 Book 2 Chapter 20 of Amades of Gaul This is a LibriVox recording. All LibriVox recordings are in the public domain. For more information or to volunteer, please visit LibriVox.org. Amades of Gaul by Vasco de la Vieira, translated by Robert Sully. Book 2 Chapter 20. How the battle was performed between Don Brunio of Bonamar and Madaman the Envious, brother to the insolent damsel, and of the confusion which was occasioned by Envy among the friends of Amades, for which Amades foresook the court of King Lozuarte. On the day after the battle Don Brunio of Bonamar appeared before the King, and there he found the insolent damsel who said that her brother was ready to do combat with him and take that poor vengeance for Arden Canelio. Fourth with they armed and went to the field, Don Brunio accompanied by many good knights, and Madaman the Envious, for so he was called, by them who bore his arms. At the first encounter Madaman was thrown and Brunio slightly hurt in the breast. He kept his seat, but when he turned the reins Madaman cried out to him, soared in hand, Don Brunio, if you would lose not your horse, a light or let me mount. Take your own choice, quote Brunio. A light then, said Madaman, for being a huge stature he thought to have the advantage afoot. Then began a brave battle, and while they were thus engaged there happened a strange thing, whereby it was manifested that beasts know their masters, for the horses being loose in the field attacked each other, fighting with their feet and teeth, so furiously that all were amazed there at, and this lasted till Madaman's horse, being no longer able to hold out, ran away, and in his fear leaped over the barriers, the witch all they who wished for the victory of Brunio held as a good sign, and turning their eyes now to the two combatants, they saw how Don Brunio pressed upon the enemy hard, so that Madaman drew back and said, Why do you fatigue yourself? Is not the day long enough? Hold a while and let us rest, look at your arms and the blood which you have lost, and you will find it needful. Madaman, quote he, If our combat were of another nature you should find in me all courtesy, but for this pride and hatred I will not suffer thee to rest, and show thy own faint heartedness, lest my own fame should be lessened. With that he pressed upon him, and foined so fast at him that Madaman had enough to do to defend himself from the blows, and he thinking he might protect himself better among the rocks, drew back towards the cliff, and there he stood upon the edge, being uprighted at the depth, till Brunio came up, and with his shield and hand, thrust him over, so that he was all shattered before he reached the water, then Brunio knelt and returned thanks to God. But when Matalesa, the insolent damsel, beheld the fall of her brother, she ran furiously to the cliff and looked over, and seeing the bloody fragments floating on the waves, she caught up his sword which he had dropped and cried. Here where the blood of my uncle Arden Canelio, and my brother has been shed, shall mine be shed also. That my soul may be with theirs, and she ran herself through, and fell backward into the sea. Don Brunio then rode to the lodgings of Amades, and his bed was placed by the beds of Amades and Agriote, and there were they all healed, and during their confinement, the knights and ladies of the court often went there to amuse them. Now Brealania perceiving that the malady of her love increased, with the advice of Amades, departed for her own kingdom, but she determined first to see the wonders of the firm island, and prove the forbidden chamber. So she took Anil with her, and promised to tell Oriana all that she should see there, as shall be related hereafter. As this history now proceeds, you will see the little power of human wisdom. When it pleases God to leave man to himself, you have heard how King Lysvarte, being a prince, and possessing nothing but his arms and his horse, and going about with only a few servants seeking adventures, came to Denmark, where Prasena, the king's daughter, preferred him to all her many suitors, and chose him for her husband. This was his first good fortune. But ere long his brother died, and he became king of Great Britain, and subdued other kingdoms, and the sons of kings and princes and dukes abode in his court, so that his name was famous above all emperors and kings in the world. Now there were two knights in his court who had served his brother King Fallengris, and for this, and because of their age, more than for their goodness, they were of Lysvarte's council. The one was named Brocadon, the other Gandendel. This Gandendel had two sons who were thought passing good knights in arms, before Amades and those of his lineage arrived there, whose exceeding worth and courage had now made them be forgotten. On this account, Gandendel, neither fearing God, nor regarding his duty to the king, nor the good deeds done by Amades to himself, devised in his evil heart a foul treason. He let the king apart and said to him, Sir, I have long foreborn to speak to you upon this matter, hoping some other remedy might be devised, and therein have I greatly sinned against you, but I should sin both against you and God if I were longer to keep silence, and I have been always careful to preserve my soul and honour, and do evil to no one, so that my judgment is free from all passion. You know, sir, what great quarrels have subsisted between the kingdoms of Gaul and Great Britain, because that country ought to be subject to this as all the other neighbouring countries are, and this is an evil which will never be thoroughly healed till it be so. But now, Amades, who is not only a native of Gaul, but the chief person of his lineage, has come hither with his kinsmen, and has acquired such power that the kingdom is in his hand. As if he were right ere there, too. True it is that from him and his friends I have never received any wrong, but great honour and pleasure, but you are my natural Lord, and I must discharge my duty, lest I fall into a wretched plight in this world, and my soul be cast into hell in the other. The king, without any seeming alteration, answered him, these nights have already served me well to my honour and profit, so that I cannot think of them otherwise than well. Sir, quote Gauntendell, that is the worst sign. For if they did anything against your service you would be upon your guard against them, but the treachery is concealed under their good services. Thus have you heard all the talk, for the king answered nothing farther. But Gauntendell took counsel with his brother Brocadon, whose evil mind was like his own, and they, too, of working upon the king to the same effect, wrought in him a great change against those who had done him such services, so that he seemed to have forgotten how Galeor rescued him from the ten nights of our Galeos, and Amadeus from the arms of Medanpa Bull, although in both cases they saved his life and his kingdoms. So much was Lisvarte moved thereby that he now began to hate Amadeus and his friends, and he left off visiting Amadeus where he lay wounded, and would pass by his lodgings without asking how he fared. All who saw this novelty marveled much there at, and they sometimes talked concerning it before Amadeus, but he, knowing his own true meaning, would not believe but that the king also was like himself, and that business occupied him, and this he said to his friends, and particularly to Angriote of Estravaus, who was the most troubled. While things were in this state, King Lisvarte sent for Madasima and her damsels, and the old giant and his sons, and the nine knights whom he held as hostages, and he told them that if they did not forthwith cause the island of Mungasa to be given up to him according to terms, he would have their heads cut off, which when Madasima heard, the tears came abundantly, and not knowing what to reply, her flesh all shook with exceeding fear. But Andaguel, the old giant, replied that if he would send him with a certain force he would cause the island to be surrendered to him, or else return again. The king therefore dismissed him with this force, and Madasima returned to prison, accompanied by many knights, among whom was Don Galványas Lackland. He, beholding the tears on that fair face, was moved to exceeding pity, and yielded up that liberty which he had before preserved. And without delay speaking apart to her, he opened his heart and said, that if it pleased her to marry him, he would so deal that both her life and lands should be safe. Madasima, who knew well his great worth, and of what lineage he was, was nothing averse. Then Galványas knelt down and kissed her hand, and it was not long before he acquainted Amades and Agraeus of his love, and besought them to enable him to perform what he had promised as they regarded his life. They marveling at this sudden change told him that, considering his good services to King Lusvarte, what he required was a little thing, especially as the Lordship of the island would remain to the king, and Amades promised, as soon as he could ride, to request the boon for him. Meantime Gandondel often went to visit Amades, with semblance of great regard, and always spoke to him of the king as being changed, and warned him to be aware of him lest some evil should happen, which, said the old traitor, would be a great grief to me, because of the many favors I and my sons have received at your hands. But never could he kindle any wrath or suspicion in the mind of Amades, though he persisted so that Amades grew angry at him, and told him to say no more. For if all in the world were to tell him so, he never would believe that so wise and good a king could be moved against one, whose sleeping and waking had no thought of anything but his service. After some days, when the three knights were healed of their wounds, they rode out one morning, being richly apparelled, and after hearing mass went to the palace, where they were right welcomed by all except by the king, who neither looked at them, nor received them as he was want. Amades did not conceive that this proceeded from any ill will, but that traitor Gondondel came up to him, and embracing him, said with a smile, People are sometimes not believed when they tell the truth. Amades made him no answer, and he, seeing how Angriote and Don Brunio were offended, that Lysuarte did not notice them, went up to the king and said, so that no one could hear him, do you not see, sir, how those knights looked towards you? Lysuarte did not reply, and Amades then, who suspected no evil, came up with Galvanias and Agraeus and said courteously, Sir, if it pleased you, we would speak with you, and let whom you will be present. The king said, Gondondel and Brocadon, there at was Amades well pleased, for he believed them to be his true friends. Then they went together into a garden where the king seated himself under a tree, and they round about him, and Amades said, Sir, it has not been my fortune to serve you according to my good will. Yet though I may not have deserved it, relying upon your virtue and great nobleness, I venture to ask a boon which shall be to your service, and wherein you shall show great courtesy, and do what is right. Certus said Gondondel, if it be as you say you ask a fair boon, but let the king know what you would have. Sir replied Amades, what I and Agraeus and Galvanias who have served you also, now request is the island of Mungasa, that reserving to yourself the lordship, you would give it with Madasima in marriage to Don Galvanias, wherein you will show favor to him who is of such lineage, and hath no lands, and will gain a good vassal for yourself, and also deal courteously with Madasima, who by us have been disherited. Gondondel and Brocadon, hearing this, looked at the king, and made signs to him that he should not grant it, but he remained silent for a while, calling to mind the great worth of Galvanias, and the services which he had received from him, and how Amades had won that island with the extreme peril of his life, and knowing also that what they asked was a reasonable and becoming thing, and just. But because his will was perverted he answered as one who had no inclination to consent. He is not wise who asks for what he cannot have. I say this with respect to you, for you ask that which five days ago I promised the queen for her daughter Leonoreta. This answer he made to excuse himself, not because it was true. At this Gondondel and Brocadon were well pleased, and made signs to him that he had said well. But Agraeus, whose heart was warm, when he heard with how little courtesy the king had refused them, would not keep silence. You make us feel, sir, quote he, that our services will profit us little here. If my advice be taken, our lives shall be differently employed. Nephew, exclaimed Galvanias, services are worth little when they are done to those who know not how to reward them. Men should look where they bestow them. Sirs, quote Amades, do not complain that the king cannot give you what he have already promised to another. I will ask the king to give you Matasima, and let him keep the land. And I will give you the firm island, till the king shall have something else to bestow upon you. The king answered, Matasima is in my prison in hostage for her lands, and if they be not surrendered, I will have her head cut off. Then Amades replied, of a truth, sir, you should have answered us more courteously, and you would not have committed this wrong if you had known us better. If I do not know you, said Lysvarte, the world is wide enough. Go through it, and look for those who may know you better. Certus, sir, quote Amades, till now I had thought there was no king in the world who had wisdom such as yours, but seeing how strangely different you are from what I believed, since you are in this new mood, we must seek a new way of life. Lysvarte answered, do your own will, as I shall mine, and he rose angrily and went to the queen. Gondondel and Crocodon commended him much for what he had done, in thus dismissing such dangerous enemies, and he told Bresena all that had passed and how he rejoiced there at. But she told him that what he rejoiced at was to her cause for sorrow, for Amades and his friends had ever served him faithfully and well, and that other knights, seeing how they were recompensed, would have great reason to seek one who would know and reward them better. Say no more, cried he, I know what I am doing, and remember to say what I tell you, that you asked that island for Lianaretta, and that I have given it her. I will do as you command me, replied Bresena, but God grant that it come to good. Amades returned to his lodging in a more melancholy mood than he was want. He would say nothing to the knights of his company, till he had spoken with Oriana. So, calling Doran aside, he bade him tell Mabilia that he must see Oriana that night, and that they should expect him by the water-course in the garden. Then he Aden regaled with the knights as he used to do, and he desired them to assemble there on the morrow, for he had something to impart to them. When day was gone and night was come, after they had retired and all were at rest, he went with Gondaline to the water-course, and having entered it went forthwith to the chamber of Oriana, where she, with as true love, expected him, and being in her arms, she asked him why he had sent that message by Doran, and he told her all that had passed. Now, lady mine, said he, since it is so that for my honor I must depart, I beseech you do not command me otherwise, for I am more yours than my own. And if I am ashamed, the shame will be yours also. But Oriana, though she felt as though her heart were breaking, took courage as she could and answered, true friend, with little reason can you complain of my father. For it is not him but me whom you have served. For my sake you abode here, and for my sake have done so many great actions. And from me you have had your garden, and shall have while I live, yet should not my father have done thus, seeing what you have been to him. How be it, though your absence will be like as if my heart were breaking, I will regard reason more than my unbounded love. Do as you think best. My father will find when you are gone, that all that is left will be to him cause of sorrow and evil. Amadis kissed her hands. My own true lady, many and great kindnesses have I received from you, which have saved me from death. But for this I thank you above all, in as much as honour is above all delights. Thus passed they that night mingling tears with their love, thinking of the long solitude that was to come, and towards daybreak Amadis rose. That dear cousin Mavilia and the damsel of Denmark went out with him, and he embraced them, and commended Oriana to their consolations, and so they parted, weeping. Amadis went to his lodging, and slept the remainder of the night, and some part of the morning. But when it was time, he arose, and the nights assembled. They heard mass and rode forth, and being assembled in the field he addressed them after this guise. It is notorious to you good-serves and honourable knights, whether the affairs of King Lozoate have prospered or declined since I and my brethren and friends for my sake came to Great Britain. I may therefore be excused from recalling what is past to your memory, this only I ought to say, that ye, as well as myself, might reasonably have expected great recompense, but either that fortune hath been using her accustomed in constancy, or by the influence of evil counsellors, or perhaps because age hath altered the conditions of the king. We have found him different from what we expected. For when I myself, and Agraeus, and Don Galvanias besought him, that he would give Madasima to Don Galvanias in marriage, and with her, her lands in vassalage, he, nothing regarding the worth of this night, nor his high lineage, not only would not grant us the boon, but denied it in terms so discourteous and dishonourable, that because they proceeded from a tongue so true, and from a judgment so sound, I would not willingly repeat them, were not things at this extremity, that it cannot be excused. No then, sirs, that towards the end of our talk, when we said to him that he did not know our services, he replied, the world was wide enough, and we might seek those who would know them better. So therefore, as we have hitherto obeyed him in concord and friendship, now must we in discord and enmity, fulfilling that which he thinks fitting. It seemed right to me that you should know this, because it not only concerns us in particular, but all in general. When these knights heard what Amadis had said, they were greatly astonished, and they talked one with another, and said that ill would their poor services be recompensed, when what Amadis and his brethren had done was so forgotten, so that their hearts were moved against the king, and angriote of est revives, as one who had resolved to take his share in the good or evil which might befall Amadis, said to them, sirs, I have long known the king, and have always seen him temperate in all his actions, and never moved without great and just cause. Therefore I cannot believe that this should proceed from his own nature or inclination, but from some meddling traitors who have bereft him of his wisdom. Not for this do I excuse the king. For many days I have seen him speak more with Gondondale and Brokadon than he was accustomed to do. They being false and treacherous men, and I believe that they have done this thing, hoping to obtain thereby for themselves and their sons, that which they have never merited. And that you may see how the justice of God comes to pass, I will arm myself and challenge them for their villainy, which they have done to the king, and to Amadis, and will do combat against them both, or against their sons in their stead, if they dare sustain their father's treason. Fourth width he would have departed, but Amadis withheld him, saying, God forbid, my true and loyal friend, that your life should be put in danger for an uncertain cause. I am certain, quote Angriote, that it is as I say, by what I have long known of them, and if it pleases the king to speak truth he will confirm it. If you love me, replied Amadis, let this rest at present, that the king may not be offended. If these men who seemed so friendly are indeed my enemies, that will be known hereafter, and then may you better proceed against them. Then Angriote, albeit unwillingly, consented to delay vengeance. Amadis then turned to the assembled knights and said, Sirs, I will take leave of the king and queen, if they choose to see me, and will go to the firm island, where they who shall please to live with me shall be partakers with me in all the honor and pleasures that I can command. The land is rich and abounded with all things. There is store of forests and of fair women. I have treasure enough for our wants. They who know us will come wither to see us, and strangers to demand our help, and there we may return from our adventures to recover strength. While my father King Perion lives, the kingdom of Gaul will not fail us, nor after his days. I have letters from the lesser Britain telling me that they give me that land, that then you may esteem our own. I must remind you also of Scotland, the country of my cousin Agraeus, and of Queen Briolania's kingdom, which will not fail us for wheel or for woe. That you may say truly, sir Amades, quote the night present, whose name was Tantales and who was governor of that kingdom. So Bradesa and its fair queen, whom you have established there, will be always at your service. Now then, sir, cried Don Quadragonte, take leave of the king, and then will it be seen who they are who love you, and will continue in your company. Amades answered, greatly shall I esteem those who at this time will so honor me. Yet do I not say that if they can profitably remain with the king, they should not do so, for of a truth so good a lord cannot soon be found. As they were thus talking, the king and Gondondale passed by with many other knights, hawking with Merlins, and sported near them a while, without speaking to them, or noticing them, and then returned to the palace. How Amades took leave of King Lozware, and with him ten nights, his friends and kinsmen, who were the best and bravest of the court, and went their way to the firm island, where Brio Laña proved the adventures of the Arch of True Lovers and of the Forbidden Chamber, and how they determined to deliver Matasema and her damsels from the king's power. Then Amades, taking with him all those nights, went to take leave of the king. They were in the palace, when they saw, with how altered a countenance he entered, and at that hour when the tables were placed, all drew nigh to hear what he would say. He being before the king spake thus. Sir, whether or not you have dealt ill with me, God and yourself can witness. Of this I say no more, for though my services may have been great, much greater, was the will I had to requite those honors which I from you received. Yesterday you told me that I might go about the world and seek for one who would know me better, giving me to understand that what you wished was my departure from your court. Since this would please you, it becomes me so to do. I do not come to discharge myself of vassalage, for I never was subject to you, nor to any but God alone, but I take leave of that good will, which you once manifested to honor and favor me, and of that great love, wherewith I ever strove to requite and serve you. Then Don Galvani's also took leave in Agraias in Florestan, and Dragonis and Palamir, who were cousins to Amades. In Don Brunio of Bonamar, and his brother Branfil, in Agriot, in Estravas, and Grinadon, his brother, and Pinoris, his nephew. Don Quadragonte then came before the king and said, Sir, I abode with you only at the request of Amades, and because I have been yours for his sake for the same reason, I will continue so no longer. Small hope of recompense can there be for my poor services when he is so rewarded. For ill have you remembered how he saved you from the hands of Madden Fable, from whence none other could have saved you, and how he won for you that battle against King Sildedan, and how his brethren and kingsmen they are shed their blood for you, how he delivered you from my enmity, and from Femangomadan, and his son Pazagante, who were the strongest giants in the world, and from Lindorak, who was so mighty a knight, and from Arkelos the Enchanter, all this you have forgotten, but I tell you, that had all we been in the field and Amades away, how think you would it then have fallen out? The king answered, Don Quadragonte, I well perceived by your words that you have no love towards me, neither are you so beholden to Amades that you should desire his welfare. Poor chance what you say of that is not so true as it sounds. Quadragonte replied, You are of that same rank that you may say what pleases you, but sure am I that you will not move Amades, with mischief making words as others have been moved, who will discover their error when too late. Then Landon came up and said, Sir, of all your household I could find no help or healing for my wounds save only from Amades, therefore shall I go with him and with my uncle Don Quadragonte. Sirtease, quoth Lizuate, if you state I should not have a friend the more. Landon replied, such as they are towards you will I be. At this time we're assembled together in another part of the palace. Don Brienne of Monhaste, a right-good knight who was son of King Lazidane of Spain and of a sister of King Perion, and Gandal and Oraline, son to the count of Orlanda and Grandora's and Mandicel, he of the Silver Bridge and the Zorten of the White Tower and Ladidane of Farak and Brunfields, the Haudy and Don Garavante of the Perilous Vale, and when they saw how all those other knights were about to depart for the love of Amades, they also went before the King and said, Sir, we came to your court to see Amades and his brethren and to obtain his friendship, in as he was the cause of our coming, so will he be that of our departure. These knights having departed and there remaining no other, Amades would have taken leave of the Queen, but Lozoate would not permit him because she had always opposed the squirrel, so he sent his excuses by Don Grumadan. Then went he to his lodging and after they had made their meal they all mounted, being fully armed, five hundred knights were they and all who followed Amades, among whom were the sons of kings and of counts and others who for their prowess as well as birth were renowned throughout all the world. Mabilia beheld them from a window of the Queen's palace and what order they went, their arms how rich they were and how glittering in the sun, so that none who saw them depart but marvelled and thought the King unhappy, that he would so lose such a knight and such a goodly company. Then Mabilia went to Odiana and said, cease thy sorrow and come look at your vassals and let your heart rejoice that you have such a lover, for if till now he has led the life of an errant knight serving your father, now that he has left his service he appears like a powerful prince and that lady will be down to your honour. Odiana, being comforted by her words, looked at the company, subduing by her fortitude that grief and passion which tormented her heart. There went out with Amades to honour him, King Arben of North Wales, and Grumadan the Queen's foster-erre, and Brandoioes, and Quinerante, and Guantes, the King's nephew, enlist around the Good Jouster. All these rode with him apart from his company and very sorrowful for his departure, and Amades besought them that they would still be of his friends so far as they could without breach of honour, for he should still esteem and love them as he had done, nor though the King had ceased to love him, having no cause for this change, should they do so likewise, nor for that cease to serve the King and honour him as for his worth he deserved. They answered that they should never cease to love him, however they were bound by loyalty to serve the King. Then said Amades, I beseech you tell the King that what Udaganda said before me is now made manifest, how I should gain for another and my garden shall be wrath and the long delay of my will. So has it come to pass, but the just judge of all will allot to every one his right. Don Grumadan cursed Udaganda for prophesying so truly, and then they returned to the town. Presently Don Guillain came up and he was in tears and said, Sir you know how it is with us that I have neither will nor heart of my own but must obey her for whom I suffer so much and she has forbidden me to follow you and thus am I put to great shame. Now would I repay those honours which I have ever received from you and your brethren but I may not. But Amades who knew the great in excess of love of this night and remembered how he had himself loved and obeyed Odyana embraced him and said, Don Guillain my friend, God forbid that a night like you should disobey your lady. Not so would I advise you nor so advising should I be your friend. Obey her and serve the King and sure am I that you will keep your loyalty and yet that I shall have in you the same friend. So Guillain answered. He trusted in God to serve him yet and he took his leave. They wrote on about three leagues to the shore where Amades said ordered tents to be pitched. There they regaled that night, congratulating each other that they had not remained longer in the service of one so thankless. But Amades felt his heart fail him, for he knew not when he should again see Odyana. In the morning they set forth again and took the straight road to the firm island. On the day after Amades had departed, the King when mass was over, Satan his palace according to custom, and looked on one side and on the other and beholding how desolate the place appeared without those nights who were gone, he began to muse upon his own conduct, and was lost and thought. Gandendale and Brocodan, who knew what Angriot had said of them, when they saw him thus thoughtful began to fear that he was ill-satisfied with what had been done, how be it as they could not now retreat they resolved to push farther on, for this is the ill-fate of all great errors. So Gandendale went up to Luswade and said to him, henceforth, sir, you may rest secure since those who could have injured you are dismissed from your service. The trouble of your state and household you may lay on us and we will attend to it more carefully than to our own concerns, and when you think of the treasures which you must have bestowed upon those nights, but which are now your own, you should greatly rejoice. Luswade looked sternly at them and answered, I marvel much at what you say, that I should commit the management of my state and household to you, that I am those about me are not equal to the task, but you in whom I did not perceive such great ability are capable thereof. Even if you were, my vassals and household would be ill-contented with the authority of such as you. You tell me, too, that I shall save the wealth which would else have been bestowed among those nights. I would know how it could be better employed than to my own honor and service, my honor was defended by it, my dominion increased, and so it at last returned to me again, for the wealth that it bestowed where it ought lies in a good treasury whence it can never be lost. No more of this I shall not take your counsel. He then arose and called his huntsmen and went forth to the field, giving them an amazement and great dismay. At this season arrived a damsel from Queen Brialana, with tidings of Odyana, where at all greatly rejoiced for that queen was much beloved by all. Lady, quoth she, I come from Brialana to tell you the wonders of the firm island, that you may know all, for I was witness. God grant long life to her, said Odyana, and good fortune to you for the trouble which you have taken. So all drew round to hear her, then said the damsel. When Brialana and her company had arrived at the firm island she was asked if she would attempt the forbidden chamber or the arch of true lovers. But she answered, that she would leave those two prophets till the last. Then they led us to a fair dwelling about a league from the castle, which because of its goodly situation was one of the chief habitations of Apollodon, and when it was dinnertime they led us to a great hall, at the one end thereof, was a deep cave so dark and fearful that none durst go nigh to it, and at the other end of the palace was a fair tower where they led us, and we found the tables and benches placed by the windows, and from thence we could see all that past below in the large hall. So there were we, well served by dames and damsels, and knights and our people feasted below in the hall. But when the second service was brought in, loud hissings were heard from the cave, and a hot wind came forth therefrom, and there issued out a great serpent into the middle of the hall, so fierce and terrible that none dared look on him, and he breathed smoke from his mouth and nostrils, and lashed the ground with his tail so that the whole palace shook. Presently two lions came out of the cave and attacked him, and began such a battle that there is not heart of man which would not have felt fear at beholding it. The knights and people fled with all speed from the table, and though the windows whereat we were were very high, yet were we greatly terrified, half an hour that battle lasted, till the lions were so wearied that they lay as though they were dead, and the serpent so exhausted that he could skay after all breath. But after he had rested a little he took one lion in his mouth and carried him into the cave, then returned for the other, and they were seen no more that day. The men of the island laughed at our fear, and assured us that they would appear no more that day. So we then seated to the tables and finished our meal. The next day they led us to a place still fairer, where we well feasted, and at night they showed us a rich chamber, marvelously fair, where there was a rich and costly bed for brielana and other good ones for us, but about midnight the doors flew open with so great noise that we all awoke in terror, and a heart came in, having lighted candles upon his horns so that the whole chamber was as light as day. One side of that heart was white as snow, and the neck and the head were black as pitch, and the one horn seemed guilt and the other was red. Four dogs pursued him in full cry, and behind them an ivory horn moved and sounded in the air as if a man were sounding it, and gave the proper sound of the chase, and cheered the dogs so that they pursued the heart and allowed him no respite, and drove him from one part of the chamber to another, and sometimes they leaped over our beds and sometimes they fell on them, so that we rose in our shifts and our hair hanging about and fled from them, and some hid themselves under the beds till the heart finding no safety there leaped through a window and the dogs after him. Then were we right glad in taking up the clothes which were thrown about, covered ourselves, and gave a robe to brielana wherein she dressed herself, and then as the fear was passed we laughed at the confusion into which we had been thrown. While we were making our beds again a dame and two damsels entered and a little girl with candles, and she spake to brielana and said, How is it, lady, that you have risen at such an hour? But when she heard they laughed and answered, now then ladies go to sleep again for you have nothing more to apprehend tonight. Early in the morning we went to a wood where there were fine groves and fair gardens, and there we had tents pitched via Brookside. We found there a round building with twelve marble pillars, the walls were of crystal so curiously made that they who might be within could see all without. The doors were made of plate of gold and of silver and by every pillar was placed the image of a giant made in copper and these images had bows in their hands and the arrow heads were of fire. We were told that nothing could enter that chamber but would be presently reduced to ashes by those arrows which never failed of their mark. And they put in two fallow deer in a stag. Immediately the images shot at them and they were reduced to ashes and the arrows returned to the bows from whence they fled. On the doors of the chamber there were letters written which said, Let no man or woman dare enter here except they twain who love each other truly, as truly as did Grimanesa and Apollodon, and they must enter here together, else will they die the cruelest death that ever was seen. This enchantment will endure till they twain shall have entered the forbidden chamber and then shall all the enchantments of the firm island be done away. Then Brealana called Isenso an enel and told them she wished to see nothing more except the arch of the true lovers and the forbidden chamber and she asked Isenso the meaning of the lion and the serpent and of the heart and the dogs. Lady, he replied, we know nothing more than that they always at that hour appear. And the heart and the dogs run from the window into a lake which we believe proceeds from the sea. But were you to remain here a whole year you could not half see the wonders that are in this island. On the Mauro we mounted our Palfreys and returned to the castle. Without delay Brealana went to the arch of true lovers and passed through the forbidden parents like one who never failed in her love and the image which the trumpet made so sweet a sound that we were all astonished and when she entered where the images were of Apollodon and Grimonesa it ceased with so sweet a finish as was marvellous to hear. There beheld she those images as fair and fresh as life and being alone with them she thought herself in good company. And while there she saw letters newly written in the jasper saying, this is the name of Brealana daughter to King Tagedan of Sobradesa the third damsel that hath entered here. Then she felt a fear of being alone and returned. The fifth morning she went to attempt the forbidden chamber. She was in rich attire and she wore nothing upon her beautiful head except a gold clasp with jewels and all who saw her said that if she did not enter the chamber there was none in the world who could and that they should now see the end of all those enchantments. She commended herself to God and passed through the copper parent and came up to the marble parent and read the writing there and proceeded so far beyond that all surely thought the adventure was achieved. But when she was within three paces from the door three hands seized her by those beautiful locks and piteously cast her out of the forbidden ground as they had done all the others and she lay in such plight that we could not soon recover her. Till now Odiana's heart had been misgiving her but now she looked at Mabilia and the damsel of Denmark and they at her being all well pleased. The next day pursued the damsel. Tillana departed for her own kingdom. So the damsel then received her bidding from Bresena and Oriana and the other lady set out on her return to her mistress. Now Amadesa and his company arrived at the firm island where they were joyfully received by all the dwellers therein who as they had felt great sorrow for the loss of their new lord so now had they double pleasure in welcoming him but when those knights who were with him beheld the castle how strong it was and now there was no other entrance to the island large as it was and that the land was so fertile and peopled with so many and such inhabitants they thought it might maintain war against all the world. So they were lodged in the largest town which stood under the castle. You ought to know that this island was nine leagues long and seven wide all full of villages and rich dwelling-houses of the knights of the land and in the pleasantest parts thereof Apollodon had built four palaces for himself the strangest and most delightful that ever man could behold. One was that of the serpent and the lions, another that of the heart and the dogs. The third was called the whirling palace for three times in the day and as often in the night it whirled round so that they who were in it thought it would dash to pieces. And the fourth was that of the bull because every day a wild bull issued out of the old covered way and ran among the people therein as though he would kill them and when they fled from him he ran against the iron door of a tower and burst it open and went in and presently he came out again being quite tame and ridden by an old ape so wrinkled that his skin hung all in folds which ape flogged him into the place from whence he came. Great pleasure had all these knights beholding these enchantments and enough pastime had they there and they were all firm in their love to Amadeus and ready to follow him wherever he would. At this time came Andalod the hermit of the poor rock to establish the monastery as had been appointed and he seeing Amadeus gave thanks to God for giving life to so good a man and looked at him and embraced him as if he had never seen him before. But Amadeus kissed his hands and with all humility thanked him for his preservation and for his life which he owed to God and to him. So a monastery was founded at the foot of the rock where the chapel of the virgin stood or in Amadeus had prayed in his despair before he departed into the mountain. A good man called Sisyon whom Andalod brought remained there and thirty friars with him and Amadeus assigned to them rents enough and Andalod then returned to the poor rock as before. Then belays of Charisante arrived, he whom Amadeus had released from the dungeon of Arkelos who had gone to take leave of King Lozwate so soon as he knew that Amadeus had left him in discontent. With him also came all of us whom Agrius and Don Galvanis had helped in battle against the Duke of Bristol. They asked of belayers, what news in the court he answered enough to tell. King Lozwate, sir, has summoned all his people for Count Lentine and they whom he sent to take possession of the island of Mungaza have informed him that the old giant had given up to them all the castles which he and his sons had in their keeping. But Gromadazo refused to yield the castles by the Boiling Lake, which is the strongest place in the island, and also three other castles, for she says she will never yield the place where she was mistress in the life of her husband, from Mongomaden and Bassagante, her son. But always annoy Lozwate to the utmost of her power and for Matasima and the damsels she cares not what may become of them so she can do any harm to the king. The king therefore was summoned, his forces in Hathsworn, if Gromadazo does not yield up her castles within a month, that he will behead Matasima and the damsels, and that he will go against the castle of the Boiling Lake and not depart from before it, till he shall have won it, and if he can take the old giantess he will throw her to the lions. At this news they were all greatly troubled and Galvanies said to them, Sirs, you all know the promise which I have made to Matasima to defend her with reason, or if that failed by force of arms, and for this cause was it that I'm a decent all of us for Sirk Lozwate. Now I beseech you, if he will not hear reason, assist me in arms to fulfil my word. At that up rose Don Florestan and said, Don Galvanies there are better advisers here than that, but if reason fail I will undertake the battle in the name of God. Good friend! replied Galvanies, I thank you with all my heart, but if it must be by battle I have promised and I will perform it. Then Don Brean of Manhaste and Quadragonte said that the quarrel appertained to all and all ought to bear apart, for all knights were bound to suck her damsels who were oppressed, and as Matasima and her damsels had gone as hostages in obedience to her mother they were innocent before God. Sirs, said Amides, you rejoice me in what you say, for whatsoever is undertaken with such concord will have good issue. But I will tell you what seems to me good. These damsels are twelve in number, and therefore ought to be suckered by twelve knights. Sure I am that such as ye will think such danger but pastime. If it please ye, I will name twelve champions and let the other knights remain here for greater perils if they should befall us. You, Sir Don Galvanies, shall be the first, as it is your quarrel, and Agrae as your nephew and my brother Florestan and my cousin Palomir and Draganies, and Don Breon of Mahaste, and Nicaran of the White Tower, and Erladen and Gavante of the Perilous Vale, and Ymosel, brother of the Duke of Burgundy, and Mandaseel of the Silver Bridge, and Ladinine of Farahak. Let those twelve go. There are among them the sons of kings and dukes and counts, so that their peers will not be found. Here at we're all well pleased, and the knights appointed made ready forthwith, and shortly after midnight armed themselves and rode towards Tafelana, the town where the Zwadi then was. How Oriana was greatly afflicted for the departure of Amades, and moreover to find herself great with child, and how twelve knights came from the firm island to defend Madasima and the other damsels, who were in danger of death with them, though there was no just cause why they should be put to death. Now Oriana felt herself great with child, and she asked Council of Mabilia and the damsel of Denmark in that danger. They, albeit they were sword is made, dissembled that, and Mabilia bade her take heart for all should be remedied. I always expected, said she, that to such a saint such an offering would be brought. Oriana could not forbear a smile. I will fain myself worse, she said, and withdraw as much as I can from all company, and if the damsel of Denmark will hazard her honour for me, my honour and life may both be saved. Lady, quoth the damsel, I am at your command, even word to my death. Good friend, quoth Oriana, this I hoped, that if I live you shall recover your honour, and with great praise. Then the damsel knelt and kissed her hands, and Oriana proceeded. Continue to visit Aralasta the Abyss of my nunnery, as you have hitherto done, and when it is time tell her that you are pregnant, and beseech her to help you, so that you may lay the child at the church door, and that she will order it to be taken in, and brought up for charity's sake. Thus will my secret be safe, nor will you be shamed, for none but this honourable lady will know what you shall tell her, and she loves you much. Thus they determined that it should be. When Lozo Arte knew how Guamadasa persisted in her warfare, by advice of Gandando and Brogadan he sent for Madasima and her damsels, and told them that they must all be put to death, for an example. When she heard this so rigorous doom, the fair and fresh colour of her cheeks suddenly changed to a pale and deadly hue, and falling at the king's feet she said, Sir, the fear of death doth make my heart weaker than it naturally is, weak damsel as I am, so that I have neither thought nor words to answer you, but if in this court there be any knight willing to uphold the right, let him speak for me, as a knight is bound to do, for I did not enter your present willingly but in obedience to my mother. If there be none such here, do you, O king, whom Hitherto never distressed, dame or damsel, hath implored in vain, do you deal justly by me, and let not anger have the mastery over you? Gandando, who was present, was greatly desirous that Madasima should be slain, knowing that then Amades could never be reconciled with the king, and he said, Sir, do not hear her, these damsels were given you as hostages to die if the conditions were not performed, and therefore justice ought to be executed without delay. But Dan Comedan, who was a good knight and well versed in all the laws of knighthood, as one who had not only practised but read much, replied, That shall not the king do if it please God, nor ever shall such cruelty and wrong be by him committed. This damsel came hither in obedience to her mother, and as that obedience will in secret be by God rewarded, so should it be in public by the king as his servant, and one who obeys his will. Moreover, I have learned that within three days here will arrive certain knights from the firm island to take up their quarrel, and if you, Gandando, or your sons, are willing to maintain the justice of your advice, you will there find those who will answer you. Gandando answered, Don Comedan, though you wish me ill, I have never deserved it at your hands. If you had offended my sons, you know there are such knights that they can maintain what I have said. We shall soon see that, quoth old Comedan. As for you, I only wish you well or ill as it shall be found that you have counseled the king. Albeit that Lizorta had acted much amiss towards Amades, and had it in his heart to do him all displeasure, yet could not that new passion subdue his old virtue, so that he was glad at what Comedan said, and asked who the knights were that were coming to defend the damsels, and when Comedan had told her names, he observed that they were enough good and prudent knights. But then was Gandando's sword dismayed, and he repented him of what he had said concerning his sons, knowing that they were nothing equal in arms to Florestan and Agraias, and on Brian of Monchaste, and Gavarta of the perilous veil. So when Madasima was remanded to prison, he went to his brother-in-law, Brocadan, in trouble of heart, receiving now the girdon which the merits of his misdeed deserved. Here came to pass what the gospel saith, that no hidden thing but shall be made known. For Gandando, retiring with Brocadan to a private chamber to consult with him how they might prevail upon the king to execute Madasima and her damsels before the knights of the firm island arrived, Brocadan began to reproach him for the wrong he had done to Amadeus, greatly repenting his own wickedness now that he saw his own honor and his sons in danger. Now it happened that a niece of Brocadan was in a moored of a young knight called Sarquilis, who was nephew to Agriotto of Estravaus, and she had hidden him near this chamber, so that he heard the whole secret of this treachery. And when it was night he went out and armed himself, and mounting his horse he rode on the morrow into the town, as if he came from another place, and he went before the king and said to him, Sir, I am your natural subject, and was brought up in your household, and therefore would save you from all treachery, that you may not commit wrong in compliance with another's will. It is not three days since I was in a place where I heard persons counseling how to instigate you to do an evil thing against your own honor and good reason. I say to you, give no heed to Gandando and Brocadan in what they say to you, touching Madasima, for there are others in your court who more honestly advise you. You and all here shall know wherefore I say this, within twelve days, if you will delay following their will for so long. Now, sir, God be with you, for I go to my uncle, Agriotto. God be with you, replied Lizorte, and remained, newsing on what he had heard. Sarquilis rode on by the shortest way he knew to the firm island, and when he arrived there his horse was so overspent with the speed he had made that he could scarcely carry him. He found Amadis and Agriotto and Don Brunio, riding on the shore to hasten the equipment of some vessels which they had ordered to pass over to Gol, for Amadis was desirous to see his parents. Ride well, was Sarquilis received, and Agriotto said to him, Nephew, what business have you that your horse is in such plight? Very great, replied he, and he told him how his mistress, Gandasa, had hidden him in Brocadan house, and what he had there heard. Now, sir, quoth Agriotto to Amadis. Was my suspicion right? You would not suffer me to bring the matter to an end, but now if it please God, neither you nor all else shall let, but that this great treason against the King and against you shall be made manifest. Good friend, replied Amadis, you may now do it with reason and certainty, and God therewith will speed you. I will depart tomorrow, said Agriotto, and Sarquilis upon another horse with me. Accordingly on the following morning they twain set out for the dwelling of King Lusuarte. Meantime, the King mused much upon that Sarquilis had told him. One day, Gandando and Brocadan came before him and said, Sir, we are grieved to see how little you regard your own welfare. That, quoth Lusuarte, may well be, but why say you this? Because these knights who are your enemies are coming to your court without any fear to defend these damsels for whom you ought to have the land given up. If you will take our advice, you ought to behead them before these champions arrive and send to forbid the knights to enter your kingdom. Thus would you make them fear you, and Amadis would not venture to offer you any wrong, for if they do not forbear for fear, for nothing else will they. The sooner this is done, the better will it be, and the more terror will it strike. The King then called to mind the words of Sarquilis and saw how he had spoken truth. You tell me two things, he replied, against all reason, the one that without any form of judgment I should have these damsel slain. What account could I give to the Lord, whose minister I am, if I should do this? He has appointed me here in his stead to administer right in his name, and if I did this wrong which you counsel to strike fear into others, it would fall upon my own head at last. Those kings who follow their own will instead of what is reasonable rely on themselves and not on God, which is the worst error into which they can fall. Their best security is to choose out good counsellors and honest ones, and to remember that however evil actions appear at first, that just judge directs, and the end thereof cannot be good. You tell me also to forbid these knights from coming to my court. A dishonourable thing would it be to prevent anyone from claiming justice before me, much more they being my enemies, for it is to my honour that I have the power and inclination to do what they request. I do not like your counsel. You have done ill to those who deserved no ill at your hands. I have sinned, and I have my punishment, and if you have been false, so I trust will you have yours at the end. And with that he went away and left them. The following day Lysorte rode forth after Mass with a great company, and seeing that the twelve knights were approaching, he rode forward to receive them, for he was a courteous man to all, and they well deserved such honour being what they were. They made a basins to him, and while their people pitched tens in the field, Don Galvanus spake to the king. Sir, confiding in your virtue and in your unwanted goodness, we are come hither to request that you will hear Madesima and her damsels, that they may have their right. We are come to plead their cause, and if by that means we cannot succeed, let it not offend you, sir, if we support it by arms, for there is no cause wherefore they all to die. The king answered, Go now, and rest yourselves. I will do all that can justly be done. Don Brian of Mulhaster then replied, So, sir, we hoped that you would do what behoved your royal dignity and your conscience, and whenever you have failed so to act it has been the work of evil advisers, and that, if it did not offend you, I would prove upon anyone who dared gain say. Don Brian, quat the king, if you would listen to your father, I know that you would neither forsake me for another, nor come hither to plead against me. Sir, replied Don Brian, my pleading is for you, it is that you should do justice and not listen to those who would serve you less faithfully than I, and stain your worth. You say, sir, that if I had listened to my father I should not forsake you. I have not forsaken you, sir, for I never was yours, albeit I am of your lineage. I came to your court to seek my kinsman, Amadis, and when you are pleased that he should be no longer yours, then I departed with him. In all this I have not erred a single point of duty. The king then returned to the town, and they remained in their tents, where they were visited by their friends. But for Oriana, I tell you, she never left the window, looking at those who so loved her lover, and beseeching God to give them the victory in this appeal. That night did Candando and Balcaran pass in great perplexity, wishing that they could recall what was past, but now perforce must they go on. On the morrow the twelve knights heard mass with the king, and that Dan accompanied him to his palace. He then called for Candando and Balcaran, and said to them, You must now support the advice which you have always given me in the affair of Marasima, and make these good men understand why she ought not to be heard. And he bade them stand where all might hear them. Imosil of Burgundy, and Laradin of Fajarke, then came forward and said, We sir, and these knights beseech you of your goodness, that Marasima and her damsels may be heard, for so we conceive it is right. Then answered Candando, Many talk about the right, and few know what it is. You say that of right these damsels ought to be heard, which of right they ought not, for without any such condition they bound themselves to death, and entered the prison of the king thereupon, that if Ardan Canilio was slain or vanquished, and the whole island of Mongasa were not then freely surrendered, they and the knights with them should suffer death. The knights delivered up the castles in their keeping, which Gramadasa will not do. Therefore there neither is nor can be reason for which they should be excused from death. Imosil replied, Certes, Candando, you might have been excused from uttering such reasons before so good a king and such knights as are here. It is manifest to all who have any knowledge that man or woman are to be heard of right in their own defence, in all cases except in treason and conspiracy. This is the custom in all lands wherein justice is observed, and this is what we require. Candando replied that nothing more was to be said. The king was to decide, so the matter was at issue, and the king remained with certain knights, all the others leaving the whole. The king wished his uncle Agamonte an honourable count and of great prudence to deliver his opinion, but he referred it to the king, saying that none so fully understood what was right as he himself. The other councilors did the same. Lisuarte, seeing this, then said, since you leave the decision to me, I think Imosil of Burgundy had spoken to the purpose, and the damsels should be heard. Certes, sir, quoth the count, and all they who were present said the same. You have determined justly, for thus it ought to be. They then called in the knights and said what had been resolved. For this Imosil and Lara-Dinne of Charke kissed his hands and said, Be pleased therefore, sir, to let Maracima and her damsels be summoned, and we will save them by fair reason, or by arms if need shall be. Let them come, replied the king, and see if they will commit their cause to you. Presently they came before the king so modestly and in such fear that no man could behold them without great pity. The twelve knights of the firm island took them by the hand, and Agraeus, Florestan, Imosil, and Lara-Dinne said to Maracima, Lady Maracima, these knights come to save you and your damsels. From death will you commit your cause to us? Sirs, she replied, if the cause of damsels so forlorn and wretched may be undertaken, we commit it to you, and trust in God and you. Since it is so, quoth Imosil, let who will come forward against you. If he be one, I will defend you by reason or by arms. If more, twelve shall be answered. The king looked at Gandando and Brocadan, and saw that they looked down, and were dismayed, and did not answer. Return to your lodgings till the morrow, said Lisuarte, and meanwhile those who are to answer you will take counsel. The knights then conducted Maracima to her prison, and went to their tents. Lisuarte led Gandando and Brocadan aside, and said to them, You have often urged me to put those damsels to death, and said you would maintain the justice of the deed by reason, or your sons should in arms if need should be. Now then, do as you said, for what Imosil advances seems just to me, and I will not appoint any of my quod to combat against these knights. Look ye to it? Else will the damsels be delivered, and I shall have been ill-advised by ye, and wrongfully. They replied that tomorrow they would be ready with their reply, and return very sorefully to their homes, and they agreed to persist in their advice and maintain it by reason, but not put their sons in danger, because the cause was not just, and they were not such in arms as those knights. But that same evening tidings came to the king, how Gromedasa the giantess was dead, and had ordered her castles to be delivered up to save her dolture and the damsels, and that they had, accordingly, been yielded to Count Latine. Greatly pleased they're at was Lizuarte, and when the knights came before him on the morrow he said, Proceed no farther in this cause, for you are a quid of your defence, and the damsels are free, the causes for which I held them in pledge having been surrendered. Gandando and Boca Dan then rejoiced, for they surely expected to be dishonoured. Then Lizuarte sent for Marasima and the damsels, and said to them, You are free, do what it pleases you, the castles have been given up, but he would not tell her that her mother was dead. Marasima would have kissed his hand, but the king permitted not that, for he never suffered dame or damsel to kiss his hand save when he bestowed upon them some boon. Then said she, Since you leave me at my own disposal, I give myself to my Lord Galvanas, who had been so willing to help me. Agraes took her by the hand and said, Good lady, you do that which is right, and though you are now disherited of your own land, you shall be honoured in another till it please God to remedy your loss. But Imasil then said to the king, Sir, if right be done to Marasima she will not be disinherited, for children who are in the power of their parents must obey them, however unwillingly, but not for that should they be disherited, when obedience and not free will had made them bind themselves to what their parents commanded, and because you, Sir, are appointed here to make everyone render to another his right, so ought you yourself to do as an example. Imasil replied the king, You have the damsels at liberty, say no more upon this other matter. I have had sufficient trouble about that land and will defend it, now it is mine, nor can I take it from my daughter Leonoreta, to whom I have granted it. Don Galvanas then said, Sir, that right which Marasima has to the land of her fathers is now mine. I beseech you remember some services which I have done you, and do not disinherit me, for I would willingly be your vessel, and stand in your favour, and serve you as loyally as it is possible. Say no more than Galvanas, Quot Lizuarta, that is done which cannot be undone. Since it is so, Quot he, that I find neither right nor curtsy here, I shall strive to win it how I can. Do your utmost, replied the king. It was in the power of those who are stronger than you, and easier will it be to defend it from you than it was to win it from them. You won it, answered Galvanas, by means of one who was badly girdoned, he will help to recover it. If he helps you, Quot Lizuarta, many others will serve me who would not serve me before for his sake, when I had him in my household and protected him from them. Agraias then grew angry and exclaimed, Serters all here and others beside can tell whether Amades was protected by you or you by him, though you are a king, and he was always as an errant knight. Don Florstan, seeing how Agraias was moved, laid hand upon his shoulder and drew him back, and then said himself, It seems, sir, you prized the services of these you speak of above those of Amades, whether they be so indeed we shall soon see. Don Brian of Mohastud and step forward. However little you esteem the services of Amades and his friends, they must be of great worth indeed, who can reasonably make them to be forgotten. It is plain, Don Brian, replied the king, that you are one of those friends. Sure, sir, I am. He is my kinsman, and I shall do what he pleases. We have enough, Quot Lizuarta, to dispense with you. All you have, replied Don Brian, will be wanted to resist what Amades can do. The knights on both sides drew nigh to answer, but Lizuarta stretched out a wand which he held, and commanded them to say no more, and they returned to their places. Just then, Angriotto of Estravaus, and his nephew Circulus, entered, completely armed, and approached to kiss the king's hand. The twelve knights marveled at their coming, being ignorant of the course thereof, but Gandando and Brocadan were put in fear, and they looked at each other, for they knew what Angriotto had said of them before, and albeit they held him for the best night in the king's dominions, yet they took courage to answer what he might say, and they called their sons, and bade them say nothing more than they should tell them. Angriotto stood up before the king, and said, Sir, let Gandando and Brocadan come hither, and I will say that to them, which shall make you and all present know them better than you have hitherto done. The king accordingly called on them to come forward, and all the knights drew night to hear. Then said Angriotto, No, sir, that Gandando and Brocadan are disloyal and false toward you. They counseled you wickedly and lyingly, neither regarding God, nor you, nor Amadis, who had so honoured them, and had never done them wrong. They, villains as they are, told you that Amadis designed to seize your kingdom, a thing which never was in his thoughts, for what he desired, have ever been your service, and thus have they made you lose the best night that every king had to serve him, and many other good nights with him, for no fault of their own. Therefore I say that these wicked and false men in whom you trusted have committed the great treason against you, which if they deny I will do better with them both, but if their age excuses them, let their sons come forward, and by God's help I will make them confess the disloyalty of their fathers before you that you shall understand it. Sir, replied Gandando, you see how Angriotto comes to dishonour your court, and this is because you permit those to enter your land who do not seek your service, if you had prevented that at first this would not have happened. And now, sir, do not marvel if Amadis should come hither tomorrow and defy you yourself. If Angriotto had met me in those days when I did good service in arms for this kingdom, and for your brother King Phalangris, he would not then have dare to say what now he says, but now he sees me old and weak, and dares insult me as one already overcome. This shame, sir, falls more upon you than me. No, sir, naïve, quoth Angriotto, I am not come hither to dishonour the court, but for its honour to destroy treason, and root out the tares which you have scattered among the good seed. Then said Sarquilis. Sir, you know the words which I spake to you upon this matter. With my own ears I heard the villainy which these old traitors were devising. They are old, but their sons are young and strong. Let them answer for them. They are three and we are two. Then will God discover the truth, and it will be seen if they are such as to make amends for the loss of Amadis and his lineage as their fathers have boasted. While the two sons of Gandandal heard this, and saw that the whole court was smiling to see their fathers so pressed, they thrust angrily through the throng, and came before the king, and said, Sir, Angriotto lies in all that he has said, and we will combat with him. Here are our gauges, and they threw their gloves into his lap. Angriotto then held out the lipid of his armor. Here, Sir, is mine. Let them go and arm themselves, and do you, Sir, behold the battle? The king answered, the day is far spent, and there will not be time, let it be after mass to-moral. With that Adamas came up, the son of Bacodan by a sister of Gandandal. He was great of stretcher and strong, but of so villainous a nature that none esteemed him. He said to the king, Sir, Sarquilis lies in all he has said, and if he dare enter the field with his uncle, I will combat him. At this Sarquilis right joyfully gave his gauge. The court then broke up. Angriotto and Sarquilis went with the twelve knights of Marasima, who had taken leave of the queen and of Arianna, and Bresena sent her rich tend to Lodgin. The king remained with Don Gromedan and Guionta as his nephew. He sent for Gandandal and Bacodan, and said to them, I marvel at you. You have so often told me that Amadeus designed treason and meant to seize my kingdom, and now when the proof was necessary, you shrunk from it, and have suffered your sons to risk themselves, who know not what is the justice of their cause. You have sinned against God and me. Great evil have you done me in making me lose such a man and such knights, but you will not escape without your punishment, for that just judge will give to every one his due. Sir, said Gandandal, my sons came forward hastily, thinking that the proof was delayed. Of a truth, quoth Gromedan, they thought right, for there neither is nor can be proof that Amadeus in this or in all else had done wrong toward the king, and if you suspected, it is against all reason, even the devils in hell cannot think so. If he had a thousand heads and the king were to cut them all off, he would not be enough revenged for the wrong you have done him, and now you will be left for more mischief, which God forbid, and your wretched sons must suffer for your fault. Done Gromedan, said they, whatever you believe and wish, we trust that our sons will save their honour and our own. God never saved me, replied he, if I wish more than that you be rewarded as your council deserves. The king then bade them seas, and he went to table, and they departed to their homes. That night the arms and horses of the champions were made ready. Angriotta and Sarquilus passed the remainder of the night from midnight in a chapel of St. Mary, which was near their tents. At daybreak the twelve knights armed themselves, for they doubted the king, seeing how Rothy was against them, and with Marasima and her demsels, each upon her palfrey, they rode through the town to the field of battle, Angriotta and Sarquilus going before them. The king and his knights were already assembled, and three judges were appointed, King Arben of North Wales, and Chiontus, the king's nephew, and Cunorante, the good Joustel. They placed Angriotta and Sarquilus at one end of the lists. Presently the two brothers Taran and Corian came with their cousin Adamas, well armed and mounted, and disposed to do their part well, if the wickedness of their fathers had not been against them. They, being opposed to each other, Chiontus blew his trumpet, and they ran the career, Corian and Taran at Angriotta, and Adamas against Sarquilus. Taran broke his lands upon Angriotta, who encountered Corian and bore him from his saddle, then turned and saw Taran sword in hand. Taran struck at him, but the blow fell upon the horse's head and wounded him, and cut away the headstall, so that the reins fell on his neck, and the horse being thus at liberty Angriotta was carried against his enemy, and they dashed against each other, and Taran fell. Then Angriotta leapt lightly from his horse, as one accustomed to such perils, and took a shield, and laid hand upon that sword with which he had heretofore dealt so many and mighty blows. He saw his nephew maintaining a brave sword combat on horseback, and then made at the two brethren who stood by each other, and laid on him a heavy load like brave and strong knights. But Angriotta well defended himself, holding out his shield against one, and laying on the other with the sword, so that he made them give back, for never stroke came from him that it not shear away the armor, for as I have told you, this knight was the best foiner with the sword of any in the king's dominions, so that their shields were soon chipped away, and their hardness broken that the blood started through. Nor was he so whole, but that the blood ran from many wounds. When Sarquiless saw how his uncle sped, and that he was still coping an equal battle with Adamus, he spurred his horse, and grappled with his enemy, and there they struggled each to overthrow the other. Angriotta, seeing them, drew nigh to succour Sarquiless if he should fall under most, and the two brethren followed him to help their cousin. At length the two knights fell from their horses, still grappling. Then might you have seen a great conflict, Angriotta pressing to help his nephew and the brethren to assist Adamus. But in that hour Angriotta did such wonders in arms, and laid on such terrible and heavy blows that the brethren, albeit they did their utmost, could not save Adamus from the hands of Sarquiless. When Gandandal and Brocadan saw this, who till now had hoped that the valor of their sons might have defended their wickedness, they withdrew from the window in great sorrow and pain of heart, and the king withdrew also, for all the good fortune which befell the friends of Amades displeased him, and he would not witness the victory of Angriotta. But all else who were present rejoiced to see that Gandandal and Brocadan would suffer some part of the punishment on earth which they reserved. The four knights, meantime, continued their fierce conflict, but it did not long endure, for now Tarin and Corian gave ground and fled, seeking some place of safety, but finding none they turned and struck again at their pursuits, and then again fled, till they were smitten down and slain to the great joy of Madasima and her damsels and the night of the firm island, but above all of Ariana, who had never seized praying to God to grant her friends that victory. Angriotta then asked the judges if there was all more to be done. They replied, he had done enough for his honour, and led the two champions from the lists. Their comrades then received and took them with Parasima to their tents, where they were healed of their wounds. End of Book 2, Chapter 22. Book 3, Chapter 1 of Amades of Goal. This is a LibberVox recording. All LibberVox recordings are in the public domain. For more information or to volunteer, please visit LibberVox.org, recording by Anna Simon. Amades of Goal by Vasco de la Berra, translated by Robert Southey. Book 3, Chapter 1. Here begins the third book of Amades of Goal, wherein are related the great discords and jealousies which were occasioned in the household and court of King Lusoate by the evil council which Gandandal gave the king, for the sake of injuring Amades and his kinsmen and friends, wherefore the king sent to Angriotta and his nephew, commanding them to leave his court and his kingdom, and how he sent to defy them, and they returned the defiance. So soon as King Lusoate knew that Angriotta and his nephew were so far healed of their wounds that they could ride, he sent to bit them, quit his kingdom, and not enter it again at their peril. Of this those knights complained loudly to Don Gromedan and their other friends, especially Don Brian of Monchaste and Gavata of the Perles Valley, who said that since the king had so forgotten their past services, they would give him cause to remember the future. They then struck their tents and departed for the firm island. On the third day of their journey they found Gandesa in Chapel, the niece of Brocadan. She who had concealed her lover Sarquilus, where he overheard all the treason, and who had now fled for fear. Great joy had they in finding her, and above all Sarquilus, who loved her truly, and taking her with him, he continued his way. Gromedan and his friends, after they had written out with the knights of the firm island on their departure, returned to Lusoate and told him what had passed. He who was already much grieved for the victory of Angriotta, not for any regret for the slain whom he knew to be evil like their parents, but because it was a triumph to Amades, became now more enraged. For Barons said he is for the most part a profitable thing, but at times it is the cause of great mishap, and so have it been with me. If I had withdrawn my favour from these knights they would not have dared say that which they have said, nor have approached my court, nor even entered my dominions, but they shall pay for their folly. I will send and defy them, and Amades with them, and see whether their pride can save them. King Arben of North Wales, who truly desired the welfare of the king, replied, Sir, you should look well to this before you do as you have said, because of the great valor of these knights, and because God had shown the justice of their cause, else would not Angriotta, good knight as he is, have so acquitted himself against two such enemies, nor Sarquilus have so come off from Adamas. The good cause which they maintained gave them the victory. Therefore I should think it well that they return to your service, for poor prophet is it, for a king to war with his subjects when he can avoid it. The blood that is shed, and the wealth that is expended on both sides, is the king's loss, and he gains no honour in victory. From such strife great evils often arise. The neighbouring kings and chiefs who had been before kept in all take courage and recover more than they had lost, and what is more to be feared, the vassals cease to respect their lord who should rule them mildly as a good shepherd controls his flock, for if he oppresses them more than they can bear, it often times chances that where the first broke out the rest follow, and when the fold is at last discovered it is difficult to amend it. Now, sir, is the time to amend what has been done amiss. Amadis is so gentle and so kindly disposed to you that you may lightly recover him and all who follow him. You say well, quat lizard, but I will not give them that which I have already given to my daughter Leonoreta, and great as his power may be, it is nothing to mine. So say no more, but prepare arms and horses to serve me, and let Kendall of Gannotta go to-morrow and defy those of the firm island. In God's name, they all replied, he will appoint what seemed good to him, and we will serve you. You must know that Gandandal and Brocaran, when they saw their sons slain, and that they were undone in this world and in the next, receiving that due reward would such as them escape in our days, for God reserves them either in his mercy that they may repent, or for his justice, that if they continue in sin they may pay for all without redemption. They took their dead sons and with their wives and household embarked in two vessels with the curses of all who beheld them and went their way, and this history will not mention them more, but we may reasonably believe that they who have grown old in wickedness will die in it, unless it pleases God more for his mercy than their deserts to turn their hearts in time. King Lizuarta, then, having assembled together all the great lords of his court and the knights of lower degree, complained to them of Ahmadis and his friends, and besought them to redress his wrongs as he did theirs. They all replied that they would serve him in what he should command. He then called Kendall of Gannotta, and bade him to horse, and carried a letter of credence to the firm island, and defy Ahmadis for me, and all those knights with him who will support the cause of Don Galvanes. Tell them to beware of me, for wherever I find them I will destroy their lives and fortune. Don Kendall took his bidding and departed. After some days the king went to one of his towns which, because it was so abundantly furnished with all things pleasant, was called Gracedonia. This removal greatly pleased Ariana, for her time now drew nigh, and this was near Mara Flores, so that she thought herself safer there than in any other place. Meantime the knights who escorted Mara Sema continued their way, till, when they were within two leagues of the firm island, they met with two thousand and three hundred knights who had come out to meet them. Well were they then received and Ahmadis cautiously welcomed Mara Sema, and embraced Angiota many times, for Florestan had sent tidings of the battle. While they were thus rejoicing they saw Don Kendall of Gannotta come riding down the mountain. But he, beholding so large a company and knowing that they had all forsaken the king's service, the tears came into his eyes, for he was a right loyal servant to Lizorata. Howbite he put on the best countenance he could, being a fair knight, and of great valor and discretion, and rode up to them and asked for Ahmadis, by whom and by the rest he was honourably welcomed as he deserved to be. Sir, said he, let this letter be read. That being done, Ahmadis replied, it is your credential. Now speak your embassy. Sir Ahmadis, Kwathi, my lord the king hath sent me to defy you and those of your lineage, and those who are here present, and those who mean to attempt the Isle of Mungasa, and he warns you, hence forward, to defend your lands and possessions and persons, for he will destroy all if he can, and he says you may be excused from seeking adventures in his country, for whomsoever of ye he finds there he will slay. Kwathaganta answered, Don Kendall, you have set your bidding and have therein done right, but for your master, who threatens our lives and lands, let these knights reply to him as they think good. For me? Tell him that, king as he is, I regard my poor life as much as he can value his mighty one, that in birth I yield nothing to him, being of as royal blood on both sides as himself, and since I must defend myself from him, bid him defend himself from me. But Ahmadis wished that a milder answer should be returned, and he said, Don Kwathaganta, sir, let this knight take one answer for you and all. We have heard the embassy, and we will take counsel how to reply, and you, Don Kendall, may tell that king, that you will find it difficult to perform what he threatens. Come with us to the firm island, meantime, and try the arch of true lovers, for if you achieve it, you will find better favour from your mistress. Sir Kwath Don Kendall, I will go with you if it please, but of my loves you shall know nothing. They then wrote thither, but when Kendall beheld the island and its strength and the abundance of all things therein, he knew that not all the force in the world could injure it. So Ahmadis took him to his home and lodged him honourably, for Don Kendall was of high lineage. The next day the knights assembled and resolved to defy King Lizorte by a knight called Sadamon, who came in the company of Dragones and Palomir. These two brethren were sons of Grasugus, king of low Germany, by Sadova, king Perian's sister. And they, and all the other sons of Counts and Kings who were there, had brought forces there from their father's land, and vessels were in to pass over to the island of Mungasa. To this Sadamon they gave a letter of credence signed with all their names, and they said to him, Tell King Lizorte, since he defies and threatens us, to defend himself. With fair weather we shall go against the island of Mungasa, and if he is the mighty lord he says we shall soon prove his strength and our own. If he replies ought to this, answer him like a good night, and if God pleases we all maintain it. Then Amadeus spake with his foster father, Don Gandales, and said, You must go from me to King Lizorte, and without fear tell him I care little for his defiance, and less for his threats than he believes. Tell him that if I had foreseen how thanklessly he would re-quit my services, I would not have encountered such dangers for his sake. For that power and dominion, wherewith he now menaces me and my friends and kinsmen, have been supported and preserved by the blood of my body. I trust in God this will be all amended, more by my power than his inclination. But say to him that as I want for him the island of Mungasa he shall not lose it by me, nor will I ever offend him in any place where the queen shall be, for the honour which she deserves. Tell him this, and that as he desires my entity, he shall have it in such sort that all he now feels shall be forgotten. Don Gandales, said Agraias, strive to see the queen and kiss her hand for me, and tell her to send me my sister Mabilia, for seeing on what terms we are with the king she should not remain in his court. At this was Amadeus sorely grieved, for rather than see Mabilia separated from Oriana he would have had his own heart taken from his breast. Yet he could not gain say that the secret of his love should be discovered. The knights departed with Don Candle of Ganota. Ten days they rode and then arrived at the court where King Lizuarte, knowing their errand, honourably bade them welcome, and having read their letter, bade them speak. Sir Sadamon, sir, Quoth Gandales, will deliver you the bidding of the knights. I come with words from Amadeus to you, and from Agraias to the queen, if it please you that I may see her. It pleases me well, replied Lizuarte, and much pleasure will she have in seeing you, for you served her daughter Oriana well while she abode in your country, for which I thank you. Many thanks, Quoth Gandales, and God knows if I should delight to serve you, and if it troubles me to do otherwise. Lizuarte answered, I believe you, but trouble not yourself for doing that were to your abound in the service of him whom you fostered, to act otherwise would be to your shame. Then Sadamon delivered the defiance, and when he said that the knights expected no peace till he is toward the island to Don Galvanus in Marasima, the king replied, that peace will come late if they wait for it. May I never be held a king if I do not break their pride. Sir Quoth Sadamon, thus far is my embassy. What else I may say is of myself. I tell you, sir, that he must be of great prowess and power, who can break the pride of those knights, and you will find it harder than you imagine. Don Gandales then delivered the bidding of Amades, and when he related how Amades would not go against the island of Mongasa which he had won for Lizuarte, nor yet wore upon him in any place where the queen should be, all present spake of it as being honourably and right loyally done, and so the king held it. Then the king bathed the ambassadors, disarmed themselves, and come to table, for it was time to take food, and he made them sit at a table opposite his own, with his nephew Guyantes and Guyan Depensive, and other good knights who were placed there in honour of their prowess. The king grew cheerful at this meal, and he ordered all the knights who were there to prepare for going to the island of Mongasa, and said that if need were, he would himself accompany them. When the cloths were removed, Don Grumadan led Gandales to the queen, who wished to see him, or at Oriana and Mabilia rejoiced, because from him they should have tidings of Amades. The queen welcomed him right lovingly, and made him sit before her by Oriana, and asked him if he knew the damsel beside him, for he had served her well. Lady Kwathi, happy am I to have served her, and happy should I be to serve her again, or you, lady, and so would I the king, where not against Amades my lord and my foster child. He bade me kiss your hand for him, as for one who is much grieved that he is driven from your service. And I do the same for Agraias, who besieges you to send him his sister Mabilia, for as he and Don Galvanas are no longer in the king's favour, it is not meat that she should remain in his house. When Oriana heard this she was greatly troubled, and the tears came, for she could not bear it, for she loved her in her heart, and now at this season knew not what to do if she should be taken away. Mabilia exclaimed, ah, how cruel will your father and mother be to me, if they separate me from you. Do not weep, cried Gandales, you shall be taken to your aunt, Queen Elysina of Gaul, then whom, except her before whom we stand, there is not a more honourable lady, and there shall you see your cousin Malicia, who greatly desires your coming. Don Gandales, quoth Brezena, I am troubled at what Agraias demands, and will speak with the king thereon. If he takes my counsel the princess shall not be dismissed till she is married, as besieges her rank. Let it be determined soon, then, said Gandales, for I cannot tarry. The queen then sent for Lysvarta, and Oriana, knowing that a remedy was in his will, went to him, and fell on her knees, and said, Sir, you know what honours I received in the house of the king of Scotland, and how, when you sent for me, they gave me their daughter Mabilia, and to my shame would it be, if I did not show my gratitude to her. Moreover, she is my comfort and help in my sickness and sufferings, and now Agraias has sent for her. If you take her from me, you will do me the worst cruelty that ever was inflicted, and for no cause, for she is not yet repaid for the honours I received from her father. Mabilia knelt before him, and held up her hands to besiege him that she might not be taken away, for grief would kill her, and then she clung to Oriana. But Lysvarta, who was of a kind heart and of great discretion, answered, Think not you, my child, Mabilia, because there is this school between your house and mine, that I should forget you, or cease to receive and honour any of your lineage who would choose to serve me. I shall not leave to love one for the sake of another, much less you. You shall not depart till you have been recompensed as you deserve. She would have kissed his hand, but he raised her up, and made her and Oriana sit down, and stayed himself between them. He would do ill, who should part you, ladies, Quatton Gandales, and so shall I tell Agraias, and be he pleased or not, all will think that good which the king does, and ye yourselves desire. Now then I must depart. God be with you, replied Lysvarta. Say to Amadis that in what he says of the island of Mungasa I will understand him. It is for his own profit, more than for my honour, and as I understand it, so do I thank him. Henceforth each must do what he can. And then he left the queen's apartment. Don Gandales, said Brezina, do not you attend to the angry word to the king nor of Amadis, but strive ever, if you can, to reconcile them, as I shall do. Salute Amadis for me, and tell him I thank him for what he said that he would not attack any place where I might be, and beg him to grant my request when I shall make one. So she commanded him to God, and prayed that there might be peace between her husband and Amadis, and Gandales took his leave. Then the princesses called him, and Orianna said, Don Gandales, sir, my true friend, greatly am I grieved that I cannot recompense you for the service which you have done me, but the times will not permit me now, nor have I were writh to repay you, but if it please God I may one day do what is my duty and desire. This enmity troubles me, there are such hearts that much evil must follow, unless it please God to remedy it. I trust he will. Salute Amadis for me, and tell him I beseech him to remember all that past here, and bear with the present, and give way for the future to my father, who still values and loves him. Then said Mabilia, Command me kindly to my lord and cousin Amadis, and to Agraeus, my lord and brother, and to the right good Don Galvanus, my uncle, and tell them to have no concern for me, nor to trouble themselves to separate me from my lady, Orianna, for this trouble would be lost, and I would rather die than leave her, and give this letter to Amadis, tell him he will find in it all I have to say, and I believe he will receive great consolation thereby. Gandales then saluted them, and departed, and took his way with Saramon. As they left the town, they saw a great force which the king had prepared to go against the island of Mungasa, and had now drawn up in their sight, that they might terrify those of the firm island by the report thereof. The chiefs were the good knight King Arben of North Wales, and Gasquillin the bold, son of Mardark, the fierce giant of the Dolores Isle, by a sister of Lansino, king of Sweden. This Gasquillin the bold was so strong and valiant in his arms that when King Lansino died without an heir, all they of his kingdom held it good to choose him for their king. But when he heard of the war between King Lusvarte and Amadis, he left Sweden to be present in the battle, and to prove himself in combat against Amadis, by command of a lady whom he loved, though which, how it fell out, shall be recorded hereafter. Gandales and Saramon, nothing afraid of beholding so great a force, rode on till they arrived at the firm island, and having disarmed, went into the fair garden, where Amadis and the knights awaited them, and there delivered they their bidding, and declared all that they had seen, and also the coming of King Gasquillin, because he desired to prove himself against Amadis and the other knights. Gavarte, of the perilous valley, said then, he will find able masters here to cure his longing sickness, Don Florestan and Don Quaregante, and if they should be other where employed, I will offer to him my body, for pity would it be if he should travel so far in vain. Don Gavarte, said Amadis, if I were longing sick I would rather forsake all physics, and only hope in God, than taste your emulsions and electories. Neysa, quoth Brian of Montcraste, you are not sick like he who comes to seek us, and we ought to remedy him, that he may report in his own land, what leeches are to be found for such ailments. At this they laughed a while, and then Amadis asked if there were any there who knew Gasquillin. Lestron of the White Tower answered, I know him well, then told he of what race he came and how for his velle he was made king. I once, said he, encountered him in a tourney at Veltiera, and we both fell at the first attained horse and man to earth, but the press was so hot that we could not finish our combat. That day the part on which I was was put to the worst, because the knights did not do their duty, and because of the great strength of Gasquillin, who was our mortal enemy, so that the press was his, and he never fell that day, save only when we encountered. Sertes, quoth Amadis, you speak of a great man who comes like a valiant knight to make his worth known. That is true, answered Don Quaragante, but being free to choose his side he ought to have taken ours, for we are the fewest. He has chosen right, said Galvanas, for if he has joined the many they are the weakest, and he could not have proved his prowess unless the worthiest were against him. While they thus commune, the sailors came, and bade them arm and abode, for the wind was fair. They then joyfully left the garden, and such was the press and clamour of people and of the instruments of the fleet that scarce could they hear each other. Soon were they armed, and their horses embarked in the brigantines, and all things needful put aboard, and they themselves joyfully embarked. Amadis and Don Brunio of Bonamar went in a boat among the fleet, and in one vessel they found Don Florestan and Brian of Monchaste, and Don Quaragante and Angriotta of Estravaus, and they went aboard to them, and Amadis embraced them, as if it would be long before he should see them again, and the tears came into his eyes for the exceeding love he bared them, and for the solitude he should feel when they were gone. Good sirs, quathi, are rejoiced to see you thus in company. Quaragante answered, Sir, we have determined to continue thus by sea and by land, unless fortune should separate us. And it then showed him their banner, which was marvelously fair, in which twelve damsels were figured having white flowers in their hands. Amadis then exhorted them to be cautious, and taking leave he went through the fleet from ship to ship with Brunio and his foster-father Gandales, till the fleet put to sea, and then he and his comrades returned. The ships sailed on, following the vessel wherein Galvanus and Barasimha led the way, with Clarions and Trumpets. The wind was fair, and in seven days they came before daylight, before the castle of the boiling lake, which was near the port. Forthwith they armed themselves and prepared the boats to land, and bridges and planks, the mats of reed, to land the horses. All this did they as secretly as they could, because Count Latine and Galdar the Rascal were in the town with three hundred knights. The watchmen saw them, and cried out that they were there. But he knew not how many, for it was yet dark. The Count and Galdar went up to the castle, and they heard the noise and stir, and it seemed as if a great company, and when it was dawn many ships appeared, and Galdar exclaimed, Surely this is done Galvanus and his friends who have come against us. God never saved me if they land so lightly as they think. He then armed his people, and went down to the haven by the town with one part of the force, and Count Latine went with the other to the castle port, where Galvanus and the Gryas were, and their company. Gavart of the perilous valley went in the front, and Orlandin, and Osinon of Burgundy, and Madanquil of the Silver Bridge, and at the other port Galdar found Florestan and Quadragante, and Brian of Monchaste, and Angriote and their companions. Then began a cruel and perilous battle, with lances and arrows and stones, so that many were wounded and slain, and they of the land defended the port till the hour of tears. But in the bark with Don Florestan there was Enil, the good knight of whom you have heard here to fore, and his cousin, Amorantes of Salvatiera, and Comon and Nicoran, were with Don Brian, and with Quadragante, Landin, and Orland the brave, and with Angriote his brother Gradovoi, and Sarquilus his nephew. Florestan cried out, Lower the bridge, though you may ride out among them. Angriote answered, Why would you venture so rashly? If the bridge were down, the water is so deep that the horses could not reach land without swimming. Quadragante said the same, but Brian was of Florestan's opinion, and the bridge was lowered, and they both rode out, and reaching the end of the bridge they made their horses leap into the water. It was up to the pummel of the saddle, and there the enemies attacked them, laying on heavy and mortal blows. Quadragante and Angriote came out to them, and so did their comrades, but their shore was so steep, and they who defended it so many, that they knew not how to help themselves, and the clamour was so great, and the shout and cries so loud as if the whole world were in an uproar. Dragones and Palomir were up to their necks in water, catching at the planks of the galleys, and their horses struggling under them. But they pressed on till it was only to their middle, and although they of the island were many and well-armed and fought bravely, yet could they not prevent Florestan and his comrades from landing, and presently Dragones and Palomir and the other knights also. When Galdar saw that the ground was lost, he made his people retreat as well as they could, for he was sore-wounded by Florestan and by Don Brian, who had unhorsed him, and so bruised was he that he scarce could sit on the horse whereon his friends had placed him. As he retired towards the town, he saw Count Latine and his troops come flying with all speed, for Don Galvanus and Agrius had won the landing, having played their part like men who fought in their own cause. Now you should know that the Count had imprisoned Dundasido, son of the old giant, and twenty other men of the town whom he suspected to be against him, and they were in a prison in the highest part of the castle-tower, and meant to guard them. But their keepers, when the knights were engaged, went out to see the battle. When Dundasido observed that they were thus left, he said to his comrades, Help me, and we will escape. How can that be, said they. Break the bolt of this chain which fetters us all. They then took a strong rush-robe, with which their hands and feet were tied every night, and put it through the bolt. And with a great strength of Dundasido and his companions, they plucked the bolt out, and loose themselves, and caught up their keepers' weapons, and went upon the tower, and slew them who expected no such danger. And then they shouted out, To arms, to arms, for our Lady Marasima! When the town's men heard them, they rose, and seized the strong towers, and slew all they could lay hands on. Count Latine, seeing this, took shelter in a house by the gate, and gulled her of rascal with him, not daring to venture farther, and expecting death. And they of the town, taking courage, ran through the streets, and called to the assailants, and bade them bring their Lady Marasima, that they might give her a possession of the place. Quatergante and Angriota rode up to the gate to learn the truth, and having spoken with Dundasido, they took the tidings to Don Galvanus, and presently they all took halls, and brought out Marasima on a white porphyry, she having her fair face uncovered, and wearing a chaplet of gold. As she approached the town, the gates were thrown open, and a hundred of the most honorable men came out to meet her, and kissed her hand, and she said to them, Kiss ye the hand of my Lord and husband Don Galvanus, who next to God had delivered me from death, and had now recovered from me my natural subjects. If ye love me, take him for your Lord. Then they knelt before Don Galvanus, and kissed his hand right humbly, and he cautiously received them, and thanked them for their loyalty, and love to their good Lady Marasima. Dundasido met them at the town, and much was he honoured for what he had done. This done, immocile of Burgundy said, Now then, let us rid the town of our enemies. Agraeus, whose wrath was kindled, answered, I have sent to scar the streets. The way to rid the town of them is not to leave one of them alive. Sir, quoth Florestan, give not the way to Anga, which would make you commit that, which you would afterwards rather die than have done. You say well, said Quadegante, let them be put in prison. It is better to have the conquered prisoners than dead, considering the terms of fortune. Then Angriotta and Gavarta went to take charge of them, and coming to the gate they found Count Latine and Galdar and their people in sad plight, so that they were glad to yield themselves to the gentle mercy of Don Galvanus. Thus was Marasima put in possession of the town and castle to the great joy of her people. But on the following day came tidings that King Arban of North Wales, and King Gasquilan had landed with three thousand knights, and sent back their fleet to bring them supplies. Then were they somewhat cast down, knowing the number of their enemies, and seeing how they themselves had been handled. However, they remembered the advice of Amades, and although some among them would have issued out to battle, they determined to remain till their wounds were healed, and their horses and arms made fit for service.