen throughout the great history. Who can tell the feats of Chevalry that were now wrought, when so many were engaged together, set as it would be impossible for anyone who would speak the truth, for so many good knights were now slain and wounded, that the horses could not set foot to ground without trampling on them, King Lissuate, like a man who esteemed his life as nothing, thrust so bravely among his enemies that there was casually any man who would dare abide him, King Perion in another part, as he was doing wonders, encoded King Sildadan, but they because they knew each other, were not engaged, but passed on, each fearing down his opponents. So great was the uproar that the emperor thought his friends were in danger, and gave orders to his troops to make their attack, upon that all the reminder of the army came up, at the same time the rest of King Perion's army advanced, and then whole of the both hosts were engaged, and now where they also intermingled, that no one could attend to his leader, they were so thronged that there was no room to strike, not even with sword, but by the force of hand they plucked their enemies down, and in that affray they who were trampled to death under the horses feet, were more in number than they who were perished by the sword, their prore and the noise were so great, as well as voices of the den of arms, that all the valleys of the mountain rung, and it seemed as if the whole world were there assembled in arms, and of truth you may believe, not that the whole world, but the most part, and the flower of Christendom was there, which that day suffered a great loss, that it did not for long time recover therefrom. This should be a warning to all Christian princes, to take heed how for their errors they make the innocent perish thus. For pre-adventure, because of their innocence, they who are sane go to a happy place, and a worse and more perilous death reminds for those who cause the destruction, though at the time they escape. Agraes, who all he was seeking king Lizvati, now saw that he had just broke his lands in overthrowing Dragonis, whom he was about to strike with the sword. Upon this Agraes cries out, At me, at me king Lizvati, for I am the man who most hid thee. The king turned and seeing him, they made it each other with such fury, that they met too closely to strike. Agraes then let his sword hung by the chain, and grappled with them. Now, as you have heard here to fore, Agraes was the most impetuous knight, and of the best heart of any that lived in his time. And if his strength had been equal to his courage, there would not have been a better knight in the world, and as it was he was one of the good men. So they grappled, then unstruggled each to throw the other, and Agraes would have found himself in danger, for the king was of greater stature and strength than he, if king Perion had not come up, and with him Florestan and Landon and Anil and many other knights. They came to help Agraes, and on the other side, Dongilion and Norandal and Brandonius, and Geontas, who always kept a watchful eye upon the king. Sword and hand, they all came up, for their lances had long been broken, both parties striving to succour their friends, but the king and Agraes grappled so closely, that they could not separate them, neither could the one overthrow the other, for both were upheld by their comrades, as the press of the battle was now round about them. The uproar brought thither many knights on both sides, among others Donguadragante came up, and seeing what it was, he forced his way through. He could not strike at the king, lest the blow should wound Agraes, but he laid hold on him, and plucked so smartly, that he had well now overthrown both, and though the knights of Lisuat laid on him a heavy load of blows, yet would he not lose his hold. At this time king Arban came up, who till now had been with the emperor, and seeing the king's danger, he was greatly dismayed, but he thrust forward, and seized Quadragante forcibly in his arms, and thus they were all four entangled, and round about the king Perion, and his knights and Normandel and Rangilion, and their comrades all fiercely battling. While they were in the stumble, the emperor and king Sildadan came up with three thousand knights, and Galtinas and Grazondor, with great company on the other side. All these came on with such force, and the press became so great, that they who were struggling, and clasped together, were feigned to release each other, and all four remounted on horseback, though so exhausted that they could scarcely keep their seats. But now so great a multitude thronged the sucker of the king Lisuate, that the day would have been lost, if it had not been for the great worth of king Perion, and on Quadragante, and on Florestan, and the knights with them, who valiantly bore the brunt of the assault. At this time, Amades came from the right wing of the battle, where he had slain Constantio with one blow, and broken the enemy. His war was bloody up to the hilt, and he rode a fresh horse, which he had just taken from one of the pages. Count Galtinas, and Gandalan, and Trio, came with them, and when he saw so many attacking his father, and the emperor pushing on like a man, who thought the day he would soon. He spurred his oars, and made so fierce an assault, that it was marvellous to behold him. Florestan knew his arms, and being fearful that if he encountered the emperor, all his people would not be able to save him. Thrust forward, adventuring his own self to save his masters. Don Florestan placed himself by the side of Amades, and seeing Florestan encountered him with such blows, that he beat him from his horse, and what with a wound and with a crowd would rampled on him. Amades, meantime, had set his eyes upon the emperor, and his heart upon killing him. He made it him through the throng, and Mogre all resistance forced his way to him, and dealt him a blow that made him drop his sword, and reel in that saddle. Before he fell, Amades drew down the sword a second time. It came upon the shoulder, and cut through the armor, and flesh, and bone, slicing down, so that the whole quarter hung loose, and the emperor fell and was dead presently. When the Romans saw their emperor slain, they set up such a cry, that all who heard turned hither, and among the rest, Archisel and Flaminio, came up with many other knights, and visit Amades and Florestan, but then Count Galdinus, and Gandalin, and Trion called out to Don Brunio and Agriot to join them, and they five made their way to their soccer king Perion meantime, and Agraes and Quadragante were engaged against King Lissuati and King Sildedan, and then was the hottest fight that had been seen that day, and the greatest slaughter, but now Don Brion of Monjusty and Don Gondales, who had collected about 600 horses, made Sophia's a charge in the part where Amades was fighting, that the enemy's preforce were driven back. At the great outcries which were then heard, King Urban turned his head, and seeing how the Romans were losing the field, he said to Lissuati, Retire, sir, or you are lost. When the king heard this, he looked around and saw that it was true. He then bait King Sildedan, help him to withdraw his men in good order, that they may not be destroyed, and thus they retreated, still facing their enemies, and making his head against them, till they had fallen back as far as the Romans, and then they all halted, and stood their ground for Norandal, and Don Gileon, and Sandal of Gannato, and Ladasin, and many other knights, went to assist the Romans, they being the weakest. But all was in vain, for the battle was lost. Amades now saw that Lissuati had utterly lost the day, and that if he pursued his victory, it would be no longer in the power to save the king, nor his own good friends, who were on that side. But above all, he remembered that he was the father of Oriana, and called to mind the favours which he, at his lineage, had once received at his hands, and he knew that forbearance now would be to his glory, and attributed to exceeding virtue, not to lack of strength, for Romans were carrying their emperor from the field with great lamentations, and scattered in confusion. The knight was now at hand, and he resolved, though with danger of some shame, to try if he could now serve as Lady. So taking with him Count Galdinus, he rode between the two armies with great peril, for his own people, now knowing their advantage, pressed so upon the foe, that none except Lissuati and Sildredan, and the best knights, could now make any difference. They rode up to King Perion, and Amades said to him, Sir, knight comes on so fast, that we shall soon not be able to distinguish one another, and if the battle be continued, there is a danger lest we slay our friends, as well as our enemies. We had better call back the troops, and the enemies have received such a loss, that I believe they will not dare abide us on the morrow. The king, who was grieved in his heart, to see so many perish, who had no fault replied, let it be, son, as you have said, that there be no further slaughter. God, who knows all things, sees that before bear for his sake, for they are all at our mercy, Agraes, whom Amades did not see, was near King Perion, and heard all that was said. How, Sir Cousin, Kothi, now that you have conquered your enemies, and are now at the point of becoming the most honourable prince in the world, would you stay and spare them now, Amades replied. Sir Cousin, I would spare our own people, lest in darkness they should slay one another, as for the enemy, I hold them as conquered, for they can make no defence. But Agraes, who well knew what was his intention, exclaimed, Since you will not conquer, you ought not to command, and you deserve always to be an errant knight, since at such time you suffer compassion to overcome you. But do as you please, then King Perion on one side, with Don Quadragante, who was nothing sorry for the resolution, because of King Childadan, with whom he was so nearly connected, and now he loved so well, and Amades and Gastilis on the other side, began to recall the troops, which they did with little difficulty, for it was now night. King Lizzuate, who had no hope of recovering the field, and was resolved to die rather than be conquered, was greatly astonished to see these knights withdraw their troops, and well knew that it was not done without some great cause, and he stood still to see what would come of it. Now when King Childadan beheld what the enemies were about, he said to Lizzuate, I believe these people do not pursue us, that they may do us honour, since it is so, let us secure our retreat, and go to rest for it is time. This accordingly they did, for King Arbent of North Wales, and Don Gwail and the Pencil, and Archicel and Flaminio, brought off the Romans, and thus then this great battle ended, as you have heard. Now because the beginning of all this great history was honoured upon the love of King Perion on Queen Ellicena, by whom this knight Amethyst was begotten, from whose love for his lady Orianna, all this great outcry had proceeded, although it may appear somewhat from the purpose, it reasonable it is, that for this reason, and for the excuse of those who love like him, it should be said now the strength of love is above the strength of all other things. Seeing that it is such an affair as this, so famous in all the world, where so many nations were assembled, and there was so great slaughter, and the honour of victory was so great, love at such power, above anger, and rage, and pride, and old hatred, that this knight forewent the glory of the greatest victory in the world, whereby his enemies were saved, as you have heard. The destruction of King Lysuarty and all his people was then in the hands of Amethyst, but it is not reasonable that this should be attributed to any other than that lord who is the helper of all things, and we may well believe that it was permitted by him for the sake of the great peace, and conquered, which ensured after this great enmity, as you shall hear. The armies being thus separated, and having retired to their camps, truce was made for two days, because the dead were so many. What trouble there was in burying them, and what mourning was made, I may be excused from letting, because the death of the emperor made all other losses be, as it were, forgotten, and because it would be tedious. End of chapter 30, read by lambda. Book 4 chapters 31 to 33 of Amethyst of Goal. This is a LibriVox recording. All LibriVox recordings are in the public domain. For more information or to volunteer, please visit LibriVox.org, recording by Anna Simon. Amethyst of Goal by Vasco de LaBea, translated by Robert Southy. Book 4 chapter 31. How King Lysvarty sent the body of the emperor of Rome to a monastery, and how he spake with the Romans. When King Lysvarty came to his tent, he besword King Kil-Dadan to a light and disarmed there, that before they rested they might give order respecting the body of the emperor. Then, wary and bruised as they were, they went to the tent where the emperor lay dead, and found his knights making dull over him. For albeit he was so proud, yet was he so liberal of his gifts and favour, that that covered many of his faults. The two kings then besword all these knights to go rest themselves, saying that they would see the body disposed of as it ought, and then they gave orders to the officers of his household to prepare the body that it might be carried a day's journey to a monastery near the town of Lubaina. From whence it may be removed at leisure to the chapel of the emperor at Rome. They then returned to the tent, and then they supped, and it seemed with a cheerful countenance. But there was one who was troubled in his spirit, and that was King Lysvarty. For by the great advantage the enemies had gotten in the two former battles, he knew that when the truce expired there was no hope for him, but either he must be dishonoured and vanquished, or what he was more certain of, slain. On the morrow the emperor and Florian were carried to the monastery, and Lysvarty and King Kildaran went to the emperor's tent, and called together Arcusil and Flaminio, and the chief knights among the Romans, and said to them, My good friends, God only can tell the grief I feel for this loss, and the desire I have to revenge it, but the past is without remedy, and we must show that the death of a prince is not the destruction of all his people. If all others should forsake me, I will not depart from this place, except either conquer or dead. Do ye therefore call to mind what you are, and we may yet recover what advantage we have lost to our great glory? To this Arcusil, who was now the chief in rank, as well as courage, being next in succession to the emperor, replied, It is notorious to all the world what signal things the Romans have achieved, being among other nations, like the morning star among other stars. Since we are of so great a nation, do not you King Lysvarty, believe, but that we will fearlessly follow the example of our forefathers, and therefore, for myself and for these chiefs, I offer, when this truce is at an end, to take the front of the battle, and to resist the enemy, even with more heart and courage than if our lord the emperor were present. Greatly were they all contented with this brave speech of Arcusil. King Lysvarty then said to Kildadan, Good sir, since we have found such resolution in the Romans which I did not expect, and since they have now so good a knight as Arcusil to lead them, we also should lay aside all fear, and take this chance as we ought. For myself, I tell you, that after the truce, there shall be nothing but battle, and if God does not give me victory, I do not wish him to give me life, for death would be more desirable. Now, though King Kildadan was always grieved at heart to think that he was tributary to King Lysvarty, yet being so good a knight, and regarding his oath and promise more than his own will and pleasure, he replied, I am rejoiced, sir, by what the Romans say, and still more at beholding your resolution, for things like these are the touchstones by which virtue is proved. For myself, be assured that living or dead, where you are, there shall my body be found also. From that hour King Lysvarty resolved, let his fortune be what it might, to release Kildadan from his vassalage for that good will which he manifested to die in his defence. Chapter 32 How, when the Holy Hermit Nosciano knew of this great quarrel between the kings, he said about making peace. Nosciano, the holy man who had brought up Asplandian, heard of the great discord between the kings, and what danger they were in, whether by a special revelation of God or by rumour that reached him is not known, for the Hermitage wherein he had dwelled forty years was in so remote a part of the forest that scarcely ever traveller passed that way. He, being sick, besought God to give him strength that he might go to the firm island to obtain Oriana's consent without which it could not be done, that he might reveal the secret of her love to Amades, which he might safely do, she being not in her father's power, and whereby he trusted to bring about peace. So being somewhat recovered, though still very weak and infirm, he mounted his ass and took with him two men of the village where his sister dwelled, and with much labour, and slow travelling arrived at the firm island, when King Perion and the army had left it to give battle, where it was greatly grieved. Being arrived he sent word to Oriana of his coming, at which she greatly rejoiced, being desirous, to consult with him respecting her conscience, and she sent the damsel of Denmark to bring him to her. So soon as he came within the doors, she fell upon her knees before him, and wept bitterly, and said, Oh holy man, give your blessing to the unhappy and sinful woman, who, for her own misfortune and the mischief of so many others, was born into this world. The tears came into the hermit's eyes, and he raised his hands and blessed her, saying, That God, who is the helper of all and Almighty, bless you and remedy all your troubles. He then took her by the hand, and raised her up, and said, My good lady and dear daughter, I am come hither with much toil to speak with you, and when you are so pleased, hear me, for I cannot tarry, neither is it befitting my habit and manner of life. Oriana, who could not answer him for sobs, then led him to her chamber, and gave order that they should be left alone. When the hermit saw he could speak safely, he said, My good lady, I have heard all this news in my hermitage, and have therefore taken this journey, because I knew the secret of your conscience, and the great danger of your person and fame, if the marriage which the king your father designed should take place. Now, my dear daughter, having learned this from you in confession, I am not at liberty to apply the remedy to all this evil, but it is now a greater sin to keep it silent than to reveal it. I therefore come, my beloved daughter, that he may be persuaded that your father should be informed of what has passed, and how he cannot lawfully give you any other husband than the one you already have. For while he thinks he may justly dispose of you in marriage, he will persist in his determination to the great destruction of so many, and at last it will be discovered, for the gospel saith, that all hidden things shall be made known. Oriana, who had now somewhat recovered, took his hands and forcibly kissed them oftentimes, and said, O holy man and servant of God, I commit my cares to you, that you may do what is most for the good of my soul and the service of God, and I beseech him to direct you, not as I, sinner as I am, have deserved, but as he in his infinite goodness, hath oftentimes been pleased to deal with those who, like me, with their whole hearts implore his mercy. Put your trust in him, replied the good man, and I must without delay depart, for great evil might arise if I made any tarians. God be with you, said Oriana, I beseech you if you return here, bring with you the child who is indebted to you under God for his life. The holy man then took his leave, but so infirm was he, that not being able to travel in any other manner than upon his ass, he did not arrive at the camp of King Lizwater, till these two battles had been fought, and they were employed in burying the dead. This sight greatly troubled him, and he besought God to prosper him, that he might be the means of ending this destructive quarrel, and without any delay he rode straight to the king's tent, and there alighted from his ass and went in. When the king saw him, he knew him immediately, and marveled at his coming, for he thought that by reason of his great age he could not go from his hermitage, and he presently judged that so holy a man was not come without great cause, and he went to meet him, and fell upon his knees before him, and said, Father Naskiano, my friend, and the servant of God, give me your blessing. The hermit raised his hands, and said, that God whom I and all are bound to revere, protect you, and give you such understanding, that your soul may one day enjoy the glory and repose for which it was created, if by your own fold it be not lost. He then gave him his blessing, and raised him up, and knelt in his turn to kiss his hand, but Lizwater embraced him. The king then gave orders that food should be brought him, and after he had eaten he led the holy man into a recess of the tent, and asked him the cause of his coming, saying that he marveled how so reclusive man, and one of so great age, should have traveled so far from his habitation. The hermit made answer, Sir to Sir, according to my years, and condition, and inclination, I am now only fit to go from myself to the altar, but it behoves all those who would serve our Lord Jesus Christ, and would follow his example, for no trouble or toil to turn aside. I learned, Sir, in my hermitage, of this cruel war, and that the cause thereof was, that you are resolved to give your daughter in marriage to the Emperor of Rome. Now this I knew could not be done, not for the reason which the chiefs and people of your realm with good cause assigned, because she is your lawful inheritorics, which ought in conscience to have prevailed. But for another cause, which is unknown to you and all your people, and which, according to all laws, divine and human, makes it impossible, which is that your daughter is already jointed in marriage to the husband whom it had pleased our Lord Christ to appoint for his service. When the king heard this, he thought either that the good man's senses were impaired by his great age, or else that someone had deceived him with false tales, and he replied, Naziano, my good friend, my daughter Oriana, neither now has, nor ever has had, any other husband than that Emperor to whom I gave her, and God is my witness that I did not that for the sake of disinheriting her to give my kingdom to my other daughter, as some have supposed, but in order by this alliance with the Roman Empire to increase his holy Catholic faith. If I had foreseen the great evils which have occurred, I would gladly have changed my purpose. But as my designs were just and good, I cannot think that what has ensued can be imputed to my account. The good man replied, I told you, sir, that the cause was unknown to you, but I knew it. On that day, sir, when by your command I brought Child Esplendium to your tent in the forest, the Queen and Oriana spake with me concerning the state of their conscience, and then I learned from your daughter Oriana that when Amadeus of Gaul delivered her from Archelaus in the four nights who were carrying her away, that day when you were decoyed away by the damsel, and in danger of losing your kingdom and your life, unless you had been helped by Galor, she then, in recompense for the service which had done her, and still more for what his brother had done for you, promised marriage to that noble knight who was the flower and mirror of old chivalry, and from this marriage it has pleased God that Esplendium should be born, whom he has thought fits so to distinguish above all others that live. You know, sir, better than I, what the wise Urgana the unknown said concerning him, and now I would see if the great wisdom wherewith God has endowed you be well bestowed, and the great power wherewith he has entrusted you, for since he hath done for you so much more than you deserve, you ought not to think much of following what his holy destinies point out. When the King heard this he was greatly astonished and said, O Father Naciano, is it true that my daughter is married to Amadeus? He replied, it is certainly true that he is the husband of your daughter, and that Child Esplendium is your grandson. Holy Mary, what the King, how ill-done was it to keep this secret from me so long, if I had known or guessed it so many would not have been slain for no fault of their own. My good friend, I wish you had informed me in time to have prevented this evil. That, sir, could not be, replied the holy man, for what is revealed in confession must never be divulged, and it is with the consent of the princes that I come. I trust in God that if the present be remedied, as it may, he will with little penitence forgive the past in which the action has been worse than the will. King Lyswater made no answer. He said musing upon the great worth of Amadeus and the services he had received from him, and he thought also upon his love to Galaur and above all to Esplendium, and what Urgan had prophesied. At length he said, Father Naziano, the friend of God, subject as my heart has been to pride, and though I had resolved either to receive death or to inflict it, your holy words have such virtue that they have prevailed, and if peace be not now broad about, you shall witness before God that the fault is not mine. Do you therefore speak with Amadeus without letting him know my intention and learn what he would have done in this case, and let us see how all can be settled to the advantage and honour of both parties? Naziano, weeping for pure joy, knelt before him and exclaimed, O fortunate King, may he who came to save us thank you for this. I have not power to do it. So he prepared to depart without delay, that all might be settled before the truce expired. But as he was going forth from the tent, Esplendium and Sargel came in, whom Queen Bresena had sent to learn tidings of the King her Lord. When the good man saw how he was grown, and that he was almost approaching to the stature of manhood, who can tell the joy and delight that he felt. Certus it is impossible to express it, and being as he was with the King, he went towards him as fast as he could to embrace him. Esplendium, though he had not for a long time seen him, knew him immediately, and knelt down to kiss his hand, and the old man embraced him and kissed him many times with exceeding joy, saying, O my dear son, blessed be the hour wherein thou art born, and blessed and praised be the Lord, who by such miracle preserved thy life, and hath made thee what I now behold. All day who beheld the exceeding love which the good man manifested were greatly moved. But he who felt the most, though he did not show the pleasure which he felt, was King Lizwater. For well as he had loved the child here to fall for his beauty and the hope there was of him, that love was without the knowledge that he was in very truth his grandson, and such force had this love that all the hatred and enmity which he had so long harboured gave way, and his old feelings towards Amadeus returned, such as they were when Amadeus was most in his favour. And now he knew that what Urganda had said was true, how that child should bring about peace between him and Amadeus. The child now knelt to the King and gave him a letter from Queen Bresina in which he besought him to make peace if it could be done to his honour. The good man then said, Sir, it would be a great comfort to me if you would permit as Plandian to go with me, that I may have leisure to look at him and talk with him. Let him go, replied the King, and I charge him not to leave you till it be your pleasure. For this the good man thanked the King much, and he said, My good and happy son, come with me since the King commands it. The child replied, Good sir and my true father, I am well pleased to go with you, for I have long desired to see you. So he went out from the tent and mounted his ass, and as Plandian and Sargil rode each his pal free, and with his company the good man proceeded to the other camp and rode directly to the tent of Amadeus. Amadeus, for he had never seen him, knew him not, and could not divine for what so old and firm a man should come thither. And he knew as Plandian as little, for though he had spared the Roman knights at his entreaty, yet had he then seen him for so short a time they had forgotten him. But so fair with the child that he could scarce believe such beauty could be in a mortal man. But Don Quaragantan knew him, and went up to him, saying, I must embrace you, my good friend. Don Brian of Monchasta and I gave the Greek knight your bidding. Then he turned to Amadeus. This, sir, is fair child as Plandian. When Amadeus heard that name, whether or no he was pleased, need not be said, for he was so overpowered with joy that he could hardly answer, and did not recollect himself, and if any one had looked at him they would have seen his agitation. But there was none who suspected the truth, for they all believed that only Urganda knew the father of the child. Then Amadeus would have embraced him, while Don Quaragantan was still holding him by the hand, but child as Plandian said, Good sir, do honour first to the holy man Nazgiano who has come to seek you. When the knights heard that this was Nazgiano, the fame of whose holiness and rigorous life was spread abroad in all parts, they all humbly drew nigh, and knelt before him and asked his blessing. The hermit then said, I beseech my Lord Jesus Christ, if the blessing of such a sinner as I am can be of any avail, that it may abate the pride and anger of your hearts, and give you such understanding that forgetting the vain things of this world you may follow the true things of the true one. And then he lifted up his hands and blessed them. Amadeus then embraced as Plandian, who made a basins and reverence, not as to his father, but as to the best knight in the world, whom he had long desired to see, and from whom he could now hardly take off his eyes. Amadeus, seeing how earnestly the child looked at him, suspected that he knew something of the truth, but the good hermit, beholding them both how fair they were, as they were thus embracing, he was as happy as if he had been in paradise, and in his heart he prayed to God for them, and besought him that for his service he would be pleased to enable him to make peace between these knights, who were the flower of the world. He then said to Don Quaragante, Sir, I have something to say to Amadeus, while I speak with him, be pleased to take with you this child, since you better than any other of these knights know him. He then took Amadeus by the hand, and when they were sufficiently retired he said, my son, before I opened to you the principal cause of my coming, I would have you call to mind how much more than all other living men you ought to be thankful to the Lord our God, for at the hour of your birth you were shut up in an ark and cast into the sea, and the redeemer of the world had pity on you. He hath made you the fairest knight in the world, and the strongest and most well-beloved, and seeing that he hath done so much for you, what ought not you to do for him? I am come hither, son, with great toil and pain, to see if I can bring about peace, and having spoken with King Lizorta, and found him disposed to obey God, as every good king who is the servant of God should do. I would now, my good Sir, learn whether you have most regard to him who created you, or to the vain glory of the world. You may speak to me without reserve, for I have been to the firm island, and have undertaken this charge with the permission of the Princess Oriana, the secret of whose heart I have learned in confession. Amadeus well believed that this was true, because this was a holy man who would not speak an untruth. He made answer, Friend of God, and Holy Hermit, I should be the most fortunate knight that ever lived, if I could discharge what I owe to our Lord Christ for the benefits were with, he has favoured me. But I am a sinful man who every day offend him, and right glad shall I be if, by your coming, I may be taught how to make atonement for the past. O my fortunate son, exclaimed the good man, how have you comforted my heart that was so disconsolate at beholding so great destruction, that Lord who is to save you, give you the recompense which I cannot. Now without fear I will tell you what I have already done. Then he told him how, by Oriana's consent, he had revealed the secret to King Lizorta, and with what patience the King had learned it, and since by God's help they were in this state, he besought him to devise how, by his marriage with the princes, peace might be established. At this, the heart and all the flesh of Amadeus trembled for exceeding joy, to think that, by the consent of his Lady Oriana, the secret of their love was now made known. My good sir, he replied, if King Lizorta is in this disposition, and will accept me to be his son, I will acknowledge him for my Lord and Father, and serve him in whatsoever shall be to his honour. How then, quoth the hermit, shall I proceed to bring this about before there be Father mischief? Amadeus made answer. May things ye should speak with the King my Father, and tell him wherefore ye are come hither, and request him to incline to peace, if King Lizorta should now a call to what Don Quadagante and Don Brian hid to foredemand it with regard to his daughter Oriana. I trust in his virtue that you will speed with him as you desire. Tell him that you have communed with me, but that I refer everything to his pleasure. The good man incontinently went to the tent of King Perion, taking with him Sargal and Childus Plannion. King Perion, knowing who the good man was, received him with much love, and looking at Usplandion, whom he had never before seen, he marveled to behold so fair a creature, and asked the hermit who he was. The holy man replied, that he was one whom he had bred up, and whom God had given him by great miracle. What, quoth King Perion, is this the child whom the lioness suckled, of whom Organa prophesied such oneness, and wrote to King Lizorta that he should one day bring about peace between him and Amadeus? This is he, said the good man Nazgiano, and if you have reason to love him now, much more will you have when you know more concerning him. Son, said he, kissed the king's hand, but Perion then embraced him, and asked Nazgiano if he knew whose child he was. God's child, the good man replied, though born of mortal man and woman, but it is manifest that God loved him like a child, and it will please him that before long you shall know more concerning him. He then let the king aside, and said, I am come hither, king, being thus aged and infirm as you see me, hoping that the Lord my God will enable me to put an end to this strife. I have spoken with King Lizorta, who, as one who serves God, is well disposed for peace, so it may be concluded to the honour of both parties, and I have spoken with your son Amadeus, who says that he will obey your will, so that now peace or war is at your choice. But all know how greatly you are bound to serve the Lord, who hath so blessed you with all the good things of this life, your kingdom and your wife and your sons, and now will it be seen in what manner you acknowledge his goodness and our desires to serve him. God is my witness, replied the king, that I would willingly have avoided this great discord, but King Lizorta would listen to no reason, thinking that as he had the Emperor of Rome on his part the whole world were to be subject to him, and what hath ensued from this presumption all men now behold, but if he will now show that reason which hitherto hath not shown, I trust that these knights who are on our part will easily follow my inclination, which is to put a stop to this slaughter, and further that you may know for how slight a demand he is thus obstinate, if he would but come to some terms for his daughter Oriana, that would remedy all. My good Lord, replied Nazgiano, God will give this remedy, and I in his place. Do you then speak with your knights, and appoint certain of them who are desires of the common good? King Lizorta will do the same, and I as a soldier of God will be with them to close and repair the breach that has been made. The good man then went away with a joyful heart to the camp of King Lizorta. King Perion then called together his principal knights, and said, noble princes and knights, even as we are bound to expose ourselves to all danger, to defend our honours and estates, and to maintain justice, so are we to lay aside all anger and resentment, and listen to reason when it is proffered to us. The holy servant and friend of God Nazgiano the Hermit has come hitherto say that our enemies are desires of peace, more conformable to good conscience than to points of honour, and he only requires that persons on both sides be appointed to meet and consult together. This I thought right that you should know that your opinion may be taken and followed. At this they were all silent for a while, till Angriotta arose and said, since none else adventures I will speak so. We chose you for your great worth to bear chief in this war, knowing that neither favour nor affection would induce you to swerve from what was right. So also am I assured that whatever you shall determine, there is none here who would gain say, for your single power is sufficient to decide. Howby since you are pleased to ask our judgment I will tell you mine. It would be great folly in us, having so increased our honour, to deny peace when our enemies are desires of it. As Don Quarraganta and Don Brian of Monchasta were deputed before, they should be again appointed, as men whose discretion and virtue will justly decide whether for peace or war. So thus it was determined that these two knights should consult with King Perion and resolve accordingly. Chapter 33. How the holy man Nazgiano returned with the answer of King Perion to King Lizwater, and of what was agreed. The good man Nazgiano returned to King Lizwater and told him how well he had sped, and as the king was now determined no longer to give way to the wicked one, as he had done to the occasion of so great evil, he replied, peace shall not be prevented by my fold as you shall see. Do therefore remain here in my tent, and I will go and speak with those knights who have undergone such danger to support my honour. Chapter 34. Then he went to the tent of King Gasquilan, who lay in his bed still from his encounter with Amades, and there he sent for King Kildadan and the chief of the Romans, and of his own army, and told them what the good man Nazgiano had done, reserving only what related to Amades and his daughter, for that he would not have known as yet. And he besought them to deliver their opinion, in particular the Romans, for the great loss which they had sustained in losing their emperor, bound him to follow their will, even though it were different from his own. King Kildadan, in like manner, requested the Romans to state their opinion, and upon that the good knight Arcusil arose, and said, if my lord the emperor were living, his opinion ought to be followed, because this quarrel was his, but he being dead we may say that what he was bound to do died with him. And we, who are his kinsmen and vassals, are now no more apart, than as we are bound to follow you, King Lisuarte, which we will do while a man of us remains alive. To you, therefore, as the person whom this most nearly concerns, we leave the decision. Much was the king pleased at the speech of this night, which was as prudent as it was courageous. So, returning to his tent, he appointed King Arban of north Wales, and Don Grylan the pensive, to treat on his part. And he said to the hermit, as things are in this state, I hold it advisable that you should return to King Perion, and tell him that I have chosen these nights, and that as there always are delays in such matters it would be well if we both raised our camp, because while we are here, neither can the wounded be well looked to, nor the armies supplied with food for men and beasts. He, therefore, should fall back a day's journey, and I to the town of Lubena, to see that my wounded men be taken care of, and to send off the emperor to his own country. Our mediators will know how to proceed, and you shall be present, and if need be, he and I may see each other, where he may think good. This pleased the hermit well, for though all was not yet settled, he knew the danger would be farther removed, when the armies were farther apart. For though this good man was in orders, and led so strict a life in so remote a part, he had in his time been a right good night in the court of King Lezoate's father, and after of King Falangris, so that, though he was perfect in things divine, he was also well versed in things temporal. Sir, said he to the king, it only remains to point a certain day when your ambassadors shall meet here, which will be midway between the two armies, and by God's blessing I trust they will so agree that you and King Perion may meet. I will go without delay, and send to tell you at what hour to break up your camp. So he went to King Perion, who, with the consent of the two chosen knights, was well content the armies should remove on the morrow. King Lezoate was advised thereof, and in the morning the trumpets were sounded, and the tents raised, and the two armies joyfully separated, each going to the place appointed. All LibriVox recordings are in the public domain. For more information, or to volunteer, please visit LibriVox.org. Armadis of Gaul by Vasco de Luveria. Translated by Robert Saudi. Book 4, Chapter 34. How when King Arbajio knew that armies were separated, he determined to attack King Lezoate. Meantime, King Arbajio, and Barsin and Lord of Sansuena, and Arcalos, the Enchanter, remained in the mountain. They knew by their spies of the two battles that had been fought, and how the camps were so well fortified that they could not be forced at night. And the longer the struggle continued, the more where they rejoiced, being assured that one party would at length be subdued, and as they should win an easy victory, and fully affect their purpose. But now the spies brought tidings that the armies had broken up their camps, and were separating. They knew not for what cost. Arbajio presently concluded that some accord had taken place, and he determined without delay to attack King Lezoate. Rather than Amades, for if the king was slain or taken, Amades would care little concerning Great Britain, and he might obtain possession of it. How by it, he said, it would be best to attack them by night, when they were utterly unprepared, and he sent his nephew Esclavore, who was a man's skillful in war, with ten knights to observe their motions. Accordingly he rode as privilly as he could, along the mountain, watching their march in the plain. Now King Lezoate had always been suspicious of this army, though he had no certain knowledge concerning them. But he had heard from some of the country people, that there were troops by the seaside, though he had no leisure to attend to the information, being much too employed. But now he was told that there were horsemen on the mountain who seemed to conceal themselves. Presently the king apprehended, that if they came upon him, he would not escape without battle, the which he greatly feared, seeing how hardly his army has been handled in the two former fights. How by it, having so courageous a heart, he did not delay to apply the fitting remedy. And he called King Seldadan and the other chiefs, and telling them that he had prepared, bait them, hold their troops in readiness, that if need were, they might be found as knights ought to be. They all replied that they were ready to lose their lives in his defense. But some there were, and in particular, Don Grimton and Brandios, who secretly counseled him to advise King Perion, for this army was fresh and numerous, and so greatly were they his enemies, that if they conquered, they would show him no mercy. But the king, who ever regarded his own on more than his life, refused to ask aid of the other army, saying that belag there was no danger, and if there were, they had wanted to base to themselves, as they had done in great perils. He then sent Phil Spinell, with twenty knights to the mountain, to see what they could discover. When he had made his men halt and refreshed themselves, for they had now marched four leagues, and he was desirous that they should not stop again before they reached Lubania, being fearful of an attack by night, and knowing if the men rested a second time, they would desarm and sleep, so that a small force would put them to the road. After they had rested a while and taken food, he gave an order to mount again and proceed. The baggage and the wounded going before, though the greater part of the wounded, had been sent to Lubania during the truce. Phil Spinell went straight to the mountain, and made such search that he soon discovered Esklavor and his company, and reminding himself inside of them, is sent to inform the king how he had seen these knights upon the lookout, and he believed the rest were not far distant. Lissuvarthi therefore quickened his march, that he might be near Lubania if the danger overtook him. For though the town were not strongly fortified, yet he could better defend himself than in the plain, so he was soon at a good distance from the mountains. Esklavor now found that he was discovered and sent to say to his uncle King Arvazio, and to tell him that he had better descend into plain without delay, for King Lissuvarthi having spied them, would not halt till he had found a place to his advantage. When the messenger brought this advice to King Arvazio, his troops were all at rest, that they might be fresh for the attack at night, so that there was great delay while they armed. On the ground which they had chosen for security, because it was rugged and broken, contributed to embarrass them, when they were thus in haste. How wide? They began the pursuit. Just before they had got on from the mountain, King Lissuvarthi was so far on his way, that it was manifest they could not come up with them, till he was very near the town. Our Klaus, who knew the country, told King Arvazio, not to be grieved on the account neither to hurry his army, not to heed them, for he knew the town, and that the king with his small forces would be in greater danger, that than in the field. Meantime, by the will of God, who would not that this evil race should put their crooked purposes into effect, it so befell that the good hermit sent Child Esplandian, and his nephew Sargil, to the king to tell him, that he would be with them in Lubenia, as soon as he could, to give order for the meeting of the four knights. When they came to the camp, the army had already departed, and they followed till they came to the place, where the king had halted, and there they learned that he had advanced in fear, and with greater haste. Upon that, they quickened their peace, but before they came in sight of the king, they saw the army coming down the mountain, and immediately thought it was King Arvazio, for when they were with Queen Brezena, they had heard of a sorrow in the country, and knew that the queen had sent out troops different ways to observe them, but now, beholding how mighty a power was with them, and that King Lizvate's army was few in number, and so varied, Esplandian was greatly grieved to think of this danger, and said to Sargil, Brother, follow me, and do not let us rest till the king besuckered, and with that they turned their reins, and galloped all the reminder of the day and the night also, till at dawn they overtook King Perion, who had retreated only four leagues, and had pitched his camp beside the brook among the fruit trees, and set guard upon the side of the mountain, for he also had learnt of this army by the report of some shepherds. Esplandian went straight to the tent of Hamadis, and found the good man who had just risen, and was preparing to set forth on his way. Good son, cried the hermit, why are you in such haste? I cannot tell you, replied the child, till I have spoken with Hamadis. So he alighted, and went in where Hamadis was asleep, though in his armour, as he had been all night for the defence of the camp. Esplandian awoke him, and said, Oh good sir, if at any time your heart at the desire at great exploits, the hour has now come wherein its worth may be made manifest. For though you have achieved many and perilous exploits, it never was there one so signal as this. Know that the troops who we heard, wherein the mountains with King Arvarju, are advancing as fast as they can against my Lord King Lizzuate. And there so many, and his force is so little, and in so ill-applied, that under God he hath no remedy but in you. Hamadis at this arose instantly, and said, Good child, wait for me here, and if I can prevail, your labour shall not be in vain. Then he went into the tent of King Perion, his father, and telling him these tidings besought his permission to go to the Sucker of King Lizzuate, which would be greatly to his honour, and praise wherever it was known. And he knelt down, and would not rise from his knees till the King had answered him. Son, court King Perion, do as you think good, take such troops as you choose, and lead the way, and I will follow. If we are to have peace with King Lizzuate, this will make it firmer, and if war, it is better that he should be overthrown by us than by any others, who, by adventure, might be worse enemies to us than he is. The trumpets were then sounded, and the whole army being already armed and suspicious of attack, went to horse and arranged themselves in their ranks. King Perion told them what had fallen out, and besought them, laying aside all enmity to King Lizzuate, to march with good will and succour him against the wicked race. They all uprooted of what he said, and declared they were ready to obey him. Amadis then took with him Don Quadraganti, and his brother Don Florestan, and angry oath of his travels, and Gavarte of Peryles Valley, and Gandalin and Anil, and 4000 knights, and also Master Helsibath, who in this war had performed miracles in his office, giving life to many who would not have lived but for the help of God and him. With this company he aced in forward, and King Perion with the rest of the host followed. End of Chapter 34, Chapter 35 Of the battle which King Lizzuate had with King Arvagio and his army, wherein King Lizzuate was conquered, and how he was succoured by Amadis of Gaul, he would never fail to succour those who were in need. King Arvagio might have overtaken Lizzuate if it had not been for the advice of Archelaus, and the knight came on so dark now that they could not see each other, so they continued their march all night. Esclavore and the ten with him, and forty others whom his uncle had sent to strengthen them, being as it were mingled with the rear of King Lizzuate's army. Thus they proceeded till the day dawned, and then they saw that they were near each other, and at a little distance from the town, then King Lizzuate, like a brave prince as he was, halted, and divided his men into two bodies. The one he gave to King Sildredan, and with him were Norandal and King Arban of North Wales, and King Gelen and Sandal of Ganato, and about two thousand knights in the other, Archisel and Flaminio with the Romans, and Geontas and Brandios, and about six thousand knights. If these two divisions had been well armed and their horses fresh, they would not have had much to fear from their enemies, but it was otherwise, for their arms were broken in the former battle, and their horses bent, as well as with their former fatigue as with the present, having now travelled day and night with little respite. King Aravigio had placed Basinyn in the van with two thousand knights, and as soon as it was light enough, the two armies attacked each other with so fierce an encounter, that many were overthrown. Basinyn broke his lance and laid hand to his sword, and dealt his blows around like a brave man, who was in great anger. Norandal, who was among the foremost, met an uncle of Basinyn, who had governed the land during his minority, and smote him so rudely, that the lance went through the shield and the breastplate, and came out between his shoulders, and he fell dead. King Sildradan also, and on Geelen, and King Arban, played their part so well, that the host of Basinyn would have been discomfited if Archilos had not advanced to their succour. Though he had lost half of his right hand by a stroke which Amades had given him, when he was called Beltenebros, he had now by practice learned to use his left as well, and that his coming Basinyn and his company took heart again, and many of King Vizvates knights were slain or badly wounded or overthrown. Great deeds in arms did Archilos then achieve, like one who was valiant and strong, and at that hour you might have seen wonders done by King Sildradan and Norandal, and on Geelen, and central of Canato, for they were the shield and the rampart of the army, but all would have been of no avail, for the enemies were so many and fresh. If King Vizvates, who were in any danger, how great so ever failed to do his duty, had not advanced, he desirous rather to die than fail in his devotee, pricked forward before his men. The first man whom he met was Brother Thothathalumus, the cousin of Dardan, whom flourished in stew by the fountain of the Elms, him he thrust through with his lanes, and his knights in like manner, gave the enemy so hard a charge, as made them give back. The king laid hand to sword, and gave such blows that no man who received one of them full had ever needed a surgeon. In that hour, he was so enraged that having no regard to danger, he thrust himself among the thickest of the enemy. Archilos had before procured information of what arms he wore, that he might know him in the field and do him the worst hurt he could, for this was his custom, and when he saw him advanced thus far before his men, he went to Barsinan and said, your enemy is before you, if you slay him the business is done, do you not see what King Vizvates is doing? Barsinan then took ten knights and crying out to Archilos, now I have a tem, and he or we shall perish. They beset the king on all sides, and beat him from his horse. Now Phyllis Pindil and twenty knights who had gone with them to spy the enemy had promised to keep company in the battle, and he seeing the king fail exclaimed, oh sirs now is the time to die with the king. They forced their way to him, and found the two knights were grappling with them, and who had overthrown themselves on him before he could rise, and that they had forced his sword from him, and thus they assailed Archilos and his men so fiercely, that they made them fall back, but so many of the enemy collected at the call of Archilos, that the king would set as have been slain, if the good knight king Sildedan and Archicel and Norandel and Brandios, but the good company of knights had not come up. Norandel seeing in what danger the king was dismounted, and spitting at those who still held the king, recovered for him his good sword, and placing it in the hand said, more to my house sir, this the king did, but he would not move from then still Brandios had gotten another horse for Norandel, and then they joined their men who fought so well that the enemy began to give way, and Archilos called to one of his knights asking Aravigio why he would suffer me to be slain, when king Aravigio heard this message he replied, I saw that he needed succor, but waited till the enemy should advance further from the town, how by it as he desired said, let us go on. The trumpets then sounded and he advanced with all his people, and with the six knights from the Sagittarius island, he found King Lizavate's men so weary and heated, that he had made his attack safely and with great slaughter, in slaying and beating down all whom they encountered, so that by reason of their prowess, and of the great force which Aravigio brought, Lizavate's troops could no longer sustain the attack, but began to yield the feel like people who were defeated. King Lizavate himself, who saw the day was lost, and that it could no way be recovered, took with him King Sildadan and Norandel and on Galen, and Archicel and certain other the best knights, and stood forward before the rest of the army, whom he ordered to retreat into the town. What shall I say, in this flight and defeat the King exerted himself so to defend his people, that never had his prowess been so manifested since he was made knight, as it was that day, and all those knights that were with him did their devour well. But at length, with great loss, many being slain, many taken, and others wounded, they were driven to the gates of the town, and there, as they crowded to get through, and the enemy pressed upon them in pursuit, a great slaughter was made. King Arband and on Grumadan, with the banner of the king, were both beaten from their horses, and taken there, and so also would King Lizavate have been. If some of his people had not held him fast and dragged him, were forced within the gates, and then the gates were shut, but they who escaped were very few. The enemies fell back, for they within shot at them with bows and arbalists, and they carried with them King Arband of North Wales, and on Grumadan, with Lizavate's banner. Our clause was for putting them without delay to death. But King Aravisio said, let us wait till we have taken King Lizavate, and the rest, and then with your accord and advice of those other chiefs, we will bring them all to justice. He then set a guard upon them to keep them carefully. Thus, as you have heard, was King Lizavate conquered, and the greater part of his army slain or taken, and he and the reminder blocked up in that weak town, where he expected nothing but death. King Aravisio now counseled whether chiefs of his army, how they should proceed. Then there were many opinions, as in usual after such victories, when the success is so good, that the conquerors know not how to make good, better. Some said, it would be well now to take preparations of the attack of the town, and meantime set guards around, that Lizavate might not escape. Others were for an immediate attack, before they within could make any preparations for the defense, saying, that being now defeated and deserted, they could easily be destroyed. When King Aravisio had heard these opinions, they all looked for us, which they would follow, because he was the chief and head of the enterprise. Good sirs and honourable knights, said he, I have always been heard that men ought to follow up good fortune when it comes. Therefore, let Basinin and the Duke of Bristol go with their people to the other side of the town, and I and Arculus and the King of the Deep Island will remain with our forces here, and let us all attack the enemy without delay, before the darkness comes on, for we shall have but two hours more of the sun. If we do not carry the city in this attack, we will fall back, and the army may take their rest till daybreak, and then we will again exile. But I myself promise to you all, that I will never take enjoyment till I have them in my power, on the word of a king, I promise, that his death or mine shall befall tomorrow. At this, where all those lords greatly encouraged and rejoiced, and asking Aravisio at his own, even so also did they spare, forthwith they ordered food to be delt, and made their men eat and drink, and told them that now they were in the point of becoming rich and fortunate, if their own want of courage did not prevent them. This then, Barcinan and the Duke of Bristol, without the army, went to the other side of the town, and the other half remained, and they all allied at now, and to the sound of the trumpet, prepared for the assault. King Lissuati, when he escaped into the town, took no rest, for he saw his destruction was at hand, yet though he knew that the place could not long be defended, he determined to do his best till his ill fortune was fulfilled, and die like a knight, rather than fall into the hands of his mortal enemies. The town's men brought food to him and his soldiers, and when he had heat and he placed his knights and all the people of the town on such parts of the wall, as were beacost, telling them that, under God, their safety and their lives were in their own hands and hearts. But such men were they that they needed no one to make them do their duty, for everyone expected to die, like the king his master, presently the enemy came fiercely on, like conquerors, covered with their shields, with lances they who had them unbroken, others warded in hand, and the archers and crossbowmen behind. They within received them with stones and arrows from their bows and arbalists. The wall was slow, and in some places broken, so that they joined the battle almost as though they had been in the plain. Yet, what with the little defence the place afforded, and more with the great courage of the besieged, the assailants soon lost their first confidence and fell back, but the others kept up the assault, King Aravigio, and all the other captains, who were still on horseback, seized now to urge their people on, and they themselves rode on up to the walls, and with their lances thrust at those who were on the bulwarks, so that King Lizvati's place of refuge would soon have been entered, if it had not pleased God, that the night came on with great darkness, then the assailants withdrew as they were commanded, the wounded were dressed, and the enemy placed themselves all around the town, setting strict watch, and surely they thought the first assault by Daybreak would end the enterprise. End of Chapter 35, Read by Lambda