 Book four, chapters one through five of Amadees of Gaul. This is a LibriVox recording. All LibriVox recordings are in the public domain. For more information or to volunteer, please visit LibriVox.org. Recording by Margaret Espayat. Amadees of Gaul by Vasco Gilbera, translated by Robert Sadi. Book four. Here begins the fourth book of the noble and virtuous knight Amadees of Gaul, son of King Perion and Queen Elysena, which treats of his prowess and of the great feats of arms which he and the knights of his lineage performed. Chapter one. Of the great lamentation which Queen Sardamira made for the death of Prince Salus Tanchidio. You have heard in the third book of this great history how King Lisuarte, against the will of all his subjects, great as well as little, delivered up his daughter Oriana to the Romans, and how by Amadees and his companions of the firm island she was from them rescued. Now we will tell you what ensued. When Amadees had left the vessel where the princess was, he went through the fleet to give orders concerning the prisoners and the spoils, coming near the ship where Salus Tanchidio lay dead. He heard a great lamentation. For the people and the knights of that prince were making moan over him, and relating all his praises and greatness so that Agrayes and they who had won the ship could neither quiet them nor remove them from the body. Amadees therefore ordered that they should all leave the vessel, and he gave command that the body should be placed in a coffin, and that such burial should be given him as befitted such a lord. For albeit he was his enemy, he had died like a good man in his master's service. The noise of this lamentation was so great that it reached the ship wherein was Oriana, but so soon as Queen Sardamira heard that it was for Salus Tanchidio's death, forgetting all her former grief, she wrung her hands and threw herself upon the ground, and began to exclaim, O generous prince and of high lineage, the light and the mirror of the whole Roman empire, what a grief and a calamity will it be to all who love thee when they shall hear the tidings of thy unhappy and disastrous end, and what grief will thou feel, O emperor, when thou shalt learn the death of this thy cousin, who was the strong shield of thine empire, and the destruction of thy fleet, and the disgraceful loss of thy knights. Either thou must tamely submit to this loss, and remain the most dishonored prince in the world, or else prepare to avenge it, putting thy state and person to great peril and doubtful issue, for by all that I have seen, since my entering Great Britain in an unhappy hour, sure am I that there is no prince or power, however great against whom these knights would fear to wage war. Alas, my afflicted heart grieves more for the living who will suffer in this quarrel than for these dead whose share of the evil is past, but then Oriana and Mabilia raised her up and comforted her the best they could. CHAPTER II How, by the choice and command of the princess Oriana, these knights carried her to the firm island. Amadis and his knights now assembled on board Florestan's vessel, and there resolved that they should forthwith make sail for the firm island, according to their own opinion and the pleasure of Oriana. They then placed all the prisoners in one ship, and appointed Gavarte of the perilous valley, and Landine the nephew of Don Quadragante, with a body of knights to guard them. And the spoils they placed in another ship, under the care of Don Gandales, the foster father of Amadis, and Sadamon, who were two prudent and trusty knights, their own force they divided among the other vessels in the manner that they had first embarked. And then they deputed Don Bruneo of Bonamar and Angriote of Estravaus to inform Oriana that they were ready to obey her and to request her commands. These two knights went on board her ship and kneeling before her said, Good Lady, all these knights who are here assembled at your rescue, inform you that the fleet is now ready for your service, and desire to know your will that they may fulfil it. My true friends, replied Oriana, I should not desire to live if I thought that it would never be in my power to requite the love ye have all shown me, but I trust in God that as I have the will, so will he one day give me the power to show my gratefulness. Say to the knights that what has been before determined should now be put in practice, that is, to go to the firm island. There we can take farther counsel, and there I hope that these difficult and painful beginnings will come to a good end. When the two knights had carried back this answer to their companions, they bade all their trumpets sound, and joyfully and with loud clamours the fleet began to move on. Joyfully and courageously did these knights go their way, being of one accord, and resolved not to give over the enterprise which they had begun, till they should have well and happily concluded it, for they were all of high lineage and of great prowess, and the knowledge that their cause was just now greatly heartened them, and they even rejoiced to see themselves thus engaged against two such powerful princes. For be the issue what it would, they were sure by the contest to acquire a fair fame, and leave behind them a remembrance which should endure for ever. Certes, who so had seen them in that gallant fleet, how proudly they sailed on, so armed and with such a company, would have weaned that they were the train of some great emperor, and of a truth scarcely could there be found in the household of any prince, how great so ever, so goodly a company of knights, high-born, and so approved in arms. Seven days they sailed along, and then took port in the haven of the firm island, and there discharged the cannon for joy. The islanders in alarm, seeing so great a fleet, took arms and ran to the beach, but then they knew the banners and device of Amadeus their lord. Both with the boats were put out, and Don Gandales landed to prepare the apartments and order that a bridge of boats should be made from the shore, that Oriana and her ladies might by that means land. Chapter 3 How Grasinda, knowing the victory which Amadeus had gained, adorned to go forth, accompanied by many knights and dames, to receive Oriana. Now when the fair Grasinda heard of the coming of the fleet, and of all that had befallen, she made ready to receive Oriana, whom of all persons in the world she most desired to see, because of her great renown that was everywhere spread abroad. She therefore wished to appear before her like a lady of such rank and such wealth as indeed she was. The robe which she put on was adorned with roses of gold, wrought with marvelous skill, and bordered with pearls and precious stones of exceeding value. This robe till now she had never worn, having reserved it to wear when she should make trial of the forbidden chamber. On her goodly hair she would wear no other adornment than the crown which the Greek knight her champion had challenged for her, and won for her from all the damsels in King Lisuarte's court. She rode a white palfry whose trappings were all curiously wrought with gold. In disguise had she resolved, if her good fortune was such that she should accomplish the proof of the forbidden chamber, to return to King Lisuarte's court, and there make herself known to Queen Brusena and to her daughter Oriana and to the other princesses and damsels, and from thence to return with great glory to her own country. But the issue was far otherwise than she hoped and imagined. For fair as of a truth she was, yet was not her beauty equal to the beauty of Queen Briolania who had attempted that adventure and failed therein. In this rich attire did that lady go forth from her apartment, and with all her dams and damsels all richly apparelled, ten of her knights on foot led her reigns, and with this array she proceeded to the shore. The bridge of boats had now been joined, it reached to the ship on board of which was Oriana, and Gracinda waited by the end of the bridge to salute her as she landed. Oriana now came out of her cabin, apparelled in a manner more besieging decency and her present fortune than for the advancement and display of her beauty. She, seeing Gracinda, thus ornamented, awaiting her at the bridge end, inquired of Don Bruneo if that was not the dame who had come to her father's court and won the crown from the damsels. Bruneo replied that it was the same, and bade Oriana accost and salute her honorably, according to her desserts, for she was one of the worthy dames of the world, and then he related what honors and good offices Amadeez and himself and Angriote had from her received. To this Oriana answered, reasonable it is, then, that you and your friends should love and honor her, and thus will I do. Then Don Quadragante and Agraes each took the princess by the hand, and Don Florestan and Angriote led Queen Sardamira. Amadeez alone led Mabilia. Olinda went between Don Bruneo and Dragones, and in like manner the other damsels and knights proceeded from the vessel. When Oriana came near the end of the bridge, Gracinda alighted and knelt down and took her hand to kiss it, but Oriana drew it back and embraced her with much love, as one whose nature it was to be affable and nothing proud, where pride besieged her not. But Gracinda, seeing her exceeding beauty, how far it was beyond all the praises that she had heard thereof, wondered and was greatly astonished, for she had not believed that such beauty was possible in any mortal creature, and in this wonder she remained still on her knees, though Oriana would have raised her. Good lady, quote she, now may I well give thanks to God that you were not in your father's court at the season of my arrival there, for had you been there, though my champion was assuredly the best in the world, a knight of little prowess would have discomfited him in your behalf, if God, as it be said, defends the right. With that she looked at Amadi's. Pardon me, sir, if I wrong you in saying this, but my eyes never before beheld the like of what they now see. Amadi's was full joyful to hear his lady's praise. Unreasonable would it be, he replied, if I should think ill of what you have said, or complain of so manifest a truth. But Oriana was abashed at hearing herself thus praised, and her thoughts were more upon her present fortune than her own beauty. She therefore answered, I cannot, my lady, reply to you, for should I contradict your words, that would be discourtesy to one like you, and to assent to them would be in me shame and folly. Only I would have you know that, such as I am, I should rejoice to do ought for your honor, that is in the power of a poor, disinherited princess like me. Then she begged Agraeus to lead Gracinda to Olinda, and accompany her, leaving her with only Quadragante. Thus, having landed, they placed Oriana upon a Palfrey, the most richly comparison'd that ever eyes had seen, which Queen Bresena had given her, for her entrance into Rome. Queen Sardamira, also, and Gracinda, and all the other dames and damsels were mounted. Nor could Oriana prevail upon the knights, but that they would proceed on foot and lead the reins, for they knew that whatever honor and service they could manifest to these ladies would be to their own praise. In this order they entered the island by way of the castle, and these ladies and Oriana were conducted to the tower in the garden where Dom Gandales had ordered their apartments to be made ready, that being the best dwelling in the whole island, for, albeit there were many rich dwellings of rare workmanship, yet that tower wherein Apollidon had wrought the enchantments, which were spoken of at length in the second part, had been his favorite place of sojourn, and for that reason he had fabricated it with such skill and such costliness that the great emperor in the world would not have ventured to attempt to make the like. In that tower were nine apartments, three on a floor, and, though some part was the work of skillful artists, the rest was wrought by the skill and science of Apollidon himself so wondrously that no man in the world could rightly value nor even understand its exceeding rarity. And because it would be long to describe it all at length, I shall only say that the tower stood in the middle of a garden surrounded with a wall of goodly stone and mortar, and the garden was the goodliest that might be seen by reason of its trees and herbs and fountains of sweet water. Of those trees many were hung with fruit the whole year through, and others bore flowers, and round about the garden by the wall were covered walks with golden trellis work through which might all that pleasant greenness be seen. The ground was covered with stones, some clear as the crystal, others colored like rubies and other precious stones, the which Apollidon had procured from certain islands in the east, where jewels and gold and other rare things are produced by reason of the great heat of the sun continually acting. These islands are uninhabited, safe only by wild beasts, and for fear of those beasts no man durst ever set foot thereon, till Apollidon by his cunning wrought such spells that it became safe to enter there, and then the neighboring people being assured of this took advantage thereof and ventured there also, and thus the world became stocked with sundry things which had had never before known. To the four sides of the tower water was brought from the neighboring mountains by metal pipes and collected into four fountains, and the water spouted so high from the golden pillars and through the mounts of animals that it was easy to reach it from the windows of the first story, for it was caught in golden basins wrought in the pillar, and by these four fountains was the whole garden watered. In this tower then were the Princess Orianna and all those ladies lodged, each in her apartment, and there were they well served by dames and damsels, with all things convenient, but no night entered the tower nor even the garden, for so Orianna had desired that it should be, and requested the knights to let it be so, till some terms might be made with the king her father. They all esteemed her the more, and held her the more praiseworthy, saying, that in that, and all things else, their desire was to obey her will. Amadise himself, although he had neither pleasure nor comfort, except in her presence, was yet well pleased that she had so ordered, for far more than his own death did he fear the least stain upon her honour, and he now consoled himself with the thought that she was now under his protection, and that he would rather die than lose her. The other knights and lords and all their people were lodged in the island, each according to their quality, and abundantly supplied with all things needful for their subsistence and enjoyment. For though Amadise never appeared abroad but as a poor errant knight, he had store of treasure in that island, not only from the rents and from what he had found there, but of jewels and other precious gifts which his mother and many other ladies of high rank had given him, all the which he had sent here, and more over the islanders themselves, who were all rich and honourable men, held themselves fortunate to supply him with bread and meat and wines according to his need. Chapter 4 How Amadise assembled together all the knights and the speech which he made to them, and what they determined. But Amadise, albeit he manifested the great courage which in truth he possessed, yet could he not but thoughtfully reflect upon the end of this great business, of which the charge and weight lay upon him. The princes and lords and knights of high degree were many whose lives were adventured with his upon the issue. But when others slept, he waked, thinking upon what measures he should best pursue. Therefore, with the advice of Don Quadragante and his cousin Agraeus, he summoned all the knights to council in the apartment of Quadragante in a large hall which was one of the richest in the whole island. There, being all assembled, Amadise rose having Master Helisabad, whom he ever greatly honoured by the hand, and thus addressed them. Noble Princes and Knights It is known throughout the world how ye, abandoning those delights which he might have possessed in your own lands, have chosen rather to follow the honourable profession of arms, and encounter all dangers to gain the praise of prowess and redress wrongs, in garden of which worthy resolution, good fortune, hath now given into your hands this great victory which ye have at present gained. I call it not great as to the conquest of the Romans, for considering what they were and what ye are, this conquest would be little praise, but because by that victory ye have rescued so great and excellent a princess, and saved her from the worst wrong that any one of her worth hath for many an age endured. This indeed is to your fair renown, and to the service of Almighty God, for in this have ye done that for which ye were born, suckering the oppressed and beating down the evildoers. But in this what should most elate us is the defiance which we have thus given to two so high and powerful princes as are the Emperor of Rome and King Lysuarte, with whom, if they will not be brought to reason and justice, we must perforce have great debate and warfare. Noble Seres, what then have we to expect? Seres, nothing but that defending the right and reasonable cause against those who would support injustice we shall gain yet more victories, such that the whole world shall ring therewith. For if they are so mighty that their power is to be feared, neither are we so destitute of great and powerful lords, our friends and kinsmen, but that we could lightly so fill these planes with knights and soldiers, so that no enemies, how many soever they be, could approach within sight of the firm island. Now then, Seres, speak your counsel, not of what behoves us to do, for ye better than I know and feel what is now our duty, but in what manner we can prosecute and carry on what we have so well begun. With the right goodwill did they listen to that brave and courteous speech of Amadis, and because in that assembly there were so many who could well reply, all for a while remained silent, each urging the other to make answer. At length Don Quadragante said, Since ye are all silent, Seres, if it please you, I will deliver my advice. Agraeus answered, Ser Quadragante, we all beseech you to do so, for considering who you are and what great achievements you have honorably brought to end, it best becomes you of all others to make reply. Don Quadragante thanked him for this honorable praise and then said to Amadis, Noble Knight, you have spoken right well and to our full contentment. On my part I shall only say what befits our present situation. In what is past our object has been not to gratify our own passion and enmity, but to do what we are bound to do as good knights, succoring dames and damsels who have no strength and no helpers, save only God and such as ye. My counsel is that ye represent this to King Lisuarte by fitting messengers and require him to acknowledge his error and do justice to his daughter Orianna, the which, if he engaged to do and make us secure thereof, we then honorably may and ought to restore her. For ourselves we should make no terms. For if this matter can be ended, I wean he will ask peace of us and hold himself a happy man if it be granted. Meantime, for we know not what may be the issue of this embassy, let us call upon our kinsmen and friends to assist us, that if King Lisuarte should come to seek us he may find us not as poor errant knights, but as lords and princes ready to give him his welcome. Chapter 5 How all the knights were well contented with what Don Quadragante proposed. At this reply of Quadragante all were well pleased, for they thought he had left nothing to be said. It was therefore determined that Amadise should send to advise King Perion his father of what had passed and request help, not only from him but from all his other friends, who would be disposed to give him succor now, in acknowledgment of the great services he had with so much peril wrought them. Agraeus also, it was agreed, should send, or go to his father, the King of Scotland, for the like purpose, and Don Bruneo to the Marquis his father, and to his brother Branfil, and, with speed, raise all the force he could. Don Quadragante also said that he would send his nephew Landin to the Queen of Ireland, for he was believed that, although King Sildadan her husband was bound with a certain number of knights to serve King Lisuarte, yet she would grant permission to her subjects to serve under him, and many good men of his friends and vassals might be expected. In like manner all the other knights prepared to exert themselves. This being determined they appointed Agraeus and Don Florestan to inform the Princess Oriana that she might command whatever she thought most expedient for her service. They then broke up the assembly, all in good hope, and greatly encouraged, more especially they who were of low condition, and who in some degree before had feared the issue of this adventure, for they, beholding what resources were to be brought forward, lost all apprehension of the event. Now as they were at the gate of the castle from whence they could command the sight of the whole island, they saw a knight come riding along the coast, having with him five squires who carried his arms and other accoutrements. They all stood looking whom he might be, until as he came nearer they knew that he was Don Brian of Moncaste. Then they were all full joyful, for well was he beloved by them all, being in truth a good knight, and one who would have been everywhere greatly esteemed for his own worth even though he had not been son to the King Ladacin of Spain. Of all knights living he was the one who most loved his friends and was perpetually sporting with them and doing them the most pleasure that might be. Wherefore he on his own part was in return by them beloved. They knowing him all went out to meet him, but he when he saw them was greatly surprised, wondering by what chance they were all thus collected, and he alighted and went towards them with open arms, saying, I could embrace you all at once, for I regard you all as one. But when they came up to him and he saw Amadis among them, I need not say whether or no he rejoiced to meet him. For besides their nearness of blood, Don Brian's mother, being the sister of King Perion, Amadis was the knight in the world whom he loved best. Are you here? quote he smiling, for I come in your quest. Though all other adventures should fail us, we should have enough to do in seeking you when you conceal yourself so well. Say what you pleased replied Amadis embracing him, for I have you now where I shall take my amends. The knights command you to mount again and come into the island where there is a prison ready for such as you. With that they all crowded to embrace him, and however loathe he was, made him remount, and attended him on foot to the apartment of Amadis, where he alighted. His cousins Agraeus and Florestan disarmed him and brought him a scarlet mantle, but he, being thus disarmed, and seeing around him so many knights and of such prowess, said, there must be some great mystery and cause why so many good knights are thus assembled. I, Bicicicers, tell me the reason, for something thereof I have heard since my landing. Upon this they bade Agraeus relate what had passed, and he, whose heart was in the Enterprise, recounted what had been done to the shame of King Liswarde, greatly commending what the knights had undertaken. When Brian of Monchaste heard this, he thought it a serious thing, being himself a prudent man, and one who looked to the issue of such things as well as the beginning. And had this thing been to do, be like he not knowing the love of Amadis and Oriana might have dissuaded the Enterprise, or at least proposed measures more moderate before so desperate a course were taken, for he knew King Liswarde how jealous he was of his honour, and as the injury there too was so great, great in proportion would be his efforts for vengeance. How be it as the thing was, his assistance rather than advice was now required, and more especially as Amadis, whom he so loved, was the chief of the Enterprise. He praised them for what they had done and promised the aid of his own person, and of all that he could raise in his father's dominions, but he requested that he might see the Princess Oriana and learn from her what was her pleasure. Sir Cousin, replied Amadis, you are just come from a long journey, and these knights have not yet taken food. If it please you, rest now and eat. Meantime your arrival shall be made known to the Princess. This Council, Don Brian, thought good, so the knights took their leave of him and retired each to his home. When it was evening, Agraeis and Florestan went to wait upon Oriana as they had appointed, and they took Don Brian with them. They found her with all the other Princesses and ladies of her company, expecting them in the apartment of Queen Sardamira. Don Brian knelt before her and would have kissed her hand, but she withdrew it and embraced him and welcomed him with her accustomed courtesy. Sir, quotes she, Don Brian, you are right welcome. Welcome indeed you would at any time be, for your nobleness and great virtue. But at this time, more especially, I need not tell you what doubtless you have already learnt from your friends, nor need I request you what to do, for you are more worthy to give than to receive advice. Don Brian answered, The cause of my coming, lady, hath been this. After the battle which King Lisvarte had with the seven kings of the islands, I returned to Spain to the king my father, and there was busied in his disputes with the Africans, till I heard that my cousin Amadeus was gone into some foreign land no man knew wither. But then, because he was the flower and mirror of all my lineage, and the one whom I the most esteemed and loved, his loss so greatly grieved me that I determined to go in his quest, and therefore came hither to this island, thinking that here I might like least hear some tidings of him. So hither my good fortune guided me, not only to find him, but to arrive in a time when I may manifest some part of the great desire which I have ever felt to serve you. For, as you imagine, lady, I have heard what has happened, and knowing the inflexible condition of the king your father, something also I can guess of what is to ensue. But come what will, my person is at your disposal to serve you. Many thanks did Oriana return to him for this, his courteous speech. for the service and honour of the princess Oriana. Great reason is there that the cause wherefore all these nights were so ready and desirous to expose themselves to such danger for this lady's sake should be known and not remain in oblivion. Was it per adventure for the bountiful favours which they had from her received, or was it because they knew the secret of her love with Amadeus, and for this reason were so zealous to serve both him and her. Certus, I would tell you, that neither the one nor the other of these reasons was that which so disposed them to her service. For though she was of such high rank yet had it never been in her power to show her bounty, for she possessed nothing more than a poor damsel. And as for what regarded her love for Amadeus, you have already read in this great history what secrecy that was concealed. But a cause there must have been, and would you know what it was? Why, this princess was the gentlest and of the best breeding, and of the most curtsy, and the most effable and humble that lived in those times, and ever was disposed to honour and demean herself to everyone according to his merits. And this is a net and a bond whereby the great who act thus can bind many to their service that would else be little bound to serve them. Now after Dom Brian of Monchastre had thus spoken, and had accosted Queen Sardamire, and the other princesses, and the Lady Crescinda, Agraeus and Florestan addressed Oriana and respectfully told her what the knights had deputed them to say, the which she well approved, leaving them to follow their own judgement in these affairs, of which knights could better judge than women. But she besought them ever to bear in mind an inclination and desire to be at peace with her father, if so be that could be brought about to their honour, for her sake, and for her reputation. This then, Oriana, leaving Florestan and Dom Brian in talk with Queen Sardamire, took Agraeus by the hand, and leading him apart said, Good sir, and my true brother Agraeus, I'll buy the confidence and trust which I have in Amadeus, and in all these noble knights is very great, yet have I greater confidence in you, being brought up in the house of the King your father, and having been so cherished by the Queen your mother, who gave me Mabilia to be my companion. And such a friend had she been that I may well say that as to God I owe the gift of life, so to her do I owe the preservation of it, which but for her prudence and consolations would ear this have been lost, more especially since for my ill-happ the Romans came to my father's house. For her sake, and for the remembrance of all these things, will I reveal to you what I keep secret from all else, but for the present I only beseech you that laying aside all wrath and resentment against my father, you would labour to bring about peace and concord between him and your cousin Amadeus, for you know that by reason of their great spirits and the enmity which had so long endured between them, they will not lightly yield to persuasion. But if by your endeavour this could be brought about, not only would the death of so many good men as else must perish be prevented, but my fair name and honour, which may else be called in question, will be thus manifestly justified. To this, Agaius courteously and humbly made answer, with great reason may and ought I to ascent to all lady that you have said, the wish of my father and of my mother is by all their means to increase your honour and dignity, as by their deeds shall soon appear. For my sister Marbillia and myself, I need only say that all her actions show how entirely we desire your service. True it is, lady, that I above all others am most displeased with the king your father, for I have witnessed all the great and signaled services which have been wrought for him by Amadeus and by all us of his lineage, as is to all the world notorious, and I also was witness to the thanklessness and ingratitude wherewith he requited us. For never did we ask of him other girdon than the island of Mungasa for my uncle Don Galvanus, which island was one to the great honour of his court and to the more imminent danger of his life, who was the winner than man can think or express, as you, my good lady, beheld with her own eyes. Yet neither did that avail, nor all our service, nor the great desserts of my uncle, that we could procure so small a mead which should then have remained in the king's phaselage, instead thereof, he rejected our supplication, as though instead of his servant he'd been his enemy. I cannot therefore deny but that in my heart I should rejoice to serve against him till he should be reduced to such a state that all the world might see how greatly to his loss he had wronged and insulted us. But as man obtains favour in the sight of God in proportion as he curbs and conquers his own will for his service, so, lady, will I, for your sake, practice this self-denial and repress my own anger, that by this difficult service you may see how truly I desire to obey you. But I must do this warily, lest it should intimidate others to see me acting the mediator whom they know to be so earnest in the quarrel. So I beseech you, let it be, replied Oriana, and good friend, act to this intent in what manner you think best. Having ended this talk, they returned to the company. But a guy as could hardly refrain his eye from fixing upon Olinda whom he loved so well that by that love he'd been enabled to pass under the arch of true lovers, howbite, remembering his high birth and duties, he now repressed his inclinations till it should be seen how all these things would end. So, having conversed together a while, the knights during the ladies, who women like, were afraid by all these preparations, they returned to their companions with the answer of Oriana. Then, without delay, they began to put in execution what they had resolved, and sent ambassadors to King Lysorte, and the office was unanimously assigned to Don Quarragante and Don Brian of Monchaste, as two knights well befitting such an embassy. Chapter 7. How Amadis spake with Grazina, and what she replied. Meantime Amadis went to the apartment of Grazina whom he greatly loved, and esteemed not only for her own merits, but for the honours and good offices which she had received at her hands. So having seated himself on the estrado beside her, he said, If, lady, you are not now served as I earnestly desire and wish to serve you, let your goodness pardon, for the time, as you see, is in fault. And of this, as your judgment will perceive it to be so, I shall say nothing more, but instead, I am come to learn what may be your pleasure and farther will. It is now long since you have been absent from your own country, and I know not if, per adventure, that may trouble you. But whatsoever you may will, that shall I labour to perform. Grazina answered, Sir, if I did not feel that from your company and friendship I have acquired greater honour than could by any other fortune have befallen me, and that whatever service I may have been able to render you in my own country has been well satisfied and repaid, I might well be held the most thankless person in the world. But this is known and evident to all, and therefore, Sir, I will explain to you my whole desire. I see how many knights and princes are assembled in aid of this princess, that I perceive that you, my good Sir, are he to whom they all look up, so that all their hope and confidence of success is in your courage and wisdom. And you cannot, considering your good heart and high renown, but feel yourself the chief and leader in this danger. Perforce, therefore, must you call upon your friends and all who are beholden to you for their succour, and as one of them do I account myself. This, therefore, is my will, that Master Elizabeth should forthwith return to my country and summon all my friends and vassals to make ready, and come with a great fleet to serve you, Sir, when and where it may please you to appoint. Meantime I will remain in the company and service of this lady, and not leave her or you till the end of this business shall show me what course I then ought to pursue. When Amadeus heard her speak thus, he embraced her with a cheerful countenance, and said, Truly I believe that if all other virtue and nobleness should perish from out of the world, it might from you, my good lady, be reproduced. Since it pleases you, let it be so, and as Master Elizabeth is thus going on your bidding, I'll bide it will be to him much toil, yet shall he bear my bidding to the Emperor of Constantinople, for considering the gracious proffers which he made me, and the little reason which, as I then learned, he has to be satisfied with the Emperor of Rome, with whom my quarrel principally lies, I hold myself assured that he will willingly send to succour me as though I had done him good service. Grisanna approved of this design, observing that Master Elizabeth would think little of any toil undertaken in his behalf. Then Amadeus said, Since it is your pleasure, lady, to abide here with this princess, it is reasonable that, as the other ladies and princesses are lodged with her, so also should you, that you may receive from her those curtsies and honours which you so well deserve. Upon this he called his foster, Don Gandales, and bade him tell Oriana of the great desire which Grisanna had to serve her, and request her to receive her on his part. But Oriana gladly received her with all due to thankfulness, not so much for her present services, as the good offices she had formally rendered Amadeus, and for the preservation of her own life, when she preserved his by giving him Master Elizabeth for her companion. This being done, and Master Elizabeth being ready with a good will to depart, Amadeus wrote thus to the Emperor of Constantinople. Most high emperor, the knight of the green sword, who by his own proper name is called Amadeus of Gaul, sends to kiss your hands, and to remind you of what, more by reason of your own nobleness and goodness, than of his deserts, you were pleased to offer him. For a time has now come wherein I need the help of your highness and of all my friends and well-wishers who desire to follow reason and justice. Upon this Master Elizabeth is instructed fully. I beseech you give ear to his embassy, and let it have that effect on which I rely. Having finished this, and delivered his formal letters of credence to Master Elizabeth, the Master took his leave of Amadeus, and of his Lady Grasinna, and set sail. Chapter 8 How Amadeus sent a messenger to Queen Briollania. After Amadeus had dispatched the Master, he called for Tantales, who was high steward to the fair Queen Briollania, and said to him, My good friend, I would now that you should take that trouble and concern for me, which I would take in whatever concerned you. You see in what manner my honor is now staked, and how greatly it may now be increased or otherwise tarnished. Go then to your Lady, and tell her all that you've witnessed, and that it behoves her to summon all her friends and vassals that they may be ready when need shall be. Say to her that what so nearly concerns me concerns her also, for she knows that in losing me she would lose her servant. Tantales answered, This will I do without delay, and make you no doubt but that there could nothing happen so to rejoice the Queen my mistress, as to learn that she can now make manifest the great love and good will with which she will perform whatever you can require from her kingdom. Be you sure that when the time comes I shall be ready to return with such array as such a lady ought to send to him from whom, under God, she has received her kingdom. He then received his letters of credence and incontinently put to sea. Then Amadis took Gandalin apart and said, Friend Gandalin, whether or no I need the aid of my friends and kinsmen in this necessity, or in preforce I have placed myself, you welcome judge. Sorely, therefore, as I shall feel your absence, yet it is now expedient that you should depart from me. You know, we have resolved to call upon all our friends for succor, and though I have good hope in many to whom I have rendered good service, as you know, and trust that they will now repay the debt of gratitude which they owe me, yet have I most confidence in King Perion, my father, that he, whether reason or not were on my side, will hasten to my help. You are the man who can best and most fully explain the whole to him, and shame and sorrow would it be to him if I, who am his son and his eldest son, could not give these two princes their fit answer when they come up against me. But before you go, speak with my cousin Mabilia and learn whether she has any bidding to her aunt or to my sister Melissa, and speak also with my lady Ariana, for mine she is, and though she be secret toward all other, to only you will she discover what may be her will. Meantime I will make ready your letter of credence, and therein I will request that Melissa may come hither to be an Ariana's company. So shall her virtues and great beauty be seen by many as they have already been heard of, all this Gandalin promised to perform. Meantime Agaius, spake with Don Gandalus, the fosterer of Amades, has sent him to Scotland for aid, nor was there need to ride by him, for so many years had he been trusted and found trustworthy that he was rather regarded like a counselor and kinsman but as a vessel, and he, with all diligence and earnestness, prepared to perform this embassy, because it nearly concerned Amades, whom above all others in the world he most loved. Chapter 9 How Don Quaraganta spake with his nephew London, and told him to go to Ireland, and speak with the queen his niece that she might allow his vessels to come and serve him. Don Quaraganta also on his part spake with his nephew London, the good night, saying, Beloved nephew, it is necessary that you depart for Ireland with all speed and speak there with the queen my niece in private, so that King Kildadan know not your errand, for he being sworn vessel to King Lisvarta, there is no reason that he should know the thing. Tell her how we are circumstance, and that though so many good nights are here, yet they make great account, and place great trust in me as you, nephew, behold, considering what I am and of what lineage, and say to her that I beseech her in her kindness to permit as many of her people as shall be so disposed to come serve me, for tell her that in contests like these such changes often times take place that states and kingdoms are overthrown, and vessels become lords, and they who were the lords are reduced to vesselage. She therefore should not fear to grant my request. Do you then with what aid you may thus and with my friends and vessels fit out a fleet, and be ready to obey my call? Landin replied that by God's help he would procure a good answer to his demand. So he embarked on board one of the Roman ships, and went his way. And Don Bruneo bade his squire depart with letters to the Marquis, his father, and to his brother Branfil, and beseech him to collect forces for their help. Lasindo, my good friend, said he, you must perceive that, though so many good nights are here in this quarrel, yet Amadeus is the most nearly concerned, and much as the love which we bear each other would influence me to serve him, yet am I the more bound to this duty, seeing that he is brother to my Lady Melissia. Though it be my enemy, I should now have been bound to serve him for her sake, how much more when he is the man in the world whom I love best. I, therefore, above all others, am most concerned to support his honour. Of this you will say nothing, but do you persuade my father to this sucker which so concerns my honour now. Of Branfil my brother, I am already assured, and well I know that he would rather have had his part in what has already passed than have won an empire, for all his delight is in honourable feats of chivalry. You need say no more, sir, replied Lasindo. By God's help I shall procure you such sucker that your Lady shall be served, and your own renown greatly increased. So he embarked and put to sea. Now this Lasindo was a right good squire, and of good lineage, and with true love and true good will do he now go upon his master's service. Chapter 10 How Amadeus sent to the King of Bohemia. But Amadeus never ceased to think how he might best provide for his defence, because his Lady was now to be by him protected. He called Lissangho, who may have found Governor of the firm island, when he made the conquest thereof. Good sir, said he, and my good friend, I know your virtue and your prudence and the desire which you have ever shown to promote my honour, and therefore will I now impose some labour upon you. For considering the quality of him to whom I am about to send, it be host employees so worthy a messenger. You shall go to King Tafener of Bohemia, and take him my letters, and tell him the things I have in his friendship. He is a right noble-king, and offered me his assistance with a free good will when I left his court. Sir Kwath Isangho, this employment is an honour, not a trouble. Be assured that even to death I should rejoice to serve you. Then Amadeus wrote thus, Noble King Tafener of Bohemia, if when I abode in your house as an errant night it was my good fortune to render you any service, I hold myself well repaid by the honours and good offices which I dare received from you, and from all of your court. And if I now send to request your help in my necessity it is because I know how nobly and virtuously you have desired with your utmost power to uphold the right cause. The night who bears this letter will inform you of all that has passed. Give him full confidence, and that trust this embassy will have the like success that your bidding would have found with me. Isangho gave order that a ship should be prepared for his departure. Chapter 11 How Gondolin spake with Mabilia and Oriana, and what they bade him say to Amadeus. All these messengers had now departed save only Gondolin. He went to the garden wherein the tower stood, and where as you've heard no man was permitted to enter without the special leave of the princes. The entrance being kept only by women. He, coming to the garden gate, bade him say to Mabilia that Gondolin was preparing to sail for Gaul, and would speak with her before his departure. When Mabilia repeated this to Oriana she was right glad of Gondolin's coming, and gave orders that he should be admitted. So he, having entered fell on his knees before her and kissed her hand, and then said to Mabilia, according as his master had commanded him. Upon that Mabilia said aloud to Oriana that all might hear. Gondolin is going to Gaul. What will you say to the queen and to my cousin Melissia? Oriana replied that she should rejoice to have the opportunity of sending to them, and then she went and joined Mabilia and Gondolin as they were talking apart. Ah, friend Gondolin, said she, what think you of my forward fortune, the thing in the world which I have most desired is to be where thy master should never be out of my sight, and now that fate has thrown me into his power, and we are so circumstance that both for his honour and for my own I dare not see him. If you could know what my heart suffers because of this, sure am I that you would pity me. Now tell him this to comfort him and to excuse me, and tell him to devise some means that he and the other knights may visit me, and that we may talk in presence of all without suspicion. Ah, lady Gondolin replied great reason of you to give comfort to that night. Much greater sorrow would you feel than you now suffer if I could tell you what he has endured in the fortunes that we have passed through. The feats and arms which he achieved are such that no other could have performed, or even in his heart imagined them, and such straights had his absence from you placed him. But it is useless now to talk thus. Do you only show kindness to him, for verily I believe that your life depends on his. My true friend Quoth Oriana, that you may truly say, without him life would be to me far more grievous than death. But go tell him what I have said. How about before he went Oriana said to him in a loud voice that she would write to Queen Alicina and to the Princess Melissa, and Gondolin requested that she would speedily send the letters, for the other messengers were already departed and he alone remained. Then Gondolin went to Amades and told him all that Oriana had said. Amades, after he had mused a while, replied, I will tell you how this may be brought about. Go to Agais and tell him you have spoken with his sister Mabilia on account of your journey to Gaul, and that she have said it would be well if he could bring the knights to see and encourage Oriana, for her situation is so serious and so strange that she needs all encouragement. But tell me, concerning her, did she seem sorrowful? Gondolin replied, you, sir, well know her fortitude, and that she will discover nothing but the virtue of her noble heart, yet Sirtis doth her appearance savor more of sadness than of joy. Then Amades, raising his hands to heaven, exclaimed, O Lord Almighty, let it please thee that I may be able to serve this my lady to her full honour, and for my death or life let that be tied as it will. Take you no fear for that, sir, quoth Gondolin, for as God hath in all other adventures favoured you above any other night, so will ye now in this which you with so great justice have undertaken. With that, Gondolin repaired to Agais and set him as he had been directed. Agais replied, this which my sister says is reasonable and shall be done, and if it has not been done before, it was only because these knights knew it was the honour of Arianna to live in retirement for her honour's sake. We will go speak of it to my cousin Amades. So he went to Amades, who answered him as one that had known nothing of the business before. Agais then went to the knights and represented to them that it would be well if they visited Arianna to encourage her, for in perils like these even the brave sometimes needed encouragement. How much more then would feeble woman stand in need of such an honour? They agreed that on the following evening they would clad themselves in goodly arms among their palfries, having their swords girded on all adorned with gold and in this array proceed to the apartment of Arianna. Of this Agais sent intimation to Arianna, and she sent to Queen Sardamira and to Grazina and for the other dames and damsels of her company that they should make ready to receive them. Chapter 12. All the knights of high degree went to see and console Arianna and the ladies who were with her. Now, when these knights entered the apartment of Arianna, they all respectfully made obeisance to her, and afterwards the other ladies, and she courageously welcomed them as besieged her noble nature. Then Amades paid then Quaragante and Brian of Monchaste go talk with Arianna, he himself went to Mabilia. Agais conversed with Olinda, Don Florestan with Queen Sardamira, and Don Brunio and Agrierte with Grazina, whom they, with reason, greatly esteemed. The other knights talked each with whom he liked best. Presently Mabilia said to her cousin Amades with a loud voice, Sir, send for Gandal in Hither that he may take my bidding to the Queen my aunt and to my cousin Militia. You shall give it to him in charge, since it is with your embassy that he's going to go. When Arianna heard this, she said, he shall take my message to the Queen and her daughter. Then Amades called for Gandalin, who was with the other squires in the garden, expecting to be summoned. He came in and went to Amades and Mabilia, where they stood apart from the company, and after they had talked awhile Mabilia said to the princes, Lady, I have dispatched Gandalin, see now what you have to say to him. Arianna then turned to Queen Sardamira and said, take you, Don Quaragante, while I go speak with the squire, and with that, leading Don Brian of Monchaste with her, she went towards Mabilia, but as they came Don Brian sat with playful curtsy as one who well knew what the meaner presumed the night. Since I am chosen ambassador to your father, I will not be present at a lady's embassy, for I fear your deceitfulness lest you should impose upon me the more courteous manner than would be suitable to what the nights have given me in charge. At that, Arianna smiled sweetly and said, for this very purpose, Sir Don Brian, have I let you here, that we may somewhat abate your colour against my father, yet I fear that your heart is not so well inclined towards womankind, that your purpose can anyway, by us, be changed. She said this sportively, for though Don Brian was young and very comely, he was more disposed to follow arms and to the converse of knights than to hold talk with women. He indeed was ready to expose himself to thousands of their knights, and he loved all and was by all beloved, but not by anyone with particular affection. So he made reply, I shall fly from you, lady, and from your enticements, lest I lose in little time what I have been long gaining. So laughing left he, Arianna, and turned towards Grosina, whom he greatly desired to know, having heard so much in her praise. When Amadis saw his lady before him, whom he so dearly loved, and whom for so long time he had not seen, for that sight of her on the sea in that great uproar he accounted as nothing, his flesh trembled, and his heart panted for exceeding delight, and he stood like a man beside himself, having no power to speak. Arianna saw his trouble and drew nearer, and took his hand under her mantle, and pressed it in token of love, as though she would have embraced him. My true friend, Quasci, and dear above all others in the world, though fortune has placed me where I most desire to be in your power, yet such is my ill-heb, that now more than ever it behoves me to shun your company, that this adventure which is so known abroad through the world may appear no ways injurious to my honour, and that you may be believed to have undertaken it, pursuing your duty and virtue's inclination in redressing wrongs and relieving the oppressed, rather than from any other motive. For if the true cause were made known, a different judgment would be formed by our friends as well as enemies. What, therefore, we have so long carefully concealed, we must with yet more care continue to conceal, till it shall please God to bring these troubles to the end which we desire. Amidst answered, For God's sake, Lady, offer not to me any reason or excuse for what you think fitting, for I was born only to be yours, and to do you service while the life continues in the body, nor have I any other desire or will than to obey your pleasure. All I beseech you is that you would always remember this truth and command me as you think best, for that will be the best comfort and recompense that I can receive. While he said this, Oriana looked at him and saw that the tears were flowing down his face. Dear friend, Kwashi, it is no new thing for me to believe what you say and how my heart returns this affection he knows from whom nothing is hid. But now it behoves to be patient and I beseech you, even with that love which you have ever desired me to express, to put away these thoughts of grief and trouble from your heart for one way or other, by peace or by war, our secret must soon be known, and then shall we be united even according to our desire. We have now talked long together, I will rejoin these nights, do you dry up these tears and speak with Mabilia, she will tell you what we have never before found means to let you know and shall rejoice your heart. Oriana then sent to cold on Quaraganta and on Brian and returned between them to her place. Amades remained communing with Mabilia who told him everything relating to Plannian, of his birth and how he was carried away by the lioness and how he had been bred up by the hermit. When Amades heard this he was as joyful as he could be. Lady and good cousin he replied as soon as the joy which disturbed his heart would permit him to speak. When Angriote and Dom Brunio came to me at the house of the noble Lady Grasinne, Angriote then told me this history of Plannian, but whose son he was that could he not tell. Yet it came into my mind then what you had said to me in that letter which my foster father Gandales brought to this island, that my lineage had been increased and I thought it possible considering the time when your letter was written that this child might be my son. But this was only a thought. Now after they communed together thus they returned to Oriana and then Gandalin took leave and set forth on his voyage and then the knights broke up the company and returned each to his lodgings. End of Book 4 Chapter 12 Book 4 Chapters 13 to 15 of Amades of Gull This is a LibriVox recording all LibriVox recordings are in a public domain for more information or to volunteer please visit LibriVox.org recording by Anna Simon Amades of Gull by Vasco de la Bea translated by Robert Southey Book 4 Chapter 13 How the news of the defeat of the Romans and the taking of Oriana came to King Nisvarta and what he did thereupon. That day wherein King Nisvarta had delivered his daughter Oriana to the Romans hard and cruel as he had been to her in this marriage yet he could not hear without pity her cries and lamentation which were so grievous that there was not a man in the world who could have heard them without compassion The tears against his will came into his eyes and he turned back more sorrowful at heart than he would let be seen in his semblance Now when he came to his palace he found both men and women there making great moan for the departure of Oriana nor could the strict command which he gave anyway prevail or obeyed this for that princess was more honoured and better loved by all than ever was other person in Great Britain He looked round his palace and saw no knights there as he had been used to see them except Olne Brandoyas who told him that the queen was lamenting in her chamber So he went thither but there also he could see none of the princesses and aims and damsels who were want to be in her company and when he beheld how deserted the place was and how greatly changed from what it had been there came a cloud over his heart and he had no power to speak But when the queen saw him enter her apartment she fell down in a swan King Viswarta raised her up and held her in his arms till her senses returned and when he saw that she was somewhat recovered he said to her Lady it neither beseems your prudence nor your virtue to be thus cast down by what is no calamity but instead of that great honour and good fortune If you wish to preserve my esteem and love let this be the last display of such weakness that her is not so despoiled but that she ought to be esteemed the greatest princess of all her rays To this the queen made no reply but fell with her face upon the bed sobbing in great agony The king then left her and returned to the hall there he found none but King Arben of North Wales and Don Grumadan both showing by their countenances and Domina the sorrow which at heart they felt and though King Viswarta was of great heart but beyond all other men conceal his thoughts yet was it manifest how deeply he was now afflicted but he thought it would be well to go hunt in the woods till time should remedy what he felt and he bade King Arben give command that the tents should be made ready and all things needful for the chase for he would go out on the morrow that night he would not sleep in the queen's chamber as his presence might increase her grief Early in the morning he heard mass and departed but when he saw with how poor a company he was now attended he who was so desirous of the company of good knights and who at once had the best of the world in his household in spite of himself he could not choose but be greatly troubled but fortune now was bent to give him real cause for grief and make him forget this displeasure which was brought on by himself for some of the Roman prisoners who had made their escape from the firm island where the king was came to him and told him everything as it had happened in their sight how much so ever King Lysvarta fell that such tidings so unexpected and so nearly concerning him with a good countenance as kings used to put on he made no show of displeasure but answered I am grieved my friends for the death of Salaston Credio and for your loss but as for what regards myself I am used to receive injuries and to give them in return remain ye in my court and ye shall be assisted with all things needful upon that they kissed his hand and besought him that he would remember their companions and those lords who had been taken with them be not troubled for them replied the king that shall be remedied in a manner befitting my honour and the honour of your master then he bade them go to the city where the queen was but charged them nothing of what had happened till he should return three days King Lysvarta remained hunting in the forest in such mood as you may imagine then he returned to the city still bearing a cheerful countenance forthwith he went to the queen's apartment and she was one of the noblest women in the world and the most prudent seeing that had nothing availed her to show her sorrow appeared more tranquil the king ordered all her attendants to leave the chamber beside her said in things of little moment which by chance may fall out to trouble us there is some license allowed for the expression of grief and sorrow which as they are produced by slight evils may by slight remedies be removed but in great wrongs that afflict us greatly more especially when they concern our honour it is far otherwise the feeling expressed must be little and the severity of vengeance great to come to the point you queen have felt the loss of your daughter according to the custom of mothers and you have shown what you have felt as others do at such marriages and are rejoiced that you have so soon taken consolation but this which had followed is of such a nature that little grief must be shown but heavy amends earnestly and heartily sought the Romans who departed with our daughter have been with all their fleet destroyed or taken or slain with their Prince Salistem Quedio and she herself with all her dames and damsels made prisoner by Amadeus and the knights of the firm island where they have carried them with triumphs and rejoicings so signal a thing as this have never before been perpetrated in the memory of man now therefore it behoves us you prudently as a woman and I strenuously as a king and knight to remedy our honour by deeds and not by idol resentment of sorrow when Queen Bresina heard this she remained for a while silent for she was one of the women in the world who best loved her husband and was aware in such a case as this and with such man it was far better to make peace than to encourage discord therefore she replied Sir, greatly as you must needs feel this yet when you judge it you should recollect the time when you yourself were an errant knight you know what complains and limitations Oriana and all her damsels made for so long time so that it was everywhere known and all man believed great force was done her it is not to be wondered at that these knights as man whose profession it is to succour all distressed damsels should have dared attempt what they have achieved but sir though she be your daughter yet as you have delivered her up to the ambassadors of the emperor the injury is to him and it behoves you to act now with moderation lest you should appear to be chiefly wronged for if you do otherwise the offence can no ways be dissembled the king answered Bear now in mind Dame what becomes your honour as I said before for me by God's help such amends as will become your rank and mine then King Lizuarto went to his palace and called for King Arben of North Wales and on Grumudon and Gion Depensive who is now recovered from his sickness and being apart with these he told them all that had befallen for these three knights were they in whom he chiefly trusted and he besought them to consider what was the cause best befitting his honour and to take due deliberation before they advised him the king also remained some days pondering what he should do but Queen Bersina remained full of sorrow for the great rigor of the king her husband and because he had now for his enemies these knights who would rather die than lose one jot of honour this also she knew was her husband's temper and therefore she thought all other dangers that ever here to fore had threatened him were light to this while she was in this trouble revolving what remedy might be devised there came in one to say that during the brother of the damsel of Denmark was arrived from the firm island and would speak to her the queen gave order that he should be admitted so he entered and knelt before her and kissed her hand and gave her a letter from Oriana her daughter but when the queen took it the tears came into her eyes for the loss of her child and for the thought that she should never again recover her unless it pleased the mercy of God to remedy this evil and she could not speak nor ask anything of Duran till she had read the letter Chapter 14 of the letter which the princess Oriana sent to Queen Bersina her mother from the firm island the letter was in this fashion most high and mighty queen Bersina my lady mother I the sorrowful and unhappy Oriana your daughter sent with all humility to kiss your feet and hands my good lady you know how my ill fortune being to me more country and evil minded than to all other women that ever have lived or will be made me be banished from my own country with exceeding cruelty on the part of the king my father and on my part with such grieve and agony of heart that I myself marvel how I could have lived through it a single day but that fortune prepared for me a remedy cruel than the wretched sufferings which I had expected for in the first state I should have died and that would only have been the death of an unhappy wretch for whom death was more desirable than life but in this which has happened unless you under God have compassion upon me not I alone but numberless others who have no fault herein must miserably end their lives for it has pleased God the wrong and cruelty that have been done to me that the night of the firm island met and destroyed the Roman fleet and carried me and all my dames and damsels to the firm island where I am now treated with the same reverence and decorum as if I was in your royal house and because they are about to send certain nights to the king my father with intention to procure peace if any concession may be made in my favor I have thought it well to write thus before they can arrive beseeching you by the tears which I now am shedding and do perpetually shed that you will in goodness intrigue the king my father to have pity on me and consider the service of God more than the glories and honors of this world and not put his own fortunes upon hazard for he knows better than any other the great force and injustice that he has done to me nothing deserving it having read this letter the queen told Duran not to return till she gave him an answer but that she must first speak to the king and Duran then told her that the princesses and dames and damsels who were in her lady's company all sent to kiss her hands Prasina then sent to request the king to come alone to her chamber that she might speak with him so soon as he entered she fell on her knees before him weeping and said sir read this letter Oryana has sent and have mercy upon her and upon me the king raised her up by the hand and took a letter and read it and then that he might give her some contentment he said since Oryana writes that these nights are about to send ambassadors to me for adventure the embassy may be such as to satisfy for the wrong received if it should prove otherwise you must consider that it is better to support our honor with danger than by avoiding danger to suffer that it should be tarnished he then and treated her to put her trust in God and ceased to afflict herself and having said this left the apartment the queen then called for Duran and said to him friend Duran go and tell my daughter that till these nights arrive and their embassy be known I can give no answer for the king her father can come to no resolution but if any means of peace can be found out I will with all my power labor to procure it and greet her lovingly from me and greet from me likewise all her dames and damsels tell her also that now is the time when she must show what she is chiefly by regarding her own good fame without which nothing to be valued would be left her and also by enduring affliction as becomes one of her high rank for where God hath bestowed rank there also hath he allotted the cares and troubles proportionally greater I pray God to protect her and restore her to me with honour so Duran kissed her hand and departed but little profit came of this journey nor did Oriana receive any hope for her mother's message now the history said that one day when King Lizard having heard Mass was preparing to eat with his chiefs in the palace hall there came in a squire and presented a letter to him the king took and read and then asked him what he would have and from whom he came sir he replied I am the squire of Don Quarraganta of Ireland and come to you with his bidding Lizard answered say then what you would have and I shall willingly listen the squire made answer sir Don Quarraganta and Don Brian of Monchasta are coming to your kingdom with the bidding of Amadis and the other princes and knights who are with him in the firm island this they sent to notify to you before they enter your court if they may safely appear before you they will come and deliver their embassy but if not they will publish it abroad and return thither from whence they came therefore sir give me answers it may please you that they may not be delayed having heard this King Lizard to remain a while without replying as every great man ought to do that he may have time to consider but reflecting that no inconvenience could follow from receiving an embassy from his enemies and that it would discover little moderation if he refused he said to the squire tell these knights that they may come to my court with full security and that I will listen to what they have to say with his answer the squire returned Don Quarraganta and Don Brian hearing this landed from their vessel being armed in goodly arms and on the third day they reached the town where the king then sojourned at such time as he had finished his meal as they rode through the streets great with the concourse of people to look at them for they knew them well and said to each other cursed be the traitors whose villainy had made our lord the king lose these good knights and so many others from his company but some among them who knew better how it had been laid all the fold upon the king because he submitted his prudence to the council of scandalous and envious men thus they rode along and having entered the outer court of the palace they there dismounted and went in where the king was and courageously accosted him and he on his part received them with courageous demeanour Don Quarraganta then thus addressed him it becomes great princes patiently and without passion to hear the messengers who are sent to them for if the embassy should content them then will they have reason to rejoice that if they received it graciously and if otherwise the remedy is to be found in a courageous heart and brave resolution not in angry words it becomes ambassadors also respectfully to deliver what they have in charge without fear of any danger that may on that account be tied them the cause of our coming to you King Lizwater is by order and request of Ahmadis of Gaul and the other good knights who are in the firm island they sent to tell you that they, seeking adventures abroad to uphold the right and redress wrong did hear from many that you, following your own will instead of reason and justice and regarding neither the serious admonition of your nobles nor the tears of your people and not having your duty to go out before your eyes determined to disinherit your daughter Oriana the lawful successor to these kingdoms after your disease that you might give them to your younger daughter in her stead moreover not regarding her entreaties and lamentations that you without mercy delivered her up to the Romans to be wife to the emperor against all right and against her own consent and against the inclination of all your people but as things like these are notorious to God and he it is who gives the remedy it pleased him that we should hear of this wrong and that we should redress it with no will or design to commit injury ourselves but seeking to remedy what wrong had been committed which without shame we could not have foreborn to do we therefore having vanquished the Romans have carried the princess your daughter to the firm island with the reverence and respect due to her nobleness and royal birth and there we have left her in the company of many noble ladies and knights of high degree now therefore as our intention was only to serve God and uphold the right these knights sent to exhort you that you will appoint some means whereby this noble princess may be secured from any farther such manifest wrong and restore to your love as heretofore if per adventure you bear any resentment against us for what we have done let that remain for its season it is not reasonable the certain right of her cause should be confounded with our quarrel when Don Quaraganta had finished his speech the king answered him after this manner knight because angry words and severe answers neither increase courage nor make the weak hearts strong my answer shall be brief and given with more patience than your demand deserves you have done that which in your judgment was most for your honor with overweening pride and with arrogant strength for little glory is it to rob and conquer those who are voyaging securely as they thought and with no fear you did not bear in memory that I being God's lieutenant am accountable to him and to none other for my actions when a man shall have been taken for this it will be time enough to talk of the accord which you propose farther speech will be useful now Don Brian of Monchastre then answered nothing more than remains now that we know your will but that each of us prepare for that which most behoves our honor with that they took their leave and went to horse and on Grumadan with them whom the king had commanded to accompany them out of the town when Grumadan saw that he was out of the king's presence he said to these knights he says I am greatly grieved at this which I have witnessed for knowing the prudence of the king and the noble nature of Amadescent of all you I had good hope that this might have come to good end but it is all clean country to what I hoped and so must be till it please God to bring about peace and concord but I pray you tell me how comes it that Amadescent now in the firm island for it is long since any tidings with him though his friends were perilously seeking him in foreign lands don't Brian made answer I need not say much to you don't Grumadan concerning our quarrel with the king Sertas we should rejoice if setting that aside some means might be found to write the princess Oriana but since he will proceed according to his anger rather than his reason he shall find the upshot more difficult than the commencement but as for what my good sir you ask concerning Amadescent you must know that till he came to this court calling himself the Greek Knight in the company with that lady for whom he vanquished the Romans and won the crown of the damsels we none of us knew tidings concerning him Saint Mary help me quoth Grumadan was that Greek Knight Amadescent without doubt he was now then replied the old man I will tell you that I think myself a man of poor understanding for I ought to have known that he who performed such feats in arms could be no other than Amadescent and I beseech you who with the two knights whom he left to help me against the Romans your friends and Don Brunia of Bonamar God a mercy if I'd known that I should not have feared the battle as I did in truth then I gained but little honour there for with such helpers I should not think it much to conquer twice the number of such foes I believe by your courage Don Grumadan said that you alone would have been sufficient be I what I may replied the old man you have my love and true good will with you and God grant that his business may yet end well by this they had gone out of the town and some little beyond it then as Grumadan was about to bid them farewell the fair child as Plannian came up to them returning from his sport and with him Ambor the son of Anglioth of Estervaus he rode upon a goodly pelfry and well comparison which Queen Bersene had given him and he was richly clad for the king and queen liberally provided him with all things both by reason of his great beauty and also because of what Urgana the unknown had written concerning him and he carried upon his fist a goshawk so coming up they gave each two other the good day and Don Brian asked of Grumadan who the fair child was he is called as Plannian and was reared in a marvellous manner said the old knight and strange things have Urgana prophesied concerning him is this he come hither my island have heard much talk of this child I pray you call him back then Grumadan then called to him for he was passing on come hither said he and sent some bidding to the Greek knight who in curtsy to you spared the lives of the Romans as Plannian turned back and answered right glad should I be to learn tidings of that noble knight and know where I could send my thanks as you say he truly deserves these knights are going with her he now is he tells you truth said Don Quaregante we will carry your bidding to him who when he was here was called the Greek knight but is now called Amadis what cried as Plannian is he the Amadis of whom all men speak so highly even so in truth highly ought he to be esteemed and his gentleness and curtsy are not less worthy praise than his fellow I went up to him when he was in wrath and yet he did not for that do me the less honour and nor refuse to grant me the lives of those knights who had greatly incensed him I thank him truly and would to God there may become a time when I may with a like honour requite him for it much were those knights pleased to hear how well the child spake God make you a good man quoth Don Brunio as good fair child as he had made you fair I thank you the child replied but if God had reserved any worth for me I would it were in me now that I might be able to serve my lord the king who now needs the service of all his people God be with you sirs so he and Don Grumadan took their leave and those knights proceeded to their ships chapter 15 how King Lizwater asked council of King Arben of North Wales and Don Grumadan and Gion Depensive and what they answered after those knights had departed King Lizwater sent to southern King Arben of North Wales and Don Grumadan and Don Gion Depensive and he said to them you know my friends how I stand with the knights of the firm island and the great insult which I have received at their hands I did not take such amends as should break their great pride I should not hold myself a king nor should I think that others would as such esteem me therefore that I may render such account of myself as behoves a prudent man and that all may be done with due advice and deliberation I have now sent for you to know your council then King Arben who was a good knight and prudent and greatly desired to promote your honour replied these knights sir and I have thought much upon this matter and consulted together as you required us and we have concluded that since it is not your pleasure to come to any terms of concord with these knights that you ought with all diligence to prepare the means whereby they may be repressed and their haughtiness curbed for the knights of the firm island are many and right powerful in arms as you sir well knew when by the grace of God they were all so long in your service and more than this we are assured that they have sent on all sides to demand succour the witch be sure they will find being of high lineage sons and brothers of kings and of other great personages and likewise they have in their own persons made many friends so that when people come from so many parts to their help there will be a great host presently raised but on the other hand sir that your cause and household is more destitute of knights now than we ever remember it to have been and the greatness of your power had made you many enemies who will now discover their ill will for troubles will break out in times of need like these which are hushed and calm seasons it is therefore expedient that all your servants and friends should now be called upon especially the emperor of Rome whom as the queen has said this business more nearly touches than it doth you than when you have seen the power which you can bring together you may better judge whether to proceed rigorously or come to such accord as is proposed King Lizarte thought himself well advised by this speech and Baye Don Guyon prepared to go to the emperor for such an embassy such an ambassador was meet Don Guyon answered in this sir and in far more than this I am ready to do your service and God grant it may be to the advancement of your honor let therefore the dispatches be made ready that you may be obeyed without delay there needs nothing more than your letters of credence said the king tell the emperor that in compliance with his demand I gave my daughter to his ambassadors to be his wife and tell him what hath befallen her and that the knights have sent to me proffering certain terms which I knowing the insult to him more than me would not accept and say to him that what will satisfy me is that we should surround the place where they detain my daughter and make all the world know that we like great princes as we are have punished these thieves and robbers for the insult and injury which they have offered us tell him then your own opinion and say that wrongs of this nature grow worse the longer the remedy is delayed Don Guillaume then received his credentials and went on board the king then called for Bannerias and bade him go to the island of Mungasa and summon Don Galvanus with all his people and then pass over with the like bidding to King Kildadan of Ireland and he sent Phyllis Penel to Gasquian king of Sweden to tell him in what state he was he being a knight who delighted in all occasions wherein he could show his great hardyhood and prowess in like manner he sent to all his other friends and vassals and ordered all his people to make ready and set about preparing arms and horses to have the greatest force of horsemen that he could raise now the history said that Archelaus the Enchanter being in one of his castles and always devising how he could do some mischief as he and all wicked ones like him are accustomed to do the tidings came to him of this great quarrel between King Lysvarta and Amades whether he was pleased or no need not be said for they were the two men in the world whom he most hated and whose destruction he never sees to have at heart and the uppermost thing in his thoughts at such a time as this he thought he might wreak his will and because he could not in his heart prevail upon himself to assist either of them he in a subtlety resolved to raise a third army of those who were enemies both to Lysvarta and to Amades and so dispose of them that if a battle should take place they might fall on the survivors and with little peril utterly destroy them incontinently he went to horse and with such a train as was needful set forth travelling by land or by sea till he came to King Arvigo who with the six island kings had been hardly handled by Amades and King Lysvarta as you've heard in the third book of this history when he came to him Arkalau said Oh King Arvigo if your heart and resolution be answerable to your highest state and to the prudence with which you ought to govern Fortune who has won so much your enemy hath now so repented and is ready to make you such a man's that the loss of your honour shall be repaired with double victory your revenge is now in your own hands our two great enemies King Lysvarta and Amades of Gaul are at such utter discord that there can be no other issue than a great battle and the destruction of one or per adventure of both now if you will harken to my advice you will not only recover the loss which by following my counsel here to four you have suffered but your kingdom shall be greatly increased and the possessions of all us who desire your service friend Arkalau's replied King Arvigo the length of way which you have travelled to this peak make me well believe what you tell me but let me hear it more at length for never was it in my will because of adversity to desist from such enterprises become the greatness of my person then Arkalau's related how Amades had taken Orianna from the Romans and carried her to the firm island and I would give you to know Sethi that this Amades was one of those knights of the Serpent who were against us with the other six kings he it was who wore the golden helmet and who by his great prowess wrested the victory from your hands now as Amades on the one hand and King Lusort on the other will gather together all the force they can and as the emperor himself will come in person to revenge the great insult which he hath received you may well judge what destruction there will be in the battle between them if therefore you will summon your companions I will bring you for allies Barcelon, Lord of Sansuena the son of that Barcelon whom King Lusort had put to death in London and moreover all the great lineage of that good knight Darden the proud whom Amades slew in Windsor and there will be a company of right good knights moreover I will bring the king of the deep island who escaped with thee from the battle we will station ourselves so that after they shall have fought their battle we may fall upon them and destroy them all the conquerors as well as the conquered without difficulty or danger so that by this great victory all Britain will be subjected to you and your royal power shall be raised above the power of any emperor upon earth look to it now King whether for so little toil and peril you will forgo such glory and such dominion to all this King Arvigo lent a willing ear friend Arcalous who replied you tell me great things and though I had resolved to tempt fortune no more great folly would it be to reject so fair an opportunity I will prepare my friends and vessels do you therefore do as you have said forthwith Arcalous departed for Sansuena and spake with Barcelon bidding him remember the death of his father and also of his brother Brandelot who being conquered by Don Cleon the young defensive and carried prisoner to King Lizvarta was by his command thrown headlong from the tower at the foot of which his father had been burned he told him likewise that the former enterprise succeeded and that his father would have been king of Britain he having made both Lizvarta and his daughter prisoners when all was recovered from him by that traitor Amadeus now Barcelon was young and haughty by nature and in his evil disposition resembled his father Arcalous therefore lightly prevailed on him to join in this confederacy with small persuasion too in like manner did he win the king of the deep island and all the lineage of Darden the proud this did he as secretly as he could and exhorted them to have their force ready for the occasion end of book 4 chapter 15