Read Ebook: Amadis of Gaul Vol. 3 by Lobeira Vasco De Rodr Guez De Montalvo Garci Contributor Southey Robert Translator

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That night Amadis could not sleep for thinking on two things: what feats of arms he should perform that year, to clean away his reproach, and what he should do in this great battle. To be against Lisuarte his Lady forbade him, and reason forbade him to be for him, because of the wrong which he and his lineage had endured; but at length he resolved to go and assist him for two reasons, because his force was much less in number than the enemy, and because, if he were conquered, the land of his Lady Oriana would be lost. On the morrow Amadis went with his brother to King Perion, and desiring all others to withdraw, said to him, Sir, I have not slept this night thinking of the battle which is to be between Lisuarte and the Kings of the Isles; for so famous will it be, that all Knights who follow arms ought to be there; and because, I having remained so long without exercising my person, have gained so ill a fame as you my brother know, I have resolved to be present, and on Lisuarte's side; not for any love to him, but for two reasons, because he is the weaker, whom all good Knights therefore ought to succour, and because my intention is to die, or to do my utmost; and if I should be against him, there would be with him Galaor and Quadragante, and Don Brian of Monjaste, all with a like determination, and as they could not avoid encountering me their deaths or mine would needs ensue, but my going shall be secret. King Perion answered, Son, I am the friend of the good, and knowing this King to be one of the good, it was always my will to aid him when I could, and if I have refrained from it it has been because of your difference. Since this is your intention I will go also, and sorry am I that it is so soon that I cannot carry the aid I should wish. Sirs, said Florestan, when I remember the cruelty of that King, how he would have let us die upon the field if it had not been for Don Galaor, and of his enmity against us without cause, there is nothing in the world should make me consent to help him; but now, because you will go, and because I cannot serve against him during the truce which Don Galvanes has made, I will go with you, and serve him against my will. Full glad was Amadis at this. Your person and ourselves Sir, said he, may well be accounted for many, and if you took forces our going could not be secret; now then let us provide arms whereby we may know each other and yet not be known by others. Come into my armoury, replied Perion, and let us chuse the most forgotten and remarkable that we can find.

They went out into a court where there were trees, and there came up a Damsel richly clad on a goodly palfrey, and three Squires with her, and a horse with a bundle. She came up to the King, who received her well, and asked her if she came to the Queen. No, said she, I come to you, and these two Knights from the Dame of the Undiscovered Island, from whom I bring you gifts; send away all your people, and you shall see them. The King bade them withdraw. Then she made her Squires open the bundle, and she took out three shields, bearing gold serpents in a field azure, so strangely fashioned that they seemed alive, and the rims were of fine gold and precious stones. She then took out three coat-armours of the same device, and three helmets, but they were all different; the one white, which she gave with one suit to King Perion, and one of purple for Florestan, and one which was gilt to Amadis. And she said, Sir Amadis, my Mistress sends you these, and desires you will do better in them than you have done, since you entered this land. Amadis feared she would reveal the cause, and said, Damsel, tell your Lady that I value this counsel more than the arms, good as they are, and with all my strength will endeavour to obey her. Sirs, said she, my Mistress sends you these that you may know and succour each other in the battle. How knew she, quoth King Perion, that we should be there when we knew it not ourselves? I cannot tell, replied the Damsel, only she told me I should find you all here in this place, and give you the arms. The King then bade them give the Damsel food and entreat her honourably, and after she had eaten she departed for Great Britain, whither also she was sent. When Amadis saw the arms ready he was impatient to be gone, lest they should not arrive in time for the battle; so the King ordered a ship to be ready in secret, and on pretence that they went to hunt the mountain, they departed and crossed over to that part of Great Britain where they knew that the seven Kings were arrived.

They entered a thick wood where these men had pitched tents, and from thence sent a Squire to bring tidings of the seven Kings, and when the battle should be; and they sent another messenger to King Lisuarte's camp with a letter to Don Galaor, as if from Gaul, beseeching him to send them tidings of the battle as soon as it was ended: this did they for the greater secrecy. The Squire returned on the next evening, and said, that the army of the seven Kings was without number, and that there were strange people among them, and divers languages, and that they were besieging a Castle of certain Damsels, who were sorely distressed, albeit that the place was strong. He had also seen Arcalaus the Enchanter with two of the Kings, and heard him say, that the battle ought to be within six days, for it would be hard to find food for so many. So these three remained pleasantly in the wood, killing birds with their arrows, who came to a fountain near them, and also beasts of venery. On the fourth day the other messenger returned, and told them how he had left Don Galaor well and in good courage, so that the rest took confidence in him. When I told him your bidding Sir, said he, and how you all three abode in Gaul, the tears came into his eyes, and he sighed and said, O Lord, if it pleased thee that these were in this battle on the King's side as they used to be, I should have no fear! And he bade me say, that if he escaped with life he would inform you without delay of all that had passed. God preserve him! said they; now tell us of King Lisuarte's forces.--He has a good company Sirs, and of good and well known Knights; but they say that it is little against his enemies, and he will within two days come up to succour the Damsels who are besieged. And so it was, for King Lisuarte came and encamped upon a mountain, half a league from the plain where were the enemies, so that the armies were in sight of each other; but the army of the seven Kings were twice as many. That night they prepared their arms and their horses for the battle on the morrow. Now you are to know that the six Kings and the other Chiefs did homage to King Aravigo that night, that they would hold him for their chief in this battle, and obey his commands, and he swore to take no greater share of the kingdom than each of them, only he required the honour. Presently he made the people cross a river that ran between them and King Lisuarte, and thus placed themselves near his army.

Early on the morrow they armed and appeared before King Aravigo, so great a multitude, and so well armed, that they esteemed the others as nothing, and said, that since the King ventured to give them battle, Great Britain was their own. King Aravigo divided his army into nine battalions, each of a thousand Knights, but in his own he had fifteen hundred; and he gave them to the Kings and the other Chiefs, and placed them in close array. King Lisuarte appointed Don Grumedan, and Don Galaor, and Don Quadragante, and Angriote of Estravaus, to appoint the order of his battle, for they were well skilled in all matters of arms. Presently he went down the side of the mountain into the plain, and as it was now at that hour when the sun was rising, it shone upon their arms, and they appeared so well disposed, that their enemies, who had before held them as nothing, now thought of them otherwise. These Knights, whom I have named, made five battalions of their people. Don Brian of Monjaste had the first with one thousand Knights of Spain, whom the King his father had sent to Lisuarte. King Cildadan had the second with his own people and other troops which were appointed for him. Don Galvanes had the third; and Gavarte, his nephew, who had come there more for love of him and his friends than for the sake of the King's service. In the fourth went Giontes, the King's nephew, with enough good Knights. King Lisuarte led the fifth, in which were two thousand Knights, and he besought Don Galaor and Quadragante, and Angriote of Estravaus, and Gavarte of the Perilous Valley, and Grimon the Brave, to look to him and defend him, for the which cause he had appointed them no command. In this array which you have heard they moved slowly over the field one against the other.

At this season King Perion, and his sons Amadis and Florestan, entered the plain upon their goodly steeds, and with their arms of the serpents which shone brightly in the sun; and they rode on to place themselves between the two armies, brandishing their spears, whose points were so polished and clean that they glittered like stars; the father went between his sons. Much were they admired by both parts, and each would willingly have had them on his side, but no one knew whom they came to aid, nor who they were. They seeing that the host of Brian of Monjaste was about to join battle, put spur to their horses and rode up near to his banner, then set themselves against King Targadan who came against him. Glad was Don Brian of their help though he knew them not: but they, when they saw that it was time, rode to attack the host of King Targadan so fiercely that all were astonished. In that encounter King Perion struck that other King so hardily that a part of the spear iron entered his breast and he fell. Amadis smote Abdasian the fierce, so that armour nothing profited him, but the lance passed thro' from side to side, and he fell like a dead man. Don Florestan drove Carduel, saddle and man, under the horses' feet: these three being the bravest of that battalion had come forward to combat the Knights of the Serpents. Then laid they hand to sword and passed through the first squadron felling all before them, and charged the second: and when they were thus between both there was to be seen what marvellous feats of prowess they wrought with their swords. Such that none did like them on either side, and they had now under their horses more than ten Knights, whom they had smitten down. But when their enemies saw that there were no more than three they charged them on all sides, laying on such heavy blows that the aid of Don Brian was full needful, who came up with his Spaniards, a brave people and well horsed, and rode among the enemy, slaying and felling them, though his own men fell also, so that the Knights of the Serpents were succoured, and the enemy so handled, that they perforce gave back upon the third battalion. Then was there a great press and great danger for all, and many Knights died on either side: but what King Perion and his sons did there cannot be expressed. Such was the uproar and confusion, that King Aravigo feared, lest his own men who had given ground should make the others fly, and he called aloud to Arcalaus to advance with all the battalions, and attack in one body. This presently he did, and King Aravigo with him, but without delay King Lisuarte did the same, so that the whole battle was now joined; and such was the clang of strokes, and the cries and the noise of horsemen, that the earth trembled and the vallies rung again.

At this hour King Perion, going bravely among the foremost, had advanced so far into the enemies ranks that he was well nigh lost, but presently was he succoured by his sons, and many of those who struck at him were by them slain; the Damsels who were looking on from the Castle cried out, On Knights, on! he of the white helmet does the best. But in this succour the horse of Amadis was slain, and fell with him in the thickest press, and the horses of his father and Florestan were badly wounded; they seeing him a-foot and in such danger, alighted and placed themselves by him, there came up many to slay them, and others to their help, but in great peril were they, and had it not been that they dealt about their blows so cruelly they had surely been slain. Now as King Lisuarte went from one part to another with his seven companions, he saw those of the Serpents in what peril they stood, and he cried out to Galaor and the others, Now good friends, let your worth be seen, and let us succour those who have aided us so well. At them! quoth Galaor; they spurred their horses into the hottest of the throng till they came up to the banner of King Aravigo, who was crying out and encouraging his men. King Lisuarte went on so fiercely, with that good sword in his hand, and gave so many and such mortal strokes therewith that all were astonished to behold him, and his comrades scarce could follow him. Nor for all the enemy could do could they prevent him from reaching the banner, which he plucked from the standard-bearer, and threw under the horses' feet, and shouted aloud, Clarence! Clarence! for I am King Lisuarte: for this was his cry. So much he did, and continued so long among his enemies, that at length his horse was slain and he fell, being grievously bruised in the fall; and they, his friends, who were at hand could not remount him, but presently Angriote came up, and Arcamon the brave, and Ladadin of Fajarque, who alighted, and with the help of his comrades placed him, maugre all the enemies efforts, upon Angriote's horse. Yet though he was badly wounded and so bruised he would not withdraw from thence till Arcamon and Ladadin had brought to Angriote another horse, one of those which he had appointed to be held in readiness for those who might want them.

While this was going on, Don Galaor and Quadragante bore the brunt of the battle, and there they well displayed their great courage in enduring and dealing mortal blows, for know that if they had not resisted and kept back their opponents, King Lisuarte and his comrades had been in great danger when he was on foot. The Damsels from the Tower cried out, that the Knights who bore the flowers did the best; but, notwithstanding all they could do they could not forfend but that King Aravigo's people were getting the better, and bravely recovering the field. The principal reason hereof was, that two fresh Knights had entered the battle so valiant, and of such might in arms, that they expected by them to win the victory, weening that there was no Knight on the part of Lisuarte who could maintain the field against them. The one was called Brontaxar Danfania, the other Argomades of the Deep Island; he bore white doves upon a green field, the other bore them or upon gules. So huge of stature were they that their head and shoulder appeared above others in the battle; while their lances endured no Knight who encountered them could keep his seat, when they were broken they laid hand upon their huge and uncommon swords. What shall I say? Such blows they smote therewith that scarcely now could they meet with one to strike they had stricken such fear into all, and then they went on clearing the field, and the Damsels on the Tower cried, Knights, fly not! for these are men and not Devils! but their own party cried out aloud, King Lisuarte is conquered. When the King heard this he began to encourage his people, saying, I will die here or conquer, that the sovereignty of Great Britain may not be lost; the best Knights then gathered about him, for there was great need.

But the Knights of the Serpents when they saw that the field was won, and that there was no longer any opposition, turned aside from the way which the King took, and rode till they came to a fountain under some trees, and there they alighted and drank, and let their horses drink, who had much need after the toil of that day. As they were about to mount they saw a Squire come up on horseback; they put on their helmets that he might not know them, and then gently called him; he at first hesitated thinking they were of the enemies, but seeing the serpent-arms approached. Good Squire, said Amadis, deliver if it please you our message to the King, say to him that the Knights of the Serpents beseech him not to blame them, that they have not spoken with him, because we are constrained to go far from hence to a strange land, and put ourselves at the mercy of one who we believe will have none for us; for our part of the spoils let them be given to the Damsels of the Tower, for the losses which they have endured, and take back to him this horse, which I took from one of his pages in the battle, for we desire no other guerdon. The Squire took the horse and departed, and they went their way to their tents in the forest, and there washed the blood and dust from their hands and faces, and did the best they could for their wounds, and ate their supper which was well provided for them, and soundly did they sleep that night.

When King Lisuarte was in the tent of his conquered enemies he asked for the three Knights of the Serpents, but all he could learn of them was that they had been seen riding full speed toward the forest. Perchance, said he to Galaor, he of the golden helmet might be your brother Amadis, for what he did can be ascribed to no other but him. Trust me Sir, replied Galaor, it was not he; for not four days ago I received tidings that he was in Gaul with my father and our brother Florestan. Holy Mary! quoth Lisuarte, who then can he be? Galaor answered, I know not, but whoever he be God prosper him, for with great toil and peril hath he won the honour and praise of prowess above all. As they thus communed the Squire came up and delivered his message: much was the King troubled to hear that those Knights went to encounter such danger; but if Amadis spake this in jest, full truly did it turn out, as shall be related. The horse which the Squire brought back dropt down dead at the King's feet with his wounds. That night Galaor and Agrayes and their friends lodged in the rich tent of Arcalaus, in the which they found embroidered in silk the battle that he fought against Amadis, and how he enchanted him, and many other things that he had done. The next day the King divided the spoils, giving a great portion to the Damsels of the Tower; then gave he licence to all his followers to depart whether they would; and he himself went to a town called Gandapa, where were the Queen and Oriana. The joy which they had at meeting need not be told, for every one, considering what had past, may guess what it would be.

Some days King Perion abode in the forest to rest, then seeing that the wind was fair they put to sea, thinking soon to be in Gaul; but the wind soon changed and made the sea rage so that after five days the storm obliged them to return back to Great Britain, to a distant part of the coast; there, while the weather continued, and while their men took in fresh water, they rode into the country to learn where they were, taking three Squires with them, but leaving Gandalin to wait for them in the galley because he was well known. They rode up a glen and reached a plain, and proceeded not far before they came to a fountain, whereat a Damsel was letting her palfrey drink. Richly clad was she, and over her garments she wore a scarlet cloak with gold buttons, and the button-holes worked with gold. Two Squires and two Damsels were in her company with falcons and dogs for sport. She seeing their arms knew that they were the Knights of the Serpents, and went towards them with a shew of much joy, and saluted them courteously, making signs that she was dumb, whereat they were grieved seeing how fair she was, and of what courteous demeanour. She went up to him of the golden helmet and embraced him, and would have kissed his hand, and then by signs she invited them to be her guests that night, but they not understanding her signs she tokened to her Squire to explain them. They seeing her good will, and that it was now late, rode with her in full confidence, and came to a goodly castle, so that they held the Damsel as very rich seeing she was Mistress thereof. When they entered they found enough servants to welcome them, and sundry Dames and Damsels, who all regarded the dumb Damsel as their Lady. Their horses were taken from them, and they were led up to a rich chamber about twenty cubits from the ground, and then they were disarmed and rich garments brought them, and after they had talked to the dumb Damsel and with the others, supper was brought and they were well served. The Damsels then retired, but presently they returned with many candles and with stringed instruments to delight them; and when it was time to sleep they again retired. The dumb Damsel had ordered three rich and goodly beds to be prepared in that chamber, and their arms were laid by the bed side, so they lay down and fell asleep like men who were fatigued.

Now you must know that this chamber was made with great cunning, for the floor did not fasten into the walls but was supported upon an iron screw like a wine-press, and fitted into a frame of wood, so that it could be lowered or raised from below by turning an iron lever. So when they awoke in the morning they had been let down twenty cubits low; and perceiving no light, but yet hearing the stir of people above them, they marvelled greatly and rose from bed and felt for the door and windows, but when they found them and put their hands through they felt the wall of the castle, and knew that they were betrayed. Being in this great trouble a Knight appeared at a window above, who was huge of stature and limb; and of a sullen countenance, and in his beard and hair more white hairs than black; he wore a mourning dress; and upon his right hand a glove of white cloth that reached to his elbow. You are well lodged there, cried he, and according to the mischief ye have done me shall be the mercy ye shall find, which shall be a cruel and bitter death, and even with that shall I not be revenged for what you did in battle with the false King Lisuarte. Know that I am Arcalaus the Enchanter, if you have never seen me before, learn to know me now; none ever injured me without my taking vengeance, except only one, whom I yet hope to have where I have you, and to cut off his hands for the hand which he lopt from me. The Damsel was by him, and she pointing to Amadis said, good Uncle, that young one is he of the golden helmet. But they hearing they were in the power of Arcalaus were in great fear of death, and much were they surprised to hear that dumb Damsel speak. This Damsel was Dinarda, the daughter of Ardan Canileo, who was expert in all wickedness, and had come to that land to contrive the death of Amadis, and for that cause had feigned herself dumb. Knights, said Arcalaus, I will cut your heads off and send them to King Aravigo as some atonement for the disservice ye have wrought him! then he drew back from the window and closed it, and the chamber remained so dark that they could not see one another. Good sons, then said King Perion, these are the changes of fortune! but we, whose office it is to seek adventures, must take the evil as well as the good, exerting ourselves to remedy it where we can, and when our strength avails not trusting in him who will do what is best. Therefore let us repress the grief which you feel for me, and I yet more for you, and commit ourselves patiently to God. The sons who endured more for him than for their own danger then knelt before him and kissed his hand, and he gave them his blessing.

They remained there all that day without food or drink. When Arcalaus had supped and part of the night was gone, he came again to the window with two lighted torches, and with him Dinarda and two old men. You Knights there, cried he, I suppose you could eat if you had wherewith! Willingly, if you will give it us, answered Florestan. He replied, if I have any such will God prevent it! but that you may not be quite disconsolate, instead of food I will give you some news to make amends. Two Squires and a Dwarf have come to the Castle gate since it was dark to ask for the Knights of the Serpents. I have had them seized and thrown into a prison under you; in the morning I will make them tell me who ye are or else cut them limb from limb. Now this which he said was true, for they in the galley seeing that the wind was fair sent Gandalin and the Dwarf, and Orfeo the King's wardrobe-keeper, to seek for the Knights, and Arcalaus had taken them thus. Much were Perion and his sons troubled at these perilous tidings, but Amadis answered, saying, sure am I that when you know who we are you will not use us so wrongfully as now; for as you are a Knight yourself, you will not hold that for wrong which we did fairly in battle to assist our friends, as we should have done had we been on your side. If there be any worth in you you ought to esteem us for this, and do us the more honour, being now in your power; you show no courtesy in treating us thus. Who disputes with you? quoth Arcalaus; the honour I will do you shall be as I would do to Amadis of Gaul, who is the man in the world that I love worst, and on whom I most desire to take vengeance. Uncle, said Dinarda, as you mean to send their heads to King Aravigo, do not let them die of hunger, but just support life for them that they may endure more pain. I will niece, replied Arcalaus. Tell me Knights on your faith are you most troubled with hunger or thirst? In truth, said they, though meat is of consequence, we are more desirous of drink. Take them a bacon pasty, said he to another Damsel, that they may not say I would not relieve them, and then they all withdrew.

That Damsel seeing Amadis how comely he was, and knowing the great feats of chivalry which he had done in the battle, was moved to pity for him and his comrades, and she put a vessel of water and another of wine into a basket with the bacon pasty, and lowered it by a cord saying, take this and be secret, you shall not fare ill if I can help ye. Amadis thanked her much, and she went away; they then supped and went to bed, bidding their Squires who were with them keep their arms in readiness where they could find them, for said they if we do not die of hunger we will sell our lives dearly.

Now Gandalin and Orfeo and the Dwarf were cast into a prison underneath the platform whereon their masters lay. They found there a Dame and her husband, and a young Knight their son, who had been there confined a year. Gandalin talking with them told them how coming in search of the Knights of the Serpents he had been seized. Holy Mary, replied the old Knight! these of whom you speak were well received in this Castle, and while they were asleep four men entered this prison, and turning that iron lever which you see lowered down the platform above us, so that they have suffered a great treason. Gandalin then understanding that his master was in danger of death said, let us try to raise it then, else neither they nor we shall ever escape, but if they save themselves we shall be delivered. Then the Knight and his son on one side, and Gandalin and Orfeo on the other, began to turn the lever and the platform began to rise. King Perion, who could not sleep for grief because of his sons presently felt it, and waking them said, the floor is rising, I know not for what intent. Amadis answered, let it be for what it will it is very different to die like Knights or like thieves, and they leaped out of bed and bade their Squires arm them. They below turned the lever with great labour and difficulty till the floor had risen to its place; then Perion and his sons saw light through the crevices of the door whereby they had entered, and they burst it open and rushed out upon the wall where the guards were, and slew and threw down all they met, crying aloud, Gaul! Gaul! the Castle is ours. Arcalaus hearing this was greatly dismayed, thinking that it was the treason of some of his people who had let in the enemy, and he fled naked into a tower, and drew up the stairs after him which were made like a draw-bridge. He feared nothing from his prisoners thinking they were safe enough, but looking from a window he saw the Knights of the Serpents traversing the Castle; then not daring to descend himself, he called to his men not to fear for there were but three against them. Some of those who lodged below then began to arm, but the Knights who had now cleared the walls went down, and soon so handled them that not a man appeared before them. They in the dungeon, who heard what was doing, cried aloud for help. Amadis knew the Dwarf's voice, for he and the Dame were in the most fear, and went forthwith to release them, and with great force breaking the iron staples they burst open the door and set them at liberty, then searching the buildings round the Court they found their horses, and gave two of Arcalaus's to the Knight and his son, and Dinarda's palfrey to the Dame; and having mounted the King ordered them to set fire to the dwellings. It began to blaze till all was in one flame, and the fire caught the door of the Tower, and the Dwarf cried out, Sir Arcalaus! take this smoke patiently, as I did when you hung me up by the leg when you committed that great treason against Amadis. Much was the King pleased to hear how the Dwarf scoffed him, and they all laughed to see what plight he was now in for all his force and cunning. Then they rode toward their ship, and looking back from a hill beheld the Castle burning to their great joy. When they were got aboard and were disarmed, the Dame knew the King and fell on her knees before him, and he seeing her took her up and embraced her as one he much loved. Sir, said she, which is Amadis? and when she knew she would have kissed his feet, but he raised her up being greatly abashed, and she then told him how she was Darioleta who had thrown him into the sea, and besought his pardon. Dame, quoth he, now know I what before I never knew, for though my foster-father told me I was found in the sea, I knew not how it had chanced, that do I indeed pardon, for you did no wrong, for all was for the service of her whom I am bound to serve while I have life. The King took pleasure to talk of those times, and thus chearfully they sailed till they arrived in Gaul.

You have heard how Arcalaus was naked in the Tower, and because the fire caught the door he could not get out, and the smoke and the heat were so great that he could not help himself, and though he got into a stone vaulted chamber still the smoke was so thick that he was in great agony. There he remained two days, for the fire continued so fierce that none of his people who survived could enter, but on the third day they could go in, and they went up to him and found him in such plight that his soul was ready to depart from his body; but pouring water into his mouth they made him recover, though in great tortures, and took him in their arms to remove him to the town, but when he saw his Castle so burnt and ruined, he said in the bitterness of his heart, Ah, Amadis of Gaul, what evil hast thou brought upon me! if I catch thee I will do such cruelty upon thee that my heart shall be revenged for all, and for thy sake I swear never more to spare the life of any Knight whom I take, that if thou shouldst fall again into my hands thou mayest not escape. Four days he remained in the town, then he set out in a litter for his Castle of Mount Aldin with Dinarda who was so fair and another Damsel, and seven Knights to guard them. The second day of their journey was far spent, and on that night they were to reach his Castle, when at the skirts of a forest they saw two Knights by a fountain, richly armed and well mounted. Good Uncle, said Dinarda, here are two strange Knights, for they were waiting to see what came in the litter. He raised his head and said to his Knights, take your arms and bring me hither those Knights without saying who I am, if they resist bring me their heads. Now you are to know that these Knights were Don Galaor and his comrade Norandel; the Knights of Arcalaus came up to them, and bade them leave their arms and go to him in the litter. In God's name, quoth Galaor, who is he? or what is it to him whether we go armed or not? We know not, replied the other, but you had better obey him or we must take your heads. We are not come to that point yet, quoth Norandel, that you can do it. Now shall ye see! said they. In the first encounter two of the Knights fell wounded to death, the other five broke their spears and could not move them from their saddles, then drew they their swords and began a fierce battle, but three of them being overthrown and badly wounded, the other twain durst no longer abide those mortal blows, and rode full speed into the forest. The two companions did not pursue them but rode up to the litter which was now deserted by all except two men on horseback, and they raised the curtain and said, Sir Knight, whom God curse, is it thus you treat Errant Knights? if you were armed we would make you confess that you are a wretch and false to God and the world, but as you are sick we will send you to Don Grumedan, who shall sentence you as you deserve.

When Arcalaus heard this he was sore dismayed, knowing that if Grumedan should see him his death was come, but being crafty in all things he put on a good countenance and said, certes Sir much pleasure would you do me in sending me to my cousin and Lord Don Grumedan, but I hold myself unfortunate that you should complain against me, whose only thought and wish is how to serve Errant Knights. I beseech you Sirs for courtesy hear my misfortune, and then do with me as ye please. They hearing that he was cousin to Don Grumedan, whom they loved so well, repented them of the harsh words they had used towards him; speak on, said they, we will willingly hear you. Know then Sirs that one day being armed I was riding in the forest of the Black Lake, and there I found a Dame who complained to me of wrong which had been done her, I went with her and recovered for her her right before Count Guncestre. But as I was returning to my Castle I met that Knight whom you have slain, who God curse him, was a perverse man, and he with two other Knights attacked me to win from me my Castle. I defended myself the best I could but was at last taken; he kept me prisoner for a whole year, and all the honour he shewed me was to have these wounds healed; then showed he the scars to them, for being a brave Knight many were the wounds which he had given and received. At length Sirs being in despair of otherwise obtaining my liberty I agreed to give him up my Castle, thinking to go afterwards to my cousin Don Grumedan, and to my Lord King Lisuarte, and demand justice against the robber, which now Sirs, without my asking it, you have taken for me more fully than I expected; and if I found no help there I resolved to go seek Amadis of Gaul or his brother Don Galaor, and seek from them that succour which they grant to all who are oppressed. Now because I was so weak as not to ride he carried me in this litter to have my Castle yielded, and the reason why he and those other traitors attacked you was that you might not come up to see who was in the litter, and so learn their villainy. Hearing this they besought pardon of him for the threats they had used, and asked his name.--Granfiles, I know not if you have heard it heretofore. Yes, quoth Galaor, and I know, as your Cousin hath told me, that he shews great honour towards all Errant Knights. God be praised that you know me! he replied, now I beseech you take off your helmets and tell me your names also.--This Knight is Norandel, son to King Lisuarte, and I am Galaor the brother of Amadis. God be praised, quoth Arcalaus, that I have been succoured by such Knights! and he looked well at Galaor, when they had unhelmed, that he might know him again and do him a mischief if ever he had him in his power. I trust in God Sirs that you may one day be where my will towards you may be satisfied! tell me now what I shall do?--Even whatever is your will.--I will proceed then to my Castle--God guard you, said they, and they parted. It was night but the moon shone, and he presently struck into a bye path.

The two Knights resolved to rest by the fountain because their horses were weary. As you will, said Don Galaor's Squire, but there is better lodging ready for you than you are aware of.--How so? Two Damsels who came with the Knight in the litter have hid themselves in that old building among the briars. They then alighted and washed their hands and faces at the fountain, and went towards the place, through the thicket and over rubbish. Who is hidden here, cried Galaor aloud, bring fire that I may make them come out. When Dinarda heard this, she cried, mercy Knight and I will come out!--Come out then that I may see who you are.--Help me or I cannot. Galaor drew nearer, she held out her arms, the moon shone bright so that he saw her distinctly, and he helped her out. She had on a scarlet petticoat, and a white sattin cloak, and so fair was she that Galaor had never seen one whom he liked so well. Norandel took the other Damsel out, they all went back to the fountain, and there regaled upon what the Squires brought, and on what they found upon a sumpter-horse of Arcalaus. Dinarda was in great fear of Galaor, lest he should know how she had betrayed his father and his brothers, and take vengeance, and therefore she looked at him with amorous eyes, and made signs to her Damsel how she admired his beauty, and this she did in hope to make him love her, thinking that she might be safe. Galaor was not slow at comprehending these signs, for he thought of nothing but how he might have her for his mistress; so such was her ill fortune that she, loth as she was, yet seeming nothing coy, yielded that to her enemy which no lover could ever yet attain.

That night Galaor asked his Mistress what was the name of the wicked Knight who wanted to slay them. She thought he meant him in the litter and answered, how is it that when you went up to him in the litter you did not know he was Arcalaus?--Arcalaus!--Yea, truly.--Holy Mary, and have I let him escape death with his tricks! When Dinarda heard that he was not slain she greatly rejoiced, but dissembling that she answered, a little while ago and I would have given my life to save his, but now that you have won my love, and I am in your favour, I wish him dead, for I know he hates you and your lineage; may the ill which he designs you fall upon his own head! and she clipped him in her arms as if with exceeding love. So they passed that night there in the forest, and on the morrow the Knights took each his Leman and proceeded towards Gaul.

Arcalaus greatly dismayed at what had befallen him reached his Castle at midnight, and ordered the gates to be closed, and no person admitted. There had he his sores healed, designing to be worse than ever, and commit greater wrongs, as is the way of the wicked, who, though God is patient with them, strive not to loose the chains in which the wicked enemy hath bound them, till they are cast with them into the pit of hell, as we ought to believe this Arcalaus was.

Two days Don Galaor and Norandel rode with their Mistresses towards the port from whence they designed to cross over into Gaul; on the third day they reached a Castle where they resolved to lodge that night, and finding the gate open rode in. The Lord of the Castle, when he saw them enter, chid his people for leaving the gates open; howbeit he made good semblance to the Knights and did them much honour, though against his will, for his name was Ambades, and he was cousin to Arcalaus, and he knew Dinarda his niece, who told him that she was forced by Galaor. The mother of this Ambades wept in secret with Dinarda, and said she would have the Knights slain. Let not such folly possess you and my Uncle, quoth Dinarda, and she then related how they had discomfited the seven Knights. To-morrow I and the Damsel will lag behind, and let them go through the gate, then the bridge may be drawn up, and we shall be safe. Thus they resolved to do. Ambades feasted the Knights well, and lodged them well, but he could not sleep all that night, so much was he dismayed at having two such men in his Castle. In the morning he rose and armed himself, and said he would accompany his guests some way, for this, said he, is my office to seek adventures. We thank you Host, said Galaor. So they armed and placed their Mistresses on their palfreys and rode forth, but their Host and the Mistresses remained behind, and as soon as they and their Squires were out, drew up the bridge, so that the scheme succeeded. Ambades immediately dismounted and went upon the wall, and saw how the Knights were looking to see any one of whom they might demand their Damsels. Get ye gone ye ill and false guests, quoth he. God confound ye, and give ye as bad a night as ye gave me! your Mistresses with whom you thought to make merry shall tarry with me. How now Host? said Galaor, have you so well entertained us, and do you now commit this great disloyalty to detain our Damsels by force? More joy if it were so, replied Ambades, but it was you their enemies who held them by force, and they stay here freely.--Let them show themselves and we shall see if it be so.--They shall, not to satisfy you but to show how they hate you. Dinarda then appeared upon the wall. Dinarda my Lady, said Galaor, this Knight says you remain there willingly, and I cannot believe it because of the great love that is between us. If I manifested love towards you, Dinarda replied, it was only in fear, for I being the daughter of Ardan Canileo, and you brother to Amadis, how is it possible that I could love you? and especially when you would have carried me into Gaul, into the power of my foes? Go your way Galaor, if I have pleased you do not thank me, nor ever think of me except as your enemy. Stay where you are, quoth Galaor, with the bad fortune which God grant thee! from such a root as Arcalaus, there can only come such shoots. And you, said Norandel in great vexation to his Mistress, what will you do?--the will of my Lady. Confound her will, quoth he, and that of the fellow who has deceived us. Such as I am, cried Ambades, I should think it no praise to conquer two such as ye! If you are such a Knight, quoth Norandel, come out and fight, you on horseback and I afoot; if you kill me you will rid Arcalaus of a mortal enemy, if I conquer, you shall give us the Damsels. What a fool thou art, Ambades replied, I think nothing of both, and what should I do of thee singly on foot and I being mounted? for what you say of my Lord Arcalaus, he would not give one straw for twenty such as thee and thy comrade, and then he took a Turkish bow and began to let fly at them. They drew back and went their way, saying that the wickedness of Arcalaus extended to all his race, and laughing at what had passed. On the fourth day they reached a sea-port called Alfiad, and taking ship arrived in Gaul at a place where Amadis and Florestan were with King Perion.

When they returned King Perion took Galaor and Norandel aside, and said to them, you have undertaken to find out that of which you can learn no tidings in the world, except it be only here. I bless God that he has guided you thus to save you the labour of a fruitless search! then led he them to a chamber where the arms hung, there said he is the white helmet which I wore, and Florestan's purple one, and the golden helmet of Amadis. Well did they remember them, for they bore the dints of that battle, and often had they looked at them on that day, sometimes rejoicing that King Lisuarte had such aid, at other times envying the prowess of their masters. God and you Sir, said Galaor, have shewn us great favour in saving us from this search; it was our intent to seek those Knights every where, and if they would not discover themselves we should have fought with them till death, to prove, that though in the general battle they did the best, it would be otherwise in single fight. Norandel then begged those arms of the King which he courteously granted, then told he them in what peril they had been at the Castle of Arcalaus, and by what adventure they had escaped. The tears came into Galaor's eyes for grief at that recital, and he in his turn told what had chanced to him and Norandel with Arcalaus, and how the Enchanter had escaped, and of their host Ambades. So Galaor and Norandel abode fourteen days with King Perion, then taking the arms of the serpents they embarked for Great Britain, and took those arms to the palace to shew how they had atchieved their quest. Well were they welcomed by the King and all the Court. Sir if it please you, said Galaor, let me be heard in presence of the Queen, forthwith they all went to the Queen's apartment, and Galaor and his companion kissed her hand, and then he said, ye know Sirs that I and Norandel went in quest of the Knights of the Serpents, blessed be God we have accomplished it without difficulty, as Norandel shall show you. Then Norandel took in his hand the white helmet and said, Sir, know you this helmet well? yea, answered Lisuarte, many times did I see it when I wished it to be seen.--King Perion, who loves you well, bore it on his head that day; this purple one was Florestan's; here is the golden helmet: he who wore it, and who did you such service as none other could have done, is Amadis. If I say truth or not you are the best witness, for you were often among them in the battle, they enjoying now the fame and you the victory. Then they related all that had happened and concerning Arcalaus, and how he had escaped by calling himself Grumedan's cousin; at that they all laughed, and old Grumedan also, saying he was happy they had found such a kinsman for him.

Lisuarte then enquired much concerning King Perion: trust me Sir, said Norandel, there is no King in the world of equal territories who is his peer. He will lose nothing by his sons, quoth Grumedan; thereto the King answered nothing, because he would not praise Galaor to his face, and was at that time little pleased with his brethren; howbeit he ordered the arms to be hung upon the crystal arch of his palace, where the arms of other famous men were placed.

FOOTNOTES:

Here the author compares the wicked dumb Damsel to this deceitful world, and exhorts sinners to hope by what followed.

When Esplandian was four years old Nasciano the hermit sent for him, and when he saw how well grown he was for his age and how fair he marvelled greatly, and blessed him, and the child embraced him as if he had known him. Then the hermit sent his sister home, keeping with him her son and Esplandian, who had been fed with the same milk, these children remained playing together before the hermitage till Esplandian grew tired, and lay down under a tree and fell asleep. Now the Lioness coming as was her wont to the hermit for food, saw the child and went up to him, and after smelling him all round lay down by his side. The other boy ran crying to the good man and told him that a great dog was going to eat Esplandian. The good man went out to see the Lioness, who came and fawned upon him, and the child waking and seeing the Lioness said, father is this fine dog ours? No, said the good man, he is God's, to whom all things belong.--I wish father he were ours!--Do you wish to feed him son? yes replied the child; the old man then fetched him the leg of a stag, which some hunters had given him, and the child gave it to the Lioness, and played with her ears, and put his hands in her mouth. And you must know that from this time the Lioness came every day, and guarded him whenever he walked out from the hermitage. And when he was grown bigger Nasciano gave him a bow fit for him, and another to his nephew, and they learned to shoot: the Lioness always went out with them, and if they wounded a stag she would fetch him for them. Now the hermit had certain friends who were hunters, and they would sometimes go out with Esplandian, for the sake of the Lioness that she might bring in their game, and thus Esplandian learned to hunt, and in this manner he passed his time being taught by that holy man.

Amadis having left Gaul with design to do away by new atchievements the ill report of his long sloth, entered Germany, and great feats did he there perform, redressing wrongs, passing through great hazards, doing battle sometimes with one Knight, sometimes with two or three--what shall I say? he was soon famed as the best Knight that had ever entered that country, though they knew him by no other name than the Knight of the Green Sword, or of the Dwarf, because of Ardian who was with him? and thus he passed four years without returning to Gaul, or to the Firm Island, or hearing tidings of Oriana, and no other consolation had he than the certainty that his Lady being as faithful as himself endured the same loneliness. Now having past the whole summer in Germany, when the winter drew nigh he feared the cold, and resolved to go to Bohemia to pass it with the good King Tafinor, of whom he heard a fair report, and who was then at war with El Patin, who was now Emperor of Rome, and whom Amadis hated as you have heard, for pretending to Oriana. Accordingly he departed for that kingdom. Now it so happened that having reached the bank of a river he saw a great company on the other side, who had let fly a Ger-falcon at a heron, and the quarry was slain near where he stood. He alighted, and calling out loudly to those on the other side, asked if he should lure the Falcon? they answered yes; he then gave him to eat what was proper, as one who had often done so. Now the river was so deep that it could not be crossed in that part, and you are to know that King Tafinor of Bohemia was with that company, and he seeing the Knight asked if any one knew him, but none present could say who he was. Belike, said the King, it may be a Knight who has traversed all Germany, and done such wonderful things in arms, that all speak of him as of a miracle; they call him the Knight of the Green Sword, or of the Dwarf, and because of the Dwarf I think this may be he. A Knight named Sadian, who was Chief of the King's guard, answered, certes this is he for he hath a green sword. The King then rode more than apace towards a ford, for the Knight was now riding thither to cross, having the ger-falcon on his fist. Good friend, said Tafinor, you are right welcome to my land.--Are you the King?--I am, while it pleases God. Then the Knight approached respectfully to kiss his hand, Sir, pardon me, tho' not knowing you I have not offended. I come to see and serve you, for they say you are at war with so mighty a man that you need the service of all your subjects and of strangers also; but though I am a stranger yet while I am with you you may account me as your natural vassal.--Knight of the Green Sword and friend, how much I am beholden to you for this coming and these words, my heart knows which hath its courage doubled thereby. So they rode together to the town, and much was that Knight admired by all for his goodly person, and because he was better armed than ever they had seen Knight. When they reached the palace the King ordered that he should be lodged, and being disarmed in a rich chamber he clothed himself in costly apparel, which his Dwarf had brought, and went before the King with such a presence as testified to the truth of what had been spoken of his prowess; there did he eat with the King, and was served as became the table of such a man. When the cloths were removed the King said, Knight of the Green Sword and my good friend, know that against my will I am at war with the mightiest of all the Christians, El Patin, Emperor of Rome, who in his great power and great pride would have this kingdom, which God gave free into my hands, tributary to him. Hitherto by the good faith and strength of my vassals and friends I have well defended myself, and will continue so to do while life shall last; but difficult and perilous it is for the few to defend themselves against the many, and therefore my heart is ever troubled in seeking for some remedy. But none other is there except in the worth and courage which God has given to some above others, and as he hath so excellently in this wise gifted you, much hope have I in your aid, if you will help to defend this kingdom which shall be ever at your will. Sir, answered the Knight, I will serve you; as you shall see my deeds so judge you my worth. Thus the Knight of the Green Sword remained in the house of King Tafinor of Bohemia, and to do him more honour the King ordered his own son Grasandor to be in his company and Count Galtines his cousin.

It chanced one day as they were riding out with the King and talking of the war, for the truce was to expire in five days, they saw twelve Knights approaching, their arms lying upon the horses, and their Squires carrying the helmets, shields and lances. The King knew among them the shield of Don Garadan, cousin to the Emperor Patin, who was the best Knight of all the Lordship of Rome, and he said to him of the Green Sword, ah, what evils he hath done me whose is yonder shield, and he pointed to the shield which bore two large eagles or, in a field murrey. Sir, replied he, the more insults you receive from your enemies the more confidence should you have that God will give you vengeance. Now seeing they are come into your land, relying upon your courtesy, honour them and accost them well, but make no terms that are not to your own honour and profit. The King embraced him and said, would to God you had been always with me! direct me as you please! So they met Garadan and his company, and the King welcomed them with better words than heart, and invited them to enter the town. Don Garadan answered, I come for two things which you must know first, and whereon no other counsel is needed than that of your own heart; answer us speedily for we must not tarry, seeing the truce will soon be expired. He then produced a letter of credence wherein the Emperor promised on his faith to confirm whatever Don Garadan should conclude with him. Methinks, quoth Tafinor, when he had read it, the Emperor places no little confidence in you! now say your bidding. King, then said Don Garadan, notwithstanding the Emperor is of higher lineage and lordship than you, yet because he hath other things to attend to, he wishes to put an end to this war, in either of these ways which you may chuse. Either that you shall do battle with Salustanquidio his cousin Prince of Calabria, hundred to hundred up to a thousand, or twelve to twelve, your Knights against me and these my companions: on condition that if you conquer you shall be for ever free from this demand, but if you are conquered you shall remain his vassal, as this kingdom was in times past to his empire, according to our Roman histories. Now chuse which you will, for should you refuse either the Emperor bids you know, that leaving aside all other things, he will come against you in person, and never depart till he hath destroyed you. Don Garadan, cried he of the Green Sword, you have spoken arrogantly enough as well for yourself as for the Emperor, but God oftentimes with a little of his mercy hath broken down such pride; the King will answer you as it may please him. I would only ask if he should accept one of these battles, how shall he be secure that what you promise will be performed? Don Garadan looked at him, wondering that he should have answered without waiting for the King's reply, I know not who you are Sir Knight, quoth he, but by your speech it seems you are of a foreign land; this I shall say, I hold you for one of little discretion to reply without the King's command, but if he hold it good, and will accede to what I demand, I will tell you what you ask. The King replied, Don Garadan, I confirm and warrant whatever the Knight of the Green Sword shall say. When Garadan heard mentioned the man of such high prowess his heart leaped for two causes, the one sorrow, that such a Knight should be on the King's side, the other pleasure, for he hoped to combat him, and had confidence that he should subdue or slay him, and so acquire all that glory which he had won throughout Germany, and other countries wherein no other Knight was spoken of. Since the King leaves it to you, said he, chuse the one. The Knight answered, let the King do that; all I shall say is, that in either I will serve him, if he permit me, and so will I do in war while I remain with him. The King put his arm round the Knight's neck saying, good friend, such courage your words give me that I fear not to accept either, I beseech you say which is best.--Certes Sir that may I not do; summon you the good men of your counsel and take their judgment, and command me wherein I may serve you, else might they with reason complain that I took upon myself more than I had wisdom to discharge; howbeit Sir at all events see what security Don Garadan will give. Garadan then bade a Squire bring him a casket, and he took from it a writing sealed with thirty seals all suspended by silken strings, and all were of silver except the middle one which was gold, for that was the Emperor's, and the others were of the great lords of the Empire; this he gave the King.

Then King Tafinor withdrew with his good men, and finding that he might depend upon the conditions, asked counsel whether he should chuse: some said the hundred to hundred, others the combat of twelve, because for so small a number he could chuse tried Knights, others that it were better to continue the war and not put his kingdom upon adventure of a battle; so that the opinions were very different. Then said Count Galtines, Sir, let us refer it to this Knight of the Green Sword, who peradventure has seen many things, and hath great desire to serve you. Thereto all assented, and the King sent to call him, for he and Grasandor were talking with Don Garadan, and the Knight of the Green Sword seeing of what brave stature he was, and that needs there must be great strength in him, somewhat doubted the battle, yet the vain and arrogant words which he had spoken made him hope that God would enable him to confound his pride. He at the King's bidding went before him, and the King said, Knight of the Dwarf my great friend, I beseech you now do not refuse to give us your advice, and he told him at what difference they were. Sir, he replied, this is a weighty thing to determine, for the issue is in the hand of God, not in the judgment of men. Howbeit speaking as the adventure were my own, I will say Sir, that if I had but one castle and an hundred men, and an enemy with ten castles and a thousand Knights warring to take it from me, if it pleased God to make him propose to me an equal battle I should think it a great mercy. But for all which I have said do not you Knights cease to counsel the King that which will be most for his service! with that he would have departed but the King took him by the cloak and made him sit by him, and said, good friend, we all agree in your opinion. I chuse the combat of twelve, and God who sees the violence done me will be my helper, even as he helped King Perion of Gaul when that mighty King Abies came against him, and was slain by a stripling Knight. In the name of God! exclaimed he of the Green Sword, and this is the best choice, but if you can prevail with Garadan let it be decided by single combat, let he and I do battle, for I trust in God, and in your good cause and his pride that I could decide the war.

With that they went to Don Garadan, who was impatient of their delay, and the King said to him, I chuse the combat of twelve Don Garadan, and let it be to-morrow. So help me God, quoth Garadan, as you have answered to my heart's desire, and I am right glad. He of the Green Sword answered, oftentimes men are glad at the beginning, but when the end comes it is otherwise. Garadan beheld him with an evil look--Don Cavalier, you chuse to speak on every occasion! it is plain enough that you are a stranger, since your discretion is so scanty and strange; if I knew that you were to be one of the twelve I would give you these gloves! He of the Green Sword took them,--I shall be there, and as I now take your gloves, so will I then take that head which your pride and discourtesy have offered me. When Garadan heard this he was besides himself with rage.--Ah, wretch that I am, quoth he, if this were to-morrow, and we were in the battle, Don Cavalier of the Dwarf, all these should see how I would chastise your folly! If till to-morrow seem so long a time, replied he of the Green Sword, the day is yet long enough for one to slay the other; let us arm if you will and begin the battle, on this covenant, that he who survives may aid his comrades to-morrow. Certes, Don Cavalier, replied Garadan, if you dare do as you have now said, I forgive you all you have said against me, and he called hastily for his arms, and the Knight of the Dwarf demanded his from Gandalin.

His companions armed Don Garadan, the King and his son did the same to their champion; all then withdrew, and left the twain in the field where they were to combat. Garadan mounted upon a goodly steed, whom he made prance fiercely over the field, then turning to his friends he said, trust ye that ye shall see this King made subject to our Emperor, and ye without striking a blow, remain with much honour; all the hope of our enemies is in this Knight, whom, if he dares abide the encounter, I shall presently conquer, and when he is slain they will not dare enter the lists with us to-morrow. What are you doing Garadan? cried he of the Green Sword, you waste the day in boasting, and boasting will not do now we are about to be proved. They then spurred against each other, their shields, strong as they were, failed, their lances, thick as they were, splintered, and they dashed helmet and shield against each other. The horse of the Green Sword staggered back and reeled, but did not fall; Garadan was driven from the saddle, and so rudely that he was well nigh stunned. He of the Green Sword, when he saw him trying to rise and stumbling, would have made at him but his horse could not move, the encounter had so shaken him, and he himself had been wounded in the left arm, but he alighted in great wrath and went against Garadan with his burning Sword. Now had Garadan recovered, and stood sword in hand covered with his shield ready, but not so fierce as before. Many a notable blow was then given, and so fiercely they foined that all marvelled to behold them. But Garadan yet felt his fall, and his enemy in anger prest on him, and laid on such heavy load so fast that he drew back and said, certes Knight of the Green Sword I now know you better than before, and like you less! howbeit, though much of your worth is now proved to me, mine is not in such state that it can be known who shall conquer: if you like to rest a while be it so, if not, again to battle! Truly Don Garadan, replied he, it would please me far better to rest than to fight, but to one of your high prowess and courage it must be far otherwise, as I judge by your own words; and therefore that so good a man as you may not be shamed, I will not leave the battle till it be ended. Right sad was Don Garadan for that, for he felt himself weak with his fall and wounds, and remembered the proud threats which he had uttered against that enemy, howbeit he took courage to do his best and endure the end; then again they engaged with equal fury, but it was not long before Garadan fell down with a blow on the helmet, the sword had entered so deep that the Knight could scarce pluck it out, then he hastened and took off his enemy's helmet and saw that the brains were cleft. Whereat greatly rejoicing because of the displeasure it would be to El Patin the Emperor, and the service he had done the King, he wiped his sword and put it in the scabbard, and knelt down and gave God thanks.

King Tafinor immediately dismounted from his palfrey and went up to the conqueror, and seeing his hands red with blood, his own as well as his enemy's, he said to him, good friend, how feel you? Right well, replied he of the Green Sword, by God's mercy! I shall bear my part to-morrow in the battle. So he was honourably accompanied to the town, and his wounds were dressed. The Roman Knights meantime carried the dead Garadan to their tents, and great dole did they make, for they loved him much, and were sore dismayed at his loss, seeing that his conqueror would be against them on the morrow; so they were greatly troubled, being afraid to do battle, yet knowing that if they did not the Emperor would be dishonoured, and they themselves therefore in peril of death. Howbeit they resolved not to fight, and to excuse themselves before the Emperor by saying that Garadan had undertaken the combat, wherein he died against the will of all, for his own haughtiness. The most of them were of this mind and the others were silent. But there was among them a young Knight called Arquisil, of the imperial blood, and so near a-kin to El Patin that he was his heir if he died without a son, and for this reason was he hated by that Emperor. He being so young, for he was yet but twenty, had not before ventured to speak; but now he said, certes Sirs I marvel greatly that good men like you should fall into so great an error! if any man had advised this you ought to have held him as an enemy! for Don Garadan's death, it is better that so insolent a one should be out of our company, that we may not partake the reward of his insolence; and for that Knight whom you fear, I will take him to my account, and not leave him till death, what then will be the mighty odds? eleven to ten--that you should prefer perpetual dishonour to the chance of death! Such weight had these words of Arquisil that his companions gave him many thanks, and praised his council, and bravely determined to undertake the combat.

The Green Sword Knight remained with King Tafinor till his wounds were healed, and then seeing that the war was ended, and thinking that he could better bear the misery of absence from Oriana, when he was wandering and enduring difficulty, than in repose and enjoyment, he spake to the King saying, Sir, since your war is ended, and the time when my fortune will not let me rest is come, I must obey the will of that fortune, not my own. I will depart to-morrow, and God grant that there may come a time wherein I may make some return for the great honours and favours which you have vouchsafed me. King Tafinor thereat was sorely troubled,--Ah, Knight of the Green Sword, my true friend, take what you will of my kingdom, power as well as possessions, and do not leave me! Sir, replied he, this I always believed, that knowing my good will to serve you, you would honour me accordingly, but I cannot rest till my heart be in that place where its thoughts are always. The King seeing how he spake, and knowing him to be fixed in all his purposes, answered then with a sad countenance, my loyal friend, since it must be so, I beg of you two things: the one, that if ever need betide you, you will remember me and this my country; the other, that you will hear mass with me to-morrow for I would speak with you.

He of the Green Sword then ordered Gandalin to prepare for their departure. That night he did not sleep, even as though he had been overwearied with bodily toil, for trouble and grief of mind so mastered him, for his Lady's sake; many tears did he shed that night; at dawn he rose and armed and went to horse, and Gandalin and the Dwarf mounted their palfreys, taking the things necessary for their journey. Forthwith he went to the King's chapel where they heard mass; King Tafinor then bidding all others go forth, said to him, my great friend, I beg of you one boon, which shall neither be to the hindrance of your journey nor to your dishonour.--So Sir I well believe, do you therefore ask according to your virtue, and I grant it.--Tell me then good friend your name, and whose son you are, and trust me the secret shall be kept by me till you divulge it. The Knight remained silent awhile, repenting what he had promised,--Sir, if it please you do not ask this, for it will not profit you.--My good friend doubt not to tell me--I will conceal it like you yourself. He then replied, since it pleases you Sir to know, I am that Amadis of Gaul, son to King Perion, of whom you spake before the battle. Ah, happy Knight, quoth then King Tafinor, blessed was the hour wherein thou wert begotten, by whom thy parents and kin, and we also have derived such honour and advantage! You have made me right joyful by telling me this, and I trust in God that it will be for your own good, and the means that I may somewhat discharge the great debts I owe you. Now, though the King spake thus from his own good will, and not because of any thing which he could know of that Knight's needs, yet was it fulfilled in two ways; the one, because he made be written all the feats of arms which Amadis had done in those countries, and the other when he was a right good ally to him with his son and his people, when he had great need of help, as you shall hear hereafter. Then he took leave of the King, and being accompanied out of town by Grasandor and Count Galtines, and other good Knights for half a league, they then commended him to God, and he set forth to go through the Islands of Romania, and prove himself in such adventures as he might there find.

The King then returned to his pavilion, he reached it two hours after noon, and there he found Don Galaor and Norandel, and Guilan the Pensive, who had just arrived with two deer, with whom he talked and made merry, but of his own adventure he said nothing; then bade he the cloths be spread, but Don Grumedan came up and said, Sir, the Queen hath not yet eat, and she requests to speak with you first, for so it behoveth. Immediately he rose and went to her, and she showed him a letter sealed with an emerald, through which threads of gold were passed, and there were letters round about it saying, this is the seal of Urganda the Unknown. Sir, quoth she, as I came along the road a Damsel met us, richly attired upon a palfrey, and a Dwarf with her upon a good horse. She rode by all my company, and close by my daughter, without vouchsafing a word to them, but when I came up she said, Queen, take this letter, and read it with the King before you dine, and then she and the Dwarf spurred away so fast that there was no time to ask her any thing. The King then opened the letter and read thus:

I Urganda the Unknown, who love you, advise you to your benefit, that at the time when the fair boy who has been nursed by three nurses shall appear you love him and cherish him well, for great joy shall he bring to you, and shall deliver you from the greatest danger wherein ever you were placed. He is of high lineage, and know O King that from the milk of his first nurse he shall be so strong and fierce of heart that his great feats in arms shall obscure all the worthies of his own time, and from his second nurse he shall be gentle and courteous, and humble, and of all good qualities, and from his third nurse prudent and of good understanding, and right catholic, and of fair speech; therefore will he be beloved by all, and no Knight shall equal him. And his great deeds in arms shall all be employed in the service of the Most High God, despising that which other Knights of these days follow more for the honour and vain glory of this world than for the sake of conscience, so that he shall have God on his right hand and his Lady on his left. And I tell thee moreover good King that this child shall make peace between thee and Amadis and his lineage, which shall last all thy days, and which none other could do.

When he had read this, the King blessed himself and said, the wisdom of this woman can neither be imagined nor expressed! I have this day found the child of whom she speaks! and with that he told the Queen what had happened, and how Nasciano and the boy would be with them on the morrow. Right joyful was Brisena to think she should see that child, and talk with that holy man about her conscience. The King then bade her say nothing of all this, and he returned to his tent to take food, there he told his Knights not to go hunt the next day for he had a letter to read to them from Urganda the Unknown, and he ordered the huntsmen to drive all the beasts into a sheltered valley and keep them there all the day: this did he that they might not be frightened by the Lioness. So thus as you hear they passed the day regaling themselves in that meadow which was full of flowers and of fresh green grass.

On the morrow they all assembled in the King's tent and there heard mass. Lisuarte then took them to the Queen's Pavilion, which was pitched beside a fountain in a fresh meadow, for it was the month of May. The curtains of the pavilion were open, so that the Princesses and Dames and Damsels of high parentage were all seen seated on the estrados, and there the high-born Knights went and conversed with them. The King then had the letter of Urganda read, whereat they were all greatly amazed, marvelling what fortunate child it might be, but most of all Oriana mused thereon and sighed for her son, thinking that perhaps this might be he whom she had lost. What think ye of this letter? said the King. Certes Sir, replied Don Galaor, I doubt not that what she saith will come to pass, as it ever hath done, and how much soever others may rejoice when the child shall appear, with reason shall I above all others be glad, seeing that through him shall be accomplished the thing I most desire, which is to see my brother Amadis and his kinsmen in your love and service once more, as they were heretofore wont to be. Lisuarte answered, all this is in the hand of God, he will do his service, and we must be contented. While they were thus communing they beheld the hermit coming and his boys with him. Esplandian came first, leading the Lioness in a slender leash and the two Spaniels coupled, and behind him was the holy man Nasciano; then came Esplandian's foster brother Sargil, and two bowmen who had taught Esplandian in the mountain, and they brought upon one beast the stags whom Lisuarte had seen the Lioness slay, and on another two roe-bucks, and hares, and rabbits whom the boys and they had killed with their arrows. When they in the tents beheld such a company, and that great and terrible Lioness, they rose hastily and went to place themselves before the King, but he held out a wand and bade them remain in their places, saying that he who led this Lioness would defend them. It may be so, replied Don Galaor, but methinks we should have a weak defender in the huntsman who leads her if she should grow angry; this is a marvellous thing to see!

The boys and the archers now stopt to let the good man go forward. Friends, said Lisuarte, this is the holy man Nasciano who dwells in the mountain, let us go to him that he may give us his blessing. They then went and knelt before him, and the King said, servant of God and happy man give us your blessing! he raised his hand and replied, receive it in his name as from a sinner! The King then led him to Brisena; but when the women beheld that fierce Lioness looking at them and rolling her eyes round, her red tongue lolling out, and her teeth showing so sharp and strong they were greatly affrighted. The Queen and her daughter and all well welcomed Nasciano, and they were all amazed at the great beauty of the child, who went to the Queen saying, Lady, we have brought you this game. My good boy, said the King, divide it as you like, and this he said to see what he would do. The boy answered, the game is yours, do you dispose of it. Nay, quoth the King, you shall divide it; the boy was abashed, and there came a colour like a rose into his cheek. Sir, said he, take you the stag for yourselves and your companions. He then went to the Queen, who was talking with Nasciano, and kneeling down kissed her hands and gave her the roe-bucks; then looking on his right he thought that none whom he saw appeared more worthy to be honoured than Oriana his own mother whom he did not know, and he gave her the partridges and rabbits, saying, Lady we have slain no other game than this with our arrows. Fair child, replied Oriana, God speed you in your sport and in all else. The King then called him, and Galaor and Norandel took him in their arms and embraced him as if the force of kin were working in them. Lisuarte commanded silence and said to the good man, father and friend of God, say now before all these what you related to me concerning this child. The good man then related how he had met the Lioness with this child in her mouth, carrying him home to her whelps, and how by God's mercy she laid the babe at his feet. And how richly he was clothed, and how the Lioness had suckled him first, and then a ewe-sheep, till he had given him to a nurse, all as the history hath related it. But when Oriana and Mabilia and the Damsel of Denmark heard this they looked at each other, and their flesh trembled for exceeding joy, for they knew of a truth that this child was the son of Amadis, whom the Damsel had lost. But when the hermit told of the letters on his breast, and uncovered his breast that all might see, then were they certain that this was he, and the delight of their hearts was so great that it cannot be expressed, and above all that of Oriana to behold the child whom she had lost.

Then Lisuarte asked the boys of Nasciano that he might have them brought up, to the which the good man assented, seeing that God had made them more for such a life than for one he could give them, yet was it with great grief of heart that he consented, and knowing the loneliness he should feel in losing them, for he loved Esplandian dearly. When the King had them thus at his disposal he gave Esplandian to the Queen to serve her, and she soon gave him to her daughter Oriana, greatly rejoiced thereat as she who had brought him forth. Thus was that child placed under his mother's care, he who had been in the Lioness's mouth. These are the wonders of the Most High God the preserver of us all! other sons of princes are lapt in silks, and nursed with all blandishments and delicacies, and so carefully that they who tend them must neither sleep nor rest, and yet with little hurt and slight ailing they are taken out of the world; for so God wills, and fathers and mothers must receive his allotments as what is just, and thank him for doing his own will, which cannot err like ours.

The Queen then confessed to that holy man: Oriana did the same, and told him the secret of her love, and how that child was hers, and by what adventure she had lost him, a thing which till then she had never communicated, and she besought him to remember it in his prayers; much did the good man marvel to hear of such love in one of so high degree, who was above all others bound to give a good example, and he reproved her sharply, bidding her give over so great an error, else he would not absolve her, and her soul would be in great peril. But she weeping told him how when Amadis released her from Arcalaus she had received his pledged word as husband, as it ought to be; then was the hermit full glad, and he was the means whereby many were delivered from cruel death that awaited them, as shall be seen hereafter. Then he absolved her, and appointed such penance as was convenient. He then took Esplandian to the King, and embraced the boy and wept, saying, child of God, whom he gave me to bring up, may he guard and protect thee, and make thee a good man for his holy service! then he kissed him and gave him his blessing, and delivered him to the King, and taking his leave he returned with the archers and the Lioness to his hermitage.

You have heard how the Green Sword Knight resolved to go through the Islands of Romania: there he went, redressing the oppressed, and quelling the proud, and passing through great perils combating Knights and Giants, and suffering wounds and sickness at times, gaining great renown, yet neither danger nor toil abating the mortal grief which he endured for Oriana's sake. Thus as he wandered, having no rest either of body or mind, he came to a sea-port called Sadiana, opposite Greece; the city was fairly situate at the extremity of the land, with gardens and high towers. Now because the day was yet before him he did not enter the city, but went about beholding it, for it was a goodly place, and he delighted to look at the sea, which he had not seen since he left Gaul, now more than two years agone. Presently he saw a great company of Knights and Dames and Damsels going along shore towards the town. Among them was a Lady most richly garmented, over whom they carried a rich cloth upon four rods, to defend her from the sun. The Knight of the Green Sword, who took little pleasure in beholding company, but rather in going alone, and thinking upon his Lady, turned aside that he might not meet them. Presently there came a Knight towards him upon a strong horse, well armed and shaking a lance as if he would have broken it; he was strong of body, and large limbed, and a good horseman, and with him came a Damsel of that company in rich attire. When he of the Green Sword saw that they made towards him he stopt, the Damsel came up and said, Sir, the Lady my mistress commands you to come before her at her pleasure, and this she tells you for your profit. He, though the Damsel spake German, understood her well, for it was always his custom to learn the language of the countries which he passed through. Damsel, he replied, may God grant honour to your Lady and you, but tell me what yonder Knight would have? That matters not, she answered, do what I tell you.--That shall I not till you reply.--I must then answer against my will. When my Lady saw you and the Dwarf with you she thought you might be the strange Knight who has gone through this country, doing such wonders in arms as had never till now been witnessed, she therefore wished to honour you, and to disclose to you a secret which hath hitherto been known to none. When yonder Knight understood her pleasure he said he would make you come to her command whether you would or no, which he can well do, being the mightiest man in arms of all this land. I therefore counsel you to leave him alone and come with me. Damsel, quoth he, I am ashamed not to obey the command of your Lady, but I chuse that you should see whether he can do as he hath said. She replied, I am sorry at this, for your courtesy hath much pleased me.

Then she departed and he of the Green Sword rode on as before, with that the other Knight cried out in a loud voice, you Sir Good-for-nothing who will not go with the Damsel! alight directly, and with your shield reversed get up the wrong way upon your horse, and take the tail for a bridle, and present yourself in that manner before yonder Lady, unless you chuse to lose your head;--take your choice! Certes Knight, replied he, it is not my intention to chuse either of these things: I rather chuse you should have the one. Quoth he, I shall make thee, and with that he spurred his horse, thinking at the first encounter to bear him from the saddle, as he had done many others, for he was the best jouster far or near. The Knight of the Dwarf had taken his arms, and now went towards him being well covered with his shield. That joust was decided at the first meeting, for the lances brake, and the threatening Knight was borne to the ground; he of the Green Sword had his shield and mail pierced, and the lance iron wounded his throat, so that he felt he should suffer much therefrom. He turned upon Brandasidel, for so was that Knight called, and seeing that he lay like one dead, bade Gandalin take off his helmet and see if he was slain. He did accordingly, and then the Knight breathed and attempted to recover, but he could not. But then that other placed the point of the Green Sword at his face, You Sir Knight, who threaten and despise those whom you do not know, shall now either lose your head or pass through your own law! He recovered his senses better with the fear of death, and hung down his head.--Will you not speak--I shall off with thy head? Then he cried, Ah Knight, mercy! I will rather obey you than die in such a state as to lose my soul.--Be it done then forthwith! Brandasidel then called his Squires and they placed him backward upon his horse, and reversed his shield round his neck, and put the tail in his hand for a bridle, and in this plight they led him before that fair Lady, and through the town that all might see him, and that he might be an example to those who insult and despise those whom they do not know. Greatly did that Lady and her company and all the townsmen marvel at his overthrow, and the more therefore they praised his conqueror, believing now the wonders which they had heard spoken of him.

This being done the Green Sword Knight went to the Damsel who had witnessed all, and said, now Lady Damsel, if it pleases you I will obey your mistress. It does please me, quoth she, and so it will please my Lady Grasinda. So they went together, and when he beheld that Lady he thought that since he had left his sister Melicia he had seen none so fair, and she thought him the comeliest Knight that ever she had beheld. Sir, quoth she, I have heard of your great prowess, for by your Dwarf and your Green Sword I perceive that you are he who served King Tafinor of Bohemia so well, and who have since atchieved such wonders in arms; now I see you are wounded, and beseech you to be my guest here in this very town that you may be healed; you will not in all this province be so well lodged elsewhere. Lady, quoth he, seeing your good will I would obey you in a thing of toil and danger, how much more in this which is to me so necessary!

They then went toward the town; an old Knight who led her bridle gave it to him of the Green Sword to lead, and he rode forward to prepare the stranger's lodging, for he was that Lady's steward. When they entered the gates the doors and windows were all filled with people crowding to see this Lady, who was greatly beloved, and this Knight of whom they had heard so much; they thought him the handsomest and best made whom they had ever seen, and deemed that he had performed never greater exploit than in discomfiting Brandasidel, so much had he been feared. Thus they arrived at the palace, and there was he lodged in a rich chamber, such as became the dwelling of such a Lady, and was disarmed, and his hands and face washed from the dust, and they gave him a rose-coloured mantle. When Grasinda saw him thus attired she thought him more beautiful than she had believed mortal man could be, and she sent for a master to heal his wounds, the best and skilfullest in all those parts. He looked at the wound in his throat and said, Knight you are hurt in a dangerous part, and you must rest, otherwise you will be in great pain and danger. The Knight answered, Master, I beseech you by the faith you owe to God and to this your Lady, that, as soon as I am in a state to ride, you let me know it, for it doth not befit me to rest or be at ease, till it shall please God to bring me there where my heart desires to be. And when he said this he could not restrain his tears, whereat he was ashamed, and wiped them hastily away, and made semblance of mirth. The Master then drest his wound and gave him food such as was fitting. Then said Grasinda, rest now Sir and sleep, and we will go to our meal; we will see you when it is time, and do you bid your Squire ask freely for whatever is wanted; with that they left him, and he remained thinking of Oriana, for in that thought was all his pleasure and delight though mingled with such pain.

But when Grasinda had eaten and retired to her chamber, and was in her bed, she thought upon the beauty of the Green Sword Knight, and of the great feats which he had performed in arms; and though she was of such high degree, being niece to King Tafinor of Bohemia, and widow of a great Knight, with whom she had lived only one year, having no issue, and though she believed him to be only an Errant Knight, she resolved to have him for her husband. But while she was devising how this might be brought about, she recollected how she had seen him weep, and thought that that could only have been because of some woman whom he loved and could not obtain. This made her pause and resolve to learn more concerning him. So hearing he was awake she went with her Ladies to visit him, as well to show him honour as for the great pleasure she took in beholding him, and talking with him, nor had he less though for a very different cause. Thus she continued to be in his company, devising for him every pleasure that could be, till one day being unable to endure this longer she took Gandalin aside and said, Good Squire, whom God bless and make happy, tell me one thing if you know it, and I promise you it shall never be by me discovered. Do you know any woman whom your master dearly and affectionately loves? Lady, replied Gandalin, I and this Dwarf have lived with him but a short time, serving him for the great renown which we had heard of his great feats, and he told us never to enquire his name, nor any thing concerning him, unless we chose directly to be dismissed. But since we have been with him we have seen enough to be assured that he is the best Knight in the world: I know nothing more. The Dame then hung down her head and mused greatly. Gandalin beheld her, and suspecting that she loved his master wished to relieve her from a wish which never could be gratified, and he said to her, Lady, I often see him weep, and that so bitterly that it can only be for extreme love, for that is an evil which neither strength nor courage can overcome. As God shall save me, she replied, I believe you, and thank you for what you have told me; go to him now, and God help him in his wishes! She then went to her woman resolving no longer to encourage those thoughts, for seeing how stedfast he was in his words and actions she believed he was not one who would be changed.

Thus as you hear was he of the Green Sword attended in the house of that great Lady the fair and rich Grasinda, as though she had known him, instead of a poor Errant Knight, as he seemed to be, son of a great King, as in truth he was. Now when he felt himself able to bear arms he ordered Gandalin to prepare for their departure, and he answered that all was ready. But while they were speaking Grasinda with four Damsels entered the apartment. He rose and led her to an estrado, which was covered with a cloth of silk and gold, and said to her, my Lady, I am now in a state to travel; if any service of mine can afford you pleasure, willingly will I put it in action, for the great honour which I have received at your hands.--Certes Sir Knight of the Green Sword I believe what you say, and when I ask a return for the pleasure and service you have received here, if any it have been, then will I without hesitation or shame disclose to you that which hath hitherto been known to none: meantime tell me I pray you whitherward you design to go.--Toward Greece if it please God, to see the manner of life among the Greeks and their Emperor, of whom I have heard good things--Then I must help you in your voyage; I will give you a ship manned with good mariners to be at your command, and victualled for a year; and I will give you Master Helisabad who cured your wounds, for such another in his art cannot be found far or near, on condition that if you be at your own disposal you will be in this town with me within a year. The Knight was right glad of this good offer; my Lady, quoth he, if I cannot serve you for all these favours I shall hold myself the unhappiest Knight in the world, and so in like manner if I should know that you hesitate or shame to ask what you desire. Sir, she replied, when God shall bring you back from this voyage I will demand that which my heart hath long desired, and which will be to the advancement of your honour, albeit with some peril.--Be it so: and I trust in your wisdom that you will ask nothing which I may not rightfully perform. Do you then rest five days, said she, while every thing is prepared. At the end of that time the ship was ready, and the Knight embarked with Master Helisabad, in whom next to God he trusted for his safety. So they set sail, not straight to Constantinople, but to those Islands of Romania which he had not visited, and to the Islands of Greece, and there for a long time did that Knight prove himself in abating the insolence of the haughty and against many Knights who came to try themselves against him, but he still won the victory and the praise from all; and Master Helisabad always healed his wounds. But at length the mariners were weary of sailing thus from one Island to another and complained to Master Helisabad of their great fatigue, and he repeated it to the Knight, who bade them then steer directly for Constantinople, for by the time he had been to that city and could sail from it, the year would be expired.

We told you in the second book how El Patin went to prove himself against the Knights of Great Britain, and how reckless of his former love to Queen Sardamira of Sardinia, he asked Oriana of her father in marriage, and how falling in with Amadis he was by him sorely wounded in the head. That wound brought him oftentimes to the point of death, so that he returned forthwith to Rome, where he was soon chosen Emperor by reason of his brother's death. But then thinking that he might more easily obtain Oriana, of whose love he nothing doubted, he determined again to ask her of King Lisuarte, and for this purpose to dispatch his cousin Salustanquidio Prince of Calabria, a famous Knight in arms, and with him Brondajel of the Rock his high steward, and the Archbishop of Talancia, and a company of three hundred men, and the fair Queen Sardamira, with Dames and Damsels in her train to bring home Oriana. So they prepared to fulfil the Emperor's pleasure as you shall hear hereafter.

Much was the Green Sword Knight astonished at this tale. Master, quoth he, how could a thing so monstrous be born of body of woman? I will tell you, he replied, as I found it written in a book which the Emperor of Constantinople hath, for this island was his till he lost it, not being able to destroy this Devil. You are to know that Bandaguida, finding herself pregnant told the Giant, who greatly rejoiced thereat, believing that what his Gods had told him would assuredly come to pass, and he said that three or four nurses would be necessary for the child as it was to be the strongest creature in the world; but as this unborn creature was the work of the Devil it oftentimes made the mother fall sick, and her face and eyes became yellow like poison, but she bore it all as good signs, believing also that the boy was to be the mightiest in the world, and if he should prove so she would then devise how to murder the father and marry him in his stead. When her time came she brought forth with little travail, for evil things alway go on pleasantly till the end. The nurses took the babe, and seeing a thing so monstrous were fearfully dismayed; however fearing the Giant's anger they took and swathed it in the rich cloaths which had been prepared, and one of them having more hardiness than the other offered it the teat, which it caught and sucked so furiously that the woman screamed out, and when they took the child away, fell down dead with the force of the poison. This was presently told to the Giant, who then looking at his child marvelled to behold so monstrous a creature, and went to the temple to ask his Gods why they had given him such issue. These Idols were three in number, the one like a man, the other as a lion, the third after the manner of a griffin. So when he had made his sacrifices he asked why they had sent him such a child, and the man-idol answered, so it behoved the child to be, that as its actions were to be strange and marvellous so should itself be, especially for destroying the christians who seek to destroy us, and for this I gave it my likeness, in giving it a free will like man, which the beasts possess not. The other Idol answered, I gifted it with a strength and courage such as we Lions possess, and the third said, I gave it wings and talons such as no other creature in the world hath, and fleetness beyond all others. How shall I feed it, said the Giant, seeing that the nurse who suckled it fell down dead? they answered, make the other two nurses give it the teat and they will die also, but the fourth shall suckle it with milk of your flocks for a year, and in that time it shall wax as great and as fair as we ourselves are who have made it be begotten, but take heed that neither thou nor thy wife, nor any other except the nurse, see it during that year. The Giant accordingly did as these Idols commanded, and in this wise was the monstrous beast brought up. When the year was past the Giant, who understood from the nurse that it was grown monstrous great, and who heard its strong and terrible voice, resolved with his daughter, who was his wife, to go see it; so they entered the chamber where it was bounding about, but the monster, as soon as it beheld its mother, leaped at her and with its claws cut her nostrils open, and tore out her eyes, so that she dropt down dead. The Giant drew his sword to slay it but it gave him such a wound on the leg as tore it off and he fell and died speedily, then it leapt over him, and having poisoned all the people in the Castle with its breath, took to wing and fled among the mountains. It was not long before the Island was dispeopled, they who could, flying by sea, and the rest being by it slain, and thus hath it remained for forty years.

Great things hast thou told me Master! quoth the Knight of the Green Sword, and the Lord our God is of long suffering with those who offend him, but if they do not amend at last the judgment waxeth heavier like the sin. Now I beseech you say mass betimes, for I will go see this Island, and if it please God to assist me, restore it to his service. The remaining part of the night the mariners passed in great fear, as well of the sea, which was still raging, as of the Endriago, thinking that it would come upon them from a Castle hard at hand where it sometimes lodged. At morning the Master sung mass, and the Knight having humbly heard it besought God to help him in this great danger which he undertook for his sake, or if it was his pleasure that he should then meet his death, to have mercy upon his soul. Then he armed himself and made his horse be landed, and took Gandalin with him, saying to the sailors, friends, I will go into yonder Castle, and if I find the Endriago there I will fight it, and if not will see if the Castle be in such state that you can lodge in it till the weather be abated, and I will then seek this beast among the mountains; if I escape from it I will return to you, if I do not come back do ye as ye shall think best. At this were they all sorely dismayed, for they, even where they were, could not endure the fear of the Endriago, and Master Helisabad, who was a man of learning and a priest of the mass, dissuaded him all he could, saying that such things were against the nature of man, and that he ought to give up the thought lest he should fall into the guilt of self-murder; but the Knight of the Green Sword replied, that if he entertained any thought like that he must have given up the quest of adventures altogether, it became him to kill this monster or die in the enterprize. Then he saw that Gandalin, while he was thus talking, had armed himself to assist him, and was on horseback lamenting greatly; and he said to him, who has told thee to do this thing? disarm thyself! for if thou dost thus to serve and help me, that is not to be done by losing thy own life, but by preserving it that thou mayest relate the manner of my death in that place from whence chiefly I receive it. So making him disarm he went with him to the Castle.

He found the Castle desolate, none but birds having their home therein, but there were good dwellings there, albeit somewhat ruinous, and the doors had chains and bars wherewith the men might secure themselves; at this being full glad he bade Gandalin call them, and they, though in great fear of the Endriago, went into the Castle, for the storm still continued. Good friends, then said the Knight, I shall go seek the Endriago, if it falls out well, Gandalin shall wind his horn, and then be ye assured that the beast is dead and I living; if the chance be against me there will be no need to make any sign; do ye therefore bring food from the galley to last ye till the storm abates, and secure yourselves here. Then the Knight of the Green Sword departed leaving them all lamenting, but the lamentations and bitter grief of Ardian the Dwarf cannot be expressed, he tore his hair and beat his face, and dashed his head against the wall calling himself wretched, that his fortune had made him serve such a master, for he had been a thousand times brought to the point of death in beholding his feats, and now he was about to attempt what the Emperor of Constantinople with all his power could not effect! so he went up upon the walls like one out of his senses and looked after his master. Master Helisabad made an altar be erected and placed the relics there which he had brought to enable him to say mass, and made all the men take each a wax taper in his hand, and kneel round the altar and pray to God to preserve that Knight, who for his service and their sakes, knowingly exposed himself to death.

The Endriago came on breathing smoke and flames of fire in its fury, and gnashing its teeth and foaming, and ruffling its scales and clapping its wings that it was horrible to see it, and when the Knight saw it and heard its dreadful voice he thought all that had been told him was nothing to what the truth was, and the monster bounded towards them more eagerly because it was long since it had seen living man. But the horses took fright at seeing it and ran away in spite of all the Knight and Gandalin could do, so the Knight dismounted and said, brother, keep you aloof that we may not both perish, and see what success God will give me against this dreadful Devil, and pray to him to help me that I may restore this Island to his service, or if I am to die here to have mercy upon my soul; for the rest do as I have said before. But Gandalin could not answer for exceeding agony, for assuredly he thought his Master's death was certain, unless it pleased God miraculously to deliver him. The Green Sword Knight then took his lance and covered himself with his shield, and went against the Endriago as a man already dead but without fear. The Devil seeing him come on snorted out fire and smoke so black and thick that they could scarcely see one another, and he of the Green Sword went on through the smoke and drove at the monster with his lance, and by great good fortune pierced it in the eye; it caught the lance with its talons and bit it into pieces, and the iron and a fragment of the stave remained driven on through its tongue and the skin of the throat, for it had sprung on upon it thinking to seize the Knight but he defended himself with good heart seeing his exceeding peril, and the shock of this wound repelled the monster, and the blood ran fast, and with the shrieks it gave it ran down its throat and almost choaked it, so that it could neither close its mouth nor bite with it, the Knight then drew his Green Sword and struck at it, but the blow fell upon its scales, and felt as though it had fallen upon a rock and it made no impression; the Endriago thought then to grasp him, but only caught his shield which it plucked so fiercely that he fell upon his hands, but he recovered while with its talons the monster rent the shield to pieces. He then seeing that his shield was gone, and that his good sword availed him nothing, knew that he had no hope unless he could strike the other eye. Now the Endriago was faint and weak with its wound, and our Lord having wrath that the wicked one had so long had the dominion over those who, sinners as they were, believed his holy catholick faith, was pleased to give the Knight strength and especial grace to perform what else could not by course of nature have been done. He aimed his sword at the other eye but God guided it to one of the nostrils, for they were large and spreading, and so hard he thrust that it reached the brain, the Endriago itself forcing it on, for seeing him so near it grappled with him and plucked him towards itself, and with its dreadful talon rent away the arms from his back, and crushed the flesh and bones to the very entrails, but then being suffocated with its own blood, and the sword being in its brain, and above all the sentence of God being passed upon it, its grasp relaxed and it fell like one dead, and the Knight plucked out his sword and thrust it down its throat till he killed the monster.

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