 Book 4, Chapter 36, of Amades of Gull. How Amades went to Sucker King Lizwater, and of what happened upon the way before he arrived. When Amades and his companions went forward before King Perion, he hastened eagerly to be in time for the Sucker, and that as Lady Oriana might know that, with reason or without it, he always had her present to his eyes to serve her. But the way was long, for from the place where he set out, to the field where the two great battles had been fought, was five leagues, and from thence to Lubena, eight, thirteen leagues in all, so that march as fast as they could, there were three leagues from the town when night overtook them. Amades had ordered his guides to keep always toward the mountain, that the enemy might not retreat to any strong position, but the darkness came on, and the guides were confounded, and knew not where they were, nor where the town lay, nor where they had pasted. When Amades heard this, though he was the most patient man in the world, and the one who, upon all occasions, could best repress his anger, he could not now refrain from often cursing himself and his evil fortune, so that there was no man who dared speak to him. Don Corragante, who was also greatly grieved because of King Kil-Darren, with whom he was so nearly allied, and whom he loved so well, went up to him, and said, Good Sir, be not so greatly disturbed, for God knows what is best. If it please him that, by this, help should be afforded to those kings and knights who are so much our friends, he will guide us to them, but if his will be otherwise, no one hath power to act against it. And Serger said it fell out, if they had not thus gone astray, the issue would not have been so honourable for them, as you shall hear. Being thus perplexed, Amades asked the guides, if they were near the mountain, and they replied, they must needs be near it, for by his command they had inclined that way. He then made Gandalin go, with one of the guides, and seek way up, for if the army were encamped he would see their fires. Gandalin kept to the left, on which hand the mountain lay, and after some time found that he was at the foot of the mountain, and getting up as fast as he could he looked over the plain, and presently saw the fires. He then called the guide, and pointed them out, and asked him if he could lead the way thither. The man answered that he could. Then they hastened back to Amades, and told him this. "'Lead on, then,' said he, as fast as possible, for the night is far spent. So they moved forward, and at length came within sight the fires of Arivargo's camp. If that pleased them need not be said, but especially the brave Amades, who never in his life was so desirous to fulfil adventure that King Lizwater might know how, under God, he it was who helped and supported him in all his dangers, for he knew the king could not escape death or captivity without his aid, and had resolved, after having saved him, to return without seeing or speaking to him. The morning now began to break, and there were yet a league from the town. Now when it was daylight, King Arivargo and all his knights prepared joyfully for the contest, and went up to the battlements. Lizwater and his people bravely defended themselves, but at length the enemy being so many and encouraged by success, and those on the king's side few, and for the most part wounded and disheartened, they could not prevent them from entering the town with a mighty shout. Then was the upper-hour grade in the street, where the king and his knights obscenately defended themselves, and the women and children, and they who could no way else assist, helped them from the windows. The sword-strokes fell so fast, and the arrows and stones flew about so, and such an outcry was there, as none could have beheld without dismay. As King Lizwater and his knights saw that they were lost, and feared more to be taken than slain, no one can tell the feats they performed, and the blows they dealt about, and their enemies dared not come near them, but pressed on them with lances and stones. On the other side, where King Kildadan and Arquacil and Flaminio and Norandell were opposed to King Arivargo, you may well assure yourself they were not idle, and there was a brave battle, till at length Arivargo and Arcalaus and the six knights of the Sagittary Island made good the entrance. Two of these knights, King Arivargo, sent by a traverse through the streets, to help the division of Barsinan and the Duke of Bristol. He went with the other four against Kildadan, saying to them, Now, my friends, is the time to satisfy your wrath, and revenge the death of the noble knight Brontaxar D'Antfania, for here you see those who slew him, full on them, for they can make no defence. These four knights then drew their large swords and furiously advanced through their own people, striking them down to clear the way, till they came up to King Kildadan and his comrades. He, brave and resolute as he was, could not choose but fear, seeing how huge and terrible they were, and he said to his friends, Full on, sirs, we shall die worthily here, but in such sword that if we can, thee shall go before us. After that they made at each other like men who were determined to slay or be slain. One of the four knights made at King Kildadan and struck at his helmet, thinking to cleave his head in twain. The king saw the blow and raised his shield, the sword went through the rim, and pierced so deep that when the knight attempted to draw it out, he plucked away the shield with it. King Kildadan, who was used to such danger, lost neither his courage nor his thought, but gave it him on the arm, which by reason of the weight of the shield hanging from his sword he could not so speedily draw back. It was such a blow as cut through the mail and the whole arm, and left it dangling by a bit of flesh. The sword fell at his feet, and the knight drew back like a maimed man. The king then went to help his companions, who were bravely combating the other three, and by his coming, and the sight of that blow which he had given, the enemy were somewhat dismayed, and they defended the street so well that they received little hurt there, though King Aravigo was calling out not to leave a man alive. The other two knights were now come up to the other battle. When they arrived, King Lezuarte and his knights were retiring to the crossing of a street where some of his people were standing idle because the street itself was so narrow that they could not find room to fight. There at the crossing they stopped, but all was in vain. For so few were they, and their arms so hecked away, and they themselves so wounded that in less than half an hour they must all have been killed or taken if it had not pleased God to help them by the coming of Amades. Amades had spurred on from daybreak, when he came up and saw the enemy in the town, and others still without the walls. He charged them, and beat all who came in his way, and he through one gate and Quaraganta through the other ended with their people shouting out Goal! Goal! Ireland! Ireland! The enemy were unprepared and without order, so that a great slaughter was made among them, and many to refuge in the houses. They who were fighting in the front heard the uproar and the war cries, and immediately they thought that King Lizwater was suckered, and they were dismayed, and knew not what to do, whether to continue the battle where they were, or to turn back and help their people. King Lizwater also hearing this, and seeing how his enemies waxed feint, took heart and began to hearten his comrades, and they bestowed themselves so bravely that they made their enemies give ground till they met those who were flying before Amades, and then they had no remedy but to place themselves back to back and defend themselves. King Aravigo and Arcalaus, seeing how the day was lost, got into a house, for they had not courage to die in battle, and they were soon taken. Amades was now dealing about such blows that none dared meet him except the two knights of the Sagittary Island who advanced against him. He, though he saw what mighty man they were, was nothing dismayed, but raised his good sword and gave the one such a blow upon helmet that, strong as he was, he came on both his knees. Amades thrust him backward and passed by him, and seeing how Floristan and Agrierte had overthrown the other, he left him to the care of his people, and they three went on towards Barcelona, the Duke of Bristol, who were now so hardly pressed by King Lizwater that, seeing nothing but death before them, the one ran to Amades and the Duke of Bristol to Floristan, crying for mercy. These two being thus taken, Amades looked and saw King Lizwater, and that there was no further resistance there. So, with his prisoners, he turned back to aid Quaragante. But on the way he learned that that night had already done his work, and had taken King Arravigo and Arcalaus, and then he said to Gandalin, Go tell Don Quaragante that I am leaving town, and that as he has finished two we should depart without seeing King Lizwater, and he took horse himself and made his people mount. When Lizwater saw how his life had been saved, and that his enemies were destroyed or taken, he was so astonished that he knew not what to say, and he called to Don Guyant, who was near him, and said, How is all this, and who are these who have done us so much good? Who can it be, sir? replied Guyant, but the same as usual, no other than Amades of Gaul, for you heard his cry, and it would be well, sir, that you should give him the thanks that he deserves. The King answered, Go you forward and stop him if he be departing. He will stay for you. I will presently follow. When Don Guyant came to the gate, he then learned for certain that it was Amades, and that he had already taken horse, and was departing with his people, not waiting for Quaragante, lest he should be detained. Don Guyant then cried out aloud to him to stay, for the King was here. At this Amades was troubled, but when he came nearer, he looked at the King, and saw that his armour was all broken, and clotted with the blood of his wounds, and it was moved to pity at beholding him thus, for notwithstanding the great enmity between them, he had always remembered that he was the bravest and most honourable King in the world, and the best of heart. So, coming still nearer, he dismounted, and went up to him, and knelt, and would have kissed his hand. But the King raised him up, and embraced him with right good will. At this time Don Quaragante came up to follow Amades, and with him came Kil-Darren, and many others who were going to detain Amades, that he might see the King. Quaragante, and Florestan, and Angriote, then went to kiss the King's hand, and Amades embraced King Kil-Darren, who can tell the pleasure they all felt to see themselves thus united, and the destruction of their enemies. King Kil-Darren then set to Amades. Go you, sir, to the King, and I will remain with my uncle Don Quaragante. Thus accordingly they did. But now Brannoyas came up with much pain, for he was solely wounded, and set to the King. Sir, the townsmen and your people are killing the enemies who have fled into the houses, and such slaughter is there that the streets are flowing with blood. But though their lords deserve this, their people have not. Do you, therefore, give order what should be done in this cruel destruction? Let it be stopped, sir, cried Amades, for it is in these things that greatness of heart is shown. The King then sent his son Narendel and Don Quaragante to put a stop to the slaughter, and look to the prisoners, and Amades bathed Gandalin and Enel and his foster-father Gandales, take charge of Aravigo and Archelaus, and Barsanon, and the Duke of Bristol. Lesuarte then took Amades by the hand and said, Sir, if it pleases you, let us now go rest and refresh ourselves, for we have need. Let us go into the town and have the dead carried out. May it please you, replied Amades, to give us leave to depart that we may return in time to King Perion, who is on his way with all the rest of the army. Certes, Quarlesuarte, that leave will I not give. In virtue and strength none can conquer you, but in this you must yield to me. We will receive your father here. After so signal a thing as this, it is not reasonable that we should part so soon. And then he returned to King Kildaran and said, Do you retain this night since I cannot? Sir, quoth Kildaran, do this which the King so affectionately besieges you, and let not a man who have been so well brought up commit such discurse. Amades then turned to his brother Florestan and the other knights, and asked what they should do, since the King commanded them. Quaragante answered, that as they were come thither to serve the King, and had already done so in the more important part, so ought they, in lesser things. Let it be so, sir, then, Amades replied. He then bait his people dismount, and secure their horses in the field, and seek for food. Presently they saw King Arban, and Don Gromedan come up with their hands tied behind them, for their guards had left them, and it was a wonder that they had not slain them. Greatly did the King rejoice to see them, for he thought that they had been dead, and so cert as they would have been, but for this sucker. And they went and kissed his hands, and they went to welcome Amades with such joy as the greatest friends in the world feel when they meet. They now advised the King to go with all those knights to the monastery which was near, till the town should be cleared of dead bodies. Arquisil now, who had been placing Flaminio where his wounds could be attended, came up, and when he saw Amades he embraced him, saying, Sir, you suckered us in good time, if you slain some of us, you have saved more. Amades replied, with great pleasure, Sir, have I suckered you, for you may believe that I truly love you. Now as Lizard was going to what this monastery, he saw King Perion and his army coming up with great speed. Sir, quoth Don Gromedan, this is a good sucker, but if the first had been delayed, our safety would have been delayed altogether. The King, laughing replied, he who would dispute with you respecting Amades, would have a long quarrel, Don Gromedan, and a perilous one. The King then called for a horse, and bade King Kildadan mount also that they might ride to welcome King Perion. Sir, said Amades, it were far better that you rested and took heed to your wounds, and the King, my father, will come to visit you. But the King said he would by all means meet him, so he and King Kildadan and Amades rode on, and Jiren was sent forward to let Perion know of his coming. King Perion, upon this, took with him Count Gastelés and Graçandor, and Don Brian, and Trion, and besought Agraias to lead the troops while they advanced. This he did, knowing the enmity of Agraias to King Lizard, and he, who was well pleased, busied himself to delay the army that he might not have occasioned to meet the King. When the two kings met, they alighted and embraced each other, and Perion, seeing him so wounded, said, Me things you were not in this evil plight when you left your camp, though there your arms had not lain idle in their cases, nor your person under the shade of your tent. Sir, Quascun Lizard, I wished you to behold me as I am that you might know in what state I was when Amades and these knights rescued me. He then told him how the battle had been. I thank God for it, replied King Perion, and for the peace there is between us, for through all this quarrel it has ever been my wish, that my sons and all their kin should look up to and reverence you as our lord and father. Lizard answered, We will leave this for father leisure. I trust in God that before we part we shall be connected by a near tie and by great love. King Lizard now looked round for Agraias, and seeing him not he asked for him, for though he knew how that prince hated him, he had both for his own sake, and to show that no father and that he existed, he had resolved what to do. Perion replied that he had left him with the army to prevent any accidental mischief if the army should meet. Let him be called then, said Lizard, for I will not depart till I have seen him. Amades upon this went himself to Agraias, knowing that he could best prevail upon his cousin, and he told him all that had passed, and besought him to go with him, since friendship was now re-established. Agraias answered, Cousin, you know my anger lasts no longer than it is your will, but God sent that the service which you have now done the King may be better girdened than your former one. This has made him suffer for the past, and that Belike may change his condition. So he bathed the army hold till they received his Urus and rode back with Amades. When they came up the King took him in his arms and embraced him a while, saying, Which is the most dangerous, this embrace or that which we gave each other in the battle? Agraias courageously answered, Sir, longer time is necessary before that can be resolved with truth. Now then, crock the King, let us move. You, sir, speaking to King Perion, with those knights must be my guests in the monastery. The troops, as many as can, must take their quarters in the town and in the rest and camp in these fields. We will have all the stores which are collected for the camp brought here, that there will be no want. King Perion would feign have had his leave to depart, but Lisuarte and Kildadan urged him so that he could not deny, and they were all well lodged in the monastery. There, King Lisuarte was attended by the masters whom he had brought with him, but there were all as nothing to master Lisuarte, who soon made the King and all the other wounded knights save and sound, that it was marvellous. Yet Lisuarte had been so grievously heard that it was more than ten days before he could rise from his bed. In the meantime the good man Naciano arrived, at whose coming they were all greatly rejoiced, and he on his part, seeing these persons so joined in friendship now, who but three days ago, were so cruelly striving to slay each other, lifted up his hands and said, O Lord, how exceeding great is thy mercy! The blood of the wounds which these knights and kings made by the wicked enemy's persuasion is not yet dried, and because I have spoken to them in thy name they are now in the beginning of the good way. Let me, as thy servant, sinner though I am, so bring all this to an end, that they may forsake all other pursuits which are not to thy service and give themselves altogether to the advancement of thy holy catholic faith. This good man never ceased to exhort them with good examples and doctrine. One day, when they were all in King Lisuarte's chamber, the King asked Perion how he had learned the news of his danger, and being answered that Esplanion had seen Aravigo's army and carried the alarm, the King said to him, Esplanion, you've done me great service, and I trust in God that I shall one day well requited. Son, quoth the hermit, go and kiss the King's hand for what he hath said. The child went and knelt and kissed his hand, and the King drew his head nearer and kissed his face, and looked at Amades, and Amades, who had his eyes upon the child, saw what the King did, and how he looked at him, and his face colored, for he knew that Lisuarte was informed of his love for Oriana, and how Esplanion was their child, so that to see how the King loved Esplanion made him more desirous to serve the King, and Lisuarte was so fond of the child, that while he was between them as a reconciler, no difference could happen. King Gasquilan now arrived at the monastery. He had been carried in a litter from the camp, and by Lisuarte's advice he kept as far as he could to the right of the mountain, so that by reason of the circuit he was five days reaching Lubena, and when he heard of the battle, he was sorely grieved that he had not been present, and in his pride said things to that effect, which they who heard did not think good. He was courteously received by all that company, and his bed was placed in King Lisuarte's chamber. There, seeing so many fair nights about him, he asked which was Amades, who came forward and made him welcome, saying, I should be better pleased good sir, to have seen you in health, and thus, for animality, is ill-employed upon so good a man as you. May it please God soon to heal you, and whatever quarrel there may be between us shall be amended with good works. Gasquilan looked at him, and seeing him so fair and so gentle, he would have thought him a fitter man for dames and damsels than for feats of war, if he had not to his cost proved him. He made answer, my good sir Amades, you are the knight in the world whom I most desire to see, not for your good, but to combat with you. And if that had befallen you from my hands, which has befallen me from yours, I should have thought myself the best knight in the world, and should also have won the love of my lady, by whose command I besought you, and before whom I know not how I shall appear, so that my evil is greater than its seamoth. I am grieved at this, quoth Amades, but you who have performed such signal exploits would not have gained much by conquering a knight of so little renown as I am. At this, King Kil-Darren said with a smile to Lisvarta, you should throw down your one, sir, to separate these two knights, and thus, gestingly, they were led to talk of other things. Now King Perion besought Lisvarta that he and his knights might return to the firm island and send his two knights to their meeting, as had been determined. But King Lisvarta replied that since it had pleased God thus to bring them together, they would not separate till all was concluded. Arcusil now spoke with Amades, saying he was ready to perform his promise and return to prison. Amades then rode out with him, and when they were away from all others, said, by good sir, I've been prevented from speaking to you before, as you've seen, but now that we have opportunity to speak, I will tell you what is in my mind. Now that the emperor is dead, you are the right heir to the empire, and I know likewise that you are well beloved by all the people, and if anyone disliked you it was the emperor for his envy of your good qualities. So great a thing as this you ought to attend to. You have here the greater part of the best knights of Rome, and I have in the firm island, Bondahel of the Rock, and the Duke of Ancona, and the Archbishop of Talantia, with sundry odders who were taken upon the sea. We will send for them, and before we separate they will do homage to you as emperor, and if there be any opposition I will assist you to obtain your right. If Arcusil was well pleased at this you may easily guess, for he had expected to be held prisoner in some place from whence he should not soon have been released. My good sir, he replied, I know not why all who are in the world do not seek after your friendship. If thanks were sufficient for such a kindness I would offer them. But what can I offer? There just nothing but my person, and all that God and my right may bestow upon me. Therefore, as you have said, bring this to effect, and what I gain will be more yours than mine. I will undertake it, said Amades, and with God's help you shall depart emperor from hence, or else hold me not for a night. Before we return to the monastery, said Amades, I will show you the man in the world who hates me most, and with that they entered Lubena, and went to the lodging of Don Gandales, and to the chamber where King Aravigo and Archelaus were held prisoners. They found them in one bed, and with their clothes on, for since their captivity they had never undressed. Amades knew the enchanter, and said to him, What does thou do, Archelaus? Who art thou who asked? Amades of gold whom you have so much desired to see. Then Archelaus looked at him more attentively. Serthus, you say truly, for though it is long since I saw thee, I remember that thou art the same whom I had in my power in castle Veldarin. The compassion which I then had upon thy youth and comeliness had since occasioned me many and great troubles, and at length brought me to such state that it behoved me to ask thy mercy. Amades replied, If I should have mercy, would thou cease to commit those great iniquities and cruelties to which thou has been accustomed? No, Quathi, for my age so long addicted thereto by its own will, cannot now give up what had so long been its delight. But necessity, whose strong curb can change all customs from good to evil, and from evil to good, would make me do that in my age which my youth in liberty neither would nor could. What necessity, replied Amades, could I lay thee under if I set thee free? Archelaus answered, I would give thee up my castles and all my lands, to increase which I have done so much ill to my conscience and fame, and would reserve no more than it might please you for your virtue to allow me, for at present I can do nothing else. It might be that this pressure and your great goodness would work that change in me which reason hitherto had not been able to affect. Then Amades replied, Archelaus, if I have any hope that thy disposition can be amended, it is only from the knowledge which thou thyself has that thou art a wicked sinner. Take courage, therefore, in this consolation. It may be this present of the body which thou so much dreadest may be the key to release thy soul which thou hast had so long enthralled. Then he would have left him, but Archelaus cried out, Amades, look at this unhappy king a little while ago, and he was on the point of becoming one of the greatest princes in the world, and in a moment fortune which had been so favourable beat him down and placed him in this cruel captivity. Let him be an example to thee, and to all who have or desire to have honour and dominion, and remember that to conquer and to pardon is the character of great spirits. Amades did not answer, because he was his prisoner, and this reason was against him that he, though by his arms and his enchantments had conquered many, had never spared. Howbite he knew that what he had now said was spoken well. As soon as they returned to the monastery, Amades called for Ardian, his dwarf, and bade him go to the firm island and tell Oriana and her company all that had taken place, and he gave him a letter for Isangha wherein he bade him send all the Roman prisoners. Well pleased was the dwarf to carry this news, because he hoped for great honour and much profit. He mounted his horse and rode by day and by night with little respite, till he arrived. Oriana had heard of the two battles, and the emperor of Rome was slain, and how the good men Naziano had made it true. But she knew nothing more, and was now very sorrowful that he could not bring about peace. And she did nothing now but tell her beads and make offerings and romerias to all the churches in the island, and continually pray for peace. Now when she heard that the dwarf had arrived and brought tidings for her, her heart was greatly disturbed, fearing what he might tell her both of her father and Amadeus. But he, as soon as he saw her, said, Lady, I ask for al-Brisias, the reward of good tidings, not according to what I am, but according to what you are, and what the tidings are that I bring. Oriana answered, My friend Ardian, it seems things go well with your master, but tell me if my father is living. Living, Lady, Quathedorf, alive and well, and happier than ever he was. Holy Mary, cried Oriana, tell me all, and if ever God gives me any good, I will make thee happy in this world. But when she heard all that had befallen, she knelt down, and lifted her hands, and said, Oh Lord Almighty, the helper of all that be a need, blessed be thy holy name, and blessed be that fair child who had been the occasion of all this good. I am bound to love him better than any one can think. They who heard her thought she said this because of the sucker which had Splandion had procured for the king, but it proceeded from the bowels of her mother. Queen Briolania and Melissia then asked him concerning child of Splandion what manner of youth he was, and how the king required his service. Good ladies, he answered, I was with Amadeus in the king's chamber, when as Splandion went to kiss the king's hand for the favors which he promised him, and I saw the king draw him closer, and lay his hand upon his head, and kiss his eyes. And as for his beauty, I tell you that though he is a man, and you think yourselves full-handsome, if he were before you, you would hide yourselves and not dare be seen. It is well, then, said they, that we are shut up here, where he cannot see us. Oh, Quothendorf, however you were shut up, you and all fair ladies would go far to seek him. And that they all laughed merrily. But Arianna, looking at Queen Sardamira, bade her be of good cheer, for when the lord was thus helping her sorrows, she also would not be forgotten. The queen thanked her, and asked Ardion what was become of those unhappy Romans who were with King Lysorte. He told her that he'd seen Arcusil, talking in friendship with Amadeus, and that her brother Flaminia was hurt, but not badly. When his uncle had read the letter of Amadeus, he took the Roman chiefs from the tower, where they were held prisoners, and gave them horses, and all things fitting for the journey, and sent his own son and other persons to guide them. And the other prisoners, who were about two hundred, he released also, and sent them to Amadeus. When they arrived at the monastery, they kissed the king's hand, who received them kindly and with good cheer. But when they saw Arcusil, neither he nor they could refrain from tears. Amadeus courageously received them, and taking them apart without Arcusil, he said, Good sirs, I sent for you, that as things appear to be drawing to a happy end, you might be present, being men of whom reasonably much account should be taken, and also to tell you that I have Arcusil's promise to return to prison at my discretion, as probably you've heard. But considering the lineage from which he has sprung, and his own nobleness, I resolve to confer with you, that as there is no other to whom the empire can of right belong, you should take him for your emperor, in doing which you would do two things. First, you would discharge your duty by giving to the empire so good a knight, who is the right heir, and it would bestow great honours upon you. And secondly, as to what relates to your own captivity and his, for without delay you should be at liberty to return into your own country, and I would always be your good friend as long as it pleased you, for I love Arcusil, as though we were my own brother. Upon this the Roman lords desired upon the hell of the rock to speak for them. We are much beholden to you, Sir Amadis, said he, for this gracious speech, but this is weighty business, and the consent of so many wills is necessary, that we cannot reply till we have consulted with the knights who are here, for though little account may be made of them, yet in this, Sir, they are of great importance, for they possess cities and towns and fortresses, in the empire, and many offices which concern the election. If it please you, therefore, that I see Flaminio, and we will summon the rest in his presence, and then we shall be enabled deliberately to answer. Amadis, upon this, said they had answered like good knights, and he besought them that there might be no delay. Incontinently, those lords went to horse and rode into the town, which by this time was cleared of the dead, for King Lizorta had summoned the people of the surrounding districts to bury them. Glad were they to see Flaminio, about the great misfortunes which had befallen them, made their countenances sorrowful. They told him what had passed, and the chiefs of the Romans were forthwith assembled. Then, when they were all met, upon the hell of the rock thus began. Honourable Knight Flaminio, you and these our good friends know the misfortunes which have fallen upon us, since first we came to this island of Great Britain by command of the Emperor, whom God pardoned. Of this I will not speak. We were prisoners in the firm island, and had pleased Amadis of Goal to send for us hither, where he had shown us great honour, and spoken to us at length, saying that as our Emperor is now without a Lord, and the succession more justly appertaineth to Arquisil than to any other, it would please him if we would choose that night to be our Lord and Emperor, and that he would then set us free, and become our faithful friend and ally. And so earnestly did he propose this, that it appear to us he would rejoice if we did so with good will, and that if we refused he would employ his force to bring it otherwise about. For this cause you are now summoned, and to me it seems that this which Amadis desires of us is what we ought most earnestly to have requested of him. For who is there, who either by his right, or for his courage, or for his virtues, deserves the Emperor so well as Arquisil? Cert as none. He is our countryman, brought up among us. We know his good disposition, and that we may ask privileges of him as our right, which a stranger be like would deny. Moreover, thus should we win the friendship of the famous Amadis, who as when he was our enemy he had such power to injure us, so being our friend will he remedy the past with much honour and advantage. Now then, sirs, speak as you may think fit, having no regard to our captivity or tribulation, but only as reason and justice shall direct. Such influence have those things that are just and reasonable, that even the wicked cannot easily withstand them. But these nights were man of much discretion and understanding, and though on such occasions there are often many discordant wills, they all agreed that what one hell of the rock had advised was reasonable, and that what Amadis recommended should be done, that they and their Emperor might leave the land in which so much evil befallen them and return to their own country. With this answer the Chiefs return to Amadis. Then all the Chiefs and people of the Empire, they are present, being assembled in the Church, they did homage to Arcusil as their Emperor, and he swore to maintain their privileges and customs, and granted them all the favours with their reasonably asked. End of Book 4, Chapter 36 Book 4, Chapter 37 to 40 of Amadis 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 Anosimon. Amadis of Goal by Vasco de Labea, translated by Robert Southey. Book 4, Chapter 37 How King Lizzuarte assembled all the Kings and Chiefs and Knights in the monastery of Lobena and told them the services which he had received from Amadis of Goal and the garden which he gave him. When King Lizzuarte had left his bed and was sufficiently recovered and all the other wounded knights had been healed by the skill of that great master Lizzuarte, the King on a day summoned all the Kings and Chiefs of both armies to the church of the monastery and addressed them in this manner. Honourable Kings and renowned Knights, I need not call to your remembrance the things which have now befallen us, for you also were present, and if an end had not been found to them, we also, who are living, should have been among the dead. Leaving this then apart and knowing the great evil to the service of God and to our own person and kingdom if they had gone on, I have detained the noble King Perion of Goal and all the Princes and Knights of his army that I may speak in their presence and in yours. Then turning to Amadis he said, Brave Sir Amadis of Goal, it is not my custom to praise a man in his presence nor is it your inclination to be praised, but I must call to the remembrance of these Knights all that has passed between you and me, since you first abode at my court as the Knight of Queen Bresina my wife. These things were notorious to all, but they must see that I also acknowledge them, and that there is a good cause for the garden which I designed to bestow. After you defeated Darden the Proud in my presence and given me your brother Dongalor to be my Knight, which was the best gift that ever yet was made to any King. I and my daughter Oriana were entrapped by the wicked and chanter Archelaus and led away without any means of defence, for my Knights were all withheld by the word which I had given, so that she and I were in danger of death or cruel prison and my kingdom in hazard of being lost. Then did you and Galaur, returning from adventure on which the Queen had sent you, put your lives upon the chance to help us, and we were both rescued, and our enemies slain or put to flight, and immediately after the Queen my wife was suckered by you, and Barsinan, the father of this Lord of Sanzuena, defeated, who besieged her in our city of London, so that as with great treachery and imminent danger I had been taken, I was by you with honour saved to the safety of my kingdom. Again, when the battle of the Hundred Knights on each side was appointed between me and King Kildadan, who is here present, before the day arrived, you rid me of the enmity of this knight Don Quaragante, and slew Famongo Madan and Bassagante, the fiercest giant of all the islands in the sea, and rescued my daughter Leonoreta with all her ladies, and ten of my bravest knights, when all my power could not have saved them. In the battle such were the giants and knights whom King Kildadan brought against me, that I could not have won the victory but for you, who slew with one blow the brave Sardaman the Lion, and with another delivered me from Madan Fabul of the Vermilion Tower, who had disabled me and plucked me from the saddle to carry me on board his ship. You then conquered that most valiant and renowned Ardan Canileo the Terrible, to the great honour of my court, for nowhere else could be found one, nor two, nor three, nor four knights who dared meet him in the lists. All this it may be said you were bound to perform being in my service and for your honour. I will therefore relate what you have done since by my fault, who gave ear to evil counsellors rather than by yours, you left my house like an enemy. At that time when we were at the greatest enmity, you and the king your father and Don Florestan your brother came to my help when King Arravigo, with the six knights and so great a power, was come up against me, and chiefly by the power of you three, though I had many good knights on my part, I obtained such victory as secured my person and kingdom in greater honour than before, though reasonably then because of our quarrel you might have fought against me. And now at the end I know that after the second battle it was you who held back whereby I and mine were saved from the danger in which we stood as they all knew. Of the last danger I need not speak, for the blood of our wounds is yet flowing, and the souls which we there let loose have not yet had time to find a resting place. Now then, sirs, what garden can be equal to such services? None but this, that reserving all my honour so long as I shall live, my kingdoms which have so often been protected by his hand, should be given him in marriage with my daughter Oriana, and that as without my knowledge they are already joined in marriage by their own consent, so now that I do know it, I acknowledge them as my children and the successors of my kingdom. When Amadis heard the consent which the king had thus publicly given to his marriage he knelt before him and perforce kissed his hand, saying, all that you've said in my praise, sir, might well have been excused for considering the honours and favours which I and my lineage have received from you we were bound to these and far greater services, for this therefore, sir, I will return you no thanks, but for the last favour, not the inheritance of your kingdom, but for the gift of your daughter Oriana, I will serve you while I live with more obedience and affection than ever son served his father or vassal his lord. At that King Lusorta right lovingly embraced him and replied, and you also shall find in me the same love as in the father that begot you. All they who were present marveled greatly that the king had so entirely laid aside his former enmity, whether or no they were pleased I may be excused from saying, and they asked one of the other what the king might mean by saying that Amadis and the princes were already joined in marriage, as from the timeshad been taken on the sea by him they had perceived no such thing and far less before, but then the king called upon the holy man Nazjano to relate all that they might know with what justice Amadis had rescued her from the Romans and also that the king was without fault in delivering her up to the emperor being ignorant of her marriage, and that if Oriana had then plighted herself without her father's knowledge great cause and reason was there that she should so do. The good man then related it over as he had done to Lusorta in the tent, but when Childe Splandian heard who were his parents it need not be asked if you were pleased or not. The hermit knelt with him before both the kings and before his father and made him kiss their hands and they gave him their blessing. Then Amadis said to King Lusorta, Sir, as from hence forward it will be my pleasure to do your service, so am I now constrained to ask favours of you, and the first is that you would be pleased to give your daughter Leonoreta to the emperor of Rome to wife and to beseech him to accept her that we may be both your sons. The king thought it well to accept this alliance with Arcusil and promised him his daughter whom he was well contented to receive. King Lusorta then asked King Perion if he had any news of Galaur and King Perion told him how Gandolin had brought tidings that he was somewhat better. I tell you, Quot Lusorta, that though he is your son I do not love him less than as a son. If it had not been for these differences I would have gone to see him in his sickness. I beseech you send for him if he be in a state to come. I must go forthwith to Windsor where I have ordered the queen to meet me and for the honour of Amadis I and the queen and my daughter Leonoreta will join you in the firm island to be present at his marriage and at the emperors and we will see the wonders which Apollidon left there and greatly would it please me if Don Galaur should be there for I have long desire to see him. Agraius then besought the king to send for his uncle Don Galvanus and Maracima and bring them in his company. This the king promised and said that he would depart on the morrow and return as speedily as might be that all the knights and their people might return to their own countries and it was determined that all the fleets should be made ready in the haven of the firm island that they might depart from thence. Chapter 38 How King Lyswater went to Windsor and how he and Queen Bersina and their daughter resolved to go to the firm island. Lyswater took with him King Kildaran and King Gaskilan and all his people and in five days arrived at his town of Windsor being more cheerful in semblance and in heart for though he well knew that both his daughters were now honourable disposed yet it was after he'd been conquered and the glory all appertained to Amadeus but he was now advanced in years and grieved to behold so much slaughter and as he had here to fore regarded so inordinately the glories of the world that he had forgotten the state of his own soul so now he felt that God had justly thus chastised him. He took as Plannian by the hand and led him to the queen who had already learned all that had passed from Rondias. When he entered the queen knelt to him and would have kissed his hand but he drew her toward him and embraced her lovingly as one whom he loved with his whole heart and while the other dames and damsels kissed the king's hand Bersina took child as Plannian who was kneeling before her in her arms and kissed him oftentimes and said oh my fair and fortunate child blessed be the hour in which I was born and the blessing of God and my blessing be upon thee. The king of Sweden and King Kildaran then came and saluted her and she courageously as was her manner welcomed them and the other knights. By this it was suppertime and the two kings and many other knights sat at table with the king where they were plentifully served with various meats as was the custom and besiemed the board of such a man. After they had supped King Lizvarte gave order that these knights should be lodged in the palace and he and the queen retired to the chamber and when they were in bed the king said Dame, if per adventure you marveled at what you've heard concerning your daughter Oriana and Amades of Goal so also did I for certus any such thought was far from us. I'm only grieved that we knew it not for then all these deaths and losses might have been spared. But now that it's come to our knowledge there's no remedy but that Oriana should remain with the husband whom she has chosen and setting aside all animosity to acknowledge the truth. There is no emperor or prince this day in the world who can equal him and Leonoreta will be empress of Rome. You must therefore get ready for I freely promised Amades to do him honor that we would go to him in the firm island and there you must put on a cheerful countenance and forbear to speak of what has passed. The queen then kissed his hand because he had thus controlled the pride and anger of his heart and told him she would obey and that since he had two such sons he should give thanks to God notwithstanding the manner had not been according to his own will. So on the morrow they gave order for their departure. Chapter 39 How King Perion and his troops returned to the firm island and of what they did before King Lysorta arrived. The history says that King Perion and his companions returned in good array as they had come. The emperor always lodged in the same tent with Amades and slept in the same bed and all his people and tents and accoutrements were under the care of Brandohal of the Rock as his high steward as he had been to the emperor Patin. When they arrived at the firm island they found Oriana and all her company in the garden so fair and so richly attired that it was a wonder to behold and you would have thought that they did not look like earthly persons but as if God had made them in heaven and sent them there. The joy that they then had to see themselves met together again in safety and being now certain of peace cannot in any manner be expressed. King Perion went first and they whom it behoved humbly saluted him and the others kissed his hand. Amades led the emperor to Oriana. Agraeus and Floristan and Quaragante and Don Brian of Morghasta went to Queen Sardamire and Olinda and Grausenda. Elbrunio to his beloved Lady Melissia and the other knights to the other princes and damsels. Then Amades took Castiles the nephew of the Greek emperor and Grausandor the son of the king of Bohemia and led them to his cousin Mabilia and said my good lady take these princes and honour them and she with that took them by the hand and seated herself between them. At this was Grausandor greatly pleased for as we have told you on the first day that he saw her his heart was disposed to her love. Thus were all the knights conversing with the damsels as it pleased them except Amades who greatly desired to speak with Oriana and could not by reason of the emperor. So he took Queen Briollania by the hand and led her towards him and said to him sir speak this lady and keep her company. The emperor then looked round for till now he had not taken his eyes from Oriana and when he saw the queen how fair she was and also those other ladies how excellent above all others that ever he had seen he said to Amades truly sir I believe that these ladies were not born into a world like other women but that the wise Apollon made them by his great art and left them here in this island where you found them. I cannot think but that either they or I must be enchanted for if you should seek such another company in the whole world it could not be found. Amades at this embraced him laughingly and asked him if he had seen no such company in any court. Certus he replied neither have I nor has any other one except it were in the court of heaven. At this time King Perion who'd been talking with the fair Grisinda came up and taking Queen Briollania by the hand said to the Emperor good sir if it please you let you and I be with this fair Queen and Amades talk with Oriana which I believe will be greatly to his pleasure. So Amades then full joyfully went to his lady and seating himself with her apart said oh lady with what services can I requite you that by your consent our loves are now made known. Oriana answered it is now sir no longer time that you should proffer such curtsies or that I should receive them. I am now to follow and observe your will with that obedience which wife owes to husband and hence forward I desire to know the great love which you bear me only by being treated by you my lord as reason requires and no otherwise. Of this then no more. How is my father and how does he brook all this? Your father replied Amades had a great heart and though in secret he may feel otherwise he appears well satisfied. You know he is to come hither with the Queen and your sister. Oriana answered I cannot tell you the pleasure which my heart feels and may it please God that all may be fulfilled as it has been agreed for you may well believe my lord that next to yourself there is no other person whom I love so well as him not withstanding his cruelty. But tell me what think you of Esplanian? Esplanian replied Amades in his manners and appearance is your son and more cannot be said. I wished that the holy man Naskiano might have brought him hither for he will soon be here not choosing to come in so great a company but the king your father desired he might be left with the Queen and said that they would bring him with them. Thus they remained talking of many things till it was the hour of supper. Then King Perion rose and took the Emperor by the hand and they went to Oriana and said Lady it is time that we should retire. She bade them do as it pleased them so they all departed and Oriana and her company remained wonderfully happy. That night all these nights sucked in the lodgings of King Perion and when they had sucked the Joculas came in and made all manner of sports for them till it was time to sleep and then they all retired except Amadeus with whom the king his father would speak. So when they twain were together in the king's chamber Perion said Beloved son since this danger is so happily over it now remains that as you have shown yourself diligent in procuring the help of all these honorable knights so you should now display your sense of their services and as you have now a wife procure wives for them also that they may partake same happiness as they have partaken the same perils for this end I leave my daughter Melissa at your disposal that you may give her conformably to her virtue and great beauty. The same you may do with your cousin Mabilia and I well know that Queen Briolania will follow no will but yours. With these there is your friend Gracinda and Queen Sardamira for the emperor is here who may command them if they choose to marry in this land for there is no lack of knights they're equals and lineage and lordship but remember that our brethren are now disposed to wife that they may leave a generation to keep up the life and remembrance of their name let this be done soon for good works lose their worth by delay. On the morrow Amadeus assembled all the knights and said to them Good sirs, reasonable it is that after the great perils you have undergone and the great renown which you have won you should now take your rest it hath pleased God that by your help I have obtained what I most desired in this world and so I would that you should obtain what you desire it would be any way in my power therefore sirs do not hesitate to tell me your loves and wishes if there be any of these ladies here whom you would have to wife for as for their cause you have endured so many wounds and dangers it is reasonable now that you should enjoy the lordships which they possess for this they all thanked Amadeus and without delay Agraeus said he would take his lady Olinda Don Brunio of Bonamar said Amadeus knew all his hopes were in Melissia Grassander said that he had never surrendered his heart to any woman except the princess Mabilia and that he loved her and desired her for his wife Good sir, Quaddon Quadagante time and youth have hitherto prevented me from repose and from any other care than from my horse and arms but now reason and age invite me to another manner of life if it please Grassander to marry in this land I will take her to wife then Floristan spake it was my desire, Quathi, when these wars were over to go into Germany whereover my mother's side I am a native and see all my kinsmen there whom I should now scarcely know yet if I can win the good will of Queen Saddamira I may change my purpose the other knights replied that their hearts were free and that being young men they had not yet acquired enough honor they therefore besought Amadeus to divide the conquests among the good knights who are now about to enjoy a life of more repose and let them go seek adventures Amadeus then made answer I trust in God, sirs, that what ye thus determine is for his service and will have his blessing I will therefore thus allot the conquests you, Don Quaragante, who are son and brother to a king and have no lands equal to your birth and deserts shall have the lordship of Sansuena and you, my good sir, Don Brunio of Bonamar shall have the kingdom of King Aravigo with my sister Melissa and the lands of the Marquis your father may then devolve to Brunfil Don Florestan, my brother shall have the queen whom he desires and beside her island of Sardinia the emperor will at my request give you the lordship of Calabria which was Salustan Quidios you, sirs, Agraias and Grassandor will content yourselves for the present with those great kingdoms which you will inherit and I with this little corner the firm island till it shall please God to give us more at this they were all well pleased and because to relate all that passed with respect to their marriages with these ladies will be great polyxity you shall only know that as the knights had said so said they also the emperor granted to Don Florestan what Amadis asked and they were all espoused by the Holy Man Nasciano but their nuptials were to be celebrated on the same day with those of Amadis and the emperor CHAPTER 40 How Don Brunio of Bonamar and Henriotta of Estravaus and Branfil went to goal for Queen Ellicina and Don Galaur and of the adventures which befell them on their return Amadis said to King Perion his father sir it would be well that you should send for my lady the queen and for Don Galaur my brother for whom I have reserved Queen Brealania with whom he will be happy King Perion replied our ride to the queen and you send whom you please with the letters and that up rose Don Brunio and said I will undertake this voyage with my brother Branfil if it please you but then Henriotta of Estravaus cried you shall not go without me then said King Perion I consent that Henriotta and Branfil should go but not you Don Brunio for he would not be your friend who should separate you from your mistress Don Brunio smiled and answered though this sir is the greatest of all the favors I've received from you yet will I go to serve the queen my lady for from thence will come satisfaction to all others be it so then quat the king and would to guard my good friend that you may find your brother Don Galaur able to travel sir cried Isangho he is well there came some merchants here from goal on their way to Great Britain being afraid of the war and I asked them for Don Galaur they told me that he'd left his bed and was able to go about though still weak on the following day these three knights embarked and setting sail with wind at will in short time they reached goal where they were honorably welcomed by the queen but for Don Galaur I tell you so great was his pleasure when he saw them that weak as he was he ran to embrace them and the tears came into his eyes and he said oh sirs and my great friends when will please God that I shall go again in your company and bear arms once more be not grieved sir quat angriota God will fulfill your desire but here now the tidings of great joy which we bring then they related to the queen and to him all that had befallen from the beginning which when Don Galaur heard he was much disturbed and said holy Mary has King Lizorta endured all this and I not with him in the battle now indeed may I say that God in his signal mercy sent me this melody for sad as else I must have adventured myself to death in his service though the king my father and my brethren were on the other side truly if I'd known this in my weakness I should have died for grief Don Bruneo replied it is better as it is and more to the honor of all that peace is made as you will see and you have gained fair Queen Briolania for your wife who is now with Amadeus then they gave the letter to the queen which was the desire that she would come to join Queen Bersina and Oriana and all the great ladies and be present at the nubchills when the queen had read this being a noble lady and one who dearly loved her husband and her children she blessed God for what had happened and said my son Don Galaur look at this letter and take courage and go see thy father and brethren and there you will find King Lizorta with more honor to your lineage than he desired Queen Ellicina now gave order to prepare ships for her voyage eight days the nights a boat with her and then they all put to sea so as they went along with fair weather on the third day they saw a ship coming up at night with sails and oars and they sent one of Don Galaur's squires in a boat to know who was there they answered him courteously that it was a dame going in great haste to the firm island tell her then quoth the squire that this fleet is bound thither and that she need not fear to join it for it carries such persons that she may well rejoice to go in their company when the dame heard this she put out a boat also and sent a knight to know if this were indeed true he came up to the ship and said sirs by the faith you owe to God tell me if the dame in Yonder vessel may come up to you safely she is going to the firm island whether the squire has said you also are bound angriot to answered the squire said true and the dame may come safely not only shall she receive no harm but she shall be aided against any who drawn her God be praised quoth the night I beseech you tarry for her you are knights and will have great sorrow to hear what had befallen her hearing this that other ship made up to the queen's vessel which seemed the richest in its appearance and a dame came forth covered with a black mantle from head to foot and asked who went in that ship angriot to answered it was the queen of gold going to the firm island sir knight said she I beseech you by the virtue to which you are bound devise how I may speak with her that may presently be done replied angriot to come on board she is a lady who will willingly speak with you as she does with all who required when the dame was before Queen Ellicina she courageously welcomed her and asked who she was at that she began to weep and said I was the wife of the king of Dacia and in his company was I a happy queen by him I had two sons and a daughter the daughter who was begotten for our evil fortune we gave him marriage to the Duke of Suitsia a great lordship which borders upon our country now the Duke being a young man and covetous of dominion thought that as the king my husband was in years and our sons but boys the eldest not passing 14 years he might kill the king and seize them and thus obtain the kingdom in his wife's right and as he thought so did he for coming under pretext of a visit to our court and with a large train as if to do as honor the king my husband went out joyfully to meet him and that traitor slew him with his own hand it pleased God to save the boys for they were behind upon their palfries and turned round and galloped into the city in the greater part of their nights with them and there are they now beseeched at this season I was gone upon a pilgrimage to a very ancient church of our lady which stands upon a rock half a league out at sea there was I informed of their unhappy fortune and having none other remedy I resolved to go to the firm island to a night called Amades who is there with many other nights of great renown and beseeched them to have pity upon those young princes and not suffer them to be so wickedly slain for if there were but some to encourage and lead the people that traitor would not dare to continue there when Queen Ellicina heard this she took her hand and made her sit beside her and besought her pardon that she had not at first honored her according to her desserts since God hath brought you here, said she, you shall go in my company to the firm island and there you will find succour as all have found it who are in need I have heard, replied the Queen of Dacia how Amades rescued the daughter of King Lysuarte when her father had disinherited her for the sake of a younger daughter and delivered her up to the Emperor of Rome against her will and this made me seek that blessed night who is the helper of all that are oppressed but then Angriote and his companions knelt down and besought Queen Ellicina that they might go and revenge the great treason for they were now so near the firm island that they might safely depart this they obtained and taking with them the Queen of Dacia who would needs go herself with them saying that her presence would be of great avail they parted company from Queen Ellicina Queen Ellicina and Don Gallo are proceeded and arrived safely at the firm island when their coming was known the King, her husband and his sons and the Emperor took horse and went with all the other knights to receive her Oriana also would have gone with all her company but the King sent to request her not to take that trouble saying that he would presently bring the Queen to her after Amades had kissed his mother's hand he embraced Don Gallo and asked him how he fed better Quoth Gallo and better I shall be since the quarrels between you and King Lusorta are at an end so they proceeded toward the garden and there Oriana was ready with the Queen and all her company in rich attire to receive her when she went in Oriana and the Queen Sardamira and Briollania hand in hand knelt down to her with that obedience which they owed to their true mother and the Queen embraced them and kissed them and raised them up then came up Mabilia and Melissia and Gossinda and all the other ladies and kissed her hand and led her to her apartment when Don Gallo appeared I cannot tell you the love which Oriana showed him for except Amades there was no knight in the world whom she loved so well both for his brother's sake and because her father Lusorta so truly loved him and he had served the King so faithfully Amades took Queen Briollania by the hand and said to him Sir brother I trust to you this fair Queen whom you have seen here to fall Don Gallor without delay received her as one no ways abashed at seeing women Sir Quaffee I hold it a great favor in you that you give her to me and in her that she will accept me as her own the Queen said nothing but her face colored and became more beautiful Gallor had not seen her since she went to Lusorta's court to look for Amades when she was very young but now she was in the perfection of her age and beauty and so fair that she appeared to him that though he had seen and toyed with many women yet his heart was never surrendered in pure true love to any but this fair Queen and she on her part knowing how excellent a knight he was transferred to him all the great affection she had once felt for his brother Amades so that they lived ever after the happiest and most honorable life that can be devised when Queen Alicina had been thus received and lodged with the other dames and damsels where only King Perion was permitted to enter for so it was determined till King Lusorta should arrive and all the marriages be performed in his presence the knights went to such pastimes as they liked best especially those who affected the chase for about a leak from the island on the firm land there were the goodliest trees and thickets which because the land was kept well were all full of venison and wild boars and rabbits and other wild beasts whom they killed with dogs and nets or from on the horseback for Hawking also there were hares and partridges and waterfowl so that it may be said that in that little corner were collected the flower of all the chivalry in the world and all the beauty that could be found upon earth and all fitting sports and pastimes where a few have heard as well as the natural ones as what Apoidon had made by his enchantments end of book four chapter 40 book four chapter 41 of Amades of Goal this is a LibriVox recording all LibriVox recordings are in public domain for more information or to volunteer please visit LibriVox.org recording by Anna Simon Amades of Goal by Vasco de L'Obera translated by Robert Southey book four chapter 41 of what happened to Don Brunio of Bonamar and Angriotta of Estravaus and Brannville in the sucker which they brought to the queen of Dacia so joyful was the queen of Dacia for the aid which she had obtained that it was sometime before she asked the knights who they were good lady quoth Angriotta so little will you know us the knowledge of our names will neither lessen nor increase your hope of help from us these two knights are brethren the one is Don Brunio of Bonamar the other Brannville Don Brunio by his spouse is brother to that Amades of Goal whom you were seeking my own name is Angriotta of Estravaus when the queen heard that she exclaimed oh good sirs now do I thank god that I found you for your renown is everywhere gone abroad they who told me of the great wars between Amades and King Lizwater told us also of the best knights who were there engaged and I well remember your names among the best thus they continued their voyage till they reached the kingdom and then it was resolved that the queen should remain on shipboard till she saw what success they had and they taking their horses and arms and their squires and two knights and aunt who were in the queen's company to guide them took their way toward the city wherein the princes were besieged which was a good day's journey from the shore and they bade their squires carry with them food and barley for the horses that they might not enter any inhabited place they rode on till evening and then rested a while upon the skirts of a forest and gave their horses to eat then mounted again and continued their way till about an hour before daybreak they arrived at the camp as covertly as they could they reconnoitered it to see where was the weakest part that they might break through and having done that they bade their squires and the two knights to use their endeavor while they were fighting to reach the town accordingly they three charged upon ten knights whom they found before them at the first encounter each overthrew his man and they broke their lances and then laid about them so mentally with their swords that the other knights thinking they were attacked by a greater number began to fly crying out for help now quoth angriotta let us leave them and get to the walls this they did the uproar had brought some of the besieged to the ramparts who knew the two knights and without delay opened the portal and admitted them the princess hearing the outcry hastily arose and when they heard that these knights were come to their help and that the queen their mother was living of whom before they had heard no tidings whether she were alive or dead they were greatly rejoiced and the townspeople also took hard so the knights were lodged in the palace and is armed and then went to rest meantime there was a great uproar in the duke's camp the whole army were alarmed and it was day before the tumult subsided the duke questioned the knights and they said they had seen about eight or ten horsemen though they believed there had been more and that they had entered the town upon this he said they must be some of the country but i will inquire who they are and if i can learn they shall lose their lands he then bade the army disarm and retired to their quarters after angriotta and his companions had slept a while they rose and heard mass with the young princess and then required them to summon all their people that they might see what was their force when this was done they said it was enough to resist the numbers of the duke and they three took council together and resolved that when it was night an attack should be made upon the besiegers and don bruneo at the same time attempt to escape on another side with a youngest prince and go to certain places in that district which were well affected but having compelled to supply the duke's camp because they saw their king slain and that the queen was fled and the princes besieged among them it was thought don bruneo might collect some suckers when they were encouraged by his presence and the side of the prince the which if he could do he should make certain signals and they would sell him by night while he at the same time attacked the camp when the night was far advanced angriotta and branville and all the people of the town sell it out and don bruneo and the prince went out on the other side as have been agreed angriotta and branville led the way along a lane between gardens which they had noted by day and which led into the plane where the army was in camp this plane was not guarded by day but by night about 20 men were said to watch it these they charged so hotly that they soon overthrew them killing some and beating down the rest angriotta and branville passed on felling all those who came from the camp at the upper ore and thus they continued their way till they came out into the open plane the duke was now on horseback and being enraged to see such confusion excited by so few enemies he spurred at them and as people followed so furiously that it seemed as if the ground would split so that the town's men were dismayed and fell back into the lane and none remained in the field except angriotta and branville who bore the brunt of all that multitude and they though they bestowed themselves well and slew many and even beat the duke from his horse where perforce obliged to retreat into the lane also where they halted for the place was narrow the duke though he had fallen was not wounded he was soon remounted and when he saw the enemies making good their ground and that those two knights resisted all his power and maintained the pass he cried out shame upon his knights that they let two men baffle them with that so many advanced with him and made such an attack that angriotta and his comrades and their people were driven up the lane some way and the duke thought he had won the battle and that he might enter the town with them so advancing like a conqueror before his men sword in hand he came up to angriotta and smote him on the helmet for which he received payment without delay for angriotta after he'd seen how this man took the command always had had his eye upon him and now that he was in his reach lifted up his sword and dealt him such a blow upon the helmet as took away all his strength and brought him to the ground at the horse's feet then he shouted to his people to take him for it was the duke he and brunffill immediately advanced and beat back the enemy for as the lane was narrow they fought to advantage as they could only be attacked in front meanwhile the duke was taken he as he recovered knew not in whose hands he was but his men thought that he was slain and retreated into the field then the two knights for board to pursue being satisfied with the advantage which they had gained and retired into the town their horses soon died of their wounds and their arms were in bad plight but they themselves had no great hurt at the gate they found prince garinto for so he was called and you may imagine the pleasure he felt to see them safe and the duke prisoner of all this don brunio knew nothing save only that he heard the uproar there were only a few men on foot left on the side where he went out for the rest were gone to what the place of battle these men were without any to lead them and he would not endanger the prince by attacking them but pass through them without hindrance unless they wrote on all the remainder of the night following their guide when it was morning they came inside of a good town called alimenta from whence they saw two armed knights coming towards them and the guides told him they belonged to the duke's party these were they whom the duke had sent to all the places round to learn who had suckered the town and to order more food for the camp look you to the child cried don brunio i will see what kind of night they can be who follows so wicked a lord then he made towards them who thought he was one of the camp crying out defend yourselves you bad knights who live with the traitor for i defy you to death at this day replied you shall have the reward of your folly we should have let you pass taking you for a friend with that they ran at him all three break their spears but he whom don brunio encountered was driven to the ground so violently that he could neither move hand nor foot sword in hand don brunio then turned against the other and a brave battle ensued but that other night was not of such force as was done brunio nor so practiced in such dangers and the blows fell on him so heavy that he dropped his sword and lost both his stirrups and fell upon the neck of his horse crying for god's sake do not kill me yield then quoth brunio i yield you replied to save my life and my soul a light then this he did but he tottered and fell don brunio made him rise go see if thy companion be alive or dead and he went and unlaced his helmet and when the other night felt the air it somewhat revived him don brunio then beckoned with his sword to the young prince for the guide had gone some way forward with him distrusting the event of the combat when the child came up and saw what don brunio had done he was greatly amazed good child said he order your enemies to be slain though this would be but poor vengeance for the treason which their lord committed against your father the child replied but per adventure so night these had no part in that treason and if it please you we'd better take them alive than slay them this answer pleased on brunio and he thought that if the child lived he would be a good man he then made the guide lay the one night who was stunned across his horse and making the other mount they all proceeded to the town greatly the townsmen wonder to see those knights who had left them that morning return in such a plight and in this array where they carried along the street into the square where the people soon collected who when they saw the prince they kissed his hand and wept saying sir if we dared put in execution what our hearts desire or if we saw any hope we should be ready to die in your service but we know of no remedy for we have no chief or leader oh men of little heart what don brunio do you not remember that your vassals of the king this child's father and now also of the king his brother how do you now discharge the duty to which you're bound seeing your lord slain by so great treason and his children besieged by the wicked duke his enemy sir knight replied one the most honorable of the townsmen you say truth but if had none to lead us on and we are people who live more by our substance than by arms but now that our prince is here and you to protect him say what we are able and ought to do and to the best of our power we will do it you speak like a good man said don brunio and it is reasonable that the king should well reward you and all who will follow your opinion i am come to lead you and to die or live with you and then he told them he was at the firm island and in what manner he had come with the queen at this there was a great acclamation and the people cried they're never a night of the firm island who was fortunate since the famous amades of gold white order is as you think good and we will obey don brunio then thanked them for their good will and made the young prince thank them also he then had the gates made fast and said to them go ye to your houses and eat and make ready your arms i and the prince will go to the next town and return hither with such force as we can raise there and then i will lead you in such manner that if the enemy await us there shall be all destroyed they have already enough to do now such help is come to the king as they were preparing to depart at noon two countrymen came to the gate in great haste and bade the guards let them in for they brought good tidings so they were led before the prince and don brunio to whom they related how the juke had been taken and that his army were breaking up in confusion we said they are of a neighboring valley and up into the camp with provisions and seeing this we came here if the townsmen might be on their guard lest these men should attempt to spoil them in their retreat upon this don brunio summoned all the people to the great square and he and the prince wrote among them and make these countrymen repeat their tidings now good friends said he i will go no farther for a sucker for we are enough and great shame would it be if we should have no part of this glory and the townsmen all cried as soon as it is dark let us set forth he would feign if persuaded the young prince to remain there in safety but he would not forsake don brunio so as soon as it was night they set out towards the camp and when they had advanced some way made the appointed signal the townsmen seeing it knew that don brunio had spent well and they prepared to selly but the procedure seeing their fires kindled by night and having lost their juke were in great alarm and as fast as they could broke up their camp and retired while it was yet dark so that they had gone some way before their retreat was discovered and when don brunio came up to the camp and they of the town on the other side they found it deserted how bite they pursued them and coming up to them at daybreak made great slaughter and took many prisoners and returned with much spoil and great glory to the town they then sent for the queen who can tell the joy she felt when she came and saw her son safe and her enemy a prisoner angriota and his companions then besought her leave to depart that they might return to the firm island but she and treated them to remain two days that her son might be made king and justice done upon that traitor's juke in their presence they replied that they would willingly see the king crowned but not the punishment of the juke he was in her power and she might deal with him as she thought fit after their departure the queen then had a great scaffold erected in the square covered with rich cloth of silk and gold and there the chiefs of the realm were assembled and the prince garinto and the three knights and they brought the juke in such evil plight as he was upon a horse without a saddle and the trumpet sounded and the prince was proclaimed king of dacia and angriota and ambrunio placed upon his head a crown of gold set with pearls and precious stones then where their great sports and rejoicings made for the rest of the day to the great shame and sorrow of the juke whom all the people reviled but those knights besought the queen to send the juke away or else they would depart for they would not see such insults offered to any prisoner in their presence upon this the queen remanded him to prison seeing that it displeased the knights she now besought them to accept certain rich jewels but they said they would take no reward for what they had done only as they had heard that the greyhounds and spaniels of that land were excellently good if it pleased her they would take some for their sports in a firm island more than forty were then brought them and they chose such as they liked best when the queen saw that they would depart she said to them my good friends since you would not take my jewels you must need to take one which I value above all others in the world and that is the king my son whom you shall present in my name to amades that in his company he may be instructed in all good things that be seen as god had already abundantly provided him with temporal goods and tell him that if my son should live to years sufficient he shall receive knighthood more honorably from his hand than from any other living and that for his own sake and for yours who have recovered me my kingdom it is at his and your disposal for this honor they thanked the queen as she deserved and without delay embarked the queen going with them to the shore and on her return she had the duke hanged that all might behold what fruit the flowers of treason produce they sailed on till they reached the firm island and then sent to tell amades that the young king of dacia was in their company amades and agraias went out to meet him and they courageously bade him welcome and lodged him with dombrunio till he should have companions suitable to his age end of chapter 41 of book 4 book 4 chapters 42 to 44 of amades of gull this is a libervox recording all libervox recordings are in the public domain for more information or to volunteer please visit libervox.org recording by ano simon amades of gull by vasco de labera translated by robert saudi book 4 chapter 42 how king lizard and queen brusena and the princess leonoreta came to the firm island and how those knights and ladies went out to receive them king lizard when all things were ready for his departure set forth with queen brusena and the princess leonoreta and his high steward king arbin of north wales and king kildaran and don galvanus with marasima his wife who were now come from mongasa and other knights but king gasquilan had returned to his own country they traveled on till they came within four leagues of the firm island where they rested one night when amades heard that they were so near it was resolved that all the nights of the island and all the dames and damsels should go meet them two leagues out on the following day the knights therefore went out and all the queens with queen alicena and their company what dresses they wore and what riches and how their pilferies were comparison memories not equal to relate nor write but neither before nor since was there ever such a company of knights so highly born and of such prowess and of such princesses and fair damsels assembled in the world when king lizard saw such a company and coming towards him he guessed who they were and hastened to meet them and he and king perion and the emperor embraced amades was somewhat behind talking with his brother galore and when he came near the king he alighted though the king called out to him to keep his seat but he not standing went up to him on foot and kissed his hand before us and then went on to queen bresena whose bridal child as planion was leading the queen bent downward to embrace him but he took her hands and kissed them when galore who was so weak that he could scarcely sit on horseback came near king lizard went to embrace him and they both wept and the king held him thus for a while and could not speak some said that this feeling was for joy at their meeting but others thought it was for the remembrance of all that had passed and for grief that they had not been together when their hearts so greatly desired it you may assign it to which cause you please but in either case it proceeded from the great love which they bore to one another oriana made towards the queen her mother after queen elisena had saluted her and when her mother saw that thing in the world that she loved best she took her in her arms and if the knights had not supported them they would both have fallen and bresena kissed her eyes and her face saying oh my child god in his mercy grant that your beauty which has brought upon us such trouble and such dangers may remedy all and bring about peace and happiness forever more but oriana could only weep for joy and made no answer queen bryolania and sardamira now came up and took her from her mother's arms and they spake to the queen and all the other ladies after it with that curtsy which was due to one of the best and most honorable queens in the world leonoreta came to kiss her sister's hand but oriana embraced her and kissed her and then all the other dames and damsel that bresena scored joyfully accosted oriana whom they loved better than themselves for she was the noblest lady of her time and the most affable and for that reason was she so beloved by all who knew her thus is the meeting described not as it was for that would be impossible but as is convenient for the order of the book they now proceeded all together toward the island when queen bresena saw so goodly a company of knights and how they all looked to amades he thinking himself the most honored who was nearest him she was astonished there at and though till now she had thought there was no household in the world equaled to king lesuardus she now thought that his court was in comparison like that of a poor count she marveled how a knight who had nothing but his arms and his horse could have attracted such a state and though he was the husband of her daughter yet could she not help envying him desiring that power and dignity for her husband and afterward for amades by inheritance how bad she concealed this feeling and went with a cheerful countenance though in her heart she was disturbed thus as they went along oriana could not keep her eyes from esplanian and the queen seeing this said daughter let this child lead you oriana then stopped and the child came humbly to kiss her hand she longed to kiss him but was obliged to refrain now then mabilia drew near him and said my friend i must have a share of your embraces at this he looked around with so sweet a countenance that it was marvellous to behold and they went on with the child between them talking to him who answered them so well that they looked at each other and mabilia said was not this nice food for the lioness and her cubs for god's sake cried ariana do not remind me of that his father replied mabilia and though went no less apparel when he was in the sea but god preserved him to be what you behold him and in light manner has preserved the sun to excel him and all others in the world at this ariana smiled from her heart and answered two sister mine you're tempting me to see which i would have the best i will not tell you only god make them each without equal in his time as till now they have been when they reached the firm island king lesuarta and bersena were lodged in ariana's apartment and king perion and elisena and sardamira and ariana with all the brides that were to be in the upper story of the tower the tables were spread under the covered walks in the garden and supplied with such abundance of food and wine and fruit that it was a wonder to behold the plenty don quadragante took king kildadan to his lodgings and thus did all the other knights each taking one of king lesuarta's company whom he loved best amadis took for his guests king arbon of north wales and don gromedan and on gian defensive norandell went with his great friend don galore but the joy which agraeus had to see his uncle in marasima cannot be related or imagined for he loved and reverenced him like his own father and he took don galvanus to his own lodging and placed marasima with ariana and his sister child as planlian had first companion the king of dasia who was of his own age and became his great friend after the knights had rested themselves two days they began to give order respecting the marriages that they might return each to his own land so as they were talking together and the trees beside the fountain of a sudden they heard a great uproar without the garden and were told that the strangest and most dreadful thing was coming across the sea that had ever been seen immediately all the knights went to horse and rode down to the coast and the queens and other ladies went up to the top of the tower and they saw the blackest and most fearful smoke upon the sea that could be imagined presently the smoke began to clear away and they saw in the middle of it a serpent much bigger than the biggest ship in the world his wings were more than an arrow's flight asunder and his tail curled up higher than a tower and the head and the mouth and the teeth were so huge and the eyes so terrible that none could endure to look at them and that black smoke which rose as high as heaven was the breath of his nostrils and his snortings and hisses were so terrible that it seemed as if the sea would have burst asunder and he spouted the water from his mouth so far and so fiercely that if any ship how great so ever had come near it it would have been sunk the kings and the knights brave as they were looked at one another and knew not what to say nor what resistance they could possibly make the great serpent drawing nearer flew round and round as if in mirth and clapped his wings so loudly that the rustling of the scales was heard for half a league around at that the horses all took fright so that the knights having no power to curb were obliged to a light and some said it behoved them to arm themselves but while they were all thus amazed they saw a boat let down from the side of the serpent all covered with cloth of gold and in it was a dame everyone each side of her a child richly clad upon whose shoulders she was leaning and two dwarves marvelously ill-favoured and in this manner the boat came towards the land never trust me quote lizard if this be not burganda the unknown when the boat came nearer they knew it was she for she manifested herself to them in her own natural shape in which she was seldom for for the most part she assumed other appearances seeming sometimes an old woman at others like a girl she landed and approached to kiss the king's hand but he embraced her and so also to the king's perion and kill dadan and then she turned to the emperor and said good sir though you know me not i know you and shall be your friend and you must remember me whenever you need my help for though you may think my dwelling place is far from your country it would be for me no labor to perform the whole journey in a day courageously did the emperor thank her saying that he had gained more in gaining her good will than by great part of his dominions she then looked at amades and said i must not lose your embrace noble knight though now you will regard little what such as we can do good lady quathi my will will always be to serve you for the great favors which i've received at your hands but my power will always be weak to required them then having saluted her other friends she proceeded to the garden gate and they're giving the two fair children into esplanion's care she went in and was so well received as never other woman was in other place she looked round and seeing all that goodly company exclaimed oh my heart see what thou wilt her after thou wilt feel it like solitude after having in one day seen the best nights in the world and the fairest and most honorable queens and damsels that ever were born and the truest love so she besold leave for the queen that she might be ariana's guest and there she was honored of them as though she had been the lady of all chapter 43 how amades gave his cousin dragoonus a marriage to the princess estralata and made him king of the deep island dragoonus the cousin of amades was not in the firm island when amades divided the conquests among the knights and gave them those damsels in marriage for he had gone from the monastery of lubena with a damsel to deliver her father the witch adventure he had happily accomplished and being then near morangasa he had gone thither and was now returned to the firm island in company with don galvanus and marasima now because he was so good a knight amades who dearly loved him took him aside and told him that he had learned how the king of the profound island who had fled from the battle of lubena sorely wounded was since dead and that it would give him that island to be the king thereof that the inheritance of his father might descend to his brother palamir and the princess estralata to be his wife willingly did dragoonus accept of this princess and that island for a kingdom though he had before determined to go with don brunio and quadragante and assist in putting them in possession of their dominions and he thanked amades as so good an offer deserved saying that he was ready to follow his advice and at all times bound to his service amades then asked of king liswater the duchy of bristol for don gian depensive and the duchess whom he had loved so long for his wife the witch the king readily granted in love to amades and for the dessert of that good night for this favor amades kissed the king's hand and don gian would have kissed his but amades embraced him lovingly like the man in the world was more bountiful and gentle to his friends chapter 44 how the kings were present at the marriages the kings now determined that the marriages should be celebrated on the fourth day and the feasts should continue 15 days after which they would return home when the day was arrived all the bridegrooms assembled at the apartment of amades being clad in such rich and costly apparel as besieged such personages upon such an occasion they mounted their pilferies and rode with the kings and all their company to the garden where they found the brides all in rich array and upon their pilferies also and then with the queens and other ladies the whole company proceeded to the church where the holy hermit nasciano was ready to say mass when the ceremony and marriage had been performed with all the solemnities which the holy church enjoins amades went to king lizard and said sir i ask a boon of you which you'll be nothing left to grant the king replied i granted then sir be pleased to command oriana before it be dinnertime to prove the arch of true lovers and the forbidden chamber for hitherto we have none of us been able to persuade her to the adventure by reason of her great sadness i have such confidence in her truth and beauty that i doubt not but she will enter without let or hindrance where no woman had for a hundred years entered for i saw cremanesa's image made with such cunning as she were alive and her beauty is nothing equal to orianas our marriage feast shall then be held in the forbidden chamber son replied the king what you ask is easily done but i fear less it should disturb our feast affection will often dilute the eyes and this may have been the case with you and oriana fear not quoth amades my heart is sure that it will be as i say the king then sent to oriana who was with the queens and the other brides and said to her daughter your husband has asked a boon of me and it is only you who could perform it i would have you therefore make good my promise she knelt down and kissed his hand saying sir i would to god that i could in any way serve you tell me what it is to be and if i can do it there shall be no delay then he raised her up and kissed her cheek and said before dinner you must prove the adventure of the arch of true lovers and at the forbidden chamber for this is what your husband has asked when they heard this some there were who rejoiced that the attempt was to be made and others who were fearful as she should fail where so many had failed and thus be put to shame so they left the church and made to the place beyond which none could pass who were not found worthy when they reached this place militia and orlinda said to their husbands that they also would prove the adventure the red dumb brunio and agraias are greatly rejoiced to see with what courage they would put their truth to the proof but yet fearing less it might turn out otherwise they replied that they were so well satisfied that the proof need not be made nay said the brides we will attempt it if we were elsewhere it might well be excused but being at the place it shall never be thought that we feared in our hearts this proof since it is so replied the husbands we cannot deny that we shall receive from it the greatest joy that can be then they told king lizard that these also would prove the adventure in god's name quote the king they all alighted and it was agreed that militia and orlinda should enter first they then advanced and one after the other passed under the arch without opposition and went where the images of apolidon and grimanesa stood and the figure which stood upon the arch sounded as trumpet sweetly so that all who heard it were delighted for except they who had before heard the same they had never heard so sweet sounds ariana then came up to the line of the spell and she looked rounded amades and her face colored then she turned and advanced and when she was under the arch the image began his music and from the mouth of his trumpet showered down flowers and roses in such abundance that they covered the ground and the sound was far sweeter than what had before been uttered delightful to all who heard it so that they would willingly have remained listening so long as it should continue but as soon as she had passed the arch the sound seized she found alinda and militia looking at their own names which were now written in the jasper table they seeing her joyfully went to her and led her to behold the images ariana looked carefully at grimanesa and saw that none of those who were without could compare with her beauty and she herself began to feel and would willingly have declined the adventure of the forbidden chamber in that of the arch she had had no fear knowing her own heart and true love willingly would they have tarried longer if they who were without had not expected them so hand in hand they went out so well contented and so proud of what they had achieved that their beauty seemed to have been brightened by the success their three husbands who had before proved the adventure went through the arch to meet them which none of the knights could have done and the trumpet sounded again and again showered more flowers and they embraced their wives and kissed them and thus they all came forth together this done they proceeded to what the forbidden chamber then grass in the approached amades and said sir though my beauty may not be such as to gratify my heart's desire yet I cannot for pride for bear this trial it never shall be said that this was achieved and that I had not proved it that come what will I will adventure amades whose only wish was that all my prove it before Oriana that our glory might be the greater replied lady I can only attribute this resolution to the greatness of your heart which wishes to achieve that wherein so many have failed and he took her by the hand and said this fair lady will attempt the adventure and so should you also Alinda a militia for with such beauty as God has given you you ought without fear on so great an occasion at to adventure it perchance it may be accomplished by one of you and then Oriana will be freed from the alarm which he feels this he said but in his heart he knew that none but Oriana could compare with Grimaneza's beauty Garcinda then commanded herself to God and began her way she reached the copper parent with little trouble and went on but when she was near the marble parent she was opposed how might discovering more resolution than could have been expected from a woman she held on and reached the marble parent but then she was seized without remorse by her goodly locks and thrown out senseless Don Quaraganta took her and though new he there was no hurt in all this violence yet he was greatly moved for albeit he was now not a young man yet did he is entirely love his lady as any of the other bridegrooms the gentle Linda came next led by a guy's would little hope that she would succeed not withstanding his great love for he had seen the image of Grimaneza how bait he thought she could advance among the foremost she reached the marble parent without let but there the resistance began and having only advanced one step farther she also was cast out militia then came on with good cheer and a proud heart and she passed both the parents so they're all thought she would have entered the chamber and Oriana herself was dismayed but when she had advanced one step beyond Alinda she was thrown out as she'd been dead for they who advanced farthest were thrown out with most violence as it had been done to the knights before Amadis achieved the adventure the grief of Dom Brunio to see her in such plight moved many to compassion but all they who knew that there was neither danger nor hurt laughed at his alarm and now Amadis led on Ariana in whom all beauty was centered she advanced with gentle step and firm countenance to the line of the spell and there she crossed herself and commanded herself to God and went on she felt nothing till she had passed both the parents but when she was within the step of the chamber she felt hands that pushed her and dragged her back and three times they forced her back to the marble parent but she with her fair hands repelled them on both sides and it seemed as if she were thrusting hands and arms from her and thus by her perseverance and good heart but above all by reason of her surpassing beauty she came though sorely worried to the door of the chamber and laid hold on the doorpost and then the hand and arm which had led in Amadis came out and took her hand and above 20 voices sung these words sweetly welcome is the noble lady who had excelled the beauty of Gramanesa the worthy companion of the knight who because he surpasses Aporidon in Vela hath now the lordship of this island which shall be held by his posterity for long ages the hand then drew her in and she was as joyful as though the whole world had been given her not so much for the prize of beauty which had been won and that she had thus proved herself the worthy maid of Amadis having like him entered the forbidden chamber and deprived all others of the hope of that glory his son who then said that all the enhancements of the island were now at an end and all might freely enter that chamber they all went in and beheld the most sumptuous chamber that could be devised and they embraced Oriana with such joy as though they had not for a long while seen her then was the feast spread and the marriage bed of Amadis and Oriana made in that chamber which they had won praised me to God the end end of Amadis of Goal by Vasco de la Beira translated by Robert Southey