 section 17 of Stories from the Fairy Queen. This is a LibriVox recording. All LibriVox recordings are in the public domain. For more information or to volunteer, please visit LibriVox.org, recording by Sean Michael Hogan. Stories from the Fairy Queen by Mary MacLeod. The Adventures of Sir Artigal, the Sword of Justice and the Iron Man. One of the noblest heroes at the court of the Fairy Queen was Artigal, the Champion of Justice. After his marriage with Britomart it may be remembered, he started on a hard adventure which led him into much peril. This was to succour a distressed lady whom a strong tyrant unjustly kept captive, withholding from her the heritage which she claimed. The lady was called Irene, peace, and the tyrant grand torto, great wrong. When Irene came to the Fairy Queen to beg redress, Queen Gloriana, whose delight it was to aid all poor suppliants, chose Artigal to restore right to her, because he seemed the best skilled in righteous learning. Even from his cradle, Artigal had been brought up to justice. For one day, when he was a little child playing with his companions, he had been found by a great and wonderful lady called Estreia, who, while she dwelled here among earthly men, instructed them in the rules of justice. Seeing that the boy was noble and fit for her purpose, she persuaded him to go with her. She took him far away to a lonely cave, in which she brought him up, and taught him all the disciplines of justice. She taught him to weigh equally both right and wrong, and where severity was needed to measure it out according to the line of conscience. For want of mankind she taught him to practice this teaching on wild beasts which she found in the woods, wrongfully oppressing others of their own kind. Thus she trained him, and thus she taught him to judge skillfully wrong and right till he reached the years of manhood, so that even wild beasts feared him, and men admired his overruling might. Nor was there any living person who dared withstand his behest, much less match him in fight. To make him more dreaded, Estreia gave Artigal a wonderful sword called Chrysaor, which excelled all other swords. It was made of most perfect metal, tempered with adamant, all garnished with gold upon the blade, whereby it took its name. It was no less powerful than famous, for there was no substance so firm and hard, but it could pierce or cleave, nor any armor that could guard off the stroke for wherever it lighted, it cut completely through. In course of time Estreia left this world, and went to live among the stars, from which she had first come. But she left behind her on earth her servant, an iron man, who always attended on her to execute her judgments, and she bade him go with Artigal and do whatever he was told. The man's name was Talus. He was made of iron mould, immovable, irresistible, unchanging. He held in his hand an iron flail, with which he threshed out falsehood, and unfolded the truth. Talus therefore went with Sir Artigal on this new quest, to aid him, if he chance to need aid, against the cruel tyrant who oppressed the Lady Irene, and kept the crown from her. Nothing is more honourable to a knight, nor better becomes brave chivalry, than to defend the feeble in their right, and redress the wrongs of those who go astray. So the heroes of old won their greatest glory, and herein this noble knight excelled, who now went forth to dare great perils for the sake of justice. As Artigal and Talus went on their way, they chanced to meet the servant of Floramel, who told the good news that his lady was safe and well, and engaged to be married to her own true knight, Maranel. Sir Artigal was very pleased to hear this, and asked when the wedding was to take place, for if he had time he would like to be present to do honour to the occasion. The wedding will be within three days, said the man, at the castle of the Strand. At which time, if nothing hinders me, I shall be there to do her service, as I am bound. But in my way, a little beyond here, dwells a cruel Saracen, who keeps with strong hand the passage of a bridge. He has killed there many a knight-errant, wherefore all men out of fear shun the passage. What sort of person and how far away is he who does such harm to travellers? asked Artigal. He is a man of great defence, expert in battle and in deeds of arms, was the answer, and he is made much bolder by the wicked spells with which his daughter supports him. He has got large estates and goodly farms by oppression and extortion, with which he still holds them. His crimes increase daily, for he never lets anyone pass that way over his bridge, be he rich or poor, without paying him toll-money. His name is Polente, because he is so strong and powerful. He conquers every one, some by his strength, and some also he circumvents by cunning. For it is his custom to fight on the bridge which is very narrow, but exceedingly long, and in this bridge are fixed many trap-falls, through which not noticing the rider falls down. Underneath the bridge flows a swift and dangerously deep river into which falls headlong, destitute of help, anyone whom the Saracen overthrows. But the tyrant himself, because of his long practice, leaps forth into the flood, and there assails his foe, confused by his sudden fall, so that horse and man are both equally dismayed, and either drowned or treacherously slain. Then Polente robs them at will, and brings the spoil to his daughter, who dwells hard by. She takes everything that comes, and fills her wicked coffers, which he has heaped so high by wrongdoing that she is richer than many a prince, and has purchased all the country lying near with her ill-gotten revenue. Her name is Munera. She is very beautiful, and richly attired. Her hands are made of gold, and her feet of silver. Many great lords have wished to marry her, but she is so proud that she despises them all. Now by my life, and with heaven to guide me, said Sir Artigal, no other way will I take this day but by that bridge where the Saracen abides. Therefore lead me thither, the adventure of the Saracen's bridge. Sir Artigal soon came to the place where he saw the Saracen ready-armed on the bridge, waiting for spoil. When he and Talus drew near to cross it, an ugly-looking rascal came to them to demand passage money, according to the custom of the law. Lo, there are your wages, said Sir Artigal, and smote him so that he died. When the Pagan saw this he grew very angry, and at once prepared himself for battle. Nor was Sir Artigal behind, so they both ran at each other with leveled spears. Right in the middle where they would have met breast to breast, the trap was let down to make them fall into the river. The wicked wretch leaped down, knowing well that his foe would fall, but Sir Artigal was on his guard, and also leaped before he fell. Then both of them being in the stream they flew at each other violently, the water in no way cooling the heat of their temper, but rather adding to it. But there the Saracen, who was well used to fighting in the water, had great advantage, and often almost overthrew Sir Artigal. The charger also, which he rode, could swim like a fish. When Sir Artigal saw the odds against him, he knew there was no way but to close hastily with his foe, and driving strongly at Polente he grabbed him fast by his iron collar and almost throttled him. There they strove and struggled together, each trying to drag the other from his horse, but nothing could make Artigal slack in his grip. At length he forced Polente to forsake his horses back for fear of being drowned, and to be take himself to his swimming. There Polente had no advantage, for Artigal was skillful in swimming, and dared venture in any depth of water, so every night exposed to peril should be expert in swimming and able to make his way through water. For some time the end of the contest was doubtful, for besides being skilled in that exercise both were well trained in arms, and thoroughly tried. Artigal, however, kept his breath and strength better, so that his foe could no longer withstand him, nor bear himself upright, but fled from the water to the land. Artigal, with his bright sword Cricior, pursued him so closely that Polente had scarcely set foot on shore, before his head was cut off. This done Sir Artigal took his way to the castle in which Munera dwelt, guarded by many defenders. Artigal sought entrance but was refused and defied with a torrent of evil abuse. He was also beaten with stones flung down from the battlements, so that he was forced to retire, and he bade his servant Talus invent some way by which he could enter without danger. Then Talus went to the castle gate, and let fly at it with his iron flail, so that it sorely terrified all the warders, and made those stoop who had borne themselves so proudly. He battered and banged on the door, and thundered strokes so hideously that he shook the very foundations of the building, and filled all the house with fear and uproar. At this noise the Lady Munera appeared on the castle wall. When she saw the dangerous state in which she stood, she feared she would soon be destroyed, and began with fair words to entreat the Iron Man below to cease his outrage, for neither the force of the stones which they threw nor the power of charms which she had wrought against him could make him stop. But when she saw him proceed, unmoved by pity or by prayers, she tried to bribe him with a goodly reward. She caused great sacks with countless riches to be brought to the battlements, and poured over the castle wall so that she might gain some time, though dearly bought, whilst he gathered up the gold. Talus was not in the least moved or tempted by this, but still continued his assault with the iron flail, so that at length he rent down the door, and made a way for his master. When Artigal entered it was no use for anyone to try to withstand him. They all fled, their hearts failed them, and they hid in corners here and there, and their wicked lady herself, half dead, hid in terror. For a long time no one could find her, but Talus, who like a bloodhound could track out secret things, at length found her where she lay hidden under a heap of gold, and dragged her forth. Sir Artigal himself pitied her, said Plight, but he could not change the course of justice. Like her father Munara had to be punished in order to warn all mighty people who possess great power that they must use it in the right way, and not oppress the feeble. The tyrant's daughter was thrown into the water, and the stream washed her away. Then Talus took all the ill-gotten gold and treasure which her father had scraped together by hook and crook, and burning it into ashes poured it into the river. Lastly he pulled down the castle to its very foundation, and broke up all the hewn stones, so that there could be no hope of its being restored, nor memory of it among any nation. All which Talus having thoroughly performed, Sir Artigal reformed the evil fashion and wicked customs of the bridge, and this done he returned to his former journey. The giant with the scales. After travelling a long, weary way, Sir Artigal and Talus came near the sea, and here one day they saw before them an immense crowd of people stretching out as far as the eye could reach. They were much astonished at this great assembly, and therefore approached to ask what had brought them together. There they beheld a mighty giant standing on a rock, and holding high in his hand a great pair of scales, with which he boasted in his presumption that he would accurately weigh the whole world if he had anything to match it in the other scale. He said he would take up all the earth, and all the sea, divided from each other. So would he also make one balance of the fire, and one of air, without wind or weather. Then he would balance heaven and hell together, and all that was contained within them, and would not miss a feather of their weight. Any surplus of each that remained over he would restore to its own part. For, said he, they were all unequal, and had encroached on each other's share, like the sea which had worn the earth, as the fire had done the air. So all the rest took possession of each other's parts, and thus countries and nations had gone awry. All of which he undertook to repair in the way they had anciently been formed, and everything should be made equal. He would throw down the mountains and make them level with the plain. The towering rocks he would thrust down into the deepest sea. He would suppress tyrants so that they should no longer rule, and all the wealth of the rich men he would take away and give to the poor. All the silly ignorant folk flocked about the giant, and clustered thick to hear his vain delusions, like foolish flies round a jar of honey, for they hoped to gain great benefits by him, and uncontrolled freedom. When article saw and heard how he misled the simple people, he disdainfully drew near, and thus spoke to them without fear. You that presumed to weigh the world anew, and restore all things to inequality, it seems to me to show great wrong instead of right, and boast far more than you were able to perform. And then he went on to rebuke the giant for his folly and presumption, and showed him that if he could not understand Norway properly even the things that he saw, how much less could he attempt to balance unseen matters, or call into account the works of the great ruler of the universe. But the giant would not listen to reason, for he had no real desire for the right, and he still tried to continue his false and wicked teaching. Talus, therefore, seeing his mischievous ignorance, came up and toppled him over into the sea, where he fell with a great splash, and was drowned. When the people who had long waited there saw his sudden destruction, they began to gather in a turbulent mob, and tried to stir up strife because of the loss of all their expectations. For they had hoped to get great good and wonderful riches by the giant's new schemes, and resolving to revenge his death they rose in arms and stood in order of battle. When Article saw this lawless multitude advancing in hostile fashion he was much troubled, and did not know what to do, for he was loathed to soil his hands by killing such a rascally crew, and yet he feared to retire lest they should follow him with shame. Therefore he sent Talus to them to inquire the cause of their array, and to request a truce. But as soon as they saw him coming they began to attack him with their weapons, and rudely struck at him on every side, yet they could not in the least hurt or dismay him. Then Talus lay about him with his flail, and overthrew them like a swarm of flies. Not one of them dared come in his way, but they flew here and there, and hid themselves out of his sight in holes and bushes. When Talus saw that they all forsook the field, and none of the rascal route were left, he returned to Sir Article, and they went on together. Borrowed plumes, and the fate of the snowy lady. After long storms and tempests the sun's face again shines forth joyfully, so when Fortune has shown all her spite some blissful hours at last must needs appear, so it was with the Lady Floramel. After escaping from the cruel hyena that killed and devoured her milk-white palfry she met with many troubles and misfortunes, but they were all over now, and she was happily betrothed to her own true night, Maranel. The time and place of the bridle were blazed far and wide, and solemn feasts and tournaments were arranged to which a countless throng of lords and ladies resorted from all directions, nor was there any brave knight absent. It would need the tongue of a herald to tell the glory of the feast that day, the splendid service, the brilliant variety of entertainments, the pomp of the bridegroom, the richness of the bride's array, the crowd of noble ladies and gallant knights, the royal banquets, and the general rejoicing. When all the people had sufficiently feasted they began to prepare themselves for deeds of arms and contests of chivalry. Then, first of all, rode forth Sir Maranel, and with him six more knights, to challenge all on behalf of Floramel, and to maintain that she excelled all other ladies. Against them came every one that cared to joust, from every coast and country under the sun no one was debarred, all had leave who chose. Many brave deeds were done that day, and many a night unhorsed, but little was lost or won. All that day the greatest praise redounded to Maranel, so also the second day, at the end of the fighting the trumpets proclaimed that Maranel was the best. The third day came which would test all the others, and the warriors met together to finish the tournament. Then Maranel again showed great valor, and flew like a lion through the thicket of the press, so that everyone fled from the danger, and was amazed at his might. But the greater the prowess, the greater the peril, Maranel pressed so far into the ranks of the enemy that they closed up behind him, so that he could by no means make a way out. He was taken prisoner, and bound with chains, and would have been led away for saken of all, had not some sucker overtaken him in time. It happened that while Maranel was thus sorely beset, Sir Artigal came into the tilt-yard with Braggadocio, whom he had lately met on the way with the false Floramel, the snowy lady. When Artigal heard the bad fortune that had betided Maranel, he was much excited at his undeserved disgrace. He immediately begged the braggart with whom he was riding to change shields with him, in order that he might be the better concealed, and thus armed he went forth, and soon overtook the knights who were leading Maranel away. There were a hundred of them altogether. Half of them set upon Sir Artigal, and half stayed behind to guard the prey. Artigal was not long in beating the first fifty, and soon snatched the prisoner from the other fifty. Then he quickly armed Maranel again, and together they overcame all the rest of the knights, and were left lords of the field. So Maranel was rescued from his foes. Having done this, Sir Artigal restored his shield to Braggadocio, who all this while had remained in the background. Then the trumpets sounded, and the judges rose, and all the knights who had borne armor that day came to the open hall, to listen to whom the honor of the prize should be adjudged. There also in open sight came the fair Flora-Mell into the public hall, to give his gird into every night, and the best to him to whom the best should fall. Then they loudly called for the stranger night to whom they should yield the garland, but he came not forth. But instead of Sir Artigal came Braggadocio, and showed his shield, which bore the device of the sun, broadly blazoned on a golden field. The sight filled them with gladness, so to him they adjudged the prize of all that triumph. Then the shrill trumpets thrice resounded the name of Braggadocio, and thus courage lent a cloak to cowardice. Then the beautiful Flora-Mell came to Braggadocio, and spoke graciously in praise of his gallantry, and gave him a thousand thanks for so well defending her cause. To this the boaster, which filled all nights with utter contempt for him, made scornful answer that what he did that day he did, not for her, but for his own lady's sake, who excelled both her and everyone else, and he added further bragging and unseemly speeches. His words much abashed the gentle lady, and she turned aside, ashamed to hear what he said. Then he brought forth his snowy Flora-Mell, who was standing near, in charge of Trumpar, covered with a veil from people's gaze, and when they had thoroughly eyed her they were stupefied with great amazement, saying that it was surely Flora-Mell, or if it were not, then she surpassed Flora-Mell herself. Such feeble skills have the vulgar with respect to perfect things. Maranel likewise, when he beheld, was exceedingly amazed, not knowing what to think or to do. He stood for a long time lost in astonishment, his eyes fixed fast on the snowy maid, whom the more he looked at the more he thought was the true Flora-Mell. When Artigal, who stood all this while close covered in the crowd, saw everything that passed, and the boasting and ungrateful cheating of Braggadocio, he could stand it no longer, but came forth, and showed himself openly to everyone, and said to the boaster, That was defaced in others worth with thy lies, and decked thyself with borrowed plumes, when they are all restored thou shalt be left in disgrace. That shield which thou barest was indeed the one which saved the day's honour to Maranel, but that was not the arm, nor thou the man who did that service to Flora-Mell. For proof, show forth thy sword, and let it tell what strokes, what dreadful battle it stirred up this day, or show the wounds which befell you. But this is the sword which wrought such havoc, and this is the arm which bore that shield, and these the signs, he pointed to his wounds, by which it is apparent the glory was got. As for that lady which he shows here, he continued, turning to the others, it is not Flora-Mell at all, but some worthless creature, fit for such a maid who has fallen into his hand by misfortune. And for proof he bade them call the true Flora-Mell. So the noble lady was brought, adorned with honour and all comely grace, blushing with modesty, so that the roses mixed with the lilies in her lovely face, for she still felt deep shame at the rude words which Braggadocio had flung at her. And when the people saw her they shouted aloud, and all showed signs of gladness. Then Sir Artigal placed her by the snowy lady, like a true saint beside some painted image, to make trial of their beauty, and to see which should get the honour. In a straight way, as soon as they were both met together, the enchanted damsel vanished into nothing. Her body of snow melted as with heat, and nothing remained of all her goodly appearance except the empty girdle which had been clasped round her waist. When the people present beheld this they were struck with astonishment, and their hearts quailed with horror to see the thing which seemed so excellent stolen away, so that no one understood what became of it. Braggadocio himself was so daunted with despair that he stood immovable, like a lifeless body. But Sir Artigal took up the golden belt, the only thing reft of all the spoil, which was not the snowy ladies as many believed, but Floramel's own girdle, reft from her when she fled from the vile monster. Unbuckling it he presented it to Floramel, who fitted it perfectly round her slender waist. The girdle possessed the magic power of breaking or becoming unfastened when it was put on by any unworthy person. Many ladies had often tried to wear it, but it fitted no one till it came into the hands of its rightful owner, Floramel. End of Section 17, Recording by Sean Michael Hogan, St. John's, Newfoundland, Canada Section 18 of Stories from the Fairy Queen. This is a LibriVox recording. All LibriVox recordings are in the public domain. For more information or to volunteer, please visit LibriVox.org. Recording by Sean Michael Hogan. Stories from the Fairy Queen by Mary MacLeod. How the Good Horse Brigadour Knew Its Own Master While everyone was busied about Floramel and in hearing the truth about Braggadocio, Sir Guillain, as it befell, came forward from the thickest of the crowd to claim his own good steed, which Braggadocio had stolen long ago. Seizing the golden bit with one hand he drew his sword with the other, for he meant to smite the thief heavily, and had he not been held he would certainly have done so. Then a great hurly-burly rose in the hall because of that warhorse, for Braggadocio would not let him pass, and Sir Guillain was quite resolved to have him, or to put the matter to the proof over his dead body. The uproar being perceived by Artigal, he drew near to stay the tumult, and began to ask how the steed had been taken away, whether extorted by might or stolen by cunning. Then Sir Guillain told him about the knight and the lady, whom he and the Palmer had found, and to avenge whom he had gone on his quest against the wicked enchantress Acrasia. He described how, when he had gone into the thicket to help the dying lady, his horse had been perloined by craft, for which he now challenged the thief to fight. But Braggadocio would by no means consent to this, for he hated such doings, and would rather lose than make trial of his right by an appeal to arms. Sir Artigal hearing this might then have handed over the horse to Sir Guillain, for according to nightly custom there was no need to try one's cause by the law of arms, if a foe refused to meet one in the field. But wishing to establish Guillain's claim properly, he asked him to describe any secret token borne by the horse. If that will satisfy you, said Sir Guillain, there is within his mouth a black spot, shaped like a horse's shoe, for anyone who cares to seek for it. In order to test this, someone took hold of the horse to look into his mouth, but the creature immediately struck at him so savagely with his heels that he broke his ribs to pieces. Another, who seemed to have a little more sense, took him by the bright embroidered headstall, but the horse bit him so sharply on the shoulder that he was quite disabled. Nor would he open his mouth to a single person until Sir Guillain himself spoke to him and called him by his name, Brigador. The instant the horse understood his voice he stood stuck still and allowed everyone to see the secret mark, and when his master called him by name he broke all his fastnings with joy and gleefully followed him, frisking and prancing and bending his head in submission. Thereupon Sir Artigal plainly sought to whom he belonged and said, Lo there, Sir Guillain, take to yourself the steed, arrayed as he is in his golden saddle, and let that worthless fellow fare hence on foot until he has gained a horse. But the vain braggart began to rate and revile Sir Artigal for giving such an unjust judgment against him. The knight was so incensed at his insolence that he was tempted to punish him, and thrice he laid his hand on his sword to slay him. But Sir Guillain pacified Sir Artigal, saying it would only dishonor him to wreak his wrath on a churl like that. It would be punishment enough that everyone saw his disgrace. Then Talus seized the boaster, and dragging him out of the hall inflicted this punishment on him. First he shaved off his beard, then he took his shield and turned it upside down and blotted out the device, and then he broke his sword in two and scattered all his armor. After that he openly scourged him out of the court. So should all traitors who shame true chivalry be banished with infamy from among brave knights, for their evil doings often bring disgrace on just merit. THE ADVENTURE OF THE TWO BROTHERS AND THE COFFER When the wedding festivities of Maranel and Floramel were over, Sir Artigal left the castle of the Strand to follow his first quest, and the only person who went with him to help him was his servant Talus, the Iron Man. As he passed along the seashore he chanced to come where two comely squires were having an angry quarrel. They were brothers, but were just now stirred up by some matter of debate. Two good-looking damsels stood beside them, trying by every means to soothe their ire. Now by fair words, but words did little good. Now by threats, but threats only made them angrier. Before them stood a strong coffer, fast bound on every side with iron bands, but seeming to have received much injury either by being wrecked upon the shore, or by being carried far from foreign lands. It appeared as if it were for this coffer the squires were fighting, and though the ladies kept interfering to prevent their furious encounter, yet they were firmly resolved to try their rights by dint of sword. Thus they both stood ready to meet in cruel combat when Sir Artigal, happily arriving, stopped for a while their greedy bickering till he had inquired the cause of their dispute, to whom the elder made this answer. You must know, sir, we are two brothers, to whom our father, Milicio by name, equally bequeathed his land, two islands, which you see there before you, not far off in the sea. Of these the one appears but like a little mount of small size, yet it was as great and wide not many years ago as that other island, which is now so much larger. But the course of time which destroys everything, and this devouring sea which spares nothing, have washed away the greater part of my land, and thrown it up to my brother's share, so his is increased, but mine is lessened. Before which time I loved as it happened the maid over there called Filter of the Fair, with whom I should have received a goodly dour, and to whom I was to have been married. At that time my younger brother Amadas loved the other damsel, Lucy, to whom but little dour was allotted. Her virtue was the dowry that delighted, and what better dowry can a lady possess? But now when Filter of saw my lands decay, and my former livelihood fail, she left me, and went over to my brother, who, taking her from me, completely deserted his own love. Lucy, seeing herself forsaken, in despair, flung herself into the sea, thinking to take away her grief by death. But see how her purpose was foiled, whilst beaten to and fro amidst the billows, hovering between life and death, she chanced unawares to light upon this coffer which offered to her in her danger hope of life. The wretched maiden who had formerly desired death, now that she had had a taste of it, began to repent that she had been so foolish, and caught hold of the sea-beaten chest, which, after long tossing in the rough waves, at last rested on my island. Here I, wandering by chance on the shore, aspired her, and with some difficulty helped to save her from the jaws of death which threatened to swallow her up. In recompense for this she then bestowed on me those goods which Fortune had given her, together with herself a free gift, both goodly portions, but herself the better of the two. In this coffer which she brought with her we found a great treasure, which we took as our own, and so considered it. But this other damsel, Filter of my brother's wife, pretends now that the treasure belongs to herself, that she transported the same by sea to bring it to her newly made husband, but suffered shipwreck by the way. Whether it be so or not I cannot say. But whether it indeed be so or not, this I do say, that whatsoever good or ill providence or fortune throws to me, not purposely wronging anyone else, I hold as my own, and will so hold it still. And though I'm at us first one away my land, and then my love, though now that matters little, yet he shall not also make pray of my good luck, but I will defend it as long as ever I can. Brachadas, the elder brother, having thus spoken, the younger one followed on. It is quite true what my brother here has declared to you about the land, but the dispute between us is not for that, but for this treasure thrown upon his shore, which I can prove as shall appear by trial to belong to this lady, to whom I am married. It is well known by good marks and perfect witnesses, and therefore it ought to be rendered to her without denial. When they had thus ended the night spoke. Truly it would be easy to reconcile your strife if you would submit it to some just man. Unto yourself they both cried. We give you our word to abide the judgment you pronounced to us. Then in token that you will accept my verdict, let each lay down his sword upon my foot, sits her article, and then you shall hear my sentence. So each of them laid down his sword out of his hand. Then Artigal spoke thus to the younger brother. Now tell me, Amadas, if you can, by what good right do you withhold today that part of your brother's land which the sea has plucked away from him and laid on your share? What other right, quote Amadas, would you deem valid, except that the sea laid it to my share? Your right is good, said Sir Artigal, and so I judge it. That which the sea sent unto you should be your own. Then, turning to the elder brother, he spoke thus. Now, bracket us, let this likewise be plain. Your brother's treasure, which is strayed from him, being well known to be the dowry of his wife. By what right do you claim this to be your own? What other right, quote Brachadas, would you deem valid, except that the sea has thrown it unto me? Your right is good, said Sir Artigal, and so I judge it. That which the sea sent unto you should be your own, for equal things have equal rights. What the mighty sea has once possessed and quite plucked from its owner's hands, whether by the rage of the unresting waves, or tempest, or shipwreck, it may dispose of by its imperial might to whomever it chooses as a thing left at random. So in the first place, Amadas, the land was declared to be yours, and so in like manner, Brachadas, the treasure is yours by right. When Sir Artigal had thus pronounced sentence, both Amadas and Filterer were displeased, but Brachadas and Lucy were very glad and immediately took possession of the treasure in accordance with the judgment. So their discord was appeased by this sentence, and each one had his right, and Sir Artigal, having stopped their contention, went on his way. Radigand, Queen of the Amazons As Sir Artigal travelled on his way, he saw far off a crowd of many people, to whom he hastened, in order to discover the cause of such a large assembly. When he came near, he saw a strange sight, a troop of women glad in war-like fashion, with weapons in their hands as if ready to fight, and in the midst of them he saw a knight with both hands pinged behind him, and round about his neck a halter tight, ready prepared for the gallows. His head was bare, and his face covered, so that it was not easy to distinguish him. He went along with a heavy heart, grieved to the soul, and groaning inwardly that he should die so base a death at the hands of women. But they, like merciless tyrants, rejoiced at his misery, and reviled him, and sorely reproached him with bitter taunts and terms of disgrace. When Artigal arriving at the place asked what cause had brought the man to destruction, the women swarmed eagerly around him, meaning to lay their cruel hands on him, and to do him some unexpected mischief. But he was soon aware of their evil mind, and drawing back, defeated their intention. He was ashamed to disgrace himself by fighting with women, so he sent Talas to punish them for their rash folly. With a few strokes of his iron flail the latter speedily dispersed their troop, and sent them home to tell a piteous tale of their vain prowess turned to their own injury. The wretched man doomed to death they left behind them, glad to be quit of them. Talas soon set him at liberty, and released him from his horror at such a shameful death, unfitting a night which he dreaded more than loss of life. And uncovering his face he brought him to his master, who then knew him at once. Sir Turpent cried Artigal, hapless man, what are you doing here? Have you lost yourself and your senses? Or have you who can boast of subduing men yielded to the oppression of women? Or what other deadly misfortune has fallen on you that you have run so foolishly far astray as to lead yourself to your own destruction? The man was so confused partly with shame, partly with dismay, that he stood lost in astonishment, and could find little to say an excuse. You may justly term me hapless, who am brought to this shame, and am today made the scorn of knighthood, was his only answer. But who can escape fate? The work of heaven's will surpasses human thought. True, said Sir Artigal, but faulty men often attribute their own folly to fate, and lay on heaven the guilt of their own crimes. But tell me, Sir Turpent, and do not let your misery daunt you how you fell into this state. Since you needs will know my shame, said the knight, and all the ill which has lately chanced to me, I will briefly relate it, and do not turn my misfortune to my blame. Being desirous as all knights are to try deeds of arms through hard adventures, and to hunt after fame and honour, I heard a report which flew far abroad that a proud Amazon lately bade defiance to all brave knights, and wrought them all the villainy her malice could devise, putting some to shame, and doing many of them to death. The cause of her hate is for the sake of a knight called Belodant the Bold, whom a short time ago she liked greatly, and tried in every way to attract. But finding nothing of any avail, her love turned to hatred, and for his sake she vowed to do all the ill she could to other knights, which vow she now fulfills. For all those knights whom by force or guile she subdues, she treats shamefully. First she despoils them of their armour, and clothes them in women's garments, then with threats she compels them to work to earn their food, to spin, to card, to sow, to wash, to ring. She gives them nothing to eat but bread and water, or some such feeble food, to disable them from attempting revenge. But if with manly disdain any of them withstand her insolent commands, she causes them to be immediately hanged on that gibbet over there, in which condition I stood just now, for being conquered by her in fight, and put to the base service of her band, I chose rather to die than to live that shameful life unworthy of a knight. What is the name of that Amazon? asked Artigal. And where and how far hence does she live? Her name is called Radagund, replied Sir Turpin, a princess of great power and greater pride, queen of the Amazons, well-tried in arms and sundry battles, which she has achieved with great success, and which have won her much glory and fame. Now, by my faith, said Sir Artigal, I will not rest till I have tested her power, and avenged the shame that she shows to knights. Therefore, Sir Turpin, throw from you those squalid clothes the pattern of despair, and go with me, that you may see and know how fortune will repair your ruined name and knighthood, whose praise she would tarnish. Sir Turpin joyfully threw off his iron fetters, and eagerly prepared to guide the way to the dwelling of the Amazon, which was not more than a mile or two distant, a goodly and a mighty city called after her own name, Radagund. On their arrival they were immediately aspired by the Watchmen, who warned all the city of the appearance of three war-like persons, of whom one seemed like a knight fully armed, and the other two likely to prove dangerous. The people ran at once to put on their armor, swarming in a cluster like bees, and before long their queen herself, looking half like a man, came forth into the crowd, and began to set them in array. At now the knights, being arrived near, beat upon the gates to enter in, threatening the porter who had scorned them for being so few to tear him to pieces if they won the city. When Radagund heard them her heart was torn with rage, she bade her people to unbar the gates at once, and to make way for the knights with well-prepared weapons. As soon as the gates were set open, the knights pressed forward to make an entrance, but midway they were meant by a sharp shower of arrows which stopped them. Then all the mob attacked them savagely, keeping strokes so fast on every side, and with such a hail of arrows that the knights could not withstand them. But Radagund herself, when she aspired Sir Turpin freed from her cruel doom, was suddenly seized with a fit of fury, and flying at him like a lioness smote him so fiercely that he fell to the ground. Then she leaped to him and placed her foot on his neck. When Sir Artigal saw the knights' peril, he sprang at once to his rescue, and assailed Radagund with such vigor that he drove her back. For a moment she was stunned, but as soon as she collected her senses she turned on Sir Artigal, half mad with revengeful anger and pride, for she had never suffered such a rebuff. But before they could meet in fight her maidens flocked round her so fast that they parted them in spite of their valor and kept them far asunder. But amongst the others the fight lasted And all the while the great Iron Man sorely vexed the Amazons with his strange weapon, to which they had never been accustomed in war. He chased and outran them and broke their bows and spoiled their shooting so that not one of them all dared to go near him. They scattered like sheep before a wolf, and fled before him through all the fields and valleys. But when the daylight grew dim with the shadows of night, Radagund, with the sound of a trumpet, caused her people to cease fighting and gathering them to the gate of the city made them all enter and had the weak and wounded conveyed in before she would retreat herself. When the field was thus empty and all things quiet, Sir Artigal, weary with toil and travel, caused his pavilion to be richly prepared in full view of the city gate. He himself, together with Sir Turpin, rested here in safety all that night. But Talus was accustomed in times of jeopardy to keep a nightly watch for fear of treachery. Radagund, full of heart gnawing grief for the rebuke she had met that day, could take no rest nor relief but tossed about in her mind in what way she could revenge her disgrace. Then she resolved to try her fortune and single-fight herself, rather than see her people destroyed as she had seen that day. She called to her a trusty maid named Clarinda, whom she thought fittest for the business and said to her, Go damsel quickly, get ready to do the message which I shall tell you. Go you to the stranger night who yesterday drove us to such distress. Tell him that tomorrow I will fight with him and try in a fair field which is the mightier. But these conditions you must propound to him that if I vanquish him he shall obey my law and ever be bound to do my bidding. And so will I if he vanquish me whatever he shall like to do or say. Go straight and take with you as witness six of your companions of the highest rank and carry with you wine and rich delicacies and bid him eat. Henceforth he shall often sit hungry. The damsel instantly obeyed and putting all in readiness went forth to the town gate where, sounding a trumpet loudly from the wall, she sent warning to the warrior knights. Then Talus, issuing from the tent, took his way fearlessly to the wall to know what that sounding of the trumpet meant, whereupon the damsel called to him and explained that she wished to parley with his lord. Then he conducted them at once to his master, who gave them a cordial greeting and to whom they told their message word for word. Sir Artigal, gladly accepting it, entertained them with fitting courtesy and gave them rich and handsome gifts. So they turned their steps homeward again, but Artigal went back to rest that he might be fresher against the next day's fight. End of Section 18 Recording by Sean Michael Hogan, St. John's, Newfoundland, Canada Section 19 of Stories from the Fairy Queen This is a LibriVox recording. All LibriVox recordings are in the public domain. For more information or to volunteer, please visit LibriVox.org Recording by Sean Michael Hogan Stories from the Fairy Queen by Mariam McLeod How Sir Artigal threw away his sword. As soon as day dawned, the noble warriors, mindful of the fight before them, duly prepared themselves. The night has besieged a night and the Amazon in the way she liked best to dress. She wore a light loose robe of purple silk, woven with silver, quilted upon white satin, and plentifully trimmed with ribbons, not to hinder her movements it was tucked up to her knee, but could when she liked be lowered to her heel. Over that she wore for defence a small coat of mail. On her legs were painted buskins, laced with bands of gold. Her scimitar was lashed at her thigh in an embroidered belt, and on her shoulder hung her shield, decked with glittering stones, so that it shone like the full moon. Thus she came forth, stately and magnificent from the city gate, guarded with many damsels who waited on her to defend her, playing on shams and trumpets, the sound of which reached high into heaven, and so she marched into the field where there was a rich pavilion ready prepared to receive her, until it was time to begin the fight. Then forth from his tent came Artagal, armed from head to foot, and first entered the lists. Radigan soon followed, cruel of mind, and with a fierce countenance, fully bent on daring the utmost trial of battle. The lists were shut fast to prevent the mob from rudely pressing to the centre, and they circled round in huge crowds to see how fortune would decide the dangerous problem. The trumpets sounded, and the fight began. Bitterly it began and ended. The Amazon flew at Sir Artagal, frantic with fury, but the more she raged, the more resolute he stood. She hewed, she thrust, she lashed, she laid on every side. At first the night bore her blows and for bore to return them, but presently in his turn he began to attack, and so mightily did his strokes fall on her steel armour that flicks of flame were seen dashing all around her as if she had been on fire. But Radigan, with her shield, so well warded off the danger of his keen weapon that she safely graded her life, until at last, with one stroke of his blade, Sir Artagal cut away half her shield. This so enraged Radigan that she flew at Artagal with her sharp scimitar like a bear on her prey and wounded him badly in the thigh. Thereupon she began to boast of her triumph and taunt the night with spiteful speeches as if she had already got the prize. Indignant at her idle vaunting Sir Artagal struck at her again with such power that he shattered the other half of her shield, and then he smote on her helmet so that she sank senseless onto the grassy field. When he saw her lying on the ground he sprang towards her and unlaced her helmet thinking to cut off her head. But when he had uncovered her face of loveliness shone forth that he was dazzled with astonishment his heart was so pierced with pity that he threw away his sharp sword, reviling his hand that had done injury to such a vision of beauty. Radigan meanwhile awakened from her swoon and stared about her in confusion. As soon as she saw the knight standing there beside her with no weapon in his empty hands she flew at him with fresh cruelty and though he kept retiring she laid on him huge redoubled strokes. The more he meekly entreated her to stay her hand from greedy vengeance the more she increased her merciless attack. Sir Artigal could do nothing but shun her angry onslaught and ward off with his shield alone as well as he could the fierceness of her rage. He begged her to stay her strokes and said that he would yield himself yet she would not hearken nor give him time to breathe till he had delivered to her his shield and submitted himself to her mercy in the open field. Thus was Sir Artigal overcome though indeed he was not overcome but yielded of his own accord. Yet was he justly doomed by his own judgment when he had said unwarily that he would be her thrall and do her service. For though he first gained the victory yet afterwards by abandoning his sword he willfully lost that which before he had attained. Then Radigan struck him with the flat of her sword in token of true subjection to her power and as a vassal took him to thrall them but the more hapless turpin she caused to be pinioned and led away to the cruel fate that she had but lately been rescued. But when the Amazons thought to lay hands on Talus he thundered amongst them with his iron flail so that they were glad to let him escape for the heaps of those he slew and wounded besides the rest which he dismayed were too many to number. But all this while he did not once attempt to rescue his own lord for he thought it just to obey. Then Radigan took this noble knight left at her disposal by his own willful blame and caused him to be discerned by the elements with which he had formerly won great fame. In place of these she had him shamefully dressed in woman's clothes and put on him a white apron instead of a kurras. Thus clad she brought him from the battlefield into a long large chamber dept with memorials of the ruin of many knights whom she had subdued amongst these she caused his armour to be hung on high to betray his shame and she broke his sword for fear of further harm. Entering he saw round about him many brave knights whose names he knew well who were there bound to obey the Amazon's arrogant law all spinning and carting in an orderly row so that Sir Artigal's brave heart loathed the unseemly sight. But the captive knights were forced through hunger and want of food to do the work appointed them for nothing was given them to eat or drink but what their hands could earn by twisting linen twine. Radigan placed Sir Artigal the lowest among them all and gave a distaff into his hand that he should spin their on flax and toe assorted office for so brave a mind thus hard is it to be the slave of a woman. Yet Sir Artigal took it even in his own despite and obeyed her without murmuring since he had plighted his faith to become her vassal if she won him in fight. The House of Gile Thus for a long while Sir Artigal continued obediently serving proud Radigan however much it galled his noble heart to obey the dictates of a tyrannous woman having chosen his lot he could not now change. As the days went by the Amazon Queen began to have a great liking for her strange captive but for a long time she kept this carefully concealed for her pride would not allow her to own to such a feeling for her lonely vassal. At last when she could bear it no longer she sent for her trusted maid Clarinda and told her to devise some means by which to discover whether there were any chance of Sir Artigal's loving her if she gave him his liberty. Clarinda promised to do her best and tried by all the means in her power to win favor with the knight but the more she saw of him the better she liked him herself so she ended by being false both to her mistress and to Sir Artigal. To the Queen she pretended that Sir Artigal was very stern and obstinate and scorned all her offers of kindness and gentler treatment and to the Knight she declared that she had earnestly besought Radigan to grant him freedom but the Queen would by no means be persuaded and had ordered instead that he should be given some means. This command however Clarinda said she would not carry out because of her own regard for the Knight and she further promised that if she found favor in his sight she would devise some means of setting him free. Sir Artigal, glad to gain his liberty answered her civilly but determined in his heart that nothing should make him forsake his own true love Britomart and deceitful Clarinda had not the least intention of freeing him from bondage but considered rather how she might keep him more securely. She unkindly told her mistress that the Knight spurned her offers of good will and Sir Artigal she told that the Queen refused him his freedom. Yet in order to win his affection she showed him this much friendship that his scanty fare was improved and his work lessened. Thus for a long while Sir Artigal remained there enthralled him. Britomart meanwhile waited and longed for news of her absent lord and when the utmost date assigned for his return had passed she began to think of him as a living mind. Sometimes she feared lest a terrible misfortune had befallen him sometimes lest his false foe had entrapped him in a snare at other times a jealous fear troubled her that perhaps Sir Artigal had forgotten her and found some other lady whom he loved better. Yet she was loathed to think so ill of him as this. One moment she blamed herself another condemned him as faithless over in a different way. When months went on and still he never came back she thought of sending someone to seek him but could find no one so fitting to do this as her own self. One day unable to rest quietly in any place she came to a window opening to the west which was the way Sir Artigal had gone. There looking forth she felt many vain fancies disquiet her and sent her winged thoughts swifter than wind to carry her heart's message to her love. As she looked long she spied someone coming hastily towards her then she knew well before she saw him plainly that it was someone sent from Sir Artigal and as he drew near she found it was his servant, Talus. Filled with hope and dread she ran to meet him exclaiming, and where is he thy lord and how far hence tell me at once and has he lost or won? Then Talus told the whole story of Sir Artigal's captivity. Britomart listened bravely to the end and then a sudden fit of wrath and grief seized her. Without waiting to make any answer she got ready at once dawned her armour and mounted her steed bade Talus guide her on. So she rode forth to seek her night. Sadly she rode speaking no word good or bad and looking neither to the right or left. Her heart burned with rage to punish the pride of that woman who had penned her lord in a base prison and had tarnished his great honour with such infamous disgrace. Thus riding she chanced to meet the evening and night strolling on the plane as if to refresh himself. He seemed well on in years and inclined rather to peace than to needless trouble his raiment and his modest bearing both showing that he meant no evil. Coming near he began to salute Britomart in the most courteous fashion. Though the princess would rather have remained mute than joined in commonplace conversation yet sooner than despised such kindness she set her own wishes aside and so returned his greeting in due form. Then the other began to chat further about things in general and asked many questions to which she gave careless answer. For she had little desire to talk about anything or to hear about anything however delightful. Her mind was wholly possessed by one thought and there was no place for any other. When the stranger observed this he no longer forced her to talk unwillingly but begged her to favour him since the skies were growing dark and wet by lodging with him that night unless good cause forbade it. Britomart was at hand, was glad to yield to his kind request and went with him without any objection. His dwelling was not far away and soon arriving they were received in the most gracious and befitting manner for their host gave them excellent good cheer and talked of pleasant things to entertain them. Thus the evening passed well till the time came for rest. Then Britomart was brought to her bower where attendance waited to help her to undress. But she would not for anything take off her armour although her host warmly besought her for she had vowed, she said, not to lay aside this warrior garb till she had wrought revenge on a mortal foe for a recent wrong which she would surely perform like a wheel or woe betide her. When their host perceived this he grew very discontented for he was afraid lest he should now miss his purpose but taking leave of her he departed. Britomart remained all night restless and comfortless with deeply grieved heart not allowing the least twinkle of sleep to refresh her. In sorrowful thoughts she wore away the weary hours, now walking softly about, now sitting still upright. Neither did Talus let sleep close his eyelids but kept continual guard lying in much discomfort outside her door like a spaniel watching carefully lest anyone should by treachery betray his lady. Just at cock crow Britomart heard a strange noise in the hall below and suddenly the bed on which she might have been lying the trap was let to fall down into a lower room then immediately the floor was raised again so that no one should spy the trap. At the sight of this Britomart was sorely dismayed, plainly perceiving the treason which was intended yet she did not stir in case of more but courageously kept her place waiting what would follow. It was not long before she heard the sound of armed men coming towards her chamber at which dreadful peril she quickly caught her sword and bound her shield about her. As she did so there came to her door two nights all armed ready to fight and after them a rascally mob rudely equipped with weapons. As soon as Talus spied them he started up from where he lay on the ground and caught his thresher ready in his hand. They immediately let drive at him and pressed round in riotous array but as soon as he began to lay about with his iron flail they turned and fled both the armed knights and the unarmed crowd. Talus pursued them wherever he could spy them in the dark and when he returned to Britomart told her the story of the Frey and all the treason that was intended. Though greatly enraged and inwardly burning to be avenged for such an infamous deed Britomart was compelled to wait for daylight. She therefore remained in her chamber but kept wary heed in case of any further treachery. The cause of this evil behaviour was unknown to Britomart but this is how it was. The master of the house was called Dolon, a subtle and wicked man. In his youth he had been a knight and born arms but gained little good and less honour by that warlike kind of life. For he was not in the least valorous but with sly shifts and wiles got the better of all noble and daring knights and brought many to shame by treachery. He had three sons all three like their father treacherous and full of fraud and guile. The eldest named Gizor had through his own guilty cunning been slain by Artigal and to avenge him Dolon with his other two sons had lately devised many vile plots. He imagined by several tokens that his present guest was Artigal but chiefly on account of the iron man who was always accustomed to remain with Artigal. Dolon therefore meant surely to have slain the knight but by the grace of heaven and her own good heed Britomart was preserved from the traitor. The next morning as soon as it was dawn she came forth from the hateful chamber fully intending to punish the villain and all his family but coming down to seek them where they dwelt she could not see father nor sons nor anyone. She sought in each room but found them all empty. Everyone had fled in fear but with her neither she nor Talas knew. She sought was in vain to stay there longer so she took her steed and lightly mounting started again on her former way. She had not ridden the distance of an arrow's flight before she saw in front of her the two false brethren the perilous bridge where Sir Artigal had fought with the Saracen. The passage was narrow like a plowed ridge so that if two met one must needs fall over the edge. There they thought to wreak their wrath on her and began to reproach her bitterly accusing her of murdering Gizor by cunning. Britomart did not know what they meant but she went forward without pausing till she came to the perilous bridge. There Talas wanted to prepare the way for her and scare off the two villains but her eyes sparkled with anger at the suggestion. Not staying to consider which way to take she put spurs to her fiery steed and making her way between them she drove one brother at the point of her spear to the end of the bridge and hurled the other brother over the side of it into the river. Thus the warrior princess slew the two wicked sons of Goodman Gyle the battle of Queen Radigand and Britomart. That night Britomart spent in the great temple of Isis which was dedicated in days of old to the worship of justice. Here in her sleep she had a wondrous vision which at first filled her with dread but when she described it next morning to the priests in the temple they told her that her dream had a good meaning and that everything would end well. Greatly relieved to hear this she bestowed rich rewards on the priests and made royal gifts of gold and silver to the temple. Then taking leave of them she went forward to seek her love never resting and never relenting till she came to the land of the Amazons. When use of her approach was brought to Radigand she was filled with courage and glee instead of being dismayed. Glad to hear a fighting of which she had now had none for a long time she bade them open the gates boldly so that she might see the face of her new foe but when they told her of the Ironman who had lately slain her people she bade them hold them shut. So there outside the gate as seemed best her pavilion was pitched in which brave Britomart rested herself while Tallas watched at her door all night. All night likewise those in the town in terror kept good watch and ward upon their wall. The next morning as soon as it was dawn the warlike Amazon peeped out of her bower and caused a shrill trumpet to sound to warn her foe to hasten to the battle. Britomart who had long been awake in a rage for contest immediately stepped hotly from the pavilion ready for the fight and on the other side her foe soon appeared. But before they lifted hand Radigund began to propound the strict conditions with which she always fed her foes that Britomart should serve her as she had bound the rest to do. At this Britomart frowned sternly in disdain of such indignity and would no longer parley but bade them sound the advance for she would be tied by no other terms than those prescribed by the laws of chivalry. The trumpets sounded and they rushed together with greedy rage smiting with their falchions neither sought to shun the other's stroke but both savagely hacked and hewed furious as a tiger and a lion as fighting over the same prey. So long they fought that all the grassy floor was trampled with blood. At last Radigund having aspired some near advantage let drive at Britomart with all her might thus taunting her with savage scorn bear this token to the man whom you love so dearly and tell him you gave your life for his sake. The cruel stroke glanced on Britomart's shoulder plate and bit to the bone so that she could hardly hold up her shield for the smart of it yet she soon avenged it for the furious pain gave her fresh force and she smote Radigund so rudely on the helmet that it pierced to the very brain and felled her to the ground where with one stroke Britomart killed her. When Radigund's warrior band saw this dreadful sight they all fled into the town and left Britomart's soul victor but they could not retreat so fast to overtake the foremost. Pressing through the mob to the gate he entered in with them and then began a piteous slaughter for all who came within reach of his iron flail were soon beyond the skill of any doctor. Then the noble conqueror herself came in and though she had sworn a vow of revenge yet when she saw the heaps of dead bodies slain by Talus her heart was torn with pity and she bade him slack as fury. Having thus stayed the massacre she inquired for the iron prison of Manley captive. Breaking it open with indignant rage she entered and went all over it. When she saw the strange and horrible sight of the men dressed up in womanish garb her heart groaned with compassion for such unmanly and disgraceful misery. When at last she came to her own night whom the like disguise had no less disfigured abashed with shame she turned aside her head and then with pity and tender words she tried to comfort him. She caused the unsightly garments taken off and in their stead sought for other raiment of which there was great store as well as bright armor refved from many a noble night whom the proud Amazon had subdued. When Sir Artigal was clad in you in this apparel Britomart's spirits revived and she rejoiced in his gallant appearance. They remained for a while in the city of Queen Radigand so that Sir Artigal might recover his strength and Britomart be healed of her wounds. During this time Britomart reigned as a princess with all the order of government. The women were deposed from the rule which they had usurped and true justice was dealt them so that worshiping Britomart as a goddess they all admired her wisdom and listened to her teaching. All those nights who had long been hidden in captivity she freed from their thralldom and made magistrates of the city giving them great wealth and authority and in order that they should always remain faithful she made them swear fealty to Artigal. As the latter night was now fully recovered he proposed to proceed upon the first adventure which had called him forth, the release of the Lady Irene from the villain Grand Torto. Very sad and sorrowful was Britomart at his departure yet wisely moderated her own grief seeing that his honour which she put above all things was much concerned in carrying out that adventure. For a little while after he had gone she remained there in the city but finding her misery increased with his absence and hoping that change could ease her sorrow she too departed to appease her anguish in travel. End of Section 19 Recording by Sean Michael Hogan St. John's Evenland, Canada Section 20 of Stories from the Fairy Queen. This is a LibriVox recording. All LibriVox recordings are in the public domain. For more information or to volunteer please visit LibriVox.org Recording by Sean Michael Hogan Stories from the Fairy Queen by Richard The Adventure of the Damsel, the Two Nights and the Sultan's Horses As Ser Artigal rode forth on his way, accompanied only by Talas he saw far off a damsel on a palfry flying fast in terror before two knights who pursued her. These in turn were themselves pursued by another knight who pricked after them with all his might his spear ready leveled. At length the latter overtook the hind most of the two knights and but the other still pursued the maid who flew as fast in front of him and never stopped till she saw Ser Artigal. To him she ran at once in glad haste hoping to get help against her enemy and Artigal seeing her approach went forward to relieve her fear and to prevent her foe from hurting her. But the pursuing knight greedy as a hound after his prey still continued his course thinking to overthrow Ser Artigal with his spear. Thus a like sternly resolved they met fiercely, but Artigal was the stronger and better skilled in tilt and tournament and he hurled the other out of his saddle quite two spear's lengths. The pagan knight, unluckily for himself, pitched on his head broke his neck and was killed on the spot. Meanwhile the third knight had defeated and slain the second of the villains and leaving him there dead he ran on to overtake his companion. Instead of him he found Ser Artigal and not knowing he was also on the side of the damsel he ran at him without thinking and the latter seeing him so fiercely made against him again. So they met and struck strongly and broke their spears yet neither was dismounted though they both shook to and fro and tottered like two towers quaking in a tempest. But when they had recovered their senses they drew their swords meaning to make amends with them where their spears had failed. When the damsel who had seen the end of both her foes now beheld her friends beginning for her sake a more fearful fray she ran to them in haste with her cruel hands until they both heard what she had to say to them. Ah gentle knights she cried why do you thus unwisely recon yourselves another's wrong I am the injured one whom both of you have aided witness the two pagan knights whom he may see dead on the ground what more revenge therefore do you desire if more than I am she who was the root of all and your revenge on me. When they heard her speak thus and saw that their foes were indeed dead they immediately stayed their hands and lifted up their visors to look at each other and then Sir Artigal saw that his adversary was none other than Prince Arthur himself filled with admiration for his gallant and noble bearing and touched with the deepest affection he drew near and prayed pardon for having unknowingly wronged him offering to yield himself to the prince forever or to any penance he chose to inflict to whom the prince replied truly I need more to crave the same pardon for having been so misled by error as to mistake you dead man but since it pleases you that both our faults shall be forgotten amends can soon be made since neither is much damaged thereby thus their perfect friendship was easily restored and they embraced lovingly each swearing faithfully on his blade never thenceforth to nourish enmity against the other but always mutually to maintain each other's cause then they called the damsel and asked her who were the two foes from whom she was flying so fast and who she was herself and what was the reason she was pursued by them the maiden whose name was Samyant replied that she was in the service of a great and mighty queen called Marcilla a princess of great power and majesty she was known above all for her bounty and sovereign grace with which she supported her royal crown and strongly beat down the malice of her foes who envied her and fretted and frowned at her happiness in spite of them she grew greater and greater and even to her foes her mercies increased amongst the many whom aligned her was a mighty man dwelling near who with cruel spite and hatred did all in his power to undermine her crown and dignity her good nights of whom she had as brave a band as any princess on earth he either destroyed if they stood against him or else tried to bribe slyly to take his part and not content with this he was always trying by treacherous plots to kill Queen Marcilla he is provoked to all this tyranny they say by his bad wife Edicia continued Samyant who counsels him because of his strength to break all bonds of law and rule of right for she professes herself a mortal foe to justice and always fights against it working deadly woe to all who love it and making her nights and people do likewise my liege lady seeing this thought it best to deal with Edicia in a friendly fashion in order to put an end to strife and to establish rest both for herself and her people she therefore sent me on a message to treat with her by way of negotiation as to some final peace and fair arrangement which might be concluded by mutual consent at all times it is customary to afford safe passage to messengers who come on a just cause but this proud dame disdaining all such rules not only burst into bitter words reviling and railing at me as she chose but actually thrust me like a dog out of doors miscalling me by many a bitter name who never did any ill to her then lastly she sent those two nights after me to work me further mischief but thanks to heaven and your valour they have paid the price of their own folly so said the damsel and showed herself most grateful to Prince Arthur and Sir Artigal for their aid the nights having heard of all the wrongs done by the proud dame Edicia were very indignant and eagerly desired to punish her and her husband the Sultan but thinking to carry out their design more easily by a counterfeit disguise they arranged this plot first that Sir Artigal should array himself two dead knights then that he should convey the damsel samiant as his prize to the Sultan's court to present her to the scornful lady who had sent for her this was accordingly done directly the Sultan's wife saw them as she lay looking out of the window she thought it was the pagan knight with her prey and sent a page to direct him where to go taking them to the appointed place the page offered his service to disarm the knight but Sir Artigal refused to take off his armour fearing to be discovered Sir Prince Arthur arrived and sent a bold defiance to the Sultan requiring of him the damsel whom he held as a wrongful prisoner the Sultan filled with fury swearing and cursing commanded his armour to be brought at once and mounted straight upon a high chariot dreadfully armed with iron wheels and hooks and drawn by cruel steeds whom he fed with the flesh of slaughtered men thus he came forth clad in a coat of mail all red with rust right goodly to see that shone like the sun by the stirrup Talus attended playing his page's part as his master had directed so they went forth to battle both alike fierce but with different motives for the proud and presumptuous Sultan with insolent bearing sought only slaughter and revenge but the brave prince fought for right and honour against lawless tyranny on behalf of wronged weakness trusting more to the truth of his cause than in his own strength the Sultan in his folly thought either to hew the prince in pieces with his sharp wheels or to bear him down under his fierce horse's feet and trample him in the dust but the bold knight well spying that peril if he came too near the chariot kept out of the way of the flying horses yet as he passed by the pagan threw a dart with such force that had he not shunned it heedfully it would have transfixed either himself or his horse often Prince Arthur came near hoping to aim some stroke at him but the Sultan was mounted so high in his chariot and his wing-footed coarsers bore him so fast away that before the prince could advance his spear he was past and gone yet still he followed him everywhere and in turn was followed by him again the pagan threw another dart which guided by some bad spirit glided through Prince Arthur's curos and made a grisly wound in his side furious as a raging lion the prince sought to get at his foe but whenever he approached the chariot wheels whirled around him he would fly back again as fast and the Sultan's horses like hungry hounds hunting after game so cruelly chased and pursued him that his own good steed although renowned for courage and hearty race, dared not endure the sight of them but fled from place to place thus for a long while they rushed to and fro seeking in every way to find some opening for attack but the prince could never get near enough for one sure stroke then at last from his victorious shield a veil which hid its magic light and coming full before the horses as they pressed upon him flashed it in their eyes like the lightning which burns the gazer so did the sight of the shield dismay their senses so that they turned back upon themselves and ran away with their driver nor could the Sultan stay their flight with reins or a customed rule as he well knew how they did not fear him in the least their only fear was that from which they fled dismayed like terrified deer which could bear them they flew over hill and dale in vain the pagan cursed and swore and railed and dragged with both hands at the reins he called and spoke to them but nothing availed they heard him not they forgot his training they went which way they chose heedless of their guide through woods and rocks and mountains they drew the iron chariot and the wheels tore the Sultan and tossed him here and there from side to side crying in vain to those who would not hear his crying and all the while Prince Arthur pursued closely behind but could find no means of smiting his foe at last the horses overthrew the chariot which was turned topsy-turvy and the iron hooks and sharp knives caught hold of the Sultan and tore him all to rags nothing was left of him but some bits of his battered and broken shield and armor these Prince Arthur gathered up and took with him that they might remain as a token whenever the tale was told of how worthily that day by Heaven's decree Justice had avenged herself of wrong so that all men might take warning by the example therefore on a tree in front of the tyrant's door he caused them to be hung in the sight of all men to be a memorial forever when the Lady Odysseia from the castle height beheld them she was appalled but instead of being overcome with fright as another woman might have been she immediately began to devise how to be revenged knife in hand she ran down vowing to wreak vengeance on the maiden messenger whom she had ordered to be kept prisoner by Ser Artigal mistaking him for her own night and coming into her presence she ran at her with all her might but Artigal being aware thereof stayed her cruel hand before it reached Samiant and caught the weapon from her thereupon like one distracted she rushed forth wherever her rage bore her frantic with passion breaking out at a poster endure she ran into the wild wood where it is said on a counter for malice and cruelty she was transformed into a tiger the adventure at the den of deceit after the defeat of the Sultan and the flight of his wicked wife Prince Arthur and Ser Artigal wished to hand over the place and all it's wealth to Samiant to hold for her Lady while they departed on their quest but the maiden begged them so earnestly to go with her to see Queen Marcilla that at last they consented on the way she told them of a strange thing near at hand to wit a wicked villain who dwelt in a rock not far off and who robbed all the country round and took the pillage home in this his own wily wit and also the security of his dwelling place both of which were unassailable were of great assistance for he was so crafty both to invent and execute so light of hand and nimble of foot so smooth of tongue and subtle in his tail that anyone looking at him might well be taken in therefore he was called deceit he was well known for his achievements and by his tricks had brought many to ruin the rock also where he dwelt was wondrous strong and hewn a dreadful depth far underground within it was full of winding and hidden passages so that no one could find his way back who once went amiss the knights hearing this longed to see the villain where he lurked and bade Samiant guide them to the place as they came near they agreed that the best plan would be for the damsel to go on in front and sit alone near the den wailing and raising a pitiful uproar the wretch issued forth hoping to find some spoil they lying in wait would closely ensnare him before he could retreat to his den and thus they hoped to foil him easily Samiant immediately did as she was directed and the noise of her weeping speedily brought forth the villain as they had intended he was as dreadful a creature as ever walked on earth with hollow deeply said eyes and long shaggy locks straggling down his shoulders he wore strange garments all in rags and tatters and in his hand he held a huge long staff the top of which was armed with many iron hooks to catch hold of everything that came within reach of his clutches and he kept casting looks around in all directions at his back he bore a great wide net with which he seldom fished in the water but which he used to fish for silly folk on the dry shore and in fair weather he caught many when Samiant saw close beside her such an ugly creature she was really frightened and now in earnest cried out for help but when the villain saw her so afraid he tried gulfily to persuade her to banish fear smiling sardonically on her he diverted her mind by talking pleasantly and showing her some amusing tricks for he was an adept at jugglery and conjuring feats whilst her attention was engaged he suddenly threw his net over her like a puff of wind and snatching her up before she was well aware ran with her to his cave but when he came near and saw the armed knights stopping his passage he flung down his burden fast away Ser Artigal pursued him while Prince Arthur still kept guard at the entrance of the den up to the rock ran deceit like a wild goat leaping from hill to hill and dancing on the very edge of the craggy cliffs it was useless for the armed knight to think of following him but he sent his iron man after him for talus was swift in chase then wherever deceit went talus pursued him so that he soon forced him to forsake the heights and descend to the low ground to seek to try a new plan he suddenly changed his form first he turned himself into a fox but talus still hunted him as a fox then he transformed himself to a bush but talus beat the bush till at last it changed into a bird and passed from him flying from tree to tree and from reed to reed but talus threw stones at the bird so that presently it changed itself into a stone and dropped to the ground whereupon talus took the stone up in his hand and brought it to the knights and gave it to Sir Artigal warning him to hold it fast for fear of tricks while the knights seized it in a tight grip the stone went unawares into a hedgehog and pricked him so that he threw it away then it began to run off quickly returning to deceit's own shape but talus soon overtook him and brought him back but when he would have changed himself into a serpent talus drove at him with his iron flail and thrashed him so that he died so that was the end of deceit the self-deceiver leaving his dead body where it fell the two knights went on with the maiden to see her lady as they had agreed presently they beheld a stately talus mounted high with terraces and towers and all the tops were glistening with gold which seemed to outshine the sky and with their brightness dazzled the eyes of strangers there a lighting they were directed in by Samiant and shown all that was to be seen the magnificent porch stood open wide to all men day and night well guarded by a man of great strength like a giant who sat there to keep out guile and malice and spite which often under a feigned semblance works much mischief in prince's courts his name was awe passing by him they went up the hall which was a wide large room filled with people making a great din in the thickest of the press the marshal of the hall whose name was order came to them and commanding peace guided them through the throng all ceased their clamor to gaze at the knights half terrified at their shining armor which was a strange sight to them for they never saw such array there nor was the name of war ever spoken but all was joyous peace and quietness and just government so by degrees they were guided into the presence of the queen she sat high up on a throne of bright and shining gold adorned with priceless gems all over her was spread a canopy of state glittering and gleaming like a cloud of gold and silver upheld by the rainbow colored wings of little cherubs thus she sat in sovereign majesty holding a scepter in her royal hand the sacred pledge of peace and clemency at her feet lay her sword the bright steel brand rusted from long rest yet when foes forced it or friends sought aid she could draw it sternly to dismay the world round about her sat a bevy of fair maidens clad in white whilst underneath her feet lay a great huge lion like a captive thrawl bound with a strong iron chain and collar now at the instant when the two stranger knights came into the presence of the queen she was holding as it happened a great and important trial having acknowledged their obeisance with royal courtesy she gave orders to proceed with the trial and wishing that the knights should see and understand all that was going on she bade them both mount up to her stately throne and placed one on each side of her then there was brought forth as prisoner a lady of great beauty in high position but who had blotted all her honour and titles of nobility by her wicked behaviour this was no other than the false duessa who had wrought so much mischief by her malice and cunning seeing the piteous plight in which she now stood Prince Arthur's tender heart was touched with compassion but when he heard the long roll of her crimes read forth he could no longer wish that she could escape punishment Sir Artigal for the sake of justice was against her and she was judged guilty by all then they called loudly to the queen to pronounce sentence Marcella was deeply moved at the sight of duessa's wretched plight and even then would gladly have pardoned her but in order to save her land from further evil which would grow if not checked she was obliged to keep to the stern law of justice melting to tears she suddenly left her throne unable to speak the words that doomed the prisoner to death and she never ceased to lament with bitter remorse the fate which the wretched duessa had brought on herself End of Section 20 Recording by Sean Michael Hogan St. John, Stephen Land, Canada Section 21 of Stories from the Fairy Queen This is a LibriVox recording All LibriVox recordings are in the public domain For more information or to volunteer please visit LibriVox.org Recording by Sean Michael Hogan Stories from the Fairy Queen by Mary MacLeod The Adventure of the Tyrant Grand Torto While Prince Arthur and Sir Artigal were staying at the court of Queen Marcilla there came one day two noble youths to implore aid for their mother for their father was dead a cruel tyrant, the son of a giant had ravaged all her land setting up an idol of his own and giving her dear children one by one to be devoured by a horrible monster Prince Arthur, seeing that none of the other knights were eager for this adventure boldly stepped forward and let him undertake it she gladly granted permission and the following morning he started on his journey in due course he reached the land which had been laid waste, fought with the tyrant and overcame him, slew the vile monster and restored the lady to her rightful possessions Sir Artigal meanwhile had started again on his first quest which was to set free the Lady Irene and punish Grand Torto he fared forward through many perils with Talus as usual his only attendant till he came at length near the appointed place there as he travelled he met an old and solitary wayfarer whom he knew at once as the attendant of Irene when she came in sorrow to the court of the fairy queen to entreat protection saluting him by name Sir Artigal inquired for news of his lady whether she were still alive and if so why he had left her to whom the aged knight replied that she lived and was well but had been seized by treachery and imprisoned by the tyrant Grand Torto who had often sought her life and now he had fixed a day by which if no champion appeared to do battle for her and prove her innocent of those crimes of which she was accused she should surely suffer death Sir Artigal was much cast down to hear these sad tidings and sorely grieved that it was owing to his own long delay and captivity that the misfortune had happened Tell me, Sir Sergius, he said how long a space hath he lent her to provide a champion? Ten days he has granted as a favour for he knows well that before that date no one can have tidings to help her for all the shores far and wide which border on the sea he guards night and day so that no one could land without an army already he considers her as good as dead Now turn again, said Sir Artigal for if I live till those ten days are ended be assured, Sir Knight, she shall have aid though I spend my life for her so he went back at once with Sir Sergius Then as they rode together they saw in front of them a confused crowd of people rudely chasing to and fro a hapless night who was in much danger from their rough handling some distance away standing helpless in the midst of the mob they spied a lady crying and holding up her hands to him for aid Sir Artigal and Talus put to flight the rascally route who were assailing the night and then inquired of him the cause of his misadventure he replied that his name was Bourbon and that he had been well known and far renowned till mischief had fallen on him and tarnished his former fame for his own love whom the tyrant grand torto had tried to bribe from him with rich gifts and deceitful words and now he had sent a troop of villains to snatch her away by open force Bourbon had for a long time vainly tried to rescue her but was overcome by the multitude of his assailants But why have you forsaken your own good shield said Sir Artigal this is the greatest shame and deepest scorn that can happen to any night to lose the badge that should display his deeds that I will explain to you must you blame me for it and think it was done willingly whereas it was a matter of necessity said Sir Bourbon blushing half for shame it is true that I was at first dubbed night by a good night the night of the Red Cross who when he gave me arms to fight in battle gave me a shield on which he traced his dear redeemer's badge that same I bore for a long time and with it fought many battles without wound or loss with it I appalled grand torto himself and often times made him fall in field before me because many envied that shield and cruel foes greatly increased to stop all strife and troubleous enmity I laid aside the battered scutcheon and have lately gone without it hoping thereby to obtain my lady nevertheless I cannot have her for she is still detained from me by force and is perverted from truth by bribery truly Sir Night said Artigal it is a hard case of which you complain yet not so hard as to abandon that which contains the blazing of your honour that is your warlike shield all peril and all pain should be accounted less than loss of fame die rather than do ought that yields dishonour not so quotes Sir Bourbon for when time serves I may again resume my former shield to temporise is not to swerve from truth when advantage or necessity compels it fie on such forgery said Artigal under one hood to hide two faces nights should be true and truth is one in all down with all dissembling yet help me now for courtesy against these peasants who have oppressed me said Bourbon so that my lady may be freed from their hands Sir Artigal although he blamed his wavering mind agreed to aid him and buckling himself at once to the fight with the help of Talus and his iron flail soon dispersed the rabble but when they came to where the lady now stood alone and Bourbon ran forward to embrace her she started back disdainfully and would listen to nothing he said the nights rebuked her for being so fickle and wayward and Sir Artigal's grave words so abashed her that she hung down her head for shame and stood speechless seeing this Bourbon made a second attempt and she allowed him to place her on his deed without resistance so he carried her off seemingly neither well nor ill pleased then Sir Artigal took his way to the seashore to see if he could find any shipping to carry him over to the savage island where grand torto held the lady Irene captive as good fortune fell when they came to the coast they found a ship all ready to put to sea wind and weather served them so well that in one day they reached the island where they found great hosts of men in order of battle ready to repel them who held possession of the ground and forbade them to land nevertheless they would not refrain from landing but as they drew near Talus jumped into the sea and wading through the waves gained the shore and chased the enemy away then Artigal and the old knight landed and marched forward to a town which was in sight by this time those who first fled in fear had brought tidings to the tyrant who summoned all his forces in alarm and marched out to encounter the enemy he had not gone far when he met them he charged with all his might but Talus set upon the tyrant's troops and bruised and battered them so piteously that he killed many no one was able to withstand him he overthrew them man and horse so that they lay scattered all over the land as thick a seed after the sower then Sir Artigal seeing his rage bade him to stop and made a sign of truce calling a herald he sent him to the tyrant to tell him that he did not come thither for the sake of such slaughter but to try the right of Irene's cause with him in single fight when Grand Torto heard this message right glad was he thus to stop the slaughter and he appointed the next morrow for the combat betwixt them twain the following morning was the dismal day appointed for Irene's death the sorrowful maiden to whom none had borne tidings of the arrival of Artigal to set her free looked up with sad eyes and a heavy heart believing her last hour to be near rising she dressed herself in squalid garments fit for such a day and was brought forth to receive her doom but when she came to the place and found theirs Sir Artigal in battle array waiting for the foe her heart was cheered and it lent new life to her in the midst of deadly fear like a withered rose dying of drought which glows with fresh grace when a few drops of rain fall on her dainty face so was Irene's countenance when she saw Sir Artigal in that array waiting for the tyrant at length with proud and presumptuous bearing Grand Torto came into the field he was armed in a coat of iron plate and wore on his head a steel cap rusty brown in color but sure and strong he bore in his hand a great poleax with which he was accustomed to fight the blade of which was iron studded but not long he was huge and hideous in stature like a giant in height he was the most man in strength and had more over great skill in single fight his face was ugly and his expression stern enough to frighten one with the very sight of it and when he grinned it could scarcely be discerned whether he were a man or a monster as soon as he appeared within the lists he surveyed Artigal with a dreadful look as if he would have daunted him with fear and grinning in a grisly fashion flourished his deadly weapon but the night of the fairy queen who had often seen such a sight bequelled by his ghastly countenance but began straight to buckle himself to the fight and cast his shield in front of him to be in readiness the trumpets sounded and they rushed together with terrific force each dealing huge and dangerous strokes but the tyrant thundered his blows with such violence that they rent their way through the iron walls of his enemy's armor Artigal seeing this took wary heed to shun them and often stooped his head to shield himself but Grand Torta wheeled at his iron axe and believed that he gave him many wounds but lifting his arm to smite him mortally the night spied his advantage and slipping underneath struck him right in the flank yet the tyrant's blow as he had intended kept on its course and fell with such monstrous weight that it seemed as if nothing could protect Sir Artigal from death but betwixt him and the blow he cast his shield in which the poleaxe buried itself so deep that Grand Torta could in no way rest it back again he tugged and strove at all about the place but nevertheless he could not free the axe from the shield Artigal perceiving this let go of his shield and attacking the tyrant with his sword crissair swiftly cut off his head when the people round about saw this they all shouted for joy at his success glad to be freed from the tyrant who had so long oppressed them joyously running to the fair lady Irene they fell at her feet doing homage to her as their true liege and princess while the glory of her champion was found at everywhere then Sir Artigal led Irene with fitting majesty to the palace where the kings reigned and established her peaceably therein and restored her kingdom again to her and all such persons as had helped the tyrant with open or secret aid he punished severely so that in a very short space not one was left who would have dared to disobey her during the time he remained there all his study was how to deal true justice and day and night he gave his anxious thoughts to how he might reform the government thus having freed Irene from distress he took his leave and left her sorrowing at his departure End of Section 21 Recording by Sean Michael Hogan St. John's, Newfoundland, Canada Section 22 of Stories from the Fairy Queen This is a LibriVox recording All LibriVox recordings are in the public domain For more information or to volunteer please visit LibriVox.org Recording by Sean Michael Hogan Stories from the Fairy Queen by Mary MacLeod Sir Calador, Knight of Courtesy The Quest of the Blatant Beast One of the best-loved knights at the court of the Fairy Queen was Sir Calador for even there where courteous knights and ladies most did throng not one was more renowned for courtesy than Calador gentleness of spirit and winning manners were natural to him and added to these his gallant bearing and gracious speech to all men's hearts moreover he was strong and tall and well-proved in battle so that he had won much glory and his fame had spread afar not a knight or lady at the court but loved him dearly and he was worthy of their affection for he hated falsehood and base flattery and loved simple truth and steadfast honesty but like all Queen Gloriana's other knights Sir Calador was not allowed to spend his days in slothful ease at the court and the adventure appointed to him was a hard and perilous one as he travelled on his way it happened by chance that he met Sir Artagal who was returning half sadly from the conquest he had lately made they knew each other at once and Sir Calador was the first to speak Hail noblest knight of all that live and breathe he cried now tell me if it please you of the good success you have had in your late enterprise then Sir Artagal told him the whole story of his exploits from beginning to end happy man to have worthily achieved so hard a quest said Calador when he had finished it will make you renown for evermore but where you have ended I now begin to tread an endless track without guide or direction how to enter in or issue forth in undried ways in strange perils and in long and weary labour and even although good fortune may befall me it will be unseen of any one what is that quest which calls you now into such peril asked Sir Artagal I pursue the blatant beast said Sir Calador and incessantly chase him through the world until I overtake and subdue him I do not know how or in what place to find him yet still I fare forward what is that blatant beast asked Artagal it is a hideous monster of evil race born and brought up in dark and noisome places whence he issues forth to be the plague and scourge of wretched men he has often times annoyed good night and true lady and destroyed many for with his venomous nature and vile tongue he wounds sorely and bites and crudely torments then since I left the savage island I have seen such a beast, said Artagal he seemed to have a thousand tongues all agreeing in spite and malice with which he barked and bade at me as if he would have devoured me on the spot he was set on by two hideous old hags envy and detraction but I, knowing myself safe from peril paid no regard to his malice nor his power whereupon he poured forth his wicked poison the more that surely is the beast which I pursue, said Calador I am right glad to have these tidings of him having had none before in all my weary travels now your words give me some hope God speed you, said Sir Artagal and keep you from the dread danger for you have much to contend against so they took a kindly leave of each other and parted on their several ways Sir Calador had not travelled far when he came upon a comely squire bound hand and foot to a tree who seeing him in the distance called to him for aid the knight at once set him free and then asked him what mishap had brought him into such disgrace the squire replied it was occasioned not by his fault but through his misfortune not far from here on yonder rocky hill, he said stands a strong castle where a bad and hateful custom is kept up for whenever any knight or lady comes along that way and they must needs go by for it is the past through the rocks they shave away the lady's locks and the knight's beard to pay toll for the passage as shameful a custom as ever I heard of and it shall be put a stop to, said Sir Calador but for what cause was it first set on foot the lady who owns the castle is called Brianna and no prouder one lives, replied the squire for a long time she has dearly loved a dotty knight and sought to win his love by all the means in her power Crudor for that is his name in his scornful and selfish vanity refuses to return her affection until she has made for him a mantle lined with the beards of knights and the locks of ladies to provide this she has prepared this castle and appointed a Seneshile called Malifort a man of great strength who executes her wicked will with worse malice as I came along today with a fair damsel my dear love he set upon us unable to withstand him we both fled and first capturing me he bound me to this tree till his return and then went in pursuit of her nor do I know whether he has yet found her or speaking they heard a piteous shriek and looking in the direction once the cry came they saw the churl dragging the maiden along by her yellow hair when Calador beheld the shameful sight he immediately went in pursuit and commanded the villain to release his prey hearing his voice Malifort turned and running towards him more enraged than terrified said tauntingly are you the wretch who defies me and will you give your beard for this maid whose part you take yet it shall not free her locks from ransom with that he flew fiercely at him and laid on the most hideous strokes but Calador who was well skilled in fight let his adversary exhaust his strength and then attacked him with such fury that the churl's heart failed him and he took flight to the castle where his hope of refuge remained but just as the warders on the castle wall opened the gates to receive him Calador overtook him in the porch and killed him so that his dead body fell down inside the door then Calador entered in and slew the porter the rest of the castle inmates flocked around him but he swept them all aside passing into the hall he was met by the Lady Brianna herself who bitterly upgraded him for what she termed his unnightly conduct in staying her servants not unto me the shame but awarded to the shameful doer, replied the knight it is no blame to punish those who deserve it those who break the bonds of civility and make wicked customs those are they who defame both noble arms and gentle courtesy there is no greater disgrace to man than in humanity then for dread of disgrace for this evil custom which you here keep up and show instead kindly courtesy to all who pass this will gain you more glory than that man's love which you thus seek to obtain but the Lady Brianna only replied to Sir Calador with the most scornful insolence and dispatching a hasty message to Crudor bait him come to her rescue while they waited for the return of the messenger she treated Sir Calador with every indignity so that an iron heart could scarcely have borne it but the knight wisely controlled his wrath and bravely and patiently endured her womanish disdain in due course the answer came back that Crudor would sucker his lady before he tasted bread and deliver up her foe dead or alive into her hand then Brianna immediately became quite blithe and spoke more bitterly than ever yet Calador was not on the least dismayed but rather seemed the more cheerful putting on his armour he went out to meet his foe and soon spied a knight spurring towards him with all his might he guessed at once this was Crudor and without staying to ask his name couched his spear and ran at him the knights met with such fury that both rolled to the ground but while Calador at once sprang lightly again to his feet it was some time before Crudor rose slowly and heavily then the battle was renewed on foot and after a fierce and terrible struggle Calador at last brought his foe to the ground he could easily have killed him but Crudor seeing the danger in which he was placed cried out ah mercy sir do not slay me but spare my life which fate has laid under your foot and is this the boast of that proud lady's threat which menaced to beat me from the field said Calador quietly by this you may now learn not to treat strangers so rudely but put away proud looks and stern behaviour which shall gain for you nothing but dishonour however strong and fortunate he may be in fight nothing is more blameful to a knight who professes courtesy as well as arms than the reproach of pride and cruelty in vain he seeks to suppress others who has not learned first to subdue himself all flesh is frail and full of fickleness subject to the chance of ever changing fortune what happens to me today may happen to you tomorrow he who will not show mercy to others how can he ever hope to obtain mercy to pay each in his own coin is right and just yet since you now need to crave mercy I will grant it and spare your life on these conditions first that you shall behave yourself better to all errant knights wherever they may be and next that you aid ladies in every place and in every trouble the wretched man who had remained all this while in dread of death gladly promised to perform all Sir Calador's behests and further swore to marry Brianna without any dowry and to release her from his former shameful conditions then Calador called the lady and soothing her terror told her of the promise he had compelled Crudor to make overcome by his exceeding courtesy which quite pierced her stubborn heart Brianna threw herself at his feet and acknowledged herself deeply indebted to him for having restored both life and love to her then they all returned to the castle and she entertained them joyfully with feast and glee trying by all the means and her power to show her gratitude and goodwill to Sir Calador for his trouble she freely gave the castle and professed her gratitude to him for his love for his trouble she freely gave the castle and professed herself bound to him forever so wondrously was she changed from what she had been before but Calador would not keep for himself land or fee as wages for his good deed but gave them at once as a rightful reward to the squire whom he had lately freed and to his damsel in recompense for all their former wrong there he remained happily with them till he was well and strong from the wounds he had received and then he passed forth again on his first quest the proud, discourteous knight as Sir Calador rode on his way he saw not far off a strange sight a tall young man fighting on foot against an armed knight on horseback and beside them he saw a fair lady standing alone on foot in sad disarray before he could get near to ask what was the matter the armed knight had been killed by the youth filled with amazement Sir Calador steadfastly marked the latter and found him to be a goodly and graceful youth still only a slender slip not more than seventeen years old but tall and fair of face so that the knight surely deemed him of noble birth he was clad in a woodman's jacket of Lincoln Green trimmed with silver lace on his head he wore a hood with spreading points and his hunter's horn hung at his side his buskins were of the costliest leather adorned with golden points and regularly intersected with stripes as was then the fashion for those of gentle family in his right hand he held a quivering dart and in his left a sharp bore spear Calador having well viewed him had length spoke and asked him how it came that he, though not yet a knight had dared to slay a knight which was plainly forbidden by chivalry truly said the youth I was loath to break the law of chivalry but I would break it again rather than let myself be struck by any man he assailed me first regardless of what belongs to chivalry by my truth then said Sir Calador it blame is it for an armed knight to wrong an unarmed man but tell me why this strife arose between you then the youth whose name was Tristram told him that as he was hunting that day in the forest he chanced to meet this man together with the lady the knight as Sir Calador had seen was on horseback but the lady walked on foot beside the horse through thick and thin unfit for any woman yet not content with this to add to the disgrace whenever she lagged behind as she must needs do he would thump her forward with his spear and force her to go on while she vainly wept and made piteous lament when I saw this as they passed by continued Tristram I was moved to indignation and began to blame him for such cruelty at this he was enraged and disdainfully reviled me threatening to chastise me as one would a child I no less disdainful returned his scornful taunts whereupon he struck me with his spear and I seeking to avenge myself through a slender dart at him which struck him as it seems underneath the heart so that he quickly died Sir Calador inquired of the lady if this were indeed true and as she could deny nothing but cleared Tristram of all blame then said the knight, neither will I charge him with guilt for what he spoke he spoke it for you lady and what he did he did it to save himself against both of whom that knight wrought unnightly shame then turning back to the gallant boy who had acquitted himself so well and stoutly and seeing his beautiful face and hearing his wise words Sir Calador was filled with admiration and felt certain that he came of heroic blood then because of the affection he bore him he begged the youth to reveal who he was for since the day when I first bore arms out of the night I never saw a greater promise in any one then Tristram replied that he was the son of a king although by fate or fortune he had lost his country and the crown that should be his by right he was the only heir of the good king Miliogras of Cornwall but his father dying while he was still a child his uncle had seized the kingdom the widowed queen his mother afraid lest ill should happen to the boy sent him away out of the country of Lyanes where he was born into the land of Queen Gloriana and here he had dwelt since the time he was ten years old his days had not been spent in idleness for he had been well trained with many noble companions in gentle manners and other fitting ways his chief delight was in following the chase and nothing that ranged in the green forest was unknown to him but now that he was growing older he felt it was time to employ his strength in a nobler fashion and he besought Sir Calador to make him a squire so that henceforth he might bear arms and learn to use them a right so Sir Calador caused him to kneel and made him swear faith to his knight and truth to all ladies and never to be recreate for fear of peril nor for anything that might befall so he dubbed him and called him his squire then young Tristram grew full glad and joyous and when the time came for Sir Calador to depart he prayed that he might go with him on his adventure vowing always to serve him faithfully Sir Calador rejoiced at his noble heart and hoped he would surely prove a dotty knight yet for the time he was obliged to make this answer to him glad would I surely be my courteous squire to have you with me in my present quest but I am bound by a vow which I swore to my sovereign that in fulfilling her behest I would allow no creature to aid me for that reason I may not grant what you so earnestly beg but since this lady is now quite desolate and needs a safeguard on her way you would do well to sucker her from fear of danger Tristram gladly accepted this new service so taking a courteous leave the two parted not long after this Sir Calador came upon a knight and a lady sitting in the shade of some trees Sir Calador greeted them courteously and the knight invited him to sit down beside them so that they might talk over all their adventures while they were chatting together the lady Serena wandered away into the fields to pluck some flowers then suddenly from the forest near the blatant beast rushed forth and catching up the lady bore her away in his great mouth starting up both knights at once gave chase and Calador who was swift as to foot overtook the monster in the midst of his race and fiercely charging him made him leave his prey and take to flight knowing that the knight was close at hand Sir Calador did not pause to sucker the lady but quickly followed the brute in his flight full many paths and perils he passed over hill and dale through forest and plain so sharply did he pursue the monster that he never suffered him to rest day or night from the court he chased him to the city from the city to the village from the village into the country and from the country back to remote firms thence the blatant beast fled into the open fields where the herds were keeping the cattle and the shepherds were singing to their flocks Corridan and Pastorella as Sir Calador followed the chase of the blatant beast he came upon a group of shepherds piping to their flocks in reply to his questions they answered they had never seen the creature and if there were any such they prayed heaven to keep him far from them and one of them seeing that Calador was travel-worn and weary offered him such simple food and drink as they had with them and the knight who was courteous to all men alike both the lowly and the high-born accepted their gentle offer as he sat amongst these rustics he saw seated on a little hillock higher than all the rest a beautiful maiden wearing a crown of flowers tied with silk and ribbons she was surrounded by the other shepherdesses as with a lovely garland but her beauty far excelled theirs and all united in singing the praise and caroling the name of the fairest Pastorella not one of all the shepherds but honoured her and many also loved her but most of all the shepherd Corridan yet neither for him nor for anyone else did she care a whit her lot was humble but her mind was high above it as Sir Calador gazed at her and marked her rare demeanor which seemed to him to far excel the rank of a shepherd and to be worthy of a prince's paragon all unawares he was caught in the toils of love from which no skill of his own could deliver him so there he sat still with no desire to move although his quest had gone far before him he stayed until the flying day was far spent and the dews of night warned the shepherds to hasten home with their flocks then came to them an aged sire with silver beard and locks and carrying a shepherd's crook he was always supposed to be the father of Pastorella and she indeed thought at herself but he was not so having found her by chance in the open field as an infant he took her home and cherished her as his own child for he had none other and in course of time she came to be accounted so Mellaby for so the good old man was called seeing Calador left all alone and night at hand invited him to his simple home which although only a mud cottage with everything very humble was yet better to lodge in than the open fields the nightful gladly agreed this being his heart's own wish and went home with Mellaby there he was made heartily welcome by the honest shepherd and his aged wife and after the frugal supper which they ate with much contentment Sir Calador listened half entranced while Mellaby discoursed on all the joys of a Pastorella life so tempting was the picture he painted the Calador resolved to lay aside for a while his toilsome quest and the pursuit of glory and take a little rest in this peaceful spot if he were allowed to share the cabin and the scanty fare he promised to reward Mellaby well but the good old man refused the offered gift of gold if you really wish to try this simple sort of life that shepherds lead, he said make it your own and learn our rustic ways for yourself so Sir Calador dwelt there that night many days after as long as it pleased him daily beholding the fare Pastorella and all the while growing more deeply in love with her he tried to please her by all the kindly courtesies he could invent but she who had never been accustomed to such strange fashions fit for kings and queens nor had ever seen such nightly service paid small heed to them and cared more for the shepherd's rustic civility than for anything he did Sir Calador, seeing this thought it best to change the manner of his appearance doffing his bright armour he dressed himself in shepherd's attire taking in his hand a crook instead of a steel-headed spear clad thus he went every day to the fields with Pastorella and kept her flocks diligently watching to drive away the ravenous wolf so that she could sport and play as it pleased her Corodan, who for a long time had loved her and hoped to gain her love, was greatly troubled and very jealous of this stranger he often complained scowlingly of Pastorella to all the other shepherds whenever he came near Calador would frown and bite his lips and was ready to devour his own heart with jealousy the night on the other hand was utterly free from malice or grudging never showing any sign of ranker and often taking an opportunity to praise Corodan to Pastorella but the maiden, if ever she had cared for her uncouth admirer certainly did so no longer now that she had seen Calador once when Calador was asked to lead the dance with Pastorella in his courtesy he took Corodan and set him in his place and when Pastorella gave him her own flowery garland he soon took it off and put it on the head of Corodan another time Corodan challenged Calador to a wrestling match thinking he would surely avenge his grudge and easily put his foe to shame for he was well practised in this game but he greatly mistook Calador for the night was strong and mightily tough in sinew and with one fall he almost broke Corodan's neck then Pastorella gave the oaken crown to Calador as his due right but he who excelled in courtesy gave it to Corodan saying he had won it well thus did that gentle knight bear himself amidst that rustic throng so that even they who were his rivals could not malign him but must need to praise him for courtesy breeds good will and favour even amongst the rudest so it surely wrought with this fair maiden and in her mind sowed the seeds of perfect love which at last after long trial brought forth the fruit of joy and happiness but whatever Sir Calador did to please Pastorella Corodan immediately strove to emulate and if the knight succeeded in winning favour he was frozen with jealousy one day as they all three went together to the green wood to gather strawberries a dangerous adventure befell them a tiger rose up out of the wood and rushed with greedy jaws at Pastorella hearing her cry for help Corodan ran in haste to rescue her but when he saw the fiend he fled away just as fast and cowardly fear holding his own life dearer than his friend but Calador quickly coming to her aid when he saw the beast ready to rend his dear lady ran at him enraged instead of being afraid he had no weapon but his shepherd's crook but with that he struck the monster so sternly that he fell stunned to the ground and then before he could recover Sir Calador cut off his head and laid it at the feet of the terrified maiden from that day forth Pastorella grew more and more fond of the knight but Corodan she despised of his cowardice then for a long time Sir Calador dwelt happily among these shepherd folk forgetting his former quests of full of toil and pain and rejoicing in the happy peace of rustic bliss but at last malicious fortune which envies the long prosperity of lovers blew up a bitter storm of adversity End of section 22 Recording by Sean Michael Hogan St. John's, Newfoundland, Canada