 Preface to Amadeez of Gold. This is a LibriVox recording. All LibriVox recordings are in the public domain. For more information or to volunteer, please visit LibriVox.org. Amadeez of Gold by Vasco de Lobeda, translated by Robert Saudi. Amadeez of Gold was written by Vasco de Lobeda, a Portuguese who was born at Porto, fought at Aljubarrota, where he was knighted upon the field of battle by King João of Good Memory, and died at Elvis, 1403, where he formed a morgado, an entailed and unalienable estate which afterwards descended to the Abreus of Alcarapinha. The Spanish version, which is the oldest extant, is by Garcior Doñez de Montaujo, regidor of Medina del Campo. He says he has corrected it from the old originals, which were corrupted by different and bad writers and badly composed in an ancient fashion. That he has abridged it of many superfluous words and inserted others of a more polished and elegant style. The Conte de Treçant has claimed the work as a French production. It is doing too much honor to Vasco de Lobeda, he says, to consider him as the author. The French translation by Nicolas Derbéret was indeed made from the Castilian, but there is reason to believe that he only restored it to the literature of his own country from which it had first been taken by the Spaniards. Derbéret remembered certain manuscripts of Amadees in the Pickard language, and these, he thought, might be the originals which Montauvo modernized. These manuscripts, says the Conte, might very easily fall into the hands of the Spaniards. Philip the Good, or Charles the Bold, might have found them when they carried their arms into Pickery. Thus they might get into the library of Marie of Burgundy, and her son, the Archduke Philip, might carry them into Spain. The Conte does not found his opinion entirely upon this concatenation of contingencies. He thinks he has seen a manuscript of Amadees in the Romans, or what Derbéret calls the Pickard language, among Queen Christina's collection in the Vatican. From the manifest superiority of the three first books to all the continuation, he argues that they cannot have been written in the same country. And from their good taste and high tone of sentiment, he proves that they must be originally French. This is indeed French reasoning. Had the Conte de Trescent been versed in Portuguese literature, he might have found one single evidence in favor of his assumption. In the Agilogio Lusitano, Tom 1, page 480, José Cardoso says that Pedro de Lubeira translated the history of Amadees de Gaulle from the French language by the order of Infante Dom Pedro, son of King John I. He calls him Pedro, César Bárbosa, that he may be wrong in everything. The first volume of the Agilogio was printed in 1652. With this single exception, the Portuguese have always ascribed the work to Vasco Lubeira, and the authority of this tradition would alone outweigh all the possibilities of the French writer. It is substantiated by the work itself and by old and unquestionable testimony. At the end of the 41st chapter, volume 1, page 220, it is said that Brilânia would have given herself and her kingdom to Amadees, but he told her right, loyally, how he was another's. In the Spanish version, volume 72, this passage follows. But though the Infante Dom Alfonso of Portugal, having pity upon this fair damsel, ordered it to be set down after another manor, that was what was his good pleasure and not what actually was written of their loves. And they relate that history of these loves thus, though with more reason, faith is to be given to what we have before said. Brilânia being restored to her kingdom and enjoying the company of Amadees and Agraeus persisted in her love, and seeing no way whereby she could accomplish her mortal desires, she spake very secretly with the damsel to whom Amadees and Galaur and Agraeus had each promised a boom if she would guide Dom Galaur where he could find the night of the forest. This damsel was now returned, and to her she disclosed her mind and besought her with many tears to advise some remedy for that strong passion. The damsel then, in pity to her lady, demanded as the performance of his promise from Amadees that he should not go out of a certain tower till he had a son or daughter by Brilânia. And they say that upon this, Amadees went into the tower because he would not break his word, and there, because he would not consent to Brilânia's desires, he remained, losing both his appetite and his sleep till his life was in great danger. This being known in the court of King Lisuarte, his lady Oriana, that she might not lose him, sent and commanded him to grant the damsel's desire, and he, having this command and considering that by no other means could he recover his liberty or keep his word, took that fair queen for his lemon and had by her a son and a daughter at one birth. But it was not so, unless Brilânia, seeing how Amadees was drawing night to death in the tower, told the damsel to release him of his promise, if he would only remain till Don Galaor was arrived, doing thus that she might so long enjoy the sight of that fair and famous night, whom, when she did not behold, she thought herself in great darkness. This carries with it more reason why it should be believed, because this fair queen was afterwards married to Don Galaor as the fourth book relates. Here then it appears that an infante of Portugal commended some alteration to be made in the story, because he was displeased that Brilânia should love in vain. There exists a sonnet ascribed to an infante of Portugal addressed to Vasco Lóbeira praising him as the author of Amadees and objecting to this very part of the story. It is thus printed in a work entitled Obras Inéditas dos Nossos Insignis Poetas, Dadas a Luz por Antônio Lourenço Caminha, Lisboa 1791 Soneto, feito pelo senhor infante Dom Pedro, Filho do senhor rei Dom João I. Outros dizem que é do senhor rei Dom Afonso IV, mas prova-se que foi do antecedente porque o Lóbeira morreu no ano de 1403. Bom Vasco de Lubeira e de Grand Seine, de pranque vos avades bem contado, o feito de Amadees o namorado, sem que darem de por contar irém e tanto vos aprovem e a também que vos serez sempre endiloado e entre os homens, hoje por aumentado, que vos eram adiante e que era bem. Mas por que vos fizesse a formosa Brilânia, Amar, Edoado, Nôn, Estucobarde e contraçar Amar um vontade? Caiuê grão dó da verqueixosa por sagrão formosura e sabondade e or por que ao fim amor não lhe pagaram. In the rain of Joam I, says Manuel de Faria e Souza, the infante Dom Pedro wrote the sonnets Bom Vasco, etc. Vim amor, etc., in praise of Vasco Lubeira, the inventor of the books of chivalry, by that of Amadees. I know not where the second of these sonnets is to be found. Neither of them are among the infante Dom Pedro's poems published by José Soares da Silva at the end of his Memórias para a História do Rei Dom João I, as copied from the cancionero of his engine. Nor do I recollect them in that very rare and valuable collection to which I cannot now refer. But it is impossible that this sonnet should have been written by either of the princes to whom it has been ascribed. The infante Dom Pedro was but in his eleventh year when Vasco Lubeira died, and Lubeira himself must have been a boy at the time of Afonso IV's death. Montalbo and Manuel de Faria and the Portuguese editor are in this point all in the wrong. If it be the composition of a royal or of a princely author it must be King Pedro. This, however, must remain uncertain. But we may believe what Montalbo tells us that the story had been altered in compliance with the taste of some noble Portuguese. The language of this sonnet is certainly as old as the time of João I. It agrees with the opinion of the person whom Montalbo calls the Infante Afonso and it addresses Vasco Lubeira by name as the author of Amadeus of Goal. This evidence is sufficiently decisive. It is incontrovertibly confirmed by Gomes e Anes de Zurara in his Crônica do Conde Dom Pedro de Menezes, a work written in 1463 and first published in the Releção de Livros Inéditos de História Portuguesa, 1792. He expressly says that Vasco Lubeira wrote the book of Amadeus and that the whole was his own invention. Could he have foreseen that it would have ever become a subject of controversy? His testimony could not have been more decisive. Dibu e Sinon followed the other thing, otherwise the deletion of themselves as well as the first works of Ingraterra which was called Gran Bretanha and thus the book of Amadeus as if only this was the pleasure of a man called Vasco Lubeira in the time of King Don Fernando being all the works of the book hidden from the author. Tom II, page 422. Therefore, it can be no longer doubted that Vasco Lubeira is the author of Amadeus of Gold. The romance was written towards the close of the 14th century if in Fernando's reign before 1383 but certainly after Edward III had laid claim to the Crown of France and when the Court of Windsor was the most splendid in Europe. This is evident from the work itself. Had it been written later even by one generation Montalbo could not have complained of its rude and ancient style. Barbosa says the original work was preserved in the family of the Avedus. If this copy has escaped the earthquake it may probably be traced from the wreck of that family and it is greatly to be wished that the Royal Academy of Lisbon would publish it for the honor of Portuguese literature to which that Academy has already rendered such essential services and which by other nations is little valued only because it is little known. II. Tres Saint claims for his countrymen only the three first books. In the fourth, he says the Spanish taste begins to predominate but the ridiculous anachronisms which he particularizes are all interpolated by Der Beret. King Lisoarte's train of artillery his powder, his bullets, his bombs and his coverings are not to be found in the Spanish version. Canons are once mentioned as they are in Hamlet but as in Hamlet it is a casual absurdity the effect of carelessness not of an ignorance which would have infected the whole work. The beginning of the fourth book is indeed very inferior in interest to what precedes it. The business and bustle of adventure are succeeded by long speeches in a needless detail of the different embassies. How much of this prolixity is to be attributed to what Montalbo calls his more polished and elegant style it is now impossible to ascertain. Yet this prolixity has its effect if it provokes impatience it also heightens expectation. It is like the long elm avenues of our forefathers. We wish ourselves at the end but we know that at the end there is something great. The content was of opinion that the original romance concluded with the rescue of Oriana. This would have been an unsatisfactory conclusion nor would it have completed the author's design. Amadis is not safe and not happy while King Disuarte is his enemy. The preeminence of Oriana above all her sex is not proved till she has achieved the adventure of the forbidden chamber. The reconciliation of her husband and her father and this triumph which proves that as the best and fairest of women she alone is worthy to be the wife of the best and bravest of men must be the work of the original author and the story incomplete. But there is no reason to suspect that the work of Vasco Lobeda was not completed. That as well as the rudeness of the language would have been mentioned by Montalvo. He would have claimed the merit of finishing the story as well as of polishing the style. With the celebration of the marriage the story obviously concludes. I have ended here and left the reader to infer that Amadis and Oriana like the heroes of every nursery tale lived very happy after. The chapters which following the Spanish are evidently added to introduce the fifth book or what Montalvo in something like a Quacks Greek calls the Sergus of Isplundian. It is one romance growing out of another as clumsily as a young oyster upon the back of its parent. The episode of the Queen of Dacia has been introduced for the same purpose. This has been here retained that if any person should hear after continue these volumes upon the plan of the bibliothèque de Romain, everything necessary to render the after stories intelligible may be found in this though this is in itself complete. The patchwork of Montalvo's imagination is in many places distinguishable. The ladders upon Isplundian's rest the most foolish fiction in the book are his invention for the interpretation is in the Sergus. Probably he has lengthened the period between the quarrel of Amadis and the king and their reconciliation. Oriana has no spell to preserve her charms when she wins the prize of beauty and yet her son is at the age of manhood. It is convenient for the continuation of the history that Isplundian should be of age to follow arms when his father retired. If the faults inserted by the Spaniard with reference to his own supplement were weeded out the skillful structure of the original story would not be less admirable than the variety and beauty of its incidents. The Orlando innamorato is the only story that has ever successfully continued. Poyardo had written but a fragment and a fragment it was left by Berni. Montalbo had no such plea for adding his supplement to Amadis the design was complete and whatever he added to the finished structure could only mar its proportions. It is dangerous to attempt subjects which have been ennobled by a great master even the Greek tragedians were not equal to the task of dramatizing the characters of Homer. They could not bend the bow of Meonides. They teach us to despise Ajax and to dislike Ulysses for they attribute nothing but cunning to the one and only brutal courage to the other. They caught the outline but the finer shades and discriminating lines escaped them. In our own literature we have an illustrious instance who can tolerate the tale of Amadis lost in the rhymes of Dryden's play. It is fortunate for the feign of even Milton that he did not execute his design of writing a second Macbeth. When the curate purged Don Quixote's library with fire he spared three romances to run to the white for its quaintness palmarine of England partly for its merit and partly because by some blunder he fancied that it was written by a king of Portugal Amadis of Gaul because it was the first of the kind and the best. The censure of Cervantes was more efficient than his praise. Lobeda, like Ariosto would have received no injury from his ridicule if like Ariosto he had stood alone. But the old judgment was reversed. The proscription acted like the laws of treasuring the east and the father suffered for the faults of his worthless children. Montaubo and his imitators sheltered themselves under a great name. The Sergas of Explandion is called the fifth book of Amadis of Gaul. The histories of Explandion's son and his son's son were the sixth, seventh and eighth and thus they went on from generation to generation. Fortes, Criantur Fortibus might be their standing moto. Instead of concluding chronical like with he died and his son reigned in his stead. They keep Amadis alive like a patriarch or an adapt. The father of a flocks he's not so many generations sprung from him. To such longevity do they prolong his life that instead of fixing his birth not many years after the crucifixion had been dated sometime before the flood. This perpetual succession of heroes was ill imagined. The son was always to exceed the father and in his turn yield to the grandson. As our hosiers besides the best stockings sell the extra best and the best to purify him. Explandion must fight with Amadis and Lysuarte of Greece with Explandion and Amadis of Greece with Lysuarte hence also the ridiculous hyperboles. When all the varieties of fighting had been exhausted by Amadis it only remained to make taller giants for Explandion and give a stronger side sweep to his sword to mow them down. The fictions of Lobeda are more modest. Famongomadan and his family are but giants of the O'Brien breed with names to the great merit of their godfathers who are highly proportioned. If the author of Amadis be compared in his battles with Adiosto his descriptions will be found as lively and as varied. He brings everything before the eye with the same poet's power but he rarely or never so wantonly abuses his prerogative. In one respect the after romances copied the original with undiviating servility. They all have their Amadis and their Galaur the constant and the general lover. There is at least some morality in the preference but all the first born are illegitimate. The hero must be every way irresistible. The loves of King Perion and of his son are justified or palliated by a pledged promise which the Catholic Church considers binding. Lobeda expressly says they were not without fault because the promise had been so secret. Montalva's morals are more casualistical and convenient. It is glory enough for me says Urganda when she gives the bastard sons of Galaur and King Sildadan as comrades to Esplandian. It is glory enough for me since I can have no children myself that these by my means have been born of others for they shall do such things for the service of God but not only will they be forgiven who begot them against the command of the Holy Church and I who was the cause but it will be imputed to them as so great a merit that they shall thereby obtain rest for their bodies in this world and for their souls in the next. Book 4, volume 270 Montalva and his followers have totally changed the machinery. The Urganda who appears to Galbanes to the sea is a true fairy like Morgaine Lefe and the Lady of the Lake. Arkalaos is but a poor enchanter. He has only a room in his castle protected by a spell. His courage is more formidable than his black art. It is the fleetness of his horse that preserves him, not his magic. But the Urganda who sails about in the Great Serpent is an enchanter of a different species and her rivals Zirfer and Melia are as tremendous as the media of classical romance. The difference of religious temper is remarkable. Vashkul Obede who had never born arms against any but the Castilians made his hero fight with Christian enemies and only now and then kill us Trey Pagan. In Montalva's days the reign of persecution had begun. The expulsion of the Moors was a favorite hope of the Spaniards after they had subdued them and the heroes of Spanish romance naturally became the champions of the faith. It is no wonder that the original work differs so materially from the swarm of imitations. Tresan need not have supposed that they must have been written in a different country to account for its superiority. Lobeda could paint heroes from the life. The fame of the Black Prince and the odor of his virtues were still fresh in Spain. It was the age of chivalry, the noonday of heroism and honor. A Portuguese one of the good and loyal Portuguese as their own excellent chronicler calls them who fought at Aljubarrota for King Joam of Good Memory might conceive the character of Amadeus. Nuno Alva de Espereira might be in pattern, but a Spaniard who described humane and generous valor in the days of Ferdinand and the Austrian family could paint only from a dim recollection of the past. A century the most eventful of any in human history had changed everything. The mode of warfare, the politics, the religious feelings of Europe were all altered. The inquisition in the House of Austria was more fatal than all the plagues of Egypt were established in Spain and her civil and religious liberties were destroyed. And fear as these afterbooks of Amadeus certainly are they form so singular and epic in the history of literature that an abridgment of the whole series into our language is to be desired. Should this be attempted it must be from the Spanish not from the bibliotec the Romain, nor from the versions of Derbéret. Derbéret has omitted much that is curious in manners and inserted much that is abominable in morals. He is inaccurate and obscene. There is occasionally though but rarely a rude and savage nakedness in the original which I have veiled. The Frenchman has always delighted to expose it. He has dilated single phrases into whole paragraphs with that fluidness which is so peculiarly and characteristically the disgrace of French literature. What has become of these books which were once so numerous? In their own country they are as rare as they are in this. Almost one might suppose that the curate and the barber had extended their inquisitorial scrutiny to the booksellers shops and committed additions instead of volumes to the flames. It is a hypothesis of Wharton that romance was introduced by the Moors into Spain and from thence diffused over Europe. Writers of equal eminence have contraverted this opinion and advanced others equally hypothetical. Romance or fictitious narrative is in fact like poetry common to all countries and its character is in like manner everywhere modified by the circumstances of society. The machinery of the early romance writers is probably rather of classical than of oriental origin. Classical superstitions lingered long after the triumph of Christianity. The Spanish chronicles continually speak of augury. Certain practices of hidden faith were prohibited in Portugal by a law enacted during the life of Vasco Lobeda. The fathers of the church heard that the gods of the Gentiles are the fallen angels and with this key a Catholic may believe the whole of Ovid's metamorphosis. Saint Anthony the Great saw and conversed with a centaur and Saint Jerome vouches for his veracity. Enchanted weapons may be traced to the workshop of Vulcan as easily as to the dwarves of Scandinavia. The tales of dragons may be originally oriental but the adventures of Jason and Hercules were popular tales in Europe long before the supposed migration of Odin or the birth of Mohammed. If magical rings were invented in Asia it was Herodotus who introduced the fashion into Europe. The fairies and ladies of the lake bear a closer resemblance to the Nymphs and aides of Rome and Greece than to the fairies of the east. The reputation of the books of chivalry was declining when Cervantes destroyed it. George of Montemayor had newly introduced the pastoral romance. His Diana is so dull and worthless a story that it is wonderful it should ever have been successful enough to provoke imitation. Tales of entry were becoming fashionable. Of these Juan de Timoneda of Valencian is said to have been a writer in Spain. Its first work El Patranuelo, Bear State 1576 these novellas were symptomatic of worse morals than the books of chivalry. The comic romance of which the heroes are uniformly rogues was still more mischievous. Lazarillo de Tormes was the first of this class of the swarm which followed Guzmán de Alfarache and Cristina are the best known. The common ballads of the country were infected and ruffians and sharpers are still the heroes of the popular songs of Spain. The French romances do not appear to have been naturalized either in Spain or Portugal. Of late indeed we are told by Fisher that two editions of Cassandra have sold in the space of a year and a half at Madrid. They should have found no readers in Spain till he was no longer ran in any other part of Europe. The books of chivalry have become scarce in consequence of their popularity. They have probably been fairly worn out by repeated perusal but as their fashion was gone by it was useless to reprint them for general sale. Some few are still published for children and it is no little proof of their merit that they are their favorite books. In England we have Valentine and Orson and the seven champions of Christendom. Parismas and Parismanas which is among the boys books mentioned by Uncle Toby and in the very interesting memoirs of Mr. Gifford has lost its ground. In Portugal Terpens' History of Charlemagne and the Twelve Peers is the popular work. The parent of the whole stock is the last survivor. It remains that I should state in what manner the present version has been executed. To have translated a closely printed folio would have been absurd. I have reduced it to about half its length by abridging the words not the story. By curtailing the dialogue avoiding all recapitulations of the past action. Consolidating many of those single blows which have no reference to Muriel anatomy and passing over the occasional moralizing of the author. There's no vanity in saying that this hasn't proved the book for what long work may not be improved by compression. Eager wine may be distilled into alcohol. The minutest traits of manners have been preserved and not an incident of the narrative omitted. I have merely reduced the picture. Every part is preserved and in the same proportions. The final goal is valuable not only for its intrinsic merit as a fiction but as a faithful representation of manners and morality and as such these volumes may be referred to as confidently as the original. The edition which I have made use of is that of Seville 1547. The copy for the book itself is exceedingly rare was from the library of Mr. Haber a gentleman whose liberality in the disposal of a very valuable collection leaves his friends less reason to regret that the public libraries of England should be more difficult of access and consequently less useful than those of any other country in Europe. The Con de Très Saint and his free translation has completely modernized and naturalized the character of the romance. His book is what he designed to make it an elegant work but the manners and feelings of the days of chivalry are not to be found there they are all hidden under a varnish of French sentiment he has scarred the old shield the glitter which it has gain does not compensate for the loss of its sharpness nor for the lines that are effaced. I should have abridged from the English translation had it been accurate that the character of the language might have assimilated better with the work. But the English version which bears date as late as 1618 a century after the publication of the book in Spain has been made from the French every trait of manners which were foreign to Derbéray or obsolete in his time is accordingly omitted and all the foolish anachronisms and abominable obscenities of the Frenchmen are retained I kept my eye upon it as I proceeded for the purpose of preserving its language where it was possible a modern style would have altered the character of the book as far as was in my power I have avoided that fault not by intermixing obsolete words but by rendering the original structure of sentence as literally as was convenient and by rejecting modern phraseology and forms of period it cannot be supposed that I have uniformly succeeded in this attempt the old wine must taste of the new casque the names which have a meaning in the original have not been translated I have used Beltenebros instead of the beautiful darkling or the fair foreword Florestan instead of Forrester El Patim instead of the Emperor Gosling as we speak of Barbarossa Saint Peter not Storm the Apostle the praise of accuracy is all to which I lay claim for the present work and that I claim confidently perhaps others may not see the beauties which I perceive the necessity of dwelling upon every sentence has produced in me a love for the whole the reader will pass rapidly where I have lingered and loitered drives post through a country sees not the same beauties as the food traveler but the merit of the work itself is not now to be ascertained the verdict of ages has decided that Amades of Gaul is among prose what Orlando Furioso is among matricle romances not the oldest of its kind but the best End of preface Vasco di Libera translated by Robert Southey 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 Amy Graymore Book 1 Chapter 1 and 2 of Amades of Gaul Chapter 1 the introduction and beginning of this history not many years after the passion of Ira Deemer there was a Christian king in Lusso Britain who being in the law of truth was of much devotion in good ways this king had two daughters by a noble lady his wife the eldest was married to Languines king of Scotland she was called the lady of the garland because her husband taking great pleasure to behold her beautiful dresses would have them covered only with a chaplet of flowers Agriezmabilia were their children a knight in damsel of whom in this history much mention is made Ellicena the other daughter was not beautiful and although she had been demanded in marriage by many great princes yet she would wed with none but for her solitary and holy life was commonly called the lost devotee because it was considered that for one of such rank gifted with such beauty and sought in marriage by so many chiefs this way of life was not fitting King Carinta who was somewhat stricken in years took delight in hunting it happened one day and being separated from his people as he went along the forest saying his prayers he sought to the left a brave battle of one night against two soon he had knowledge of the twain in that they were his own vassals who being proud men in a powerful lineage had often by their evil customs offended him who the third was he knew not but now relying so much in the worth of the one as he feared the two he drew aside and waited the event which sorted to such fact that one the others were both slain this done the stranger came towards the king and seeing him alone said gentle sir what country is this wherein knights errant are thus assailed the king replied Marvel not at this night for our country yields as others do both good and bad as for these men they have often offended even against their lord and king who could do no justice upon them because of their kindred and also because they harbored in this covered mountain the king you speak of replied the stranger I come to seek him from a far land and bring him tidings from a dear friend if you know where he may be found I pray you tell me the king answered before what may I shall not fail to speak what is true I am the king the knight then loosing his shield and helmet gave them to his squire and went to a brace garinta saying that he was king Padion of Gaul who had long desired to know him further they took their way through the wood towards the city when suddenly a heart ran before them which had escaped the toils they followed at full speed thinking to kill it but a lion springing from a thicket before them seized the heart and having torn it open with his mighty claws stood fiercely looking at the kings first as you are said king Padion you shall leave us part of that game and he took his arms and alighted from his horse who being affrighted at the wild beast the shield before him went towards the lion sword in hand the lion left his prey and came against him they closed and Padion at that moment when he was under the beast and in most danger thrust his sword into his belly when garinta saw him fall he said within himself not without causes that knight fame to be the best in the world meanwhile their train came up and then was their prey and venison laid on two horses and carried to the city the queen being advised of her guest the palace richly adorned in the tables covered at the highest the king seated themselves at the other side the queen with alacena her daughter and there were they served as in the house of such a man be seen then being in that solace as that princess was so beautiful and king Padion and his part equal in that hour and point they so regarded each other that her great modesty and holy life could not now avail but that she was taken with great and incurable love the king in like manner though till then his heart had been free so that during the meal both the one and the other appeared absent in thought when the tables were removed the queen would depart to her chamber alacena rising dropped a ring from her lap which she had taken off when she washed her hands and in the confusion of her mind forgotten she stooped for it and Padion who was near her stooped down also so that their hands met and he taking her hand pressed it she colored deeply and thanked the king he said, ah lady, said he it shall not be the last for all my life shall be spent in your service she followed her mother but so disturbed that her sight was dizzy and now not able to endure her feelings she went and discovered them to the damsel Dario Leta in whom she confided and with tears from her eyes and from her heart we sought her to find out if king Padion loved any other woman Dario Leta surprised at this alteration pitied and comforted her mistress she found his squire at the door with the king's garments and she was about to give him friend, said she go you about your other fares for I must wait upon your master the squire, thinking it was the custom of the country gave her the garments and went away she then into the chamber where the king was in bed he who had seen her converse with alacena confidently now hoped that she might bring some remedy to his passion and said to her all in trembling fair friend, what demand ye I bring you wherewith to clothe yourself she replied that should be for my heart, said Padion which is now stripped and naked of all my joy as how, said the damsel thus, quote thee, coming into this land with entire liberty and apprehending nothing but the chance of arms here in this house I have been wounded by a mortal wound for which if you fair damsel can procure me remedy you shall be well recompensed he then charged her not to discover him but where it was requisite and told her his love for alacena then said Dario Leta my lord promised me on the faith of a king in a night that you will take to wife my lady alacena when time shall serve and right soon will I bring ye where not only your heart shall be satisfied but hers also who it may be isn't as much or more thought and dollar than you with the same wound but without this promise you shall never win her the king whose will was already disposed that that which ensued might come to pass took a sword which was by him and laying his right hand upon the cross of its hilt pronounced these words I swear by this cross and this sword wherewith I received the order of knighthood to perform whatever you shall require for the lady alacena be you then of good cheer said she for I also will affect my promise Dario Leta returned to the princess and told her how she had sped you know, said she Padeon logist there is a door opening to the garden when your father used to go out in which this present is covered with the hangings but I have the key thereof and we can go in at night when all in the palace are at rest when alacena heard this she was highly contented recollecting herself she replied how shall this be brought to pass seeing that my father will lodge in the chamber with king Padeon be that to me said the damsel and with that they parted I drew aside the squire of Padeon and asked him if he was of gentle birth I said he the son of a knight but why ask ye the desire I have quotes she to know one thing which I beseech you by the faith you owe to God and to the king your master not to hide from me who is the lady whom your master loveth best my master replied the squire loves all in general and none as you mean while they thus talked Garinta came nigh who seeing Dario Leta in conference with Padeon squire told her and asked her what he had to say to her ensuth my lord quotes she he tells me that his master is want to be alone and certainly I think he will feel himself embarrassed by your company Garinta hearing that went to king Padeon and said my lord I have many fears to settle it must rise at the hour of matins and that you may not be disturbed you had better be alone in your chamber king Padeon replied do as shall seem best to your liking then Garinta understood that Dario Leta had told him rightly of his guests inclination and ordered his bed to be removed from Padeon's apartment these tidings Dario Leta carried to her mistress and they waited the hour when all she retired to sleep end of chapter 1 chapter 2 how Amades was begotten and born at night when all was hushed Dario Leta rose and threw a mantle over her mistress and they went into the garden when Ellicena came to the chamber door her whole body trembled and her voice that she could not speak king Padeon had fallen asleep and thought that someone he knew not who entered his chamber by a secret door who thrusting a hand between his ribs took out his heart and threw it into the river he asked why that cruelty was committed and was answered it is nothing there is another heart left there which I must take from you though against my will then the king suddenly awoke in great fear and blessed himself at this moment the two damsels had opened the door and were entering he heard them and being full of his dreams suspected treason when he saw a door open behind the hangings of which he had not known and leaping from his bed he caught up his sword and shealed what is this? cried Dario Leta the king then knew her and saw Ellicena his beloved he dropped his shield and sword and throwing a mantle about him which was ready by the bed he went and embraced her whom he loved Dario Leta then took up the sword and token of his promise in oath and went into the garden and Padeon remained alone with Ellicena and whom as he beheld her by the light he thought all the beauty of the world was centered when it was time that they should part Dario Leta returned to the chamber I know Lady, said she that he had to for you have been better pleased with me than you are now but we must go for time calleth us Ellicena Rose I beseech you Sir Padeon do not forget the place and she departed with the damsel he remained in his room and recollecting his dream which still affrighted him a wish to know its significance made him desirous to return to his own country where were many wise men skillful in the solution of such things then days King Padeon sojourned at Elima and every night his beloved mistress visited him then it was necessary that he should depart despite of his own inclination in the tears of Ellicena he took leave of Garinta and the Queen and having armed himself when he looked for his sword to gird it on he missed it though the loss grieved him for it was a tried and goodly weapon he durst not inquire for it but making his squire procure him another he departed straight for his own kingdom albeit before his departure Dario Leta came and told him of the great affliction and loneliness in which his lady was left I commend her to you my friend said he as my own proper heart then taking from his finger a ring of two which he wore each resembling the other he bade her carry it to his love so Ellicena remained leading a solitary life and in great grief Dario Leta comforted her the best she could and the time passed on until she felt herself great with the child and lost the appetite for food in the pleasure of sleep in the fresh color of her countenance then was her sorrow and carefulness greater and not without cause for in that time was there a law that any woman of what quality or state so ever offending of such sort could not excuse herself from death this so cruel and abominable a custom endured till the coming of the good king Arthur who was the best king that ever they arraigned he revoked it at the time when he slew Florian in battle before the gates of Paris and albeit because of the words which Padion swore upon his sword she was without fault before God yet she was not before the world for they had been so secret to let him know her condition was what she could not think for he was young and proud of heart and took no delight elsewhere than where renown was to be gained and so was forever going on errant night from one place to another so she found no remedy for her life the loss of life afflicted her so much as that of her dear and beloved Lord but God, by whose permission all this had come to pass for his holy service gave such discretion to Darioletta that she remedied all in the palace of King Garinta there was an arch chamber separated from the rest which overlooked the river it had little iron door through which the damsels sometimes were want to go out by the water side but now none inhabited the apartment this chamber by Darioletta's advice did Ellicene a request of her father assuding her disposition and solitary life where she might perform her prayers undisturbed with no companion but Darioletta who had always served and accompanied her this request she lightly obtained and hereupon was the key of the iron door given to Darioletta to open when it pleased the princess to recreate herself by the river here was Ellicene a somewhat comforted to find herself in a place so convenient for her purpose and she required counsel of her damsel what should be done with the fruit that she triviled with her replied Darioletta it must suffer to save you holy Mary then said Ellicene shall I consent to destroy the child of him who I love best in the world leave alone those thoughts the damsel answered if they kill you they will not spare the infant it will great folly to destroy yourself and your lover who could not live after you for the sake of saving the child who if you die must die also as this damsel was a quick mind herself and now guided by the grace of God she determined to have the remedy ready before the need and it was in the skies she took four boards and with them made an arc large enough to contain a newborn child and its garments and long enough for the sword she fastened them together with bitumen and such sword as the water should have no place to enter she hid all this under her bed till she had completed it and it was even and close as if a master had made it then she showed it to Ellicene and asked for what she thought it was designed she answered I know not you shall know so the damsel when need is Ellicene replied but little do I care to know what is done or what is said for I am near to lose all my joy and comfort then had Dario had a great grief and she wept apart not bearing to see her, Mr. Sweep it was not long before her travail came and in those new and strange pains and bitterness of heart and not daring to cry out or groan it pleased the Lord that she was safely delivered of a son the damsel took him in her arms and was a fair boy had he not been born to hard fortune but she delayed not to execute what a necessity had been resolved she wrapped him in rich garments and laying him by his mother brought the ark Ellicene cried what will you do place him here she answered and launch him down the stream and be like he may escape then the mother took him in her arms and wept bitterly over him but Dario let her took ink and parchment and wrote upon it it was the name of her saint and of great reverence in that country she covered the parchment with wax and hung it by a string around the neck of the babe and Ellicene fastened upon the string the ring which King Padeon had given her at his debauchery Dario let her then place the infant in the ark and laid his father's sword beside him this done she covered the ark which was securely joined and cocked and opening the iron door took it in her arms and placed it in the river commending it to God and carried the ark into the sea which was not more than a half-league distance now the dawn appeared and it pleased God that there was a night of Scotland sailing on that sea returning from the lesser Britain to his country with his wife who had newly been delivered of a son called Gandalene the morning was both calm and clear whereby the night Gandalese saw the ark floating among the waves and he ordered the mariners to put out a boat and take it up they speedily overtook it and Gandalese holding the babe within he cried this is from no me in place and this he said because of the rich garments in the ring and the good sword and he cursed the mother who had for fear abandoned so fair a child he carefully laid aside all the things that were contained in the ark and desired his wife to breed up the infant and she ordered the nurse of her own child Gandalene to suckle him so they went their way through the sea with a favorable time and took port in a town in Scotland called Antalya and from thence departing they came to his castle which was one of the good ones of the land there he had the child brought up like his own son and such he was believed to be because the mariners who took up the ark had sailed away to other parts end of chapter 2 section 2 of Ahmadis of Gaul by Vasco di Libera translated by Robert Salvi this is a LibraBox recording all LibraBox recordings are in the public domain for more information or to volunteer please visit LibraBox.org book 1 chapters 3 and 4 of Ahmadis of Gaul book 1, chapter 3 how King Perdion went to his own country and of what befell him and how Uda Ganda met Don Gandalese and of that what she said to him King Perdion having departed from Alima went his way in great heaviness as well as for the loneliness wherein he had left Alessena whom in his heart he loved which in such a season had come upon him but having reached his own country he sent for all his great lords and ordered the bishops to bring with them the most learned clerks in their parts to the end they might expound his dream when his vassals knew of his return many others as well as all who were summoned came with great desire to see him who was beloved of all the king conferred with them on the state of the realm but it was always with a sad countenance whereby they were much afflicted in this business being dispatched he dismissed them each to his own lands only staying with him three clerks whom he knew were the most skillful in what he desired to learn these men he took into his chapel and there upon his sacred host he made them swear to answer truly what he should demand without fear how dangerous so ever it were that done they left the chapel and he told them his dream then one of them whose name was Ongar the Picard the most expert of them thus answered dream sire are vain things and for such ought to be esteemed notwithstanding seeing it is your pleasure that some account should be made of yours give us time to consider thereon let it be so said the king take twelve days and he ordered them to be separated that they should neither see nor converse with each other they to their uttermost prevailed upon this matter and when the time was elapsed they went to the king he first took Alberto of Champania apart and said to him I have sworn now then speak to me sire answered Alberto then let the rest be called into your presence for before them will I tell you there upon they were sent for and being all met Alberto began it appears to me that the closed chamber and he whom you saw enter by the secret door signify this realm which is close and well guarded nevertheless someone shall enter to take it from you and like as he thrust his hand into your side and rent forth your heart and threw it into the river even so shall town or castle be taken from you and put into his hand from whom you shall not easily recover them in the other heart closed the king which he said should remain with me and yet he must take it away against his will it seems by this answered Alberto that some other shall invade your country as the first did it constrained more by another commanding him to do so than by any will in himself and upon this sire I know nothing more to say the king then commanded Antelese to say what he had discovered he agreed to all that the other had said except in this quality that my art shows me it is already done and by the person that most loveth thee this makes me marvel for nothing of your kingdom is yet lost and if it were it could not be by one who loves you so dearly hearing this the king smiled a little for it seemed he had said something but Ungin the peacard who knew much more than they held down his head and laughed heartily a thing which he had seldom done being by nature a thoughtful and melancholy man king wondered at this and said now master tell us what you know sire said he per adventure I have seen into things which should be manifested to you alone therefore let these depart then the doors were closed and they twain remain together no king said he that what I laughed at was a word of which you thought little when he said it was already done and by the person whom best loveth thee now shall I reveal which you keep closely concealed and think that none knows your love where you have already accomplished your will in she whom you love is marvelously fair then told he all the fashions of her as if she were there before him the chamber in which you saw yourself enclosed you well know in how she to ease your heart in her own entered without your knowledge by the secret door in the hand that opened your side is your union in the heart which was taken out that she hath by you a son or a daughter master said the king what mean is then the casting thereof into the river he replied seek not to know that which is of no importance tell me how be it both per theon in fear nothing since you are pleased to hear it answered Ungan I demand assurance that for anything which I may reveal you will never have to be wroth with her who loveth you so loyally and per theon made the promise no then said the master that what you saw cast into the river is the child which she has had by you and that other heart that remaineth what should that be you may interpret the one by the other answered Ungan you will have another son who will in some manner be taken away against the will of her that caused the loss of the first strange things has thou told me said per theon and may it please God that the latter part the misfortunes of my children prove not as true as what thou has told me concerning the lady whom I love the master answered none can alter the things which were ordained by God nor know wherein they shall end men therefore should neither repine nor rejoice there at for often times as well the evil as the good proves far otherwise than it seemed and do thou oh king lay aside from thy memory all this which thou'st was so solicitous to know and pray to God to dispose these things to his holy service the king was satisfied in what he desired and so pleased with the wisdom and the last words of Ungan the card that he rewarded him well and kept him thenceforward near his person as per theon parted from the clerks he met a damsel more ornamented than beautiful who said to him now king per theon that when thou recovers thy loss the kingdom of Ireland shall lose its flower in a way she went so that he could not detain her and he remained thinking upon these things the author ceaseth to speak of this and returneth to the child whom gendelies brought up he was named the child of the sea for so they had named him and with much care was he brought up by that good night in his wife and he grew and became so fair that all who saw him marvelled one day gendelies rode forth for he was a right good night and strong and always accompanied king Languines at such time as they followed arms and though the king had ceased to follow them yet gendelies ceased not he as he rode along met a damsel but thus spake to him the images knew what I know they would cut off thy head wherefore, quote he she replied, because thou nourishedest their death now this was the damsel who had prophesied to king per theon but gendelies understood not and he said damsel I beseech ye for God's sake what is this I shall not tell thee she answered but so it must be when she went her way he remained thoughtful but soon he saw her returning upon her palfrey boys, gendelies help me or I am dead he looked and saw a knight come after her sword in hand and he spurred his horse between them and cried out, sir knight God confound thee what wouldest thou with that damsel what? said the other wouldest thou protect her who by her art has made me lose body and soul of that I know nothing said gendelies but protect her I will for women are not to be thus punished even though they deserve it when he was turning his sword into the scabbard he rode to a little thicket who were in their way to the damsel exceedingly fair who gave him a shield and a lance and then he ran at gendelies and gendelies at him he had not long fought before she who had desired succour of gendelies stepped between them and cried hold forthwith the knight who had pursued her drew back and she said to him come make obeisance to me that shall I do willingly and throwing the shield from his neck and the sword from his hand he bent his knees before her to the wonder of gendelies then she bade him tell the damsel under the trees to get her away immediately or he would take her head off he turned to her and exclaimed thou ill woman I know not why I spare thee and the damsel saw that her friend was enchanted wherefore she mounted her palfry and rode away making great sorrow the other damsel then said gendelies I thank you for what you have done go and good be with you as for this night I pardon him that said gendelies you may but I shall not give over the battle unless he confess himself vanquished she answered give it over for though you were the best knight in the world I could make him vanquish you then tell me said he the meaning of what you said that I nourished the death of many great personages she made him swear that none should know it from him till she permitted and then said I tell thee he whom thou foundest in the sea shall be the flower of knighthood in his time he shall cause the strongest to stoop he shall enterprise and finish with honor that wherein others have failed and such deeds shall he do as none would think could be begun nor ended by body of man he shall humble the proud and cruel of heart shall he be against those who deserve it and he shall be the knight in the world who most loyally maintains love and he shall love one answerable to his high prowess and I tell you that on both sides of kingly parentage and I go thy way and believe that all this shall come to pass and if thou discoverst it there shall happen to thee therefore more evil than good ah lady said gandales tell me for god's sake where I can find you to talk with you upon this child's affairs she answered that shalt thou never know tell me then your name I beseech you by the faith you owe to the thing in the world that you love best is that which least loves me and it is that fair knight which whom you combatted albeit I cease not for that to bring him to my will whatever he can do my name is Utaganda the unknown mark me well and know me again if you can and he who first saw her a damsel in her spring time as one of 18 years now beheld her so old and over spent that he marveled how she could sit upon her horse and he crossed himself she took a perfume box from her bosom and she came as she was before now said she think you to find me hereafter though you should seek me weary not yourself for that for though all living creatures go about it if I list they should lose their labour as god shall save me I believe it lady but I pray you remember the child who was forsaken of all but myself don't not that said Utaganda I love him more than thou can't think for I shall soon receive aid from him twice and then else could give me and he shall receive two gardens to his joy now God be with thee thou shall see me sooner than thou expectest and then she took the shield and helmet of her friend to carry them and Gandales seeing his head disarmed thought him the goodliest knight that he ever beheld and so they potted as Gandales returned to his castle he found that other damsel by the way sitting beside a fountain and lamenting she knew him and exclaimed how was it night that the wicked woman who helped has not destroyed you wicked she is not said Gandales but good and wise and if you were a knight I would make you pay daily for the folly of your words ah the wretch quotes she how she knows to beguile everyone she has taken from me the fair knight who would more willingly be mine but I will be revenged if I can Gandales answered it is a wild thought to hope to injure her who knows your very intentions and as with the knight it seems to me that you are both without reason or conscience with that he left her and came to his castle and seeing the little boy come running towards him he took him up in his arms and lovingly embraced him and remembering all that Uduganda had told him he said in his heart my fair child god let me live to see thy good days and with that the tears came at this time the child was of three years and his beauty was marvellous to behold and he seeing the tears put up his little hands to wipe them away where at Gandales rejoiced as a sign that he would be gentle-hearted and thenceforward he taught him with a kinder will and when he came to the age of five he made a bow for him suited to his strength and another for his son Gandaleen and they used to shoot before him when he was seven years old King Languines and his queen and household passing through his kingdom from one town to another came to the castle of Gandales where they were well feasted but the child of the sea and the other children were removed to the back court that they might not be seen it fortune that the queen was lodged in one of the highest apartments of the castle and looking from her window she saw the children at play with their bows and among them she remarked the child of the sea for his shapeliness and beauty and he was better clad than his companions of whom he looked like the Lord the queen called to her ladies in damsels come and see the fairest creature that ever was seen while they were looking at him the child who was thirsty lay down his bow and arrows and went to a water pipe to drink a boy bigger than the rest took up his bow to shoot with it this Gandaleen would not suffer the other struck him angrily and Gandaleen cried out help me child of the sea he herring this random and snatched the bow and crying in a minute did you strike my brother struck him on the head with all his force they fought a while till the other was feigned to run away and meeting their tutor he replied that the child of the sea had beat him the tutor went towards him with a strap in his hand how is this child of the sea said he that you dare beat the boys I shall punish you but the child fell upon his knees I had rather you would strike me said he that anyone before me should dare to beat my brother and the tears came in his eyes the tutor was moved and told him to do so no more all this the queen saw and she wondered why they called him end of chapter 3 book 1 chapter 4 how King Lenguines took with him Amades who was called the child of the sea and Gandaleen the son of Don Gandalees at this time the king and Gandalees entered and the queen asked their host if that fair child was his he answered yes why then said she is he called the child of the sea because he was born on the sea when I returned from Brittany truly he is but little like you but the queen and this she said because the child was beautiful to a wonder and Gandalees was more good than handsome the king who was looking at him likewise Bade Gandalees called him for I will take him with me said he and have him brought up so let it be said Gandalees but he is not yet of an age that he should leave his mother then he went and brought him and said child of the sea will you go with this king my master wherever you pit me he replied your brother shall go with me and I close Gandaleen will not stay without him Gandalees then looked at the king I believe Sire you must take them both I am the better pleased answered the king in calling Agriers my son I would have you love these boys as well as I love their father when Gandalees saw that the child of the sea was placed in the hands of another the tears came into his eyes and he said within himself go into adventure and danger and now I see thee in the service of those who may one day serve thee God guard thee and fulfill what the wise Udeganda foretold and let me live to see the great wonders which in arms I promise thee when the king saw that his eyes were full he said I did not think thou had been so foolish nor am I but if it please you do you and the queen hear me the rest then withdrew how he had found the child and he would have told what he knew from Udeganda but for his promise and now said he for as God shall save me by the way in which he came to me I believe he is of great lineage then the queen said he should be hers so long as he was of age to obey women and the next morning they departed taking the children with them now I tell you that the queen brought up the child of the sea as carefully as if he had been her own son and the trouble she took with him was not in vain but such was his talent and so noble his nature that better and more quickly than any besides he learned everything and he was so fond of the chase that if they would have let him he would have been always shooting with the bow or training the dogs and the queen loved him so that she would scarce suffer him to be out of her sight now king Pairdian after consulting the clerks abode in his kingdom and many times he thought upon the words he had spoken yet could he not understand them after some time he being in his palace there came a damsel and gave him a letter from Elisena his love whereby she gave him to know that her father was dead and she was unprotected and for this cause he should pity her for the queen of Scotland her sister was coming with her husband to take possession of the land king Pairdian though he was sorrowful and guaranteed his death yet rejoiced to think that he should go for his mistress whom he never ceased to love and he said to the damsel return and tell your lady that without delaying a single day I shall speedily be with her and the damsel returned joyfully king then collecting a suitable retinue set forth and journeyed till he came to the Lesser Britain where he found news that Languines was in mastery of all the land except those towns which her father had left to Elisena so hearing that she was at a town called Akarte he went there and if he was well received he'd not be said and she also by him who so dearly loved her the king told her to call together all her friends and kindred for he would take her to wife the witch Elisena did with great joy for in that consisted the end of all her wishes now when king Languines knew the coming of king Pairdian and how he would marry Elisena he summoned all the noblemen of the land and went with them to meet him and when the marriage concluded the kings agreed to return into their own dominions Pairdian returning with Elisena his wife came to a riverside where he would rest the night and while the tents were erecting he rode alone along the banks thinking how he might learn something from Elisena about the child of whom Ungan the Picard had told him so long when he on in this move till he came to a hermitage and fastening his horse to a tree he went in to say his prayers and in the habit of his order who asked him, night is it true that king Pairdian has married the daughter of our king? Ye verily answered the king Praise be God said the good hermit for I know certainly that she loved him with all her heart How know you that? By her own mouth said he the king then thinking to hear of him the thing he most desired to know made himself known and besought the hermit to tell him all he had heard of her and answered the good man therein should I greatly fault and you would hold me for a heretic if I should divulge what was said in confession suffice what I tell you that she loves you with true and loyal love but I would have you know what a damsel who seemed very wise said to me at the time when you came first into this country and I could not understand her that from the lesser Britain should come two dragons who should hold their sway and gall in their hearts in Great Britain they should go to devour the beasts of other countries and against some they should be so fierce and furious and against others so gracious and mild as if they had neither talons nor hearts the king wondered at this which he could not understand but there came a time when he knew the prophecy was true so he returned to his tents when they were in bed together he told the queen what had been interpreted of his dream and asked her if she had brought forth the son the queen hearing him it was a great shame that she whisked herself dead and she altogether denied it so that at this time the king could not learn what he desired they continued their journey till they arrived in Gaul and those of the land were well pleased with their queen who was a most noble lady and the king had by her a son and a daughter whom he called Galeor Amalicia when the boy was two years and a half old it so was that the king his father sojourned at a town called Bangle which was near the sea heading from a window towards the gardens where the queen and her ladies were solacing themselves and the child with them who then began to walk they saw enter through a post turned door that went out to the sea a giant with a huge mace in his hand so large and mismade that never man saw him without a fright the women ran some among the trees and others fell down and shut their eyes that they might not see him but he went straight to the child who was left alone and taking him in his arms he laughed and said the damsel told me true with that he went out by the same way and entering into a bark put to sea the queen who saw him carry away the child shrieked loudly but at nothing availed and her grief was so great that though the king was greatly afflicted for the loss of his son whom he could not suck her yet seeing there was no remedy he went to console Ellicena who was as it were destroying herself with excess of grief remembering the first son that she had exposed upon the sea and now that she saw this gone also she made the greatest raving in the world but Pérdion took her with him to their chamber and when she was somewhat calmed he said to her now I know that what the wise man told me was true but this was the last hot so tell me all the truth for considering the state in which you were you want not to be blamed and then the queen though with great shame related to him all and he comforted her and bade her live in hope to hear good tidings of both their sons whom it had pleased God to take away this giant who carried away the child was a native of Leonis and he had two castles in an island and his name was Gandelac he was not so wicked as other giants but of a gentle and good demeanor except when he was enraged and then would he do great cruelties he sailed on till he came to the cape of an island where there was a hermit and the giant had peopled that island with Christians and ordered arms to be given him for his support friend said he take this child whom you must bring up for me and teach him all that is convenient for a night for he is the son of a king and a queen and I forbid you ever to be his enemy the good man asked him why he had committed the great cruelty that I will tell you said he I was about to embark to fight with Albedan the fierce giant who sold my father and has taken from me the rock Galteraz which is mine but there came a damsel to me and said this which you want to do must be accomplished by the son of Perdean of Gal who will have more strength than activity than thou hast I asked her if that was true that shout thou see said she with two branches of a tree shall be joined which now are separated in this manner Geléor was left with the hermit while these things aforesaid past in Greece reigned in Great Britain who dying without children left a brother named Lusuate of great goodness and arms and much discretion who had married Brezena daughter of the king of Denmark and she was the fairest lady that was to be found in all the islands of the sea so after the death of Felon Gris the chief men of the land sent for Lusuate to be their king End of chapters 3 and 4 of Book 1 Chapter 5 of King Lusuate sailing towards Great Britain took port in the Kingdom of Scotland and how the child of the sea was made night by King Perdean without their knowing each other when King Lusuate heard this embassage he said that he was the king of the sea and he said that he was the king of the sea and he said that he was the king of the sea and that he was the king of the sea and when Lusuate heard this embassage he set sail with a great fleet and on their way they put into Scotland where he was honourably received by King Languilies Brezena his wife was with him and their daughter Orianna born in Denmark and then about 10 years old the fairest creature that ever was seen wherefore she was called the one without a peer and because she suffered much at sea it was determined to leave her there Bright gladly did King Languilies accept this charge and his queen said that she was his own mother so Lusuate proceeded and when he arrived at Great Britain he found those who had disturbed him as in common cases and for this cause he did not send her his daughter it was great trouble that he took he was king at last and he was the best king that had yet been no one was there ever one who better maintained chivalry to King Arthur Reind who passed in goodness all kings that were before him the child of the sea was now 12 years old and he was the queen but now that Orianna was there the queen gave her the child of the sea that he should serve her and Orianna said that it pleased her in that word which she said the child kept in his heart so that he never lost it from his memory and in all his life he was never wary of serving her and his heart was surrendered to her and this love lasted as long as they lasted for as well as he loved her did she also love him but the child of the sea gave her thoughts on her and dared not to speak to her and she who loved him in her heart was careful not to speak with him more than with another but their eyes delighted to reveal to the heart what was the thing on earth that they loved best and now the time came that he thought he could take arms if he were knighted and this he greatly desired thinking that he would do such things that if he lived his mistress should esteem him with this great desire he went to the king who was at that time in the garden and fell upon his knees before him it is time for me to receive knighthood how child of the sea so languanese are you strong enough to maintain knighthood it is easy to receive but difficult to maintain and he who would keep it well so many and so difficult other things he must achieve that his heart will often be troubled and if through fear he forsakes what he ought to do better his death to him than life with shame not for this replied he will I fail to be a knight my heart would not require it if it were not in my will to accomplish what you say you have bred me up complete what you ought to do in this if not I will seek some other who will do it king who feared lest he should do this replied child of the sea I know when this is fitting better than you can know and I promise you to do it and your arms shall be got ready but to whom do you think to go to King Padeon who they say is a good knight and has married the sister of your queen I would tell him how I was brought up by her and then he would willingly fulfill my desire and now said the king be satisfied it shall be honorably done and he gave orders that the arms should be made and sent to acquaint Gandalese thereof when Gandalese heard this he greatly rejoiced and sent a damsel with the sword and the ring and the letter and wax which he had found in the ark the child of the sea was with Audiana and the ladies of the palace discussing when a page entered and told him there was a stranger damsel without who brought presents for him and would speak with him and she who loved him heard this her heart trembled they might have seen how she changed and she told the child of the sea to let the damsel come in that they might see the presents accordingly she entered and said sir child of the sea your good friend Gandalese salutes you as the man who loves you much and sends you this sword and this ring and this wax and he begs you will wear this sword while you live for his sake he took the presents and laid the ring and the wax in his lap to be without a scabbard meantime Audiana took up the wax and said I will have this not thinking that it contained anything it would have better pleased him if she had taken the ring which was one of the finest in the world while he was looking at the sword the king came in and asked him what he thought of it it seems a goodly one sir said he by marvel wherefore it had no scabbard it is fifteen years said the king since it had one and taking him by the hand it would be a night and you know not whether of right you should be one I therefore tell you all that I know concerning you but with that he told him all that Gandalese had communicated the child of the sea answered I believe this for that damsel said my good friend Gandalese had sent her and I thought she had mistaken and should have called him my father but I am nothing displeased herewith except that I know not my parents nor they me for my heart tells me I am well born to obtain knighthood that I may win honour in the praise of prowess since I know not my lineage and am like one whose kindred are all dead when the king heard him speak thus he believed that he would prove a hardly and good night as they were thus conversing a knight came to inform the king that king Padeon had arrived Linguines went to welcome him as one who knew how to do honour to all and after they had saluted he asked how it was that he came so unexpectedly I came to seek for friends and more need than ever for king Abias of Ireland was upon me and is now with all his power in my country and Dagonal his half brother is with him and both together have collected such a multitude against me that I stand in need of all my friends and kingsmen for I have lost many of my people in battle already and others whom I trusted have failed me for other replied Linguines your misfortunes grieve me not a little and I shall aid you the best I can Agriès who was already knighted and helped before his father saying sir I beg a boon the witch being granted for king Linguines loved him as himself he pursued I request that I may go to defend the queen my aunt and I grant it and said Linguines you shall be as honourably and well accompanied as may be this while had the child of the sea been looking earnestly at Padeon notice his father for of that he knew nothing but because of his great goodness and arms of which he had heard the fame and he desired to be made a knight by his hand rather than by any man in the world to attain this purpose he thought best to entreat the queen but he found her so sad that he would not speak to her and going to where Orianna was he knelt before her and said Lady Orianna could I know by you the cause of the queen's sadness Orianna's heart leapt at seeing him whom she most loved before her and she said to him child of the sea this is the first thing you ever asked of me and I shall do it with a good will a lady I am neither so bold nor worthy as to ask anything from one like you but rather to obey what it pleases you to command what said she is your heart so feeble so feeble that in all things towards you it would fail me except in serving you like one who is not his own but yours mine said she since when since it pleased you how since it pleased me remember lady the day the queen took me by the hand and leading me before you said I give you this child to be your servant and you said it pleased you and from that time I have held and hold myself yours to do your service yours only that neither I nor any other while I live can have command over me that word said she you took with a meaning that it did not bear but I am well pleased that it is so then he was overcome with such pleasure that he had no power to answer and Orianna who now saw the whole power that she had over him went to the queen and learned the cause of her sadness and returning to the child of the sea told him that it was for the queen her sister who now was so distressed he answered if it pleased you that I were a knight with your leave I would go and aid the queen her sister with my leave and what without it would you not then go no said he for without the favor of her whose it is my heart could not sustain itself in danger then Orianna smiled and said since I have gained you you shall be my knight and you shall aid the sister of the queen the child of the sea kissed her hand the king my master has not yet knighted me and I had rather it should be done by king Padion at your entreaty in that said she I will do what I can but we must speak to the princess Mabilia for her request will avail with her uncle Mabilia who loved the child of the sea let him go said she to the chapel of my mother armed at all points and we in the other damsels will accompany him and when king Padion is setting off which will be done before daybreak I will ask to see him and then will he grant our request for he is a courteous knight when the child of the sea heard this he called Gandeline and said to him my brother take all my arms secretly to the queen's chapel for this night I think to be knighted and because it behooves me to depart from the company believe me close Gandeline never with my will shall I depart from you the tears came in the eyes of the child at this and he kissed him in the face and said do not what I told you Gandeline laid the arms in the chapel while the queen was at supper and when the cloths were removed the child of the sea went there and armed himself all save his head in his hands and made his prayers before the altar beseeching God to grant him success in arms and in the love which he bore his lady when the queen had retired Orianna Amabilia went with the other damsels to accompany him and Amabilia sent for Pérdion as he was departing and when he came she had besought him to do what Orianna the daughter of King Lozoate should request willingly said King Pérdion for her father's sake then Orianna came before him and when he saw her how fair she was he thought there could not be found more equal in the world she begged a boon and it was granted then said she make this my gentleman knight and came to Pérdion kneeling before the altar the king saw how fair he was and approaching him said would you receive the order of knighthood I would in the name of God then and may he order it that it be well bestowed on you and that you may grow an honour as you have in person then putting on the right spur he said now are you a knight and may receive the sword the king took the sword and gave it to him and the child girded it on then said Pérdion to your manner and appearance I would have performed the ceremony with more honours and a trusting God that your fame will prove that so it ought to have been done Mabilia and Orianna then joyfully kissed the king's hand and he commending the child of the seat of God went his way but he who was now a knight took leave of the damsels who had watched with him and Orianna whose heart was bursting though she dissembled that let him aside and said child of the seat I judge of you too well to think you are the son of Gandales the king of this tell me so he told all that from King Languines he had heard and she greatly rejoicing their act commended him to God he found Gandaline at the palace door holding his lance and his shield and his horse and he mounted and went his way unseen for any for it was yet night they rode on till the noon was passed and then refreshed themselves with the food that Gandaline had brought and when evening came they heard in the woods the voice as of a man in great suffering before the knight rode presently that way he found a knight dead and hired by him another solely wounded and a woman upon him who made him so cry out for she was thrusting her hands into his wounds help me sir knight he cried and let me not be murdered by this wretch the woman at that fled and the child of the sea alighted and took the wounded man who had swooned away in his arms and so dealt with him that he revived and cried take me where I may have some help for my soul for I am slain take courage sir knights of the child and tell me how this happened it is that wicked woman he replied whom I took to wife and last night she forsook me to go with another whom ye now see lying dead and after I had slain him I told her that I would forgive her if she would dishonor me no more but she seeing how weak I was the loss of blood fell upon me and thrust her hands into the wounds to kill me so that well I perceive I cannot long live therefore I beseechee good sir help me to a hermitage that is near at hand and they laid him upon Gandaline's horse and went towards the hermitage but the woman who had a little before sent for her three brothers to save her from her husband met them now whom she had no sooner a spy than she exclaimed help me for that wicked night who goes yonder as carrying away my husband whom he hath well nigh slain follow him and kill him and the man with him who was as bad as he this said that her guilt might not be known and she went on her paul free to show them the way the child of the sea by this had left the wounded night and was proceeding when they overtook him and cried stop traitor you lie replied the child I am no traitor and shall defend myself well from treason come on like knights he broke his lance upon the first when we drove to the earth both him and his horse once they could neither arise then took his shield from Gandaline and so played his part that he lightly discomfited the twain the woman attempted to fly but Gandaline then said one of the brethren we know not sir whether this battle has been for right or wrong and he then related what his sister had told him the child blessed himself at hearing this and told them how she had murdered her husband and he took them to mercy on condition that they should carry her and her husband to King Languines and tell the king that a night who had that day sallied out had sent them to be at his judgment End of Chapter 5 Chapter 6 I gave the lance to the child of the sea and how he delivered King Padeon from those who would have slain him then the child of the sea gave his shield and helmet to Gandaline and proceeded they had not ridden far when they saw a damsel coming off of Palfrey and she had in her hand a lance with its belts and presently another damsel who came by a different path joined her and they both came on communing together when they reached him she would the weapon said take this lance sir three days it will stand ye in good stead as therewith ye shall deliver from death the house whence ye are descended he, wondering at her words, replied how damsel can a house live or die she answered so it will be in this lance I give you for some services which from you I expect the first whereof shall be when you shall do an honour to one of your friends whereby he shall be put into the worst danger that any night has been these ten years of space damsel said he such honour if God please I will not do my friend she answered so it will be and spurred her Palfrey and departed now this was Odeganda the unknown the other damsel who remained then said to him sir knight I am from a strange land and if it please you will abide with you till the third day and defer my journey to my mistress whence are you said he from Denmark this was truth for he remembered the language of Oriana in her childhood then said he if you please damsel to go with me I will defend ye to my power but I pray ye know ye that other damsel never till this meeting she told me that lance was for the best night in the world and desired me after her departure to tell ye that she bear you great affection and that her name was Uganda the unknown ah God quote he how unfortunate I am and I cannot find her against her will in this devising they went until the dark evening overtook them at this time they met a squire who asked where they were going along the road replied the child that quote he is true but if you mean to have lodging you must turn aside from it there is no dwelling place near except my father's castle and there shall ye be well entertained and this the squire did because Fireon was a castle which they could not pass without doing battle and he had never seen the combat of night errands so they were well served that night and on the morrow when they departed the squire said he would bring them again into their way as far as a castle which they must pass after riding about three leagues they saw the castle and a goodly one it seemed for before it ran a river and it had a drawbridge whereon was a fair tower at the end the damsel and the squires rode first but as soon as the damsel attempted to pass his fellows armed with curises and headpieces seized her bridle and told her to swear or she would die swear what? quote she swear never to show favour to your lover till he promised you to help King Abias against King Padion with that she cried aloud for help and the child of the sea caught a hatchet from one of the ruffians and felled him the rest fell upon him one he sliced to the eyes another from the shoulder to the ribs seeing this their comrades fled quote he an evil be to them that encouraged such villainy but now as they went on a great noise was heard in the castle and the damsel told him to take his arms fear not said he where ladies are so evil and treated there can be no men worth anything sir, quote she, I dare not go on unless you take your arms so he took them and proceeded through the gate of the castle where they met a squire lamenting out loud ah God they are killing the best night in the world for not taking an oath they cannot keep the child of the sea passed him and saw King Padion beset by two knights in ten halberdas who had slain his horse and now assailed him on all sides crying soire or die traitors, quote the child you shall die for him with that they called to the porter to shut the castle gate and half of them leaving King Padion fell upon the night but soon had he slain the two knights and rode among the halberdas scattering them they were all slain except some few who got upon the walls but then the child alighted and followed them and some in their fear leapt down two only fled into a chamber where lay an old knight so aged that he could not rise who cried out from whom are you flying villains from a knight who has played the devil in your castle killed both your nephews and all your comrades the child of the sea had followed them and bade them show him their master and when he saw the old man in bed he blessed himself and said thou old wretch at thou on the very edge of the grave and dost thou maintain such customs with these words he made offer to smite off his head mercy, quote the old man swear then, said the knight that thou, while thou slivest no more such treason may be maintained here where to for the old man right gladly took his oath now tell me wherefore has thou fallen for the love of King Abias of Ireland who is my nephew and because I could not aid him with my body I wish to assist him with such knights errant as pass this way false villain, quote the child of the sea with that he kicked down the bed and the old man with it and commending him to all the devils he left him and went down into the court and took the horse of one of the knights whom he had slain and leading it to King Padeon cried then they departed the child of the sea would not take off his helmet lest the king should know him and when Padeon asked who he was that had suckered him in such need he persisted in concealing himself till the damsel took his helmet off then presently Padeon knew him that it was the youth whom he had knighted at the lady's request and embracing him he said truly I know now you better than before sir, quote the child I knew you well that it was you good, wherewith so please it God I shall serve you in your wars and gall they came at length to a double way and the knight asked Padeon which way he took the left answered the king for it lead us to my country God have you then in his keeping quote the child for I must take the right then said Padeon I pray you remember your promise so took they leave of each other the damsel then said to the child of the sea sir knight I have hitherto kept you company because the damsel who gave you the lance said she brought it for the best night in the world and surely I have seen so much that I know it was a truth now I will shape my course towards my lady and who is she Oriana the daughter of King Lozwade but when he heard his lady named his heart trembled in such sort that he had nigh fallen from his horse Gandeline who saw him taught her ran to him and he cried my heart faileth me the damsel thinking some sudden sickness was the cause thereof would have had him unarmed but he told her it was needless and that he was liable to such seizures then they parted company the damsel and the squire towards the court of Languines and the child of the sea and Gandeline going where fortune guided them two days they rode without adventure and on the third about midday arrived in the sight of a goodly castle that belonged to Galpano the most valiant knight in these parts but who followed the service of the wicked enemy instead of the lords who had endowed him with strength and courage he had accustomed to make all ladies and damsels that passed his castle enter in where forcibly he took his will of them and made them swear never to take other lovers than him which if they refused he beheaded them at what nights came he made combat with his two brethren whom if they conquered he would force the conqueror to deal with himself who was the strongest knight in all that country and he made them swear and they called themselves the conquered by Galpano Elsie cut off their heads and when they had sworn he stripped them of all they had and sent them away afoot End of Chapter 6