 Book 3 CHAPTER X How the noble knight of the green sword, going to Constantinople, was driven upon the island of the devil, where he found a fierce monster called Andriago. The green sword knight sailed with his company toward Constantinople, as you have heard, but suddenly the wind changed, and the sea became so high that neither the strength of the ship or the skill of the mariners could withstand it, and they were all in great peril of death. Eight days they drove about not knowing whether they went, the rain falling so heavy, and the wind so violent, and the heavens so dark that they drenched in water and unable to rest, despaired of their lives. At length the vessel was driven ashore. It was night, and they were all greatly comforted as men who had escaped from death to life. But when morning break the mariners saw that they were upon the devil's island, and began to beat their faces and lament that they were fallen into a worse danger, than they had escaped. And they came to the night of the green sword in the skies without telling him more. He inquired wherefore they were so terrified. O night said they, we have not power to tell you, the cause is so great. Let Master Helisabod speak. He knows why this is called the devil's island. The night then encouraged the Master, who was in no less fear than they, and he at length, shaking all over and faltering in his speech, in great seriousness and fear, said, You must know, Sir Knight, that a giant called Banda Guido was lord of this island, and he was so mighty, that he made all the neighboring giants tributary. Now he had to wife a giantess who was gentle and well-disposed, who when her husband was slaying and destroying the Christians, always as far as she could, took pity and relieved them. By this dame Banda Guido had one daughter, so adorned by nature that in all the world there could not be found one of her rank and blood to equal her in beauty. But as great beauty is soon joined with vanity, and vanity with sin, this damsel seeing herself so worthy to be loved, and that none, for fear of her father, durst pretend to her, at last as a remedy, took to loving her own father with a most foul and shameful love. So that often, when the wife had risen from her husband's side, the daughter would lay down by him, sporting with him, and clipping and kissing him, which he at first received as caresses of a daughter, but at length by long continuance of this, and her great beauty, and the want of all conscience and virtue in him, she accomplished her wicked will. From this great and abominable sin a whorse arose, as often happens when men seek to remedy one sin by committing another, not knowing that the physic for sin is repentance, which obtains pardon from the Most High Lord, who for such sins placed himself upon the cross, whereon he died as very man, and afterwards rose again as very God. For this unhappy giant and his daughter, being thus mutually enamored, he was told by the false idols whom he worshipped, that if he married her, the fiercest and strongest thing in the world should be by them begotten, wherefore that unhappy daughter determined to bring this to pass, and one day when her mother, who loved her better than herself, was walking in the garden, this daughter called to her, saying that she saw something odd in the well, and bad her look, and as she was looking violently pushed her in so that she was drowned. Then she cried out that her mother had fallen into the well, whereupon the giant himself, who knew how it had been done, and all the men of the place gathered round, and they, seeing their lady dead, whom they loved so well, began to make great sorrow. But the giant said, Make no lamentation, for so the gods have willed, and I will take one to wife from whom such a one shall be born, as will give us the mastery over all our enemies. So they were all silent for fear, and he that day publicly took his daughter, Banda Guida, to wife, upon whom in that unhappy night a creature was begotten by the devil's ordinance, whom she and her husband father brought up as you shall hear. This creature's face was all hairy, and its body covered with scales, one lying over the other so hard, that no weapon can pierce them, its legs and feet thick and strong, and from its shoulders there grew two wings, so large that they cover it down to the feet, not of feathers but of a shaggy leather, black as pitch and shining, and so hard that they resist all arms, and with these wings the monster covers itself as with a shield, and from under them come its arms which are as strong as lion's paws, all covered with smaller scales, and its hands are like eagle's claws, and their five talons so sharp and strong that there is nothing in the world so hard that they cannot pierce and tear at piecemeal. In each jaw it has two long teeth that grow out a cubit long, its eyes are round and huge and red like fire, so that at night they can be seen far away, and all fly before it. It bounds and runs so fast that no game, how fleets so ever can escape, it seldom eats or drinks, and sometimes goes without food, feeling no pain of hunger, all its delight is to kill men and living animals, when it finds any lion or bear who resists it, then it grows furious and sends a smoke like flames of fire from its nostrils, and roars so horribly that all living things fly from it as from death, and its stenches rank poison, and when it ruffles its scales and gnashes its teeth and shakes its wings it is as if the earth shook. They call it andriago, said Master Halisibad, and it is such as I have described. Moreover, because of the sin of the giant and his daughter, the wicked enemy entered it, and hath greatly increased its force and cruelty. Much was the green sword night astonished at this tale. Master Quothi, how could a thing so monstrous be born of body of woman? I will tell you, he replied, as I found it written in a book which the Emperor of Constantinople had, for this island was his till he lost it, not being able to destroy this devil. You are to know that Banda Guida, finding herself pregnant, told the giant, who greatly rejoiced there at, believing that what his gods had told him would assuredly come to pass, and he said that three or four nurses would be necessary for the child, as it was to be the strongest creature in the world. But as this unborn creature was the work of the devil, it often times made the mother fall sick, and her face and eyes became yellow like poison, but she bore it all as good signs, believing also that the boy was to be the mightiest in the world, and if he should prove so she would then devise how to murder the father and marry him in his stead. When her time came she brought forth with little travail, for evil things always go on pleasantly till the end. The nurses took the babe, and seeing a thing so monstrous, were fearfully dismayed. However, fearing the giant's anger, they took and swathed it in the rich clothes which had been prepared, and one of them having more hardiness than the other offered it the teat, which it caught and sucked so furiously that the woman screamed out, and when they took the child away fell down dead with the force of the poison. This was presently told to the giant, who then looking at his child marveled to behold so monstrous a creature, and went to the temple to ask his gods why they had given him such issue. These idols were three in number, the one like a man, the other as a lion, the third after the manner of a griffin. So when he had made his sacrifices, he asked why they had sent him such a child, and the man idol answered, so it behooved the child to be, that as its actions were to be strange and marvelous, so should itself be, especially for destroying the Christians who seek to destroy us, and for this I gave it my likeness, in giving it a free will like man, which the beasts possessed not. The other idol answered, I gifted it with a strength and courage, such as we lions possessed, and the third said, I gave it wings and talons, such as no other creature in the world have, and fleetness beyond all others. How shall I feed it? said the giant, seeing that the nurse who suckled it fell down dead. They answered, make the other two nurses give it the teat, and they will die also. But the fourth shall suckle it with milk of your flocks for a year, and in that time it shall wax as great and as fair as we ourselves are, who have made it be begotten. But take heed that neither thou nor thy wife nor any other except the nurse see it during that year. The giant accordingly did as these idols commanded, and in this fives was the monstrous beast brought up. When the year was past the giant, who understood from the nurse that it was grown monstrous great, and who heard its strong and terrible voice, resolved with his daughter, who was his wife, to go see it. So they entered the chamber where it was bounding about. But the monster, as soon as it beheld its mother, leaped at her and with its claws cut her nostrils open, and tore out her eyes so that she dropped down dead. The giant drew his sword to slay it, but it gave him such a wound on the leg as tore it off, and he fell and died speedily. Then it leapt over him, and having poisoned all the people in the castle with its breath, took to wing and fled among the mountains. It was not long before the island was dispeepled, they who could, flying by sea, and the rest being by its slain, and thus hath it remained for forty years. Great things hast thou told me, master. Quote the night of the green sword. And the Lord our God is of long suffering with those who offend him. But if they do not amend at last, the judgment waxeth heavier than the sin. Now I beseech you, say mass betimes, for I will go see this island. And if it please God to assist me, restore it to his service. The remaining part of the night the mariners passed in great fear, as well of the sea which was still raging, as of the Andriago, thinking that it would come upon them from a castle hard at hand, where it sometimes lodged. At morning the master sung mass, and the night having humbly heard it. This sought God to help him in this great danger which he undertook for his sake, or if it was his pleasure that he should then meet his death to have mercy upon his soul. Then he armed himself and made his horse be landed, and took Gandaline with him, saying to the sailors, Friends, I will go into Yonder Castle, and if I find the Andriago there, I will fight it, and if not, we'll see if the castle be in such state that you can lodge in it till the weather be abated. And I will then seek this beast among the mountains. If I escape from it I will return to you, if I do not come back, do ye as ye shall think best. At this were they all sorely dismayed, for they, even where they were, could not endure the fear of the Andriago. And master Helisibod, who was a man of learning and a priest of the mass, dissuaded him all he could, saying that such things were against the nature of man, and that he ought to give up the thought lest he should fall into the guilt of self-murder. But the knight of the green sword replied that if he entertained any thought like that, he must have given up the quest of adventures altogether. It became him to kill this monster or die in the Enterprise. Then he saw that Gondaline, while he was thus talking, had armed himself to assist him, and was on horseback lamenting greatly. And he said to him, Who has told me to do this thing? Disarm myself, for if thou dost thus to serve and help me, that is not to be done by losing thy own life, but by preserving it that thou mayest relate the manner of my death. In that place from whence chiefly I receive it. So making him disarm he went with him to the castle. He found the castle desolate, none but birds having their home therein. But there were good dwellings there, albeit somewhat ruinous, and the doors had chains and bars, wherewith the men might secure themselves. At this being full glad he bat Gondaline called them. And they, though in great fear of the Andriago, went into the castle, for the storm still continued. Good friends then said the night, I shall go seek the Andriago. If it falls out well, Gondaline shall wind his horn, and then be assured that the beast is dead and I living. If the chance be against me, there will be no need to make any sign. Do ye therefore bring food from the galley to last ye till the storm abates, and secure yourselves here? Then the night of the green sword departed, leaving them all lamenting. But the lamentations and bitter grief of Ardion the dwarf cannot be expressed. He tore his hair and beat his face, and dashed his head against the wall, calling himself wretched, that his fortune had made him serve such a master, for he had been a thousand times brought to the point of death in beholding his feats, and now he was about to attempt what the Emperor of Constantinople, with all his power, could not effect. So he went up upon the walls, like one out of his senses, and looked after his master. Master Helisabod made an altar, he erected, and placed the relics there, which he had brought to enable him to say mass, and made all the men take each a wax-taper in his hand, and kneel round the altar, and pray to God to preserve that night, who for his service and their sakes knowingly exposed himself to death. But the green sword night rode on, and Gondaline followed him weeping. For sure he thought that his master's days would this day have their end. The night turned to him. My good brother has thou so little faith in God, and in the sight of my Lady Oriana, that thou despairst thus? Not only is her recollection present to me now, but her very person, and I see her beholding me, and telling me to defend her from this foul monster. What, then, my true friend, ought I to do? For her life and death are mine, and the bare memory of her has made me go through all that I have yet performed. How, then, will this actual vision enable me? And with these thoughts his courage was so kindled, that he thought he was long in finding the Andriago. By this he came to a valley in the mountain, a wild and craggy and deep place. Shelt Gondaline, said he, that the Andriago may hear thee, and if I should die here I pray thee endeavour to carry to my Lady Oriana, that which is entirely her own, my heart, and tell her I sent it to her, that I might not have to give account to God for retaining that which was another's. When Gondaline heard this, he not only called out aloud, but began to shriek and tear his hair, hoping to die himself before he saw the death of his master, whom he loved so dearly. And it was not long before they saw the Andriago come bounding over the rocks, but fiercer and more terrible than ever. And the reason was that the devils, seeing how this knight put more trust in his mistress Oriana than in God, had power thereby to enter it, and make it more terrible than before, thinking that if that knight perished there would be none other so bold as to attack this monster. The Andriago came on, breathing smoke and flames of fire, in its fury, and gnashing its teeth and foaming, and ruffling its scales and clapping its wings, that it was horrible to see. And when the knight saw it and heard its dreadful voice, he thought all that had been told him was nothing to what the truth was, and the monster bounded towards them more eagerly, because it was long since it had seen living man. But the horses took fright at seeing it, and ran away, in spite of all the knight and Gondaline could do. So the knight dismounted and said, Brother, keep you aloof that we may not both perish, and see what success God will give me against this dreadful devil, and pray to him to help me that I may restore this island to his service, or if I am to die here to have mercy upon my soul, for the rest do as I have said before. But Gondaline could not answer for exceeding agony, for assuredly he thought his master's death was certain, unless it pleased God miraculously to deliver him. The green sword knight then took his lance and covered himself with his shield, and went against the Andriago as a man already dead, but without fear. The devil seeing him come on snorted out fire and smoke, so black and thick that they could scarcely see one another, and he of the green sword went on through the smoke and drove at the monster with his lance, and by great good fortune pierced it in the eye. It caught the lance with its talons and bit it into pieces, and the iron and a fragment of the stave remained driven on through its tongue and the skin of the throat, for it had sprung on upon it, thinking to seize the knight, but he defended himself with good heart, seeing his exceeding peril, and the shock of this wound repelled the monster, and the blood ran fast, and with the shrieks it gave it ran down its throat, and almost choked it, so that it could neither close its mouth nor bite with it. The knight then drew his green sword and struck at it, but the blow fell upon its scales and felt as though it had fallen upon a rock, and it made no impression. The Andriago thought then to grasp him, but only caught his shield, which it plucked so fiercely that he fell upon his hands, but he recovered while with its talons the monster rent the shield to pieces. He then seeing that his shield was gone, and that his good sword availed him nothing, knew that he had no hope unless he could strike the other eye. Now the Andriago was faint and weak with its wound, and our Lord having wrapped that the wicked one had so long had the dominion over those who, sinners as they were, believed his holy Catholic faith, was pleased to give the knight strength and a special grace to perform what else could not, by course of nature, have been done. He aimed the sword at the other eye, but God guided it to one of the nostrils, for they were large and spreading, and so hard he thrust that it reached the brain, the Andriago itself forcing it on. For seeing him so near it grappled with him and plucked him towards itself, and with its dreadful talon rent away the arms from his back, and crushed the flesh and bones to the very entrails, but then being suffocated with its own blood, and the sword being in its brain, and above all the sentence of God being passed upon it, its grasp relaxed, and it fell like one dead, and the knight plucked out his sword and thrust it down its throat, till he killed the monster. But before its soul departed the devil flew from its mouth, and went through the air with a great thunder clap, and they of the castle heard it as it close to them, and though barred and bolted in as they were, they feared greatly for their lives, and if the sea had not been so stormy they would have run to their ships, albeit they prayed earnestly to God for the good night who was engaged in so terrible a battle. Now he, when the Andriago was dead, drew back and went toward Gondolin, but he could not bear his wound longer and reeled and fell beside a little brook. When Gondolin came up and saw how he was wounded he verily believed him slain, and fell from his horse and began to tear his hair and shriek. The knight at this somewhat recovered and said, Good brother and my true friend, you see I am slain, I beseech you by the fostering I received from your parents, and by the true love which I have ever borne you, that as soon as I be dead you take my heart to my Lady Oriana, and tell her to preserve it for his sake, whose it was, for in so doing my soul will receive comfort. This was all he could say. Gondolin did not stay to answer, but went to horse and galloped as fast as he could, and coming on the hilltop he wound his horn as loud as he could wind it, in token that the Andriago was dead. That sound Ardian, the dwarf who was on the tower, heard, and he cried out to Master Halle Sv'ad to go help his master, for the monster was slain. He took what was needful and mounted and galloped that way, where presently he met Gondolin, who cried, for God's sake help my master, the Andriago is dead. Right joyfully did he spur onward, not knowing in what plight the night was, whom he found senseless and giving pitiful groans. How now, Sir Knight Quothee, where is your great courage gone now when you so needed? Fear not, for here am I your good friend and true servant Master Halle Sv'ad to help you. The Knight heard him and opened his eyes and raised his arm as if to embrace him. Then the Master took off his cloak and spread it on the ground, and he and Gondolin laid the night upon it and disarmed him. But when the Master saw the wound, though he was the best in the world for such needs, and had seen so many cruel wounds before, he was dismayed and feared for his life. However he resolved to do his best as one who loved him as the best night in the world. And looking more closely he found that the flesh and bones had suffered only, but that the entrails were unhurt, as this he had greater hope. And he set the bones and ribs and sewed up the flesh and placed such sands, and bandaged the whole body so well that the blood was stanched, and the breath did not come through the wound, so that the Knight recovered strength to speak, and opening his eyes said, O Lord God Almighty, who for thy great mercy didst come into the world and take flesh of the Virgin Mary, and to open the gates of Paradise which were shut, didst suffer so many injuries and death at last from that cursed and unhappy race. I beseech thee, Lord, as one of the vilest obsceners, to have mercy upon my soul, for my body is condemned to the earth. Sir Knight, quote the Master, it pleases me to hear you, for remedy must come from him of whom you ask it in the first place, and in the second from me who am his servant. Fear not, for on my life I will answer for yours. Then he took a sponge that was steeped in a confection good against the poison, and placed it at his nostrils, whereby he greatly recovered, and Gondoline knelt down and kissed the Master's hand, beseeching him to save his Lord. He then bade Gondoline ride in speed to the castle, and bring men and a litter to convey the night there before the nightfall. Away rode Gondoline, and they made a litter the best they could with boughs and carried the green-sword night thereon, upon their shoulders to the castle, and made for him a bed as well as they could, with the rich linen which Grassinda had sent abroad. But he was senseless and knew not what they did, and groaned all night with the torment of his wounds, and had no power to speak. The Master had his own bed placed by him, to comfort him, and from time to time applied such excellent and fitting medicines to draw out the poison of the Andriago, that by daybreak he brought him to a sweet sleep. Such good things did he administer, and he ordered all the men to withdraw, that no noise might be made to awaken him. After a long sleep the night started and cried out aloud, Gondoline, Gondoline, take care of thyself, for that foul devil will slay thee. The Master went immediately to him smiling, and with a better face than heart. For he still feared for his life. If you took care of yourself as he does, sir, quote he, your renown would not have spread so over the world. But then he knew the Master, and said, Where are we? for he was yet beside himself. That day the Master displayed his skill so well, as being naturally the best bleach in the world, that by vespers the night was in his full senses, and knew all around him, and the Master then saw by the appearance of the wounds, that through his great cunning, and above all by the great mercy of God, his life was safe. When the men heard this they gave thanks to God with its seeding joy, but above all was the joy of Gondoline and the dwarf, who loved him from their inmost hearts. They then all came round Gondoline, beseeching him to tell of the battle, how it had passed, that they might be able to relate the manner of so rare a feat of chivalry. This Gondoline said he would willingly do, on condition that the Master would first administer an oath to him upon the holy Gospels, that they might believe the truth of what he should say, and faithfully commit it to writing, that the remembrance of so signal and achievement might not be lost. Master Helisabad then administered the oath, that the thing might be certainly believed, and Gondoline recounted all the circumstances of the battle. When he had finished they said they would all go and see the Andriago, for when they removed the night they had not thought of looking for it in the thicket where it had fallen. So the Master gave them all certain confections good against the poison, but when they saw the monster they were more than ever astonished and could scarcely believe that heart of mortal man could have courage to attack such a devil's work. Twenty days the night remained in that castle, not being able to leave his bed. At length Master Helisabad, thinking him enough recovered to be removed on board, asked him whether he would go, for some things were necessary for his full recovery, which could not there be procured. Oh, my true friend, said the night, what girdon can I make you, for the great service you have done me, being only a poor knight with nothing but a horse and these broken arms? Sir replied the Master, I expect greater girdon from you than king or great lord could give me, the sucker that so many distressed ones will receive from you, whereof I under God shall have been the cause. The night was a bash to hear himself thus praised. Since the weather is changed, said he, let us proceed to Constantinople. Great desire have I to see that great emperor, that if it please God, that I should ever return there where my heart desires. I may have strange things to relate, such as can only be seen in such places. END OF CHAPTER X Telling him that he had slain the monster, and also of what things he was in need, the which the emperor diligently procured for him, and repaid him with much honour and love, for the service he had done him in recovering that island, which had been so long time lost. Then said Master Hallisabod, Sir, you should write to the emperor, and tell him what hath befallen, and we must send to Constantinople for some things needful for you on the way. Master replied the night, I have never seen him, and know him not. Do you now what Seameth could? So Master Hallisabod wrote to the emperor, relating all what had happened, and requesting on the part of the night who had recovered the island for him, from the power of that devil, that he would be pleased to call it henceforth the island of St. Mary. This letter he gave to a squire who was his kinsman, and he forthwith embarked, taking with him as many mariners as were needful, and the time being fair in three days they took port at Constantinople. The squire went straightways to the palace of the emperor, whom he found attended by many good men, as befitted one so great, and falling on his knees before him he said, Your servant Master Hallisabod sends to kiss your feet, and to deliver to you this letter whereby you will receive great pleasure. When the emperor had read the letter he was greatly astonished and cried out aloud, Knights, such strange tidings are come to me, as till now I never heard spoken of. Then drew near to him his nephew Gastiles, son to the Duchess of Gahaste, his sister, who was a good knight and young, and Count Saludair, brother to the fair Gracinda, and the other knights. Sirs quote the emperor, the knight of the green sword hath slain the Andriago, and if all the world does not marvel at this, what shall surprise us? Then he showed them the letter, and made the squire relate everything more fully, as one who had been present. Sir to Sir, said Gastiles, this is a great miracle, for I never yet heard tell of mortal man, who fought the devil except the saints with their spiritual arms, who with their sanctity might well do it. Since such a man is come into your country, it would be against reason not to do him great honour. Nephew, you say well, replied the emperor, do you and Count Saludair, prepare vessels, and go bring him here, and take with you masters who may paint the Andriago to the life, for I will have it cast in metal, and the knight who fought it, both of their natural size, and I will have these images set up upon the spot where the battle was fought, and the whole manner of it written upon a table of copper, and the name of the knight, and I will build a monastery there for religious friars, who shall bring that island again to the service of God, for the people round about have been greatly hurt by the cursed sight of that wicked one, right glad for all they to hear the emperor speak so honourably, and above all Gastiles and the Marquis, because they should see the Andriago. So they took shipping, and passed over to the island of St. Mary, as it was now to be called. The green sword knight, hearing who were come, adorned his apartment the best he could to receive them, and, for he was now able to walk a little in his chamber, went as far as he could to bid them welcome, and made them be seated on the estratos which he had prepared for them. And when he learnt how Gastiles was brother to Crescinda, he thanked him for all the favours he had received from his sister, and above all for the help of Master Helicebaud, without whom he must needs have perished. So when they had delivered their bidding, they said they would go to see the Andriago. Cersc said the Master, you must take with you some defence against its poison. Good friend, they replied, in that you must help us. That shall I do, quoth he. And he gave them certain small boxes to smell to, while they looked at it. Gondaline went with them to show the place. But when they saw the Andriago, they were more than ever amazed, not thinking that there had been such a monster either on earth or in hell. And Gastiles said, We ought not to praise the courage that dared attack such a monster, for it is so great that it is not to be attributed to man, but to God alone. The Masters then painted the Andriago to the life, for they were singular in their art. Three days they remained, seeing that island, which was a fair land. On the fourth day they all embarked, and in short time, havened at Constantinople under the Emperor's Palace. The windows were soon filled, all being eager to see the night of the green sword, and the Emperor sent horses to the shore for them. At this time had the Knight greatly recovered his beauty as well as strength. He was right richly apparelled in garments which the King of Bohemia had given him, and round his neck was hanging that strange and beautiful green sword, which he had won by his true and perfect love, which, when he beheld it, made him remember the time when he had gained it, and the happiness in which he then was at Miroflores, and made him oftentimes shed tears that were painful as well as delightful. The Emperor and his train went out to meet them. Then would the Knight have alighted to kiss his hand, but the Emperor prevented that, and went to him and embraced him and said, By my faith night of the green sword, and my good friend, although God hath made me so great, and though I am of the lineage of those who have held such dominion, more do you deserve glory than me, for you have gained it by such perils as never other went through, and I possess that which came to me sleeping and without dessert. The Knight replied, Things that are bounded, sir, may be requited, but so cannot this praise which it hath pleased you in your great goodness to bestow. Thus communing they turned to the palace. He of the green sword beholding that great city as he went, and the strange and marvellous things therein, and the crowds who came to see him, and humbly in his heart he gave thanks to God for guiding him to such a place where he received so great honour from the greatest of all the Christians. All that he had seen elsewhere appeared nothing in comparison to what he beheld here, but much more did he marvel when he entered the great palace, for it seemed as if all the riches of the world were collected there. There was an apartment there, wherein the emperor was accustomed to lodge such great lords as came to visit him, the fairest and most delightful in the world, not only for the rich things therein, but also for fountains of water, and strange trees, and there he bade the night remain, and Master Hillis about with him, and Gastelis and the Marquis Saludaire to bear him company, but if he marveled at seeing the greatness of that city and the number of its dwellers, much more did they wonder to behold how comely he was, knowing what he had achieved, and never was king or knight of foreign lands so commended. The emperor went to the empress and said, The night of the green sword is arrived, of whom we have heard such wonders, and for the service which he hath done us, reason it is that we should do him great honor. Now, then, order that your house may be so set in order, that wheresoever he go he may truly speak in my praise, and let him see your dames and damsels, all so adorned as becomes those who serve so high a lady. In God's name, she replied, All shall be done as you command, on the morrow, the night, and Master Hillis Abad and the Marquis and Gastelis heard mass in the emperor's chapel. And then all went to visit the empress. But before they came to her they found the dames and damsels, all in their best attire, who made way for them to pass. That house was so rich and sumptuously filled, that except the forbidden chamber in the firm island, the night had never seen other such. His eyes were even worried with beholding so many women and so fair, and the marvellous things around. So going to the empress, who was on her estrado, he knelt before her and said, Lady, I bless God for bringing me where I may see you and your great state, and how far you are above all other ladies in the world, and I thank you much for desiring to see me. May it please God that I may one day do you some service in requital for the favour. If I err, Lady, in expressing what my will and my tongue would say, pardon me, for this language is strange to me, and I have not long learnt it from Master Hillis Abad. The empress then took him by the hand and made him rise and sit by her, and she conversed with him upon such subjects as so great a lady ought to converse upon, with a strange night whom she did not know. And he so demeaned himself in his speech that the empress, who was a right prudent woman, said within herself, his courage and strength cannot be so great but that his discretion is greater. Meanwhile the emperor was upon his seat talking and laughing with the dames and damsels, as one who was greatly beloved by them for showing them great favours and bestowing them well in marriage. Then he said in a loud voice, honour dames and damsels ye see here the night of the green sword your loyal servant, honour him and love him as he hath you and all like you, in whose service he hath many times been brought to the point of death. God honour and love and requite him, sir, quote the duchess, the mother of Gastelis. The emperor then sent two infantas, children of Barandell, king of Hungary, to bring his daughter Leonorina. Presently they led her in, and though she was most richly dressed, yet was all that as nothing to her exceeding beauty, for there was not a man in the world who could behold her without wonder and delight. She, being a little girl of not more than nine years old, went and kissed the hand of her mother, and then sat down below her. But when the night of the green sword saw her, how beautiful she was. He remembered his own lady, and how she was at that age when he first saw her, and they first began to love. And then recollecting all, he lost all sense of what was present, and the tears came into his eyes. How be it presently recovering, and in great shame he wiped away the tears and made good semblance, but all had seen him, and the emperor became very desirous to know why he had wept. Seeing that such a thing in such a place would have been thought wrong even in a woman, and that in such a night it could not be without great cause and mystery. "'What can this mean?' said Gastele's. The emperor replied. I think it must be the force of love. If you would know none can tell you but Master Helisabad, in whom he puts his confidence. The emperor then sent for Master Helisabad, and bidding all others withdraw to a distance, asked him if he knew wherefore the green sword night had wept, and if he stood in any need wherein he could help him. Sir replied the Master, he is the man in this world who best conceals that which he wishes to be secret. I have often seen him weep and sigh as though his heart were bursting, and verily believe it is with great love, for if it were for other causes, sure I am that he would have revealed it to me. Sirtus, quote the emperor, I believe it is as you say, and if it be for love of woman, would to God she were one in my dominions, for such possessions could I give him that there should be neither king nor prince who would not joyfully give me his daughter for his wife. This would I willingly do to have him for my vassal, for whatever good I could bestow upon him. He could more than requite with his services. I beseech you, persuade him to remain with me, and I will grant him whatever he may ask. Then having mused a while he said, go to the empress and whisper to her to persuade the knight to remain here, and do you advise him? So to do for my sake, while I do what hath just occurred to my thoughts. The emperor then called his daughter Leonorina and the two infantas, and spake to them a while, but no one heard what he said, and when he had ceased speaking Leonorina kissed his hand, and went to her chamber. But neither the empress nor master Helisabad could prevail upon the knight to abide in that court, for though that would be the most honourable course he could pursue during the life of King Parion his father. He could have no rest or peace except in the thought of returning toward that land, where his dear lady Oriana dwelt. The empress made a sign that she could not succeed. The emperor then went toward him and said, Knight of the green sword, if by any means you could be persuaded to remain with me, there is nothing in my power which you could ask and I refuse. Sir, replied the knight, such is your goodness that I should not dare to ask what you would grant. But this is not in my power. If I should consent death would not long leave me in your service. The emperor then verily believed that only love could be the cause of this. At this time the fair Leonorina entered the hall, having a rich crown upon her head, and another far richer in her hands. And she came up to the knight and said, Sir Knight of the green sword, I have never yet asked boon of other than my father. And now I ask one of you, tell me that you grant it. He knelt before her and said, Good lady, who is he of so little understanding that he would fail to obey your command, having power to obey it. Now then, demand what you will, which even to death shall be performed. Thank you, replied the princess. I shall ask of you three boons. And with that, taking the crown from her head, this is one. You shall give this crown to the fairest damsel whom you know. And tell her I sent it her, though I know her not, for such presence as this we use to bestow in our country. Then she took the other crown, which was right richly set with pearls and precious stones, three of which in particular shone so that they would give flight in any chamber how dark so ever. And giving it to the knight said, This you shall give to the fairest dame who you know. And say I sent it to her, that I might know her. This is the second boon. Now before I ask the third, tell me how you will obey these. He took the first crown and placed it upon Leonorina's own head. I give this, said he, to the fairest damsel whom I know, the which if any one gainsay I will prove her so to be in arms. At this were all well pleased, and so was Leonorina herself, although shamed faced at hearing her own praise. And they all said that he had fairly acquitted the first demand. But the emperor said, Certus night of the green sword, I would rather have those whom you have overcome by arms than those whom my daughter can overcome by beauty. Then was he also abashed at his own praise from so high a lady, and answered nothing. But turning to Leonorina said, Lady mine, will you ask the third boon? She replied, Yes. Tell me wherefore you wept, and who is she who hath so great power over you and your heart? But then the knight's color changed, and his cheerful countenance, so that all could see he was distressed by that demand. Lady, said he, if it please you forego this question, and ask something which shall be more to your service. She answered, This and nothing else is what I require. But he hung down his head and mused awhile, so that all knew how unwilling he was to reply. At length he looked up cheerfully at Leonorina, and said, Lady, since I cannot otherwise acquit myself of my promise, I must need say, that seeing you when you first entered, what you were, and at what age, a recollection came upon me of other times that were full happy, but have now passed away, and this was what made me weep. But tell me, quoth she, who is she that hath such command over your heart? It is my great ill fortune, replied the knight, that your gentle courtesy, which hath never failed towards another, is against me now. I must obey, greatly against my will. Know, then, that she whom I love is the same person to whom you send this crown, to my thoughts the fairest dame of all whom I have ever yet seen, and I verily believe of all in the world. And now, for God's sake, lady, seek to know no farther from me, for I am acquitted of my promise. You are acquitted, replied the emperor, but in such wise that we are nothing the wiser. I have said more than ever passed my lips before, quoth the knight, for the desire I have to obey so fair a lady. As God shall help me, cried the emperor, you must be right secret in your loves if you think you have disclosed anything now. And since my daughter was the cause, she must exact pardon for her error. Nay, quoth the knight, I must rather hold it as a favour of her, that being so high a lady, she should so earnestly seek to know the secret of an errant knight as I am. But use her, I do not so lightly excuse. For by the long secret talk you had with her, it is manifest that she did so more by your will than her own. The emperor smiled at this. God has made you perfect in all things, for it is as you say, and therefore I will make amends both for my fault and hers, the knight knelt and would have kissed his hands had he permitted. I receive this promise, sir, said he, to claim it when you perhaps will not think of it. Quoth the emperor, that cannot be, I shall never fail to remember you, or to make this atonement when you require it. These words were sportively spoken, between the emperor and the green sword knight, but the time came when they were of great effect. Then said the fair Leon Arena, Sir Knight of the green sword, though you excuse, yet am I not free from fault in having urged you so against your will? In amends you must take this ring. Lady Quoth he, I will kiss the hand that wears it, for nowhere else can it be placed where it will not have reason to complain of me. Nay, you shall take it to remind you of the snare I laid, from which you so subtly escaped. She then threw the ring upon the astrado by him. I have another such stone, said she, in this crown which you gave me. I know not with what reason. Good witnesses of that reason, he replied. Are those eyes and those locks, and all those other beauties with which God has gifted you? And taking the ring, he saw it was the finest stone that ever he had seen, nor was there in the world another such. Save that which was in the crown. You must know the history of that stone, said the emperor. Half of it, as you see, is the finest burning ruby that you can ever have seen, and the other half is white ruby, which, be like you never saw till now, far more beautiful and precious than the red. The ring itself is of emerald, such that another like it could not easily be found. The famous Apollodon was my grandfather. I know not if you have heard this. I well know it, replied the knight, for I have seen his statue in the firm island, and you truly appear to be of his lineage. I beseech you, quote the emperor, tell me the name of the knight who, being greater than Apollodon in arms, hath won that island. Amadis of Gaul, son to King Parion. What, cried the emperor, is it he who was exposed in an arc upon the sea, and being called the child of the sea, slew King Abias of Ireland, fighting him man to man? Now am I right glad, and think it no shame that he, exceeding all men that have ever been born, should have exceeded Apollodon. If I could believe that he, being the son of a king, would wander so far from his own country, of a truth I should think that you were he, but this makes me think otherwise, and if it were so, you would not do me the discourtesy, not to tell me. At this was Amadis abashed, and with good reason. If it pleases you, sir, said he, tell me how the stone was divided. Peloponos, who in that time was king of Judea, sent twelve rich crowns to my grandfather Apollodon. All were set with pearls and gems. But in that which you have given my daughter came the stone which was all one. Apollodon, therefore seeing that this was the most precious crown, by reason of the gem, gave it to my grandmother Grimanesa, and she, in order that Apollodon might have his part, made a master divide the stone, and with the half thereof make this ring, so that for love was the stone divided, and for love given to Apollodon, and I believe that in good love my daughter gave it to you, and you in still greater love may give it to another. And as the Emperor had said, even so it came to pass, till at length it returned to the hand that first gave it, as is recorded in a branch of this history called the Sergos, which signified the feats of Esplandion. Thus was the green-sword knight entertained for six days in the house of the Emperor, and then he said that he must needs depart, being in honour bound to appear elsewhere, as Master Hallisabat knew. I beseech you, replied the Emperor, since it is so, that you tarry with me yet three days longer. To this the knight assented, but then the fair Leon Arena took him by the cloak. Good friend, you have given three days to my father. Now, then, give yet two more to me, that you may be my guest where I and my damsels dwell, for we would enjoy your company without any others to disturb us, except any two knights whom you may choose to be your companions at bed and board. The spoon you must freely grant, or else I will bid my damsels take you prisoner, and that you will little like. With that more than twenty-five damsels rose and surrounded him, and Leon Arena laughed and said, Wait till we see what answer he makes. But he, right joyful at what that fair lady had said, and holding it as the greatest honour, which had been shown him in that court, replied, Fair and fortunate lady, who would be bold enough to disobey you, especially if threatened with so terrible a captivity. I willingly grant this as I would every service to you and your parents. God grant that there may come a time when you may be recompensed for these favours by me or my lineage. And what he wished fully came to pass afterwards, even according to Urganda's prophecy, when Esplandian suckered this emperor in his great need, wisely have you chosen, said the damsels, to the green sword knight, else you could not have escaped from a worse danger than the Andriago. So I believe, quote he, for worse it is to offend against angels than against a devil like that. Much were the emperor and empress and their court pleased with his gracious answers, and thereby judged that sure he was of high degree. For low-born men often excel in strength, but in gentle and debonair manners not, for they pertain to those of pure and generous blood. I do not affirm that all such possess them, but I say they ought to possess them, as did this knight of the green sword, who placing a border of gentleness and courteous dealing round his brave heart, by that means shielded off all pride and anger, that they should not harm his virtues. So he was the guest of Leonorina for the two days, and when the time of his departure arrived, she and her damsels would have given him many rich jewels. But he would only accept six swords, which Manoresa, queen of the island of Godabasta, gave him. The fairest woman, except Leonorina, in all Greece. And these swords she told him to give to his friends, and when he gave them to remember her, and those others who loved him so well. Sir Knight then said the Infanta, I beseech you that in courtesy you return hither to us so soon as you can, if that may not be, that you send here one of your lineage to serve us, and talk with us of you, for sure I am that there must be those of your lineage well equal to such employ. Yea, lady, he replied, that may I truly say, and there is one among them who, if I cannot come hither, shall by his services well requite the honors which I have received here, great as I feel them. Thus said he, thinking of his brother Galeor, but it was accomplished by another night still nearer to him in blood. Then took he leave, and they crowded to the windows of the palace, and ceased not to gaze after him till his Gale was out of sight. You have heard here to bore how El Patin sent his good cousin Salustan Quideo and Queen Sardamira, with a goodly company of knights and dames, to demand Orianna in marriage of King Lisfarte. Now you are to know that by these messengers he sent letters to all the princes and great men, through whose lands they should pass, requiring them to show honor to the Empress Orianna as his wife, the witch, though they promised with fair words to do. Yet secretly they prayed that so good a lady, daughter of such a king, might never fall to the lot of one so hated and despised for his overbearing insolence as El Patin. So the ambassadors came to a port called Zamando, opposite to Great Britain, and there they waited till they could find shipping, and meanwhile sent forward to inform King Lisfarte of the Emperor's demand, where at he was well pleased. How the Night of the Greensword departed from Constantinople to perform his promise made to the Fair Crescenda, and how being about to go with her to Great Britain to fulfill her will, he chanced to find Don Brunio of Bonamar badly wounded, and also of the adventure whereby Angriote of Estravaus found them, and they went together to the house of the Fair Crescenda. Three years had the Night of the Greensword passed in Germany, and two in Romania and Greece, and in all that time had received no tidings of his Lady Orianna, but now was he resolved to go towards the country where she dwelt, and that thought made him full joyful as he sailed with a fair wind from the port of Constantinople. In twenty days he arrived at the city of the Fair Crescenda, and she having heard of the wonders he had wrought in arms went out honorably to welcome him, and they gave the greeting each to other as those who loved each other well with good love. Sir Night of the Greensword, quote she, God hath made you perfect in all things, for after such perilous adventures you are returned within the year of your promise, whereof five days only have yet to run. This makes me think that you will as truly perform the other boon. To this he made courteous and fitting reply. Then were he and Master Helisabot conducted to that apartment in the court of Crescenda, wherein he had been healed of his wounds, and there were they worshipfully served. That night before he slept the Greensword Night talked much with Gandalin, saying how rejoiced at heart he was now that he was returning to Oriana, if indeed this boon which he had to perform did not prevent him. Sir, answered Gandalin, take joy as it comes, and commit the rest to God. Be like this boon may be to your help and pleasure. So he passed that night with somewhat more than his wanted comfort. On the morrow after mass Crescenda took him apart and said, Night of the Greensword, a year before you came into these parts all the fairest dames were assembled at a marriage feast given by the Duke of Basilia, and thither did I also go under the protection of my brother, Marquis Saladar, whom you know. Then all the lords of the country being present, my brother, whether for pride or affection I know not, affirmed with a loud voice that my beauty exceeded that of any dame present, the which he would prove in combat upon anyone who dared gain say. I know not whether it were because of his prowess, or if indeed it appeared the same to others as to him, but so it was that no one answered, and thus was I judged to be the fairest of all the faire dames in Romania, whereof my heart is always right joyful and proud. But more joyful and proud should I be if you would obtain for me what I greatly desire, and for which I would spare neither fatigue of my person, nor cost of my possessions. Lady, he replied, let it be a thing which I can do, and without doubt it shall immediately be taken in hand. Sir, quote she, the boon I require is this, that because the fairest women in the world are at the court of King Lysvarte of Great Britain, you carry me there, and by arms, if otherwise it cannot be, obtain for me the praise of beauty above all the damsels of his court, as I have already won it over all the dames of these parts. You shall proclaim that there is no damsel there so faire as a dame who is in your company, and defy all knights to the proof, and I will take a rich crown which you shall stake on my part, and whatever knight will combat with you upon this quarrel shall stake another, and the conqueror shall have both. If in this enterprise we come off with the glory, you shall carry me to a place which they call the firm island, where they say there is an enchanted chamber into which neither dame nor damsel can set foot, except she exceed in beauty the faire Grimanesa, who in her own days had no peer. When the knight of the green sword heard what she said, his countenance and his whole feelings changed, and he exclaimed, Ah, lady, you have undone me, and he stood like one bereft of his senses. This trouble came upon him because he thought that if he went on such an enterprise to King Huysuarte's court, he should lose his Lady Oriana, and moreover he knew that many good knights would undertake the quarrel in her behalf, and that as their cause was so just he could not escape without loss of honour or of life. But on the other part his honour was greatly injured if he refused to perform his promise to the lady to whom he was so beholden, so that he thought himself in the worst danger he had ever endured since he left Gaul, and cursed himself and his fortune, and the hour wherein he was born, and that ever he came into these lands of Romania, but presently a remedy came into his mind, for he recollected that Oriana was no damsel, and that whoever should undertake the combat for her as such would maintain a wrong cause, and how when he saw Oriana he could explain this to her, and the reason wherefore he undertook such a quarrel. Then his good cheer returned and he said, pardon me, good lady, for what I said, and I will fulfil all you require. The doubt I felt was not from want of will, but from my heart, which I cannot resist, and which would have directed me towards another part. The cause which made me utter those words is the same as that which overrules all my actions. So she laid her fair arms upon his shoulders and said, you greatly surprised me. When shall I see the day that I shall return with the crown won by you, from all the damsels of Great Britain, with the same glory that I have here won over all the dames? Lady Quothee, if the boon were not promised, and my advice were heard, I should counsel you to be content with that great fame which you deservedly have gained, for whoso undertakes such a journey should not lose the thought that it is a way of great toil and danger, through many people of diverse tongues. She answered, I am better pleased with your courage to protect than your counsel to direct me. These strange lands we need not traverse for this way is better by sea, and we will go with a company befitting such a chief. In God's name, then, so be it, Quothee, and thus their talk was at an end. Now when the knight had sojourned here two days he would go hunt, because he could have no exercise in arms. There went certain knights in his company, and huntsman and two dogs well trained to that sport, and he took his station in a little valley between the wild part of the mountains and the forest, where the game most frequently was to be found. There he slew two fine hearts, and the huntsman slew another, and at being near nightfall they blew their bugle-horns. But as the knight went towards them, another goodly heart sprang from the thicket, and he set the dogs on, the heart being hardly run, took to the water in a great lake thereby. But the dogs came up, and the knight slew him. Then Gondaline came up, who was right glad to see his master take pleasure in the sport, for they had been talking of their journey to Great Britain, and he alighted and fleshed the dogs. By this the knight closed. They laid their venison in the thicket and covered it with green bowels. Then having remounted they missed their way, and were soon bewildered in the mountains. At length they came to a fountain where their horses drank, and having no hope of better lodging there they resolved to fare that night. When Gondaline took the saddles and bridles from the beasts that they might feed, the knight walked on towards some fine trees that were near, that he might muse upon his mistress. When he came up to them he saw a white horse lying dead, having many great wounds, and he heard a groan from among the trees. But could not see from whence it came the night was so dark. He stopped and listened, and presently he heard these words. Ah! wretched Bruneo of Bonamar! Now shall thy mortal desires perish with thee. Thou shalt never see thy friend Amades, whom thou hast sought with such toil through strange lands, and who was beloved by thee above all others in the world. Here without him or kinsmen, or friend to console thee, thou must pass from life to cruel death. O my Lady Melissa, the flower and mirror of all women thy servant will never see the more. He who never sinned against thee in word or deed. Lady, thou wilt lose what thou canst never recover, for never will you find another who will love so loyally as I have done. I would never have appeared before thee till I had found thy dear brother, and now death has overtaken me. Then having paused a while he cried again, Angriote, where have you tarried this while in an evil hour of night where we separated, and I have no help in my last hour? True friend, God reward thee and receive my soul. But the night of the green sword, weeping bitterly to hear him, went up to him and said, My true friend Don Brunio of Bonamar, take heart, for God has suffered me to find you, and if man can be saved by mortal skill, be sure that so shall you now, if it pleases God. Don Brunio thought it was his squire, whom he had sent to seek some hermit or religious man. Lascindo said he, You have tarried long, for my death is come. When you have disposed of me, go straight ways and kiss the Infanta's hand, and give her this sleeve of my shirt, whereon I have written seven letters with my blood, for I had no strength to write more. I trust that that pity which she would not show me living, she will feel for my death, considering that it befell me in her service, seeking through such perils the brother whom she loves so dearly. Dear friend Don Brunio, quote the night, I am Ahmadis for whom you have undergone such peril. Fear not, I will help you with such a master as shall save you, if the soul have not left the body. Don Brunio, weak as he was, then knew him, and raised his arms and embraced him, weeping much. The green-sword knight embraced him, too, and called to Gondolin, and with his help disarmed him, and laid him upon Gondolin's cloak, and covered him with his own. And bad Gondolin, go upon some hill and look out for the town as soon as it was light, and then hastened for Master Helisabad, and he remained holding Brunio's head upon his knees and comforting him. So soon as it was dawn Gondolin saw the town, and he galloped into it with such speed that all who saw him knew surely that something had befallen his master, and he went to Master Helisabad and besought him to heal one of his master's dearest friends, and then went and begged of Gresinda that she would send such things as were fitting for one as high in lineage and as good in arms as his master. Master Helisabad took all things that were needful and mounted his palfrey and followed Gondolin, and when he arrived and saw how the green-sword knight held Don Brunio's head upon his knees and was weeping over him, he knew that of a truth he loved him. He looked at the wounds and found them swung and festering with the cold of the night, but such remedies did he apply that the pain presently abated so that he fell asleep. When the night of the green-sword saw that the master thought little of the danger, he embraced him saying, Ah, Master Helisabad, my good sir and friend, in a happy hour was I in your company. I pray God that there may come a time wherein I may repay you, for though you see me now but a poor knight, perhaps ere long you may judge of me otherwise. I am more pleased, sir knight, he answered, in serving you than you can be in requiting me, though well I know your gratitude would never fail. But no more of this, let us eat. For it is time. They then took food with which Crescinda had provided them, and after their meal, as they were saying how these beech trees were the goodliest and largest that ever they had beheld, they saw a man come riding towards them, having two heads hanging from the quadril of his horse and an axe in his hand all blood. He seeing this company under the trees drew aside, but the knight in Gondoline knew that it was Lucindo, and feared lest he should innocently betray them. The knight therefore said, Stay ye here, and I will go see who this is that seems to fear us, and wherefore he carries those heads. And he mounted, and took a lance, and went with Gondoline towards him, the squire at that road into the forest being afraid, and he of the green sword after him. But when they were out of sight and hearing of the others, the knight called out, Lucindo, stop! Do not fear me. When he heard himself named he looked round and knew Amadeus, and came and kissed his hands. Ah, sir, you know not the unhappy news of my master, who has undergone such toil in your search, and he began to lament greatly. These two knights told Angriote that they had left him dead in the forest, wherefore he cut off their heads and bade me lay them beside him if he were dead, but if living present them to him on his part. I have found Don Brunio, replied the knight, but in such plight that he could tell me nothing. Tarry you now here a while with Gondoline, as if he had overtaken you, and then come up and tell us this. But remember that you call me nothing but the knight of the green sword. Then he returned to his companions and told them that Gondoline was in pursuit of the squire. Presently the two squires came up, and when Lucindo saw the knight of the green sword he alighted and knelt to him and said, Bless be God who has sent you here to help my master who loves you so well. Friend Lucindo, he replied, Welcome, and he raised him up. Your master is doing well, but tell us wherefore you carry those heads. Sir, he said, take me to Don Brunio, for to him must I relate it. Then went they to the tent which Gresinda had sent for Brunio, and the squire knelt and said, Sir, you see here the heads of those knights who did you such great wrong. Your true friend Angriote of Estravaio sends them, for he knew their treason and fought with them both and slew them, and he will be with you presently, for he hath stopped at a nunnery on the forest edge to have a wound in his leg dressed, and so soon as the blood be stanched he will proceed here. God reward him, quote Brunio, but how could he direct you here? Footnote, this is an oversight. It is said before that Brunio had sent his squire for a hermit to confess him. End of footnote. He bat me go to the highest trees in the forest, for there he thought I should find you dead, by what one of the villains told him before he was slain, but the grief which he made for you cannot be expressed. Ah, God preserve him from harm, quote the Greensword Knight. Can you guide me to the monastery? Then bidding Master Helisibot convey Don Brunio upon a litter to the town. He armed himself in Brunio's arms and went with Lucindo, who carried his shield and helmet and lance. When they arrived at the place where he had laid his venison, they saw Angriote coming hanging his head like a man who was in grief. Presently four nights all well armed came riding after him, and they cried out, Stop, Don, false one! You must lose your head for cutting off theirs, who were worth more than thee. Angriote turned and took his shield and prepared to defend himself, for he had not seen the Greensword Knight. But he who had taken Brunio's arms rode on as fast as horses could carry him, and came up to Angriote before the encounter and said, Good friend fear not, for God will be with you. Angriote weaned by the arms that it was Don Brunio and his joy was exceeding great. The Greensword Knight met the foremost of the four, who was that Brandocidal whom he had made ride with his horse's tail for a bridle. He struck him above the shield on the helmet mail that hung on the breast, and he drove him to the earth so rudely that he could neither move hand nor foot. The others attacked Angriote, and he them, like a full hearty knight. But that other laid hand on his Greensword and thrust himself among them, and with one blow sliced off the arm of one at the shoulder. Much was Angriote amazed at that so mighty a stroke, for he did not think there had been such strength in Don Brunio. By this he had made an end of one enemy, and the remaining one fled before him of the Greensword. In his fear attempting to pass a river, he missed the Ford and fell into deep water. The horse escaped, but he, by reason of the weight of his armour, was drowned. The Greensword Knight then gave his shield and helmet to Lascindo and turned to Angriote, who stood astonished at his valor, thinking he was Don Brunio. But coming near him he knew Amadeus and ran to him with open arms, thanking God that he was found. They then with tears embraced as men who loved each other well. Now indeed, said the Knight, doth your true love towards me appear in this long and dangerous search. Angriote replied, You have bound me to more services than I can ever perform, for you have given me her without whom life could not have been endured. But tell me, have you heard the unhappy tidings of your good friend Don Brunio of Bonamar? Then the Greensword Knight told him all that had chanced. So as they went on they perceived that one of the conquered knights was still living. He of the Greensword stopped and said to him, foul knight whom God confound, tell me why without reason you attempted to destroy errant knights, for I will off with thy head, and if you were at the hurt of that knight whose arms I wear. That can he not deny, quote Angriote, for I left him and two others in the company of Don Brunio, and afterward found the other twain boasting how they had killed Brunio, whom they led away to help them, as they said, in the rescue of their sister, who would else be burnt. He went upon this adventure, and I went with an old knight who had lodged us to deliver his son, who was held prisoner in some tents near, the witch I accomplished. Thus we separated. Now let this one tell wherefore they committed so great a treason. Descend and cut off his head for he is a traitor, said he of the Greensword to Lucindo. Mercy for God's sake, quote the Knight, and I will tell you all. We knew that these two knights were seeking the Knight of the Greensword, whom we mortally hate, and because they were his friends we wished to kill them. And because we could not think to succeed if they were together we devised this falsehood, so that Knight went with us to release the damsel, having his head and hands unharmed. We came to the fountain of the beach-trees, and while he was giving his horse drink we took our lances, and I, who was nearest him, snatched his sword from the scabbard, and before he could help himself we threw him down and gave him so many wounds that we left him for dead, as in truth I suppose he be. What reason had he to hate me so much that he would commit such villainy? Are you then the Knight of the Greensword? Here is that sword. See now if I be not he. I will tell you. It is now a year since you did battle with one of these knights who here lies dead, and he pointed to Brandocidal. The combat was before the fair Grusinda, and he who was the strongest knight in all these parts appointed a shameful law for the vanquished, the which you made him undergo, and for this cause he and all his kinsmen mortally hated you, and we fell into this treason. Now then kill me or spare me, for I have told you all. I shall not kill thee, quote the Greensword Knight, for the wicked die many times while they live, and pay what their wicked works deserve. Then he bad Lucindo lay the venison upon one of those knight's horses, and unbridle the rest, and turn them loose into the forest. So they proceeded toward the town. The Knight then earnestly asked news of Great Britain, and Angriote told him all he knew, for it was a year and a half since he and Don Brunio had left it in quest of him. Among other things he told him that there was the fairest child in the world at the court of King Lisvarte, of whom Organda had prophesied strange things, and he related how the hermit had found him, and what letters there were upon his breast. God preserve him, quote he of the Greensword. You tell me of a wonder. What age have he? About twelve years. He and my son Ambor of Gandal serve Oriana, who favors them greatly. But they are very different, for Ambor seems slow and slothful. Ah, Angriote, quote the Knight, judge not of your son yet, for he can yet know neither good nor evil. If he were older, and Oriana would give him to me, I would take him with me, and make Gandaline, who has so long served me, a Knight. Angriote replied, he well deserves it, and knighthood would be full well bestowed upon him as one of the best squires in the world. If this were done, and my son were in your service, then should I lose all fear, and be sure that he would do honour to his lineage. In such talk they proceeded to the city, and there was Angriote laid in bed by Don Brunio's bedside, and his leg which was greatly swollen was healed, and the Knight of the Greensword had his bed also placed in the same chamber, that they might talk of all that had chanced. And when these knights had heard of the boon which he had promised Grisinda, they were well pleased, because having found him whom they sought, they were desirous to return to Great Britain. So when they were well healed of their wounds, and the fleet was ready and victualed for a whole year, they and the Greensword Knight, and the Fair Grisinda, on a Sunday morning in the month of May, went on board and sailed with a fair wind toward Great Britain. How Queen Sardamira arrived in Great Britain with the other ambassadors whom the Emperor of Rome had sent to bring Orianna, and of what happened to them in a forest with a knight errant whom they treated with rude words, and the payment which he gave them for their discourtesy. The ambassadors of the Emperor Patin, having arrived in Lombardy, took ship and passed over to Great Britain, and landed at Fenusa, where King Lisuarte honorably welcomed them, and gave order that they should be well lodged and served with all things fitting. There were many good men with the King at this season, and he waited for others with whom to take counsel upon this matter of his daughter's marriage. And he told the ambassadors that they should be answered in a month's time, giving them good hope that the reply would be such as they wished. He resolved also that Queen Sardamira should go to Miraflores, that she might relate to Orianna the greatness of Rome, and the great state where too this marriage would exalt her, and this he did knowing how averse his daughter was to the proposal, and in the hope that Queen Sardamira, who was a discreet woman, might bring her to consent. For Orianna at this time was in exceeding distress, thinking that her father would give her up to El Patin, and thus destroy both her and Amades. Queen Sardamira therefore set forth for Miraflores, and Don Grumadan went with her by the King's command, and many knights of Rome and Sardinia, whereof she was queen for her guard. Now it so happened that, arriving in a green and flowery meadow by the riverside, they resolved to wait there till the heat of the moon was passed, and therefore pitched their tents, and the knights of Sardamira, who were five in number, placed their shields without, whereon Don Grumadan said to them, Sirs, you should place your shields within the tents, unless you wish to maintain the custom of the country, which is that every knight who places shield or lance without sight of the tent or house or hut wherein he himself is must joust with whatsoever knight requires the combat. We know the custom, they replied, and for that very reason have so placed our shields. God sent that some knight may claim it before we depart. In God's name, quote Grumadan, many knights pass this way, and we may perhaps see your prowess. Long they had not tarried before the good night Don Florestan came by, full of heaviness, for he had been traversing many lands in quest of his brother Amades, and now having heard that these knights of Rome were at the court of Lisuarte was going thither to see if they knew ought concerning him. He, when he saw the tents, went towards them, and coming up to that where the queen was, he beheld her sitting on the estrado, and that she was one of the fair women of the world. The wings of the tent were open, and he rode nearer, even within the courts, that he might look at her. Presently there came a damsel to him and said, you are not over a courteous night to sit on horseback and look at so good a queen and ladies of so high birth as are there, it would become you better to look at those shields that are inviting you and their owners. Certesma good lady, replied Florestan, you say truth, but my eyes desirous to regard so fair a queen led me into this fault, I beseech pardon of her and those other ladies, and will make the atonement you require. The damsel answered, you say well, but the atonement must come before the pardon. That, quote Florestan, will I, if I can, perform but on this condition, that I shall not be required to desist from doing what I ought against those shields, or that they be placed within the tents. Cernite, said she, before those shields be removed, the shields of all who pass this way will be won, their owners' names written on the rim, that they may be carried to Rome, and they're preserved in proof that the Roman knights exceed all others. If you wish not to fall into shame, turn back, or else your own shield and name will be carried away also. Damsel, quote he, I do not trust your love enough to follow your counsel, but for those shields I designed to carry them to the firm island. Then he addressed Sardamira, God preserve you, lady, and give you as much happiness as beauty, and with that he went towards the shields. Don Grumadan, hearing this, was well pleased, and because the knights' spake of the firm island, he weaned that he was from the good lineage of Amades, and able to perform what he had said, and though he did not know that he was Florestan, he saw that he was well armed, and sat well upon his horse, and he wished him good success. Florestan, who knew Grumadan, and that no knight was a better judge of chivalry, took the more courage, and with the blunt end of his lance, struck the five shields one after the other, that the knights might meet him in succession. Then he withdrew about a bow shot off, hung his shield round his neck, took a strong lance, and sat in readiness. Now it was his custom always to take with him two or three squires, that he might be the better served, and have a store of lances and battle axes, which he knew well how to wield. Presently the Roman knights armed themselves, and mounted, and went towards him. How now knights! cried Florestan. Would ye come all at once, and break the custom of the country? Gradamor, whom the others obeyed, then asked Don Grumadan what they ought to do, as he knew best. And he answered, The knights must go one by one in order as their shields were struck, and I advise them not to go too rashly, for me thinks that knight is not one who will choose shame for himself. The Romans are not of your condition, ye praise yourselves before the thing be done, and we, when it is done, suffer it to be forgotten, and for this reason there are none equal to us. Would to God our battle were upon this quarrel, though my comrades were not to lend a hand? Try your fortune with him now, replied Grumadan. And if he remain whole and unhurt after the joust, I will engage that he shall combat you upon that quarrel, and if by reason of any harm that cannot be, I will undertake it myself in God's name. Go to your joust now. Gradamor laughed at him in this dain. I would this battle were so near at hand as the encounter with Yonder Fu, who dares resist us. Then he said to the knight, whose shield had first been touched, Go on, and let us get rid of the little fame we can get from such a victory. The knight replied, Make yourself easy, I will bring him to be at your disposal. His shield and name shall be done with as the emperor commanded. His horse is a good one, and that I will keep myself. With that he crossed the brook. Floresan was ready, and they ran their encounter. Both failed in their taint, but they met shields and bodies, and the Roman, who was the worst horseman, fell and broke his right arm and lay like a dead man. Floresan bade one of his squires a light, and hanged the shield to a tree, and take the horse of the conquered knight. Then he, with a sign of anger that he had missed his blow, took his place again, and say it lands in hand, the blunt end resting upon the ground, ready for the second foe. The second came on. In that encounter, Floresan did not miss, but drove the land so well that the knight was driven to the ground and the saddle with him, and Floresan passed on. But presently turning, he said, Sir Roman, the saddle which you have carried with you shall be yours, and the horse mine, and if you choose to relate your prowess in Rome I freely permit you. This he said so loud, that the queen and her company could hear it. Now I tell you, Don Gromedan was right glad to see how the night of Great Britain spake and acted against the Roman, and he said to Grad Amor, If you, sir, and your comrades do not speed better, there will be no need to throw down the walls of Rome for your triumphal return. Grad Amor answered, You think much of this, but if my comrades finish the joust, I shall settle what you appointed differently from what you suppose. We shall see, quote old Gromedan, that night of the firm island takes good care of his armour, and I trust he will set aside my battle. At that, Grad Amor began to laugh without being pleased. When it comes to my turn, said he, I shall allow all you say. But Queen Tardamira was grieved to see the hotness of Grad Amor in the Roman knights. Florestan had now made his squire take the shield from this second night, who lay like one dead, for the spear had gone through him, but when it was drawn out he spake with a dolerous voice, and demanded confession. The third night now took his place, and rode full force against Florestan, but their lenses slanted and crossed each other, and Florestan struck his helmet and burst the laces, and sent it rolling on the ground, and made him bow to the horse's neck, but he did not fall. Florestan then took the lance, and with an overhand blow made at him, the Roman lifted his shield, but the blow drove the shield against his face and stunned him, so that he lost the reins, and then Florestan let his lance fall, and plucked the shield from his neck, and dashed it twice on his neck, so that he fell and lay sprawling while his shield and the horse went to keep the others company. The fourth night, then encountered him, but that choust was soon decided. He and his horse were born down, and the horse's leg was broke. Florestan took another lance, and made ready to meet Gradamor. Gradamor was in new and goodly arms, and mounted on a bright bay horse, large and strong. He shook his lance, threateningly, and cried, Don Gromedan, arm yourself, for before you take horse, this night will stand in need of your help. I shall not take that trouble yet, called old Gromedan. By this, Gradamor had crossed the brook, and Florestan came at him angrily, for he had heard his posts. They met in full career. Gradamor pierced his shield. The lance went through about a palm, and then broke. Florestan's spear drove through the shield, and broke the armor on the left side, and sent him out of the saddle into a hollow which was full of water and mire. He then passed on, and bade his squire take the fifth shield and horse. Lady, quote Don Gromedan to the queen, I think I may rest till Gradamor has cleaned his arms, and procured another horse for our combat. Cursed be his arrogance, replied Sardamira, and the folly of those who have made all the world hate them. Now, Gradamor, after rolling about in the puddle, got out, and taken off his helm, and having cleaned the dirt from his eyes and face as well as he could, he laced on his helmet again. Florestan, seeing this, came up to him. Sir Threatener, unless you can help yourself better with a sword than the lance, you will neither take my shield nor my name to Rome. Gradamor answered, I only wear my sword to avenge myself, and that shall I do presently if you dare maintain the custom of this country. And what is that, quote Florestan, who knew it better than he, that you give me my horse or a light from your own, that the fight may be equal, and he who plays worse to receive neither courtesy nor mercy? Florestan answered, I believe you would not have maintained this custom had you been the conqueror. However, I will alight, for it will not become so fair a Roman knight as you are to mount a horse which another had won. With that he alighted, and they began a most perilous battle, but it did not last long. For Florestan, seeing himself in the presence of Queen Sardamira and her ladies, and of Don Gromedan, who was a better judge of such feats, put forth all his strength so that Gradamor could not endure it, but gave ground and made back toward the tent, thinking that for courtesy Florestan would not follow him there. But Florestan got between him and the tent and made him turn, and pressed him till the sword dropped from his hand, and he fell down, having no strength left. Then Florestan took his shield and gave it to his squires, and caught him by the helmet, which he plucked off so forcibly, that he dragged him some way along the ground, and threw the helmet into that standing pool, and took the knight by the leg, and was about to cast him in also. But Gradamor began to cry mercy for God's sake, and the queen exclaimed, a bad bargain did that unhappy one make, when he proposed that the conquered should show neither courtesy nor mercy. At this Florestan said, a covenant which so honorable a knight as you have made must not be broken, and you shall have it fully accomplished, as you shall see. Ah, wretch, I am dead, quotes the Roman. You are, unless you do two things at my bidding. Tell me what, and I will do them. The one is that with your own hand, you write your name in your own blood, upon the rim of your shield, and the names of your comrades in their blood, each upon his shield. That done I will tell you what the other thing is. And as he said this, he held his sword over him who lay quaking for great fear. But Gradamor, because he could not write himself, nor lift up his hand, called for his secretary and bid him, empt out the ink from his ink stand, and fill it with his blood, and write his name and the names of his companions. This was forthwith done. Don Florestan then wiped his sword and placed it in the scabbard, and mounted his horse as lightly as if he had done nothing, and gave his shield to his squire, but his helmet he took not off, that Gromedan might not know him. His horse was strong and well-limbed, and of a strange color, and the horsemen of unanswerable make and stature, so that few were like him in their appearance. Then taking a lance, where to there hung a rich penon, he stopped by Gradamor, who had now risen, and said to him shaking the lance, Your life is no more, unless Don Gromedan will beg it. But he cried out loud to Gromedan to save him for God's sake. The old night came up. Sir Tysgradamor, quote he, it would be but right that you should find neither courtesy nor mercy, as in your pride you covenanted with this night. However, I beg him to spare you, for which I will greatly thank and serve him. That will I do with a good will for you, replied Florestan, as I would ought else to your honor and pleasure. You, sir Roman, may relate in Rome, when you return there, how you threaten the knights of Great Britain, and how you maintained your threats, and the great honor which you won from them, in the short space of one day. So tell this to your great emperor and his potentates, because it will please them. And I will make it known in the firm island, that the Roman knights are so frank and liberal, that they readily give their shields and horses to those they do not know. But for these gifts which you have made me, I do not thank you, but thank God who gave it me against your will. These words were worse to Gradamor than his wounds. Sir Knight, quote Florestan, you shall carry back to Rome all the arrogance you brought from it, because they esteem it there, and we in this land like it not, but like instead of it, what you abhor, courtesy and gentleness. And if, my lord, you are as good in love as in arms, you should go prove yourself in the firm island by the arch of true lovers, that you might take home that praise also, and then be like our mistresses, may forsake us for you. Now I tell you don't Gromedan heard all this with great glee, and laughed to see the pride of the Romans so broken, but it was not so with Gradamor, for his heart was almost breaking to hear these things, and he said to Gromedan, Good sir, for God's sake, let me be carried to the tents, for I have been sorely handled. So it seems, replied the old man, by your appearance, and it is all your own fault. Then he made his squires remove him. Sir, said he then to Florestan, if it please you, tell us your name, for so good a man as you ought not to conceal it. My good sir, he replied, Don Gromedan, I pray you, be not displeased that I do not tell it you, for I would not that this fair queen should in any ways know it, because of the discourtesy which I have committed. For though her beauty was the occasion, I feel myself greatly to blame. I beseech you, procure my pardon, that she may take from me what a man she will, and send me the tidings to the round chapel hard by, where I shall rest today. I will send my squires with her answer, replied Gromedan, and if it be after my will, it will be such a so good a man as you deserve. The night of the firm island then said, I beseech you, Don Gromedan, if you know any news of Amadis, tell me. At that question the tears came into the old man's eyes, so help me, God, as I should rejoice to know any news of him, and communicate it to you and all his friends. That, I believe, replied Floresan, for such is your nature, and if all were like you, discourtesy and falsehood will not find harbor where they are harbored now. God be with you, I shall expect your bidding at the Hermitage. Floresan then bade his squires, take the five horses of the knights, and give the bay one, which was the pest, to Don Gromedan, and the others to the damsel with whom he had spoken, and to say that Don Floresan sent them. Right glad was Don Gromedan to have that horse, because it had been won from the Romans, and still more to know that that night was Don Floresan whom he loved so well. The squires led the other horses to the damsel, and said, Lady, the night whom you disparaged to praise your Romans, sends you these to dispose of as you please, and as a sign that his words were true. Much do I thank him, quote that damsel, and of a truth he had bravely won them, yet had I rather he had left his own horse, than that he should give me these four. You must procure better knights than these, reply the squire, if you would gain that. But, said the damsel, marvel not if I wish well to my friends, rather than to a stranger, how be it because of the goodly gift which he has sent me, I repent that I said ought to offend so good a man, and will amend it as he may require. With this answer the squire returned to Don Floresan, who went then to the round chapel to wait there for Gromedan's answer, for this chapel was in the way to the firm island, and he being resolved not to enter Lisuarte's court, was going thither to hang the Roman shields there, and to hear if Gandales knew anything of his brother. Now, when Don Gromedan had delivered his bidding to the queen, she listened willingly and said, This Don Floresan is his son of King Perion and the Countess of Celandia, the same and one of the best knights in the world. I tell you then, Don Gromedan, that the sons of the Marquis of Angona speak wonders of his deeds and arms, and of his prudence and courtesy, and they may well be believed for they were his companions in the wars which he had at Rome, where he abode three years when he was a young knight, but they dare not speak his praise before the emperor who loves him not. Do you know, said Gromedan, why the emperor does not love him? Because of his brother Amades replied Zadamira, of whom the emperor complains, because he won the firm island by arriving there before him, and so deprived him of the honor which he should else have won. Sirte's lady, he complains without reason, for in that Amades saved him from great shame. Trust me, it is for another adventure that the emperor hates him. By the faith you owe to God, Don Gromedan, tell me the reason. Do not you be displeased then, lady? And then he told her how Amades and he had met in the forest, and of their battle. Thereat was Queen Zardamira well pleased, and she made him related three times. Truly, said she, the emperor hath reason enough to dislike him. End of chapter 13, recording by Marysel Quy.